again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o separate_a from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o join_v himself_o with_o another_o church_n suppose_v pure_a with_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a congregation_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v disease_a church_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v many_o church_n for_o make_v up_o of_o one_o as_o if_o one_o go_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v out_o all_o the_o sound_a member_n and_o leave_v the_o rot_a and_o disease_a member_n either_o to_o cure_v one_o another_o or_o to_o perish_v a_o strange_a and_o desperate_a way_n of_o cure_n a_o second_o divide_v principle_n in_o that_o way_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v ecclesiastic_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o their_o church_n member_n to_o wit_n conviction_n of_o their_o inward_a good_a estate_n which_o rule_n be_v variable_a and_o uncertain_a some_o will_v judge_v one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o â—e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
among_o they_o but_o after_o all_o the_o apostle_n though_o he_o reprove_v they_o very_o sharp_o yet_o he_o no_o where_o say_v you_o that_o be_v godly_a stay_n away_o from_o join_v in_o worship_n because_o of_o such_o man_n join_n but_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o approve_v their_o come_n together_o to_o go_v about_o the_o ordinance_n only_o reprove_v the_o wrong_a way_n they_o come_v in_o so_o chap_n 11._o five_o 18._o first_o of_o all_o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v there_o be_v division_n among_o you_o and_o five_o 20._o when_o you_o come_v together_o therefore_o unto_o one_o place_n etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o reprove_v their_o come_n together_o but_o suppones_fw-la it_o as_o a_o thing_n lawful_a only_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o division_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n there_o be_v much_o corruption_n among_o they_o they_o be_v bewitch_v with_o heretical_a doctrine_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o etc._n etc._n cap_n 3._o five_o 1_o they_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v like_a to_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n v_o 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v many_o who_o have_v fall_v away_o from_o their_o first_o love_n revel_v 2_o 1._o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3_o 1._o do_v tolerate_v profane_a person_n such_o as_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o read_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n command_v to_o separate_a from_o worship_n because_o of_o they_o indeed_o he_o reprove_v they_o sharp_o for_o their_o corruption_n for_o their_o fall_v away_o from_o their_o first_o love_n for_o their_o tollerate_n profane_a wicked_a man_n but_o he_o say_v not_o all_o you_o that_o be_v godly_a turn_n your_o back_n upon_o that_o church_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o your_o own_o but_o direct_o approve_v their_o join_v together_o in_o what_o be_v right_a so_o it_o be_v clear_v that_o separation_n from_o the_o ordinance_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v tolerate_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a arg_n iu._n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n be_v this_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n only_o defile_v the_o worship_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o not_o to_o other_o we_o shall_v find_v for_o this_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n matth._n 22._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n come_v into_o the_o king_n supper_n there_o be_v one_o that_o want_v a_o wedding_n garmant_n verse_n 12._o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n find_v he_o out_o and_o say_v friend_n how_o come_v thou_o hither_o and_o he_o be_v find_v speechless_a the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n say_v not_o all_o you_o guest_n be_v defile_v because_o this_o man_n sit_v with_o you_o as_o shall_v have_v be_v say_v if_o his_o presence_n have_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o they_o but_o only_o he_o reprove_v the_o man_n himself_o the_o sin_n be_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o the_o second_o place_n be_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o he_o say_v not_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o all_o but_o to_o himself_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n that_o he_o do_v eat_v judgement_n to_o all_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n or_o make_v it_o sinful_a to_o the_o rest_n that_o communicate_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o preceee_a word_n it_o be_v say_v let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o etc._n etc._n he_o say_v not_o when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o the_o table_n let_v everyone_o of_o you_o examine_v your_o neighbour_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v if_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o rest_n but_o all_o he_o say_v be_v let_v every_o one_o examine_v himself_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a the_o permit_v of_o a_o wicked_a person_n to_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n guide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow_n communicant_n see_v he_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o for_o he_o only_o defile_v the_o worship_n to_o himself_o arg._n v._o our_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o from_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o opposite_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o ordinance_n do_v depend_v on_o instrument_n or_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ordinance_n if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o instrument_n or_o of_o fellow-worshiper_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n now_o this_o be_v most_o absurd_a the_o dignity_n of_o ordinance_n depend_v on_o he_o who_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o preach_v be_v his_o word_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v at_o the_o word_n because_o of_o instrument_n but_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o so_o the_o sacrament_n whoever_o they_o be_v that_o join_v with_o i_o in_o they_o lose_v not_o their_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n to_o i_o who_o be_o seek_v christ_n in_o they_o though_o worthless_a man_n have_v their_o hand_n at_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v i_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v wrong_v let_v god_n and_o they_o reckon_v for_o that_o the_o root_n of_o my_o communion_n be_v christ_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n i_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o the_o wicked_a man_n profess_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o seal_v up_o a_o outward_a fellowship_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o that_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v this_o hypocritical_o i_o do_v in_o as_o far_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o this_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n confirm_v the_o truth_n that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v desile_a the_o ordinance_n to_o none_o but_o to_o themselves_o iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n the_o argument_n they_o use_v against_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v short_o propound_v the_o most_o plausible_a of_o they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o obj_fw-la 1_n the_o first_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o 2_o cor._n 6_o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o stong_a of_o their_o argument_n the_o lord_n command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o come_v from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_a and_o therefore_o say_v they_o when_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n come_v together_o with_o the_o godly_a the_o godly_a aught_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o to_o show_v you_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o