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church_n communion_n member_n schism_n 3,619 5 9.7876 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A81213 The moderator: endeavouring a full composure and quiet settlement of those many differences both in doctrine and discipline, which have so long disturbed the peace and welfare of this common-wealth. Intended (especially at this time) to beget a brotherly love and unity amongst the ministers and people of all the three nations; the Parliament having now appointed a committee for receiving proposals for the propagation of the gospel. Brotherly unity amongst all Christians, especially amongst the ministers of Christ, being in it self so excellent and comely at all times, and (considering the danger and sad consequences of our present divisions) so desirable and necessary at this time: I conceive all overtures and counsels having a true tendency thereunto, worthy the publike light, and do therefore approve the publication of this ensuing discourse. Joseph Carly. Caryl, Joseph, 1602-1673, attributed name. 1652 (1652) Wing C780B; Thomason E664_1; ESTC R206830 94,748 118

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per_fw-la totum_fw-la act_n 6._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la matth._n 20._o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o chap._n 23._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o 16._o 3._o that_o the_o particular_a congregation_n thus_o govern_v have_v power_n within_o themselves_o to_o e●ercise_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n necessary_a and_o useful_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o preservation_n from_o sin_n and_o disorder_n which_o power_n do_v original_o proceed_v from_o their_o obligation_n to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o his_o will_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 10_o 11._o and_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o chap._n 4._o 8._o and_o chap._n 5._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o chap._n 6._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la heb._n 3._o 6_o 7_o 8_o compare_v with_o heb._n 2._o 1_o 2._o 5._o matth._n 17._o 5._o and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o 4._o that_o the_o officer_n of_o every_o congregation_n may_v be_v choose_v and_o call_v by_o the_o congregation_n themselves_o of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v competent_o gift_v and_o try_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o charge_n shall_v be_v ordain_v thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o presbytery_n according_a to_o these_o scripture_n act._n 6._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o and_o chap._n 4._o 14._o and_o 5._o 21_o 22._o act._n 14._o 23._o sect._n iii_o of_o several_a congregation_n as_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v associate_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o association_n of_o those_o church_n which_o profess_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n only_o in_o the_o way_n to_o settle_v and_o maintain_v this_o association_n and_o to_o determine_v emergent_a difference_n thereby_o the_o difficulty_n do_v lie_v out_o if_o that_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a agreement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o love_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o offence_n which_o occasion_n all_o our_o breach_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n therefore_o those_o term_n of_o unity_n which_o in_o this_o kind_n be_v undeniable_o consonant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o some_o other_o which_o upon_o some_o friendly_a conference_n have_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o some_o lead_a man_n of_o both_o side_n shall_v here_o be_v offer_v towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o association_n in_o these_o proposition_n follow_v 1._o the_o association_n of_o church_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v entertain_v free_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o brotherly_a care_n only_o and_o not_o by_o any_o tie_n of_o mere_a humane_a authority_n this_o do_v follow_v from_o the_o property_n of_o co-membership_a and_o the_o end_n thereof_o mention_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 25._o 2._o that_o brotherly_a equality_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v every_o congregation_n in_o respect_n of_o another_o be_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o association_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v diminish_v according_a to_o these_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 13._o till_o 25._o and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o rom._n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 8._o 3._o so_o far_o as_o the_o several_a church_n do_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o for_o mutual_a edification_n think_v it_o most_o expedient_a to_o entertain_v their_o association_n either_o consultative_o or_o judicial_o they_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o without_o prejudice_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o nearness_n whereunto_o god_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n 4._o although_o every_o several_a congregation_n have_v power_n within_o itself_o to_o administer_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n yet_o no_o congregation_n may_v lawful_o intend_v by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o itself_o as_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o other_o congregation_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o from_o the_o commandment_n which_o enjoin_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n such_o as_o these_o ephes_n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 21._o and_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o second_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o division_n or_o intention_n to_o division_n among_o brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v condemn_v as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18._o three_o because_o this_o intention_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o request_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n unto_o the_o father_n where_o he_o desire_v that_o all_o believer_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o john_n 17._o 23._o and_o if_o all_o believer_n than_o all_o congregation_n of_o believer_n 5._o if_o several_a congregation_n may_v not_o intend_v to_o stand_v as_o by_o themselves_o and_o walk_v as_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n and_o be_v to_o prefesse_v before_o the_o world_n in_o public_a as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v far_o less_o lawful_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o matter_n tend_v to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o ordinary_a or_o in_o extraordinary_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o common_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o some_o tie_n of_o association_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n congregation_n so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o undeniable_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o brotherly_a