As a Particular member by it selfe considered may be and is called the Temple of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6. 15. 19. without the injury to the Body whereof he is a part which in another sense or collectively is called the TEMPLE 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Cor. 3. 16. So may a particular body sat down in this or that Judgement and yet in another sense and we humbly think with much more sutablenesse does this particular Church or Collective body stated as before expressed beare the name of the Temple too Rev. 11. 1 2. Cor. 6. 16 17. or Gospel-Order after the first pattern 1 Cor. 12. 13. 17. Phil. 3. 15. Rom. 14. 14 5. 12. 45. Now the reason of this Analogy is because this holds a most excellent consistency Symmetry Harmony need and Vsefulnesse of every particular body of this or that forme as well as a particular Church does or ought to doe with every particular member of that body whether of this or that Judgement keeping up a necessary serviceablenesse to the Lord and one another in All and in every one in their proper joynts and places which is most like to the Primitive state and is a Constitution more after the Institution of the Gospell then a sitting down in any one Forme This is no other then the House of God! said Jacob Gen. 28. 17. which is that why where he saw the Ladder and some goe up and some goe down and some one way and some another and the Lord a top of all at the Head of all and all serving him their severall wayes as 1 Cor. 12. 5. There be Differences of administrations and yet but One Lord In this heavenly harmony and melody if we might but find it of different members and motions O how sweet would be the Vision 6. Lastly but as for those particular Churches so called that are corrupted have lost their Forme and Matter that are let loose and doe let their members range in the World and the Lusts thereof that persecute or oppose the Truth Cast out or kill the life and Grace of the sound Members not admitting Communion with Different Saints nor keeping up of Brotherly love that are thus gangrened both in Substance and Circumstances so defiled so deformed and degenerated we doe not we dare not hold Communion with or own them for the Faithfull Spouse after the first pattern Now these are they and no other that we doe doctrinally and practically declare against and withdraw from So that by this Time we trust every one can answer himselfe in the second part of the QUERY viz. How this doth bear the Name from the Rest viz. that are Apostatized 1. In the Truth of that which they have but the Name and Title of 2. In the Spirit and Life of that which they keep up but the Forme and Letter of 3. In the Harmony of the diffring Members and Meetings in their own joynts and places in that New-Jerusalem-like Order of Communion with all Saints which they have either rejected or else were never well acquainted with For as we believe All were not rightly constituted Churches that were called so or went by that Name So we deny not but this or that particular Church or some that once we might have owned may foulely Fall Fade Decay and die as we durst not hold Communion with and yet we not question but a true Temple-state may be found amongst us too growing up towards perfection Besides in the End and Rule we may be said to bear that NAME from them without reflecting upon those Churches that maintain the Purity of Matter and Forme Rule and End Extent and Priviledges of the Kingdome of Christ whom we with all our hearts doe own and are ONE with in Spirit and Communion Qu 3. But can any be said to be ONE CHVRCH or gospel-Gospel-Body and yet more then One or how can any be members of two Bodies and doth not this way you are in looke too like an universal-VNIVERSAL-CHVRCH and smell of that straine for you have many meetings and so many Bodies Answ. Here be many Queries in one which in order we answer 1. We doe not say nor can any that we are more then ONE though ONE that hath many Members and so meetings as occasion requires 1 Cor. 12. 13. 27. but more fully to that presently 2. One may be a member of two Bodies in a two sold consideration very well as a member of a Naturall Body may be also a member of a political-Politicall-Body and of a Polit may be also of a Religious Body yea and so of two Religious Bodies in a twofold consideration as a member of a Particular Church is also member of the universal and may also be a member of a BODY united upon Kingdome-Principles and services or on other matters But 3. This was very frequent and in Constant practice in the Primitive times to be of One Church as a member by union and of another by Communion and so Paul had communion with all Churches and at Corinth 1 Cor. 5 4 5. and yet a member admitted of the Church at Jerusalem Thus may members of other Churches be also members of this Body and walk with this in Communion and yet hold their places too in their own particular bodies As a member of a mans body holds its place there and yet as a member of all mankind hath a Publick motion too as well as a Particular 4. That there be no mistake in the FORMAL PART of this Vniting-Worke we have declared our selves to be but one Particular Body after the 1 Pattern at Jerusalem and holding a Communion with all Saints in order Jew or Gentile bond or free of this or that opinion that understandingly desire it Object 1. But visible Saint ship and visible Church-state are not All one and many may be Saints or memberrs of Christs mysticall body that are not joyned to any visible Church Acts 5. 13 14. Answ 1. We grant they are not one in state and yet the true Chuâ—ch-state is the Câ—mmunion of Saints and according to the institution hath joynts and places for all sorts of Saints received Rom. 14. whole Chapt and 12. 4 5. 1 Cor. 12. 2. We confesse also that some may be Saints that are not of any Particular Church nor desire it but the Query is whether any Saints inlightned of good life and seeking Communion with us are to be put by 3. We are to be such a Body as holds a Communion and good intelligence even with them also in the Spirit yea and in some cases so far as can be consistent with the power of godlinesse and wherein wee agree c. more visibly too Luke 10. 1. Acts 5. 13 14. for the publick good Yea 4. Our Communion spiritually is to be so large as Comprehends Saints in an Invisible Way and in the Power as well as in a Visible Way and in the Forme being all Members
no Fellowship with Eph. 5. 11. 2 Chron. 11. 16. Hos. 4. 15. 8. The Fearfull shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience 1 Tim. 1. 19. that hath been made amongst Professours at this day wherein since the SHIP hath been broken into pieces and Fitters so Many have sunk and been drowned in sins and pleasures and worldly lusts and those that doe as yet remaine alive are in very desperate danger of the like destiny upon their severall planks and peeces whether they be Presbiterian Independent Baptized or others And therefore according to Acts 2. 40 Save your selves from this untoward Generation to save our selves as much as in us lies from this great perill wherein so many are fallen before our eyes we rather get off from the severall pieces or our particular Forms since this shipwracke wherein every one is Scrambling to get most for himselfe and Few for the the publick good of all and doe goe aboard upon this bottome or ONE WAY of Christ and SHIP wherein is contained all the particular Formes and Judgements the Safety and Liberty of them All Knowing that if we be all united to save the SHIP every ones Cabbin will be safe and in the preservation of the whole or the power of Godlinesse amongst all is contained the good and safety of every individuall and particular 9. The present Divisions Factions and Distractions in particular Congregations and Formes keeping up their rigidity as a partition-wall between Saints and Saints doe call aloud for this Vniting-work and way of Christ for the building up again of all these wast places and breaches of Syon Isa. 49. 17. till which the things of Christ are and will be carried on by Parties Hurries and Factions Schismes and confusions of tongues too much of Babylon some crying up Paul and some Apollo some Cephas stopping the progresse of the Gospell setting up particular Interests for the Publick lifting up other Names for Gods Name hindring the sweetnesse of Saints Communion and darkning the Excellency and derogating from the Majesty and power of the truths of Christ and his Kingdome eating out the power of Godlinesse with controversies and keeping under the growth thereof with oppositions and enmity as it was of old between Jew and Gentile Circumcision and Uncircumcision which Enmity now appears among Professours of different opinions in their unkind carriages one to another bitter speeches and invective censures nick-names and provocations ready to cast out one another threatning slâ—ghting betraying wronging and devouring of one another Which their Teachers have not discovered so as to turne away their Captivity Lam. 2. 14. But because this Jewish rigidity and enmity heightned and reared up in Ordinances Formes and Commandments is so far abolished by the death of Christ Eph. 2. 15 16. that both Jew and Gentile though ever so different in Judgement must make up one body and did BOTH continue in one and the same Church in Primitive times 1 Cor. 12. 13. in the free Exercise of their own Faith and Light Rom. 14. 4 5. We dare not deny the death of Christ and the benefit of his Crosse in this matter by keeping up the enmity grudging or division amongst them that differ in their Judgements or Formes of worship but rather from the power and effect of it in our own hearts which hath slaine not onely the enmity against God but we hope of one against another that our Love to one another may be the Love of God that dwelleth in us 1 John 4. We doe UNITE as made ONE by the Crosse fellow-Citizens together with all Saints upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets fitly framed and growing up together Eph. 2. 