in_o their_o office_n apostolical_a which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o our_o lord_n obtain_v and_o give_v to_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ascension_n eph._n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o gift_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n albeit_o some_o of_o they_o be_v perhaps_o but_o rare_o find_v at_o least_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n especial_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o i_o can_v say_v something_o partly_o from_o such_o information_n as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o partly_o from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v in_o that_o behalf_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o gift_n of_o office_n here_o repeat_v why_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n i_o see_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o evident_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v complete_v and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o office_n respective_o as_o before_o we_o have_v define_v so_o needful_a that_o the_o church_n will_v easy_o find_v the_o want_n of_o they_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v take_v from_o she_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o anon_o and_o although_o we_o say_v before_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n and_o yet_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o now_o say_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o the_o make_v those_o gift_n temporary_a or_o but_o for_o a_o time_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o those_o which_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o at_o all_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o abnegated_a or_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o these_o gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apoostle_n our_o meaning_n not_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n but_o only_o a_o necessary_a concomicant_n thereto_o so_o that_o though_o this_o concomitant_a shall_v not_o befound_v it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o office_n consider_v as_o we_o have_v define_v it_o we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o certain_o have_v many_o apostle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v foundation_n layer_n and_o master-builder_n such_o be_v andronicus_n and_o junia_n rom._n 16._o 7._o who_o be_v â—â—id_v to_o he_o man_n of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n some_o conceive_v they_o be_v of_o the_o seventy_o apostle_n than_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a interpretation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v note_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n from_o their_o native_a signification_n which_o clear_o give_v andronicuâ—_n and_o junia_n a_o place_n among_o the_o apostle_n not_o among_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o we_o read_v of_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o and_o such_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v those_o 3_o ep._n john_n who_o be_v say_v to_o go_v forth_o for_o the_o name_n sake_n of_o christ_n take_v nothing_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o courtes_o entertain_v and_o dioteophe_n for_o reject_v have_v not_o these_o brethren_n be_v send_v topreach_n i_o see_v not_o how_o john_n shall_v reprove_v they_o that_o receive_v they_o not_o or_o stir_v up_o gaius_n to_o bring_v they_o on_o their_o journey_n whethersoever_o they_o will_v go_v but_o john_n care_n of_o they_o and_o his_o hâ—lding_v they_o in_o reputation_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o opposer_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therewithal_o their_o forsake_v all_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o free_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n otherwise_o if_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v they_o can_v not_o manage_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a john_n call_v they_o brethren_n only_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o ministerial_a capacity_n for_o we_o find_v the_o same_o phrase_n use_v by_o paul_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v messenger_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 32._o or_o if_o the_o brethren_n be_v inquire_v oâ—_n they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o gloâ—y_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o those_o brethren_n be_v messenger_n only_o as_o they_o be_v send_v to_o carry_v the_o contribution_n from_o the_o gentile_a church_n to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o be_v a_o very_a cold_a exposition_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o business_n but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v how_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o service_n only_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n sure_o this_o character_n must_v needs_o refer_v to_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o better_a treasure_n than_o silver_n and_o gold_n since_o either_o brethren_n or_o sister_n of_o very_a ordinary_a capacity_n if_o faithful_a may_v have_v be_v send_v with_o earthly_a treasure_n again_o epaphroditus_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o mâ—ssenger_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n but_o also_o paul_n companion_n in_o labour_n and_o his_o fellow_n soldier_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o church_n bounty_n to_o paul_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n since_o he_o have_v a_o great_a employment_n than_o that_o namely_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o war_n in_o that_o holy_a warfare_n even_o as_o a_o companion_n of_o paul_n himself_o and_o therefore_o worthy_o may_v he_o be_v call_v a_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v barnabas_n luke_n mark_v silas_n sylvanus_n titchicus_n troplimus_n and_o apollo_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o be_v frequent_o fellow_n traveller_n and_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o i_o argue_v thus_o these_o person_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n therefore_o their_o office_n be_v general_a and_o by_o consequence_n travel_v minister_n â—r_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n the_o major_n be_v true_a otherwise_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v rom._n 10._o or_o be_v paul_n fellow-soldier_n and_o fellow_n labourer_n the_o minor_a be_v out_o of_o doubt_n because_o of_o their_o unfixedness_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v and_o beside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v express_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o where_o silvanus_n be_v join_v with_o paul_n as_o speak_v to_o the_o thessâ—lonians_n and_o so_o throughout_o that_o epistle_n and_o chap._n 2._o 