nay_o a_o kind_n and_o amicable_a demeanour_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n it_o imply_v yet_o more_o particular_o a_o preserve_v entire_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n &c_n &c_n imply_v the_o maintain_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o unity_n in_o judgement_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 10_o 1_o cor._n â—_o 10_o this_o be_v what_o st._n paul_n exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o man_n may_v be_v suppose_v and_o fair_o allow_v to_o differ_v in_o some_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v certain_a truth_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v faithful_o adhere_v to_o by_o all_o christian_n even_o such_o as_o wherein_o christianity_n itself_o be_v concern_v and_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o subvert_v or_o at_o least_o shake_v and_o endanger_v the_o foundation_n as_o there_o as_o likewise_o many_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v if_o we_o will_v form_v any_o true_a scheme_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o arrive_v at_o any_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o it_o why_o else_o shall_v st._n paul_n require_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o 14._o 2._o tim._n 1.13_o 14._o and_o again_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o why_o do_v he_o order_v he_o to_o abide_v at_o ephesus_n on_o purpose_n as_o himself_o say_v 2.1.2_o 1._o tim._n 1.1.3_o tit._n 2.1.2_o that_o he_o may_v charge_v some_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n why_o do_v he_o command_v titus_n to_o speak_v the_o thing_n that_o become_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o to_o teach_v those_o under_o his_o charge_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o why_o again_o do_v he_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n set_v it_o down_o as_o a_o qualification_n of_o those_o bishop_n who_o titus_n shall_v ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v 11._o tit._n 1.9_o 10_o 11._o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n and_o last_o what_o else_o can_v st._n judas_n mean_v 3._o judas_n v._o 3._o by_o his_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n now_o as_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o protestant_n assert_v to_o be_v the_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o our_o minner_n so_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o contain_v in_o that_o short_a formulary_a of_o confession_n which_o be_v make_v by_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n be_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n expression_n commit_v to_o or_o deposit_v with_o those_o who_o they_o ordain_v to_o officiate_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v by_o they_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v to_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o according_o the_o profession_n then_o make_v be_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n common_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o person_n baptize_v do_v acknowledge_v god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o together_o with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n as_o appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v expect_v to_o come_v again_o and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sanctifier_n the_o guide_n and_o the_o comforter_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n with_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v this_o be_v afterward_o draw_v up_o into_o that_o form_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o as_o occasion_n be_v give_v come_v to_o be_v far_o explain_v in_o those_o which_o we_o call_v the_o nieene_n or_o constantinopolitan_a and_o athanasian_n form_n farther_o explain_v i_o say_v for_o these_o last_o 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christian_n yet_o so_o open_o and_o vehement_o to_o inveigh_v against_o these_o form_n in_o which_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v express_v which_o i_o the_o rather_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o there_o have_v appear_v of_o late_a divers_a writer_n who_o have_v in_o a_o bold_a and_o insolent_a nay_o rude_a and_o scurrilous_a manner_n attack_v those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v so_o constant_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v own_a as_o some_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n all_o religion_n especial_o that_o which_o have_v be_v reveal_v have_v be_v strike_v at_o so_o that_o we_o may_v in_o this_o age_n repeat_v st._n judes_n complaint_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a man_n creep_v in_o ungodly_a man_n 4._o judas_n ver_fw-la 4._o deny_v the_o only_a lord_n god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o exhort_v one_o another_o as_o he_o do_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n 3._o ver_fw-la 3._o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o not_o only_o against_o socinianism_n and_o arianism_n but_o even_o against_o gross_a scepticism_n and_o downright_a infidelity_n now_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o receive_v when_o we_o be_v baptize_v 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 and_o thereby_o dedicate_v to_o our_o great_a creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v and_o endeavour_v full_o to_o understand_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v then_o baptize_v into_o settle_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o careful_a study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o these_o endeavour_n to_o improve_v our_o mind_n not_o only_o in_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o in_o all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o will_v help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a scheme_n and_o consequent_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v still_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o all_o that_o useful_a knowledge_n which_o these_o book_n be_v able_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o to_o which_o purpose_n as_o we_o shall_v read_v they_o with_o seriousness_n and_o humility_n so_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o method_n which_o