association_n in_o church_n that_o nothing_o which_o with_o conveniency_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o or_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o therein_o can_v be_v do_v united_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v divide_o and_o separately_z for_o when_o christ_n do_v pray_v for_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o all_o believer_n which_o may_v work_v upon_o the_o world_n a_o belief_n that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o i_o can_v 23._o joh._n 17._o 23._o conceive_v that_o he_o do_v mean_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o such_o a_o association_n which_o may_v reach_v unto_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o his_o kingdom_n for_o nothing_o but_o such_o a_o union_n profess_o maintain_v in_o his_o name_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o world_n final_o that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o then_o or_o rather_o thus_o near_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v associate_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o will_v be_v effect_v in_o due_a time_n be_v certain_a because_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o name_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n can_v deny_v he_o this_o request_n hitherto_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v or_o will_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o all_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n now_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o other_o proposition_n which_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a accommodation_n of_o difference_n have_v be_v assent_v unto_o elsewhere_o unto_o see_v also_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n give_v to_o the_o committee_n for_o accommodation_n l●●ely_o publish_v pag._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o p._n 29._o 30_o 31._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o some_o lead_a man_n of_o both_o side_n as_o follow_v 6._o all_o professor_n whether_o single_a or_o in_o a_o body_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v ●n_v account_n of_o their_o way_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o to_o any_o that_o shall_v require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o arbitrary_o but_o as_o a_o duty_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v mr._n burrough_n ireni●um_n pag._n 43._o 7._o concern_v the_o admission_n of_o member_n which_o come_v from_o one_o congregation_n into_o another_o to_o be_v thereunto_o distinct_o associate_v because_o this_o do_v reflect_v common_o upon_o some_o particular_a interest_n of_o man_n wherein_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o therefore_o offence_n be_v frequent_o give_v and_o take_v up_o in_o this_o matter_n which_o to_o prevent_v these_o agreement_n have_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o remedy_n thereunto_o 1_o that_o no_o congregation_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o settle_a congregation_n
except_o they_o be_v in_o be_v orderly_a way_n dismiss_v by_o these_o with_o who_o they_o be_v associate_v 2_o that_o no_o member_n come_v from_o another_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v in_o brotherly_a communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o become_v a_o distinct_a member_n of_o our_o society_n till_o the_o church_n from_o which_o he_o come_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o purpose_n to_o associate_v with_o we_o 3_o that_o none_o who_o be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o that_o neighbourhood_n or_o association_n which_o be_v call_v a_o parish_n though_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n in_o that_o way_n shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a congregation_n until_o the_o officer_n thereof_o have_v inquire_v concern_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o say_a neighbourhood_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n near_o unto_o his_o habitation_n to_o who_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o relation_n or_o which_o may_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o way_n and_o profession_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a mystery_n and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o manifold_a division_n do_v lie_v in_o this_o outward_a circumstantial_a manner_n of_o the_o association_n of_o member_n into_o a_o congregation_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v partly_o because_o man_n natural_o se●k_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o humour_n of_o their_o own_o then_o to_o edify_v other_o partly_o because_o the_o true_a use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o relation_n wherein_o all_o true_a professor_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n be_v either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o mind_v in_o comparison_n of_o some_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o own_o coin_n to_o ourselves_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o which_o we_o use_v to_o lay_v more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o the_o fundamental_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o till_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a spirit_n discover_v and_o work_v out_o this_o self_n please_v humour_n we_o can_v hope_v for_o peace_n and_o unity_n almost_o in_o any_o thing_n although_o our_o agreement_n be_v never_o so_o fundamental_a in_o all_o thing_n sect._n iu._n of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o several_a congregation_n and_o their_o association_n the_o officer_n of_o every_o congregation_n be_v under_o a_o twofold_a relation_n of_o unity_n to_o each_o other_o first_o as_o they_o be_v professor_n second_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n that_o be_v special_o entrust_v with_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o profession_n as_o they_o be_v professor_n they_o be_v near_o in_o brotherhood_n then_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n for_o their_o profession_n do_v give_v they_o a_o immediate_a interest_n into_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o but_o their_o office_n do_v give_v they_o no_o interest_n either_o in_o he_o or_o in_o each_o other_o further_o than_o they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o profession_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o except_o they_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v associate_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o it_o follow_v also_o further_o that_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n all_o the_o other_o relation_n which_o be_v ministerial_a must_v yield_v and_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o so_o that_o all_o the_o bond_n which_o may_v settle_v their_o association_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v intend_v no_o further_o than_o they_o serve_v to_o advance_v and_o confirm_v the_o brotherhood_n and_o association_n which_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o any_o combination_n of_o minister_n be_v frame_v otherwise_o or_o to_o any_o other_o end_n then_o to_o strengthen_v the_o fundamental_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o