tendency_n of_o your_o 19_o demand_n as_o if_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o there_o be_v some_o sinful_o suffer_v in_o some_o church_n of_o old_a who_o teach_v god_n people_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v meat_n effire_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d community_n of_o woman_n a_o thing_n so_o beastly_a as_o scarce_o fit_a to_o be_v name_v therefore_o we_o may_v not_o withdraw_v from_o such_o church_n as_o suffer_v such_o thing_n now_o when_o yet_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o lord_n charge_v those_o sin_n so_o deep_o upon_o those_o that_o suffer_v those_o abomination_n that_o without_o speedy_a repentance_n their_o church-state_n must_v be_v remove_v but_o sure_o our_o brethren_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o lord_n commend_v such_o of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n as_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o uncharch_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o aposty_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o how_o vehement_o â—he_v reprove_v those_o that_o do_v not_o thus_o separate_v from_o such_o evil_a worker_n whether_o congregation_n or_o particular_a member_n for_o sure_a there_o be_v but_o one_o law_n for_o few_o or_o for_o many_o in_o this_o case_n true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n for_o great_a offender_n upon_o repentance_n and_o there_o must_v be_v admoniton_n before_o they_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n but_o what_o will_v this_o avail_v their_o case_n who_o be_v entreat_v and_o exhort_v to_o turn_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o diligent_o teach_v concern_v the_o truth_n yet_o persist_v in_o their_o opposition_n the_o slight_a exposition_n which_o the_o searcher_n give_v we_o of_o 2_o john_n 7._o 9_o verse_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v commend_v as_o i_o conceive_v than_o their_o adversary_n unwary_a syllogism_n from_o thence_o see_v it_o be_v not_o all_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n for_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o searcher_n or_o else_o they_o must_v tell_v we_o how_o many_o of_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o teach_n must_v be_v own_v as_o necessary_a to_o man_n communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o will_v puzzle_v the_o searcher_n as_o much_o as_o any_o body_n else_o their_o flourish_n and_o reflection_n against_o other_o notwithstanding_o nor_o need_v we_o say_v much_o to_o our_o brethren_n demand_n which_o they_o ground_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o opinion_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o for_o if_o that_o we_o hold_v bâ—_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o may_v not_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o neglect_v without_o manife_a danger_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o shall_v therefore_o now_o suffice_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o ouâ—_n brethren_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o appeal_v tâ—_n they_o touch_v the_o like_a service_n in_o another_o case_n namely_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o some_o oâ—_n they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n heb._n 6â—_n though_o other_o of_o they_o reject_v that_o as_o erroneous_a sâ—_n that_o our_o brethren_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o upbraid_v uâ—_n about_o some_o differ_a apprehension_n about_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministration_n since_o themselves_o be_v divide_v both_o about_o the_o end_n and_o the_o principle_n itself_o i_o say_v put_v case_n now_o that_o some_o among_o you_o shall_v deny_v the_o la_n on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n to_o be_v institute_v of_o god_n and_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n of_o man_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o command_n from_o god_n for_o it_o and_o thereupon_o they_o bring_v all_o the_o argument_n against_o you_o which_o you_o devise_v against_o we_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o that_o orderly_a way_n of_o ordain_v man_n to_o office_n by_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n only_o because_o it_o be_v your_o humour_n to_o have_v man_n so_o ordain_v therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o your_o weakness_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v you_o off_o that_o usage_n they_o permit_v you_o once_o twice_o or_o thrice_o etc._n etc._n to_o preach_v up_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o their_o congregation_n do_v you_o now_o make_v so_o little_a conscience_n of_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o you_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n say_v some_o of_o you_o as_o that_o you_o can_v maintain_v a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a communion_n with_o such_o person_n howsoever_o you_o may_v shuffle_v in_o this_o case_n consider_v the_o liberty_n which_o you_o incline_v to_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o sure_o be_v you_o free_a from_o that_o temptation_n you_o will_v find_v no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o only_o make_v void_a but_o even_o despise_v for_o it_o be_v no_o better_o that_o wholesome_a and_o divine_a order_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n as_o for_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o general_a controversy_n and_o which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a expedient_a under_o the_o sun_n for_o compose_v division_n in_o the_o church_n here_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v yea_o must_v be_v maintain_v though_o they_o differ_v right_a much_o in_o their_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v indeed_o very_o christianly_o admit_v the_o searcher_n to_o such_o our_o assembly_n know_v well_o that_o not_o only_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o primitive_a but_o even_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v allow_v christian_n of_o very_a different_a persuasion_n free_o to_o deliberate_v on_o thing_n propound_v in_o such_o assembly_n but_o yet_o we_o little_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v abuse_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o our_o christian_a respect_n towards_o they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o principle_n in_o such_o our_o condescension_n unless_o we_o also_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n sure_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_n be_v unlikely_a to_o effect_v the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o our_o too_o much_o divide_v congregation_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n math._n 28._o 19_o mark_v 16._o 16._o act_n 2._o 38._o will_v make_v one_o consistory_n at_o least_o some_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n among_o they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o admit_v there_o be_v no_o mean_n under_o heaven_n remain_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o heal_v their_o division_n and_o consequent_o to_o obtain_v that_o peace_n which_o shall_v rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n because_o they_o be_v thereunto_o call_v in_o one_o universal_a body_n and_o herein_o i_o conceive_v a_o union_n in_o the_o main_n may_v be_v hold_v though_o in_o our_o particular_a community_n for_o the_o avoid_n otherwise_o inevitable_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o hold_v some_o distinction_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o another_o to_o cease_v