out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o little_a after_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n patient_n in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v primary_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o general_a as_o be_v servant_n also_o of_o the_o same_o lord_n 9.50_o mark_v 9.50_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n to_o his_o immediate_a follower_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v salt_n in_o yourselves_o and_o have_v peace_n one_o with_o another_o that_o be_v see_v that_o you_o be_v season_v with_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v render_v you_o acceptable_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o end_n maintain_v a_o constant_a peace_n and_o agreement_n among_o yourselves_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n imply_v yet_o more_o particular_o a_o preserve_a entire_a as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o consider_v the_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o present_a age_n this_o be_v a_o very_a tender_a point_n to_o discourse_v of_o but_o as_o i_o shall_v speak_v so_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n external_n communion_n may_v be_v very_o proper_o call_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o show_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o christian_n own_o themselves_o one_o body_n and_o especial_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o preserve_v they_o in_o that_o state_n this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o when_o we_o glorify_v god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n our_o charity_n towards_o our_o christian_a brethren_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v inflame_v and_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v this_o effect_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o public_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o abundance_n of_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o christian_n towards_o each_o other_o proceed_v from_o their_o have_v first_o divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o their_o saviour_n together_o how_o many_o unchristian_a contention_n among_o ourselves_o in_o this_o nation_n may_v be_v attribute_v sole_o to_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v all_o that_o hear_v i_o to_o judge_v for_o after_o all_o that_o man_n may_v talk_v of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v of_o different_a communion_n love_v one_o another_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o coldness_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o as_o experience_n convince_v we_o man_n be_v easy_o carry_v from_o difference_n in_o communion_n not_o only_o to_o a_o coolness_n in_o affection_n but_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o a_o distance_n and_o a_o shyness_n in_o conversation_n first_o the_o differ_a party_n admit_v unkind_a thought_n of_o each_o other_o then_o often_o proceed_v to_o hard_a word_n to_o uncharitable_a censure_n either_o of_o the_o opinion_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o come_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o strive_v for_o mastery_n to_o struggle_v for_o superiority_n and_o preeminency_n to_o contend_v for_o power_n and_o dominion_n but_o beside_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o result_n from_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sense_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o mischief_n which_o evident_o flow_v from_o break_v it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v have_v time_n now_o to_o enumerate_v that_o which_o i_o will_v propose_v to_o your_o impartial_a consideration_n be_v that_o the_o nature_n and_o frame_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v oblige_v we_o to_o be_v one_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o christian_n assemble_v in_o one_o place_n offer_v up_o their_o devotion_n daily_o together_o under_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o long_o as_o their_o number_n will_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v thus_o we_o read_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 45._o act_n 2.1_o ver_fw-la 44_o 45._o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o again_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v they_o worship_v god_n together_o in_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o withdraw_v into_o some_o more_o private_a apartment_n to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o the_o peculiar_a christian_a service_n do_v all_o with_o great_a simplicity_n 42._o ver_fw-la 42._o integrity_n joy_n and_o charity_n and_o once_o more_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n thus_o do_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o then_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v 4â—_n ver_fw-la 4â—_n the_o unanimity_n of_o christian_n together_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o attend_v it_o have_v a_o mighty_a tendency_n to_o the_o increase_a their_o number_n when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v increase_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v spread_v through_o many_o distant_a city_n and_o country_n they_o be_v then_o indeed_o necessitate_v to_o assemble_v in_o distinct_a place_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v and_o fix_v bishop_n and_o lastors_n in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o form_v a_o church_n but_o still_o they_o be_v one_o in_o heart_n and_o soul_n a_o fair_a correspondence_n be_v keep_v up_o between_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o when_o any_o christian_a travel_v from_o one_o city_n to_o another_o he_o immediate_o join_v with_o and_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n settle_v in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o he_o come_v as_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n every_o christian_a be_v in_o truth_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o dispose_v if_o he_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o his_o profession_n to_o join_v with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n wherever_o his_o business_n or_o occasion_n shall_v lead_v he_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a particular_a church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o edification_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o each_o particular_a christian_a be_v by_o consequence_n of_o right_n a_o member_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o which_o providence_n have_v cast_v his_o lot_n and_o where_o his_o ordinary_a abode_n and_o residence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v his_o state_v and_o ordinary_a communion_n to_o be_v provide_v always_o that_o no_o unchristian_a no_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v impose_v upon_o he_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n impose_v any_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n than_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v discharge_v of_o this_o obligation_n that_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o romish_a communion_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o which_o god_n forbid_v it_o ever_o shall_v be_v we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o reform_v from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n ought_v not_o we_o can_v not_o consistent_o with_o our_o principle_n communicate_v with_o it_o but_o wheresoever_o here_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n regular_o call_v and_o appoint_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o if_o the_o state_n be_v christian_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o its_o authority_n also_o in_o which_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v worship_v and_o serve_v his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n without_o
