judge_n of_o all_o such_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o christian_a state_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o none_o of_o we_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n in_o we_o shall_v 1._o verse_n 15_o c._n â—_o 1._o seem_v to_o come_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o now_o you_o know_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o be_v come_v that_o be_v you_o be_v and_o stand_v admit_v to_o you_o be_v and_o continue_v member_n of_o you_o profess_v and_o enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n describe_v here_o by_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n by_o its_o quantity_n it_o be_v general_a by_o its_o dignity_n it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o by_o its_o security_n it_o be_v write_v or_o enrol_v in_o heaven_n you_o be_v come_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v or_o enrol_v in_o heaven_n and_o hither_o we_o come_v and_o shall_v proceed_v in_o order_n first_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v suppose_v by_o some_o to_o admit_v church_n the_o nature_n oâ—_n the_o church_n eleven_o different_a signification_n in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o all_o consent_n in_o this_o one_o general_n expression_n of_o a_o assembly_n it_o therefore_o afford_v we_o the_o common_a and_o not_o the_o special_a or_o distinguish_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o though_o we_o may_v reckon_v many_o more_o sort_n of_o church_n or_o assembly_n difference_v by_o their_o author_n subject_n quality_n end_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o conceive_v they_o may_v be_v all_o reduce_v as_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o assembly_n that_o be_v sinful_a call_v by_o the_o psalmist_n a_o congregation_n of_o evil_a doer_n the_o devil_n chapel_n 5._o psal_n 26._o 5._o and_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o assembly_n civil_a or_o a_o church_n of_o man_n gather_v together_o for_o 32._o act._n 19_o five_o 32._o public_a and_o civil_a occasion_n 3._o last_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a church_n a_o holy_a convocation_n the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o be_v the_o assembly_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o here_o we_o may_v note_n it_o be_v a_o assembly_n not_o a_o rabble_n a_o confuse_a and_o turbulent_a meeting_n of_o ungoverned_a person_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n but_o a_o assembly_n that_o be_v a_o congregation_n that_o be_v also_o a_o convocation_n warrant_v by_o a_o just_a and_o a_o regular_a call_v ecclesia_fw-la say_v s._n augustine_n ex_fw-la vocatione_n appellata_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o profain_a author_n as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o ecclesiastical_a do_v place_n this_o call_n in_o the_o very_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n &_o propriè_fw-la coetum_fw-la aliquem_fw-la à _fw-la superiori_fw-la aliquo_fw-la convocatum_fw-la in_o finem_fw-la politicum_fw-la vel_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la denoâ—at_fw-la yea_o the_o church_n and_o the_o call_v be_v synonimous_a term_n general_o in_o scripture_n let_v all_o assembly_n look_v to_o their_o call_v and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n allow_v they_o not_o let_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o fear_v who_o will_v claim_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n that_o be_v habitual_o not_o always_o actual_o so_o much_o less_o altogether_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n the_o root_n of_o the_o hebrew_n indeed_o signify_v congregare_fw-la and_o the_o church_n well_o enough_o be_v term_v a_o congregation_n but_o we_o must_v necessary_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o first_o act_n only_o not_o the_o second_o it_o be_v so_o in_o its_o first_o constitution_n preparation_n disposition_n not_o always_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o actual_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o a_o society_n or_o a_o community_n than_o a_o communion_n it_o be_v a_o community_n in_o order_n to_o actual_a communion_n but_o actual_a communion_n be_v rather_o the_o formal_a action_n than_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a assemble_v together_o and_o the_o dismiss_v the_o congregation_n will_v be_v the_o dissolve_v and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n which_o can_v thus_o actual_o meet_v together_o will_v be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o yet_o we_o must_v note_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o consequent_o expect_v and_o require_v it_o as_o occasion_n offer_v from_o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o last_o this_o assembly_n as_o it_o be_v a_o habitual_a so_o it_o be_v a_o set_v and_o fix_a society_n of_o christian_n not_o a_o steal_a or_o snatch_v or_o occasional_a meeting_n but_o a_o set_n and_o fix_a society_n whereby_o it_o be_v render_v visible_a and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n hereby_o it_o be_v know_v what_o st._n paul_n mean_v when_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o constant_a and_o open_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o establish_v assembly_n it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o our_o church_n especial_o in_o city_n that_o our_o congregation_n be_v certain_a only_o in_o our_o parish_n and_o our_o church_n distinguish_v only_o by_o our_o house_n and_o cohabitation_n our_o congregation_n be_v as_o fluent_a as_o river_n as_o unconstant_a as_o water_n and_o as_o water_n mingle_v and_o confound_v themselves_o one_o with_o another_o where_o indeed_o we_o have_v the_o same_o place_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o the_o same_o company_n many_o person_n when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o their_o house_n they_o be_v scarce_o resolve_v to_o what_o church_n they_o shall_v go_v but_o be_v easy_o dispose_v to_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o wind_n of_o novelty_n or_o party_n to_o any_o other_o congregation_n rather_o than_o their_o own_o now_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v gather_v something_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v as_o you_o hear_v a_o fix_a society_n of_o person_n call_v supply_v the_o term_n of_o this_o call_v viz._n from_o what_o and_o to_o what_o these_o person_n be_v call_v and_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o fix_a society_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n church_n the_o definition_n sâ—â—e_z church_n again_o by_o distinguish_v these_o term_n the_o world_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o world_n as_o the_o world_n of_o infidelity_n and_o the_o world_n of_o impiety_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o external_a by_o ordinance_n and_o internal_a by_o grace_n you_o have_v the_o church_n in_o its_o usual_a distinction_n as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o company_n distinction_n distinction_n call_v out_o or_o sever_v from_o the_o world_n of_o infidel_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o external_a ordinance_n and_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v a_o company_n call_v out_o or_o sever_v from_o the_o world_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o