6._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v nor_o of_o man_n seek_v we_o glory_n we._n what_o we_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n when_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a how_o may_v paul_n and_o silvanus_n have_v be_v burdensome_a why_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o they_o be_v otherwise_o they_o may_v not_o have_v be_v burdensome_a as_o such_o timotheus_n and_o titus_n be_v evident_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n as_o appear_v partly_o from_o the_o scripture_n even_o now_o allege_v where_o as_o paâ—l_v and_o silvanus_n so_o also_o timotheus_n be_v express_o call_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o partly_o from_o those_o epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v to_o they_o respective_o 1_o tim._n 1._o as_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n when_o i_o go_v into_o macedoian_a that_o thou_o may_v wâ—rn_v some_o that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n so_o do_v have_v timothy_n charge_n be_v only_o at_o ephesus_n as_o pastor_n only_o of_o that_o church_n there_o have_v be_v no_o
priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n have_v be_v leave_v there_o who_o teach_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o perfect_o apollo_n also_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n we_o can_v now_o reasonable_o think_v that_o paul_n will_v settle_v those_o certain_a disciple_n act_n 19_o in_o a_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n already_o much_o less_o in_o a_o way_n or_o practice_v contradistinct_a from_o the_o church_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v also_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o those_o certain_a disciple_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v lay_v into_o the_o build_n with_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o note_v that_o passage_n in_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o ephesus_n and_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n of_o promise_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o certain_a disciple_n also_o receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o let_v we_o not_o omit_v that_o passage_n act_v 22._o 10._o &_o 9_o 17._o whence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n the_o elect_a uâ—ssel_n must_v be_v send_v to_o damaseus_fw-la to_o be_v teach_v the_o principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n by_o he_o ananias_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o respect_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n among_o christian_n whether_o he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o proper_a gift_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o education_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o second_o mind_n which_o he_o affirm_v god_n have_v give_v he_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o variaiton_n in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o paul_n case_n that_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o emergency_n which_o may_v occasion_v it_o and_o a_o special_a allowance_n from_o heaven_n for_o it_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o may_v this_o variation_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o to_o vary_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o any_o more_o than_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n without_o be_v cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o a_o emergency_n call_v for_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n allow_v it_o give_v they_o ground_n to_o do_v so_o again_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o material_a against_o aught_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o ananias_n be_v no_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n only_o for_o unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o church_n to_o have_v great_a power_n than_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v ananias_n to_o have_v authority_n for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o do_v to_o saul_n see_v he_o have_v immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v equivolent_a to_o the_o church_n mission_n at_o least_o nor_o be_v it_o â—easonable_a to_o think_v that_o power_n to_o act_v in_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o the_o church_n as_o that_o god_n may_v not_o anticipate_v that_o order_n when_o it_o please_v he_o and_o as_o this_o choose_a vessel_n be_v teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o same_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o part_n and_o may_v see_v yet_o further_o in_o his_o writing_n to_o timothy_a who_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o temptation_n he_o labour_v to_o comfort_v he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o he_o remind_v he_o of_o by_o mention_v the_o mean_n use_v for_o obtain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o put_v on_o of_o paul_n hand_n see_v and_o consider_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v â—hat_n epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n church_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v learned_a and_o teach_v other_o concern_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o so_o he_o â—uts_v the_o first_o of_o gospel_n church_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n as_o christian_n heb._n 5._o â—2_n and_o particular_o concern_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o concern_v which_o particular_a as_o i_o shall_v have_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o note_v the_o differ_a opinion_n among_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n so_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v general_o agree_v or_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o searcher_n and_o first_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v frequent_o teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o they_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o with_o like_a frequency_n to_o be_v teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n now_o second_o they_o grant_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n book_n now_o either_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v it_o make_v but_o one_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o they_o fall_v into_o that_o which_o they_o condemn_v viz._n the_o make_v seven_o principle_n but_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o seem_v to_o make_v these_o two_o to_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v destroy_v the_o practic_a part_n for_o they_o demand_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o may_v not_o be_v figurative_o understand_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v thereby_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o â—his_v be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v such_o a_o figurative_a