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church_n catholic_n particular_a union_n 3,907 5 9.8315 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26897 Church concord containing I. a disswasive from unnecessary division and separation, and the real concord of the moderate independents with the Presbyterians, instanced in ten seeming differences, II. by Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1691 (1691) Wing B1223; ESTC R14982 99,086 94

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but_o if_o practical_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v either_o slander_v any_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n or_o shall_v use_v it_o as_o no_o church_n the_o case_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v of_o in_o our_o church_n and_o association_n 10._o we_o be_v agree_v that_o no_o member_n shall_v forsake_v a_o church_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o another_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o forsake_v if_o they_o require_v it_o and_o that_o much_o less_o shall_v any_o part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v a_o unnecessary_a separation_n from_o the_o rest_n and_o become_v a_o distinct_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o private_a antichurche_n i_o mean_v separated_z assembly_n set_v up_o against_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o as_o rival_n draw_v person_n to_o themselves_o and_o keep_v up_o faction_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o place_n shall_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o all_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a necessity_n of_o such_o separation_n we_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o no_o public_a pastor_n or_o church_n shall_v refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v credible_a professor_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n much_o less_o shall_v they_o cast_v off_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o parish_n that_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v several_a case_n in_o which_o person_n may_v withdraw_v from_o church_n or_o for_o those_o of_o one_o parish_n to_o join_v with_o a_o church_n in_o another_o parish_n though_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o habitation_n be_v usual_o meet_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o bound_a of_o our_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o the_o parish_n be_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o ordinary_o none_o be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o parish_n let_v we_o therefore_o put_v only_o the_o necessary_a general_n into_o the_o form_n of_o our_o agreement_n and_o leave_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v accuse_v of_o any_o violalation_n thereof_o to_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o association_n where_o if_o the_o accuse_v will_v appear_v they_o may_v have_v a_o brotherly_a hear_n if_o not_o the_o case_n may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v in_o and_o the_o associate_v brethren_n proceed_v according_o in_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o hold_v or_o not_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o declare_v this_o the_o yet_o brief_a sum_n of_o our_o agreement_n be_v 1._o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a separation_n and_o contention_n 2._o to_o hold_v a_o ordinary_a course_n in_o synod_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o strengthen_v each_o other_o for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o these_o we_o must_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v in_o lesser_a thing_n but_o to_o deny_v we_o these_o viz._n union_n and_o communion_n and_o peace_n be_v to-deny_a we_o our_o end_n and_o all_o yet_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o intention_n to_o impose_v upon_o all_o other_o all_o point_n that_o these_o two_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o nor_o to_o put_v all_o their_o agreement_n into_o our_o form_n of_o concord_n as_o if_o we_o regard_v agreement_n with_o no_o other_o for_o instance_n both_o party_n be_v agree_v of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o mere_a rule_v elder_n but_o so_o be_v not_o all_o other_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o their_o communion_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o point_n be_v leave_v out_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o each_o church_n so_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o associate_v synod_n shall_v rather_o in_o point_n of_o convenience_n at_o least_o be_v temporary_a than_o state_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n but_o other_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o communion_n think_v otherwise_o and_o 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these_o nation_n which_o yet_o need_v not_o be_v subscribe_v but_o take_v as_o presuppose_v there_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a form_n of_o concord_n for_o the_o general_n peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n enough_o for_o subscription_n or_o express_a consent_n church_n concord_n about_o government_n and_o order_n the_o second_o part._n the_o just_a term_n of_o agreement_n between_o all_o sober_a serious_a christian_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o now_o distinguish_v in_o point_n 1._o of_o catholic_n communion_n 2._o of_o particular_a church_n communion_n 3._o of_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour_n church_n 4._o and_o of_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n 5._o and_o of_o their_o duty_n as_o good_a subject_n to_o their_o prince_n humble_o offer_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o true_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o their_o division_n if_o not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v and_o as_o a_o stand_a witness_n before_o god_n and_o man_n against_o divide_v zeal_n and_o church_n tyranny_n by_o richard_n baxter_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 15._o 1_o 2_o 6_o 7._o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1691._o to_o the_o reader_n countryman_n my_o saviour_n have_v make_v i_o believe_v that_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n mat._n 12._o 25._o i_o shall_v the_o less_o regard_n the_o minister_n of_o satan_n who_o will_v say_v that_o such_o attempt_n to_o unite_v the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o king_n be_v a_o dangerous_a plot_n to_o strengthen_v rebel_n against_o the_o king_n by_o their_o union_n if_o such_o fiend_n shall_v do_v their_o will_n upon_o i_o as_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n to_o the_o final_a perfective_a grace_n of_o love_n so_o i_o shall_v as_o much_o rejoice_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n or_o martyr_n for_o christian_a love_n as_o for_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o if_o peacemaker_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n at_o least_o i_o be_o content_v with_o that_o blessedness_n mat._n 5._o 9_o and_o envy_v not_o their_o kind_n of_o honour_n or_o prosperity_n if_o this_o attempt_n shall_v speed_v no_o better_o than_o many_o which_o i_o have_v former_o make_v have_v do_v as_o to_o any_o public_a reconciliation_n i_o shall_v not_o yet_o think_v it_o vain_a while_o the_o private_a mind_n of_o many_o christian_n be_v form_v into_o more_o peaceable_a apprehension_n and_o disposition_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v succeed_v for_o any_o public_a or_o common_a heal_n how_o great_a will_v be_v my_o joy_n while_o the_o conciliatory_a write_n and_o precious_a name_n of_o usher_n hall_n davenant_n dury_n bergius_n burrough_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o sweet_a to_o i_o let_v envy_n gnash_v the_o te●th_n and_o divide_v malice_n do_v its_o worst_a i_o hope_v in_o this_o delightful_a work_n to_o live_v and_o die_v one_o thing_n i_o must_v warn_v the_o reader_n of_o that_o i_o have_v omit_v scripture_n proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n because_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o past_a controversy_n and_o because_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o two_o or_o three_o text_n compare_v will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o usual_a sleighty_a readins_n of_o