see_v those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n do_v also_o worship_v he_o with_o external_a worship_n and_o those_o that_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n do_v also_o confess_v with_o the_o 10._o rom_n 10._o mouth_n the_o church_n invisible_a be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v just_o imperfect_a imperfect_a reject_v at_o least_o conclude_v imperfect_a and_o improper_a by_o very_o judicious_a and_o learned_a divine_n however_o it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o this_o text_n where_o doubtless_o both_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v hold_v and_o signify_v by_o this_o assembly_n especial_o as_o general_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n now_o offer_v itself_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n châ—â—ch_o â—s_v catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o assembly_n we_o crave_v your_o patience_n to_o take_v some_o measure_n of_o the_o quantity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o word_n general_z the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d omnis_fw-la caetus_fw-la the_o whole_a company_n or_o general_a assembly_n upon_o which_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v safe_o ground_v our_o belief_n of_o
primitive_a church_n every_o lord_n day_n and_o as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o all_o worship_n all_o liturgy_n seem_v to_o be_v compile_v chief_o in_o order_n to_o it_o this_o ordinance_n therefore_o be_v express_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o many_o that_o attend_v our_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n do_v not_o hence_o conclude_v they_o be_v yet_o none_o of_o we_o they_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o we_o because_o they_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n my_o matter_n be_v now_o fit_v i_o hope_v for_o a_o very_a serious_a application_n to_o which_o i_o hasten_v as_o my_o great_a aim_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o all_o remember_v what_o joy_n and_o encouragement_n general_n application_n general_n the_o context_n offer_v we_o to_o come_v unto_o to_o join_v with_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o we_o thus_o come_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n we_o have_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o church_n and_o with_o all_o in_o every_o place_n that_o worship_n god_n and_o at_o all_o time_n too_o with_o adam_n and_o abel_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n with_o nâ—aâ—_n daniel_n and_o job_n with_o all_o the_o patriarch_n confessor_n and_o father_n the_o glorious_a company_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o goodly_a fellowship_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o noble_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o the_o holy_a church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o thus_o you_o dwell_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n mounâ—_n zion_n the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n where_o even_o in_o this_o life_n you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o myriad_o of_o angel_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o you_o where_o you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o thereby_o also_o in_o the_o pardon_n and_o favour_n and_o presence_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o who_o will_v not_o covet_v who_o will_v not_o steadfast_o continue_v in_o and_o careful_o improve_v such_o a_o society_n where_o such_o be_v privilege_n of_o every_o member_n and_o such_o honour_n have_v all_o its_o saint_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faâ—th_n without_o waver_v when_o the_o bless_a apostle_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o use_n he_o make_v of_o it_o see_v we_o be_v all_o come_v to_o this_o general_a assembly_n let_v we_o never_o depart_v from_o it_o never_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v this_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v not_o only_o to_o let_v loose_a but_o to_o let_v go_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o excellent_a unity_n of_o this_o general_a assembly_n tremble_v to_o think_v of_o break_v it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o glorious_a advantage_n of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o it_o and_o have_v true_a and_o sincere_a fellowship_n with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o 1._o caâ—_n 4._o 1._o they_o the_o apostle_n speak_v bitter_o so_o some_o will_v express_v it_o mark_v those_o say_v he_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n 17_o râ—m_fw-la 16_o 17_o and_o â—void_v they_o he_o use_v a_o hard_a some_o perhaps_o will_v think_v it_o a_o rail_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o signify_v dissension_n cause_v schism_n or_o separation_n yea_o sedition_n and_o faction_n whereby_o they_o great_o scandalize_v wound_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o church_n with_o some_o heat_n that_o they_o shall_v mark_v such_o and_o avoid_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v mark_v they_o as_o man_n do_v a_o rock_n at_o sea_n that_o they_o may_v avoid_v ruin_n and_o shâ—pwrack_n there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o rent_v and_o divide_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v against_o this_o the_o apostle_n indignation_n arise_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v this_o therefore_o doubtless_o in_o his_o opinion_n whatever_o favour_n we_o have_v for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o rent_v ourselves_o or_o other_o from_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v both_o sin_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v its_o own_o guilt_n sentence_n and_o execution_n if_o we_o rend_v ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n how_o do_v we_o salus_fw-la extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la nulla_fw-la salus_fw-la hold_v the_o head_n if_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v salvation_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o draw_v back_o but_o to_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n pardon_v my_o plainness_n censure_v not_o my_o charity_n for_o i_o only_o repeat_v the_o apostle_n argument_n which_o he_o once_o use_v upon_o the_o same_o exhortation_n they_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o gospel_n 6._o heb._n 6._o be_v to_o shame_n and_o crucify_v christ_n be_v to_o profane_v his_o blood_n and_o rend_v and_o tear_v his_o sacred_a body_n and_o if_o those_o 30._o heb._n 10._o 25._o to_o 30._o that_o despised_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v these_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v ourselves_o together_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n interpretation_n a_o siâ—niâ—g_n wâ—â—fully_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o by_o the_o apostle_n argument_n there_o remain_v no_o mere_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o what_o then_o remain_v i_o fear_v to_o speak_v it_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n for_o 1._o heb._n 2._o 3._o phil._n 4._o 1._o how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o neglect_n the_o mean_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o