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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
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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unto_o the_o own_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o this_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o other_o sort_n who_o press_v conformity_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o other_o instance_n some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v so_o unto_o they_o and_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v judge_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a or_o expedient_a to_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n last_o all_o coincidency_n weigh_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o that_o other_o also_o that_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v conform_v themselves_o unto_o their_o order_n and_o practice_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o there_o be_v who_o because_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o joynt-practice_n require_v be_v not_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o any_o other_o to_o appoint_v they_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o expedient_a nor_o yet_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v lawful_a to_o observe_v they_o now_o whereas_o this_o case_n answer_v unto_o that_o before_o propose_v the_o determination_n thereof_o give_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v safe_o be_v apply_v unto_o this_o also_o what_o rule_n therefore_o do_v he_o give_v therein_o which_o he_o will_v have_v attend_v unto_o as_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o be_v it_o that_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o person_n provide_v they_o be_v the_o most_o or_o have_v the_o most_o power_n aught_o to_o impose_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o 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unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o send_n and_o continue_v of_o it_o 11._o whereon_o he_o enjoin_v the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o stay_v in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o have_v much_o people_n who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v convert_v he_o will_v not_o continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o scatter_v his_o pearl_n where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o rend_a swine_n nor_o send_v fisher_n unto_o water_n wherein_o he_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o serpent_n and_o viper_n 14._o it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v unto_o many_o be_v only_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o 16._o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o prove_v unto_o they_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o first_o direct_v and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o will_v not_o probable_o be_v continue_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o be_v 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they_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o another_o way_n much_o more_o may_v any_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n if_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o their_o corruption_n error_n fail_n and_o mistake_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o hereby_o they_o direct_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o authority_n from_o he_o in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v or_o impose_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o that_o any_o man_n withdraw_v of_o themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n for_o their_o own_o good_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v infer_v in_o they_o a_o want_n of_o love_n and_o peaceableness_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o divide_v from_o christ_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o all_o true_a christian_a love_n embrace_v a_o cloud_n of_o slothful_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o we_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o own_o love_n he_o who_o implant_v and_o work_v it_o in_o we_o have_v give_v we_o rule_n how_o it_o must_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o on_o all_o emergency_n it_o may_v work_v as_o regular_o by_o sharp_a cut_a rebuke_n as_o by_o the_o most_o silken_a and_o compliant_a expression_n by_o manifest_v a_o aversation_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o by_o embrace_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o leave_v that_o rule_n and_o go_v off_o from_o any_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v immediate_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v will_n pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o we_o and_o not_o love_n and_o among_o all_o the_o exhortation_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o unity_n and_o concord_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o we_o shall_v agree_v or_o comply_v with_o any_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o evil_a practice_n but_o as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o ourselves_o to_o obtain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v a_o participation_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n and_o all_o fellowship_n with_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o love_n towards_o such_o church_n be_v to_o work_v by_o pity_n compassion_n prayer_n instruction_n which_o be_v due_a mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n not_o by_o consent_n unto_o they_o or_o communion_n with_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v subvert_v for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o authority_n all_o that_o we_o have_v or_o may_v pretend_v to_o have_v unto_o any_o church_n be_v of_o no_o value_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o term_n of_o communion_n who_o foundation_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o regard_n thereunto_o moreover_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o be_v no_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o assembly_n as_o to_o institute_v worship_n be_v reject_v by_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o also_o as_o it_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a plantation_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o secret_a hidden_a one_o among_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o we_o do_v judge_v that_o wherever_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v upon_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v however_o the_o way_n of_o it_o may_v be_v obstruct_v unto_o the_o most_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o error_n they_o may_v also_o retain_v that_o profession_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o infidel_n world_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v still_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o on_o these_o account_n be_v our_o love_n to_o be_v continue_v unto_o they_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v hold_v with_o they_o that_o that_o be_v of_o no_o institute_v or_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o church-state_n be_v reject_v even_o as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o a_o brother_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v with_o some_o true_a church_n instance_n whereof_o shall_v be_v give_v afterward_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o necessity_n that_o any_o shall_v deny_v all_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o such_o as_o be_v so_o may_v require_v such_o thing_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o or_o submit_v unto_o what_o assembly_n of_o christian_n we_o behold_v visible_o worship_v god_n in_o christ_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o when_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n or_o no_o as_o though_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o practice_n do_v depend_v sole_o thereon_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o be_v of_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v open_o judge_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n persist_v in_o so_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o constitution_n or_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n will_v not_o present_o resolve_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o 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they_o at_o least_o some_o few_o name_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v eternal_o for_o as_o a_o relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o unto_o as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n so_o where_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v through_o invincible_a outward_a impediment_n or_o be_v omit_v through_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n or_o be_v on_o just_a cause_n refuse_v where_o opportunity_n make_v a_o tender_a of_o it_o or_o where_o the_o be_v and_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o apostasy_n of_o those_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n do_v belong_v the_o utter_a want_n of_o it_o and_o that_o always_o be_v not_o such_o as_o necessary_o infer_v the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o suffer_v under_o it_o other_o church_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o guilty_a of_o the_o enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n before_o discourse_v of_o these_o all_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o his_o promise_a presence_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o assembly_n answerable_a hereunto_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v their_o officer_n or_o ruler_n and_o all_o their_o sacred_a administration_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o one_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a rashness_n and_o presumption_n yea_o a_o evident_a fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o love_n or_o secular_a private_a interest_n
utter_o cease_v and_o become_v disuse_v hence_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n begin_v to_o converse_v together_o as_o man_n only_o or_o at_o the_o best_a civil_a neighbour_n and_o if_o at_o all_o as_o christian_n yet_o not_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o especial_a relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n 20._o wherein_o their_o usefulness_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o organical_a body_n be_v require_v hence_o some_o person_n look_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o intolerable_a and_o not_o only_o obstructive_a of_o their_o edification_n but_o destructive_a unto_o all_o real_o useful_a church-communion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o themselves_o not_o that_o we_o approve_v of_o every_o departure_n or_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n where_o thing_n continue_v under_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o occasion_v many_o so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o there_o may_v 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impose_v on_o by_o various_a pretence_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o those_o be_v oftentimes_o high_o guilty_a themselves_o of_o those_o miscarriage_n who_o chief_a satisfaction_n and_o glory_n consist_v in_o charge_v they_o on_o other_o however_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o absolute_o justify_v any_o in_o a_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n where_o unto_o they_o do_v relate_v yet_o they_o render_v the_o matter_n so_o high_o questionable_a and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o burdensome_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o as_o that_o division_n will_v thereon_o undoubted_o ensue_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o to_o design_n and_o contrive_v the_o reduction_n of_o all_o unto_o outward_a unity_n and_o concord_n by_o force_v they_o who_o on_o such_o occasion_n have_v dissent_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n without_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o occasion_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n which_o have_v give_v cause_n thereunto_o be_v severe_a if_o not_o unjust_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v these_o and_o the_o like_a stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o will_v we_o hope_v be_v a_o full_a return_n unto_o gospel-unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n of_o man_n do_v interpose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o increase_n and_o heighten_v of_o those_o division_n who_o spring_n and_o occasion_n lie_v elsewhere_o when_o none_o of_o these_o provocation_n be_v give_v they_o 11._o yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o professor_n themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o difference_n and_o schism_n 3_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a fruit_n and_o effect_n from_o the_o like_a principle_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n now_o the_o occasion_n of_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v more_o temptation_n unto_o they_o great_a direction_n against_o they_o less_o evident_a and_o powerful_a and_o all_o sense_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n through_o its_o abuse_n