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 and_o charitable_a life_n that_o they_o may_v win_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o may_v give_v they_o no_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o soul_n require_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o better_a help_n but_o if_o differ_v though_o tolerable_a opinion_n do_v so_o possess_v any_o of_o the_o people_n mind_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v satisfy_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o their_o presence_n will_v be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o their_o absence_n or_o if_o the_o pastor_n or_o church_n be_v so_o overrigid_a as_o not_o to_o tolerate_v their_o dissent_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o permit_v they_o to_o worship_n in_o other_o assembly_n though_o their_o withdraw_n may_v not_o be_v justifiable_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v maintain_v with_o they_o as_o with_o neighbour_n church_n though_o perhaps_o weak_a and_o faulty_a which_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o the_o next_o question_n q._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 a._n what_o these_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o question_n be_v be_v show_v before_o the_o communion_n in_o question_n consist_v 1._o in_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n 2._o in_o the_o same_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o necessary_a part_n 3._o in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n 4._o in_o a_o profess_a estimation_n of_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n and_o as_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 5._o and_o in_o a_o profess_a love_n to_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 6._o and_o in_o such_o communion_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o the_o term_n therefore_o and_o mean_n must_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o they_o must_v public_o profess_v the_o same_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o continue_v our_o consent_n to_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n particular_o profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o to_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n believe_v also_o the_o sacred_a canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o our_o divine_a belief_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o renounce_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v know_v they_o all_o heresy_n error_n and_o practice_n contrary_a hereto_o this_o be_v all_o the_o profession_n that_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o person_n in_o order_n to_o the_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o or_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n beside_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n relation_n or_o of_o neighbour_n church_n for_o their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o except_o when_o any_o scandal_n oblige_v we_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v suspect_v heresy_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o just_a purgation_n or_o repentance_n and_o the_o require_v of_o large_a unnecessary_a profession_n have_v be_v the_o grand_a engine_n of_o church_n division_n through_o many_o generation_n 2._o yet_o as_o there_o be_v christian_n of_o divers_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v church_n also_o as_o different_a and_o though_o we_o must_v own_v they_o all_o as_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v such_o indeed_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o judge_v they_o equal_o sound_v or_o pure_a but_o must_v disow_v the_o gross_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n which_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o must_v special_o honour_v those_o that_o be_v more_o faithful_a pure_a and_o entire_a 3._o no_o one_o particular_a single_a church_n must_v claim_v or_o usurp_v a_o right_n of_o dominion_n or_o government_n over_o other_o church_n as_o give_v they_o by_o god_n see_v that_o all_o such_o true_a church_n be_v as_o city_n or_o corporation_n in_o one_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o one_o king_n but_o be_v none_o of_o they_o rightful_a ruler_n of_o the_o rest_n nor_o must_v any_o man_n of_o their_o own_o head_n set_v up_o such_o form_n of_o government_n as_o of_o humane_a right_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o as_o spiritual_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n commit_v to_o his_o minister_n though_o one_o eminent_a minister_n may_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v many_o other_o and_o have_v some_o care_n of_o many_o church_n contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o order_n settle_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o all_o universal_o necessary_o church_n government_n and_o infallible_o guide_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o may_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o such_o invent_a policy_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o make_v their_o forge_a head_n pope_n or_o council_n a_o constitutive_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o seign_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v schismatic_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o subject_n 4._o but_o love_n and_o concord_n and_o peace_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o the_o equal_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n see_v it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o beauty_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o help_v of_o the_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n therefore_o such_o correspondency_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o each_o