argument_n we_o shall_v answer_v it_o by_o read_v out_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o it_o be_v clear_v what_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n he_o bid_v they_o only_o separate_a from_o sinful_a action_n and_o not_o from_o lawful_a duty_n that_o you_o may_v see_v yet_o further_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o reason_n know_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 10._o when_o idolater_n will_v invite_v some_o of_o their_o christian_a neighbour_n they_o will_v go_v with_o they_o and_o eat_v with_o they_o at_o their_o idol_n feast_n and_o they_o think_v they_o may_v lawful_o do_v it_o because_o they_o know_v their_o idol_n be_v not_o true_a god_n and_o so_o by_o their_o eat_n they_o intend_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o idol_n as_o these_o idolater_n do_v who_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o but_o do_v it_o only_o to_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_n and_o keep_v up_o common_a friendship_n now_o paul_n discharge_v they_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v it_o he_o point_v at_o here_o be_v separate_v do_v not_o meddle_v with_o their_o idol_n feast_n because_o it_o be_v indeed_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o so_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v separate_v from_o heathen_n in_o do_v a_o thing_n sinful_a that_o therefore_o he_o forbid_v christian_n to_o join_v in_o a_o lawful_a worship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n obj._n ii_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev_n 18_o 4._o and_o i_o hear_v another_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n but_o this_o place_n be_v pitiful_o misapply_v to_o the_o purpose_n for_o its_o evident_a
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
themselves_o have_v the_o power_n that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o time_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a punishment_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o punish_v there_o be_v a_o second_o objection_n which_o they_o bring_v from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n word_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philipp_n 3._o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o difference_n among_o christian_n he_o say_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a â—e_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o we_o see_v what_o be_v paul_n judgement_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o difference_n there_o shall_v be_v heart_n wal_a or_o unite_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v stire_v up_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o err._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v paul_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o state_n toleration_n for_o then_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v not_o for_o christ_n but_o of_o church_n toleration_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o christ_n servant_n shall_v have_v in_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n for_o fear_v of_o break_v love_n second_o he_o command_v not_o all_o error_n to_o be_v thus_o tolerate_v for_o so_o he_o shall_v contradict_v himself_o in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o three_o paul_n limit_n that_o toleration_n that_o he_o will_v have_v here_o and_o that_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o as_o to_o the_o time_n how_o long_o god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o and_o second_o he_o suppose_v the_o person_n differ_v from_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v not_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o make_v no_o separation_n now_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o remain_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n shall_v be_v still_o tolerate_v and_o that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o strick_v on_o they_o at_o all_o chief_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o error_n as_o cause_n rent_n and_o schism_n for_o he_o say_v take_v heed_n to_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16._o 17._o their_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o way_n the_o apostle_n take_v with_o those_o that_o err_v their_o way_n be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o that_o err_v act_v 20._o 29._o for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 31._o therefore_o watch_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v be_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o and_o in_o rom._n 16._o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o timoth_n 2._o 24._o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o far_a other_o way_n than_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o savour_v not_o of_o the_o meek_a spirit_n of_o christ._n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o watch_v against_o error_n and_o that_o be_v one_o mean_a for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o one_o mean_a destroy_v not_o another_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o which_o be_v in_o controversy_n be_v not_o another_o mean_a also_o neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o that_o meekness_n command_v to_o wait_v on_o they_o more_o than_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n or_o to_o curse_n and_o excommunicate_a apostate_n with_o that_o great_a curse_n call_v anathema_n maranatha_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n meek_a spirit_n to_o establish_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n according_a to_o rome_n 13._o 4._o for_o punish_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o under_o this_o pretence_n adulteter_n murderer_n seducer_n thief_n and_o all_o shall_v go_v free_a unpunished_a but_o they_o do_v far_o mistake_v the_o meekness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n meekness_n be_v not_o to_o let_v people_n live_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o let_v vile_a heretic_n trample_v on_o truth_n destroy_v soul_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n bind_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o hinder_v it_o this_o be_v a_o disrespect_n to_o truth_n and_o cruelty_n to_o poor_a soul_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o there_o be_v a_o four_o objection_n from_o matth._n 13._o 24._o take_a from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v wheat_n and_o the_o wicked_a one_o come_v and_o sow_n his_o tare_n among_o it_o and_o both_o be_v bid_v let_v grow_v till_o the_o harvest_n now_o say_v they_o by_o these_o tare_n be_v mean_v heretic_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o answer_v if_o they_o astrict_n the_o word_n tare_n to_o heretic_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v against_o they_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o may_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v dispute_v against_o for_o that_o be_v a_o pluck_n up_o of_o they_o also_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o tare_n that_o be_v command_v here_o to_o be_v suffer_v let_v grow_v up_o to_o the_o harvest_n be_v no_o more_o mean_v heretic_n than_o other_o scandalous_a liver_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o from_o christ_n expond_v the_o parable_n verse_n 41_o and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v now_o heretic_n be_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o offend_v other_o scandalous_a liver_n offend_v also_o three_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v mean_v they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n vers_fw-la 41._o now_o other_o beside_o heretic_n be_v such_o and_o four_o if_o by_o the_o tare_n be_v here_o mean_v heretic_n then_o by_o the_o wheat_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o orthodox_n and_o so_o every_o man_n that_o be_v orthodox_n shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 43_o but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v orthodox_n who_o yet_o be_v evil_a liver_n and_o so_o will_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wheat_n must_v only_o be_v mean_v the_o true_o regenerate_v and_o so_o by_o the_o tare_n must_v