19 20 21. through the Spirit that every one may be fully perswaded in his own mind Rom. 14. 5. pressing after one and the same perfection and whereto he hath already attained so to walk Phil. 3. 15 16. to keep in his own path without justling one another Joel 2. 8. eating of his own bread Isa. 4. 1. and sitting under his own vine with quiet comfort and safety Micah 4. 4. 5. 10. The CONFEDERACY or Conspiracy of the Enemies of Christ and his people which is very strong and twisted at this day The Scales of Leviathan are shut together as with a close SEALE and if they be at variance amongst themselves we see the present way of making them ONE is by a Crosse and crafty complication of Interests or joynt-opposition of Christ and his Kingdome HEROD and PILATE made Friends against Christ Ephraim and Manasseth against Judah REZIN and PEKAH and Ephraim too against Jerusalem yea Gebal Ammon Amaleeke and the Philistines with them that dwell at Tyre Prov. 1. 14. Come say they cast in thy lot among us and let us have ONE purse And if they agree in opposing it is time for us to agree in exposing All we have and are for Christ and his People Acts 4. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anoynted both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and people of Israel were gathered together'd together then verse 32 The MVLTITVDE of them that believed were of ONE HEART and of ONE SOVLE neither said any of them that ought th things which he posessed was his own 11. For that as they must be a Particular and a Distinct People from others Numb. 23. 9. Prov. 14. 7. So a Peculiar and Conjunct People with themselves that are after the first pattern and fit for Christs Kingdome service Like Nehemiah 9. 2. The seed of Israel who separated themselves from all strangers and stood and confessed their sins Nehem. 10. 28. and then ver. 29. they CLAVE to one another So Chap. 13. 3. and Acts 19. 9. Perswading the things concerning the Kingdome of God but when divers were hardned and spake evill of that WAY he departed from them and SEPARATED the Disciples A visible and pure segregation and aggregation going hand in hand to make up the Forme of this COLLECTIVE Body every particular member judgement and measure being put into its proper place seat and Joynt in the body 1 Cor. 12. 11 12 14 20. for service 12. For that every particular Church is to bear by institution the IMAGE and parts of the whole Church of Christ and therein hath all the priviledges of it Now the whole Church consists not of this or that sort or size of Saints or of those of this or that Forme this or that judgement but of all sorts of Saints of all judgements and under all Administrations this is called the Church of the First-born Heb. 12. 23. the Mount Sion ver. 22. Which the Hebrewes were come up unto in their Communion not in any one Forme or Judgement whither Presbiterian Independent Baptist c. for they are the Churches of the Latter-horne rather But the First-borne comprehends Abraham Isaac Jacob Prophets Apostles and Saints in All Ages of all Judgements
upon Jehovah-Elohim the Lord our Light for more Light and inlargement from his holy Influences upon us and others as the Effect of this hopefull Essay which we in this way are in a Capacity to drink up as greedily as the Earth drinketh in the Raine The Proposalls for Propagating the great Work of Vniting in and about this City of London which we are stirred up unto by the Word and Spirit of God by the Call of Christ and of his Servants by many most pregnant and speciall Grounds to it Reasons for it and Benefits by it both unto the Lord our Jesus to our selves and others as unto the Present Worke and Duty Incumbent upon us being so convinced in our Faith and Consciences 1. THAT the SCATTERED ONES the Disciples of Christ who keep their garments Clean Rev. 3. 4. and Close Rev. 16. 15. from defiling at this day who wait with us for the Kingdome and second coming of our Lord Jesus and are of the same Faith and hope with us Eph. 4. 4. Satisfied in each other upon the account of Godlinesse and in Close walking with God though now dispersed in and about this City be all UNITED and Gathered together into ONE BODY 2 That this ONE BODY be knit together as a Religious Body upon Principles of Grace and of the Kingdome of Christ Gathered and Governed in a Gospel or Christian Order after the pattern in Acts 1. 14 15 the Primitive Constitution Titus 1. 5. and the Promise of Restitution Acts 15. 15. Rev. 15. 5. Isa. 58. 12. and 60. 15. c. and of opening of the TABERNACLE of the Testimony into the Primitive purity of Worship Waiting for the pouring out of the Spirit and Contending together for the truth with ONE ACCORD as one man Jude 3. 3. That this Body for MATTER consists of such as we can judge faithfull followers of the Lamb Rev. 14. 1. 17. 15. Called and Chosen Cleaving to the Cause of Christ and Controversie now up against the BEAST and his Followers though otherwise they be of different Formes Judgements and Apprehensions 1 Cor. 12. 4 5. 12 13 14. Rom. 14. 2. Phil. 3. 16. Weake and strong bond and free more or lesse honourable Ver. 22 23 24. Holding fast the bond of peace in the unity of the SPIRIT without any Schisme rent or divisions in this Body Eph. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 12. 13. 25. 4. That this Body not sat downe or Consolidated in any One Forme or Judgement what ever wherein one Saint may or doe differ from another doe sit down and knit together iu the POWER OF GODLINES 1 Tim. 6. 3. or life grace and light of all Formes and Judgements upon the account of the New-Creature-onenesse in Christ Jesus Gal. 6. 15. 2. Cor. 5. 17. and upon such Principles wherein we all Agree as ONE MAN and of one Mind for Christ his Kingdome-worke in every Administration of his Kingdome and for the Leavening of the whole Lump 1 Pet. 3. 8. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Rom. 15. 5. 5. That the Members and Particular branches of this ONE BODY have the Free Full and Intire Exercise of their different Judgements and practises in their own particular and different Congregations or Meetings of those Judgments with as great Freedome of their Ordinances wherein one differeth from another as any particular Church now hath onely holding together as Branches of this one Body or PHILADELPHIAN CHURCH of Christ in All Ordinances wherein All Agree keeping their places without the Least molesting or offending one another or the Peace Unity of the Church about different matters medling with those things in the maine Body as are without Controversie to the edifying of the whole and according to the Principles and Points wherein we are all Agreed as ONE MAN Acts 2. 46 47. Rom. 14. 1. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 11. 17 18. 2. Tim. 2. 16. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 5. Titus 3. 9. Eph. 4. 29. And if any PARTICULAR CHURCHES or Members of them as such upon those Principles and Points doe joyne with us that we hoâ—d our Communion with them without the least intrenchment upon or injury to them in their Priviledges or Power which they Exercise as Churches in their own Bodies in Any or all the Ordinances of Christ or Affaires of their own Bodies Isa. 65 10. Zech. 2. 11. Acts 15. 32. 6. 5. Gal. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 16. 11. Rev. 1. 4. 11. 20. 22. 16. 6. That there be a Weekly Church-meeting of this whole UNITED BODY for praying Prophecying preparing and provoking one another waiting for the coming down of the holy Spirit the great things that shall shortly come to passe and the second Appearance of our Lord Jesus with all the things that concern the day of Christ upon us Heb. 10. 24 25 Acts 14. 27. Mat. 3. 16. And for the Edifying of All in the things we are united upon Gathering in of Sinners and dispersed ones or the DVST OF ZION Psal. 102. 13 14. Maintaining a Correspondencie and Clear Intelligence with the Kingdome-Saints in the Nations Isa. 14. 32. as they did in Primitive times by Letters and Messengers Acts 15 22. Phil. 2. 19. 25. 1 Cor. 16. 3. and all the like ways that we can agree in to carry on the KINGDOM-WORK and Government of Christ amongst us 7. That there be a most Indeared and Affectionate Love to one another like that which Christ bare to his Church Joh. 13. 34 35 15. 12. Eph. 5. 2. 1 Thes. 4. 9 1 John 2. 4. 21. Rom. 12. 10. 13. 8. called Love unfained 1 Pet 1. 22. and without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. Avoiding diligently all Causes and Causers of Division in this body Rom. 16. 17 18. Mat. 24 23. Acts 20. 29 30 31. Rev. 2. 14 15 16. and keeping carefully and constantly this BLESSED UNITY and LOVE both in the PARTICULAR and in the GENERALL Phil. 2. 1 2 3. Rom. 14. 19. 1 Cor. 6. 5. Acts 4. 32. Mutually and Tenderly bearing with each others Failings and Infirmities with meeknesse patience pitty piety and sweet brotherly Assistance not upbraiding censuring nor provoking of one another Ep. 4. 32. Ro. 14. 13 15. 1. Gal. 6. 1. Col. 3. 12 13 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16. 8. An earnest JOYNT-STRIVING and Joynt-Contending in all Lawfull and just wayes by doing or suffering for the Truth Faith Purity Power of Godlinesse Light Life Liberty Priviledges and Kingdome of Christ Jesus Jude 3. Heb. 12. 3 4. Gal. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 7. 23. 1 Pet. 3. 15. Every one chearfully and unanimously undergoing the LOT OF THIS BODY in Adversity and Prosperity Heb. 10. 23. to the end Acts 12. 5. 7. Mat. 13. 20 21. And a Tender Sympathizing or participiating one with another in all estates tryalls and conditions except sin and not to DRAW BACK upon any Occasion or Temptation whatsoever the Lord helping us 1 John 2. 19 20. 2 Tim. 4 10. 16 1 Cor 19. 26.