other_o and_o to_o a_o just_a furtherance_n of_o these_o happy_a end_n and_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n the_o determination_n of_o useful_a circumstance_n according_a to_o god_n general_a rule_n be_v no_o sinful_a addition_n to_o god_n word_n or_o ordinance_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o here_o to_o be_v so_o judge_v if_o magistrate_n by_o law_n or_o church_n by_o consent_n do_v determine_v of_o useful_a undetermined_a circumstance_n for_o the_o order_n of_o these_o correspondency_n and_o prevent_v contention_n faction_n and_o division_n 5._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o these_o correspondency_n be_v messenger_n and_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o letter_n testimonial_a or_o certificate_n if_o one_o church_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o upon_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n or_o scandalous_a practice_n they_o may_v by_o messenger_n admonish_v they_o and_o these_o may_v by_o messenger_n make_v their_o purgation_n or_o confession_n as_o also_o if_o they_o desire_v advice_n or_o help_n from_o one_o another_o but_o if_o in_o common_a and_o weighty_a case_n there_o be_v need_n of_o more_o common_a and_o judicious_a consultation_n or_o signification_n of_o consent_n and_o concord_n synod_n be_v the_o mean_n thereto_o and_o if_o one_o member_n travel_v into_o other_o part_n or_o remove_v his_o dwell_n or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o suspicious_a time_n and_o case_n communicatory_a letter_n and_o certificate_n be_v the_o mean_n that_o heretic_n and_o deceiver_n abuse_v not_o the_o church_n 6._o whether_o these_o synod_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o certain_a state_v time_n or_o various_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o whether_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o precedent_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v mutable_a or_o fix_v and_o of_o how_o many_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v compose_v and_o how_o oft_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v sit_v with_o such_o like_a be_v circumstance_n leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n
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 â—â—â—_o admâ—â—â—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 â—ining_v thâ—â—â—mong_o they_o as_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o our_o english_a congregation_n and_o have_v goâ—_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 â—â—â—_o to_o â—â—_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 eâ—â—â—â—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 ouâ—_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
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 therefore_o let_v this_o be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o concord_n to_o our_o brethren_n liberty_n if_o they_o will_v hold_v communion_n in_o the_o association_n that_o have_v but_o temporary_a precedent_n let_v they_o be_v receive_v and_o if_o those_o that_o own_v not_o state_v precedent_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o exercise_v a_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n will_v yet_o hold_v communion_n in_o synod_n with_o a_o signification_n of_o their_o dissent_n in_o that_o point_n with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o will_v be_v by_o such_o as_o more_o regard_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o christian_a charity_n piety_n and_o common_a truth_n than_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o carnal_a interest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o next_o adjoin_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o a_o universal_a concord_n between_o all_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o 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 teâ—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 â—â—_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 ordinary_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o disciple_n and_o baptise_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n and_o that_o we_o profess_v our_o willingness_n to_o join_v in_o christian_a assembly_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o minister_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o further_a our_o own_o and_o other_o salvation_n if_o we_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o do_v according_o ii_o q._n 1._o we_o speak_v only_o of_o visible_a christian_n in_o this_o second_o question_n also_o of_o church_n communion_n 2._o a_fw-la particular_a church_n signify_v either_o 1._o a_o community_n of_o christian_n agree_v to_o live_v under_o pastoral_n guidance_n before_o they_o have_v a_o pastor_n or_o have_v practise_v that_o agreement_n this_o be_v not_o the_o church_n here_o meanâ—_n 2._o or_o a_o political_a society_n of_o christian_a pastor_n and_o people_n profess_o associate_v 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 notification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v undertake_v this_o office_n which_o be_v ordinary_o do_v 1._o by_o the_o ordination_n that_o be_v the_o approbation_n and_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n 2._o and_o in_o this_o case_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o people_n consent_n all_o this_o in_o truth_n be_v needful_a before_o god_n and_o in_o appearance_n and_o profession_n before_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o people_n must_v be_v baptise_a person_n sacramental_o engage_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o such_o as_o have_v not_o profess_o desert_v that_o covenant_n by_o apostasy_n nor_o be_v prove_v before_o a_o lawful_a judicature_n to_o be_v deserter_n of_o any_o essential_a part_n thereof_o whether_o open_o profess_v covenant_n may_v not_o serve_v