and_o maladministration_n be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o ruin_v yet_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unmortified_a affection_n as_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n nor_o be_v they_o perfect_o sanctify_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n one_o at_o another_o and_o thereon_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o temerarious_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n thereon_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o worship_n unto_o other_o all_o such_o way_n and_o course_n be_v against_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o union_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o we_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v here_o declare_v but_o that_o it_o fall_v frequent_o under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o hand_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o meet_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n of_o reproof_n only_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o those_o by_o who_o such_o reproof_n be_v manage_v will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o give_v advantage_n of_o retortion_n or_o self-justification_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v by_o they_o but_o this_o they_o do_v avoidable_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v or_o disallow_v in_o what_o complye_v with_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o perverse_a and_o in_o what_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o sincere_a and_o on_o this_o foundation_n whilst_o they_o reprove_v censure_v rash-judging_a and_o reproach_v of_o other_o with_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n irregular_a practice_n in_o church_n worship_n or_o any_o other_o concern_v of_o religion_n backbiting_a easiness_n in_o take_v up_o false_a report_n with_o the_o like_a evil_n as_o they_o deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v rebuke_v those_o reprove_v by_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o see_v the_o guilt_n of_o many_o of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o themselves_o in_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n thing_n gendor_n unto_o far_a strife_n whilst_o every_o party_n be_v conscious_a unto_o their_o own_o sincerity_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o present_a light_n which_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n they_o can_v take_v of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o impeach_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o causeless_o traduce_v and_o condemn_v this_o evil_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o by_o all_o that_o love_n unity_n truth_n holiness_n or_o peace_n and_o see_v there_o be_v rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unmeet_a to_o call_v over_o some_o of_o they_o one_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o import_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o study_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n 11._o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a who_o will_v harm_v man_n who_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o busy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o attempt_n to_o do_v they_o evil_n what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o be_v trouble_v thereat_o duty_n and_o innocency_n will_v give_v peace_n to_o a_o worthy_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o storm_n and_o whatever_o may_v befall_v it_o now_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v or_o can_v they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o to_o 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as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n in_o or_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n we_o dispute_v not_o now_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n or_o thing_n in_o themselves_o nor_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v or_o no_o by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o conviction_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v or_o censure_v they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v observe_v our_o enquiry_n be_v sole_o about_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o duty_n and_o what_o concern_v they_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o question_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n whether_o such_o thing_n or_o observance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a may_v be_v so_o make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o make_v and_o impose_v on_o other_o shall_v be_v justify_v in_o their_o so_o do_v and_o that_o if_o any_o difference_n division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v thereon_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o they_o must_v necessary_o fall_v on_o those_o who_o refuse_v submission_n to_o they_o or_o to_o admit_v of_o they_o as_o such_o that_o the_o condition_n propose_v unto_o we_o and_o impose_v on_o we_o indispensible_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o instance_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o matter_n what_o place_n the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o do_v hold_n or_o be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v about_o their_o warranty_n to_o be_v make_v condition_n of_o church-communion_n now_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v set_v his_o disciple_n at_o liberty_n from_o accept_v of_o such_o term_n of_o communion_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v give_v or_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n to_o constitute_v such_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o indispensible_o to_o impose_v they_o upon_o all_o that_o enjoy_v it_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o concern_v therein_o for_o first_o the_o rule_n of_o communion_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o church_n be_v invariable_o establish_v and_o fix_v by_o himself_o his_o commission_n direction_n and_o command_n give_v out_o unto_o the_o first_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o oblige_a rule_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o throughout_o all_o generation_n have_v so_o establish_v the_o bound_n limit_n and_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o attempt_v their_o removal_n or_o alteration_n 20._o go_v you_o say_v he_o to_o they_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n all_o the_o comfort_n and_o use_v of_o church-assembly_n and_o communion_n depend_v alone_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o thence_o do_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o they_o proceed_v and_o thence_o do_v the_o efficacy_n of_o what_o they_o do_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n arise_v and_o flow_v now_o that_o any_o one_o may_v thus_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o church_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v be_v require_v of_o he_o but_o that_o through_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o baptism_n be_v make_v a_o profess_a disciple_n he_o do_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o 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of_o it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o guide_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o only_o what_o he_o have_v command_v for_o the_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o be_v give_v unto_o those_o guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o what_o the_o disciple_n be_v to_o observe_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n and_o be_v a_o command_n include_v herein_o of_o obey_v the_o command_n or_o appointment_n of_o church-guide_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n annex_v thereunto_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o all_o his_o own_o power_n and_o place_v they_o in_o his_o throne_n so_o we_o have_v be_v all_o oblige_a to_o follow_v they_o whither_o ever_o they_o have_v carry_v or_o lead_v we_o although_o it_o be_v to_o hell_n itself_o as_o some_o of_o the_o canonist_n on_o this_o principle_n have_v speak_v concern_v the_o pope_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n fix_v both_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o whereas_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v nothing_o in_o and_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v himself_o command_v then_o indeed_o be_v their_o authority_n little_a worth_n yea_o upon_o the_o matter_n none_o at_o all_o for_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o fix_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v that_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o their_o whole_a authority_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o text_n unto_o teach_v of_o man_n to_o observe_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o do_v with_o authority_n but_o under_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o those_o who_o think_v not_o this_o power_n sufficient_a for_o they_o must_v seek_v it_o elsewhere_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v allow_v no_o more_o in_o his_o church_n to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o evident_a we_o may_v consider_v that_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o trial_n in_o the_o case_n as_o now_o state_v before_o we_o and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n which_o some_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o determination_n hereof_o be_v their_o liberty_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o duty_n declare_v to_o abide_v therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o the_o condescend_v practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o good_a season_n that_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a see_v none_o have_v then_o endeavour_v the_o introduction_n of_o any_o of_o that_o nature_n but_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o many_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o extend_v beyond_o what_o be_v eminent_o include_v in_o that_o case_n herein_o therefore_o be_v there_o a_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o church_n in_o follow_a age_n and_o that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n beforementioned_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o force_n in_o
can_v be_v but_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o a_o indifferent_a by-stander_n to_o judge_v on_o whether_o side_n the_o occasion_n and_o guilt_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v second_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o we_o for_o our_o guide_n in_o this_o case_n and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o and_o safe_o think_v that_o this_o shall_v give_v a_o certain_a rule_n unto_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o all_o church-guide_n in_o future_a age_n now_o they_o do_v never_o make_v any_o thing_n unscriptural_a or_o what_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o religious_a worship_n &_o church_n order_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o will_v continual_o give_v themselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a observe_v concern_v they_o that_o their_o constant_a labour_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 5._o and_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o festival_n or_o fast_n of_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o intermedle_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n and_o thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o observance_n about_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a variety_n in_o they_o both_z as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o observe_v and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o this_o be_v gradual_o increase_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n and_o excess_n as_o that_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o become_v intolerable_a unto_o christendom_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o better_a success_n be_v expect_v in_o a_o relinquishment_n and_o departure_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n order_n give_v we_o in_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n neither_o be_v the_o plea_n from_o hence_o build_v mere_o on_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o man_n alive_a either_o from_o their_o write_n or_o the_o approve_a record_n of_o those_o time_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o ever_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o uninstituted_a rit●_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o communion_n but_o also_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o case_n under_o debate_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o joint_o determine_v by_o they_o for_o be_v call_v unto_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o professor_n wherein_o the_o former_a labour_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o latter_a the_o observation_n of_o moses_n institution_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o joint_a communion_n as_o be_v mention_v even_o now_o they_o not_o only_o determine_v against_o any_o such_o imposition_n but_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o nothing_o but_o necessary_a thing_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o from_o