holiness_n and_o love_n it_o will_v beget_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o papacy_n because_o the_o root_n of_o the_o papal_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aim_n of_o a_o association_n of_o church_n officer_n subordinate_v the_o profession_n to_o their_o place_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o truth_n to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o other_o for_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v that_o all_o the_o superstitious_a device_n and_o politic_a practice_n of_o popery_n to_o blind_a man_n and_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n resolve_v themselves_o at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n and_o aim_n of_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o christianity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o spring_v original_o from_o hence_o see_v every_o thing_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v from_o all_o which_o i_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o association_n of_o church-officer_n or_o of_o any_o other_o public_a officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o who_o subordinate_a not_o themselves_o and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o each_o other_o by_o their_o office_n and_o by_o their_o association_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n to_o exalt_v the_o unity_n thereof_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v see_v above_o all_o therein_o but_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o association_n of_o christian_n subordinate_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o place_n above_o other_o be_v papal_a and_o antichristian_a let_v then_o all_o party_n look_v to_o their_o aim_n in_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o presbyterial_a association_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v settle_v upon_o episcopal_a or_o erastian_n principle_n and_o let_v all_o magistrate_n look_v to_o their_o interest_n and_o way_n of_o prosecute_a the_o same_o by_o their_o association_n whither_o they_o he_o democraticall_a aristocratical_a parliamentary_a or_o monarchical_a whatsoever_o their_o character_n frame_n or_o model_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o circumstantial_o which_o be_v all_o that_o ordinary_o man_n as_o man_n look_v after_o let_v i_o say_v all_o these_o officer_n of_o each_o kind_n or_o such_o as_o out_o of_o the_o mix_a multitude_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o do_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o profit_n and_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o combination_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n i_o say_v again_o let_v all_o these_o look_v well_o to_o it_o every_o one_o in_o his_o particular_a association_n if_o their_o whole_a aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o society_n be_v not_o to_o subordinate_a themselves_o and_o their_o combination_n and_o confederacy_n to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o alone_o shall_v last_v eternal_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o break_v to_o piece_n without_o all_o remedy_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n can_v fail_v isa_n 8_o 9_o 10._o which_o say_v associate_n yourselves_o you_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v your_o self_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o nought_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v for_o god_n be_v with_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n do_v provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o bid_v the_o people_n thereof_o a_o defiance_n that_o though_o they_o join_v all_o in_o one_o and_o gird_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n be_v bring_v to_o full_a maturity_n yet_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o effect_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n in_o their_o association_n and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n because_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o their_o association_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v blow_n upon_o all_o the_o design_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o god_n for_o wherein_o man_n be_v not_o subordinate_a they_o be_v opposite_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v strong_a than_o his_o opposite_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v provide_v for_o their_o safety_n with_o confederacy_n strength_n and_o counsel_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o question_n be_v make_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n mark_n 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n 2._o to_o the_o second_o question_n whether_o yea_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o answer_n will_v be_v affirmative_a thus_o he_o that_o shall_v appear_v in_o public_a as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n aught_o to_o assemble_v himself_o together_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o such_o as_o meet_v to_o that_o effect_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n forsake_v not_o the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v act._n 3._o 1._o peter_n and_o john_n go_v up_o together_o into_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n the_o nine_o hour_n act._n 16._o 13._o and_o on_o the_o sabbath_n we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o city_n by_o a_o river_n side_n where_o prayer_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v and_o we_o sit_v down_o and_o speak_v unto_o the_o woman_n which_o resort_v thither_o act._n 17._o 1_o 2._o where_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o paul_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v go_v in_o unto_o they_o and_o three_o sabbath_n day_n reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o to_o the_o three_o question_n what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o profession_n be_v in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n whereunto_o he_o shall_v join_v if_o he_o shall_v apply_v himself_o unto_o other_o professor_n the_o answer_n will_v be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o act_n of_o service_n belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o as_o christian_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n or_o society_n ground_v upon_o particular_a interest_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v command_v timoth._n 2._o ephes_n 2._o 22._o to_o follow_v righteousness_n faith_n charity_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o such_o as_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o public_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o the_o assembly_n whereunto_o professor_n shall_v refort_v of_o which_o these_o position_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o 1._o that_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a act_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v the_o preach_n and_o publish_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v be_v find_v a_o truth_n in_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n act._n 6_o 4._o rom._n 10._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o 1_o cor._n 14._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o