Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	communion_n	member_n	schism_n	3,619	5	9.7876	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A81927	A peace-maker without partiality and hypocrisie. Or The gospel-way to make up the present breaches of brotherhood, and heale the divisions, whereby some of the reforming professors and ministers of the kindome at the time, sadly dishonour their profession, mainley obstruct our reformation, utterly destroy the safe constitution both of church and state. Wherein are handled, 1. How the meanes of Christian peace, as well civill as ecclesiasticall, may bee found and ought to bee followed, both by pastors and people. 2. What are the speciall lets of Ecclesiasticall reconciliation, and what the causes of divisions are, and how to be remedied. 3. What are the grounds, termes and motives of brotherly unitie and forbearance, which the ministers and members of the churches of England ought ot professe and practise one towards another for the gospels sake. / All written upon severall occasions and at severall times by Mr. John Dury, one of the assembly of divines, &c. and now published by Samuel Hartlib, to whom they were sent.	Dury, John, 1596-1680.	1648 (1648)	Wing D2877; Thomason E458_19; ESTC R205070	94,791	118

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 17.23_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 profess_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 17.23_o joh._n 17.23_o i_o can_v 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 part_n cular_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 late_o publish_v pag._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o p_o 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 a_o 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 irenicum_fw-la 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 a_o 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 seek_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

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 ironicum_fw-la 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 schism_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 because_o they_o may_v declare_v man_n or_o church_n to_o be_v subverter_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 6.1_o 2._o ephes_n 4.2_o colos_n 3.12_o 13._o and_o 1_o thess_n 5.14_o rom._n 14.1_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

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 dissonancie_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 1.1.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.1.23_o and_o chap._n 7.23_o and_o chap._n 14.37_o matth._n 15.9_o col._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o col._n 2.5_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 unsettle_a 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 12.4_o 5._o and_o 16.17_o 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o 4.16_o phil._n 1.27_o col._n 2.5.19_o gal._n 6.10_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 8.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o chap._n 9.13_o ephes_n 4.13_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 12.27_o phil._n 1.27_o and_o chap._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o 1_o thes_n 4.9_o 10._o act._n 2.41_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 per_fw-la totum_fw-la act_n 6._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4.5_o 6._o 1_o tit._n 1._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la 1_o pet._n 5.1_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 20.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o ephes_n 4.11.16_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 exercise_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 4.10_o 11._o and_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o chap._n 4.8_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 3.6_o 7_o 8_o compare_v with_o heb._n 2.1_o 2.5_o matth._n 17.5_o and_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_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 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o and_o chap._n 4.14_o and_o 5.21_o 22._o act._n 14.23_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 but_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 12.25_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 5.5_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 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13_o 14_o 15.21_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_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 3.3_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o three_o because_o this_o intention_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o request_n of_o