communicate_v with_o such_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n will_v needs_o stay_v behind_o in_o the_o step_n of_o irregularity_n the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o schism_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o forbear_v communicate_v with_o some_o particular_a member_n or_o congregation_n thereof_o the_o other_o be_v so_o far_o from_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v more_o true_o call_v reformation_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o we_o efuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o rheir_n irregular_a proceed_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o therefore_o we_o reject_v they_o in_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v religious_o observe_v and_o zealous_o profess_v neither_o be_v our_o distinguish_v our_o congregation_n from_o they_o so_o much_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o as_o a_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o 10._o and_o 11._o demand_n of_o the_o searcher_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v since_o as_o thing_n stand_v among_o we_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a but_o i_o fear_v may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a to_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
consider_v may_v just_o cause_v the_o sober_a christian_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o communion_n as_o i_o perceive_v the_o searcher_n will_v hand_n ouâ—r_o head_n involve_v we_o into_o now_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o church-rendings_a or_o unchurch_v other_o church_n through_o ignorance_n or_o preposterus_fw-la zeal_n as_o i_o do_v not_o perfect_o know_v so_o i_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a go_v about_o to_o justify_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n for_o you_o to_o asperse_v all_o our_o congregation_n with_o such_o man_n action_n no_o more_o than_o the_o like_a preposterous_a action_n by_o some_o among_o you_o for_o such_o there_o have_v be_v both_o particular_a person_n and_o congregation_n will_v justify_v we_o to_o fasten_v the_o like_a reproach_n upon_o you_o which_o hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o do_v nor_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o your_o procreation_n to_o do_v it_o 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that_o the_o party_n dissent_v may_v sit_v down_o in_o distinct_a congreation_n without_o the_o offence_n or_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o or_o else_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o dispence_v with_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o by_o one_o till_o indeed_o we_o have_v none_o leave_v entire_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o single_v they_o apart_o and_o yield_v to_o each_o opinionist_n the_o plea_n which_o our_o brethren_n do_v use_v in_o the_o case_n depend_v which_o in_o effect_n be_v this_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o you_o see_v we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o you_o do_v which_o yet_o i_o fear_v etc._n etc._n except_o the_o four_o and_o as_o touch_v that_o we_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o founlation_n yet_o we_o deny_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o you_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n this_o plea_n be_v admit_v a_o second_o come_v and_o plead_v thus_o let_v we_o build_v with_o you_o for_o we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6._o 1,2_o as_o you_o do_v except_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v faith_n be_v a_o principle_n according_a to_o heb._n 6._o 1._o but_o we_o deny_v that_o faith_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n a_o three_o come_v and_o say_v we_o have_v right_a to_o sit_v down_o in_o communion_n with_o you_o for_o we_o do_v own_o all_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v we_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o do_v say_v that_o it_o be_v your_o own_o innovation_n or_o tradition_n yet_o we_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n a_o four_o pretend_v they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n only_a that_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o say_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o christianity_n they_o term_v a_o humane_a innovation_n yet_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n final_o there_o come_v other_o and_o profess_v that_o they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n oracle_n heâ—_n 6._o etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o they_o deny_v with_o origen_n that_o eternal_a judgement_n which_o we_o hold_v and_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a salvation_n and_o yet_o they_o own_o with_o he_o a_o judgement_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o upon_o these_o pretension_n they_o demand_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o admit_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v as_o undoubted_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o that_o be_v our_o case_n let_v our_o brethren_n resolve_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v dispense_v with_o they_o in_o reject_v and_o oppose_v that_o principle_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o 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such_o pretend_a friendship_n for_o truth_n be_v oppose_v have_v strength_n and_o authority_n to_o withstand_v its_o great_a adversary_n but_o if_o once_o subtle_a man_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n under_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o wait_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overthrow_v these_o prove_v the_o great_a prophaner_n and_o subverter_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o devourer_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o that_o have_v but_o craft_n to_o get_v in_o if_o once_o this_o door_n of_o dispense_n with_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v open_v assure_o have_v those_o person_n act_n the_o 10._o the_o remission_n of_o who_o sin_n be_v evidence_v from_o heaven_n very_o eminent_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n without_o submit_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o peter_n question_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a which_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o some_o such_o thought_n may_v possible_o dart_v itself_o into_o the_o breast_n of_o some_o it_o have_v certain_o make_v hey-boyss_n that_o ordinance_n almost_o total_o for_o who_o do_v not_o now_o a-days_o present_o suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o spiriâ—_n our_o brethren_n demand_v of_o we_o whether_o those_o qualification_n which_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o they_o say_v give_v right_o to_o baptism_n but_o not_o so_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o though_o baptism_n be_v no_o qualification_n for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o that_o we_o may_v reach_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_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 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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 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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