profess_v or_o comply_v with_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o prefer_v some_o confess_o indifferent_a mode_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n excuse_v a_o christian_a from_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o otherwise_o of_o right_n belong_v but_o where_o then_o will_v be_v any_o end_n of_o division_n what_o bound_n or_o limit_n can_v be_v fix_v to_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o order_n any_o peace_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o every_o one_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n mere_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o can_v better_o approve_v of_o some_o other_o modes_n or_o circumstance_n whilst_o yet_o he_o allow_v those_o which_o be_v in_o present_a use_n to_o be_v lawful_a who_o be_v it_o in_o all_o other_o body_n 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render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o denote_v as_o be_v well_o know_v no_o slight_n and_o ordinary_a endeavour_n but_o a_o very_a diligent_a one_o a_o studious_a and_o earnest_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o plain_o show_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o strict_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o practise_v it_o and_o no_o less_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o what_o immediate_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v the_o word_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o apostle_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o christian_a vocation_n that_o be_v it_o be_v asleep_o behave_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o profession_n we_o make_v it_o be_v what_o christianity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o appear_v more_o particular_o by_o what_o immediate_o follow_v the_o text_n 6._o ver_fw-la 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a_o persuasive_a to_o peace_n and_o unity_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o the_o alderman_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o the_o church_n of_o st._n marry_o le-bow_n on_o sunday_n january_n 16_o 1697_o 1698._o by_o samvel_n bradford_n rector_n of_o the_o say_a church_n london_n print_v for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1698._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n humphrey_n edwin_n k_n nt_v lord_z mayor_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n right_o honourable_a the_o publish_v this_o discourse_n be_v pure_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o your_o order_n it_o be_v design_v to_o have_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v preach_v when_o you_o be_v please_v to_o come_v in_o a_o body_n to_o my_o church_n upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n in_o compliance_n 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the_o church_n of_o corinth_n concern_v the_o gift_n with_o which_o some_o be_v endue_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n than_o other_o prefer_v charity_n mean_v that_o charity_n whereby_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v maintain_v much_o before_o the_o best_a of_o gift_n the_o strong_a faith_n the_o most_o profuse_a liberality_n and_o even_o martyrdom_n itself_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o a_o example_n to_o his_o follower_n constant_o join_v in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o gross_a corruption_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o apostle_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o the_o other_o christian_n who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n though_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o christian_a institution_n they_o assemble_v apart_o from_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o perform_v that_o worship_n which_o be_v peculiarly_a christian_a yet_o 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you_o and_o who_o example_n be_v like_a to_o have_v much_o great_a influence_n than_o the_o example_n of_o private_a men._n whatsoever_o other_o do_v it_o certain_o become_v those_o who_o be_v in_o public_a station_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o say_v without_o offence_n that_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v one_o who_o need_v no_o indulgence_n but_o that_o which_o be_v by_o common_a consent_n give_v to_o humane_a nature_n in_o general_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v true_o and_o just_o propose_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o public_a and_o that_o we_o may_v all_o in_o our_o respective_a station_n zealous_o and_o constant_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o almighty_n god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o right_o honourable_a your_o most_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n samuel_n bradford_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n persuade_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n ephesian_n 4.3_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n we_o be_v assemble_v at_o this_o time_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o daily_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o also_o to_o celebrate_v the_o most_o peculiar_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n namely_o the_o commemoration_n of_o our_o saviour_n death_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n by_o do_v of_o which_o we_o open_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n first_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o both_o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n our_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o we_o declare_v hereby_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o
that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o that_o only_a but_o of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v intend_v by_o our_o lord_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o such_o our_o communion_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o think_v i_o can_v not_o choose_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n than_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o wherein_o we_o be_v so_o express_o exhort_v to_o regard_n and_o to_o promote_v as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n have_v be_v in_o his_o precede_a discourse_n put_v the_o ephesian_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o take_v they_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o his_o church_n that_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v gentile_n 13._o ch._n 2.11_o 12_o 13._o without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n nay_o have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v now_o bring_v near_o to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v together_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n adopt_v into_o his_o family_n he_o exceed_o magnify_v this_o