chap._n 4._o 11._o 16._o col._n 3._o 16._o heb._n 13._o 15._o 2._o that_o these_o act_n shall_v not_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o every_o one_o that_o will_v put_v himself_o forward_o to_o speak_v but_o by_o some_o that_o be_v know_v to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v and_o be_v approve_v set_v apart_o and_o call_v to_o that_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v evidence_v in_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n rom._n 10._o 15._o and_o chap._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 18._o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o chap._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 40._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o 11_o 12._o and_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o 10._o and_o chap._n 5._o 22._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 6._o 10_o 11._o hel._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 10._o 17._o 3._o that_o those_o act_n shall_v be_v both_o f●r_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n answerable_a to_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o do_v by_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o not_o formal_o and_o by_o rote_n but_o understand_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o place_n rom_n 12._o 6._o and_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 11._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o 2._o 15._o and_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 19_o 20._o john_n 4._o 23._o 24._o 4._o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o prescribe_v unto_o or_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n any_o set_a form_n of_o public_a worship_n otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v ordain_v yet_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v and_o aught_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o liberty_n in_o christ_n agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v some_o rule_n of_o uniformity_n in_o their_o public_a way_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o occasion_n of_o diff●nancie_n and_o confusion_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o fruit_n of_o public_a edification_n by_o all_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o help_n to_o decency_n and_o orderlinesse_n in_o the_o act_n of_o solemn_a worship_n may_v be_v advance_v will_v be_v gather_v from_o these_o scripture_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o 23._o and_o chap._n 7._o 23._o and_o chap._n 14._o 37._o matth._n 15._o 9_o col._n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o and_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o col._n 2._o 5._o sect._n ii_o of_o professor_n unite_v to_o a_o congregation_n although_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o professor_n while_o they_o stand_v single_a if_o they_o walk_v orderly_o and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o all_o saint_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n with_o all_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o convenient_o meet_v with_o they_o while_o they_o be_v unseal_v and_o although_o this_o their_o interest_n be_v never_o lose_v after_o their_o settlement_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o they_o who_o be_v make_v free_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o particular_a company_n in_o london_n do_v thereby_o abridge_v themselves_o of_o their_o common_a right_n and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v natural_o freeborn_a or_o naturalize_v in_o the_o nation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o fall_v not_o from_o their_o allegiance_n although_o i_o say_v this_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n that_o professor_n ought_v not_o to_o stand_v single_a but_o shall_v be_v unite_v in_o and_o to_o a_o body_n right_o constitute_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v clear_o from_o these_o scripture_n rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o and_o 16._o 17_o 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o 4._o 16._o phil._n 1._o 27._o col._n 2._o 5._o 19_o gal._n 6._o 10._o do_v give_v a_o ground_n to_o these_o follow_a rule_n concern_v the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o particular_a congregation_n wherein_o both_o side_n if_o they_o will_v understand_v one_o another_o right_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v full_o agree_v 1._o that_o such_o person_n as_o have_v by_o their_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v it_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o all_o his_o member_n by_o love_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o one_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v call_v a_o particular_a congregation_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n ●_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o chap._n 9_o 13._o ephes_n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o phil._n 1._o 27._o and_o chap._n 2._o 1_o 2._o and_o 1_o thes_n 4._o 9_o 10._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o 2._o that_o the_o particular_a congregation_n thus_o constitute_v aught_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o elder_n and_o deacon_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v overseer_n of_o the_o way_n and_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o second_o servant_n of_o their_o necessity_n both_o be_v officer_n thereof_o walk_v as_o brethren_n as_o servant_n and_o as_o member_n of_o each_o other_o in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o brotherly_a equality_n whereby_o all_o usurpation_n of_o lordly_a power_n in_o any_o of_o these_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v void_a and_o all_o affectation_n of_o humane_a title_n tend_v thereunto_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o these_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o
of_o the_o prophet_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v draw_v and_o engage_v into_o worldly_a confederacy_n for_o humane_a fear_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v god_n alone_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o their_o fear_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o because_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v so_o a_o sanctuary_n but_o to_o other_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o second_o that_o they_o shall_v bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_v the_o law_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v his_o disciple_n shall_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o only_a bond_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o bond_n shall_v be_v their_o obedientiall_a submission_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 16._o three_o that_o they_o shall_v arm_v themselves_o with_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o although_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o they_o vers_n 17._o 18._o four_o and_o last_o when_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n man_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v then_o to_o consult_v only_o with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o be_v take_v themselves_o