such_o as_o expect_v the_o very_a syllable_n of_o the_o assertion_n in_o the_o proof_n therefore_o for_o brevity_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o better_a way_n ●●_o this_o time_n to_o offer_v here_o a_o full_a sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o assertion_n which_o shall_v be_v question_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v sober_o demand_v it_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n richard_n baxter_n acton_n nou._n 2d_o 1688._o q._n see_v you_o have_v oft_o affirm_v public_o that_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n among_o christian_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v if_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o practice_v they_o be_v not_o the_o hindrance_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o answer_v these_o question_n follow_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 2._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n personal_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o neighbour_n church_n may_v hold_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n i._o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v consider_v as_o spiritual_a or_o as_o visible_a as_o spiritual_a it_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o true_a spiritual_a or_o regenerate_v believer_n as_o head_v by_o jesus_n christ._n as_o visible_a it_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o baptise_a or_o professor_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o head_v by_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o according_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o christian_n 2._o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o answer_v that_o catholic_n visible_a communion_n consist_v 1._o fundamental_o in_o be_v all_o baptise_a or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o be_v join_v to_o the_o same_o head_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o universal_a body_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o not_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o profession_n or_o any_o essential_a part_n thereof_o 2._o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o testimony_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o least_o the_o foresay_a essential_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o more_o as_o we_o understand_v and_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n or_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o and_o also_o that_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o state_v 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for_o personal_a communion_n exercise_n of_o these_o relation_n as_o such_o in_o the_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n in_o each_o other_o the_o end_v difference_n it_o from_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o from_o the_o association_n of_o many_o church_n for_o communion_n by_o delegate_n the_o necessary_a term_n of_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v these_o 1._o the_o pastor_n whether_o one_o or_o more_o must_v have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o his_o office_n 1._o as_o to_o his_o qualification_n that_o be_v 1._o that_o he_o understand_v at_o least_o the_o essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o church_n communion_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o in_o some_o competent_a degree_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o for_o god_n honour_n the_o church_n good_a and_o man_n salvation_n 2._o as_o to_o his_o call_n that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a 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they_o according_o 8._o the_o office_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o teach_v and_o intercede_v and_o rule_v office_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o mouth_n and_o guide_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o prudent_a and_o cautelous_a use_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o work_n and_o end_n for_o which_o these_o church_n must_v profess_o assemble_v especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v separate_v to_o these_o holy_a uses_n 9_o the_o general_a command_n in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o edification_n decent_o and_o
to_o which_o end_n their_o first_o care_n must_v be_v to_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n by_o corrupt_v of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n to_o any_o to_o withdraw_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v any_o unnecessary_a thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o communion_n but_o to_o unite_v in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o give_v liberty_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a a_o mean_v approve_v in_o all_o age_n by_o peacemaker_n and_o to_o guide_v the_o church_n by_o the_o paternal_a government_n of_o reason_n and_o love_n and_o not_o by_o tyranny_n to_o make_v themselves_o hateful_a and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o preach_v love_n and_o concord_n that_o the_o people_n may_v know_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o faction_n and_o division_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o factiousness_n and_o contentiousness_n themselves_o and_o their_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o labour_n after_o a_o laudable_a if_o they_o can_v reach_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o ability_n in_o teach_v and_o exemplariness_n in_o a_o holy_a 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and_o way_n and_o hear_v they_o so_o condemn_v each_o other_o they_o think_v they_o may_v warrantable_o condemn_v they_o all_o and_o say_v as_o bad_a by_o they_o or_o speak_v as_o contemptuous_o of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v of_o each_o other_o they_o think_v they_o be_v as_o well_o already_o as_o turn_v to_o such_o a_o divide_a people_n can_v make_v they_o and_o when_o they_o think_v of_o turn_v the_o tempter_n ask_v they_o as_o the_o papist_n use_v to_o do_v which_o party_n will_v you_o turn_v to_o why_o rather_o to_o this_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o a_o readiness_n do_v i_o see_v to_o entertain_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n present_o after_o the_o war_n in_o many_o place_n that_o have_v before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n that_o most_o reproach_v it_o till_o they_o see_v we_o by_o the_o ear_n among_o ourselves_o and_o see_v we_o fall_v into_o so_o many_o party_n and_o then_o they_o turn_v their_o reverence_n into_o contempt_n let_v no_o man_n fly_v to_o god_n decree_n here_o 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may_v be_v hallow_v his_o kingdom_n come_v and_o his_o will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n such_o as_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o dig_v pit_n for_o the_o blind_a and_o cast_v such_o stumble_a block_n in_o their_o way_n and_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o tempter_n and_o enemy_n of_o soul_n in_o hinder_v they_o from_o salvation_n and_o what_o can_v we_o to_o hinder_v they_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o way_n of_o god_n into_o doubt_n or_o contempt_n among_o they_o 9_o our_o division_n make_v we_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n to_o be_v our_o adversary_n reproach_n and_o his_o name_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o among_o they_o through_o