Rom. 12. 15. Gal. 6. 2. Acts 20. 35. Heb. 13. 3. 9. In the AFFAIRES of Christ his Kingdome this Body his People and the Nations freely to give up our selves to the Lord and his Christ and one to another according to Gods word the FATHERS will and the SONS worke and the HOLY SPIRITS working quickning and Inabling of us Freely and Chearfully to Communicate in things Spirituall and Temporall 1 John 3. 17 18. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. 2 Cor. 9. 5 6. Rom. 12. 13. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Tim 6. 17. Gal. 6 10. Jude 20. 1 Cor. 12. 9. and condescending to the meanest service we may be called to or put upon agreeing with our Faith Light and Consciences for the Vse of Christ and this whole Body James 2 1 2 3. Mat. 20. 26. Rom. 12. 16. John 13. 12 13 14 15 16. 10. An Exact and Exemplary Conversation in all MANNER OF HOLINES Humility and Grace to the powerfull Conviction of them WITHOUT as well as profit and comfort of them WITHIN Psal. 24. 3. Mat. 5. 16. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Tit. 2. 11 12. Eph. 4. 21 22 23 24. 1 Pet. 2. 12. with vigilant Care over one another Heb. 3. 12 13 12. 15 17. Col. 4. 6. Mat. 18. 15 16 17. 1 Thes. 5. 14. Rom. 5 15. untill we be APPARENTLY a People dwelling ALONE not wicked nor mixed among the Nations Numb. 23. 9. John 15. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 14 15 Eph 5. 11. Hos. 4. 15 Rev. 14. 7. c. Note that the 5 Prop nor any other be interpreted as making this one Body many but ONE particular Church having many Meetings upon different matters and occasions and at allowed times for accomodating themselves and holding Communion with the Philadelphian Churches And besides all that hath been said set in our hearts to promote this so Blessed and Necessary a Work of Uniting among Christians whether in this or any other way that will answer the End thereof upon the Kingly account of Christ We cannot but acquaint you with some of our and your present MOTIVES unto it desiring the Lord to make them as irresistable and powerfull by his Spirit on your hearts as they are on ours 1. THat the greatest Advance which the Scriptures mention of the Name or Kingdome of God in the world hath ever been begun by this WORK OF UNITING first and this that is to be in the last dayes is not onely foretold to begin so in the expresse and plaine Letter or Prophecy both of the old and New Testament but of the type as of Egypt and Babylon The First Work which Moses set afoot after his leaving Tharoahs Court was this of UNITING Acts 7. 25 26. For he supposed his Brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them but they understood not And the next day he shewed himselfe unto them as they strove and would have set them at ONE againe saying Sirs ye are Brethren And this before the plagues came upon Egypt So before the VIALS be poured out upon mysticall Egypt Rev. 11. 8. we must be UNITED and Brethren forbear striving This was the First work upon proclaiming Liberty from Babylon for those who were of one heart Ezra 2. Zerubbabell and the Remnant so Hag. 1. 14 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabell and the spirit of Joshua and the spirit of all the Remnant together and they came and did worke as Zech. 3. 8. Hear now O Joshua thou and thy Fellows and then follows I will bring forth my Servant the BRANCH This was the FIRST WORK viz UNITING and gatherin into ONE that our Lord Jesus and his Apostles put the first planting of the Gospel upon Acts 1. 4. 8. 14 15. whence arose that SEED that hath since sowed the whole Christian world so called and so must it be before the flying Gospel Rev. 14. 8. or Gospel of the Kingdome be preached throughout the habitable world Mat. 24. 14. And so it is foretold to be the great and First work that the Spirit of Eliah which goes before the great and notable day of the Lord or coming of Christ doth put us upon viz. UNITING Mal. 4. 6. And he shall turne the hearts of the Fathers to the Children and the hearts of the Children to their Fathers and then RESTORING of all things as at First follows Mat. 17. 11. Elias truly shall First come to restore all things Wherefore if Moses Zerubbabell Christ and his Apostles or the Spirit of Eliah if they be may heard and their Examples had in esteem amongst us this is an undeniable duty now upon us the First worke and the first step that we can take to purpose out of Egyt Babylon and the earthly Jerusalem into the reall Advance of the great work of God name and Kingdome of Christ on earth 2. Besides consider hereto the Call of Christ as it was to his Dispersed ones at his Resurrection of a Risen Christ behold he is risen though you see him not it is the Lord said John to Peter Job 21. 7. and he leapt into the Sea to him Isa. 60. 1. The Light is come and the glory of the Lord is RISEN after a death and a sore one after the three days of a CHRIST who dyed for the Collective body and is Risen to the Collective Body the blood of the New Testament shed for MANY not for this or that Forme or sort onely but for the MANY united into one Body calls aloud to this Practice and kind of Communion So that if there be any consolation in Christ any Bowells any mercies any true sence of that Love which was in him to us stronger then Death and which many waters could not quench and raised him from the Grave Let us hear him as Risen from the Dead whose First word from thence is Goe quickly and tell them I AM RISSEN And bid them that is together come and meet me Mat. 28. and there they shall see me Oh then what sayest thou canst thou hear him call so and not come Doth he not now say as Cant. 2. 10 13. Rise up my Love my faire one and come away againe vers. 14. and yet againe vers. 13. Ob let me see thee vers. 10. and Cant. 4. 8. Come with me from Lebanon my sister my spouse with me from Lebanon c. And can we find in our hard hearts to stay behind or not to stir now God forbid 3. Add hereto the consent and concurrence of all Saints in all ages who have lived and and dyed in the Faith and hope of this that All Saints should be gathered INTO ONE in the Dispensation of the fulness of times Eph 1. 10. and of the new Jerusalem and Kingdome state that consists of such a Collective Body Rev. 21. Should Paul Peter James John Apostles Prophets or Saints from Abraham to this day Arise from the dead the whole Classes of them would call us into this UNITING
of the mystery of Godlinesse which is without controversie Object 2. But the mysticall Church consisting of the elect in Christ Angels and men alive and dead borne and unborne c. cannot be properly â—alled Church-state instituted by Christ in the Gospel being constituted from Eternity in Gods Decree c. Answ. Yet the visible Church in Communion with them with Angels and Spirits of just men made perfect i. e. in a most sweete secret and invisible way is of Gospel institution Heb. 12. 22 23. Ephes 2. 19 20 21. and this is all that we affirm that our Communion must be of such a Nature and comprehensivenesse of Spirit as should not onely admit an Onenesse with them in Spirit but a walking with them on earth were they all alive amongst us under their diverse Administrations forms gifts and apprehensions Object 3. Some hold that the Church at Jerusalem was made up of many particular Churches and this you make your pattern Answ. Not in that sense nor do we hold so but we hold the Church at Jerusalem was but one particular Church having diverse sorts of Members and Meetings at some times and so it is our patterne and not as an universall visible Church for that we deny the universall Church being partly visible and partly invisible comprehending all times places and sorts in heaven and earth Answ 2. It is a great mistake to think the particular meetings of this Body are particular Churches for any one Church may have at some times severall meetings about several matters as Acts 12. 5. 12. 17. 20. 20. Gal. 2. 