covenant_n to_o maintain_v she_o in_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n according_a to_o her_o pattern_n but_o good_a man_n they_o can_v understand_v for_o their_o heart_n what_o this_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o national_a church_n in_o england_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v define_v as_o a_o national_a church_n in_o scotland_n all_o the_o odds_o be_v the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o now_o so_o likely_a to_o serve_v their_o turn_n as_o the_o national_a church_n of_o scotland_n then_o so_o term_v be_v let_v we_o but_o pull_v down_o the_o bishop_n and_o set_v up_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o presbyter_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o what_o the_o national_a church_n of_o scotland_n be_v sect._n 37._o let_v we_o reason_n the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o these_o man_n why_o may_v not_o the_o english_a nation_n become_v a_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jewish_a what_o be_v there_o want_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v that_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a church_n may_v not_o that_o be_v as_o much_o from_o god_n and_o have_v as_o great_a approbation_n and_o as_o many_o blessing_n from_o he_o which_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n what_o they_o be_v by_o immediate_a we_o be_v by_o mediate_v divine_a constitution_n be_v they_o convert_v from_o dead_a idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n so_o be_v we_o be_v they_o unite_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n so_o be_v we_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n so_o be_v we_o what_o be_v it_o which_o make_v a_o church_n but_o god_n call_v to_o a_o people_n and_o their_o answer_n to_o his_o call_n now_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v to_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n isai_n 55.5_o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o zech._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n so_o mich._n 4.2_o many_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o say_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o his_o way_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n and_o psal_n 72.11_o 12._o all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o all_o nation_n shall_v call_v he_o bless_v and_o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n mat._n 21.43_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o church-state_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o moses_n foretell_v they_o deut._n 32.21_o i_o will_v move_v they_o to_o jealousy_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o a_o people_n i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n by_o a_o foolish_a nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o appli_v to_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 10.19_o which_o plain_o evince_v that_o god_n will_v convert_v whole_a nation_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a congregation_n out_o of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o church-state_n such_o for_o substance_n as_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o whole_a nation_n incorporate_v into_o one_o body_n ecclesiastic_a as_o well_o as_o into_o one_o body_n politic_a there_o may_v be_v as_o universal_a agreement_n in_o divine_a matter_n as_o in_o civil_a &_o the_o member_n of_o a_o national_a church_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o that_o relation_n as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o civil_a state_n and_o as_o governable_a in_o the_o one_o capacity_n as_o in_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o which_o forsake_v and_o gather_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a religious_a society_n from_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n here_o in_o england_n which_o be_v unite_v by_o national_a law_n political_n and_o ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v faulty_a separatist_n and_o set_v their_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n sect._n 38._o to_o make_v this_o yet_o a_o little_a plain_o to_o you_o i_o shall_v apply_v it_o to_o a_o separation_n make_v from_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o the_o national_a and_o differ_v only_o as_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a though_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n be_v no_o more_o of_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n than_o the_o jewish_a congregation_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a prudential_a distribution_n of_o the_o whole_a into_o part_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a community_n in_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o participation_n of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o no_o christian_a consider_v simple_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v any_o more_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n than_o of_o another_o but_o ought_v indifferent_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o yet_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v homageneal_a or_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o national_a as_o well_o as_o catholic_n church_n essential_o consider_v they_o who_o from_o vicinity_n of_o neighbourhood_n and_o cohabitation_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o christian_a assembly_n fit_o accommodate_v for_o public_a worship_n common_a order_n and_o edification_n and_o best_a subserve_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church-relation_n if_o they_o separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n as_o act_v in_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o national_a church_n and_o set_v up_o assembly_n of_o a_o different_a and_o disagree_a constitution_n they_o do_v not_o walk_v as_o god_n have_v call_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o pitch_v every_o man_n by_o his_o own_o standard_n numb_a 2.2_o according_a to_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o do_v not_o go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o god_n flock_n