foundation_n as_o babe_n in_o christ_n can_v never_o understand_v and_o then_o will_v come_v in_o a_o figurative_a baptism_n only_o yea_o a_o figurative_a resurrection_n too_o â—ould_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o â—he_n other_o figure_n till_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o â—he_n principle_n will_v stand_v only_o for_o a_o cyber_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o the_o searcher_n bring_v â—o_o strengthen_v this_o their_o figurative_a interpretation_n very_o providential_o overthrow_v it_o for_o â—hough_o the_o cup_n be_v take_v for_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o â—read_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n â—et_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v do_v both_o remain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o comâ—â—rt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v â—rayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o sign_n be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o promise_n of_o â—he_n spirit_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n these_o â—hings_n premise_v the_o searcher_n twenty_o five_o â—emand_n and_o the_o discourse_n thereon_o depend_v 〈◊〉_d discern_v to_o be_v frivolous_a because_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v please_v to_o write_v it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o writing_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v not_o only_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o conceit_n in_o the_o say_a question_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n as_o thâ—re_o they_o bring_v may_v be_v discover_v for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n vers_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n which_o now_o the_o author_n will_v intermit_v and_o the_o foundation_n which_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v again_o which_o foundation_n when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v down_o in_o its_o part_n which_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v to_o enumerate_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o
or_o congrâ—â—tions_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v free_a from_o these_o corrupâ—ions_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o those_o ground_n which_o â—re_n more_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o then_o see_v how_o it_o â—ay_v reach_v the_o case_n depend_v between_o the_o searcher_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o first_o from_o act_n 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v that_o â—here_o be_v not_o only_o great_a disputation_n but_o dissension_n also_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o word_n communion_n dissension_n do_v imply_v the_o discontinuance_n oâ—_n communion_n between_o paul_n baâ—nâ—bas_n with_o those_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v zealous_a for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v one_o unchurch_n another_o but_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n thaâ—_n may_v be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o strife_n and_o very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o assembly_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n do_v plain_o determine_v the_o point_n oâ—_n doctrine_n yet_o do_v they_o forbear_v their_o censure_n against_o the_o person_n who_o err_v in_o that_o case_n 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o exercise_v all_o longanimity_n rather_o than_o severity_n know_v that_o their_o power_n be_v give_v moderation_n more_o for_o edificationâ—_n then_o for_o destroy_v any_o man_n attainment_n in_o the_o path_n of_o christianity_n howbeit_o when_o this_o lenity_n will_v not_o effect_v thâ—_n reformation_n of_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o those_o corrupter_n or_o depraver_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o diâ—_n the_o apostle_n lie_v great_a weight_n upon_o they_o whâ—_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 12._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o judaizer_n have_v general_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n before_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o gallatian_n for_o see_v that_o epistle_n write_v by_o paul_n siâ—vanus_n and_o timotheus_n do_v empower_v the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n to_o note_v such_o as_o disobey_v 1._o it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o diâ—inction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o its_o direction_n then_o doubtless_o that_o epistle_n act_v 15._o write_v in_o the_o â—ame_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v every_o way_n as_o much_o empower_v all_o church_n to_o put_v â—he_n like_o note_n of_o distinction_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v not_o â—hey_n the_o same_o which_o note_n of_o distinction_n howsoever_o it_o may_v lie_v as_o a_o bar_n against_o their_o present_a communion_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o destroy_v their_o breâ—her-hood_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o so_o that_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o a_o people_n â—ay_v be_v esteem_v brethren_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communionâ—â—th_v â—â—th_z other_o church_n or_o brethren_n in_o christ_n for_o â—he_n matter_n in_o short_a lie_v thus_o as_o a_o brother_n be_v 〈◊〉_d member_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v immediate_o relate_v â—o_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o a_o member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a as_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o christian_a brother_n and_o yet_o just_o for_o some_o cause_n be_v deny_v present_a communion_n with_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n so_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v account_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communion_n by_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o chief_o when_o she_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v may_v well_o serve_v to_o satisfy_v our_o brethren_n that_o we_o commit_v no_o absurdity_n in_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o we_o grant_v they_o the_o appellation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o particular_a as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v have_v show_v that_o alâ—_n manner_n of_o division_n which_o church_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o against_o she_o they_o being_n after_o a_o sort_n rather_o necessary_a for_o her_o reformation_n then_o to_o bring_v heâ—_n to_o desolation_n when_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n have_v make_v in_o vasion_n upon_o heâ—_n though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o eveâ—_n those_o division_n be_v accidental_o against_o thâ—_n church_n and_o that_o as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o