2 3. and yet be but one particular Church So it is here Notwithstanding in another consideration it seemes to some with as good Analogy and Property of speech consonancy and consistency of truth and Rule as now any Particular Church what ever may be called One and yet the members in particular or the families be many may the meetings too be many and it be said The Church that is at their house Rom. 16. 5. 1 Cor. 16. 19 Col. 4. 15. and the Church which is which meets at his house So Phile 2. So those of Caesars houshold yet in this sense that we speak they were but members of the Church So those that met in Maries house Act. 12. 5. 12. yet were but members of the Church at Jerusalem Now the reason is because two or three together in Christs name or the faithfull of some one Family or a meeting of brethren may be called a Church in one respect and not as they stand related in another Phil. 4. 22. and thus may we be said to be but ONE COLLECTIVELY and yet MORE THEN One if every meeting must be so interpreted DISTRIBUTIVELY wherein one may differ and be in his joynt from Another Though for our parts we cannot Understand it so as of many but of one BODY as 1 Cor. 12. 25. but now are they MANY and many sort of members yet but ONE BODY As SION may have many Gates wherein might be severall Assemblies as of one sort that sat in one gate and another sort in Another and yet be but ONE SION Psal. 84. 2. As the BODY hath many joynts members Arteries Sinewes Veines wherein every one Member from joynt to joynt may be lookt upon as distinct and yet as conjunct or a member of the WHOLE yet makes but one BODY Rom. 12. 4. As a CITY Psal. 122. 3 4. 46. 4. hath many houses Trades Streets Corporations and Societies wherein every one in it's own bounds may be called in a sense a Body yet makes but one City compact As an Army with Banners Cant 6. 4. 10. wherein every Company Regiment Colour Brigade and Wing is as it were an Army by it selfe yet makes but one in all as a Kingdome Joh 18. 36. Heb. 12. 28. Mat. 21. 43. may have many Families Cities Villages Shires Countries c. wherein every one by it's selfe may be said to be a little Kingdome and yet are all but one Kingdome And as Heaven Mal. 13. 11. 24. 31. wherein every firmament Element Planet Star and Constellation make up but one Heaven So is it with a true Church of Christ which is called a Body a City an Army a Kingdome and a Heaven in Scripture So the new Jerusalem Rev. 21. 14. may be said to have twelve Foundations and in them the name of the twelve Apostles and the Lamb every particular member of different Sate vers. 19 20. as the Jasper and Saphire and Calcedony c. to be upon his own and proper Foundation wherein one differ from another as Paul from Peter c. and yet in another sense All have but one foundation 1 Gor. 3. 11. For other foundation can none lay then that which is Jesus Christ So that if any do understand us distributively as of MANY because of our severall meetings members or branches yet they must conclude us collectively All to be but ONE BODY or Church at last Object 4. But then you are like an Vniversall visible Church Answ 1. No no more then every particular Church was in the Primitive times who had their many meetings and different members as well as we 2. There is no such Church as we know of as universall VISIBLE But 3. That there is an universall Church we beleeve and that every particular Church of Christ should be as like to the Vniversall in Integrals and Parts as the Child is like the Parent or the Daughter the Mother we also beleeve and therefore the nearer and liker we are to the universal Church or mother of us All Gal. 4. 26. in Spirit grace and communion with All Saints visible and invisible the more thankâ—full are we to the Lord whose workmanship we are in Christ Jesus And yet we are but a poor despised Dust a particular visible Church that would faine look like the choice one of her Mother Cant. 6. 9. far short yet pressing after a more Likenesse indeed to the Vniversall consisting of All Saints Jew and Gentile past present and to come and more of the Nature and Spirit of the New Jerusalem But we believe that others are to follow after us and in this Principle too prefer'd before us whose shoes we are not worthy to untie We know not what Influences and Tendencies this may have thereto Obj. 5. But we fear you have no pattern from the Primitive times for such different and sundry Meetings besides the publick of the whole together were that clear we could be satisfied Answ 1. If there had not been left us a plain and direct Example for it as we find in some circumstances yet God hath left his Wisdome with the Church Eph. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 2. 7. a wisdome that is from above James 3. 17. in such Cases as tend to keep up good order Edifying and Discipline in the Body Rom. 14. 19.
practices now this was their Rule Gal. 6. 15 16. Neither Circumcision nor Vncircumsion but the New-Creature and as many as walk according to this Rule Peace be on them and by this Rule they denyed Controversies and stated affaires Gal. 2. 7 8 9. to the Liberty of all Saints 2. Under the Consideration of Apostles men so immediately inspired and guided by an infallible Spirit for the first Planting of the Gospel in All Nations we have them not our Examples nor the same Rule to walk by as Acts 15. 28. 25. it seemeth good to the holy Ghost and to us nor dare we pretend to it our Rule being more ordinary and revealed to us in the holy Scriptures and from the practise of all Primitive Churches But 3. As Members and Ministers or Servants of the Church under that Consideration we and they have All but one and the same Rule for practice and that which they so did are we to do likewise 1 Cor. 4. 16 17. 11. 1. Phil. 3. 17. 1 Thes. 1. 6. 2. 14. 2 Thes. 3. 9. but under that consideration were they in this kind of Communion of Saints giving this christian Liberty to Jew and Gentile one and another of different judgements in matters doubtfull and Disputable wherein one Saint might differ from another and yet hold together in the BODY orderly in due and proper places and joynts Rom. 14. 1 Cor. 12. 27 28 29. So Phil. 3. 16. Neverthelesse whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same Rule let us mind the same things Brethren be ye followers together of me in this and mark them which walk as ye have us for an Example Now in this comprehensive Communion we have them for Example and that not as Apostles but as Members of the Body and Ministers of the Church Having cleared our way thorough these Objections some perhaps may say Ob. 7. We hear indeed of a Designe to rend and destroy Churches of Christ that some have Ans. 1. We are none of them nor doth this offer the least injury to any of the true Churches of Christ such as keep up the Communion of Saints with purity 2. We are so far from Breaking them that our Work is to make up the Breaches of Sion and more to Unite them in the true Principles of Separation from false worships and wayes of Sin and in the things of Christs Kingdome 3. We doe acknowledge them though now so many of them are setled on their Lees and rivited in their Formes to have been honourable in their Day and Times as the Presbit against the Prelat and so was the Indep and so hath been the Baptist but it seems to as now that there is no Honour in setting up one Forme against another or of one truth against another or of one gift against another or one grace against another or one person or one party against another nor yet conduceable to the service of Christ at this Day but all Saints to be in a consistency together This seems more after the mind of God Whereby we doe no more destroy them that are sound in Faith under what Forme soever then the Gospel doth destroy Law which doth not destroy but perfect it and put it into it's right place and use and Spirit 4. This is not to rend but reforme and refine them or to fetch them out more pure from defilement and Sin 5. If we offend Any it must be either those that are Degenerated or those that take offence without cause or else those that are imprisoned and bound up in their own private Spirits and Formes For what is it we are about but to let us out of bondage Gal. 2. 