the_o beginning_n until_o now_o have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n to_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n much_o worse_a than_o english_a congregation_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v alien_n and_o much_o further_o from_o god_n than_o they_o five_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v idolatrous_a heathen_n and_o mahometan_n a_o six_o part_n only_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n not_o a_o quarter_n i_o think_v of_o that_o six_o part_n be_v protestant_n how_o ignorant_a and_o rude_a the_o eastern_a and_o southern_a church_n be_v be_v lamentable_a to_o relate_v few_o of_o they_o have_v any_o preach_v but_o only_a homily_n and_o liturgy_n read_v what_o the_o papist_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o not_o the_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o world_n ●●●_o adm●●●nts_n and_o among_o these_o alas_o how_o few_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n of_o ●ining_v th●●●mong_o they_o as_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o our_o english_a congregation_n and_o have_v go●_n call_v this_o spot_n of_o earth_n this_o narrow_a island_n a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n to_o honour_v with_o the_o great_a lustre_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_a reformation_n and_o godliness_n and_o yet_o will_v these_o man_n withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a church_n here_o as_o if_o no_o public_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o few_o of_o their_o way_n be_v worthy_a of_o their_o presence_n be_v they_o no_o more_o thankful_a for_o england_n singular_a privilege_n nor_o no_o more_o humble_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o will_v they_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o public_a church_n almost_o in_o the_o world_n 19_o these_o continue_a division_n among_o ourselves_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o our_o high_a ruler_n from_o seek_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o church_n abroad_o the_o great_a service_n they_o can_v do_v to_o god_n be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o church_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o agreement_n and_o strengthen_v they_o thereby_o against_o their_o adversary_n and_o all_o good_a man_n desire_v this_o of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v improve_v their_o interest_n to_o this_o end_n but_o alas_o with_o what_o heart_n can_v they_o set_v upon_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o reconcile_v and_o unite_v the_o best_a of_o the_o subject_n here_o at_o home_n it_o be_v the_o grecian_n jest_v upon_o a_o great_a man_n among_o they_o that_o he_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n of_o greece_n and_o can_v not_o reconcile_v his_o wife_n and_o her_o maid_n that_o live_v unquiet_o at_o home_n and_o do_v not_o we_o prepare_v such_o entertainment_n for_o our_o governors_n attempt_n in_o so_o good_a a_o work_n 20._o last_o i_o hearty_o desire_v that_o our_o division_n and_o antichurche_n may_v not_o prepare_v renew_v war_n and_o calamity_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n certain_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v much_o disaffect_v to_o they_o and_o i_o wish_v that_o for_o their_o sake_n they_o grow_v not_o disaffect_v to_o the_o government_n and_o ready_a for_o erterprise_n that_o beseem_v they_o not_o but_o i_o much_o more_o fear_n left_a animosity_n among_o the_o several_a party_n shall_v make_v they_o busy_a and_o bold_a in_o their_o erterprise_n against_o each_o other_o and_o still_o seek_v opportunity_n to_o oppress_v one_o another_o and_o to_o advance_v themselves_o and_o lest_o the_o several_a party_n be_v to_o their_o prince_n like_o the_o many_o wife_n that_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o their_o husband_n that_o be_v still_o jealous_a of_o his_o affection_n lest_o he_o love_v this_o or_o that_o wife_n better_o than_o the_o rest_n every_o one_o look_v to_o be_v most_o esteem_v and_o jealousy_n be_v apt_a to_o break_v its_o bound_n but_o i_o will_v not_o prognosticate_v but_o forewarn_v if_o unity_n be_v our_o strength_n and_o division_n our_o destruction_n let_v we_o pity_v the_o calamitous_a church_n and_o not_o set_v fire_n on_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o let_v all_o christian_n that_o be_v such_o indeed_o lament_v our_o distance_n and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n of_o our_o long_a division_n and_o at_o last_o let_v catholic_n principle_n and_o affection_n be_v entertain_v by_o we_o and_o let_v we_o pray_v and_o study_v and_o seek_v and_o submit_v and_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v speak_v much_o of_o this_o from_o certain_a experience_n the_o evil_n of_o division_n and_o antichurche_n i_o have_v see_v abroad_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n i_o enjoy_v at_o home_n o_o what_o a_o mercy_n be_v it_o to_o i_o and_o the_o poor_a flock_n that_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o my_o charge_n what_o a_o help_n to_o my_o labour_n and_o to_o their_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v not_o minister_v against_o minister_n nor_o church_n against_o ch_n 〈…〉_z any_o separate_a party_n to_o ensnare_v man_n but_o that_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n ●●●_o to_o ●●_o heart_n and_o soul_n one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n if_o i_o can_v procure_v the_o e●●●●t_n of_o this_o mercy_n no_o further_o i_o will_v compassionate_v the_o church_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o at_o home_n chap._n ii_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n i_o shall_v brief_o dispatch_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o separation_n or_o their_o increase_n have_v speak_v the_o most_o that_o i_o think_v necessary_a of_o this_o in_o the_o end_n of_o my_o catholic_n key_n part_v 2._o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n thither_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o they_o must_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o reassume_v these_o few_o particular_n suitable_a to_o our_o case_n i._o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v our_o people_n separation_n we_o must_v not_o make_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n so_o narrow_a as_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o faithful_a though_o infirm_a if_o we_o keep_v they_o ou●_n we_o can_v for_o shame_v child_n they_o for_o not_o come_v in_o the_o principal_a thing_n that_o here_o we_o must_v avoid_v be_v large_a and_o particular_a profession_n of_o faith_n contain_v controvertible_a opinion_n and_o point_n that_o many_o true_a believer_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o and_o also_o the_o impose_v of_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v decide_v this_o difficulty_n to_o our_o hand_n and_o leave_v it_o we_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n rom._n 14._o 1._o that_o we_o must_v receive_v even_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v like_v mind_v one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 15._o 6_o 7._o man_n must_v be_v call_v to_o no_o profession_n but_o of_o point_n plain_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n