in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o do_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o that_o stabiish_v we_o in_o chrâ—st_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v seâ—led_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n yea_o this_o even_o this_o spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n according_a to_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 3_o 4._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v evince_n that_o the_o handmaid_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n that_o â—he_v church_n of_o god_n without_o rejection_n of_o any_o true_a member_n thereof_o have_v a_o clear_a indubitate_a right_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o hâ—ly_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o in_o those_o gift_n which_o some_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v to_o wit_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o this_o promise_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o soul_a ablish_v comfort_n thereof_o yea_o in_o that_o which_o seal_v a_o christian_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n will_v fail_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v like_a water_n to_o he_o that_o iâ—_n thirsty_a as_o before_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v that_o unction_n which_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o teach_v christian_n all_o thing_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n iâ—_n a_o word_n it_o be_v that_o reception_n of_o the_o spiriâ—_n which_o be_v above_o all_o gift_n of_o tongue_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n call_v charity_n and_o be_v branch_v into_o meekness_n temperance_n goodness_n and_o faith_n yea_o '_o tiâ—_n that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o i_o mean_v this_o gift_n oâ—_n the_o spirit_n a_o christian_a be_v both_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o then_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n remain_v for_o and_o pertain_v to_o the_o handmaid_n and_o servant_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n thereoâ—_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o consequent_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o my_o proposition_n viz._n the_o dutiful_a observance_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o obtain_v that_o heavenly_a donation_n that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o prophet_n foretell_v oâ—_n such_o grace_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v it_o as_o so_o greaâ—_n a_o promise_n the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o without_o which_o christian_n do_v want_v the_o lively_a evidence_n â—eaâ—_n &_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n &_o not_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a way_n and_o special_a mean_n for_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o obtain_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v credible_a which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v if_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o church_n or_o her_o delegate_n be_v reject_v if_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o body_n will_v assign_v we_o what_o peculiar_a way_n the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n as_o a_o mean_n peculiar_a for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o if_o any_o assay_n to_o show_v we_o let_v they_o also_o consider_v why_o the_o apostle_n take_v that_o way_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v by_o our_o brethren_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o particular_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o special_a way_n or_o mean_n be_v leave_v we_o but_o the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v then_o say_v it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o other_o case_n for_o ordinary_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o promise_v or_o give_v some_o special_a favour_n or_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n he_o therewithal_o order_v some_o solemn_a or_o service_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n that_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o deliverance_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o must_v be_v perpetuate_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o way_n as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o memorial_n or_o reception_n of_o these_o favour_n respective_o and_o so_o must_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v seek_v for_o and_o signify_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o particular_o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n also_o nor_o must_v we_o only_o receive_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o particular_o in_o the_o solemn_a use_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a way_n of_o prayer_n allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o behalf_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o first_o from_o that_o place_n act_v 8._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o now_o when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusaâ—em_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a gâ—ost_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v meet_v to_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o be_v attainable_a and_o that_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o especial_o when_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v positive_o i_o mean_v without_o conditional_a expression_n as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o doubt_v when_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v james_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o if_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n thereof_o such_o as_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v that_o all_o those_o person_n which_o be_v baptise_a in_o samaria_n shall_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n no_o nor_o any_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o â—lâ—_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o make_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o name_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v absolute_o and_o believe_o but_o rather_o doubt_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o purposely_o pray_v for_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o rather_o very_a few_o and_o they_o also_o unknown_a by_o name_n to_o any_o man_n no_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 29._o act_n 1._o 24._o be_v choose_v to_o be_v prophet_n worker_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n at_o all_o practise_v here_o as_o some_o imagine_v namely_o a_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v sometime_o give_v