chief_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o stumble_n to_o weak_a christian_n it_o behove_v that_o we_o brief_o show_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o division_n which_o be_v proper_o against_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o when_o both_o party_n contend_v strive_v to_o set_v up_o some_o sinful_a thing_n or_o their_o own_o device_n 2._o when_o they_o divide_v about_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o indifferent_a only_o 3._o when_o the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n seek_v for_o as_o revenge_v upon_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o controversy_n be_v hold_v those_o and_o such_o like_v tend_v only_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o church_n have_v no_o tendency_n at_o all_o to_o edification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o show_v itself_o among_o the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o set_v up_o man_n some_o this_o man_n and_o other_o that_o and_o this_o in_o opposition_n one_o unto_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o which_o folly_n have_v be_v the_o overthrow_n of_o congregation_n where_o man_n person_n have_v be_v admiâ—ed_v and_o truth_n neglect_v the_o second_o be_v rebuke_v rom._n 14._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n meaning_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v the_o three_o be_v detect_v gal._n 5._o 15._o for_o whatsoever_o the_o question_n be_v this_o be_v their_o sin_n they_o do_v bite_v one_o another_o thus_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o without_o charity_n preach_v christ_n mere_o of_o envy_n to_o add_v thereby_o some_o affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o brethren_n those_o kind_n of_o division_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o apostle_n become_v the_o heathen_n sport_n and_o the_o christian_n shame_n upon_o their_o â—pen_a theater_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o return_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o have_v befall_v our_o body_n about_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n heb._n 6._o 2._o the_o searcher_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o part_n distemper_v to_o be_v only_o the_o congregation_n under_o the_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o search_n and_o the_o directon_n of_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n on_o their_o part_n who_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v have_v make_v and_o defend_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o withal_o divide_v themselves_o from_o a_o principle_n thereof_o and_o this_o word_n schism_n be_v take_v by_o the_o searcher_n not_o in_o a_o mild_a sense_n such_o as_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v take_v by_o propriety_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v division_n in_o some_o low_a consideration_n as_o the_o word_n be_v translate_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o but_o they_o have_v hoist_v it_o in_o their_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o congregation_n profess_v the_o four_o principle_n to_o the_o most_o extreme_a signification_n even_o that_o of_o sedition_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o if_o we_o unchurch_v constitution_n all_o church_n but_o ourselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o light_a matter_n to_o brand_v all_o those_o church_n for_o schismatic_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o bare_a abstain_v from_o communion_n chief_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v general_o if_o so_o much_o have_v be_v do_v and_o that_o upon_o such_o immergent_fw-la occasion_n as_o have_v at_o least_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hot_a contention_n be_v give_v for_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o this_o their_o rash_a charge_n against_o their_o brethren_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o put_v a_o bar_n for_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n while_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n only_o remain_v undecided_a which_o be_v due_o
need_n to_o beseech_v he_o to_o abide_v there_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v requisite_a for_o such_o pastor_n to_o reside_v neatheir_o respective_a flock_n and_o not_o to_o go_v to_o foreign_a country_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v not_o fix_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v paul_n fellow-traveller_n among_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a country_n and_o frequent_o send_v by_o he_o to_o sundry_a place_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o go_v forth_o with_o he_o till_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v not_o long_o before_o he_o be_v take_v prisoner_n for_o all_o which_o see_v act._n 16_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 17._o 25_o &_o 18_o 5_o the_o 19_o 22._o the_o 2._o 4._o to_o 18._o and_o though_o in_o a_o certain_a postscript_n add_v to_o 2_o tim._n it_o be_v say_v that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v true_a see_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n have_v bishop_n act_n 20._o 18._o even_a while_n paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v companion_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o divers_a country_n nor_o be_v the_o ancient_n positive_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o i_o find_v eusebius_n only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v report_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o titus_n of_o crect_n but_o he_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o timotheus_n his_o care_n be_v for_o other_o church_n as_o much_o as_o for_o that_o at_o ephesus_n be_v evident_a philip._n 2_o 19_o 20._o but_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o send_v timotheus_n unto_o you_o for_o i_o have_v no_o man_n like_o mind_a who_o will_v natural_o care_v for_o your_o state_n but_o you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o he_o that_o as_o a_o son_n with_o the_o father_n he_o have_v serve_v with_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o titus_n the_o same_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v see_v he_o be_v leave_v in_o crect_n to_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v want_v and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n plain_o show_v that_o his_o power_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o care_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o for_o every_o church_n that_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o which_o be_v a_o far_o different_a charge_n from_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20._o for_o they_o be_v not_o bid_v to_o look_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o only_o to_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o episcopos_fw-la overseer_n