must_v recover_v we_o to_o the_o ancient_a charity_n and_o unity_n and_o though_o more_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pastor_n than_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n yet_o must_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n be_v maintain_v and_o necessary_a thing_n distinguish_v from_o unnecessary_a and_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministry_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o to_o the_o better_o be_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o pastor_n themselves_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o point_n that_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o communion_n and_o those_o if_o possible_a in_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o because_o heretic_n will_v subscribe_v to_o scripture_n and_o to_o ancient_a creed_n and_o simple_a confession_n of_o faith_n therefore_o many_o have_v think_v that_o other_o kind_n of_o confession_n must_v be_v make_v which_o they_o can_v subscribe_v to_o but_o by_o that_o course_n the_o mischief_n of_o heresy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o avoid_v as_o the_o mischief_n of_o division_n cause_v and_o all_o because_o the_o right_a way_n of_o obviate_a heresy_n be_v mistake_v and_o overlookt_v heresy_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v cure_v only_o by_o doctrine_n and_o be_v not_o it_o that_o we_o have_v here_o to_o obviate_v but_o heresy_n in_o the_o mouth_n must_v be_v correct_v by_o discipline_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o better_a rule_n or_o law_n than_o scripture_n for_o they_o to_o subscribe_v that_o be_v the_o remedy_n but_o a_o careful_a execution_n of_o that_o law_n against_o they_o 1._o by_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o our_o communion_n after_o a_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n when_o they_o be_v prove_v guilty_a and_o 2._o by_o the_o magistrate_n restrain_v they_o according_a to_o
chap._n v._o difference_n iii_o of_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o three_o point_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o particular_a political_a church_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n or_o divers_a congregation_n whether_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la prima_fw-la or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o first_o generation_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o hold_v personal_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o some_o difference_n but_o real_o none_o that_o will_v find_v a_o reconciler_n work_n some_o presbyterian_o distinguish_v indeed_o between_o a_o worship_a church_n and_o a_o govern_v church_n and_o they_o will_v have_v one._n a_o single_a congregation_n to_o be_v one_o worship_v church_n but_o many_o conjoin_v in_o their_o pastor_n to_o be_v the_o first_o or_o low_a govern_v church_n but_o that_o be_v but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n enough_o in_o the_o single_a worship_a church_n so_o that_o real_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v 1._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v consist_v of_o one_o single_a congregation_n if_o it_o be_v but_o furnish_v with_o more_o than_o one_o elder_a for_o the_o work_n of_o government_n though_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o quite_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o where_o one_o man_n only_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n that_o man_n only_o may_v govern_v that_o church_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o pastor_n to_o that_o church_n 2._o and_o they_o be_v agree_v that_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o or_o can_v ordinary_o 148._o meet_v in_o one_o place_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o true_a particular_a church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n dare_v not_o public_o appear_v or_o have_v no_o capacious_a room_n to_o meet_v in_o but_o be_v force_v to_o meet_v dispersedly_z in_o house_n it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o most_o convenient_a for_o some_o that_o meet_v in_o one_o house_n and_o some_o in_o another_o and_o some_o in_o a_o three_o a_o four_o a_o five_o to_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o the_o same_o pastor_n that_o shall_v visit_v they_o several_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o have_v opportunity_n and_o rule_v they_o all_o and_o in_o a_o well_o order_v church_n there_o be_v none_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o less_o public_a meeting_n the_o church_n may_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a house_n and_o that_o the_o age_a sick_a or_o lame_a or_o any_o that_o by_o distance_n can_v frequent_o come_v to_o the_o same_o most_o public_a meeting_n may_v yet_o have_v chapel_n of_o ease_n or_o be_v allow_v to_o meet_v in_o house_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o this_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o i_o think_v few_o presbyterian_o if_o any_o will_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a regular_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o holy_a order_n that_o where_o it_o can_v be_v procure_v the_o whole_a church_n except_o the_o sick_a or_o lame_a or_o necessarilyhindered_a may_v frequent_o if_o not_o most_o usual_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n so_o that_o either_o here_o be_v no_o work_n for_o a_o reconciler_n or_o a_o very_a easy_a work_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o say_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v consist_v of_o one_o congregation_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v say_v that_o ordinary_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o the_o independent_o say_v it_o must_v consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n if_o they_o have_v liberty_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n either_o then_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v thus_o reconcile_v in_o a_o word_n the_o presbyterian_o may_v be_v shall_v yield_v to_o the_o independent_o must_v be_v the_o licet_fw-la to_o the_o oportet_fw-la secure_v they_o but_o of_o more_o than_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n and_o i_o dare_v warrant_v you_o that_o all_o the_o sober_a moderate_a presbyterian_o shall_v ready_o and_o hearty_o yield_v to_o this_o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o go_v many_o congregation_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a political_a church_n if_o any_o presbyterian_o refuse_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o for_o reconciliation_n another_o easy_a remedy_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v each_o have_v liberty_n to_o hold_v that_o church_n which_o in_o the_o extent_n be_v suit_v to_o their_o judgement_n let_v they_o that_o needs_o must_v have_v a_o church_n of_o many_o congregation_n hold_v it_o if_o the_o people_n do_v consent_n as_o few_o will_v so_o they_o will_v faithful_o do_v the_o pastoral_n work_n if_o they_o will_v join_v three_o or_o four_o parish_n together_o as_o the_o low_a govern_v church_n let_v they_o have_v their_o liberty_n exercise_v just_a discipline_n in_o they_o but_o let_v other_o also_o have_v their_o liberty_n that_o think_v it_o meet_a if_o not_o necessary_a that_o the_o church_n be_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n the_o distance_n and_o quality_n of_o people_n may_v very_o much_o alter_v the_o case_n in_o this_o point_n in_o place_n where_o four_o parish_n at_o great_a distance_n will_v afford_v but_o enough_o for_o one_o particular_a church_n if_o any_o such_o parish_n be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a to_o have_v