not_o only_o be_v mean_v heretic_n but_o all_o other_o evil-doer_n and_o further_o by_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v excommunicate_a for_o that_o be_v a_o root_n out_o but_o what_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o tare_n then_o for_o whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o this_o parable_n verse_n 30_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o vile_a scandalous_a person_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o only_a heretic_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v answer_v if_o we_o narrow_o observe_v christ_n exposition_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o will_v find_v that_o part_n where_o he_o bid_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n be_v not_o expon_v although_o he_o expone_fw-la the_o rest_n which_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v build_v any_o doctrine_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o it_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o be_v not_o christ_n meaning_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n how_o godless_a and_o scandalous_a soever_o let_v alone_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o show_v that_o when_o all_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o christ_n officer_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n mind_n though_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o censure_v scandalous_a offender_n yet_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v not_o press_v after_o such_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a as_o to_o have_v all_o the_o weed_n and_o wicked_a in_o heart_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o lest_o when_o they_o gather_v out_o the_o graceless_a tare_n they_o shall_v root_v out_o also_o the_o gracious_a wheat_n with_o they_o object_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o objection_n from_o luk_n 9_o 54_o where_o christ_n reprove_v james_n and_o john_n for_o seek_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o
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the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o 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suffer_v he_o to_o come_v yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o ecclesiestical_a right_n be_v not_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v real_a in_o its_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinance_n of_o admit_v such_o therein_o now_o you_o may_v know_v somewhat_o by_o this_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v warrant_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v these_o outward_a privilege_n and_o so_o you_o may_v know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o visible_a church_n whereof_o we_o dispute_v there_o be_v several_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n concern_v the_o visible_a church_n first_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n this_o we_o refute_v in_o the_o former_a controversy_n by_o show_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
alone_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o enough_o that_o any_o other_o have_v grace_n but_o only_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n under_o which_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n which_o similitude_n do_v show_v there_o be_v not_o that_o strictness_n require_v in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o separatist_n judge_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draught_n net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth_n 13._o second_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o tare_n ibid._n three_o it_o be_v compare_v matth_n 22._o to_o a_o table_n of_o guest_n where_o there_o be_v some_o with_o and_o some_o without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n four_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v and_o to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v many_o call_v but_o few_o choose_a now_o how_o shall_v tare_n chaff_n goat_n etc._n etc._n give_v convince_a sign_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o certain_o these_o similitude_n seem_v to_o speak_v that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wal_n or_o pick_v out_o in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n provide_v they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n once_o take_v they_o in_o and_o and_o then_o let_v the_o word_n work_n on_o they_o this_o great_a wale_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v when_o the_o net_n come_v to_o the_o shore_n when_o the_o great_a harvest_n come_v when_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v sever_v this_o much_o for_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o answer_v their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a shall_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o church_n member_n as_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o obj._n 1_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a be_v take_v from_o these_o glorious_a sâ—â—ies_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n a_o chaste_a â—â—rgine_n spouse_v to_o christ_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o christ_n mystical_a body_n who_o member_n be_v all_o gracious_a now_o say_v they_o see_v the_o church_n have_v these_o style_n in_o scripture_n shall_v any_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o discern_a have_v grace_n for_o answer_v if_o this_o argument_n conclude_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v conclude_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o who_o have_v real_a grace_n for_o none_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o christsâ—_n mystical_a body_n the_o lamb_n wife_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o only_a now_o this_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v they_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v paint_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o same_o for_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n be_v such_o and_o so_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v grant_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o you_o will_v know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a christian_n and_o paint_a hypocrite_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n it_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o evil_a man_n among_o they_o all_o hence_o be_v these_o style_n the_o lamb_n wise_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part._n again_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n it_o give_v such_o name_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n among_o they_o all_o it_o call_v they_o stifnecked_n a_o rebelious_a house_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n now_o as_o it_o be_v ill_o argue_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n where_o such_o style_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n be_v corrupter_n stifnecked_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o one_o seek_v god_n for_o there_o he_o give_v they_o those_o style_n from_o the_o evil_a part_n among_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o ill_o argue_v from_o these_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o lamb_n wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o and_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o more_o full_o from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_n 6_o 18._o they_o get_v many_o glorious_a style_n they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a they_o be_v call_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor_n 11_o 2._o now_o there_o be_v many_o schismatic_n among_o they_o some_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n some_o vilify_n paul_n doctrine_n many_o who_o be_v contentious_a drunkard_n fornicator_n so_o that_o these_o style_n can_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o be_v among_o they_o even_o as_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o corn_n will_v call_v it_o a_o heap_n of_o corn_n not_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o corn_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o corn_n be_v the_o best_a part_n and_o so_o