to_o any_o other_o oracle_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v this_o advice_n shall_v be_v drive_v into_o ●tler_a despair_n vers_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v humane_a association_n what_o the_o issue_n thereof_o will_v be_v and_o what_o the_o way_n be_v to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o that_o despair_n which_o do_v attend_v those_o that_o forsake_v god_n and_o subordinate_a not_o their_o counsel_n and_o association_n to_o his_o will_n this_o than_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o take_v this_o warning_n whether_o we_o be_v professor_n or_o officer_n but_o chief_o this_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o ministerial_a association_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o charge_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o only_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o although_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o among_o the_o combination_n which_o now_o be_v on_o foot_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o ground_n will_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v answerable_a thereunto_o i_o shall_v offer_v that_o whereunto_o both_o side_n do_v agree_v and_o which_o without_o contradiction_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enter_v they_o upon_o a_o ministerial_a correspondency_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a brotherhood_n in_o christianity_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o flock_n from_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o matter_n of_o agreement_n in_o the_o point_n of_o association_n may_v be_v refer_v of_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o proposition_n 1_o the_o officer_n of_o sister_n church_n make_v profession_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n in_o christ_n shall_v desire_v to_o advance_v each_o other_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n shall_v have_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o brotherly_a conference_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 9_o malach._n 3._o 16._o 2_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o conference_n shall_v be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o make_v it_o more_o complete_a in_o love_n and_o to_o gain_v other_o to_o concur_v with_o they_o by_o the_o truth_n therein_o 3_o they_o shall_v for_o these_o end_n set_v themselves_o in_o a_o way_n to_o make_v their_o conference_n effectual_o conscionable_a constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o disorderlinesse_n which_o way_n may_v be_v settle_v upon_o these_o ground_n first_o upon_o a_o voluntary_a engagement_n free_o enter_v into_o which_o shall_v contain_v these_o head_n that_o see_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n in_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v 1-11_a gal._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1-11_a to_o give_v to_o each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o will_v entertain_v brotherly_a meeting_n and_o conference_n to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o suffer_v any_o circumstantial_a difference_n of_o opinion_n or_o practice_n to_o break_v their_o association_n or_o hinder_v their_o ordinary_o appoint_a meeting_n and_o conference_n second_o upon_o some_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o in_o like_a manner_n every_o one_o shall_v assent_v unto_o free_o and_o express_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v find_v himself_o convict_v of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n thereof_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o order_n may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o their_o conference_n confusion_n shall_v be_v avoid_v that_o a_o equal_a and_o orderly_a freedom_n of_o speech_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o all_o and_o that_o a_o liberty_n of_o dissent_v unpartial_o upon_o reason_n allege_v shall_v be_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o three_o upon_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o correspondency_n between_o several_a association_n for_o see_v all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o associate_v can_v possible_o meet_v at_o the_o same_o conference_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o man_n different_a occasion_n therefore_o several_a knot_n and_o company_n of_o associate_n will_v arise_v and_o lest_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o one_o another_o way_n take_v disagree_v resolution_n and_o mistake_v one_o another_o meaning_n therein_o for_o this_o cause_n some_o mean_n of_o correspondency_n between_o distant_a association_n be_v to_o be_v agree_v upon_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n between_o they_o hitherto_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o first_o head_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o association_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v for_o mutual_a edification_n now_o follow_v the_o matter_n of_o agreement_n belong_v to_o the_o second_o head_n which_o be_v the_o use_n of_o their_o association_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o flock_n from_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o almost_o word_n by_o word_n that_o which_o i_o find_v grant_v by_o mr._n burrough_n in_o his_o iren●cum_n or_o heart_n division_n pag._n 43._o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o side_n will_v full_o assent_v unto_o and_o aught_o to_o lay_v as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o associate_a in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 1_o they_o viz._n the_o dissent_v brethren_n acknowledge_v that_o synod_n of_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n about_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o help_a of_o the_o church_n against_o error_n schisine_n and_o scandal_n 2_o that_o these_o synod_n may_v by_o the_o power_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n admonish_v man_n or_o church_n in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v evil_n continue_v in_o or_o grow_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o admonition_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 3_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subu●rters_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o shame_v they_o before_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o 4_o they_o may_v by_o a_o solemn_a act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n refuse_v any_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o repent_v 5_o they_o may_v declare_v and_o that_o also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o these_o err_a people_n or_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o followship_n with_o any_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o have_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o proposition_n if_o a_o full_a assent_n be_v give_v as_o by_o many_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v i_o can_v imagine_v what_o shall_v hinder_v or_o may_v obstruct_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o a_o concurrence_n to_o settle_v their_o association_n for_o a_o joint_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o brotherly_a preservation_n of_o each_o other_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o