without_o baptism_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n where_o baptism_n can_v be_v have_v be_v a_o case_n so_o extraordinary_a that_o we_o need_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o it_o 3._o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o yet_o have_v opportunity_n at_o full_a age_n do_v make_v no_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nor_o own_o his_o baptismal_a covenant_n open_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n be_v to_o be_v number_v with_o deserter_n 4._o though_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o open_a profession_n be_v usual_o best_a where_o it_o may_v be_v â—ad_v yet_o a_o profession_n less_o explicit_a may_v serve_v to_o the_o be_v of_o church-member_n such_o as_o be_v their_o actual_a join_n with_o those_o church_n who_o purposely_o assemble_v to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n 5._o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o signification_n of_o consent_n to_o their_o particular_a church-relation_n either_o more_o express_v and_o plain_a or_o at_o least_o by_o such_o action_n which_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o signify_v it_o as_o ordinary_a join_v in_o church-worship_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o necessary_a guidance_n of_o the_o pastor_n 6._o he_o that_o thus_o consent_v to_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o that_o church_n be_v a_o member_n though_o he_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o membership_n or_o presence_n of_o many_o particular_a member_n thereof_o because_o they_o be_v but_o integral_a and_o not_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o but_o if_o a_o usual_a mixture_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o heretic_n or_o stranger_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o any_o other_o confound_a cause_n do_v give_v the_o pastor_n sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v all_o or_o part_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o express_a signification_n of_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o relation_n to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n they_o that_o causeless_o refuse_v such_o signification_n do_v seem_v to_o deny_v their_o consent_n and_o allow_v the_o pastor_n and_o church_n to_o judge_v of_o 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
christian_a nature_n and_o unbeseeming_a a_o sensible_a member_n of_o christ._n with_o what_o heart_n do_v such_o divide_v brethren_n read_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v all_o one_o end_v one_o hope_n one_o law_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o we_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o baptismal_a coveant_v with_o god_n eph._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o we_o all_o therefore_o must_v we_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n v._n 3._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o this_o one_o body_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o fleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o in_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o note_v here_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n and_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o what_o way_n it_o prosper_v to_o perfection_n and_o all_o will_v tell_v you_o of_o unity_n in_o christ_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n in_o love_n god_n have_v temper_v the_o body_n together_o have_v give_v more_o abundant_a honour_n to_o that_o part_n that_o lock_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o â—nother_n and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o o_o how_o much_o the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a even_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v forget_v by_o most_o man_n that_o withdraw_v into_o separate_a assembly_n upon_o those_o ground_n and_o term_n as_o condemn_v or_o cost_v off_o most_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ._n and_o how_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n if_o indeed_o they_o know_v what_o state_n it_o be_v in_o and_o have_v be_v in_o when_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o keep_v up_o our_o division_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o 6._o moreover_o our_o division_n and_o separation_n do_v much_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n partly_o as_o be_v say_v by_o destroy_v love_n and_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o love_n wherein_o it_o principal_o consist_v and_o partly_o by_o divert_v professor_n of_o religion_n from_o practical_a doctrine_n conference_n and_o meditation_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o when_o once_o in_o a_o town_n there_o be_v church_n against_o church_n and_o pastor_n against_o pastor_n almost_o all_o or_o too_o much_o of_o their_o time_n be_v take_v up_o in_o wrangle_v and_o contend_v and_o make_v their_o cause_n good_a against_o each_o other_o and_o they_o strive_v not_o to_o overcome_v each_o other_o by_o meekness_n patience_n and_o love_n it_o be_v the_o raise_n of_o a_o ecclesiastic_a war_n through_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o land_n and_o few_o thrive_v by_o these_o war_n above_o any_o war_n mark_v whether_o holiness_n love_n and_o heavenliness_n appear_v as_o much_o in_o their_o family_n and_o life_n where_o this_o war_n be_v raise_v and_o fire_v kindle_v as_o it_o do_v before_o 7._o moreover_o it_o keep_v out_o too_o often_o a_o save_v work_n of_o grace_n and_o turn_v off_o many_o that_o be_v come_v on_o and_o crush_v fair_a hope_n too_o often_o in_o the_o bud_n many_o a_o minister_n have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o conversion_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v begin_v on_o the_o young_a sort_n especial_o of_o