the_o church_n visible_a wherein_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n be_v denominate_v from_o the_o better_a part_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o sometime_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o call_v stiffnecked_n etc._n etc._n obj._n two_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o act_n 2._o 47._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v they_o god_n add_v no_o other_o to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v save_v therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o for_o answer_v if_o any_o thing_n follow_v from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v believer_n real_o for_o no_o other_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o chief_a care_n of_o add_v those_o to_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o add_v no_o other_o for_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v he_o add_v more_o five_o 41_o whole_a three_o thousand_o be_v add_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o obj._n iii_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o matth_n 22._o 12._o in_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o king_n banquet_n where_o he_o bid_v his_o servant_n go_v and_o invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n and_o find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n say_v he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o admit_v he_o to_o this_o privilege_n we_o answer_v this_o be_v quite_o contrair_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o command_n v_o 9_o go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v command_v to_o invite_v all_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o none_o for_o want_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n for_o that_o be_v inward_a be_v only_o discernible_a by_o god_n indeed_o this_o parable_n will_v show_v this_o much_o that_o minister_n may_v admit_v people_n to_o communion_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v come_v with_o a_o after_o search_v and_o find_v many_o there_o who_o he_o will_v cast_v that_o minister_n have_v admit_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v through_o a_o minister_n trial_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n the_o place_n say_v that_o christ_n find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n but_o it_o say_v not_o that_o minister_n shall_v let_v none_o come_v but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v five_o 14._o there_o it_o be_v say_v for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v ob._n iv_o their_o four_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n speak_v there_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v nevertheless_o i_o have_v
somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o they_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v not_o real_a grace_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n at_o all_o neither_o know_v nor_o unknown_a for_o hypocrite_n can_v do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n now_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v debar_v for_o they_o admit_v some_o such_o and_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrair_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o so_o some_o must_v be_v admit_v who_o if_o god_n look_v not_o more_o to_o his_o own_o mercy_n than_o to_o their_o meâ—â—t_n and_o more_o to_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v to_o other_o than_o to_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ruin_v the_o church_n obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n for_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o place_n those_o who_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n he_o tell_v what_o they_o be_v highminded_a etc._n etc._n v_o 4._o and_o in_o the_o 6_o five_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o lead_v away_o the_o simple_a now_o we_o say_v none_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o those_o be_v scandalous_a but_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o follow_v for_o many_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o gross_a liver_n nor_o scandalous_a nor_o seduce_v heretic_n and_o so_o not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o from_o who_o paul_n bid_v turn_v away_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o strong_a of_o their_o objection_n iu_o use._n i._o this_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v on_o what_o our_o opposite_n hold_v in_o this_o point_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n neither_o ought_v you_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o cover_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v fearful_a consequence_n for_o by_o this_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o pagan_n themselves_o to_o live_v without_o all_o ordinance_n their_o child_n without_o baptism_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v off_o many_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o those_o who_o can_v give_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n man_n conscience_n shall_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o may_v stay_v member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o not_o because_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o all_o in_o it_o have_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o now_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o keep_v conscientious_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_a by_o this_o rule_n a_o insupportable_a burden_n be_v put_v on_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o examine_v themselves_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n christ_n apostle_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mist_n all_o live_a and_o die_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o without_o baptism_n and_o so_o as_o pagan_n as_o also_o this_o show_n of_o strictness_n beyond_o whatever_o god_n have_v command_v do_v ever_o end_v in_o looseness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o separatist_n present_v practice_v for_o what_o ever_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o looseness_n of_o other_o church_n that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o drunkard_n and_o loose_a profane_a liver_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o great_a looseness_n in_o their_o own_o church_n as_o in_o any_o other_o for_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o admit_v heretic_n covetous_a vain_a proud_a boaster_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n if_o so_o be_v they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o principle_n against_o presbyterian_o this_o rule_n put_v man_n in_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o other_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o all_o be_v unclean_a or_o at_o best_o but_o civil_a natural_a moral_a man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a saint_n and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n put_v people_n to_o overvalue_v themselves_o and_o undervalue_v other_o be_v certain_o not_o of_o god_n this_o rule_n of_o they_o make_v way_n for_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o self_n interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n for_o when_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n think_v sign_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o to_o some_o they_o will_v be_v too_o strict_a to_o other_o more_o lax_n as_o affection_n carry_v until_o at_o last_o they_o think_v all_o good_a enough_o who_o be_v for_o their_o way_n and_o all_o other_o but_o natural_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a who_o be_v not_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n hatch_v for_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o satan_n have_v carry_v on_o his_o design_n main_o these_o year_n by_o past_a many_o such_o deceiver_n cry_v up_o strictness_n whereby_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o some_o and_o terrible_a to_o other_o while_o under_o this_o pretence_n they_o have_v bear_v down_o christ_n truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o countenance_v looseness_n nor_o to_o give_v a_o dash_n to_o holy_a strictness_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o that_o we_o have_v not_o 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too_o easy_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o ignorant_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o this_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o separation_n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o head_n concern_v separation_n from_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n i._o that_o which_o our_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v this_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o ordinance_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o godly_a therefore_o say_v they_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n