nor_o feed_v where_o god_n make_v his_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n cant._n 1.7_o 8._o but_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n sect._n 39_o moreover_o whatever_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o our_o parish-church_n be_v or_o whatever_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o national_a church_n be_v or_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n at_o all_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o parish-church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o profess_v christianity_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o be_v they_o do_v preach_v and_o proclaim_v god_n will_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o those_o pillar_n which_o have_v the_o edict_n of_o prince_n affix_v to_o they_o proclaim_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o symbol_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o all_o amity_n and_o commerce_n with_o god_n be_v administer_v in_o they_o they_o by_o mutual_a consent_n join_v themselves_o together_o as_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a church_n and_o they_o which_o live_v in_o a_o orderly_a communion_n with_o they_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n abide_v where_o they_o be_v call_v with_o god_n keep_v their_o rank_n and_o place_n where_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n have_v fix_v they_o and_o maintain_v public_a charity_n and_o order_n and_o consequent_o they_o which_o have_v be_v once_o join_v to_o they_o as_o all_o the_o separatist_n in_o england_n have_v be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o such_o a_o existence_n as_o parish-church_n now_o have_v they_o for_o the_o main_n have_v long_o before_o the_o old_a separatist_n in_o england_n be_v bear_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o they_o carry_v it_o like_o mutineer_n in_o a_o army_n violate_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o by_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n and_o discpline_n from_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o we_o sect._n 40._o i._n such_o
they_o do_v or_o can_v commit_v for_o it_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n luke_n 1.17_o and_o to_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n eph._n 1.10_o and_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o redeem_n work_n of_o god_n the_o son_n which_o be_v to_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o john_n 11.52_o and_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o consequent_o as_o contrary_a to_o all_o those_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o all_o derive_v the_o efflux_n of_o their_o grace_n love_n and_o goodness_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o purposely_o design_v to_o accomplish_v the_o church_n unity_n e._n g._n when_o we_o be_v baptize_v we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o what_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o but_o to_o mind_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v many_o member_n yet_o we_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o respective_a ministration_n for_o but_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v the_o body_n increase_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o division_n and_o separation_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o the_o divider_n of_o and_o separator_n from_o our_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o as_o some_o among_o themselves_o acknowledge_v be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o approve_v of_o which_o be_v unlawful_a to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o godly_a party_n whereas_o we_o can_v just_o appeal_v and_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v that_o for_o so_o do_v they_o be_v rebel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o we_o i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o discourse_n with_o a_o serious_a and_o earnest_a admonition_n and_o charge_n to_o you_o to_o remember_v with_o great_a thoughtfulness_n of_o heart_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v one_o and_o that_o when_o you_o be_v initiate_v into_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n you_o be_v baptize_v into_o this_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13._o so_o that_o here_o a_o departure_n from_o unity_n be_v a_o nullity_n he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o new_a and_o not_o of_o the_o old_a church_n be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n right_o execute_v be_v so_o terrible_a because_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n body_n which_o sentence_n every_o schismatic_a very_o desperate_o execute_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o too_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o tremendous_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v through_o some_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n sentence_v such_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v sentence_v and_o then_o the_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v and_o make_v void_a by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whosoever_o wilful_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o for_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a most_o certain_o separate_v himself_o from_o christ_n too_o who_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n eph._n 5.23_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ark_n because_o out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o wilful_o leap_v out_o of_o it_o be_v rather_o more_o than_o less_o desperate_o guilty_a of_o self-destruction_n than_o he_o that_o be_v deserve_o and_o judicial_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a curse_n for_o a_o church_n to_o pronounce_v against_o a_o obstinate_a sinner_n the_o devil_n take_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o curse_n every_o man_n very_o resolute_o execute_v upon_o himself_o when_o he_o wilful_o forsake_v god_n church_n for_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v i_o will_v forsake_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n take_v i_o a_o thing_n so_o full_a of_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v and_o you_o to_o hear_v and_o from_o which_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o for_o thy_o christ_n and_o our_o jesus_n his_o sake_n amen_n finis_fw-la