other_o reason_n antecedent_o unto_o their_o prescription_n and_o appointment_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o communion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o and_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v on_o that_o great_a occasion_n in_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n appoint_v any_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o command_v so_o in_o their_o direction_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_a believer_n for_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n whereunto_o it_o do_v extend_v they_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o avoidance_n of_o a_o present_a scandal_n which_o may_v have_v great_o retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o direction_n and_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o season_n forgo_v the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n this_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practise_v this_o the_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o that_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after-age_n that_o man_n shall_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v not_o but_o let_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n fix_v in_o and_o by_o their_o example_n stand_v unmoved_a and_o many_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n will_v be_v take_v away_o but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v offer_v that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n require_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o variation_n from_o the_o precise_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o of_o they_o require_v be_v then_o sufficient_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o primitive_a simplicity_n be_v now_o decay_a among_o the_o most_o so_o that_o a_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n and_o observance_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o end_n but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n or_o their_o secular_a engagement_n be_v no_o way_n advantageous_a unto_o religion_n let_v they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v professor_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n of_o light_n humility_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o may_v be_v order_v in_o all_o church_n concern_v according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n wherefore_o when_o christian_n unto_o the_o former_a plea_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o do_v also_o add_v their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n have_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n commend_v unto_o they_o or_o do_v do_v or_o require_v in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a their_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o any_o can_v derive_v a_o warranty_n enable_v they_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o the_o institution_n therefore_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v direct_o against_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o condition_n inquire_v about_o and_o first_o to_o invent_v they_o then_o to_o impose_v they_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o then_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v they_o as_o schismatic_n as_o enemy_n to_o love_n and_o peace_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v unto_o they_o look_v not_o unlike_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o unwarrantable_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n three_o not_o only_o by_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n but_o they_o have_v also_o doctrinal_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n discourse_v at_o large_a hereon_o rom._n 14._o 15._o chap._n the_o attentive_a read_n of_o those_o two_o chapter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v this_o cause_n among_o all_o unintere_v and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o suppose_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n which_o he_o exemplify_v in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o time_n different_a apprehension_n and_o observance_n about_o some_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o seem_a countenance_n of_o a_o sacred_a and_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o be_v their_o original_a institution_n some_o in_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o their_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o exercise_v in_o a_o holy_a subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o express_a and_o positive_a law_n erect_v for_o their_o abrogation_n but_o the_o cease_n of_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n oeconomy_n towards_o his_o church_n many_o therefore_o continue_v to_o observe_v they_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v other_o be_v persuade_v and_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o any_o obligation_n
have_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o for_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v byvertue_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o he_o take_v it_o as_o unquestionable_a upon_o a_o current_n and_o prevalent_a rumour_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n hereupon_o he_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v unto_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o communion_n all_o those_o person_n and_o church_n who_o will_v observe_v any_o other_o day_n which_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n among_o who_o the_o apostle_n john_n do_v long_o converse_v here_o be_v our_o present_a case_n direct_o exemplify_v or_o represent_v so_o long_o before_o hand_n the_o success_n only_o of_o this_o fact_n of_o he_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o now_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o what_o entertainment_n this_o his_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n find_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o reproof_n of_o his_o precipitancy_n and_o irregular_a fix_v new_a bound_n unto_o church_n communion_n be_v famous_a in_o those_o day_n especial_o the_o rebuke_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o practice_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a person_n then_o live_v be_v eminent_o celebrate_v as_o consonant_a to_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o those_o who_o have_v transmit_v unto_o we_o the_o report_n of_o those_o time_n he_o who_o himself_z first_o condemn_v other_o rash_o be_v for_o his_o so_o do_v general_o condemn_v by_o all_o suppose_v now_o that_o any_o person_n live_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o call_v into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o condition_n thereof_o propose_v unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o shall_v assent_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n or_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n shall_v refrain_v from_o it_o where_o shall_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o schism_n be_v charge_v and_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o not_o only_o with_o those_o who_o come_v out_o of_o asia_n to_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o that_o diotrephes_n but_o also_o with_o sundry_a in_o that_o church_n its_o self_n as_o blastus_n and_o other_o as_o what_o great_a division_n be_v occasion_v hereby_o between_o the_o saxon_n and_o britain_n have_v be_v by_o many_o declare_v but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o gild_n of_o these_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o that_o coin_a and_o impose_v these_o new_a rule_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o this_o temerarious_a attempt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reflect_v no_o inconsiderable_a gild_n upon_o it_o neither_o can_v the_o whole_a observance_n its_o self_n from_o first_o to_o last_o ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v occasion_v thereby_o nor_o have_v the_o introduction_n of_o such_o thing_n ever_o obtain_v any_o better_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o free_a the_o church_n be_v until_o that_o time_n after_o they_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o circumcise_a professor_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n from_o any_o appearance_n of_o unwritten_a condition_n of_o communion_n be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o who_o have_v look_v into_o the_o monument_n which_o remain_v of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o sundry_a christian_n take_v upon_o they_o very_o early_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o guidance_n or_o direction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o sensible_a present_a thing_n in_o religion_n especial_o where_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a require_v great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o exercise_n so_o be_v they_o many_o of_o they_o easy_o infect_v by_o that_o tincture_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o from_o the_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o these_o observance_n be_v free_a and_o take_v up_o by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n not_o only_o every_o church_n but_o every_o person_n in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n some_o age_n it_o be_v before_o such_o thing_n be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o canon_n and_o that_o perhaps_o first_o by_o heretic_n or_o at_o least_o under_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n as_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n can_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o and_o practise_v of_o the_o first_o church_n be_v manifest_a against_o such_o imposition_n five_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n fix_v and_o determine_v by_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o shall_v now_o only_o manifest_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o plea_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n every_o church_n may_v propose_v something_o yea_o many_o thing_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v without_o a_o admission_n whereof_o a●d_a subjection_n thereunto_o he_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v from_o all_o church_n privilege_n among_o they_o now_o this_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o the_o authority_n that_o christ_n have_v over_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o honour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o therein_o nor_o on_o the_o same_o supposition_n be_v his_o law_n sufficient_a to_o rule_v and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o diotrephes_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n 10._o who_o be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n probable_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o pre-eminence_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v among_o they_o they_o will_v scarce_o escape_v without_o reproof_n who_o refuse_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n commend_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o such_o new_a imposition_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pre-eminence_n they_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o endless_a perplexity_n they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o who_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o call_v he_o only_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o baptism_n with_o a_o voluntary_a credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o claim_v their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o person_n who_o produce_v this_o warranty_n and_o thereon_o desire_v according_a to_o order_n the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n if_o he_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o it_o or_o forbid_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o ground_n sufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o evince_v the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o his_o profession_n little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o too_o much_o unto_o man_n own_o church_n indeed_o may_v more_o or_o less_o insist_v upon_o the_o explicitness_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n as_o they_o find_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o edification_n with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n leave_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o any_o church_n may_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o every_o professor_n be_v allow_v with_o reference_n unto_o particular_a assembly_n to_o
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o th●m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o ex●●ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o