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 14.13_o and_o 15.1_o 2_o 3._o phil._n 2.1_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 2.2_o and_o 1_o thes_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o 2_o thes_n 3.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5.2.7.11.13_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 faith_n 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 1.10_o 11._o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o gal._n 5.7_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 3.2_o jud._n 19_o rom._n 16.17_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 4.3_o stand_v 1_o tim._n 5.8_o mat._n 15.4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4.3_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 society_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n therein_o 8._o therein_o 2_o pet._n 2.10_o rom._n 13.1_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 mere_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 5.13_o 14_o 26._o phil._n 2.3_o 4.14_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 the_o advantage_n of_o love_a conference_n whereby_o difference_n may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o mistake_v and_o scandal_n prevent_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o profitable_a truth_n to_o such_o as_o err_v not_o wilful_o but_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o harmeles_o phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o chap._n ix_o concern_v the_o way_n how_o to_o settle_v and_o prosecute_v a_o mutual_a toleration_n by_o rule_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n hitherto_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o forbearance_n we_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o we_o conceive_v both_o side_n will_v full_o assent_v unto_o if_o now_o we_o can_v also_o from_o thence_o gather_v and_o from_o other_o undeniable_a and_o know_v truth_n find_v out_o some_o rule_n which_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o a_o way_n how_o to_o settle_v and_o prosecute_v to_o a_o full_a period_n of_o practice_n the_o duty_n of_o this_o forbearance_n and_o if_o these_o rule_n be_v find_v out_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n between_o the_o party_n by_o some_o transaction_n so_o full_o and_o orderly_o that_o none_o who_o do_v assent_n unto_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o rule_n can_v except_v against_o the_o proceed_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v these_o rule_n can_v be_v thus_o find_v out_o and_o apply_v than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a convince_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o such_o as_o follow_v not_o the_o practice_n thereof_o walk_v neither_o answerable_a to_o the_o light_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v nor_o to_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o their_o way_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v frustrate_a of_o the_o felicity_n promise_v thereunto_o and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o hypocrite_n for_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o christ_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o kingdom_n john_n 13.17_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o but_o if_o you_o know_v they_o not_o you_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o do_v they_o and_o if_o know_v they_o you_o do_v they_o not_o your_o profession_n shall_v be_v find_v vain_a and_o your_o end_n eternal_a misery_n for_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 7.21_o matth._n 7.21_o but_o he_o only_a who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n from_o all_o which_o we_o must_v gather_v this_o conclusion_n that_o if_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o forbearance_n which_o be_v necessary_a it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v but_o the_o way_n how_o to_o practice_v the_o duty_n must_v also_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o regular_o follow_v let_v we_o then_o do_v this_o and_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o a_o transaction_n as_o will_v beget_v between_o the_o party_n a_o settlement_n of_o that_o toleration_n whereof_o we_o have_v see_v and_o allow_v the_o principle_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n if_o any_o treaty_n or_o conference_n be_v intend_v for_o without_o some_o such_o thing_n nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v there_o must_v be_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n a_o agreement_n find_v in_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o transaction_n and_o in_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v for_o if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o a_o resolution_n fix_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o that_o determination_n nothing_o will_v take_v effect_n or_o be_v successful_a in_o the_o transaction_n the_o aim_n then_o of_o the_o transaction_n shall_v not_o be_v to_o settle_v a_o forbearance_n which_o shall_v leave_v the_o party_n or_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o distance_n whereinto_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v but_o both_o side_n shall_v express_o declare_v that_o the_o treaty_n be_v to_o be_v set_v afoot_o and_o profess_o intend_v for_o these_o two_o end_n first_o that_o a_o door_n may_v be_v keep_v open_a and_o enlarge_v to_o further_o a_o more_o perfect_a unity_n then_o as_o yet_o the_o party_n have_v attain_v unto_o second_o that_o a_o path_n and_o course_n to_o maintain_v the_o further_a unity_n which_o will_v be_v attain_v by_o god_n blessing_n may_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o hitherto_o it_o have_v be_v if_o this_o aim_v be_v sincere_o take_v up_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v will_v neither_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v find_v nor_o without_o success_n when_o they_o be_v set_v a_o work_n among_o true_a christian_n i_o shall_v offer_v therefore_o at_o they_o first_o then_o the_o mean_n to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o advance_v the_o