corsolation_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n among_o brethren_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n if_o any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n towards_o your_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n towards_o we_o that_o watch_n for_o they_o towards_o this_o divide_a distress_a calamitous_a church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n remember_v you_o be_v subject_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n you_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o house_n partner_n in_o the_o same_o fellowship_n member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o that_o you_o have_v all_o these_o relation_n only_o or_o chief_o in_o order_n to_o communion_n let_v this_o mind_n then_o be_v in_o you_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o zion_n cohabit_n in_o the_o court_n of_o god_n house_n and_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o one_o mind_n preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n dread_v to_o make_v the_o least_o breach_n when_o a_o torrent_n of_o popery_n or_o irreligion_n threaten_v daily_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o so_o sad_a a_o prospect_n be_v in_o my_o eye_n that_o be_v my_o word_n spirit_n and_o life_n or_o have_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v i_o utter_v power_n and_o effect_n or_o pronounce_v a_o fiaâ—_n like_a to_o god_n i_o say_v if_o our_o division_n continue_v or_o increase_v so_o black_a a_o prospect_n be_v in_o my_o eye_n that_o pretend_v not_o to_o see_v afar_o off_o that_o i_o shall_v employ_v all_o my_o strength_n and_o oratory_n here_o to_o advise_v and_o persuade_v you_o all_o to_o worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n obj._n but_o why_o so_o earnest_n especial_o with_o we_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v your_o reproof_n do_v not_o our_o presence_n confute_v it_o or_o receive_v this_o counsel_n but_o by_o show_v we_o need_v it_o not_o do_v not_o we_o attend_v the_o word_n and_o prayer_n do_v we_o forsake_v the_o general_n assembly_n answ_n so_o far_o you_o have_v run_v well_o yet_o you_o must_v be_v remember_v i_o be_o sorry_a you_o must_v that_o the_o apostle_n fellowship_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n but_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n it_o be_v sad_a that_o the_o communion_n special_a application_n special_a shall_v be_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o division_n but_o the_o text_n and_o our_o present_a condition_n assure_v we_o that_o by_o break_v of_o bread_n we_o may_v be_v one_o body_n again_o and_o now_o you_o may_v see_v my_o mark_n three_o thing_n especial_o give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o a_o argument_n the_o seasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o capacity_n or_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o
be_v address_v and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o conspire_v to_o quicken_v a_o most_o earnest_a application_n to_o you_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1._o for_o the_o season_n such_o a_o discourse_n be_v never_o miss_v time_v where_o the_o communion_n be_v so_o frequent_o administer_v beside_o its_o monthly_a course_n be_v now_o at_o hand_n but_o alas_o expect_v a_o slender_a appearance_n with_o sadness_n enough_o unbecoming_a such_o a_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v 2._o therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o argument_n be_v too_o too_o evident_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o its_o advantage_n for_o herein_o i_o need_v not_o shoot_v at_o rover_n as_o in_o other_o matter_n i_o have_v the_o mark_v before_o i_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o hit_v it_o i_o be_o to_o reason_n with_o person_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o very_a person_n to_o practice_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a moment_n who_o have_v sad_o and_o long_o neglect_v the_o same_o duty_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o hundred_o of_o such_o in_o my_o eye_n 3._o yet_o of_o your_o capacity_n and_o well_o disposedness_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n i_o can_v doubt_v i_o know_v you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o fierce_a and_o giddy_a but_o you_o be_v of_o the_o moderate_a part_n of_o the_o city_n in_o who_o there_o be_v but_o little_a or_o nothing_o want_v to_o make_v you_o entire_a and_o laâ—king_v nothing_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n except_v only_o this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n you_o be_v willing_a already_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o with_o a_o little_a persuasion_n and_o meditation_n and_o god_n blessing_n upon_o they_o you_o will_v be_v obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n thâ—s_n i_o have_v much_o encouragement_n to_o proceed_v but_o alas_o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o persuade_v 1._o be_v you_o not_o christian_n be_v you_o not_o bind_v by_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o your_o infancy_n that_o boâ—d_v of_o god_n upon_o your_o soâ—l_n be_v you_o not_o bind_v to_o obey_v your_o lord_n and_o to_o renounce_v all_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o be_v not_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n again_z and_o again_o do_v this_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o have_v he_o speak_v any_o thing_n more_o plain_o or_o command_v any_o thing_n so_o express_o show_v it_o if_o you_o can_v i_o mean_v touch_v his_o outward_a worship_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n then_o be_v there_o no_o fear_n of_o his_o command_n who_o say_v do_v this_o no_o louâ—_n to_o his_o person_n who_o say_v do_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o be_v there_o no_o faith_n leave_v in_o his_o promise_n and_o presence_n annex_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n be_v there_o no_o more_o conscience_n of_o duty_n no_o more_o comfort_n in_o perform_v it_o or_o danger_n in_o neglect_v it_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o feast_n be_v as_o true_o provoke_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o story_n by_o the_o omission_n and_o the_o slight_a excuse_n of_o those_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o his_o supper_n as_o by_o the_o unpreparedness_n of_o he_o that_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o a_o whole_a city_n for_o contrive_v to_o depise_v the_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o feast_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v as_o sodom_n and_o like_v unto_o 7._o matth._n 22._o 7._o gomorrah_n certain_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o provision_n of_o the_o gospel_n feast_n and_o this_o be_v especial_o serve_v up_o in_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 2._o be_v you_o not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o you_o constant_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o command_n yea_o do_v you_o not_o by_o your_o daily_a profession_n do_v you_o not_o say_v you_o will_v obey_v he_o you_o know_v the_o law_n as_o you_o be_v chrâ—stians_n you_o acknowledge_v your_o allegiance_n and_o promise_v obedience_n by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o you_o be_v member_n you_o know_v your_o master_n will_v and_o