will_v that_o answer_v our_o duty_n or_o give_v we_o peace_n in_o our_o latter_a end_n shall_v we_o profess_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v what_o we_o desire_v shall_v we_o then_o escape_v the_o severe_a censure_n as_o of_o person_n incline_v to_o schism_n and_o division_n yea_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v look_v on_o this_o as_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n that_o any_o can_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o presb._n and_o in_o report_v the_o memorial_n of_o former_a time_n some_o of_o they_o have_v charge_v all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n that_o have_v befall_v their_o church_n to_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n of_o this_o principle_n endeavour_v reformation_n according_a unto_o model_n of_o their_o own_o without_o separation_n and_o can_v we_o conscientious_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o especial_o under_o present_a jealousy_n and_o exasperation_n escape_v the_o same_o condemnation_n that_o other_o before_o we_o have_v undergo_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o some_o which_o may_v teach_v they_o that_o their_o measure_n be_v not_o authentic_a and_o they_o may_v learn_v moderation_n towards_o they_o who_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o security_n they_o meet_v withal_o from_o those_o that_o do_v out_o go_v they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o which_o alone_o seem_v to_o remain_v proceed_v yet_o far_o and_o make_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n concern_v the_o constitution_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o come_v over_o unto_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o its_o ruler_n thereon_o yea_o this_o be_v that_o say_v some_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o and_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o our_o difference_n and_o division_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o any_o thing_n or_o way_n right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a will_v promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o appear_v so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o season_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o that_o will_v make_v such_o agreement_n durable_a or_o useful_a and_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o inquiry_n mere_o after_o peace_n but_o after_o peace_n with_o truth_n yea_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o disquisition_n after_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o and_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o exclude_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o provide_v only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o at_o present_a lay_v a_o prohibition_n on_o our_o conscience_n against_o the_o compliance_n propose_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v neither_o will_v we_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v we_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o few_o only_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o in_o many_o that_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n own_v among_o we_o upon_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n nor_o that_o consent_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o it_o that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o submit_v unto_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o invite_v any_o dissentor_n to_o a_o through_o conformity_n unto_o it_o that_o there_o be_v daily_a inroad_n make_v upon_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o control_v from_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a conservator_n of_o it_o until_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a yet_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v waste_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v and_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o own_o that_o we_o can_v conform_v to_o armianism_n socinianism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o with_o what_o new_a or_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v blend_v and_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a person_n when_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n we_o shall_v know_v the_o better_a how_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v wave_v all_o such_o consideration_n and_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o will_v this_o give_v we_o a_o universal_o pleadable_a acquitment_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o want_n of_o love_n schism_n and_o division_n we_o shall_v indeed_o possible_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o a_o few_o cry_v out_o sectary_n fanatic_n schismatic_n church-dividers_a but_o withal_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o great_a and_o at_o present_a thrive_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o suppose_a crime_n and_o sure_o enough_o we_o be_v that_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o real_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v amongst_o christian_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v yield_v we_o no_o solid_a relief_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o schism_n and_o this_o sufficient_o manifest_v how_o little_a indeed_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o steam_n of_o interest_n and_o party_n it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_a that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o real_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n we_o suffer_v under_o nor_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o pursue_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o what_o one_o sort_n require_v of_o we_o anonother_n will_v instant_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v not_o influence_v by_o custom_n prejudices_fw-la and_o secular_a advantage_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o to_o seek_v in_o sincerity_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o approve_v of_o our_o heart_n unto_o the_o search_n of_o they_o in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o our_o own_o especial_a duty_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o will_v neither_o deceive_v we_o nor_o fail_v we_o and_o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o we_o shall_v now_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o follow_v truth_n with_o peace_n chap._n ii_o commendation_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n their_o proper_a object_n with_o their_o geniral_n rule_n and_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n allow_v not_o salvation_n unto_o any_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o outward_a worship_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o discourse_n may_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n and_o thereon_o we_o may_v easy_o enlarge_v as_o also_o abound_v in_o a_o collection_n of_o testimony_n confirm_v our_o assertion_n but_o the_o old_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o who_o ever_o be_v they_o discommend_v evidence_v a_o labour_n therein_o to_o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a we_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v who_o from_o the_o condition_n whereunto_o at_o present_a we_o be_v drive_v and_o necessitate_v do_v suppose_v that_o we_o value_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possible_o by_o such_o as_o have_v accommodate_v their_o name_n and_o notion_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o who_o point_n their_o plea_n about_o they_o and_o their_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n but_o as_o for_o a_o real_a valuation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v not_o willing_o be_v find_v to_o come_v behind_o any_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o
the_o church_n in_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a notion_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o administration_n some_o therefore_o rest_v in_o particular_a assembly_n or_o such_o society_n who_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o under_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o own_o elder_n 23._o overseer_n guide_n or_o bishop_n and_o hereunto_o they_o add_v the_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o those_o elder_n and_o other_o 28._o to_o advise_v and_o determine_v in_o common_a about_o the_o especial_a necessity_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n 3._o or_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o more_o of_o they_o 2_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v require_v 1._o these_o in_o name_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n be_v continue_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n other_o suppose_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n though_o that_o name_n in_o its_o first_o use_n and_o application_n to_o church_n affair_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o apply_v unto_o for_o it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o name_n of_o a_o patriarchal_a church_n and_o herein_o the_o sole_a rule_n guidance_n and_o authoritative_a inspection_n of_o many_o perhaps_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a church_n assemble_v for_o sacred_a worship_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o one_o man_n who_o in_o contradistinction_n from_o other_o they_o call_v the_o bishop_n for_o the_o join_n of_o other_o with_o he_o or_o their_o subordination_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o sole_a ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o the_o diocese_n may_v be_v think_v to_o reside_v in_o he_o alone_o for_o those_o other_o do_v either_o act_n in_o his_o name_n or_o by_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o or_o have_v no_o pretence_n unto_o any_o authority_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a however_o in_o common_a use_n what_o they_o exercise_v may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o church_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n exercise_v in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o insist_v on_o some_o rest_n not_o here_o but_o unto_o these_o diocesan_n add_v metropolitical_a church_n which_o also_o be_v esteem_v particular_a church_n though_o it_o be_v uncertain_a by_o what_o warrant_n or_o on_o what_o ground_n in_o these_o one_o person_n have_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n a_o respect_n unto_o and_o over_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n like_o that_o which_o they_o have_v over_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a assembly_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v animate_v and_o regulate_v by_o certain_a arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n or_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o due_a bound_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o nature_n or_o constitution_n peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v there_o wherever_o they_o be_v admit_v various_a degree_n in_o their_o elevation_n but_o how_o much_o or_o little_a the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a for_o any_o one_o to_o judge_v neither_o be_v it_o by_o wise_a man_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o any_o further_a than_o that_o as_o they_o suppose_v it_o have_v leave_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n for_o a_o expediency_n unto_o some_o certain_a end_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o metropolitical_a church_n have_v be_v require_v in_o latter_a age_n to_o constitute_v a_o church_n national_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o apellation_n have_v original_o another_o occasion_n whereunto_o the_o invention_n of_o these_o metropolitical_a church_n be_v accommodate_v for_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o respect_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n or_o rule_n but_o unto_o the_o supreme_a political_a power_n whereunto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o church_n be_v civil_o subject_a hence_o that_o which_o be_v provincial_a at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o fabric_n which_o be_v in_o the_o romish_a empire_n whilst_o the_o whole_a be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o monarch_n become_v national_a when_o the_o several_a province_n be_v turn_v into_o kingdom_n with_o absolute_a sovereign_a power_n among_o themselves_o whole_o independent_a of_o any_o other_o and_o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o authority_n will_v erect_v a_o ecclesiastical_a image_n of_o that_o demolish_a empire_n will_v allow_v of_o such_o provincial_a church_n as_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o but_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o national_a church_n as_o in_o their_o first_o notion_n include_v a_o sovereign_a power_n unto_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n within_o themselves_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n become_v national_a in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o which_o before_o be_v but_o provincial_n moreover_o the_o consent_n of_o many_o have_v prevail_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v patriarchal_a church_n comprehend_v under_o their_o inspection_n and_o jurisdiction_n many_o of_o these_o metropolitical_a and_o provincial_a church_n and_o these_o also_o be_v look_v on_o as_o particular_a for_o from_o their_o first_o invention_n there_o have_v be_v four_o or_o five_o of_o they_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o comprise_v the_o catholic_n church_n although_o those_o who_o preside_v in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o decline_a age_n of_o the_o church_n style_v themselves_o ecumenical_a and_o catholic_n thing_n be_v carry_v thus_o far_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n one_o own_a as_o principal_a or_o chief_a of_o this_o latter_a sort_n set_v