their_o privilege_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n 22._o v._o 10_o 2_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o go_v on_o throughout_o the_o three_o chapter_n both_o to_o extol_v this_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o it_o after_o which_o he_o begin_v this_o four_o chap._n with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o they_o that_o they_o will_v walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o their_o vocation_n particular_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o much_o humility_n and_o charity_n 2._o ver._n 1_o 2._o i_o therefore_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n beseech_v you_o that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n from_o which_o connexion_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n whatever_o that_o mean_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o walk_a worthy_a of_o our_o christian_a vocation_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n well_o season_v with_o humility_n and_o charity_n two_o most_o excellent_a christian_a grace_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v best_o dispose_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o our_o holy_a religion_n require_v and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o miserable_o divide_v as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v this_o method_n to_o explain_v the_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o urge_v upon_o the_o ephesian_n show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bondof_n peace_n to_o consider_v the_o obligation_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v best_o attain_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o explain_v the_o duty_n itself_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v such_o a_o unity_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o body_n which_o be_v inspire_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n i_o know_v that_o some_o will_v have_v this_o phrase_n to_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o christian_n this_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o expression_n the_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christian_n be_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o spirit_n but_o i_o take_v the_o word_n spirit_n here_o to_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n present_o after_o observe_v animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v one_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 4._o ver_fw-la 4._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v frequent_o express_v in_o other_o place_n thus_o in_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n 2.22_o chap._n 2.22_o in_o who_o that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o very_o remarkable_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 13._o 1_o cor._n 1â—_n 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v fit_o compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n which_o have_v many_o member_n but_o all_o of_o they_o unite_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v diffuse_v through_o every_o part_n and_o quicken_v the_o whole_a just_o so_o say_v he_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o abundance_n of_o particular_a believer_n but_o these_o be_v all_o admit_v by_o baptism_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v put_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptize_v together_o with_o that_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o who_o assistance_n they_o may_v constant_o depend_v upon_o if_o they_o do_v not_o resist_v and_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o and_o they_o be_v far_a constant_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o sacrament_n that_o of_o the_o lords-supper_n particular_o of_o the_o wine_n there_o pour_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a christian_n they_o do_v so_o far_a communication_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n now_o this_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v such_o a_o unity_n as_o become_v a_o body_n thus_o animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n viz._n a_o unity_n in_o judgement_n and_o a_o unity_n in_o affection_n or_o in_o other_o word_n a_o unity_n in_o truth_n and_o in_o charity_n together_o with_o all_o that_o external_n and_o visible_a unity_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o the_o former_a for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v a_o peaceable_a conversation_n with_o each_o other_o as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o spiritual_a affair_n the_o avoid_v all_o dissension_n and_o division_n with_o respect_n to_o external_n communion_n the_o live_n and_o converse_v together_o and_o especial_o the_o communcate_a with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o body_n this_o peaceable_a demeanour_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n not_o only_o show_v they_o to_o be_v one_o but_o preserve_v they_o in_o that_o state_n so_o that_o you_o may_v take_v my_o explication_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n imply_v the_o maintain_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o unity_n in_o judgement_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o imply_v also_o the_o preserve_n and_o cherish_v of_o love_n and_o affection_n among_o christian_n it_o far_o imply_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a
be_v proper_a for_o the_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v a_o ancient_a book_n not_o lean_v to_o our_o own_o understanding_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o may_v hinder_v we_o from_o consult_v with_o those_o who_o be_v best_a qualify_v to_o assist_v we_o add_v withal_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v and_o to_o sanctify_v out_o mind_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v that_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o judgement_n which_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v understand_v here_o to_o exhort_v we_o to_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n imply_v also_o the_o preserve_n and_o cherish_v of_o love_n and_o affection_n among_o christian_n after_o a_o honest_a care_n use_v for_o the_o information_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v possible_o differ_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o matter_n of_o less_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o we_o find_v some_o do_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n this_o may_v fall_v out_o from_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o part_n and_o ability_n of_o several_a men._n a_o serious_a study_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v indeed_o tend_v to_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o still_o there_o be_v leave_v that_o difference_n which_o nature_n have_v make_v between_o the_o capacity_n of_o one_o man_n and_o another_o beside_o that_o some_o have_v much_o great_a advantage_n and_o fair_a opportunitys_n for_o the_o improve_n