to_o the_o will_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n to_o the_o very_o be_v itself_o of_o god_n and_o in_o no_o case_n eligible_a and_o you_o shall_v find_v when_o the_o prophet_n lament_v the_o evil_a portion_n of_o the_o church_n her_o sin_n and_o not_o her_o suffering_n be_v the_o principal_a object_n of_o his_o lamentation_n because_o the_o worst_a evil_n upon_o she_o and_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n lam._n 1.5_o 8_o 9_o and_o david_n be_v more_o passionate_o affect_v and_o afflict_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o very_a enemy_n than_o for_o his_o own_o exile_n and_o reproach_n psal_n 119.136_o and_o why_o be_v it_o even_o because_o he_o lay_v god_n dishonour_n to_o his_o heart_n more_o than_o his_o own_o wrong_n sect._n 16._o second_o because_o they_o love_v their_o brethren_n as_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n as_o to_o forget_v the_o thing_n of_o other_o but_o account_v other_o man_n innocency_n more_o valuable_a than_o their_o own_o conveniency_n and_o consequent_o more_o endeavour_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n soul_n than_o a_o temporal_a provision_n for_o their_o own_o body_n what_o be_v say_v of_o adam_n first_o sin_n may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o sinful_a separation_n it_o be_v virtual_o every_o sin_n a_o violation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o formal_o and_o destructive_o opposite_a to_o love_v that_o if_o love_v be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.10_o then_o separation_n be_v a_o evacuate_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o st._n james_n express_o assert_n that_o where_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v there_o be_v every_o evil_a work_n jam._n 3.16_o that_o be_v such_o man_n be_v not_o only_o at_o odds_o among_o themselves_o but_o also_o with_o god_n and_o themselves_o counter-acting_a too_o often_o to_o make_v and_o maintain_v a_o party_n their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v not_o separation_n then_o a_o very_a likely_a way_n to_o reformation_n how_o light_n soever_o some_o man_n make_v of_o division_n and_o separation_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n the_o exudation_n and_o working_n of_o that_o flesh_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n gal._n 5.19_o and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n notwithstanding_o their_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3.3_o 4._o such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n judas_n v._o 19_o nor_o be_v servant_n to_o christ_n but_o servitor_n to_o their_o own_o belly_n rom._n 16.18_o yea_o such_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o divine_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a assert_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n mr._n edward_n a_o eminent_a presbyterian_a and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o gangraena_fw-la second_o part_n p._n 197._o that_o schism_n of_o itself_o even_o with_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o every_o point_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a wickedness_n which_o exceed_v all_o other_o wickedness_n and_o optatus_n and_o st._n augustine_n before_o he_o have_v observe_v that_o for_o this_o sin_n god_n more_o severe_o punish_v corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n though_o they_o fall_v into_o it_o from_o a_o pretence_n to_o holiness_n and_o great_a humility_n numb_a 16.3_o than_o he_o do_v cain_n for_o his_o murder_n or_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o idolatry_n epist_n 142._o and_o mr._n crofton_n a_o man_n who_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o suffer_v as_o much_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a cause_n as_o any_o man_n in_o england_n plain_o assert_n in_o the_o presace_n to_o his_o saint_n care_v for_o church-communion_n that_o groundless_a or_o causeless_a separation_n from_o true_a church_n such_o as_o he_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v and_o self-constitution_n of_o new_a church_n and_o self-consecration_n of_o a_o new_a ministry_n be_v fundamental_a error_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a warrant_n for_o so_o say_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o teach_v he_o that_o they_o which_o addict_v themselves_o to_o division_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.19_o 20._o now_o if_o schism_n be_v of_o such_o a_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a importance_n to_o the_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n what_o price_n can_v be_v give_v too_o great_a to_o prevent_v or_o redeem_v from_o it_o certain_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n safety_n 1_o john_n 3.16_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v the_o expense_n of_o our_o estate_n a_o cost_n too_o dear_a for_o it_o sect._n 17._o three_o because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o even_a self-preservation_n require_v it_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o separation_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o separatist_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n from_o who_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v eccles_n 9.8_o one_o sinner_n destroy_v much_o good_a especial_o a_o schismatic_a for_o schism_n be_v to_o a_o church_n what_o sedition_n be_v to_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v and_o so_o destroy_v it_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v but_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n mat._n 12.25_o other_o sin_n destroy_v the_o church_n effective_o and_o consequential_o but_o schism_n formal_o and_o direct_o for_o schism_n be_v to_o a_o body_n ecclesiastical_a what_o a_o solution_n of_o continuity_n be_v to_o the_o body_n natural_a do_v not_o like_o a_o ulcer_n corrupt_v a_o part_n but_o cut_v