that_o of_o christianity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o three_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v these_o rule_n towards_o the_o work_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n more_o exact_o then_o in_o and_o towards_o other_o common_a duty_n because_o those_o work_n and_o performance_n be_v of_o a_o more_o important_a nature_n than_o other_o work_n as_o be_v more_o universal_a and_o more_o lead_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o such_o as_o more_o near_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o he_o so_o that_o a_o small_a fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o profession_n than_o a_o great_a fault_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n so_o that_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o because_o all_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v more_o obligatory_a unto_o minister_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n then_o unto_o common_a professor_n that_o therefore_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o concern_v love_n and_o unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v more_o bind_v towards_o they_o chief_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n then_o towards_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o duty_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a guilt_n and_o less_o excusable_a then_o in_o any_o other_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o gross_a misdemenour_n a_o little_a moat_n in_o the_o eye_n will_v trouble_v the_o whole_a body_n more_o than_o a_o great_a handful_n of_o dirt_n and_o dust_n cast_v upon_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o least_o prick_n that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la of_o the_o brain_n as_o physician_n say_v will_v kill_v a_o man_n infallible_o but_o a_o great_a wound_n in_o the_o flesh_n nay_o a_o stab_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v be_v cure_v a_o thorn_n in_o a_o small_a joint_n will_v endanger_v a_o gangrene_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n whereas_o a_o great_a imposthume_n in_o a_o part_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v without_o danger_n &_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n though_o with_o some_o trouble_n to_o purge_v the_o whole_a of_o many_o evil_a humour_n thus_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o disaffection_n in_o one_o minister_n against_o another_o or_o breach_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o their_o charge_n may_v prove_v infinite_o more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n then_o great_a and_o gross_a hostility_n in_o common_a professor_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a concernment_n now_o among_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o default_n of_o minister_n in_o their_o charge_n that_o of_o the_o want_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o of_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n together_o with_o a_o delight_n to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n by_o themselves_o be_v to_o i_o one_o of_o the_o great_a because_o it_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n which_o be_v to_o gather_v the_o believer_n into_o one_o visible_a body_n and_o to_o bring_v that_o body_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o john_n 17.21_o 22_o 23._o compare_v with_o ephes_n 4.12_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 then_o 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 our_o brother_n sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o flesh_n 2.11_o heb._n 2.11_o 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 11.1_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 3.16_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 5.1_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 3.13_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o gal._n 6.2_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 4.1_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 17.22_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_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 5.1_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 branch_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 42.2_o 3._o and_o matth._n 12.19_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 flax_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

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 6.7_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_n 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 the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1.10_o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6.24_o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12.26_o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19.21_o and_o 6.1_o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5.13_o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 16.14_o 1_o cor._n 16.14_o gal._n 6.2_o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13.35_o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5.14_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o

they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n 1●_n ephes_n 6_o 1●_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n 15.16_o jam._n 3.14_o 15.16_o for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20.21_o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o separately_z each_o from_o other_o without_o any_o care_n to_o maintain_v good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o cross_v one_o another_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o draw_v sheep_n one_o from_o another_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o the_o joint_a care_n of_o his_o flock_n i_o find_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o christ_n do_v seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o 1.7.8_o cant._n 1.7.8_o it_o be_v afraid_a to_o turn_v aside_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o come_v to_o he_o it_o be_v bid_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o flock_n under_o many_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n companion_n do_v perplex_v the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o aside_o from_o he_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o shepherd_n that_o be_v unite_v be_v the_o way_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v three_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n do_v whole_o necessitate_v they_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n because_o not_o only_o these_o duty_n in_o themselves_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o work_n but_o what_o ever_o else_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o charge_n whether_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o man_n except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n first_o then_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o very_a work_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o their_o profession_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v allege_v second_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n without_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n 1_o john_n 4.8_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o ibid._n verse_n 16._o moreover_o he_o that_o do_v not_o all_o his_o work_n in_o love_n as_o he_o be_v command_v 1_o cor._n 16.14_o transgrese_v the_o whole_a law_n by_o the_o unlovely_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n because_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13.8_o 9_o 10._o so_o the_o want_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v please_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o 8._o and_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o love_n so_o it_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o man_n for_o if_o god_n bless_v it_o not_o how_o can_v it_o prosper_v towards_o they_o and_o how_o can_v he_o bless_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o and_o what_o i_o say_v of_o love_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o unity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o love_n inseparable_a from_o it_o in_o christ_n aim_n john_n 17.23_o and_o equal_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o ephes_n 4.1_o ephes_n 4.1_o till_o 7._o phil._n 2.2_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o must_v thus_o be_v qualify_v to_o find_v acceptance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v more_o distinct_o upon_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v perceive_v more_o clear_o the_o intrinsical_a coherence_n which_o be_v find_v between_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o ministerial_a administration_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o administration_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n whereunto_o the_o sacrament_n 6.4_o act_n 6.4_o the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n be_v subordinate_a that_o therein_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o saint_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a substance_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4._o from_o verse_n 11._o till_o 17._o where_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 11._o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 11._o both_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n their_o work_n be_v the_o same_o towards_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n namely_o this_o 1._o to_o be_v serviceable_a in_o perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o in_o build_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 12._o verse_n 12._o in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n thereof_o unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o verse_n 13._o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o aim_v at_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shoot_v not_o at_o the_o mark_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o second_o their_o service_n be_v to_o preserve_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o