of_o themselves_o than_o other_o have_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a as_o well_o as_o strong_a christian_n babe_n in_o christ_n such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v well_o grow_v and_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v strong_a meat_n even_o man_n of_o equal_a capacity_n and_o ability_n may_v through_o their_o different_a advantage_n through_o their_o temper_n or_o their_o conversation_n have_v differ_v apprehension_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o affection_n and_o charity_n towards_o each_o other_o christian_n love_n be_v due_a to_o the_o christian_a temper_n and_o spirit_n wherever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n wherever_o it_o appear_v aught_o to_o engage_v the_o hearty_a approbation_n and_o cordial_a love_n of_o every_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o bear_v the_o same_o resemblance_n mutual_a charity_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a body_n that_o we_o know_v it_o be_v make_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o his_o disciple_n this_o be_v the_o special_a and_o peculiar_a precept_n which_o he_o give_v they_o 11._o john_n 13.34_o 35._o 1_o john_n 3_o 11._o that_o they_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o he_o have_v love_v they_o st._n john_n therefore_o call_v it_o the_o message_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o they_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o there_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o more_o universal_o recommend_v to_o christian_n and_o nothing_o more_o vehement_o urge_v upon_o they_o than_o this_o kind_n of_o unity_n 14._o rom._n 12.16_o col._n 3.12_o 13_o 14._o thus_o st._n paul_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o again_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o sincere_a christian_n holy_a and_o beloved_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n long_o suffer_v forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o be_v which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a bond_n or_o tye_n whereby_o christian_n be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o just_a before_o the_o text_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o this_o keep_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o exhort_v the_o ephelsians_n to_o be_v long-suffering_a 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o according_a to_o all_o these_o excellent_a precept_n it_o be_v the_o mutual_a affection_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v envy_v by_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o and_o say_v behold_v how_o they_o love_v one_o another_o nothing_o ought_v to_o separate_v one_o christian_a from_o another_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o what_o at_o the_o same_o time_n separate_v he_o from_o christ_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n whilst_o we_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o the_o same_o head_n it_o be_v absurd_a not_o to_o retain_v a_o regard_n to_o each_o other_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n far_o imply_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a nay_o a_o kind_n and_o amicable_a demeanour_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n this_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o former_a such_o a_o behaviour_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o inward_a affection_n and_o good_a will_n so_o that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v large_o on_o this_o after_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o forego_n particular_a i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o as_o it_o include_v a_o meek_a and_o gentle_a treatment_n of_o each_o other_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o more_o particular_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o speech_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o never_o provoke_v or_o i_o ritate_fw-la our_o fellow_n christian_n by_o any_o rude_a or_o undecent_a language_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v allowable_a in_o a_o christian_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unbecoming_a a_o man._n but_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v it_o both_o because_o this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n the_o tongue_n as_o st._n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o jane_n express_v it_o be_v a_o unruly_a evil_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n he_o pronounce_v he_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o able_a to_o bridle_v the_o whole_a body_n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o as_o also_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o deplorable_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n observe_v behold_v how_o great_a a_o matter_n a_o little_a fire_n kindle_v 6._o ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o and_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o fire_n a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n so_o be_v the_o tongue_n among_o our_o member_n that_o it_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o especial_o because_o too_o many_o profess_v christianity_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o their_o profession_n upon_o every_o slight_a difference_n that_o happen_v among_o they_o about_o their_o opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o this_o evil_a account_v it_o a_o testimony_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n when_o they_o can_v express_v themselves_o in_o very_o bitter_a and_o reproachful_a term_n not_o consider_v what_o st._n 18._o ver_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18._o james_n add_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o discourse_n that_o this_o wisdom_n namely_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a whereas_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n paul_n thus_o bespeak_v the_o ephesian_n in_o the_o chapter_n out_o of_o which_o my_o text_n be_v take_v let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n and_o anger_n and_o clamour_v 32._o v._o 31_o 32._o and_o evil_a speak_v be_v put_v away_o from_o you_o with_o all_o malice_n and_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender-hearted_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o indeed_o for_o a_o peaceable_a behaviour_n in_o the_o general_n the_o new_a testament_n throughout_o abound_v with_o plain_a and_o excellent_a precept_n thus_o st._n paul_n 15._o 1._o thes_n 5.13_o 14_o 15._o to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o and_o again_o be_v patient_a towards_o all_o man_n see_v that_o none_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n unto_o any_o man_n but_o ever_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a both_o among_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o man_n 25._o 2_o tim._n 2.22_o 24._o 25._o in_o like_a manner_n to_o timothy_n follow_v righteousness_n faith_n charity_n peace_n with_o they_o that_o call_v on_o the_o lord_n