up_o for_o a_o church_n denominate_v papal_n from_o a_o title_n he_o have_v appropriate_v unto_o himself_o for_o by_o artifices_fw-la innumerable_a he_o cease_v not_o from_o endeavour_v to_o subject_v all_o those_o other_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n unto_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o other_o patriarch_n as_o they_o over_o metropolitan_n and_o so_o downward_o whereby_o all_o christian_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o some_o of_o they_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o claim_n of_o a_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n thereunto_o belong_v this_o he_o can_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n for_o but_o that_o he_o think_v they_o cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o that_o he_o may_v possess_v they_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o that_o order_n itself_o be_v frame_v for_o have_v not_o diocesan_n metropolitical_n and_o patriarchal_a church_n make_v way_n for_o it_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o church_n papal_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o believer_n have_v never_o befall_v the_o mind_n of_o mind_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o prodigious_a empire_n which_o the_o pope_n claim_v and_o have_v obtain_v over_o christianity_n be_v a_o emergency_n of_o the_o contest_v that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o great_a sort_n of_o church_n about_o the_o right_n title_n and_o pre-eminences_a among_o themselves_o with_o some_o other_o occasional_a and_o intestine_a distemper_n only_o he_o have_v one_o singular_a advantage_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o his_o pretence_n and_o desire_n for_o whereas_o this_o whole_a contiguation_n of_o churcht_n into_o all_o these_o story_n in_o the_o top_n whereof_o he_o emerge_v and_o lift_v up_o himself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o accommodation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o affair_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o its_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_n the_o centre_v therein_o of_o all_o subordinate_a power_n and_o order_n in_o one_o monarch_n incline_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o design_n as_o very_o reasonable_a hence_o the_o principal_a plea_n for_o that_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o at_o present_a he_o claim_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v monarchial_a and_o therein_o consist_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o whole_a work_n that_o whereas_o this_o fabric_n of_o church_n rule_n be_v erect_v in_o imitation_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o he_o can_v never_o effect_v his_o sovereignty_n whilst_o that_o empire_n stand_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o union_n under_o the_o command_n of_o one_o or_o more_o emperor_n by_o consent_n yet_o when_o that_o empire_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o province_n thereof_o become_v parcel_v out_o unto_o several_a nation_n who_o erect_v absolute_a independent_a sovereignty_n among_z themselves_o he_o be_v able_a by_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v before_o obtain_v so_o to_o improve_v all_o emergency_n and_o advantage_n as_o to_o gather_v all_o these_o new_a kingdom_n into_o one_o religious_a
building_n and_o unsafe_a unto_o its_o self_n or_o like_o a_o dead_a mortify_v part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o neither_o receive_v any_o vital_a influence_n from_o the_o head_n nor_o administer_v nourishment_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o church_n union_n and_o division_n with_o what_o be_v plead_v about_o their_o nature_n and_o cause_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o consideration_n have_v thereof_o yea_o those_o thing_n be_v principal_o insist_v on_o for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o one_o atd_v the_o according_a of_o the_o other_o which_o cast_v a_o neglect_n yea_o a_o contempt_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v the_o romanist_n who_o make_v the_o great_a outcry_n about_o church_n union_n and_o who_o make_v the_o great_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v but_o hereunto_o they_o contend_v express_o on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v spiritual_o and_o save_o unite_v unto_o christ._n other_o also_o place_v it_o in_o various_a instance_n of_o conformity_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_v of_o man_n which_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v they_o be_v wondrous_a cold_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o this_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o where_o any_o one_o be_v interest_v in_o this_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n he_o may_v demand_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v unless_o in_o case_n of_o some_o present_a offence_n or_o scandal_n and_o those_o by_o who_o such_o person_n be_v reject_v from_o communion_n to_o be_v hold_v on_o gospel_n term_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n not_o entrench_v on_o this_o foundation_n do_v exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o this_o be_v want_v man_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o term_n or_o condition_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o obtain_n of_o church-communion_n thereon_o will_v be_v of_o little_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n second_o unto_o this_o foundation_n of_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n for_o and_o unto_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o there_o be_v require_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o lord_n so_o also_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n unto_o believer_n and_o this_o arise_v from_o and_o follow_v the_o other_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v thereunto_o and_o however_o by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n they_o may_v fall_v in_o it_o or_o from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n as_o do_v peter_n yet_o through_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o recover_v now_o unto_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o a_o precise_a and_o express_a professio_fw-la 1_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o we_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o a_o consent_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v of_o the_o number_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o fundamental_a truth_n who_o express_a acknowledgement_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o other_o as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v their_o own_o necessity_n all_o conduce_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o we_o live_v unto_o god_n second_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o duty_n 5._o every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v 15_o do_v follow_v peace_n and_o love_n with_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v than_o he_o be_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n do_v never_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o precise_a conception_n of_o all_o reveal_v object_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o mean_n of_o revelation_n will_v allow_v such_o a_o unity_n to_o be_v moral_o possible_a and_o the_o figment_n of_o supply_v this_o variety_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o herein_o faith_n be_v consider_v as_o profess_v and_o no_o man_n can_v make_v profession_n of_o what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v therefore_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o joint_a belief_n of_o necessary_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v with_o respect_n unto_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o difference_n may_v arise_v yet_o be_v not_o this_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o christian_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o fundamental_o or_o confine_v their_o scripture_n inquiry_n unto_o they_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n 12._o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o into_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v 16._o yea_o to_o inquire_v with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o advantage_n with_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o light_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o 17._o into_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 11._o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o instructor_n of_o other_o by_o who_o this_o be_v neglect_v who_o take_v up_o with_o a_o superficiary_a knowledge_n of_o general_a principle_n and_o those_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v a_o coincidence_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v but_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o over_o who_o they_o usurp_v a_o charge_n and_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o title_n and_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n that_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o explain_v confirm_v and_o vindicate_v any_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v wherein_o other_o differ_v from_o we_o provide_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v do_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n yea_o our_o so_o do_v be_v one_o principal_a mean_n of_o minister_a nourishment_n unto_o the_o body_n whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v increase_v as_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o this_o what_o contending_n fight_n destruction_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n upon_o variety_n of_o judgement_n about_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n three_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n that_o whereby_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o and_o which_o render_v all_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o this_o unity_n useful_a unto_o they_o and_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n before_o so_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v a_o actual_a influence_n into_o gospel_n unity_n among_o christian_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n for_o first_o it_o work_v effectual_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o contribution_n of_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o help_v of_o obedience_n unto_o other_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o in_o who_o this_o love_n dwell_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n call_v and_o opportunity_n which_o make_v up_o his_o measure_n will_v communicate_v the_o spiritual_a supply_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o other_o by_o instruction_n exhortation_n consolation_n and_o example_n unto_o their_o edification_n this_o he_o will_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o love_n namely_o to_o testify_v a_o joint_a relation_n unto_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o all_o and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o supply_n of_o life_n
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
be_v ordain_v or_o for_o which_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o what_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n what_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligent_a labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctaine_n be_v require_v unto_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n where_o it_o be_v omit_v or_o neglect_v where_o it_o be_v careless_o attend_v unto_o where_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o act_v more_o like_a hireling_n than_o true_a shepherd_n where_o they_o want_v skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o declare_v from_o it_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n or_o diligence_n to_o be_v urgent_a continual_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o there_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v ruin_v and_o utter_o lose_v and_o where_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o thought_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v exercise_v withal_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o church_n will_v in_o vain_a or_o at_o least_o unjust_o expect_v that_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v abide_v in_o their_o particular_a communion_n when_o they_o can_v or_o do_v not_o provide_v food_n for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n unless_o all_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n be_v equal_o asleep_a in_o security_n division_n among_o they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n ensue_v will_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o starve_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o have_v sinful_o destroy_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v there_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o duty_n of_o love_n that_o require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v the_o sole_a immediate_a end_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n be_v their_o own_o edification_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o can_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o abide_v there_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v where_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o