ordinary_a meeting_n in_o the_o several_a parish_n for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n administer_v and_o sometime_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o full_a meeting_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v in_o no_o necessity_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o ordinary_a case_n but_o liberty_n in_o these_o case_n may_v well_o be_v grant_v chap._n vi_o difference_n iu._n the_o four_o point_n of_o difference_n be_v whether_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o their_o choose_a pastor_n this_o difference_n be_v easy_o reconcile_v for_o 1._o the_o presbyterian_o hold_v that_o regular_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o pastor_n of_o divers_a church_n multitudine_fw-la conjunct_a do_v ordain_v because_o of_o the_o interest_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o suppose_v each_o minister_n have_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n yet_o withal_o they_o deny_v not_o but_o he_o have_v a_o true_a ordination_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o more_o than_o one_o pastor_n of_o the_o same_o church_n ames_n 2._o though_o they_o deny_v and_o just_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o judge_v not_o a_o irregularity_n in_o that_o ceremony_n of_o force_n to_o nullify_v the_o call_n of_o the_o pastor_n 3._o if_o a_o man_n that_o be_v due_o elect_v and_o qualify_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o regular_a just_a ordination_n as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o by_o rule_v elder_n or_o by_o one_o such_o with_o the_o people_n though_o such_o a_o ordination_n be_v not_o to_o be_v itself_o approve_v of_o yet_o be_v upon_o a_o doctrinal_a mistake_n we_o may_v well_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n leave_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o error_n on_o themselves_o when_o we_o can_v remedy_v it_o 4._o the_o congregational_a brethren_n hold_v that_o in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o officer_n in_o that_o church_n the_o counsel_n concedimus_fw-la and_o help_v of_o other_o pastor_n may_v and_o ordinary_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o that_o ordinary_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v tribuit_fw-la true_a pastor_n that_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o true_a pastor_n and_o that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n the_o act_n of_o ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o multitude_n confer_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n but_o christ_n immediate_o and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_n pastor_n be_v requisite_a not_o only_o to_o a_o weak_a church_n because_o of_o their_o insufficiency_n to_o judge_n but_o also_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o well_o furnish_v church_n by_o the_o amplitude_n of_o advice_n and_o in_o all_o church_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o i_o think_v they_o grant_v it_o lawful_a though_o not_o necessary_a that_o these_o neighbour_n pastor_n lay_v on_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o counsel_v this_o much_o be_v doctrinal_o agree_v on_o our_o practical_a agreement_n be_v easy_a thus_o 1._o let_v the_o doctrinal_a point_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o more_o pastor_n to_o ordain_v be_v let_v alone_o and_o leave_v to_o each_o man_n liberty_n it_o be_v no_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n nor_o a_o credendum_fw-la of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o see_v the_o congregational_a party_n hold_v that_o more_o from_o neighbour_n church_n may_v
shall_v further_o evince_v when_o i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o mr._n norton_n word_n english_v pag._n 156_o 157_o etc._n etc._n cap._n 16._o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o adjoyn_v himself_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n or_o in_o which_o some_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n without_o due_a reformation_n or_o when_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o sacrament_n that_o give_v no_o evident_a sign_n or_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n hold_v forth_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n he_o be_v not_o therefore_o involve_v in_o guilt_n and_o defile_v with_o the_o impurity_n of_o other_o nor_o must_v he_o therefore_o depart_v that_o be_v separate_z from_o such_o a_o church_n schism_n be_v a_o unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v always_o a_o great_a sin_n this_o he_o prove_v pag._n 158_o etc._n etc._n 1._o in_o case_n of_o inculpable_a want_n of_o ordinance_n 2._o of_o culpable_a want_n by_o negligence_n 3._o of_o culpable_a want_n by_o refusal_n of_o god_n ordinance_n say_v he_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n ordinance_n can_v not_o be_v enjoy_v for_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n reject_v not_o only_a john_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o they_o matth._n 21._o 25._o the_o scribe_n reject_v john_n baptism_n mark_v 11._o 27._o 31._o and_o yet_o the_o scribe_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 23._o 2_o 3._o the_o hear_n of_o who_o such_o as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o place_n import_v a_o conjunction_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o compare_v a_o church_n that_o tolerate_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o church_n reject_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o temporary_a rejection_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n many_o deny_v and_o deride_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o that_o church_n the_o apostle_n do_v neither_o present_o forbid_v union_n with_o the_o church_n nor_o command_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v tolerate_v at_o least_o there_o be_v such_o as_o judge_v that_o beside_o faith_n moral_a and_o ceremonial_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o other_o doctrine_n he_o call_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 6._o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o not_o to_o have_v grant_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a to_o be_v a_o member_n in_o a_o galatian_a much_o more_o in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n to_o present_a separation_n but_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o their_o station_n yet_o expect_v a_o reformation_n and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o same_o hope_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n adjoyn_v himself_o either_o to_o the_o galatian_a church_n or_o that_o at_o corinth_n even_o in_o that_o time_n of_o their_o defection_n especial_o if_o a_o opportunity_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v shut_v up_o 2._o we_o say_v that_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o adjoyn_v himself_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o some_o corruption_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v tolerate_v without_o due_a reformation_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v a_o whore_v judg._n 8._o 27._o after_o the_o ephod_n set_v up_o by_o gideon_n be_v a_o tolerate_a corruption_n of_o worship_n the_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n from_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n till_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v a_o tolerate_a corruption_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o the_o follow_a next_o sabbath_n lest_o they_o shall_v feast_v on_o two_o day_n together_o which_o translation_n appear_v in_o the_o paschal_n observation_n by_o christ_n different_a from_o the_o jew_n