say_v you_o will_v do_v it_o but_o be_v it_o do_v you_o say_v lord_n lord_n but_o despise_v his_o communion_n you_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o refuse_v fellowship_n with_o its_o assembly_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a rebellion_n but_o here_o be_v disobedience_n with_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o horrid_a aggravation_n of_o hypocrisy_n beside_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o you_o be_v member_n be_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v a_o assembly_n and_o a_o society_n now_o the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a expression_n of_o a_o society_n be_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n and_o you_o know_v that_o communion_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v most_o signal_o and_o express_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o last_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o by_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o this_o ordinance_n we_o have_v communion_n also_o with_o christ_n himself_o in_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n consequent_o by_o not_o communicationg_o with_o the_o church_n in_o this_o ordinance_n we_o do_v so_o far_o wâ—nt_a communion_n with_o christ_n we_o do_v so_o far_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o blot_v out_o the_o mark_n i_o mean_v the_o most_o violent_a character_n of_o our_o own_o church_n member_n ship_n allow_v ourselves_o too_o in_o that_o very_a sin_n we_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o abhor_v i_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o speak_v out_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n for_o what_o be_v schâ—smâ—_n but_o a_o bâ—eakâ—ng_a the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n without_o just_a cause_n it_o be_v total_a when_o man_n renounce_v it_o whole_o but_o doubtless_o it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o very_a great_a part_n when_o we_o deny_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o in_o that_o most_o signal_n mean_v of_o communion_n with_o it_o the_o lord_n suâ—per_n yea_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o and_o sad_o consider_v if_o you_o as_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o do_v i_o say_v if_o you_o refuse_v our_o communion_n because_o you_o will_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n whatever_o otherways_o you_o do_v actual_o join_v with_o we_o yet_o in_o your_o own_o intention_n you_o be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o a_o schism_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o you_o belong_v but_o our_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o mean_a and_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n universal_a you_o thus_o also_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o general_a assembly_n last_o let_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o wise_a man_n and_o judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o what_o be_v that_o which_o may_v persuade_v a_o prudent_a man_n to_o go_v on_o but_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v well_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o he_o that_o what_o be_v behind_o be_v regular_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n of_o right_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o his_o proceed_n may_v great_o advantage_n both_o himself_o and_o his_o generation_n if_o all_o these_o fail_n i_o know_v not_o with_o what_o argument_n i_o shall_v deal_v with_o you_o but_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v better_a thing_n will_v you_o wise_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v your_o own_o case_n that_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o the_o particular_n mention_v 1._o you_o have_v begin_v well_o neither_o can_v it_o harbour_v in_o a_o sober_a thought_n that_o you_o be_v not_o already_o embody_v with_o we_o or_o no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v but_o now_o that_o your_o own_o intention_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o do_v make_v you_o guilty_a of_o separation_n in_o your_o own_o mind_n and_o intention_n but_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n both_o in_o intention_n and_o affection_n that_o you_o never_o yet_o actual_o commit_v a_o mistake_n in_o yourselves_o can_v make_v that_o not_o to_o be_v which_o real_o be_v neither_o do_v your_o abstain_v from_o this_o one_o ordinance_n nullify_v your_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o the_o rest_n or_o your_o visible_a church-membership_n with_o we_o thought_n can_v void_a the_o natural_a effect_n of_o action_n you_o be_v at_o first_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n with_o we_o 13_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13_o and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o renounce_v that_o baptism_n by_o your_o mean_n your_o child_n also_o be_v still_o present_v to_o god_n and_o our_o church_n in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o be_v baptise_a as_o you_o be_v you_o join_v with_o our_o prayer_n and_o constant_o hear_v our_o sermon_n and_o attend_v upon_o our_o public_a assembly_n and_o indeed_o in_o a_o great_a
worship_n be_v have_v we_o therefore_o any_o shadow_n leave_v we_o or_o any_o excuse_n shall_v we_o any_o long_a neglect_n so_o great_a a_o duty_n or_o dare_v we_o say_v we_o may_v not_o or_o we_o fear_v we_o may_v not_o receive_v it_o kneeling_z 2._o but_o the_o goliath_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o only_a objection_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v be_v now_o take_v from_o the_o worshipper_n it_o be_v complain_v discipline_n be_v neglect_v the_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_v ans_fw-fr be_v all_o this_o admit_v yet_o we_o may_v therefore_o separate_v be_v no_o good_a consequence_n in_o your_o own_o logic_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v a_o little_a be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o crucify_a their_o lord_n as_o corrupt_v as_o we_o especial_o in_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o yet_o christ_n himself_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n he_o dâ—tects_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o cruelty_n yea_o their_o leaven_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n but_o never_o persuade_v to_o separat_fw-la on_o only_o from_o their_o sin_n not_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o exceed_o corrupt_a partly_o in_o doctrine_n many_o at_o least_o question_v the_o resurrection_n partly_o in_o discipline_n not_o cast_v out_o that_o wicked_a person_n but_o chief_o in_o manner_n division_n and_o disorder_n in_o god_n worship_n these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n observe_v particular_o write_v against_o yea_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n come_v in_o his_o way_n 2_o cor._n 6._o ult_n and_o he_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o come_v out_o from_o idolater_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o separation_n from_o so_o wicked_a a_o church_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o profaneness_n severe_o exhort_v every_o one_o to_o his_o duty_n but_o give_v leave_n to_o none_o to_o separate_v indeed_o he_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o