term_n of_o our_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o be_v divide_v in_o our_o way_n and_o in_o our_o affection_n unwilling_a to_o practice_v any_o thing_n joint_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o these_o acknowledge_a principle_n be_v we_o not_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o man_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o fundamental_a duty_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o inexcusable_o sure_o we_o will_v be_v find_v so_o if_o we_o set_v not_o ourselves_o in_o another_o way_n then_o hitherto_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o forbearance_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o may_v be_v find_v a_o agreement_n have_v show_v how_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a the_o unity_n be_v whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v profess_o acknowledge_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o speak_v also_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v for_o if_o it_o be_v make_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o far_o agree_v but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n that_o be_v of_o the_o principle_n and_o rule_n whereby_o a_o forbearance_n may_v be_v settle_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v then_o i_o can_v see_v what_o in_o conscience_n or_o reason_n shall_v keep_v we_o still_o at_o this_o distance_n but_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o may_v be_v make_v undeniable_o apparent_a that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n that_o be_v of_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o condition_n whereby_o a_o forbearance_n may_v be_v settle_v among_o we_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o conscience_n or_o reason_n that_o can_v keep_v we_o at_o this_o distance_n now_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o then_o the_o cause_n be_v that_o keep_v we_o from_o join_v in_o a_o forbearance_n and_o what_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o practice_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o i_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o confess_v my_o ignorance_n of_o these_o cause_n and_o difficulty_n rather_o than_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o jealousy_n upon_o the_o design_n upon_o the_o passion_n and_o distemper_n of_o either_o side_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o uncharitable_a fail_n and_o the_o unfriendly_a proceed_n of_o both_o side_n against_o each_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o the_o chief_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o term_n of_o settle_v a_o christian_a forbearance_n among_o we_o in_o my_o opinion_n have_v be_v this_o that_o this_o matter_n have_v never_o be_v prosecute_v in_o that_o way_n of_o simplicity_n which_o become_v the_o gospel_n nor_o upon_o the_o term_n wherein_o either_o there_o be_v undeniable_o or_o there_o may_v be_v find_v infallible_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a agreement_n and_o whether_o yea_o or_o no_o any_o course_n will_v be_v take_v to_o prosecute_v it_o otherwise_o hereafter_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n endeavour_v to_o acquit_v my_o conscience_n by_o show_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o rule_n thereof_o whereunto_o i_o be_o persuade_v none_o will_v be_v dissenter_n who_o do_v lay_v to_o heart_n without_o prejudice_n their_o duty_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o principle_n of_o mutual_a toleration_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a agreement_n there_o be_v two_o main_a principle_n of_o a_o toleration_n whereof_o both_o side_n have_v the_o same_o sense_n to_o the_o full_a the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o toleration_n among_o christian_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o forbearance_n among_o brethren_n in_o christianity_n all_o will_v undeniable_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o proposition_n first_o that_o god_n have_v command_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n both_o to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o infirmity_n and_o to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o appeareth_z in_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n gal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o ephes_n 4._o 2._o colos_n 3._o 12_o 13._o and_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 14._o rom._n 14._o 1._o second_o that_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o but_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la as_o a_o mean_n of_o mutual_a edification_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v advance_v without_o the_o observation_n thereof_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a because_o in_o many_o case_n of_o humane_a fail_n and_o in_o some_o of_o different_a opinion_n and_o practice_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o forbearance_n at_o all_o debate_n will_v be_v sharp_a and_o endless_a about_o every_o small_a matter_n and_o for_o every_o trifle_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n will_v be_v lose_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v schism_n make_v unavoidable_a and_o the_o heal_n or_o prevent_v of_o breach_n become_v altogether_o impossible_a rom._n 14._o 13._o and_o 15._o 1_o 2_o 3._o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o concern_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o forbearance_n all_o will_v undeniable_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v indifferent_o unto_o all_o person_n opinion_n and_o practice_n but_o that_o these_o four_o proposition_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o his_o servant_n shall_v agree_v to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o contrary_n to_o his_o will_n but_o that_o their_o duty_n be_v in_o such_o case_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remove_n of_o evil_n by_o zeal_n and_o brotherly_a admonition_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n rev._n 2._o 2._o and_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o 2_o thes_n 3._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o 7._o 11._o 13._o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n shall_v profess_v themselves_o willing_a or_o oblige_v to_o bear_v with_o any_o person_n which_o do_v endeavour_v and_o with_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v which_o do_v tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o say_v in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 3_o saint_n jude_n 3_o or_o to_o destroy_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n either_o in_o the_o private_a or_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n 13._o religion_n tit._n 1._o 10._o 11._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o gal._n 5._o 7._o till_o 13._o or_o to_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n among_o christian_a brethren_n 18._o brethren_n phil._n 3._o 2._o jud._n 19_o rom._n 16._o 17._o 18._o or_o to_o abolish_v the_o orderly_a relation_n and_o obligation_n natural_a and_o moral_a without_o which_o humane_a society_n can_v stand_v 3._o