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in_o the_o four_o century_n or_o something_o more_o than_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o donatist_n a_o kind_n of_o heretic_n arise_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o do_v teach_v the_o same_o very_a thing_n against_o who_o the_o godly_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n do_v write_v yet_o because_o this_o error_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n more_o than_o ordinary_a it_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o well_o mind_v people_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v drive_v out_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n till_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v the_o mantainer_n of_o this_o error_n to_o fall_v into_o other_o vile_a abomination_n for_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n which_o make_v all_o other_o to_o loathe_v they_o and_o before_o it_o can_v be_v get_v root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o trouble_v the_o church_n almost_o 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keep_v back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o some_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v the_o question_n i_o say_v be_v what_o the_o godly_a shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n and_o concern_v this_o we_o hold_v first_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o godly_a person_n to_o remove_v his_o dwell_n and_o go_v dwell_v in_o another_o congregation_n where_o he_o may_v have_v the_o ordinance_n more_o pure_o administrate_v there_o be_v no_o tie_n lay_v on_o he_o for_o bind_v he_o to_o remain_v constant_o where_o he_o be_v if_o he_o may_v convenient_o remove_v second_o we_o hold_v that_o if_o he_o can_v convenient_o remove_v from_o that_o congregation_n he_o may_v remain_v a_o member_n of_o it_o without_o sin_n although_o he_o know_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o in_o it_o provide_v he_o keep_v his_o own_o hand_n clean_o of_o these_o three_o we_o hold_v that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n stay_v in_o that_o congregation_n where_o there_o be_v abuse_n of_o that_o kind_n tolerate_v he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o they_o he_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n to_o admonish_v these_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a and_o if_o his_o admonition_n do_v no_o good_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v they_o to_o the_o eldership_n that_o they_o may_v be_v censure_v if_o they_o be_v censure_v it_o be_v well_o he_o have_v gain_v his_o point_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o censure_v or_o not_o so_o full_o as_o he_o will_v he_o be_v to_o regrate_a the_o matter_n to_o god_n and_o mourn_v for_o it_o but_o four_o we_o hold_v that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o stay_v in_o that_o congregation_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o god_n worship_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o from_o any_o part_n of_o service_n in_o itself_o lawful_a because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o far_o less_o be_v he_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o a_o number_n with_o he_o to_o set_v up_o a_o little_a church_n for_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o question_n we_o be_v to_o debate_v about_o the_o separatist_n say_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o communion_n if_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v profane_a or_o wicked_a and_o that_o lest_o he_o be_v defile_v with_o they_o we_o say_v if_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v lawful_a and_o pure_a in_o itself_o he_o sin_n in_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o notwithstanding_o that_o other_o join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o who_o the_o church_n officer_n shall_v keep_v back_o we_o grant_v indeed_o when_o the_o service_n be_v not_o pure_a and_o lawful_a in_o its_o self_n as_o for_o example_n when_o communion_n can_v be_v have_v except_o the_o people_n kneel_v and_o so_o worship_v the_o bread_n in_o that_o case_n every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v back_o that_o will_v keep_v himself_o free_a of_o sin_n not_o because_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n go_v to_o the_o table_n but_o because_o the_o ordinance_n be_v go_v about_o in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o our_o question_n be_v concern_v worship_n in_o itself_o lawful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o communion_n be_v administrate_v by_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v when_o that_o table_n gesture_n which_o christ_n himself_o use_v be_v keep_v at_o it_o when_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o his_o command_n what_o godly_a person_n shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n when_o scandalous_a person_n one_o or_o more_o be_v suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o table_n we_o hold_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o be_v there_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v forward_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v there_o defile_v only_o the_o worship_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o those_o who_o come_v in_o honesty_n this_o much_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o have_v clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o our_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o that_o the_o godly_a shall_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o lawful_a command_a duty_n because_o wicked_a man_n have_v their_o hand_n at_o they_o arg_n i._n our_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o christ_n time_n any_o who_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n their_o preacher_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v debauch_v person_n they_o pervert_v the_o law_n the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a and_o when_o the_o preacher_n be_v such_o you_o may_v judge_v what_o the_o people_n be_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lawful_a worship_n for_o first_o christ_n himself_o come_v yearly_o up_o to_o the_o feast_n at_o jerusalem_n second_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o command_v his_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o that_o upon_o the_o contrair_a he_o forbid_v they_o to_o stumble_v at_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lawful_a worship_n as_o matth_n 23._o 1._o 2._o then_o speak_v jesus_n to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o the_o lawful_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v but_o godless_a man_n that_o go_v about_o it_o what_o they_o preach_v according_a