4. into the true liberty of the Spirit and into the due and proper exercise of the Forme or judgement for the Publick Good as well as for our own Private Object 8. Such as think it the time may fall to this worke but we doe not think it the TIME OF THE END nor the OPENING OF THE TEMPLE c. Answ 1. If it be not so yet this of Vniting Communion withall Saints and brotherly love is our bounden duty at all times and never more need to be Practised then now 2. And yet there be more Arguments for it then against it and the Signes of those times or of the time of the end are apparent to All that are judicious and observe 3. But if all the GROUNDS we have given be not clear to ALL for we expect it not yet all may be to some and some to All yea so many to every one as will leave him without excuse when Christ comes that now clocks into Vnion Love and Harmony amongst all Saints as a Hen clocks her Chickens Object 9. We doubt you will have breaches and Divisions too in that Vniting Body as well as in others Answ 1. It is not so likely as among those that are embodyed in any One forme Because to keepe up their Vniformity they must be strict and rigid which frets the Members and wounds the most spirituall of them And many times this Causes Parties and so Breaches in the Body Besides through there Defect of this Rule they cannot admit Different judgements to have their Places and Freedome of exercise which they conceive is there Right and Due but this we doe being not bound up to any one Particular Forme So that it is Narrownesse and Rigidity which causes contention and Breaches and not this sweete equall brotherly and primitive-like latitude or Christian Liberty given to all Saints in their proper places where they are profitable and most edifying Because without this they justly think that injury is done them but with this there is None for All are well-pleased with their own Places and joynts 2. Not so soone when we are orderly and duely compacted together and put into place as when a Body is divided or indeed of it's selfe but a party a faction a piece or a forme of Saints communion As Psal. 122. 3. Jerusalem is a City COMPACT then ver. 8. For my brethrens and companions sake will I now say Peace be within thy Walls that is to say when so Vnited and compacted because Parties and Factions cause the Breaches and not such a compacting as this is Eph. 2. 21. 4. 4. wherein we have the Bond of peace 3. If so be Divisions should arise as they did in the primitive times 1 Cor. 1. 10. 11. 18. we shall be in much better Capacity and have more help to deale with them this way as they did in the Primitive times Rom. 16. 17 18. 14. 19. Ephes. 4. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 16 c. that they may never rise up unto a BREACH But if they should rise up to a BREACH which may be possible yet of this we ate well assured and resolved that the Thing will stand viz. the Vniting
Lamb for Testimony aâ— a Resâ—lved People 9. To Give our Selves All up to the Lord and one Another in Christs and his Kingdomes Service for Readinesse as a Willing People 10. An Exact Life and Conversation amongst all for example as an Holy People 1 Motive to this Vniting is that it ever began the great Work of God In Aegypt In Babylon And in Jeruselem in the Apostles Days And in the last Days by the Spirit of Eliah 2 Motive the Call of Christ from the Grave 3 Motive is the Consent and Vote of all Saints alive Dead in this they all Vnite 4 Motive it is Christs Gathering-time that is upon us 5 Motive it is his Visiting time too The Communion of Saints is not in this or that Forme but such a Communion as holds in heaven and in earth as to the Spirit of it 6. Mot is the Deepes and Sea of knowledge c. by this meanes The benefit of the Deeps above the Shallowes The Promise of the Deeps 7 Motive to be All called by One Name and yet every one in his own PATH 8 Motive in this Way there is a NECESSARY USE of diverse and Different Members and B anches How this Body differs from others in the order of it 9 Motive the most excellent and Vsefull matter whether we ever see it or no! and as unworthy as we are must be found in this WAY at last 10 Motive The most Excellent Ministry that is to be till the second coming of Christ must arise this Way The flying Gospell The seaven Thunders The Trumpet of one piece 11 Motive is the Danger of Jacob to be utterly destroyed in this Nation How Eaten up 12. All Saints must to it at last 13. This will abide when other wayes sale 14 Motive Least the Anathema Maranatha our highest Curse which is the Curse of his second coming be upon the Disobedient 1 Query Ansn 1. Not a mixture but a thorough Separation 2. Not an overly Fellowship but a close and cleaving Aggregation upon Kingdom Principles 3. Not a Narrow rigid but a Large Comprehensive Spirit 4. Not a stating it in any one Forme but in the Power of Faith and Godlinesse 5. Not a disordering or displaceing but a due ordering and well placeing of different Saints in their proper Joyntts 6. Not a party growing but an Increase of of the WHOLE together 2 Query Answ. 1. We think it hath been we do own them that retain it in Purity 2. Yet not perfect but rising 3. And are for Communion with them Vnion of All and Embodying of scatte red ones 4. Yet we see them not so acording to the Primitive patterne 5. We deny not but they may be called the Temple also 6. We dare not but deny Communion with the Apostate Churches and with no others Answ. How this doth bear the Name from them Answer 1. We say not so nor are we so 2 One may be of two bodies 3. Of two lodies or Churches one by way of Admission as a proper Member and the other by way of Communion 4. The formall Consideration consists with a particular Body 1 Object 1 True Chuâ—ch hath a place for all Saints 2. And are not to be put by that they doe desire it 3. But have a spiritual Intelligence with all 4. In an invisible Way of communion also 2. Object â— Answer The Church-Communion of Gospel-institution admits all Saâ—nts Prophets Apostles Martyrs and â—ow 3 Object â— Answer Not our patterne as an universall but particular visible Church 2 A great mistake to think particular meetings are particular Churches Yet in what sense some will so interpret How they may be said to be Many and yet but ONE As Sion as a Body as a City as an Army as a Kingdome as a Heaven as a New Jerusalem 4 Object 1 Answer No more like an universall Church 2. Then every particular in primitive times 3. The nearer to it and to the Nature of it the better Others that must succeed must exceed upon this Principle 5 Object Ans. 1. Wisdome leftwith the Church for the Wel-being thereof 3. The Word of Prophecy is many in one 3. A plaine Pattern for it 1. Collectively altogether 2. Distributively or in severall places and meetings And then Organically as there is need A. 1. In their severall Meetings Ordinances 2. Those wherein One differs from another in the different Meetings 6 Object A. 1. One and the same Rule for the Church 2. Not as Apostles 3. But as Members and Ministers 7 Object Ans. 1. No injury to Churches 2. But to make up the Breaches 3. And to put all Formes into their right use and place 4. Not to rend but reforme and refine them 5. Who can be offended at this Object 8. Ans 1. A duty at all times 2. Signes of the Time of the End 3. If that Ground be not clear to thee yet manyare Object 9. Ans. 1. Breaches not so likely this Way wherein every one hath his right and Due 2. Not so soon in a Body Compacted well Coâ—â—â—â—ed as in a Bâ—dy paâ—â—â—fyed and made a Faction or a sâ—â—â— or but a pâ—â—ce of Communion of Saints 3. We are better able to crush and kill Divisions â— If breaches should arise yet the THING will stand and that rejoyces our hearts what â—â—â— become our Persoâ—s Object 10. Ans. 1. Vniformity not in Primitive times kept up and why Object 11. Ans. 1. The first patterne is before Act. 2. 