or_o rend_v one_o part_n from_o another_o and_o when_o a_o compound_a body_n be_v dissolve_v it_o be_v destroy_v therefore_o when_o the_o psalmist_n aim_v at_o the_o defeat_n of_o his_o enemy_n conspiracy_n against_o he_o he_o pray_v destroy_v o_o lord_n and_o divide_v their_o tongue_n psal_n 55.9_o i_o e._n as_o the_o language_n of_o the_o babel_n bvilder_n be_v divide_v which_o bring_v their_o plot_n to_o a_o utter_a confusion_n gen._n 11.7_o so_o that_o division_n and_o destruction_n go_v together_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v call_v live_v stone_n build_v upon_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o now_o you_o know_v so_o long_o as_o stone_n in_o a_o wall_n be_v cement_v and_o join_v to_o one_o another_o the_o wall_n stand_v firm_a one_o stone_n support_v and_o hold_v fast_o another_o they_o mutual_o contribute_v preservation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a wall_n but_o if_o you_o sever_v one_o stone_n from_o another_o it_o be_v no_o long_o a_o wall_n but_o a_o ruinous_a heap_n churchunit_a be_v church-edifying_a but_o church-dividing_a be_v church-destroying_a work_n and_o therefore_o mr._n baxter_n very_o plain_o and_o honest_o tell_v the_o nonconform_a minister_n that_o if_o they_o set_v themselves_o in_o a_o divide_v way_n secret_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conform_v minister_n disparagement_n and_o to_o draw_v as_o many_o from_o he_o as_o they_o can_v they_o be_v but_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n call_v yourselves_o what_o you_o will_v say_v he_o to_o they_o i_o will_v call_v you_o destroyer_n if_o you_o be_v divider_n sacrilegious_a desertion_n page_n 91._o sect._n 18._o it_o be_v true_a every_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o it_o do_v not_o actual_o end_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o direct_a tendency_n of_o every_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o the_o divider_n and_o separater_n be_v as_o real_o and_o complete_o guilty_a as_o if_o they_o do_v actual_o accomplish_v it_o the_o ineffectualness_n of_o their_o design_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n and_o not_o of_o will_n and_o moral_a endeavour_n and_o though_o every_o division_n do_v not_o eventual_o conclude_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a oppression_n to_o it_o and_o a_o most_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o it_o sect._n 19_o it_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a oppression_n to_o it_o we_o be_v all_o debtor_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.14_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n owe_v to_o it_o our_o very_a self_n philem_n v._n 19_o for_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o do_v not_o only_o give_v we_o be_v but_o also_o minister_v nourishment_n and_o increase_n to_o we_o col._n 2.19_o eph._n 4.16_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v alienate_v ourselves_o from_o its_o communion_n and_o service_n without_o do_v great_a injustice_n and_o wrong_n to_o it_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o it_o in_o five_o respect_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o be_v and_o existence_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o
loveliness_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o fame_n and_o reputation_n 4._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o stability_n and_o strength_n 5._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n sect._n 20._o first_o separation_n be_v a_o oppression_n to_o a_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o be_v and_o existence_n the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o body_n and_o we_o be_v as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o body_n for_o the_o member_n caufeles_o to_o rend_v themselves_o from_o it_o if_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n more_o than_o raiment_n luke_n 12.23_o then_o it_o be_v a_o great_a oppression_n to_o destroy_v life_n or_o to_o dismember_v the_o body_n than_o it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o outward_a accommodation_n which_o be_v only_o for_o food_n and_o raiment_n by_o moses_n his_o law_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n that_o steal_v a_o man_n exod._n 21.16_o and_o be_v his_o guilt_n less_o that_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o a_o saint_n man_n be_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n a_o sociable_a creature_n we_o can_v conceive_v he_o relate_v to_o any_o society_n but_o we_o must_v conceive_v he_o bind_v to_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o guardian_n to_o it_o to_o protect_v and_o preserve_v it_o in_o all_o those_o law_n and_o order_n right_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o be_v security_n and_o welfare_n and_o be_v not_o he_o a_o oppressor_n which_o overthrow_v or_o weaken_v that_o society_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v and_o support_v sect._n 21._o second_o separation_n be_v a_o oppression_n to_o a_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n external_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o resultancy_n from_o part_n harmonious_o and_o orderly_o unite_v and_o dispose_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a deformity_n be_v a_o resultancy_n from_o maim_a or_o disorder_a part_n and_o who_o be_v there_o which_o do_v not_o as_o much_o dread_a deformity_n as_o poverty_n what_o will_v you_o not_o give_v or_o lose_v rather_o than_o become_v ugly_a and_o abominable_a and_o what_o be_v division_n but_o a_o disorder_v of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o what_o be_v separation_n but_o a_o pull_n of_o one_o part_n from_o another_o dismember_v a_o body_n and_o you_o must_v certain_o deform_v it_o pluck_v out_o a_o eye_n or_o cut_v off_o the_o nose_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a part_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o you_o have_v deform_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o correspondency_n of_o her_o part_n in_o god_n design_n and_o constitution_n of_o she_o be_v so_o beautiful_a that_o she_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a oppression_n