to_o the_o word_n do_v that_o and_o for_o their_o wicked_a life_n follow_v they_o not_o in_o it_o arg_n ii_o our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n many_o corrupter_n and_o graceless_a man_n that_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n both_o of_o the_o preacher_n and_o people_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o godly_a do_v loathe_v the_o lawful_a worship_n or_o keep_v back_o from_o it_o because_o of_o that_o yea_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n command_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o lawful_a worship_n and_o when_o they_o will_v separate_a he_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o we_o shall_v make_v this_o appear_v from_o three_o or_o four_o time_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o first_o be_v moses_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n as_o you_o will_v find_v deut_n 32._o only_o remember_v this_o all_o along_o that_o the_o point_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o keep_v profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n we_o show_v those_o shall_v be_v remove_v but_o the_o question_n be_v when_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o what_o the_o godly_a shall_v do_v in_o that_o case_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v back_o and_o leave_v that_o church_n i_o say_v we_o find_v deut_n 32._o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_a sound_n they_o corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o child_n yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o godly_a do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o command_a worship_n because_o such_o be_v at_o it_o yea_o on_o the_o contrair_a we_o find_v they_o join_v with_o they_o deut_n 29._o moses_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o yea_o deut_n 1â—_n 6._o 7._o 8._o the_o lord_n command_v the_o people_n to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o place_v his_o name_n and_o go_v about_o the_o lawful_a command_a duty_n though_o doubtless_o there_o will_v be_v many_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o the_o second_o time_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o take_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n be_v in_o joshua_n time_n there_o be_v then_o great_a mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v from_o joshua_n 24._o 14._o 23._o he_o bid_v they_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n so_o there_o be_v number_n of_o they_o corrupt_v in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v_o 23._o that_o joshua_n conveen_v they_o altogether_o to_o a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o on_o that_o subject_a now_o sure_o joshua_n will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o godly_a to_o stay_v with_o the_o wicked_a when_o about_o worship_n the_o three_o time_n be_v in_o elijah_n time_n 1_o king_n 18._o we_o find_v at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v some_o godly_a seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n we_o find_v also_o a_o atheistical_a multitude_n in_o verse_n 29._o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n halt_a betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n they_o will_v neither_o say_v that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n nor_o that_o baal_n be_v their_o god_n and_o yet_o elijah_n call_v all_o together_o to_o a_o solemn_a worship_n a_o solemn_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v go_v about_o verse_n 36._o and_o there_o be_v preach_v and_o pray_v to_o that_o purpose_n now_o sure_o if_o so_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o that_o godless_a multitude_n which_o elijah_n can_v not_o get_v reform_v in_o a_o haste_n have_v profane_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o seven_o thousand_o godly_a elijah_n will_v never_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o that_o sin_n a_o four_o time_n be_v from_o solomon_n time_n to_o hezekiah_n there_o be_v great_a corruption_n tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n then_o as_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o high-place_n as_o be_v clear_a through_o the_o whole_a tract_n of_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n and_o there_o be_v much_o profanity_n of_o life_n in_o that_o time_n which_o also_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v separate_v from_o the_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o that_o mixture_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o read_v they_o do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o every_o lawful_a duty_n 2_o chron._n 15._o asa_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o isaias_n jeremiah_n and_o the_o rest_n preach_v to_o they_o pray_v with_o they_o now_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v pollute_v the_o service_n to_o they_o than_o isaias_n his_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o join_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v defile_v to_o he_o a_o five_o instance_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o samuel_n 2._o 16._o eli_n son_n the_o priest_n be_v profane_a man_n whereupon_o the_o godly_a begin_v to_o abhor_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 17._o wherefore_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o young_a man_n be_v very_o great_a before_o the_o lord_n for_o man_n abhor_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v little_a wonder_n they_o do_v so_o for_o in_o verse_n 22._o we_o find_v the_o priest_n be_v so_o godless_a that_o they_o do_v lie_v with_o woman_n that_o assemble_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n little_a wonder_n then_o that_o the_o godly_a do_v loath_a and_o withdraw_v but_o do_v the_o lord_n approve_v of_o their_o withdraw_n notwithstanding_o of_o that_o reason_n no_o we_o see_v in_o verse_n 24._o where_o eli_n the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o his_o son_n say_v he_o nay_o my_o son_n for_o it_o be_v no_o good_a report_n that_o i_o hear_v you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v their_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v their_o hand_n at_o it_o be_v call_v a_o transgress_a you_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a provide_v they_o come_v honest_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o wicked_n presence_n shall_v not_o keep_v they_o away_o there_o be_v a_o exception_n which_o our_o opposite_n have_v against_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o say_v that_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v impossible_a there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n to_o join_v with_o the_o service_n be_v then_o annex_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o so_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o case_n under_o the_o new_a we_o may_v answer_v several_a thing_n unto_o this_o as_o first_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v defile_v the_o worship_n to_o the_o godly_a than_o the_o godly_a have_v be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n even_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o church_n to_o join_v with_o better_a to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n visible_a than_o to_o be_v in_o it_o if_o we_o must_v sin_v by_o abide_v in_o it_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o brief_o we_o shall_v find_v instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o make_v separation_n unlawful_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a which_o instance_n shall_v make_v up_o our_o three_o argument_n arg_n iii_o our_o three_o argument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n 1_o cor_n 3_o 4._o we_o find_v there_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o chap_n v_o five_o 1._o we_o find_v incest_n be_v tolerate_v chap._n 6_o five_o 1._o we_o find_v there_o be_v man_n of_o contentious_a spirit_n go_v to_o law_n before_o infidel_n yea_o in_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o plead_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o fornication_n and_o chap_n 11._o we_o find_v there_o be_v drunkard_n among_o they_o and_o such_o drunkenness_n as_o be_v most_o abominable_a for_o some_o come_v drink_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n v_o 21._o and_o chap_n 15._o we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o infect_v with_o a_o dangerous_a heresy_n the_o deny_v of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o so_o a_o number_n of_o very_o offensive_a thing_n be_v