stand_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o mat._n 15._o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 3._o or_o to_o put_v down_o the_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o and_o over_o humane_a suciety_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n therein_o 8._o therein_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 10._o rom._n 13._o 1._o till_o 8._o three_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o his_o servant_n in_o all_o matter_n me●rly_o circumstantial_a by_o he_o not_o determine_v shall_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o follow_v their_o own_o light_n as_o it_o may_v be_v offer_v or_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o edification_n and_o not_o constrain_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o other_o man_n and_o although_o it_o may_v sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n their_o way_n may_v be_v different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o brethren_n yet_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o breach_n of_o love_n among_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v esteem_v all_o cross_n and_o partial_a practice_n about_o they_o utter_o unlawful_a because_o they_o beget_v dispute_n and_o jealousy_n and_o tend_v to_o division_n bring_v forth_o hatred_n and_o mutual_a persecution_n rom._n 14._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la gal._n 5._o 13_o 14_o 26._o phil._n 2._o 3_o 4._o 14_o 15._o four_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o circumstantial_a but_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v different_o understand_v in_o this_o case_n the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o mutual_a edification_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o forbearance_n and_o this_o course_n ought_v to_o be_v continue_v so_o long_o either_o as_o there_o be_v hope_n to_o gain_v
perfection_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o john_n 17._o 21_o 22_o 23._o compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n than_o the_o main_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o end_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v prosecute_v must_v needs_o be_v their_o great_a guilt_n whence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o to_o maintain_v no_o communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o with_o another_o be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a fault_n because_o most_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o administration_n so_o the●_n if_o to_o maintain_v spiritual_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n fundamental_a and_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o engagement_n unto_o a_o concurrence_n and_o the_o lawful_a way_n of_o spiritual_a correspondency_n be_v also_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o must_v be_v entertain_v because_o without_o these_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v nor_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v to_o any_o visible_a perfection_n but_o rather_o visible_o dissolve_v thus_o then_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a scripturall_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o such_o as_o neglect_v it_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n sect_n iv_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o infallible_a example_n in_o the_o ministry_n although_o the_o mediatory_a action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o imitable_a nor_o be_v they_o perform_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o any_o for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o his_o relation_n unto_o we_o as_o 11._o heb._n 2._o 11._o our_o brother_n sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o converse_n among_o man_n be_v such_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o duty_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n or_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o dutiful_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o either_o a_o example_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v or_o a_o precept_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v practice_v for_o in_o this_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n because_o he_o go_v before_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o he_o before_o all_o other_o but_o also_o none_o further_a than_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o chief_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o love_n unity_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o weak_a do_v allege_v his_o practice_n as_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o thus_o 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n ephes_n 5._o 1_o 2._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o coloss_n 3._o 13._o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o gal._n 6._o 2._o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 1._o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_n yourselves_o likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2._o have_v use_v many_o strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o unity_n verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o strife_n and_o division_n vers_fw-la 3._o than_o vers_n 4_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o mutual_a care_n of_o one_o another_o whereunto_o as_o a_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o christ_n example_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o motive_n verse_n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 17._o 22._o the_o glory_n which_o th●u_n give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v b●e_v one_o even_o as_o we_o be_v one_o by_o glory_n i_o understand_v here_o grace_n as_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v as_o concern_v christ_n practice_n in_o his_o ministry_n to_o avoid_v breach_n and_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o other_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o isa_n 42._o 2_o 3._o and_o matth._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thus_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n bear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a fl●x_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n and_o concern_v his_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o unity_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o god_n the_o apostle_n do_v set_v it_o forth_o as_o a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v rom._n 15._o verse_n 2_o 3._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 for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v further_o apply_v to_o our_o practice_n vers_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_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 and_o then_o explain_v in_o show_v what_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v verse_n 8_o 9_o now_o i_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v glorify_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o may_v clear_o understand_v that_o by_o christ_n ministerial_a behaviour_n which_o be_v without_o strife_n free_a from_o all_o clamour_n and_o dispute_n and_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n both_o circumcise_a and_o