company_n with_o the_o scandalous_a and_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o perhaps_o this_o eat_n may_v be_v stretch_v to_o signify_v eat_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o on_o who_o do_v he_o lay_v this_o charge_n and_o how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v he_o do_v not_o call_v to_o a_o few_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a and_o advise_v they_o to_o forsake_v so_o wicked_a a_o assembly_n but_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o avoid_v 5._o 1_o coâ—_n 5._o that_o wicked_a company_n by_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v you_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o therefore_o put_v away_o v._n ult._n v._n from_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n no_o moral_a wickedness_n can_v justify_v this_o this_o be_v to_o throw_v away_o all_o mean_n of_o reformation_n and_o by_o our_o division_n to_o let_v all_o run_v to_o ruin_v and_o destruction_n but_o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o among_o you_o every_o one_o do_v his_o part_n in_o his_o place_n for_o the_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o corruption_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o scandalous_a if_o they_o will_v not_o reform_v you_o know_v this_o be_v the_o only_a course_n allow_v by_o god_n all_o other_o way_n of_o reform_v be_v trick_n of_o our_o own_o devise_v and_o hitherto_o the_o success_n have_v be_v answerable_a the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n but_o see_v we_o be_v so_o near_o it_o let_v i_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o and_o put_v it_o home_o upon_o your_o conscience_n if_o our_o church_n be_v so_o very_o corrupt_a and_o discipline_n be_v not_o execute_v pray_v where_o lie_v the_o fault_n do_v not_o you_o know_v that_o you_o must_v first_o tell_v your_o brother_n of_o his_o fault_n if_o not_o a_o public_a scandal_n this_o you_o do_v not_o however_o you_o know_v the_o officer_n must_v proceed_v secundum_fw-la allegata_fw-la &_o probata_fw-la upon_o complaint_n and_o evidence_n you_o if_o you_o know_v such_o person_n in_o the_o congregation_n you_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n this_o you_o do_v not_o judge_v yourselves_o censure_v not_o other_o the_o sin_n lie_v at_o your_o own_o door_n not_o altogether_o at_o the_o church_n or_o your_o minister_n do_v but_o your_o duty_n faithful_o and_o who_o know_v but_o the_o church_n may_v be_v reform_v however_o that_o it_o be_v not_o be_v first_o your_o fault_n and_o till_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n you_o have_v least_o cause_n to_o complain_v certain_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n in_o your_o place_n be_v your_o duty_n but_o separation_n a_o complicate_v sin_n thus_o you_o have_v find_v a_o way_n to_o forsake_v your_o duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o it_o only_o in_o its_o sin_n you_o yourselves_o connive_v at_o wickedness_n and_o then_o charge_v your_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n with_o your_o own_o crime_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o yourselves_o to_o take_v offence_n and_o be_v go_v be_v this_o fair_a or_o equal_a deal_n be_v the_o complaint_n reasonable_a or_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n sound_a and_o solid_a yea_o you_o know_v the_o contrary_a and_o i_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o you_o know_v though_o they_o do_v not_o their_o duty_n you_o must_v not_o omit_v you_o you_o know_v it_o be_v your_o own_o rule_n and_o light_n that_o if_o you_o be_v prepare_v yourselves_o you_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o the_o wickedness_n of_o unworthy_a receiver_n you_o know_v if_o you_o have_v do_v your_o part_n the_o governor_n must_v answer_v for_o corruption_n in_o discipline_n you_o know_v that_o corruption_n in_o manner_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n or_o a_o refusal_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n you_o know_v that_o such_o refusal_n or_o separation_n be_v sinful_a be_v schismatical_a this_o you_o know_v all_o this_o be_v according_a to_o your_o own_o principle_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o reduce_v the_o argument_n and_o i_o have_v do_v with_o it_o schism_n be_v a_o forsake_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o just_a ground_n this_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o just_a ground_n this_o also_o you_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v indeed_o no_o just_a ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n before_o we_o or_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n or_o the_o late_a presbyterian_o for_o which_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o their_o own_o book_n and_o leave_v you_o to_o remember_v the_o many_o year_n sermon_n heretofore_o out_o of_o this_o very_a plaâ—e_n to_o confirm_v it_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o communion_n with_o we_o upon_o thâ—s_n ground_n because_o our_o church_n be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n the_o judgement_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o your_o own_o principle_n you_o thus_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o â—in_a of_o schism_n which_o god_n forbid_v remember_v therefore_o how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v 3._o râ—uâ—l_n 3._o and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v of_o your_o folly_n and_o easiness_n to_o contradict_v your_o principle_n with_o your_o practice_n not_o consider_v you_o do_v so_o be_v not_o still_o beguile_v to_o so_o strong_a a_o course_n of_o keep_v with_o a_o party_n by_o leave_v and_o go_v from_o its_o doctrine_n or_o of_o keep_v your_o conscience_n by_o violate_v its_o law_n to_o conclude_v mark_v those_o which_o cause_n these_o division_n schism_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n you_o have_v receive_v and_o avoid_v they_o as_o firebrands_a and_o scorn_v their_o temptation_n especial_o if_o any_o will_v persuade_v you_o to_o neglect_v a_o duty_n upon_o such_o argument_n as_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o because_o they_o have_v teach_v you_o the_o contrary_a and_o never_o teach_v you_o otherwise_o though_o true_o will_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o communicate_v with_o we_o you_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v too_o little_a ground_n of_o your_o scruple_n for_o general_o those_o that_o be_v real_o profane_a save_v we_o the_o labour_n be_v profane_a in_o this_o also_o that_o they_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o far_o excommunicate_v themselves_o however_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o caution_n some_o of_o you_o who_o