his_o hearer_n and_o when_o they_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o humble_v change_v resolve_v for_o a_o holy_a life_n sudden_o some_o divider_n or_o other_o lay_v hold_v on_o they_o and_o turn_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o zeal_n upon_o opinion_n and_o barren_a controversy_n and_o spoil_v our_o hope_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o form_v they_o up_o into_o contentious_a hypocrite_n and_o alas_o how_o apt_a be_v such_o separate_a assembly_n to_o â—empt_v man_n to_o this_o miserable_a case_n even_o as_o ale_n house_n be_v to_o make_v man_n drink_v sober_a man_n may_v be_v there_o but_o there_o be_v the_o nursery_n of_o opinionative_n religion_n 8._o but_o there_o be_v no_o effect_n so_o grievous_a to_o my_o thought_n as_o the_o common_a harden_v of_o the_o ungodly_a who_o see_v not_o how_o it_o make_v they_o think_v unbelieve_o or_o contemptuous_o of_o all_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o church_n 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 and_o say_v that_o offence_n must_v be_v and_o heresy_n must_v arise_v that_o the_o approve_a may_v be_v manifest_v and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v to_o perdition_n for_o sin_n be_v sin_n and_o misery_n for_o all_o this_o they_o may_v on_o those_o ground_n as_o well_o let_v physician_n have_v leave_v to_o give_v man_n poison_n or_o any_o mâ—n_z to_o set_v our_o town_n on_o fire_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v against_o god_n decree_n it_o be_v as_o true_a among_o the_o indian_n and_o turk_n that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v to_o perdition_n and_o that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o as_o here_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v all_o christian_n will_v lament_v the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n of_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n and_o pray_v and_o endeavour_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v their_o recovery_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v fetch_v no_o such_o conclusion_n from_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v hinder_v from_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n 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
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
whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o make_v their_o adversary_n be_v think_v to_o be_v ignorant_a erroneous_a or_o bad_a and_o so_o to_o make_v one_o another_o seem_v less_o amiable_a to_o the_o ruin_n of_o love_n and_o the_o division_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o because_o love_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o vehement_o press_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o division_n or_o schism_n so_o much_o forbid_v 16._o all_o these_o be_v sinful_a schismatical_a separation_n but_o in_o very_o different_a degree_n 1._o when_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o lesser_a error_n and_o the_o disclaim_n of_o some_o truth_n do_v cause_n man_n to_o separate_v 2._o when_o they_o slander_v a_o true_a ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n and_o so_o separate_v 3._o when_o they_o slander_v a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n 4._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o they_o accuse_v true_a worship_n to_o be_v idolatry_n or_o lawful_a worship_n to_o be_v unlawful_a 5._o when_o they_o false_o accuse_v the_o church_n faith_n worship_n or_o order_n to_o be_v defective_a and_o to_o want_v some_o necessary_a part_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o the_o protestant_n who_o take_v up_o with_o the_o scripture-religion_n alone_o 6._o when_o they_o accuse_v some_o tolerable_a fail_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v intolerable_a and_o such_o as_o make_v their_o communion_n unlawful_a 7._o when_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o just_a discipline_n which_o cross_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o because_o they_o hate_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o obedience_n 8._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o part_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o receive_v member_n or_o censure_v they_o or_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o invade_v the_o pastoral_n office_n 9_o when_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n make_v they_o separate_v through_o personal_a distaste_n at_o the_o pastor_n or_o any_o member_n for_o want_v of_o respect_n or_o honour_n or_o gain_v or_o upon_o suppose_a injury_n 10._o when_o the_o minor_a part_n separate_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o own_o will_n against_o the_o major_a part_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n or_o in_o other_o church-affair_n in_o which_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o acquiesce_v 11._o when_o they_o overvalue_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o doubtful_a opinion_n and_o their_o own_o indifferent_a mode_n or_o word_n of_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o order_n so_o that_o they_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o separate_v to_o enjoy_v they_o 12._o when_o they_o expect_v that_o the_o pastor_n shall_v excommunicate_v or_o deny_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o they_o account_v unfit_a without_o any_o accusation_n and_o proof_n or_o true_a church-justice_n and_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n where_o such_o be_v receive_v as_o unlawful_a for_o themselves_o 13._o when_o they_o separate_v upon_o this_o false_a supposition_n that_o their_o presence_n make_v they_o guilty_a as_o consenter_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n error_n in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o method_n