uncircumcised_a unto_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v without_o partiality_n to_o endeavour_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n glory_n unto_o all_o and_o oblige_v in_o our_o ministry_n not_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o ourselves_o to_o satisfy_v our_o own_o desire_n and_o enjoy_v our_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o we_o pretend_v unto_o for_o private_a content_n but_o rather_o to_o please_v other_o to_o their_o edification_n although_o we_o shall_v suffer_v reproach_n for_o their_o sake_n for_o thus_o christ_n be_v reproach_v by_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o holiness_n for_o converse_v and_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n matth._n 9_o verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o &_o chap._n 11._o 19_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o please_v other_o and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n christ_n converse_v do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o samaritan_n with_o who_o other_o jew_n have_v no_o deal_n john_n 4._o 9_o till_o vers_fw-la 43._o nor_o be_v it_o without_o a_o mystery_n that_o at_o his_o death_n he_o be_v crucify_v between_o two_o malefactor_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o say_v and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n mark_v 15._o 27_o 28._o for_o by_o god_n and_o by_o himself_o just_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o by_o sinner_n unjust_o he_o be_v number_v in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n one_o of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a to_o save_v they_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n make_v the_o apostle_n paul_n become_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o every_o one_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v set_v forth_o his_o own_o practice_n to_o exhort_v we_o
to_o follow_v it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o vers_fw-la 19_o till_o 24._o now_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o behave_v themselves_o with_o indifferency_n and_o apply_v themselves_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n by_o their_o ministry_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n capable_a of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o edification_n though_o great_a sinner_n otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o separation_n or_o of_o a_o semiseparation_n be_v warrant_v and_o that_o even_o from_o those_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o profession_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v our_o brethren_n shall_v we_o dare_v to_o put_v upon_o matter_n that_o be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o upon_o thing_n no_o where_o express_o enjoin_v but_o rather_o take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o these_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n if_o we_o do_v make_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o perfection_n sure_o we_o become_v perfect_a idol_n to_o and_o idolater_n of_o ourselves_o in_o god_n worship_n for_o if_o in_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o worship_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a though_o his_o own_o ordinance_n be_v observe_v as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o to_o the_o inward_a fellowship_n he_o himself_o alone_o do_v admit_v whosoever_o he_o please_v yet_o if_o then_o we_o love_v to_o set_v ourselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o or_o reject_v other_o from_o be_v partaker_n with_o we_o of_o the_o ordinance_n either_o because_o we_o count_v they_o in_o holiness_n inferior_a to_o we_o or_o because_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v their_o sincerity_n or_o because_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o join_v in_o opinion_n with_o we_o concern_v all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o way_n if_o i_o say_v for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a cause_n we_o stand_v aloof_o in_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o our_o way_n and_o society_n do_v we_o not_o idolise_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o make_v ourselves_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n stand_v thou_o by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o what_o 5._o isa_n 65._o 5._o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o love_n humility_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o ministry_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o snare_n let_v we_o count_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o draw_v sinner_n unto_o god_n not_o by_o a_o distance_n but_o by_o a_o condescension_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o weakness_n as_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o the_o primitive_a minister_n maintain_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ministerial_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v tend_v to_o these_o four_o end_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n second_o to_o build_v up_o and_o confirm_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v therein_o three_o to_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v settle_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n four_o and_o last_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n all_o which_o aim_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o and_o which_o they_o then_o use_v must_v not_o now_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o can_v be_v set_v afoot_o first_o we_o find_v then_o that_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n some_o go_v forth_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o bring_v they_o forward_o on_o their_o journey_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n be_v a_o work_n of_o holy_a communion_n commend_v in_o gajus_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n as_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v and_o the_o ground_n why_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v it_o be_v that_o all_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o practice_n than_o be_v still_o to_o 8._o 3_o john_n 6._o 7_o 8._o be_v follow_v by_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v necessary_a second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n in_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o care_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n correspond_v with_o those_o that_o do_v convert_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o act_n 8._o 14._o where_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v to_o samaria_n two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o some_o be_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o antioch_n they_o send_v barnabas_n and_o he_o go_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n act_v 11._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o three_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n and_o the_o decision_n of_o doubt_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v cast_v in_o among_o the_o professor_n to_o trouble_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6._o 7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v