41. 2. That relates to Converts this to Disciples 3. No primitive Church stated in One Form or judgment 4. All Churches gathered and govern'd by this Rule of Communion with all Saints and of liberty to all orderly and in their Places Object 12. Ans. 1. Take the fruites with the Tree and upon the Tree 2. Take your own Way So it be according to the Patterne and the Worke 3. It must be a Way sutable to every one for service and exercise 4. We cannot be expected to be so Perfect at day-breake as at Noon day 5. Yet have a care every one of you now you doe reject this Way An Expostulation Refuse the first step and lose the second All Objections we can meet with most easily Answer'd The Spirits Office is to enable us Our Way to it is most Clear To the Reader and his conscience The Invitaâ—ion to all the godly People in the three Natâ—ons The Exhortation grounded The wonderfull evils of these Times amongst Professours make us looke for little from some Who they are that will not accept this Call The benefit of them that accept this Call and Invitation with the First Our Cries and Prayers Our full purpose of Heart if the Lord helpe us The Conclusion To all our Brethren and Country men A Remembrance A Remembrance A Challenge On the contrary an Expostulation
As it was in JACOBS LADDER some up and some down So that That which disagrees with other kinds of bodyes best agrees with this For we see a Necessity a harmony and a serviceablenesse too of All sorts of Saints and of all the differencies of Administrations 1 Cor. 12. 5. in this Body so as that we could be no more without the Presbyterian Saint in order then without the Independent nor the Independent then without the Seekers in order and unity nor without the seeking and inward waiting Saint then without the Baptized c. Knowing that ALL SORTS have their Places or JOYNTS in the body and are Necessary to some work or other and unto the perfection of this ONE BODY 9. Consider the most EXCELLENT MATTER of the Latter house of the Lord whose glory is to exceed the former Hag. 2. 9. is reserved for this Way or state of the Church in the latter dayes Mal. 3. 17. I will make up my JEWELS Cant. 7. 1. Thy JOYNTS are JEWELS Isa. 54. 7. With great mercyes will I GATHER thee as Ezek. 34. 22 23 Oh thou afflicted tossed with tempests vers. 11 12. I will lay thy STONES with faire colours thy foundations with Saphires I will make thy windows of Aggats thy gates of CARBVVNCLES and all thy borders of pleasant STONES c. Thus Rev. 21. 17. made of the most precious stones in the Breast-plate Exodus 28. 15. full of hidden virtues and varieties in harmony 10. So the Running Locomotive and more Apostle-like MINISTRY or the flying Gospel that is coming forth must as we conceive arise in this manner viz. from Saints so Vnited and rallyed upon Mount-Zion Rev. 14. 1. and then ver. 6. I saw an Angel FLIE in the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach to EVERY NATION Tongue and Kindred i. e. with a Commission like to that given to the Apostles Mark 16. 15. Mat. 28. 19. Then and thence the seaven THUNDERS sealed up to the time of the end will begin there Oracles to rattle and breake open with the little stone or Thunder bolt Rev. 10. 4. 7. as appeareth in the 17 Gr Yea then and thence will the TRUMPET blow which is made of ONE PIECE and of the WHOLE PIECE too as Numb. 10. 2. before which the Camp cannot move the Cherubims are also of one piece When the Disciples were in this Way Acts 1. 15. The number of whose names were about 120. how quickly did the number of Labourers increase Yea upon Luthers resolute promotion of Reformation when the good people United how many Seeds men of a sudden rose and supplied the rooms of them that were Sacrificed in the Flames Yea when the Puritans united And doe we think that the Lord will not now arise in a rouzing Ministry and Harvest men at this Day and raise some up in the room of them that have apostatized 11. Consider the Infinite Danger and Damage of Jacob through these Divisions and Crumblings of Sion for Jer. 10. 25. They have eaten up Jacob and devoured him and made his habitation Desolate Eaten him up by Violence Zeph. 3. 3. Dan. 7. 19. Breaking their very bones Jer. 10. 17. Micah 3. 3. Who eat up the flesh of my People and break their bones and chop them in pieces for the POT So also they have eaten him up by cankring and corrupting of Professors by Temptations Preferments or Time-serving Doctrines 2 Tim. 2. 17. Their word doth eat as doth a Gangrene O how is the praying wrastling and prevailing Spirit eaten up the power and life of Godlinesse eaten up the excellency and sweetnesse of Jacob eaten up through Divisions Animosities and Devourings of One Another Jer. 50. 7. All that found them have Devoured them Therefore Amos 7. 2. By whom shall Jacob arise for he is small small indeed and weak indeed Now as the Ivy is so weak of its selfe that it is ready to lay hold upon any thing that it can run up by or that comes next are those that seek more the Magnifying of their own Particular Forme or Externall Observation then Union with Christ Communion with all Saints or Interest of the Faith and Publick Cause by this Vniting 12. Furthermore we may consider that as All Saints doe in a Manner own it so All Saints must for the Matter fall to it at last before Great be the day of Jezreel Hos. 1. 11. Eph. 1. 10. and if so be we cannot be won to it we must be whip'd to it as Ridley and Hooper were as one said why we shall meet where Luther and Zuinglius are well agreed and if we cannot be intreated we may be necessitated to it at last Gal. 2. 7. 9 so Jer. 50. 4. In those dayes the Children of Israel shall come they and the children of Judah together going weeping They shall ask the Way to Sion with their faces thitherward saying Come let us JOYN our selves c. and this must be before the Ruine of Babylon v. 9 10. Joseph and his Brethren must together again and then we shall see a better day 13. Another Motive might be the Stability and Duration of this State whatsoever become of this Body or our persons This Foundation in Christ will stand untill his coming down in the Glory of his Father of himselfe and of his holy Angels Isa. 33. 20. Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet Habitation a Tabernacle that shall not be TAKEN DOWN not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed Isa. 60. 15. with 58. 12. Call'd the Foundation of Many Generations which no other Foundation can be whether of the Presbyterian Indep Baptist or any other Forme but this whereon Jew and Greeke Bond and Free are all one in Christ Gal. 3. 28. And this the People of God have built upon in All Ages and Generations 1 Cor. 3. 11. Eph. 2. 20. Christ himselfe being the Chiefe-Corner-stone which Corner-stone is to Vnite those that stand like Two walls at a distance in whom All the Building fitly framed groweth up Yea upon this Foundation must the New Jerusalem stand viz. the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Rev. 21. 14 19. and there are the twelve gates to let in Saints of all sides Wherefore let us consider now from this Day and upward even from the Day that the Foundation of the Lords Temple is laid Consider it Hag. 2. 18. 14. Lastly Let us seriously perpend the Nearnesse and Approach of Christ second coming which being so hard by will render our Disobedience at this day the more unexcusable and culpable yea liable and open to the Anathema Maranatha or CURSE of his second coming 2 Thes. 1. 8. Mal. 4. 6. which we conceive as far transcends the CURSE of his first Coming upon the Disobedient Jewes who would not be gather'd or Vnited though he clockt for them as a Hen for Chickens as that CURSE did the Curse of Disobedience to Moses and his Law Heb.