or_o bishop_n nor_o be_v titus_n his_o care_n for_o the_o church_n in_o crect_n only_o for_o paul_n call_v he_o his_o partner_n &_o fellow_n helper_n concern_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o whether_o any_o do_v inquire_v of_o titus_n he_o be_v my_o partner_n and_o fellow_n helper_n concern_v you_o of_o the_o same_o import_n be_v that_o place_n gal._n 1._o 18_o 19_o i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n here_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o 12._o for_o that_o james_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o alpheus_n math._n 10._o 3._o of_o this_o mind_n be_v eusebius_n but_o jerom_o will_v sometime_o make_v these_o two_o one_o selfsame_a man_n and_o yet_o otherwhiles_o do_v call_v he_o decimum_fw-la tertium_fw-la apostolum_n that_o be_v the_o thirteen_o apostle_n but_o that_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o 12._o be_v evident_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 5._o to_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n apppear_v first_o to_o cephas_n then_o to_o the_o 12._o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_z the_o apostle_n two_o thing_n be_v hence_o to_o be_v note_v 1._o that_o james_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o 12._o and_o so_o be_v those_o person_n signify_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o by_o all_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a apostle_n for_o they_o be_v mention_v before_o and_o paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o same_o dignity_n be_v mention_v afterward_o but_o by_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v mean_v the_o 70._o disciple_n who_o our_o lord_n send_v out_o as_o messenger_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o every_o city_n whither_o himself_o will_v go_v and_o who_o no_o doubt_n become_v famous_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o with_o this_o eusebius_n do_v seem_v to_o agree_v we_o see_v then_o partly_o from_o evident_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o partly_o from_o rational_a probability_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o ministry_n of_o many_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n beside_o those_o who_o be_v the_o foundation_n layer_n and_o master-builder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o we_o infer_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v such_o a_o ministry_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n till_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v perfect_v 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o brethren_n who_o most_o question_v the_o be_v of_o messenger_n as_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o office_n do_v remaiâ—_n for_o do_v they_o not_o frequent_o send_v out_o man_n to_o act_v authoritative_o both_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o set_a thing_n in_o order_n in_o remote_a congregation_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o excommunication_n of_o offender_n and_o remit_v the_o penitent_a by_o ordain_v they_o elder_n and_o dispence_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v so_o we_o may_v just_o inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v thus_o if_o indeed_o the_o church_n have_v none_o to_o act_n in_o the_o capacity_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o as_o we_o have_v define_v they_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o i_o think_v do_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v that_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v equal_a power_n in_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o serve_v neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o church_n from_o they_o neither_o may_v any_o church_n impose_v their_o pastor_n upon_o another_o church_n wherefore_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o ministry_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v relate_v to_o all_o congregation_n indifferent_o we_o may_v perceive_v what_o confusion_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v moreover_o if_o those_o who_o go_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n can_v justisie_n their_o calling_n how_o shall_v they_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o their_o undertake_n or_o answer_v opposer_n when_o question_v concern_v their_o commission_n especial_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v sith_o all_o that_o have_v read_v they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v so_o those_o which_o go_v forth_o as_o minister_n thereof_o must_v be_v send_v either_o by_o immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o our_o brethren_n pretend_v not_o to_o or_o some_o mediate_a mission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o deny_v the_o office_n of_o messenger_n since_o other_o officer_n be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n or_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n if_o to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v reply_v â—hat_n church_n which_o be_v distant_a one_o from_o another_o may_v by_o consent_n let_v the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n act_n as_o elder_n in_o another_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v soon_o say_v than_o prove_v for_o see_v officer_n have_v their_o commission_n at_o what_o time_n they_o aâ—e_v ordain_v it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o power_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la make_v either_o less_o or_o great_a by_o the_o consent_n or_o non-consent_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o again_o it_o will_v be_v understand_v how_o long_o the_o power_n our_o brethren_n give_v to_o man_n to_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o those_o congregation_n do_v remain_v whether_o they_o thenceforth_o stand_v equal_o engage_v to_o oversee_v those_o church_n as_o the_o church_n that_o first_o call_v they_o to_o serve_v