the_o general_a assembly_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o communion_n in_o our_o public_a congregation_n evince_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o presbyterian_a principle_n in_o a_o sermon_n late_o preach_v in_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o exeter_z by_o francis_n fullwood_n dd._n luke_n 22._o 19_o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 17_o one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n canon_n decim_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la omnes_fw-la fideles_fw-la qui_fw-la ingrediuntur_fw-la ecclâ—siâ—m_fw-la &_o scripturas_fw-la â—uliunt_fw-la non_fw-la autem_fw-la perseverant_a in_o oratione_fw-la nâ—c_fw-la sanctam_fw-la communionem_fw-la pâ—rcipâ—unt_fw-la ve_fw-la ut_fw-la inquietudines_fw-la ecclâ—siae_fw-la commovent_fw-la &_o convenâ—â—_n communâ—one_v prâ—uâ—ri_fw-la london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1667._o to_o my_o worthy_a brethren_n the_o minister_n that_o yet_o consent_v not_o in_o point_n of_o conformity_n among_o the_o many_o strange_a and_o sad_a distemper_n of_o this_o poor_a châ—rch_n i_o think_v there_o iâ—_n none_o of_o more_o sad_a or_o strange_a observation_n than_o thâ—_n prodigious_a neglect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n after_o several_a essay_n and_o other_o method_n iâ—_n my_o place_n and_o call_v use_v to_o redress_v it_o at_o length_n these_o word_n burst_v out_o if_o they_o seem_v somewhat_o warm_a i_o pray_v you_o mistake_v not_o my_o zeal_n and_o charity_n which_o oâ—ght_n to_o be_v so_o for_o spite_n or_o malice_n or_o any_o evil_a passion_n though_o indeed_o to_o i_o while_o i_o labour_v to_o be_v faithful_a and_o to_o commend_v myself_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n yea_o let_v i_o be_v bold_a and_o caution_n you_o also_o my_o brethren_n that_o you_o who_o have_v stand_v it_o out_o so_o manful_o heretofore_o against_o the_o independent_a separation_n take_v heed_n of_o fall_v yourselves_o and_o of_o draw_v your_o friend_n unaware_o with_o you_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o brownism_n by_o your_o private_a meeting_n and_o private_a communion_n let_v i_o at_o length_n if_o there_o be_v yet_o need_v persuade_v you_o to_o deal_v like_o christian_n and_o honest_a man_n if_o not_o â—ike_a minister_n and_o when_o your_o friend_n desire_v your_o advice_n about_o communicate_v wiâ—h_v we_o do_v not_o intimate_v your_o dissatisfaction_n when_o you_o can_v speak_v it_o or_o by_o solemn_a silence_n barden_v they_o in_o sin_n and_o beâ—ray_v they_o to_o the_o law_n when_o you_o may_v save_v they_o from_o both_o let_v i_o conjure_v you_o if_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n due_a to_o the_o king_n to_o the_o state_n to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o law_n yea_o to_o tâ—e_v command_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n both_o you_o aâ—d_v we_o or_o to_o the_o soulsâ—f_a â—f_z those_o you_o seem_v to_o love_v or_o your_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n dâ—_n as_o some_o of_o your_o brother_n i_o hope_v have_v do_v already_o dâ—aâ—â—oâ—eâ—ly_o candid_o faithful_o and_o lâ—t_v your_o â—_z by_o your_o seasonable_a advice_n and_o good_a example_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o thâ—ir_n concern_v to_o despise_v or_o clamour_v dignity_n and_o government_n or_o any_o long_a to_o neglect_v their_o know_a duty_n but_o rather_o speedy_o and_o hearty_a to_o endeavour_v in_o their_o place_n to_o reform_v that_o whâ—ch_v they_o complain_v of_o and_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o accuse_v you_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n the_o law_n without_o you_o and_o the_o law_n within_o you_o and_o that_o i_o bear_v no_o maâ—â—ce_n in_o my_o heart_n against_o you_o i_o have_v this_o testimony_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o receive_v the_o communion_n with_o you_o farewell_o hebr._n 12._o 23._o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n this_o epistle_n you_o know_v be_v write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a jew_n who_o be_v mix_v in_o their_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o name_n and_o though_o christian_n be_v somewhat_o jewish_n they_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v profess_v it_o but_o seem_v to_o retain_v a_o smack_n of_o the_o law_n not_o as_o yet_o whole_o purge_v from_o the_o idol_n of_o their_o tribe_n the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n the_o old_a leaven_n of_o the_o first_o dispensation_n beside_o they_o have_v many_o friend_n even_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a party_n of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n and_o some_o of_o these_o be_v become_v their_o enemy_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o persecute_v they_o for_o their_o present_a conformity_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o persecution_n of_o their_o enemy_n the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o the_o easy_a bias_n of_o their_o own_o somewhat_o legal_a inclination_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o be_v in_o no_o little_a danger_n hereupon_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n above_o any_o other_o the_o bold_a and_o private_a whisper_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n assault_n and_o charm_v they_o with_o all_o advantage_n they_o at_o first_o incline_v they_o to_o much_o caution_n then_o stagger_v their_o faith_n and_o now_o they_o have_v prevail_v with_o divers_a among_o they_o to_o loâ—k_v back_o yea_o to_o dâ—aw_n back_o and_o forsake_v the_o christian_a assembly_n that_o be_v then_o as_o public_a as_o the_o 25._o heb_fw-mi 10_o ult_n c._n 10_o five_o 25._o time_n will_v â—eaâ—_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o medicinal_a epistle_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v consequent_o to_o confirm_v and_o secure_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o against_o any_o jewish_a pretension_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o last_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o have_v in_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o splendid_a manner_n by_o a_o very_a particular_a collation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a and_o christian_a state_n display_v in_o the_o text_n and_o context_n first_o he_o draws_z the_o shade_n and_o black_a estate_n of_o the_o law_n to_o which_o as_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o come_v for_o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v and_o burn_v with_o fire_n nor_o unto_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o tempest_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o then_o he_o set_v by_o it_o that_o which_o exceed_v in_o glory_n the_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 3._o gospel_n state_n to_o which_o as_o christian_n they_o be_v come_v vers_fw-la 22_o 23_o 24._o but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_n zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o general_n 25._o veâ—s_n 22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o that_o of_o abel_n that_o part_n of_o this_o notable_a enumeration_n that_o be_v choose_v out_o for_o our_o present_a discourse_n seem_v to_o lie_v as_o the_o cornerstone_n on_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n on_o both_o side_n lean_a and_o depend_v yea_o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o observe_v the_o weight_n and_o emphasis_n the_o apostle_n here_o lay_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o how_o many_o mighty_a and_o glorious_a word_n he_o endeavour_v to_o commend_v this_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o for_o what_o can_v we_o possible_o understand_v by_o mount_n zion_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o by_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n but_o the_o same_o church_n what_o by_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n but_o the_o same_o church_n still_o and_o last_o what_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o text_n but_o as_o the_o text_n itself_o explain_v it_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n plain_a intention_n by_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o to_o instruct_v and_o persuade_v we_o that_o our_o be_v come_v to_o this_o church_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v be_v the_o radical_a privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o all_o other_o evangelical_n privilege_n be_v but_o branch_n or_o fruit_n of_o this_o the_o sum_n be_v by_o our_o be_v come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n of_o myriad_o of_o angel_n of_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o god_n himself_o the_o