to_o she_o by_o division_n and_o separation_n to_o bring_v deformity_n upon_o she_o and_o make_v she_o a_o object_n of_o lamentation_n to_o her_o compassionate_a friend_n and_o of_o scorn_n to_o her_o insult_a enemy_n sect._n 22._o three_o separation_n be_v a_o great_a oppression_n to_o a_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o her_o fame_n and_o reputation_n detraction_n from_o fame_n and_o reputation_n be_v as_o much_o and_o more_o a_o oppression_n than_o a_o detraction_n from_o any_o civil_a right_n or_o possession_n can_v be_v a_o good_a name_n and_o report_n be_v such_o a_o valuable_a blessing_n phil._n 4.8_o prov._n 10.7_o that_o good_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o all_o age_n have_v prefer_v it_o before_o either_o pleasure_n eccles_n 7.1_o or_o riches_n prov._n 22.1_o or_o life_n itself_o 1_o cor._n 9.15_o and_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o worst_a injury_n incident_a to_o humane_a society_n and_o commerce_n a_o man_n or_o a_o society_n of_o man_n without_o reputation_n under_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n be_v one_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o impotent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n now_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v a_o high_a defamation_n to_o it_o and_o most_o direct_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n for_o this_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n apostatise_v from_o christ_n decline_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n gross_a prophaner_n of_o god_n name_n and_o ordinance_n and_o consequent_o so_o devest_v of_o all_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o christian_a communion_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o abandon_v as_o publican_n and_o heathen_n this_o be_v the_o irresistible_a insinuation_n and_o true_a interpretation_n of_o every_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n for_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v justifiable_a but_o for_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n give_v why_o his_o people_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o babylon_n that_o they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n rev._n 18.4_o so_o that_o they_o which_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n disgrace_n and_o brand_v it_o for_o a_o society_n of_o corrupt_a and_o infamous_a christian_n with_o who_o god_n be_v not_o gracious_o present_a and_o with_o who_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o injurious_a deal_n can_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n and_o can_v be_v resent_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o smart_n and_o indignation_n sect._n 23._o four_o separation_n be_v a_o great_a oppression_n to_o a_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o her_o stability_n and_o strength_n one_o end_n why_o christ_n embody_a and_o form_v his_o disciple_n into_o a_o church-society_n be_v that_o from_o their_o conjunction_n and_o relation_n they_o may_v like_o part_n of_o the_o same_o body_n contribute_v mutual_a help_n strength_n and_o succour_v to_o each_o other_o two_o say_v solomon_n be_v better_o than_o one_o eccles_n 4.9_o to_o 13._o that_o be_v society_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v better_a than_o solitariness_n because_o it_o be_v useful_a to_o encourage_v endeavour_n to_o support_v under_o burden_n to_o preserve_v from_o danger_n to_o rescue_v from_o distress_n to_o further_o and_o cherish_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n and_o office_n and_o to_o sympathize_v and_o refresh_v under_o all_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n as_o christ_n for_o his_o protect_a and_o quicken_a influence_n on_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o head_n col._n 1.18_o so_o every_o christian_a for_o his_o subordinate_a assistance_n and_o beneficialness_n to_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o member_n fit_o and_o orderly_o join_v to_o the_o body_n eph._n 4.15_o 16._o so_o that_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o 1._o cor._n 12.21_o so_o neither_o can_v any_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_a say_v to_o the_o mean_a i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o for_o they_o all_o embark_v in_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o consignation_n of_o god_n to_o a_o common_a care_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o whole_a and_o one_o another_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.1_o that_o be_v whilst_o like_o a_o army_n she_o continue_v in_o good_a order_n peace_n and_o unity_n within_o itself_o because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n one_o member_n be_v a_o succour_n and_o defence_n to_o another_o and_o as_o every_o soldier_n in_o a_o army_n keep_v his_o rank_n and_o order_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o conduct_n courage_n and_o prowess_n of_o the_o whole_a army_n so_o every_o christian_a abide_v in_o that_o call_v wherein_o he_o be_v call_v with_o god_n walk_v orderly_o in_o the_o church_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o now_o we_o all_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o weak_a thing_n unite_v become_v strong_a and_o strong_a thing_n divide_v become_v weak_a whence_o scyllurus_n teach_v his_o eighty_o son_n by_o give_v they_o a_o sheaf_n of_o arrow_n which_o together_o they_o can_v not_o break_v but_o one_o take_v from_o another_o they_o can_v easy_o break_v that_o unity_n and_o compact_a strength_n be_v the_o bond_n that_o preserve_v all_o society_n entire_a and_o inviolate_a but_o division_n that_o which_o dissolve_v and_o extirpate_v they_o so_o that_o he_o which_o separate_v himself_o from_o a_o church_n and_o refuse_v to_o supply_v his_o proper_a place_n and_o order_n in_o it_o he_o break_v down_o her_o strong_a hold_n and_o weaken_v she_o and_o consequent_o oppress_v she_o sect._n 24._o five_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a oppression_n to_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n we_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o pray_v and_o consequent_o to_o use_v our_o utmost_a