10. 29. 2. 3. our great Law being Love to all Saints Besides to this End doth our Lord come againe that he may perfect this kind of Communion John 14. 3. Epi. 1. 10. 2 Thes. 2. 1. That those who have wept and watcht pray'd and walkt together in Life and Grace may sing triumph rejoyce and reigne together in Life and Glory Those that have kept together in the Danger may continue together in the Deliverance but unto the Scribes and Pharises Luke 13. â—8 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth when ye shall see Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome i. e. that Kingdome which comprehends all Saints and you your selves THRVST OVT for v. 29. They shall come from the East West North and South and shall sit down in this Kingdome Wherefore up O ye WISE VIRGINS all at once that waite for the Coming of the Bridegroom get up and be ready trim your Lamps fill your Vessells hear the dismall cry of Midnight he comes he comes hasts hasts like a Roe ore these Mountains of Bether or Division to Gather All into ONE out of their Wildernesse-holes and Differences occasion'd by externall observations and Formes Wherefore up AWAKE Awake Awake and put on Strength O Sion in these Three Nations for the Day doth break and the shadows flee and the Primitive Community is coming forth to be reduced and revived Therefore up O Wise ones Mat. 25. 7. whiles the Foolish are gone to buy in mercenary wayes that we may be All in one ready to enter into the Marriage v. 10. even so AMEN Thus farre for Motives In the Next place to leave out nothing that we know of that may carry Conviction or Light to our Friends in the Nation we shall Answer the Most Considerable Queries and Objections that we can meet with 1. Query WHat doe ye mean by Gospel-order or Temple-state after the first pattern Answ. We have before expressed that in the Grounds but to be more particular both in the Negative and Positive we answer 1. Not a known Mixture but a more thorough Separation from all false wayes worships persons and things that pollute 2 Cor. 6. 16 17. Eph. 5. 11. Acts 2. 40. Save your selves from this untoward Generation The Work of Cleansing the SANCTUARY being a Work of Degrees Ezek. 43. 20 23. 44. 7 8 9 10 11. Dan. 8. 14. Zech. 14. 21. 2. Not an idle carelesse overly Communion no more then an uncomfortable distance or disjunction one from another but a most accurate close aggregating Uniting and Cleaving of those so Separated and of the Dispersed ones to the Lord and one to another upon the Principles of Grace and Kingdome of our Lord Jesus in All the ADMINISTRATIONS and Parts thereof with a full and constant Purpose of heart and participation of Ordinances Rom. 14. 4 5. 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. 7 13 27. Eph. 2. 21 22. Acts 9. 26 11. 23. 3. Not a narrow censuring rigid beggerly but a large Loving growing and comprehensive Spirit of Christ and his Kingdome to actuate us from him alone as our Head expatiating and putting forth its selfe after the first Pattern both to Jew and Gentile Bond and Free Rich and Poor Strong and Weak yea to Saints and to All men and to All creatures in their kind and proportion 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. 9. 19 20 21 22. I am made ALL THINGS to ALL MEN that I might by ALL MEANS save some 4. Not a magnifying Imposing or stating the Church in any ONE FORME opinion or observation but a faithfull keeping to and constant crying up of the power of godlinesse grace and Onenesse of Christ Jesus with Religion pure and undefiled with brotherly love and the principles of the Kingdome amongst Saints of all Formes and Judgements 1 Cor. 7. 19. Gal. 5. 6. Col. 3. 11. Rom. 14 5 6 7. 5. Not a disordering keeping or putting out of Different Saints or members but such a Communion of Saints as keeps up a Due Order wise and well-location and use of all Sorts of members in the Body and in thier proper joynts and places for service and Imployment 1 Cor. 12. 21 22. 17. For if the whole were of one forme were an eye where were the hearing Or were an eare where were the smelling c. Ephes. 4. 16. from whom the body fitly JOYNED together 6. Not a Party-growing but a comely and kindly increase with the increases of God! of the WHOLE together and a dayly fetching in of sweet Sutable nourishment to the WHOLE BODY by the Joynts Col. 2. 19. Ephes. 4. 16. this we mean by Gospel-order after the 1. Patterne Qu 2. Whether do ye think that the Gospel or Temple-state hath not yet been found amongst us If NOT we must declare against the best of the Churches doctrinally and practically but if SO then how can this beare away the name after the 1 pattern Answ 1 Although we need not reflect to what hath been but to what IS obvious yet we dare not deny but that we heartily honour and owne those separate Churches that retain their first PRINCIPLES in purity grace power and holiness that are in the Vnity Love sound Doctrine Discipline and communion of the Saints Yet 2. We never thought them to be Perfect but growing up to Perfection and so a getting out of the Wildernesse by Degrees now this is one Degree and growth further as we suppose and so more up unto the primitive State viz. uniting and orderly placeing of all sorts of Saints in one Body So That 3. We doe not call for a separation from such Churches as retaine the purity of their matter Forme and Principles of Communion but rather for a COMMUNION and an ASSOCIATION with them in the severall Cities and Counties of these NATIONS and for an UNITING or embodying of the scattered persecuted and dispersed or disjoyned ones in and about this CITY in a word to chast Churches for communion and growth up into a purer state To Choice Members for union and growth into a more excellent publick spirit To scattered ones for embodying out of the present evils into the approaching GOOD so that UNITY in things Necessary LIBERTY in thing Unnecessary CHARITY Godlinesse Sincerity in things Different and Indifferent we desire to see 4. For all this and albeit we deny not but the Gospel and Temple hath been found amongst us in more purity and light then in other places yet we must professe we cannot see it So according to the primitive pattern or Church of the first-born to state a Church in any one single forme opinion or Judgement whatsoever whether Indep Presb Bapt or any other as in the comprehensive power of faith and New Testament godlinesse in all their Formes knowing that Saints of all these and severall other Formes may be and are true members of the Church of Christ 5.
1 Cor. 14. 26. and in Matters that touch not the Being but onely the Well being of it to further that Now this ordering of the severall meetings meddles not with the Being but the Well-being of the Body The BEING of it lies in a Communion with all Saints but the WELL-BEING of it in the Well-ordering of them in their severall Places and Joynts fit for service Now the manner or WAY mention'd in the PROPOSALS we are not bound to any further then consists with the Being and Well being of this Body for Order and Vse Besides 2. A sure Word of Prophecy we shall doe well to take heed unto Now this is the word of Prophecy that all be Gathered into ONE yea Isa. 60. 7 65. 10. And Sharon shall be a a Fold of Flocks and the Valley of Achor a place for Heards to lie down in for my People that have sought me Many Flocks which particular flocks have governance and yet but ONE FOLD Many heards who have feedings and meetings by themselves too and yet All make but ONE PEOPLE this is plaine But 3. To be yet more plaine and clear and to satisfie you fully that desire it we have very expresse Warrant President and Example for this practice from the word of God and Primitive Churches viz. for Meeting 1. Collectively 2. Distributively And in both Organically as occasion calls for it First Collectively we think none question in the Church at Jerusalem Acts 2. 46. They continuing daily with one Accord in the Temple So in the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 14. 23. If therefore the whole Church be come together in some place cha. 11. 20. When ye come together therefore into One Place so other Churches Nor doe they question but they were Organicall in those Meetings wherein they were of one heart and one mind Acts 4. 32. though they were some 1000ds that so met ver. 4 5. Secondly Distributively that they so met is as plaine Acts 2. 46. and from house to house which were distributive meetings for one house could not hold so many 1000 as were of the Church viz. 5000 or 8000 or more Thus Acts 12. 12. appears the whole Church did not meet in Maries house but many of them were there and others of them at another house it is like at James's v. 17. Goe shew these things to James and to the Brethren that is of them that were not at Maries house Besides v. 17. he left them and went into another place Thus it is evident enough that their meetings were in many places and yet but one Church v. 5. So at Rome those that met in Caesars Palace Phil. 1. 13. 4. 22. and the rest that met in the City Rom. 1. 7. were all but one Church Now as there is a Primitive Practice of joyning in ONE in the Matters wherein they were of one Accord Acts 1. 14 2. 46. 4. 32. 1 Cor. 14. 23. So of having divers and severall meetings too and them also organically as Acts 20. 20 I have taught you Publickly or when All together or from house to house or more Privately in their divers and severall meetings too at some times and yet the same Body For in Primitive times every such Body had divers Ministers Eph. 4. 