the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n yea_o in_o this_o general_a affection_n of_o the_o church_n do_v we_o not_o find_v something_o special_a something_o distinguish_v this_o from_o all_o other_o assembly_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n so_o general_a this_o be_v emphatical_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o time_n to_o no_o place_n to_o no_o sort_n of_o people_n take_v in_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n spread_v itself_o by_o the_o gospel_n over_o all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n upon_o earth_n have_v its_o head_n and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o of_o its_o member_n in_o heaven_n and_o great_a multitude_n under_o the_o earth_n itself_o for_o though_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v sever_v from_o their_o body_n by_o death_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n itself_o both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o body_n be_v for_o ever_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n for_o they_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n cathol_n que_fw-fr as_o the_o father_n against_o the_o novatian_o acknowledge_v be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n nor_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n till_o some_o time_n after_o they_o creeâ—_n pâ—eâ—son_n on_o 〈◊〉_d creeâ—_n and_o then_o sometime_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o as_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a church_n the_o distinction_n of_o parâ—shes_n be_v make_v long_o after_o yet_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o of_o parochial_a church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n determine_v by_o cohabitation_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o several_a church_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a city_n so_o though_o the_o word_n catholic_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n sometime_o after_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o application_n of_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o text_n before_o we_o for_o where_o the_o thing_n in_o truth_n be_v find_v it_o may_v fair_o claim_v that_o name_n as_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o thâ—ng_n now_o by_o catholic_a church_n we_o mean_v only_o the_o universal_a body_n of_o christ_n contain_v all_o particular_a member_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n within_o it_o and_o consist_v of_o they_o and_o this_o universal_a body_n we_o find_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o text_n wherein_o we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n here_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_o â—he_v church_n church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thâ—_n general_n assembly_n it_o can_v be_v but_o one_o there_o be_v indeed_o many_o particular_a christian_n and_o many_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n common_o calâ—ed_v particular_a church_n but_o all_o these_o be_v knit_v and_o unite_v together_o as_o many_o sheep_n in_o one_o fold_n and_o many_o company_n in_o one_o city_n and_o many_o â—_z in_o one_o kingdom_n in_o one_o common_a aggregative_a body_n this_o great_a universal_a indâ—viduum_fw-la the_o catholic_n church_n or_o general_n assembly_n there_o be_v many_o member_n but_o one_o 20_o â—_o coâ—_n 12._o 20_o body_n hold_v the_o head_n say_v the_o apostle_n from_o which_o all_o 19_o col._n 2._o 19_o the_o bâ—dy_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o kâ—â—t_v together_o increase_v wâ—â—h_v the_o increase_n of_o god_n here_o be_v first_o to_o be_v observe_v the_o church_n in_o its_o head_n and_o all_o the_o body_n then_o the_o union_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v double_a betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o body_n and_o betwixt_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o body_n among_o themselves_o again_o here_o be_v a_o twofold_a effect_n of_o this_o double_a union_n of_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n the_o effect_n be_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o of_o the_o union_n among_o the_o member_n and_o part_n of_o this_o body_n be_v increase_n or_o growth_n in_o grace_n here_o be_v last_o the_o mean_n of_o all_o this_o viz._n joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o the_o member_n be_v all_o knit_v into_o one_o body_n and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v but_o what_o be_v those_o happy_a joint_n and_o band_n it_o be_v unity_n the_o band_n of_o its_o unity_n worth_a our_o enquiry_n see_v the_o unity_n and_o consequent_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n depend_v upon_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v notable_o describe_v they_o in_o that_o famous_a eulogy_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o i_o think_v be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o the_o small_a thing_n or_o infant_n of_o this_o general-assemble_o they_o say_v he_o continue_v steadfast_o 41._o act._n 2._o 41._o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o of_o prayer_n so_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n be_v these_o happy_a joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n stand_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n and_o this_o bless_a unity_n be_v maintain_v only_o by_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o they_o a_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostolical_a primitive_a doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n continue_v the_o be_v and_o unity_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n be_v somewhat_o more_o particular_a he_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v one_o body_n because_o we_o be_v one_o spirit_n and_o both_o these_o because_o we_o have_v one_o lord_n 4._o epist_n 4._o one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n one_o lord_n we_o be_v all_o subject_n under_o one_o prince_n law_n and_o government_n we_o be_v thus_o one_o kingdom_n one_o people_n one_o church_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o law_n we_o have_v in_o the_o decalogue_n or_o ten_o commandment_n one_o faith_n i._n e._n profess_v the_o same_o scripture_n article_n and_o fundamental_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n one_o hope_n in_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o same_o happiness_n one_o baptism_n that_o be_v by_o a_o figure_n a_o part_n of_o worship_n put_v for_o the_o whole_a we_o have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o