observation_n the_o wrong_a ministry_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v such_o a_o corruption_n for_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o public_a teach_v moses_n law_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o god_n institution_n ordinary_o proper_a to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n yet_o christ_n command_v to_o hear_v they_o but_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n gal._n 4._o 21._o 10._o &_o 5._o 2._o but_o all_o these_o be_v corruption_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n tolerate_v without_o due_a reformation_n and_o who_o in_o those_o time_n do_v judge_v either_o the_o church_n union_n to_o be_v not-lawful_a or_o non-separation_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o one_o bear_v witness_v the_o pious_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o to_o the_o other_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a remain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o compare_v the_o corruption_n in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o corruption_n in_o public_a worship_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o repeat_v the_o argument_n forecited_a add_v p._n 161._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o adjoyn_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n by_o adjoin_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n we_o adjoyn_v not_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o church_n a_o believer_n join_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n not_o pure_a special_o when_o he_o can_v enjoy_v a_o pure_a sin_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n exempt_v not_o a_o believer_n from_o duty_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v without_o sin_n or_o grievous_a incommodity_n as_o some_o corruption_n of_o the_o communicant_n must_v not_o drive_v away_o from_o the_o supper_n a_o believer_n prepare_v worthy_o to_o eat_v so_o neither_o must_v some_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n drive_v away_o the_o faithful_a from_o union_n with_o that_o church_n 3._o believer_n may_v join_v themselves_o lawful_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o hold_v forth_o no_o evident_a sign_n or_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n but_o show_v in_o many_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o whatever_o other_o do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o member_n at_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o one_o can_v deprive_v another_o brother_n that_o communicate_v not_o in_o his_o sin_n of_o his_o benefit_n much_o less_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n 3._o if_o try_v ourselves_o and_o come_v worthy_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o do_v in_o our_o place_n endeavour_v by_o lawful_a mean_n that_o the_o old_a leaven_n may_v be_v purge_v out_o and_o we_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n the_o communion_n be_v not_o defile_v by_o other_o man_n come_v unworthy_o though_o our_o comfort_n be_v diminish_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o worship_n woman_n speak_v that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n many_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a most_o corrupt_a in_o manner_n when_o beside_o fornication_n sect_n and_o many_o other_o vice_n some_o also_o show_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n whence_o strife_n before_o heathen_a judge_n about_o corporal_a thing_n yet_o the_o apostle_n command_v not_o the_o prepare_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o supper_n but_o he_o correct_v the_o abuse_n about_o the_o supper_n command_v every_o man_n to_o examine_v himself_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v so_o he_o proceed_v to_o other_o proof_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v by_o priest_n that_o be_v stark_o naught_o and_o very_o many_o arrant_a knave_n be_v present_a and_o yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n go_v into_o the_o same_o temple_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o use_v the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o the_o desperate_a
ungodliness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n life_n can_v drive_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o holy_a thing_n and_o why_o because_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o apostle_n well_o know_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o defile_v with_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a if_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a thing_n next_o he_o prove_v the_o four_o branch_n that_o he_o that_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n do_v not_o therefore_o sin_n nor_o be_v defile_v with_o other_o man_n impurity_n p._n 163_o 164._o then_o p._n 164_o 165._o he_o pr●…_n the_o 5_o branch_n that_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n must_v not_o therefore_o depart_v that_o i●s_v separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o under_o this_o danger_n of_o guilt_n but_o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o recite_v all_o it_o be_v not_o man_n of_o such_o principle●_n and_o practice_n as_o these_o that_o we_o account_v separatist_n what_o do_v presbyterian_o say_v more_o than_o this_o eminent_a independent_a brother_n in_o a_o write_n purposely_o write_v in_o latin_a by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o in_o new_a england_n to_o vindicate_v their_o church_n against_o apollonius_n and_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o mr._n t._n goodwin_n mr._n p._n nye_n and_o mr._n s._n simpson_n yet_o lest_o any_o think_v he_o too_o loose_a i_o will_v add_v his_o last_o leaf_n of_o rule_n how_o in_o a_o less_o pure_a church_n communion_n must_v be_v continue_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n answ._n 1._o we_o must_v still_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v according_a to_o our_o place_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v purifi_v according_a to_o christ_n mind_n not_o without_o seasonable_a and_o due_a warning_n the_o church_n of_o its_o defect_n the_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v lament_v with_o holy_a sigh_n and_o sorrow_n in_o no_o way_n approve_v but_o prudent_o and_o patient_o tolerate_v defect_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o c●n_v neither_o cure_v nor_o depart_v from_o without_o a_o great_a evil._n when_o singular_a evil_n can_v be_v cure_v without_o a_o great_a public_a evil_n that_o must_v be_v bear_v which_o can_v be_v amend_v in_o the_o church_n reformation_n this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v observe_v paraeus_n in_o matth._n 13._o that_o those_o that_o press_v for_o too_o much_o exactness_n or_o strictness_n do_v more_o hurt_v the_o church_n than_o profit_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o communion_n so_o love_v peace_n that_o he_o command_v communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n though_o impure_a and_o so_o love_a truth_n that_o he_o forbid_v impurity_n in_o every_o church_n we_o reject_v the_o separatist_n that_o distinguish_v not_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n be_v a_o grievous_a crime_n we_o reject_v the_o formalist_n not_o sufficient_o distinguish_v a_o church_n from_o no_o church_n not_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a what_o be_v this_o but_o confusion_n confusion_n and_o schism_n be_v the_o scylla_n and_o charybdis_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o jachin_n and_o boaz_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n the_o obtain_n of_o which_o must_v be_v endeavour_v under_o he_o and_o implore_v and_o expect_v from_o