cast_v aside_o this_o may_v become_v such_o as_o know_v not_o their_o duty_n nor_o care_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o perish_v in_o and_o for_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o they_o which_o in_o such_o case_n shall_v provide_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v and_o severe_o treat_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o riotous_a person_n who_o sport_n themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n but_o with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o they_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o dread_n of_o their_o own_o account_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n will_v forcible_o shut_v up_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v short_a of_o all_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o every_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o such_o church_n make_v with_o a_o design_n of_o join_v unto_o those_o where_o the_o word_n be_v dispense_v with_o more_o diligence_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o and_o it_o will_v better_o become_v such_o church_n to_o return_v industrious_o unto_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n whereby_o this_o occasion_n of_o division_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o to_o attempt_v their_o own_o justification_n by_o the_o severe_a prosecution_n of_o such_o as_o depart_v from_o they_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o improve_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v the_o know_v and_o open_a duty_n of_o church_n in_o their_o guide_n or_o minister_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v the_o growth_n of_o light_n knowledge_n godliness_n strictness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o conversation_n in_o those_o member_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o may_v be_v find_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n such_o be_v they_o to_o own_o encourage_v and_o make_v their_o companion_n and_o endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o they_o for_o unless_o man_n in_o their_o ordinary_a and_o common_a conversation_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n do_v uniform_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o offence_n upto_o other_o and_o of_o reproach_n to_o themselves_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o instead_o of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v beat_v their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o drunken_a but_o by_o all_o way_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o conversation_n and_o herein_o what_o wisdom_n patience_n diligence_n love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n be_v require_v they_o alone_o know_v and_o they_o full_a well_o know_v who_o for_o any_o season_n have_v in_o their_o place_n conscientious_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o labour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v therein_o and_o the_o trouble_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o by_o contrary_a act_n to_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a nor_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v encourage_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o their_o peril_n the_o heart_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n fear_n god_n thrive_a in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v together_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n &_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o there_o ought_v their_o affection_n to_o be_v most_o intense_a for_o as_o such_o person_n be_v the_o crown_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o guide_n and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o do_v know_v or_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o what_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o to_o honour_n and_o pay_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o teacher_n how_o much_o on_o all_o account_n they_o owe_v unto_o they_o whereby_o their_o mutual_a love_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o practise_v then_o be_v they_o both_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o effectual_a unto_o their_o proper_a end_n but_o where_o thing_n in_o church_n through_o their_o negligence_n or_o corruption_n or_o that_o of_o their_o guide_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v what_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o those_o who_o be_v forward_a in_o profession_n who_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o own_v among_o they_o who_o have_v apparent_o attain_v a_o growth_n in_o spirituol_n light_a and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_o cherish_v and_o regard_v from_o be_v love_v like_v or_o associate_v withal_o as_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v be_v mark_v observe_v reproach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o every_o slight_a provocation_n put_v even_o to_o outward_a trouble_n whilst_o man_n of_o worldly_a and_o profane_a conversation_n ignorant_a perhaps_o riotous_a and_o debauch_a shall_v be_v the_o delight_n and_o companion_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o ruler_n it_o can_v be_v that_o
intestine_a difference_n and_o schism_n do_v but_o reproach_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a in_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o rectify_v all_o those_o abuse_n and_o remove_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o they_o be_v invent_v and_o do_v introduce_v in_o a_o thousand_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n only_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o that_o owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o original_a which_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o as_o a_o occasion_n of_o much_o disorder_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o of_o great_a division_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o it_o be_v know_v none_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o plain_a story_n of_o their_o preach_v the_o success_n which_o they_o have_v therein_o and_o their_o proceed_n to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n thereon_o put_v this_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sober_a contradiction_n none_o will_v say_v that_o they_o gather_v church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v whilst_o they_o continue_v such_o nor_o of_o open_a sinner_n continue_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n a_o evidence_n therefore_o and_o confession_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o first_o church_n neither_o will_v we_o ever_o contend_v with_o such_o importune_a prejudices_fw-la as_o under_o any_o pretence_n capable_a of_o a_o wrangle_a countenance_n shall_v set_v up_o against_o this_o evidence_n hence_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v look_v on_o as_o person_n real_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o effectual_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v they_o salute_v and_o treat_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o we_o say_v they_o be_v look_v on_o and_o own_v and_o as_o such_o upon_o their_o confession_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o look_v on_o they_o and_o own_v they_o though_o absolute_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n some_o among_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o some_o prove_a apostate_n but_o this_o profession_n of_o conversion_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mutual_a acknowledgement_n of_o each_o other_o as_o so_o convert_v unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o and_o although_o this_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preserve_v all_o the_o first_o church_n absolute_o free_a from_o schism_n and_o division_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o most_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o that_o infection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o reduction_n of_o unity_n after_o that_o by_o the_o violent_a interposition_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o temptation_n it_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o a_o season_n afterward_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o many_o more_o take_v on_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v not_o such_o eminent_a and_o visible_a conversion_n unto_o god_n as_o most_o of_o those_o have_v who_o be_v change_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o person_n unfit_a and_o unqualify_v for_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o be_v member_n of_o church_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o order_n and_o disreputation_n of_o their_o holy_a conversation_n they_o be_v for_o some_o good_a season_n keep_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o expectant_n and_o call_v catechuman_n or_o person_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o trial_n be_v make_v of_o their_o faith_n holiness_n and_o constancy_n before_o their_o admission_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n peace_n and_o order_n provide_v for_o especial_o be_v they_o so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o severe_a discipline_n which_o be_v then_o exercise_v towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n press_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v admit_v on_o much_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v whole_a nation_n come_v to_o claim_v successive_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n without_o any_o personal_a duty_n perform_v or_o profession_n make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n on_o their_o part_n and_o so_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o many_o place_n to_o this_o day_n man_n general_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o far_o about_o a_o title_n to_o church-membership_n and_o privilege_n but_o rest_n in_o the_o prepossession_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o own_o nativity_n in_o such_o or_o such_o place_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v own_v or_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o credible_a as_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n it_o be_v certain_a for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o any_o nor_o perform_v by_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o ill_o consult_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o outward_a formal_a representation_n of_o thing_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o internal_a grace_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o corrupt_a principle_n for_o whereas_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o power_n internal_a and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o grace_n have_v outward_a representation_n of_o they_o which_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o what_o they_o represent_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o they_o many_o take_v up_o with_o and_o rest_n in_o these_o external_a thing_n as_o though_o christianity_n consist_v in_o they_o although_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n where_o the_o quicken_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o internal_a grace_n be_v want_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o church-order_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v far_o away_o man_n come_v together_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-assembly_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v admit_v but_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n with_o no_o other_o heart_n nor_o design_n but_o on_o and_o with_o what_o they_o partake_v in_o any_o civil_a society_n or_o joint_o engage_v in_o any_o other_o worldly_a concern_v and_o this_o fundamental_a error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o many_o church_n be_v the_o occasion_n as_o of_o other_o evil_n so_o in_o particular_a of_o division_n among_o profess_a christian_n hence_o original_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n accommodate_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o such_o person_n as_o understand_v little_a or_o be_v little_a sensible_a of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a discipline_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o thereby_o at_o last_o degenerate_v into_o the_o outward_a way_n of_o force_n and_o power_n before_o describe_v for_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v rule_v and_o instead_o of_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a temper_n and_o condition_n where_o unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n be_v suit_v there_o be_v invent_v a_o way_n of_o government_n accommodate_v unto_o that_o state_n whereinto_o they_o be_v lapse_v which_o those_o concern_v find_v to_o be_v the_o far_o easy_a work_n of_o the_o two_o hence_o do_v sincere_a mutual_a love_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v among_o church-member_n see_v they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o tolerable_a persuasion_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o profession_n in_o each_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v it_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o to_o provoke_v it_o unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n hence_o do_v private_a spiritual_a communion_n fail_v among_o they_o the_o most_o be_v stranger_n unto_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o despise_v and_o contemn_v it_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o its_o exercise_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o useful_a church-communion_n and_o where_o public_a communion_n be_v only_o attend_v unto_o with_o a_o neglect_n hereof_o it_o will_v quick_o wither_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o on_o this_o occasion_n do_v all_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n exhortation_n and_o admonition_n proceed_v from_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o frequent_o recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n