into_o one_o body_n all_o in_o every_o place_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o though_o we_o be_v many_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n yet_o we_o be_v all_o one_o bread_n and_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 17._o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n but_o because_o a_o person_n may_v secret_o abjure_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o apostatise_v from_o his_o lord_n and_o reject_v all_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o church_n suspect_v it_o moreover_o see_v we_o express_o own_o christ_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o our_o hope_n in_o he_o as_o our_o saviour_n by_o faith_n and_o worship_n our_o uâ—ion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hold_v only_o by_o two_o band_n faith_n and_o worship_n again_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v seldom_o occasion_n to_o profess_v our_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n especial_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n but_o chief_o consider_v the_o visible_a church_n appear_v such_o only_a at_o least_o ordinary_o by_o she_o set_v constant_a and_o visible_a assembly_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o this_o one_o point_n not_o forsake_v the_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o yet_o once_o more_o because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o man_n as_o such_o though_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n or_o of_o the_o church_n be_v natural_o bind_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o because_o some_o do_v hence_o conclude_v though_o very_o absurd_o that_o set_v and_o constant_a communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o noâ—â—_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a to_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o little_o strict_a and_o in_o â—ur_n age_n at_o least_o to_o lay_v most_o weight_n upon_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o special_a band_n of_o union_n and_o fellowship_n betwixt_o we_o and_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o other_o ordinance_n the_o word_n and_o prayer_n do_v even_o attend_v this_o sacrament_n break_v of_o bread_n be_v the_o apostolical_a fellowship_n in_o the_o
haply_o think_v to_o evade_v all_o by_o say_v you_o do_v not_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n or_o neglect_v it_o for_o though_o you_o do_v not_o receive_v with_o we_o in_o public_a yet_o you_o do_v receive_v in_o private_a for_o consult_v your_o own_o principle_n and_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v your_o turn_n nor_o to_o be_v plain_a excuse_v you_o from_o schism_n if_o you_o count_v it_o nothing_o to_o dishearten_v your_o minister_n and_o to_o break_v the_o law_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o ask_v your_o own_o heart_n why_o you_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v public_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o a_o wicked_a generation_n ask_v again_o if_o so_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n unjustifiable_a by_o your_o own_o principle_n as_o have_v be_v say_v indeed_o the_o not_o have_v actual_a fellowship_n with_o every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a be_v not_o schism_n but_o doubtless_o to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n on_o such_o a_o ground_n be_v schism_n in_o it_o self_n and_o your_o own_o doctrine_n let_v i_o once_o again_o reason_n with_o you_o will_v you_o yet_o rather_o then_o break_v bread_n with_o it_o will_v you_o rend_v and_o break_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n rather_o then_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n will_v you_o divide_v and_o tear_v it_o when_o your_o mind_n be_v satisfy_v if_o you_o harken_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v sin_n in_o you_o and_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o please_a of_o your_o self_n or_o other_o can_v never_o compensate_a moreover_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o mistake_v i_o if_o out_o of_o my_o tender_a affection_n to_o you_o i_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o weigh_v with_o yourselves_o what_o comfort_n will_v suffering_n afford_v you_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v sin_n and_o schism_n and_o your_o own_o heart_n conspire_v with_o the_o law_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v you_o or_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n if_o the_o sentence_n of_o rejection_n shall_v pass_v against_o you_o as_o such_o as_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v you_o not_o self_n judge_v and_o self-condemned_n or_o what_o have_v you_o to_o answer_v for_o yourselves_o 10._o tit._n 3._o 10._o that_o you_o shall_v not_o answer_v the_o law_n i_o provoke_v not_o the_o law_n i_o will_v fain_o provoke_v you_o to_o your_o duty_n last_o will_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o comply_v with_o this_o duty_n how_o great_o will_v you_o advantage_n both_o yourselves_o and_o your_o generation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o considerable_a with_o prudent_a person_n certain_o it_o be_v i_o need_v not_o present_v you_o with_o argument_n of_o your_o own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n they_o be_v always_o with_o you_o your_o peace_n your_o grace_n your_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a comfort_n very_o much_o depend_v on_o this_o ordinance_n and_o your_o worthy_a receive_n of_o it_o shall_v i_o add_v your_o estate_n the_o good_a of_o your_o family_n yea_o the_o interest_n of_o that_o which_o you_o call_v your_o party_n be_v herein_o concern_v consider_v the_o law_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o they_o what_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o your_o adversary_n but_o that_o your_o general_a refuse_v throughout_o the_o land_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o look_v like_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o a_o dangerous_a sign_n of_o your_o reserve_v a_o body_n to_o confront_v if_o occasion_n invite_v both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o well_o answer_v as_o by_o your_o thorough_a embody_v with_o we_o and_o seal_v the_o unity_n open_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n but_o our_o sad_a division_n among_o ourselves_o and_o which_o way_n can_v we_o frustrate_v they_o but_o by_o our_o communion_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o fear_n the_o mean_n of_o continue_v our_o distraction_n at_o home_n the_o confidence_n of_o neighbour_n nation_n that_o have_v war_n with_o we_o but_o this_o one_o thing_n our_o difference_n and_o jealousy_n among_o ourselves_o keep_v up_o by_o our_o distance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n you_o be_v very_o near_o we_o take_v but_o this_o step_n far_o and_o evidence_n your_o friendship_n by_o your_o fellowship_n with_o we_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o these_o black_a cloud_n be_v go_v what_o else_o remain_v in_o outward_a appearance_n to_o make_v we_o quiet_a and_o happy_a to_o establish_v a_o flourish_a church_n and_o state_n a_o object_n of_o envy_n but_o above_o the_o malice_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o we_o i_o speak_v unto_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n finis_fw-la