he_o who_o be_v peace_n way_n and_o truth_n alone_o able_a among_o so_o many_o and_o alas_o too_o hot_a contention_n and_o differ_v opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a to_o reach_v we_o the_o mete-wand_n and_o direct_v his_o servant_n into_o concord_n and_o into_o the_o perfect_a measure_n of_o the_o temple_n altar_n and_o worshipper_n preserve_v we_o man_n brethren_n search_v after_o truth_n in_o love_n both_o from_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o confusion_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o separation_n so_o far_o mr._n norton_n and_o so_o end_v his_o book_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o nearness_n of_o both_o party_n and_o easiness_n of_o reconciliation_n as_o to_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o among_o they_o own_v by_o either_o party_n that_o shall_v hinder_v a_o love_a consociation_n correspondency_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n and_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o division_n emulation_n and_o contention_n have_v long_o cause_v among_o we_o nothing_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o least_o man_n mind_n be_v further_a distant_a than_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o charity_n do_v not_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o agree_v in_o communion_n as_o far_o as_o their_o profess_a principle_n will_v permit_v they_o but_o though_o experience_n make_v this_o undeniable_a yet_o their_o piety_n and_o their_o profession_n do_v put_v we_o in_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v such_o habitual_a principle_n of_o charity_n as_o better_a encouragement_n and_o opportunity_n will_v undoubted_o revive_v to_o our_o reconciliation_n the_o congregational_a man_n profess_v their_o desire_n of_o reconciliation_n read_v but_o mr._n cotton_n preface_n to_o mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n norton_n epistle_n to_o apollonius_n but_o especial_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o moderate_a man_n as_o mr._n firmin_n and_o divers_a that_o of_o late_a hence_o associate_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o their_o readiness_n for_o peace_n and_o if_o many_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peaceable_a and_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o readiness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o peace_n beside_o the_o many_o motion_n that_o they_o have_v make_v and_o the_o join_n of_o some_o in_o association_n with_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v but_o the_o affectionate_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o their_o desire_n of_o reconcilement_n both_o with_o the_o congregational_a and_o moderate_a episcopal_a party_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o their_o ius_n divinum_fw-la minist_n 1._o concern_v they_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n they_o say_v that_o this_o disagreement_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o any_o christian_a accord_n with_o they_o in_o affection_n that_o we_o can_v willing_o write_v upon_o our_o study_n door_n that_o motto_n which_o mr._n jeremiah_n burroughes_n who_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n do_v ambitious_o endeavour_v after_o union_n among_o brethren_n as_o some_o of_o we_o can_v testify_v persuade_v all_o scholar_n unto_o opinionum_fw-la varietas_fw-la &_o opinantium_fw-la unitas_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v any_o sincere_a motion_n as_o we_o have_v also_o former_o declare_v in_o cur_n print_a vindication_n that_o shall_v further_o a_o happy_a accommodation_n between_o we_o then_o speak_v of_o the_o godly_a moderate_a episcopal_a man_n they_o add_v though_o herein_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o yet_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v hinder_v a_o happy_a union_n between_o they_o and_o we_o nay_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v never_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v be_v well_o with_o england_n till_o there_o be_v a_o union_n endeavour_v and_o effect_v between_o all_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o doctrine_n though_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o some_o circumstance_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v strange_o make_v way_n for_o this_o long_o desire_a union_n by_o the_o bitter_a woeful_a and_o unutterable_a fruit_n of_o our_o division_n which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o ministry_n but_o even_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n read_v there_o the_o rest_n you_o see_v then_o that_o we_o be_v all_o resolve_v for_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o and_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o you_o see_v how_o small_a a_o matter_n will_v do_v it_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v do_v already_o except_o the_o actual_a execution_n of_o our_o doctrinal_a agreement_n what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o that_o we_o be_v up_o and_o do_v and_o practice_n as_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o magistrate_n and_o especial_o the_o protector_n and_o parliament_n now_o assemble_v that_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n and_o from_o who_o it_o be_v common_o expect_v do_v call_v they_o to_o the_o work_n and_o help_v to_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n and_o further_o they_o by_o the_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n the_o sum_n of_o our_o agreement_n reduce_v to_o practice_n 1._o we_o be_v agree_v that_o adult_n church_n member_n must_v be_v such_o as_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o of_o holy_a resolve_a obedience_n or_o such_o as_o personal_o own_o and_o accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o
under_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christ._n but_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v so_o ordinary_a and_o great_a that_o in_o sound_n and_o peaceable_a country_n where_o heresy_n or_o church-tyranny_n do_v not_o turn_v they_o against_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o where_o state-iealousy_n cause_v not_o ruler_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o statedness_n and_o frequency_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o very_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o contrary_a case_n it_o may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a 7._o though_o no_o one_o of_o these_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o council_n nor_o many_o conjunct_a be_v by_o divine_a right_o the_o proper_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o one_o another_o their_o canon_n be_v agreement_n for_o union_n rather_o than_o the_o law_n of_o superior_a governor_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o by_o their_o assemble_v lose_v their_o govern_n power_n over_o their_o several_a flock_n but_o meet_v to_o exercise_v it_o with_o the_o great_a consideration_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o their_o lawful_a determination_n and_o agreement_n may_v be_v true_o obligatory_a to_o their_o several_a flock_n 8._o the_o largeness_n of_o these_o council_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n as_o the_o scandal_n heresy_n schism_n or_o contention_n do_v require_v but_o to_o make_v proper_a universal_a council_n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a supreme_a govern_v lawgiver_n to_o a_o body_n politic_a call_v the_o universal_a church_n be_v a_o device_n of_o those_o who_o will_v do_v christ_n work_n in_o their_o own_o mistake_v way_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v desperate_o divide_v corrupt_a and_o