a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v wherein_o the_o great_a gospel_n promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o the_o way_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o general_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n by_o tho._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o burden_n whosoever_o he_o be_v wherefore_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zech._n 8._o 19_o print_v for_o the_o author_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o london_n with_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o messenger_n elder_n and_o brethren_n occasional_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salutation_n etc._n etc._n brethren_n when_o i_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v your_o desire_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o brotherly_a concord_n peace_n and_o truth_n may_v possess_v the_o room_n of_o all_o our_o division_n in_o affection_n judgement_n and_o practice_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o many_o prayer_n be_v daily_o make_v to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o that_o hopeful_a way_n we_o late_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o desire_v and_o therewithal_o that_o most_o unhappy_a obstruction_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o you_o know_v arise_v from_o one_o who_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v a_o restorer_n of_o the_o ancient_a path_n which_o many_o have_v forsake_v and_o so_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o its_o be_v neglect_v who_o be_v in_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v therewithal_o great_a opportunity_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v real_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n much_o good_a even_o then_o by_o a_o little_a solly_n follow_v his_o own_o counsel_n doubtless_o through_o satan_n malice_n who_o envy_v our_o good_a have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o enterprise_n obnoxious_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o grievous_a i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o a_o sigh_n even_o this_o which_o here_o i_o present_a unto_o you_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v this_o which_o be_v no_o soon_o conceive_v but_o i_o be_v immediate_o satisfy_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o holy_a way_n which_o have_v be_v gris_o profane_v by_o a_o hypocritical_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o true_a for_o ever_o be_v that_o word_n hosea_n 14._o ult_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v therein_o but_o the_o transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o and_o certain_o as_o our_o brethren_n resuse_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n after_o the_o due_a order_n at_o the_o first_o so_o this_o prodigious_a hypocrisy_n at_o the_o last_o may_v too_o true_o be_v call_v church_n perrez_n ecclesia_fw-la at_o this_o day_n thou_o lord_n be_v righteous_a thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o hide_a thing_n thereof_o and_o have_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o thy_o precious_a though_o much_o abuse_v truth_n even_o so_o lord_n let_v our_o iniquity_n be_v ever_o correct_v but_o yet_o in_o mercy_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o now_o no_o more_o go_v about_o this_o dreadful_a work_n to_o bring_v the_o ark_n the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o some_o irregular_a church_n to_o their_o due_a reverence_n unto_o it_o if_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v his_o servant_n still_o convene_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o his_o sight_n for_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o we_o shall_v one_o understand_v another_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n seek_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o induce_v to_o believe_v or_o hope_v for_o from_o not_o only_o the_o great_a desire_n which_o i_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n general_o that_o peace_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v upon_o israel_n but_o also_o from_o the_o great_a forwardness_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o to_o consent_v unto_o certain_a proposal_n for_o peace_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o profess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o the_o former_o divide_a party_n that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n this_o proposition_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o there_o want_v but_o a_o step_n as_o it_o be_v to_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o to_o a_o last_a peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o impossible_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o agree_v about_o the_o particular_a service_n intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o unless_o a_o spirit_n of_o perverseness_n be_v mingle_v among_o we_o towards_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o difficulty_n something_o be_v say_v in_o the_o sequel_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v why_o the_o searcher_n shall_v so_o much_o declaim_v against_o you_o as_o if_o you_o unchurch_v all_o churchâ—s_n but_o yourselves_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n have_v never_o understand_v that_o you_o do_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o agreement_n deliver_v such_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o much_o your_o business_n to_o meddle_v with_o unchurch_v any_o body_n as_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n indeed_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o reject_v or_o oppose_v your_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o case_n depend_v have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a èspecial_o touch_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o plain_o argue_v you_o own_o they_o for_o such_o but_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o their_o reject_v or_o oppose_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o uncapable_a of_o present_a communion_n with_o those_o that_o religious_o observe_v the_o truth_n by_o they_o reject_v and_o oppose_v for_o if_o you_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o what_o need_v any_o debate_n be_v have_v whether_o it_o be_v orderly_a or_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n now_o that_o person_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v circumstance_v concern_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o other_o christian_n or_o church_n imply_v no_o absurdity_n but_o be_v rather_o very_o necessary_a i_o hope_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v demonstrate_v something_o also_o i_o have_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o messenger_n office_n which_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o i_o confess_v myself_o nothing_o so_o fit_a a_o person_n to_o plead_v this_o cause_n as_o some_o other_o however_o if_o that_o which_o i_o have_v do_v may_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o other_o to_o do_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v i_o commit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o church_n your_o brother_n and_o servant_n tho._n grantham_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n brethren_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v good_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n by_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o turn_v the_o unkindness_n of_o brethren_n into_o mean_n of_o preservation_n to_o the_o family_n gen._n 50._o 20._o we_o be_v make_v even_o against_o hope_n to_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o product_n of_o your_o do_n in_o your_o search_n and_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v may_v be_v good_a although_o its_o procedure_n in_o respect_n