or_o word_n of_o his_o preach_v pray_v or_o other_o administration_n 14._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o the_o church_n will_v not_o forbear_v the_o sing_v of_o david_n psalm_n the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n or_o some_o other_o such_o part_n or_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n 15._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o they_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o lawful_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n translation_n metre_n tunes_n utensil_n or_o method_n which_o the_o church_n do_v use_v these_o all_o be_v unlawful_a separation_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n be_v when_o they_o separate_v to_o set_v up_o heretical_a doctrine_n and_o teacher_n or_o false_a church-order_n and_o worship_n corrupt_v in_o the_o essential_o or_o to_o promote_v ungodliness_n or_o to_o rail_v at_o other_o from_o who_o they_o separate_v and_o to_o cherish_v division_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o common_a christian_a cause_n 17._o these_o follow_a be_v lawful_a cause_n of_o separation_n 1._o when_o the_o pastor_n be_v real_o no_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o uncapable_a or_o uncalled_a usurper_n or_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n or_o open_a enemy_n to_o piety_n who_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o set_v themselves_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o ministry_n 2._o when_o the_o church_n make_v not_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o be_v not_o baptize_v or_o visible_a christian_n 3._o when_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v idolatry_n or_o such_o for_o the_o substance_n as_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v nor_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o 4._o when_o the_o church_n renounce_v or_o omit_v any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v ordinary_o perform_v and_o which_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o omit_v 5._o when_o after_o due_a admonition_n the_o church_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n of_o contention_n and_o a_o school_n of_o malignity_n and_o revile_v the_o brethren_n and_o of_o destroy_a christian_a love_n to_o other_o or_o of_o promote_a schism_n to_o the_o intolerable_a wrong_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o other_o and_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o church_n of_o christ._n 6._o when_o after_o due_a admonition_n and_o patience_n the_o church_n so_o far_o renounce_v discipline_n as_o open_o to_o own_o and_o justify_v such_o wickedness_n or_o heinous_a sin_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o godliness_n 18._o and_o if_o the_o unsoundness_n badness_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o faultiness_n of_o the_o worship_n order_n or_o discipline_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n sunply_v unlawful_a yet_o any_o free_a man_n who_o edification_n be_v great_o hinder_v by_o it_o and_o can_v elsewhere_o have_v far_o great_a help_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o join_v with_o a_o church_n which_o walk_v more_o conformable_o to_o the_o christian_a rule_n may_v lawful_o remove_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o ministry_n and_o church_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o other_o than_o his_o own_o good_a especial_o such_o who_o ignorance_n weakness_n and_o deadness_n make_v a_o lively_a and_o convince_a ministry_n more_o needful_a to_o their_o safety_n and_o welfare_n than_o it_o be_v to_o other_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la to_o prefer_v the_o worse_a before_o the_o better_a and_o a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o can_v lawful_o enjoy_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o to_o be_v hazard_v or_o leave_v in_o sin_n and_o darkness_n for_o a_o unnecessary_a circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o sinful_a separation_n or_o disorder_n for_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v our_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o inviolable_a than_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o also_o in_o case_n of_o removal_n of_o our_o habitation_n or_o change_v of_o our_o family_n relation_n or_o other_o the_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o without_o any_o unjust_a censure_v of_o that_o which_o we_o remove_v from_o and_o if_o the_o first_o church_n will_v not_o consent_v after_o due_a mean_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n we_o may_v remove_v without_o their_o consent_n 19_o he_o that_o be_v deny_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o will_v speak_v or_o subscribe_v some_o falsehood_n or_o take_v any_o false_a oath_n or_o make_v any_o unlawful_a promise_n or_o commit_v any_o other_o sin_n be_v sinful_o cast_v out_o or_o repulse_v by_o the_o imposer_n and_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n by_o deny_v to_o commit_v such_o impose_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o only_o remove_v from_o the_o place_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o pastor_n and_o church_n when_o they_o remove_v and_o do_v not_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o that_o adher_v to_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n adhere_v to_o a_o usurper_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v guilty_a of_o schism_n for_o such_o avoid_n of_o schism_n 20._o the_o principal_a care_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o schism_n and_o for_o maintain_v unity_n and_o love_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o first_o work_n must_v be_v to_o preserve_v this_o love_n and_o unity_n in_o their_o particular_a church_n to_o prevent_v withdraw_v into_o separate_a church_n