diligent_o seek_v out_o and_o improve_v nothing_o but_o a_o deceive_a apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o meet_v to_o have_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n will_v prevail_v with_o man_n otherwise_o sober_a and_o learned_a so_o to_o deal_v with_o all_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o do_v four_o all_o these_o evil_n mention_v be_v much_o increase_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 3._o when_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o this_o therefore_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o avoid_v that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o love_v preserve_v for_o hence_o be_v very_o many_o apt_a to_o take_v false_a measure_n of_o thing_n especial_o of_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o to_o cast_v themselves_o into_o many_o mischievous_a mistake_v 12._o and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o befall_v they_o who_o for_o end_n best_o know_v unto_o themselves_o have_v with_o any_o ordinary_a diligence_n attend_v to_o the_o study_n of_o learning_n for_o upon_o a_o supposal_n of_o some_o competent_a furniture_n with_o natural_a ability_n they_o can_v but_o attain_v some_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o unstudy_v person_n be_v unacquainted_a withal_o ofttime_n indeed_o their_o pre-eminence_n in_o this_o kind_n consist_v in_o matter_n of_o very_a small_a consequence_n or_o importance_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v they_o think_v strange_a of_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 18._o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a apt_a it_o be_v to_o puff_n they_o up_o to_o influence_n their_o mind_n with_o a_o good_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o hence_o may_v we_o see_v some_o when_o they_o have_v get_v a_o little_a skill_n in_o language_n and_o through_o custom_n advantage_v by_o the_o read_n of_o some_o book_n be_v able_a ready_o to_o express_v some_o thought_n perhaps_o not_o original_o their_o own_o present_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n of_o unlettered_a person_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o impatient_a that_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o shall_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o common_a frame_n with_o they_o who_o learning_n and_o wit_n be_v their_o all_o do_v yet_o reach_v but_o half_a way_n towards_o the_o useful_a end_n of_o such_o thing_n other_o also_o there_o be_v and_o of_o they_o not_o a_o few_o who_o have_v be_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o the_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n mention_v be_v usual_o attain_v yet_o through_o their_o incapacity_n or_o negligence_n or_o some_o deprave_a habit_n of_o mind_n or_o course_n of_o life_n have_v not_o real_o at_o all_o improve_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o also_o have_v once_o attain_v the_o countenance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n or_o preferment_n be_v as_o forward_o as_o any_o to_o declaim_v against_o and_o pretend_v a_o contempt_n of_o that_o ignorance_n in_o other_o which_o they_o be_v not_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reflect_v on_o themselves_o however_o these_o thing_n at_o best_a and_o in_o their_o high_a improvement_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o solid_a wisdom_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v from_o above_o and_o which_o alone_o will_v promote_v the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n some_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o they_o but_o that_o they_o can_v declare_v and_o speak_v out_o their_o own_o weakness_n other_o that_o they_o can_v rail_v and_o lie_v and_o false_o accuse_v in_o word_n and_o language_n wherewith_o they_o hope_v to_o please_v the_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o science_n which_o whatever_n it_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v but_o false_o so_o call_v and_o oftentimes_o false_o pretend_v unto_o for_o this_o evil_a end_n of_o it_o alone_o be_v apt_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n above_o other_o who_o perhaps_o come_v not_o behind_o they_o in_o any_o useful_a understanding_n yea_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v real_o attain_v a_o singular_a degree_n in_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o that_o either_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a or_o in_o learning_n and_o science_n or_o in_o political_a prudence_n yet_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o a_o hurtful_a elation_n of_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o they_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o well_o balance_v with_o humility_n and_o this_o evil_n particular_o watch_v against_o hence_o arise_v that_o impatience_n of_o contradiction_n that_o jealousy_n and_o tenderness_n of_o man_n own_o name_n and_o reputation_n those_o sharp_a revenge_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v of_o any_o suppose_a inroad_n upon_o they_o or_o disrespect_n towards_o they_o that_o contempt_n &_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o man_n judgement_n those_o magisterial_a imposition_n and_o censure_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n under_o a_o reputation_n of_o these_o endowment_n the_o caution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n against_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n the_o example_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a even_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o command_n that_o be_v multiply_v for_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n jealousy_n over_o ourselves_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o choose_v who_o he_o please_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o truth_n unto_o and_o by_o may_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v such_o surprisal_n with_o pride_n self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o suppose_v or_o abuse_v knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o cast_v man_n into_o whereby_o division_n be_v great_o foment_v and_o increase_v among_o we_o but_o it_o may_v be_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o much_o prevail_v with_o they_o who_o pretend_v a_o zeal_n and_o principle_n above_o other_o in_o preach_v and_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o most_o of_o their_o way_n and_o act_n and_o in_o some_o of_o their_o write_n give_v we_o a_o unparalleled_a representation_n of_o the_o devil_n last_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o false_a teacher_n seducer_n broacher_n of_o novel_a corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n have_v cause_v many_o breach_n and_o division_n among_o such_o as_o once_o agree_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o mean_n of_o such_o person_n whether_o within_o the_o present_a church-state_n or_o without_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sacred_a truth_n which_o have_v former_o secure_v its_o station_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v solicit_v or_o oppose_v some_o make_v their_o error_n the_o principal_a foundation_n rule_n and_o measure_n in_o communion_n whoever_o comply_v with_o they_o therein_o be_v of_o they_o and_o whoso_o do_v not_o they_o avoid_v so_o at_o once_o they_o shut_v up_o themselves_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o where_o these_o consequent_n do_v not_o ensue_v man_n zeal_n for_o their_o error_n be_v overballance_v by_o their_o love_n of_o and_o concern_v in_o their_o secular_a interest_n and_o their_o mind_n influence_v by_o the_o novel_a prevail_a opinion_n of_o a_o great_a indifferency_n in_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o outward_a worship_n yet_o the_o advance_n and_o foment_v of_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o that_o sound_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v general_o own_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o people_n themselves_o can_v but_o occasion_n strife_n contention_n and_o division_n among_o professor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o those_o article_n or_o head_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o long_a time_n after_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o useful_a important_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o have_v not_o be_v among_o we_o various_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v and_o in_o these_o difference_n about_o doctrine_n lie_v the_o hide_a cause_n of_o the_o animosity_n whereby_o those_o about_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v manage_v for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o law_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n in_o these_o lesser_a thing_n be_v not_o so_o unwise_a as_o to_o deal_v open_o with_o their_o adversary_n about_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o reputation_n of_o establish_a and_o common_o receive_v doctrine_n lie_v against_o they_o but_o under_o the_o pretence_n and_o shelter_n of_o contend_v for_o legal_a appointment_n not_o a_o few_o do_v exercise_v a_o enmity_n against_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v
as_o yet_o open_o to_o oppose_v such_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o and_o about_o religious_a concern_v that_o be_v among_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n have_v they_o be_v foment_v and_o increase_v heighten_v they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n and_o as_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o sinful_a fail_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o no_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n of_o person_n will_v give_v a_o full_a relief_n nor_o free_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o division_n until_o the_o principle_n and_o way_n which_o occasion_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n chap._n v._n ground_n and_o reason_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v brief_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o that_o present_a want_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v complain_v of_o by_o many_o we_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a account_n concern_v our_o inconformity_n unto_o and_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o do_v in_o sundry_a thing_n dissent_v from_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o a_o joint_a practice_n with_o other_o in_o they_o it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o hereon_o there_o do_v ensue_v a_o appearance_n of_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o according_a as_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o in_o this_o distance_n and_o difference_n the_o dissent_n unto_o compliance_n be_v on_o our_o part_n there_o be_v a_o semblance_n of_o a_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o your_o communion_n and_o this_o we_o know_v expose_v we_o in_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o necessitate_v we_o unto_o self-defence_n as_o though_o the_o only_a matter_n in_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o evil_a or_o no._n for_o that_o advantage_n have_v all_o church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o fix_v term_n of_o communion_n right_a or_o wrong_n just_a or_o unequal_a the_o difference_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o they_o will_v try_v out_o on_o no_o other_o term_n but_o only_o whether_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o not_o thus_o they_o make_v themselves_o actor_n ofttimes_o in_o this_o cause_n who_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o injury_n and_o a_o trial_n be_v make_v mere_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v causeless_o put_v upon_o their_o purgation_n and_o defence_n yea_o with_o many_o a_o kind_n of_o possession_n and_o multitude_n do_v render_v dissenter_n unquestionable_o schismatical_a so_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o unreasonable_a confidence_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v so_o deal_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reform_v a_o open_a schism_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v sufficient_o fix_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o on_o the_o reform_a by_o confidence_n and_o clamour_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o prepossession_n yet_o as_o if_o they_o they_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a themselves_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o other_o enquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o call_v the_o truth_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o other_o party_n into_o