injure_v it_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o christ_n universal_a law_n be_v sufficient_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o circumstantial_a determination_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v pernicious_a if_o not_o impossible_a the_o many_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o paucity_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o presence_n in_o many_o church_n the_o many_o year_n that_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o travel_n the_o opposition_n of_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n prince_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v or_o through_o who_o country_n they_o must_v travel_v the_o war_n and_o jealousy_n of_o prince_n the_o probability_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o able_a pastor_n in_o such_o a_o voyage_n they_o be_v usual_o age_a man_n and_o weak_a their_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o unintelligibleness_n to_o one_o another_o their_o long_a continuance_n in_o such_o council_n their_o incapacity_n to_o meet_v and_o hear_v together_o in_o any_o one_o room_n the_o probability_n that_o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o near_a bishop_n and_o paucity_n of_o the_o remote_a will_v make_v a_o faction_n go_v for_o the_o council_n the_o improbability_n that_o ever_o they_o will_v return_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o decree_n the_o unsatisfiedness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o decree_n when_o a_o thousand_o or_o a_o hundred_o pastor_n who_o choose_v one_o single_a delegate_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v speak_v their_o sense_n or_o not_o with_o many_o such_o reason_n make_v it_o as_o pernicious_a as_o unnecessary_a nor_o have_v the_o christian_a church_n ever_o have_v such_o council_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o as_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v no_o power_n to_o summon_v the_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o other_o prince_n so_o the_o record_a suffrage_n of_o all_o the_o council_n certify_v we_o that_o they_o be_v none_o such_o but_o the_o subject_n only_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v such_o with_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a number_n of_o some_o adjacent_a bishop_n and_o that_o but_o very_o seldom_o so_o that_o those_o council_n be_v universal_a only_o as_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o but_o very_o rare_o if_o ever_o but_o never_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n 9_o if_o a_o plurality_n of_o heretic_n schismatic_n or_o ungodly_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n shall_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o council_n oppress_v the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n the_o sound_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n must_v hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o not_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o flock_n in_o obedience_n to_o such_o council_n 10._o if_o any_o church_n or_o pastor_n be_v accuse_v or_o defame_v to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n of_o any_o heresy_n schism_n scandal_n or_o injury_n either_o to_o any_o person_n of_o that_o church_n or_o to_o any_o neighbour_n church_n or_o person_n the_o general_a precept_n of_o christian_a charity_n concord_n humility_n submission_n etc._n etc._n do_v oblige_v such_o accuse_a person_n to_o tender_a to_o their_o offend_a brethren_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v many_o church_n due_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o hear_v their_o reason_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o amend_v if_o they_o have_v err_v and_o in_o lawful_a thing_n to_o yield_v to_o other_o for_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o to_o avoid_v offence_n where_o great_a accident_n make_v it_o not_o then_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 11._o if_o any_o pastor_n or_o neighbour_n church_n remain_v impenitent_a under_o such_o prove_a heresy_n impiety_n or_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o godliness_n the_o synod_n or_o neighbour_n church_n after_o due_a admonition_n and_o pationce_n shall_v open_o disow_v their_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a communion_n shall_v also_o disclaim_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o shall_v send_v to_o the_o innocent_a part_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o save_v themselves_o by_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n or_o to_o forsake_v such_o heretical_a and_o impenitent_a pastor_n and_o shall_v motion_n they_o to_o better_a pastor_n and_o send_v some_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o they_o be_v accept_v but_o none_o of_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a infirmity_n or_o fail_n 12._o a_o true_o ordain_v minister_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v or_o accept_v by_o a_o church_n for_o the_o present_a time_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o guide_v they_o in_o public_a worship_n and_o sacramental_a communion_n in_o the_o sickness_n or_o absence_n of_o their_o state_v pastor_n or_o in_o a_o vacancy_n aught_o to_o assist_v they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o administration_n and_o when_o a_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o pastor_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o desire_v the_o faithful_a neighbour_n pastor_n to_o assist_v they_o for_o supply_v especial_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o part_n of_o pastoral_a sufficiency_n which_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o try_v themselves_o and_o to_o ordain_v by_o approbation_n and_o solemn_a investiture_n such_o a_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o they_o consent_v to_o if_o he_o be_v not_o before_o ordain_v or_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o by_o prayer_n to_o desire_n god_n to_o bless_v he_o in_o that_o special_a charge_n q._n 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n a._n this_o need_v no_o more_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a answer_n but_o this_o 1._o that_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o main_n must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n 2._o but_o they_o must_v not_o busy_v themselves_o needless_o with_o the_o distant_a and_o unknown_a case_n and_o business_n of_o other_o nor_o 3_o must_v they_o violate_v the_o lawful_a restraint_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n nor_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n or_o interest_n 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n they_o shall_v send_v to_o they_o for_o satisfaction_n and_o those_o church_n shall_v send_v they_o the_o forementioned_a confession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o either_o purge_v themselves_o from_o the_o crime_n of_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v or_o confess_v they_o and_o forsake_v they_o but_o when_o the_o pastor_n which_o in_o several_a country_n have_v drink_v in_o differ_v opinion_n shall_v expect_v that_o all_o other_o shall_v speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o controvert_v point_n of_o tolerable_a difference_n and_o by_o their_o odious_a imagine_a consequence_n shall_v slander_v other_o church_n or_o pastor_n as_o hold_v that_o which_o they_o disclaim_v or_o as_o deny_v that_o which_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n they_o profess_v as_o their_o very_a religion_n and_o by_o their_o passion_n unskilfulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n shall_v make_v all_o difference_n though_o