11 12. Pastors Teachers Deacons and gifted Brethren 1 Cor. 14. whereof the ablest speakers were most Publicâ— or in the whole Collective Body and others more in their private meetings and of divers Judgements as in the Church of Jerusalem Gal. 2. where because of them of the Circumcision so rigid Paul had his private meetings v 2. privately or severally and some of the Chiefe of the Church did oppose him Divisions grew Conferences increased but at last were thus decided by sorting and putting all into their own and proper places v. 7 8 9. viz. Those Ministers that were for Circumcision to administer to them of that judgement and those that were for Vncircumcision to administer to them of their judgement And yet all held together as Members of that one Body or of the Church at Jerusalem in their proper Judgements joynts and places So v. 9. When James Cephas and John perceived the grace was given me that I was the Lords as well as they and that by my Ministry God did much good v. 8. as well as by theirs they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship that we should goe to the Gentiles to them of our particular Perswasions and They went unto the Circumcision to them of theirs and thus the Controversie is ended For All keep together in Love when All are kept countenanced in their proper places and administrations and so every particular branch as well as member may be said in its own joynt to be organicall by concurrence appointment and Consent of the Whole Q1 But did they partake of Church-Ordinances in any such distributive Meetings for that of praying Acts 12. it is a common Christian Duty Ans. Yea Prophecying Praying holy Conferences c. are Church-ordinances and these they did partake of in such Meetings Acts 20. 20. 12. 5 12. Gal. 2. 2. And it is evident though Prayer be a common Christian Duty yet in Acts 12. 12. it is mention'd as a Church ordinance verse 5. But 2. We put a Difference between these Ordinances of Christ wherein we are all ONE and those wherein we are not all One but differ one from another in our perswasions Now those wherein we are All ONE or are of one accord Acts 2. 46. 1. 14 15 c. we grant we must partake together in the whole Body but Different Ordinances in the D fferent Meetings as it was of old between Circumcision and Vncircumcision Observation and Non-observation of dayes Rom. 14. 4 5 6 7 13 18 19. let them doe what they doe as to the Lord and v. 22. have their Faith to Themselves without offending others in their own joynts or places of those judgements Thus Acts 16. 3. Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews that were there i. e. because this was their judgement that there met it was done amongst those of that Way and he would not have done it at Corinth amongst the Gentiles thus he became Jew to the Jew and Gentile to the Gentile Now all that we plead for in this WAY is but the Liberty which Christ hath purchased for us Gal. 5. 1. that one be not bound up to another in his Different judgement nor the whole offended or disturbed but that he may have the free Exercise of it in his Different joynt and place of the Body as they plainly had in the Primitive times from whence we have our Pattern both for Collective and Distributive Meetings Obj. 6. Yea but we cannot doe as the Apostles did nor have we the same Rule Ans. 1. But we have the same Rule which the Churches had and are to be found in the like
Free Full and Naturall an Accesse to the things we seek for as our hearts can desire But now we leave you oh Brethren and friends of Sion of ALL SORTS and the CALL to you from a poore shrub or BURNING BUSH to betake our selves upon our bended knees again and againe And to beg of God for you who shall engage or PERSWADE JAPHETH to dwell in the tents of Shem that Canaan may be his servant to give you the GRACE to make an immediate ESSAY upon this Duty as Psal. 48. 12 13. Walke about Zion round about her tell the Towers thereof marke ye well her Bulwarks Consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation that Followes Leaving with you these Sobs and Tears of Sion who hath layn so long in Brine and Blood The 27. day of the 7 month 1657. AGREED to by this BODY UNITED and WAITING as at Jerusalem that according to Acts 1. 15. An hundred and twenty of our Names be Subscribed and Sent out with a SOLEMN INVITATION to this UNITING WORK throughout the three Nations in the NAME of our LORD JESVS who is Coming and of the REST of this BODY UNITED in and about this City of London Who have thorough Grace made some little ENTRANCE into so Great so Hopefull and so Necessary a WORK that we may be put together into a better Capacity for his COMING and KINGDOME in every ADMINISTRATION thereof Even so Amen Isa. 49. 17. Thy Children shall make hast Then Thy Destroyers and them that layd thee wast shall goe forth of thee EDward Edmonds Robert Clark Nicholas Middleton Thomas Broughton Richard Jones Henry Chomley John Whight Thomas Dowsde Richard Tyler John Tyrrel John Allen James Mallery James Frances Walter Harding James Lowd Jon Merrals S Mast William Russel Frances Good John Turner Walter Rand. James Wilkins John Ward Solomon Webster R. Brimsal George Johnson Edward Broomer Thomas Ardree Henry Hedges Edw Graves Edmund Wood Robert Wingreen John Jealous J. Nessonby Richard Smith Thomas Atwood M Pace John Wandall Daniel Rand. Samuel Gossener John King Evan Hewes Edward Glayes Miles Cottis E. Burges Gregory Kirby John Rayment Robert Rogers Gilbert Lockington M. Stowers Thomas Crundal John Thaire Joseph West Thomas Coates S. Freeland Miles Coates John Robon Christopher Craile K. Johnson Edward Squire James Grippe John Thomson John Rogers Clement Plomsted H White Thomas More Nathaniel Bunch Henry Martin Anthony Aires Matthew Grigson A Curtis Thomas Ambler John Crump Richard Bird John Massie Francis Goram Thomas Moreton John Clement William Elwood S. Green S. Rowley Robert Simmons James Gressam Robert Knight S. Lockinton William Chandler John Babycome E. Chambers George Hancock James Doeman Simon Smith A. Prichard John Gardner Joseph Jefferies Edward Hewson Joseph Graves John Bingel E. Sparks Edward Hart. Francis Simson Francis Crane E. Grippe Richard Groeme Francis Moon E. Thurland S. Frances John Crony E. Webster Richard Hodges Michael Dunwell John Ireland E. Rookesby Thomas Taylor H. Pirkins John Loveday Robert Massie A. Rawlings Edward Bowman Walter Simmons Jonathan Renolds c. Acts 1. 15. The number of Names together were about 120. SInce this hath been in the Presse with some Delay we have from Severall Parts in the East South and North of this NATION been already and unexpectedly sent unto to Incourage and Provoke us in this WORK and WAY according to the PROPOSALLS and We should gladly hear from Others There be Errata's which the Reader may easily recover and Correct in his own Understanding as p. 59. l. 21. r. desired to see l. 30. r. orderly joyned p. 60. l. 38. r. Vncomfortable c. FINIS 1. Ground the Paralell of our Present Scattering the last three years with the Disciples the three days of Christs sufferings calls for the same Practise from us 2. Ground is the Great Promise of the Spirit at hand for which Christ put his Disciples into this Posture or way of Uniting The Reason of it 3. The opening of the Tabernacle of the Testimony The Typicall Tabernacle of many in one so is this Wherein is hid the Ark the Manna And it comes to be opened or the Covering-Veile to be taken off when the Holy Camp arises The Inner-Court opened for the open Worship 4. Parity of Circumstances in the Witnesses death Rise and Ascending with our Lords implies a Parity of Duty on us 5. The Executing the judgement must be this way 6. The Constitution of the Primitive Church-state being but one Body of many Formes c. Then one Church in a City 7. The present Apostacy and Adulterating of Churches Their Teachers Viz. Answer to 2d query Their Members Spoyled in their Essentialls 8. The Woefull Shipwrack to the Drowning of Many and Danger of All that yet will keep upon their Planks or Pieces Calls us to get aboard the one Ship 9. The Great Divisions in the Churches and Formes rents and Factions Controversies and Oppositions Envy and Enmity to one another expressed Reason why we dare not keep up such Enunity and divisions 10. The Combination of Enemies of All sorts 11. They must be Distinct Conjunct above any others Every one in in his proper place 12. Every particular Church must bear the Image of the Whole which consists of all sorts in ONE 13. Greater Grouth of Grace Spirituall Nourishment 14. For more Love Concord and indearednesse 15. For a more collective Beauty of Sion How this beauty came to be lost And how it is to be restored 16. For a clearer and more exquisite and inspired Knowledge of Christ and the times and of the things that are to be don about which we are now at so great a losse 17. For that Another as a more Apostle-like and Primitive Ministry in the power of the holy Ghost is to be sent abroad in these last Dayes Difference betwixt the Confusion of Tongues at Babylon and the Diversitie of Tongues at Jerusalem 18. For the Exercise of Righteous Justice 19. For better providing and caring one for Another in all Cases 20 For that the great Increa e and flowing in of others is into this Way Till then look not for any Considerable Conversion of Jewes or Gentiles 21. Sincerity Singlenesse of heart 22. That we may be more joynt in all the things of God 23. For a Right Vnderstanding round the Nation 24. For the Glorifying that God whose Name hath Suffered so 1. That the Scattered ones be gathered into ONE BODY 2. Gathered and Govern'd as a Religious Body after the first Patterne for the Rule of it 3. Kingdome-Saints of All Judgements for Matter 4. Upon the Principles wherein ALL are ONE for Forme 5. With free and equal Exercise of their severall different Judgements in their severall different Meetings for Order Distributively 6. A WEEKLY Meeting of the WHOLE for Edifying Collectively 7. The New Commandement of Brotherly Love indeareduesse in this Body for Law as the Lambs People 8. A Joynt-contending and standing up with the