question_n it_o be_v our_o present_a condition_n to_o lie_v under_o this_o charge_n from_o many_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v we_o think_v guilty_a thereof_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o culpable_a secession_n make_v by_o we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n or_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o appear_a schism_n that_o be_v among_o we_o can_v due_o or_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o we_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v make_v to_o appear_v what_o be_v our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o church-state_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o we_o hope_v they_o be_v such_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o impartial_a we_o shall_v be_v relieve_v from_o those_o clamorous_a accusation_n which_o be_v without_o number_n or_o measure_n by_o some_o cast_n upon_o we_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n and_o their_o cause_n from_o among_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o sincerity_n herein_o in_o the_o least_o take_v off_o or_o rend_v from_o we_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a endeavour_n of_o some_o to_o rake_v up_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o shall_v those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v to_o imitate_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o use_v for_o the_o restauration_n of_o unity_n and_o agreement_n unto_o christian_n when_o lose_v or_o endanger_v we_o shall_v not_o decline_v the_o contribution_n of_o any_o assistance_n by_o counsel_n or_o fraternal_a compliance_n which_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o withal_o but_o whilst_o some_o who_o advantage_n render_v they_o considerable_a in_o these_o matter_n seem_v to_o entertain_v no_o other_o thought_n concern_v we_o but_o what_o issue_n in_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o principal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o be_v quiet_o to_o approve_v our_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n we_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n principle_n and_o practice_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o for_o man_n we_o hope_v so_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o as_o that_o none_o may_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o any_o disorder_n vnpeaceableness_n or_o other_o evil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o we_o be_v either_o the_o cause_n or_o culpable_a occasion_n of_o those_o inconvenience_n and_o trouble_n which_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o unto_o by_o their_o endeavour_n for_o our_o disturbance_n impoverish_v and_o ruin_n let_v none_o imagine_v but_o that_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o evil_n and_o evil_a consequent_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o charity_n we_o know_v how_o much_o the_o great_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v impede_v thereby_o as_o also_o what_o prejudice_n arise_v thence_o against_o the_o truth_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v with_o what_o temptation_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o the_o occasion_v of_o many_o sinful_a miscarriage_n in_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v hereon_o ensue_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a unto_o ourselves_o of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o what_o we_o do_v or_o in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o do_v by_o our_o not_o do_v of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o attend_v and_o wherein_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o where_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o circumstance_v as_o that_o duty_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o unity_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o progress_n towards_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v object_v unto_o we_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v be_v our_o nonconformity_n or_o our_o forbearance_n of_o actual_a personal_a communion_n with_o the_o present_a church-constitution_n in_o the_o modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o its_o worship_n hence_o the_o schism_n complain_v of_o do_v ensue_v unless_o this_o communion_n be_v total_a constant_a without_o endeavour_n of_o any_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n we_o can_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n hereof_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v elsewhere_o for_o first_o all_z the_o condition_n of_o absolute_a and_o complete_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o especial_o as_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v vnscriptural_a such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v neither_o warrant_n mention_n nor_o intimate_v especial_o not_o under_o any_o such_o consideration_n
can_v hence_o be_v take_v for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v neither_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n but_o weak_a and_o fallible_a as_o ourselves_o to_o compose_v entire_a liturgy_n and_o impose_v the_o necessary_a use_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o be_v obtain_v unto_o such_o imposition_n from_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n liturgy_n themselves_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o after-age_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n for_o those_o which_o pretend_v unto_o apostolical_a antiquity_n have_v long_o since_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o feign_a nor_o be_v there_o scarce_o any_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a and_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o so_o they_o be_v no_o tolerable_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o use_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o such_o other_o take_v up_o as_o be_v of_o a_o most_o uncertain_a original_a the_o first_o condition_n therefore_o of_o communion_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o unscriptural_a which_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a argument_n but_o also_o destitute_a of_o any_o ancient_a example_n or_o usuage_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o this_o if_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o if_o we_o attend_v not_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o refuse_v communion_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o also_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o some_o be_v so_o not_o only_o for_o refuse_v compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o in_o general_a but_o for_o not_o observe_v every_o particular_a direction_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o might_n be_v manifest_v in_o instance_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n if_o therefore_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v among_o we_o on_o this_o account_n that_o some_o indispensible_o require_v a_o assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o liturgy_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o complete_a church-communion_n or_o a_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o the_o whole_a religious_a worship_n thereby_o perform_v and_o therein_o prescribe_v which_o other_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o as_o such_o and_o thereon_o forbear_v the_o communion_n propose_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v and_o we_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o what_o any_o may_v do_v among_o themselves_o judge_v it_o meet_v for_o their_o edification_n nor_o of_o what_o a_o civil_a law_n may_v constitute_v with_o respect_n unto_o public_a place_n employment_n and_o preferment_n but_o only_o where_o lie_v the_o lin_v and_o evil_a that_o attend_v division_n arise_v on_o these_o imposition_n and_o which_o by_o their_o removal_n will_v be_v take_v away_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o this_o disorder_n in_o that_o not_o only_o all_o man_n be_v refuse_v communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o these_o term_n of_o it_o but_o also_o they_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o expose_v unto_o severe_a penalty_n if_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o though_o express_o contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o canonical_a submission_n unto_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o in_o their_o hand_n by_o who_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o acquiescency_n therein_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o who_o these_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o administration_n we_o shall_v not_o repeat_v as_o unwilling_a to_o give_v offence_n unto_o any_o we_o can_v but_o know_v how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n these_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o what_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o thereon_o neither_o dare_v we_o give_v another_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n than_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o who_o require_v our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o their_o design_n nor_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unwarrantable_a and_o on_o their_o rule_n as_o inconvenient_a so_o as_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conformity_n they_o intend_v as_o whereby_o we_o do_v virtual_o at_o least_o declare_v our_o approbation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o our_o acquiescency_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o put_v in_o any_o exception_n nor_o discharge_v our_o conscience_n by_o a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o dissent_v from_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o can_v submit_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v cordial_o and_o sincere_o approve_v the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o church-discipline_n thereby_o for_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o as_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o if_o we_o acquiesce_v not_o therein_o but_o express_v a_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o we_o do_v it_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o conform_v now_o this_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v also_o unscriptural_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a to_o be_v make_v so_o this_o be_v by_o many_o now_o plain_o acknowledge_v for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o government_n determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o now_o in_o force_n among_o we_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a and_o on_o that_o ground_n a_o lawful_a government_n they_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v and_o lawful_a to_o be_v exercise_v and_o so_o also_o by_o other_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o we_o have_v now_o sundry_a time_n declare_v that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a question_n we_o inquire_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o or_o on_o what_o account_v it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v submit_v unto_o or_o wherein_o but_o we_o say_v the_o profess_a acknowledge_v of_o it_o with_o submission_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o give_v we_o liberty_n to_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v it_o without_o prejudice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o may_v we_o refuse_v this_o condition_n as_o unscrptural_a for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o conformity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n require_v but_o express_o as_o be_v say_v a_o approbation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o in_o religious_a thing_n our_o practice_n declare_v a_o cordial_a approbation_n as_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o profession_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sincere_a some_o again_o make_v some_o plea_n that_o bishop_n and_o some_o government_n by_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o a_o submission_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v just_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o we_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v but_o that_o whatever_o be_v so_o appoint_v may_v be_v so_o require_v although_o we_o believe_v that_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o rigid_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o if_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v dubious_a to_o some_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v or_o no._n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v a_o admittance_n of_o this_o plea_n give_v we_o any_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o church_n bishop_n with_o a_o preeminence_n above_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v so_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o concession_n bear_v a_o application_n to_o the_o present_a question_n so_o as_o to_o afford_v we_o any_o relief_n for_o the_o grant_n of_o thing_n so_o dubious_a and_o questionable_a can_v never_o give_v they_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o firmitude_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o warrant_v the_o make_n of_o they_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n