that_o the_o apostle_n john_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o whorish_a rome_n and_o be_v command_v all_o god_n people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n if_o that_o be_v not_o loose_a reason_v we_o be_v command_v to_o separate_a from_o rome_n who_o have_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n worship_n the_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o christ_n true_a and_o pure_a church_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v profane_a man_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a consequence_n obj._n iii_o their_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la â—_o 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v our_o ordinary_a meat_n with_o wicked_a man_n and_o far_o more_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sin_n that_o scandalous_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v partly_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o partly_o through_o abound_a corruption_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v as_o to_o this_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v true_a every_o tender_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o use_v familiar_a society_n with_o fornicator_n but_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o all_o time_n to_o eat_v with_o they_o for_o even_o paul_n himself_o eat_v with_o heathen_n act_n 27._o 35._o so_o the_o thing_n here_o forbid_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o use_v intimate_fw-la society_n with_o wicked_a man_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o eschew_v it_o be_v lawful_a both_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o as_o put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v not_o get_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o follow_v paul_n practice_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o it_o be_v in_o minister_n power_n to_o hold_v they_o back_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o debarr_v they_o and_o so_o can_v get_v eat_v with_o they_o eschew_v without_o neglect_v of_o a_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_a obj._n iu._n their_o four_o objection_n be_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 6_o know_v you_o not_o that_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n scandalous_a man_n infect_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v infect_v infect_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n it_o be_v infect_v to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v sin_n now_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n far_o from_o paul_n word_n a_o little_a leaven_n say_v he_o leaven_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o cast_v out_o the_o incestous_a man_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o put_v out_o cast_v out_o yourselves_o as_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o profane_a man_n infect_v the_o worship_n it_o be_v without_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a profane_a man_n ofttimes_o infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o they_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o worship_n for_o the_o way_n that_o profane_a man_n infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v not_o physical_a as_o the_o pest_n infect_v every_o thing_n it_o touch_v but_o they_o infect_v by_o their_o evil_a example_n and_o so_o a_o profane_a man_n may_v infect_v another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o evil_a example_n can_v infect_v the_o worship_n because_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o evil_a example_n as_o a_o man_n be_v and_o so_o if_o i_o can_v keep_v myself_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o worship_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a to_o i_o obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v say_v they_o my_o come_n to_o the_o table_n with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o i_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n &_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o better_a for_o i_o to_o withdraw_v we_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o plausible_a argument_n to_o deter_v people_n that_o be_v tender_a but_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a for_o if_o so_o be_v this_o argument_n do_v hold_v for_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o will_v conclude_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v preach_v with_o they_o for_o our_o hear_n preach_a with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o our_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n profane_v the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v be_v pollute_v which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o speak_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o profane_a multitude_n for_o in_o that_o he_o countenance_v they_o therefore_o second_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n we_o say_v worship_v with_o they_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o hold_v they_o out_o but_o not_o otherwise_o thou_o do_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n do_v the_o command_v duty_n but_o not_o to_o their_o hypocritical_a way_n in_o do_v of_o it_o do_v christ_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o hear_v although_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v thou_o but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v thou_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v the_o command_a duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v impenitent_o thou_o by_o thy_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n approve_v it_o not_o this_o for_o their_o objection_n iv._o for_o use_v our_o first_o be_v this_o to_o regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o occasion_n give_v to_o this_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o people_n walk_v not_o like_o their_o holy_a call_v we_o may_v regrate_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o elder_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o debarr_v they_o from_o communion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v purge_v out_o other_o their_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o scandalous_a themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o rent_n the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v man_n arise_v among_o ourselves_o under_o pretence_n of_o pious_a strictness_n to_o cast_v at_o our_o worship_n we_o behove_v to_o say_v just_o be_v the_o lord_n although_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n but_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o carriage_n rent_n and_o undo_v the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o think_v all_o alike_o guilty_a that_o may_v incline_v to_o this_o error_n of_o separate_n from_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pious_o strict_a that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n loath_a at_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o but_o in_o wicked_a man_n company_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o they_o can_v live_v without_o the_o ordinance_n therefore_o they_o incline_v to_o make_v up_o a_o little_o church_n of_o good_a man_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o make_v they_o dishonour_n god_n by_o run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a now_o although_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v give_v way_n to_o yet_o those_o who_o incline_v this_o way_n from_o a_o desire_n of_o strictness_n be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o error_n it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v on_o by_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n than_o any_o true_a love_n to_o holiness_n itself_o it_o have_v be_v usual_o find_v in_o heady_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n in_o tâ—e_v church_n that_o
malice_n have_v set_v itself_o in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o god_n wisdom_n have_v still_o overshoot_v satan_n make_v use_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o oppose_a truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o intend_v most_o to_o obscure_a and_o darken_v satan_n first_o design_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o beat_v down_o that_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o after_o long_o debate_v this_o truth_n be_v full_o clear_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o several_a worthy_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o these_o age_n to_o mantain_n that_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n satan_n therefore_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o strong_a fort_n of_o christianity_n retire_v a_o little_a and_o labour_v next_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humanity_n but_o the_o truâ—h_v hereof_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v grow_v the_o bright_a the_o lord_n make_v light_n break_v up_o convince_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o hot_a debate_n satan_n retire_v a_o little_a further_o yet_o and_o bend_v his_o whole_a force_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n against_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o next_o against_o the_o distinction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o satan_n not_o prevail_v this_o way_n either_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o undermine_v christ_n jesus_n in_o all_o his_o office_n 1._o by_o set_v up_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n against_o his_o prophetical_a office_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n against_o his_o priestly_a office_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n against_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o for_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o wrest_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n government_n from_o his_o own_o office-bearer_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n but_o after_o long_o contest_v truth_n be_v now_o abundant_o clear_v and_o confirm_v in_o all_o these_o thus_o as_o one_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v be_v content_a to_o dispute_v his_o ground_n by_o inch_n with_o the_o devil_n until_o almost_o he_o have_v beat_v he_o out_o of_o all_o only_a satan_n have_v no_o will_n to_o quit_v it_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o he_o be_v now_o give_v his_o last_o and_o sore_a onset_a on_o which_o in_o a_o desperate_a way_n he_o be_v to_o venture_v all_o wherein_o his_o design_n be_v evident_a to_o cast_v all_o in_o a_o confusion_n first_o by_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o outward_a court_n of_o god_n house_n i_o mean_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n visible_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o rent_v and_o separation_n and_o next_o to_o deprive_v the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o all_o her_o considerable_a member_n of_o all_o government_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n which_o confine_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o the_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whereby_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v leave_v as_o so_o many_o small_a boat_n in_o a_o storm_n to_o dash_v one_o against_o another_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a authoritative_a mean_a to_o make_v they_o steer_v a_o even_a course_n without_o rush_v one_o upon_o another_o thus_o satan_n aim_v to_o cast_v all_o in_o confusion_n that_o he_o may_v undo_v all_o what_o in_o former_a age_n he_o can_v not_o do_v in_o destroy_v gospel_n truth_n by_o piecemeal_n and_o one_o by_o one_o he_o intend_v now_o to_o do_v it_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o all_o at_o once_o for_o if_o once_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o ship_n be_v split_v and_o the_o rudder_n break_v the_o precious_a ware_n contain_v in_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v preserve_v now_o that_o satan_n main_a design_n be_v to_o deface_v these_o truth_n which_o be_v about_o the_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o all_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n appear_v in_o that_o not_o only_o the_o method_n god_n have_v hitherto_o keep_v do_v point_n at_o it_o there_o be_v few_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o clear_v but_o also_o the_o thing_n speak_v for_o itself_o the_o main_a speat_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n run_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o so_o that_o certain_o as_o god_n intend_v to_o clear_a truth_n in_o these_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n to_o obscure_a truth_n in_o these_o this_o then_o be_v satan_n design_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o be_v short_a come_n in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o of_o which_o direction_n i_o shall_v reckon_v three_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v opinion_n and_o practice_n even_o though_o by_o we_o conceive_v just_a and_o lawful_a how_o far_o they_o may_v contribute_v for_o furtherance_n of_o that_o design_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n shall_v be_v more_o circumspect_a and_o spare_v at_o least_o in_o meddle_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2._o 3._o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n though_o circumcision_n at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a as_o appear_v from_o his_o circumcise_n of_o timothy_n act._n 16._o 3._o much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n the_o reason_n be_v v_o 4._o there_o be_v false_a brethren_n present_a who_o will_v have_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o his_o practice_n to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o satan_n intend_v most_o to_o bear_v down_o at_o that_o time_n to_o wit_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o practice_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o which_o in_o some_o other_o case_n will_v have_v be_v necessary_a and_o that_o lest_o by_o that_o his_o practice_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v true_a truth_n remain_v still_o truth_n however_o satan_n abuse_v it_o yet_o see_v all_o grant_n that_o the_o vent_n of_o some_o truth_n at_o sometime_o be_v unseasonable_a and_o so_o for_o that_o time_n may_v be_v forbear_v and_o see_v it_o will_v seem_v that_o nothing_o make_v a_o truth_n more_o unseasonable_a than_o when_o it_o be_v know_v that_o satan_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o for_o bear_v down_o that_o truth_n which_o god_n intend_v main_o to_o clear_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o vent_n of_o such_o a_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v at_o least_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o much_o holy_a circumspection_n if_o not_o altogether_o forbear_v for_o that_o time_n for_o application_n of_o this_o direction_n i_o will_v not_o say_v much_o only_o i_o shall_v propose_v it_o to_o your_o serious_a thought_n whether_o or_o not_o the_o late_a proceed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o tenet_n whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v which_o for_o peace_n cause_n and_o from_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o irritation_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_n whether_o or_o not_o i_o say_v these_o even_o suppose_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o opinion_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v unseasonable_a for_o the_o time_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v for_o lead_v people_n upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n quarrel_v the_o constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o church_n i_o fear_v much_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o people_n not_o acquaint_v with_o subtle_a distinction_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o corruption_n among_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v can_v make_v civil_a fellowship_n with_o they_o unlawful_a but_o it_o must_v make_v church_n fellowship_n especial_o communion-table_n fellowship_n with_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o much_o more_o unlawful_a but_o i_o forbear_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n but_o that_o brethren_n gracious_a and_o wise_a will_v ponder_v what_o they_o hold_v and_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o see_v bad_a use_n make_v of_o it_o beyond_o their_o own_o intention_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o application_n chief_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v this_o such_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v eschew_v as_o may_v prove_v unjust_a and_o unnecessary_a irritation_n unto_o people_n to_o