advantage_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o command_v by_o authority_n from_o heaven_n i_o think_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o dream_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o come_v among_o the_o disciple_n go_v preposterous_o from_o person_n to_o person_n pray_v and_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o without_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o which_o to_o do_v be_v enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o spectator_n and_o iâ—_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n and_o gravity_n of_o gospel_n performance_n which_o as_o they_o must_v be_v act_n oâ—_n subjection_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v please_v god_n so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o act_n or_o subjection_n musâ—_n come_v by_o hear_v with_o understand_v whaâ—_n they_o must_v do_v or_o to_o what_o they_o must_v submit_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o this_o hear_n must_v be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o there_o iâ—_n no_o ground_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n but_o goâ—_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v anâ—_n the_o samaritan_n submission_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o approve_v it_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n be_v of_o faith_n therefore_o they_o hear_v with_o understanding_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v their_o duty_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o both_o concern_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v practice_v with_o such_o frequency_n this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o disciple_n general_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v record_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o act_n in_o promote_a the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a the_o follower_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o divers_a have_v labour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o contrary_n mind_v in_o this_o point_n who_o work_n be_v extant_a &_o unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v far_o save_v that_o i_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o do_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o to_o do_v for_o they_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n as_o for_o the_o lay_v hand_n on_o disciple_n or_o rather_o less_o for_o since_o they_o do_v now_o acquit_v that_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o as_o not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o business_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n do_v bring_v the_o suffrage_n of_o dr._n hammond_n victor_n cyprian_n and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o precept_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o many_o word_n for_o lay_v hand_n upon_o officer_n although_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n with_o i_o that_o that_o way_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o depute_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o their_o work_n respective_o wherefore_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o this_o enthememe_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v hand_n on_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v a_o show_n by_o their_o action_n out_o of_o some_o ancient_a author_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a as_o if_o antiquity_n be_v on_o their_o part_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o find_v they_o partly_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o partly_o from_o such_o as_o have_v gather_v certain_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v this_o matter_n 8._o tertullian_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o like_o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o flesh_n be_v wash_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o so_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n we_o must_v all_o hasten_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n mean_v by_o baptism_n and_o at_o length_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seven_o fold_v grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o a_o person_n can_v perfect_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o careless_o and_o willing_o and_o not_o of_o necessity_n he_o remain_v without_o it_o jubi_fw-la cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n say_v which_o also_o be_v do_v with_o we_o that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v present_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n jerom_n according_a to_o andrea_n willet_n touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 42._o eusebius_n have_v a_o passage_n concern_v novatus_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n how_o he_o slight_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o mention_n make_v of_o his_o be_v baptize_v he_o say_v he_o obtain_v not_o that_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n confirmation_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n insomuch_o than_o he_o obtain_v not_o that_o how_o come_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v also_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n c._n 2._o for_o modern_a writer_n erasmus_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a without_o mixture_n in_o most_o of_o his_o exposition_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v most_o clear_a these_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o first_o degree_n unto_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o our_o former_a life_n and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o true_a innocency_n and_o soul-health_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o god_n then_o forthwith_o that_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o holy_a baptism_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o restore_v again_o to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v and_o also_o that_o last_o judgement_n that_o shall_v award_v some_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o other_o some_o to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o damnation_n 2._o diodate_v have_v these_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n join_v to_o baptism_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o blessing_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n and_o he_o call_v these_o principle_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a catechism_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 6._o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o outward_a ministry_n or_o mystical_a wash_n do_v regenerate_v wash_v away_o sin_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o filthiness_n so_o do_v the_o imsition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n give_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o outward_a and_o mystical_a wash_n do_v only_o represent_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n blood_n our_o sin_n be_v clean_o wash_v away_o etc._n etc._n from_o these_o testimony_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o contend_v for_o touch_v the_o practice_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n with_o laying_z on_o of_o hand_n be_v no_o novel_a thing_n but_o as_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o use_n as_o necessary_a in_o place_n the_o next_o to_o holy_a baptism_n among_o christian_n general_o a_o appendix_n meet_v late_o with_o a_o very_a worthy_a brother_n at_o east_n haddon_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n he_o do_v much_o importune_v i_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o short_a dispute_n with_o he_o about_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n to_o who_o i_o consent_v and_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n
brethren_n resolve_v we_o concern_v the_o proper_a time_n to_o begin_v to_o teach_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o that_o principle_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n mean_o while_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o instruct_v man_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o touch_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v at_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o beginning_n their_o christian_a course_n or_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n because_o every_o member_n of_o that_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v vivify_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o again_o the_o whole_a foundation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o the_o principle_n heb_n 6._o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o anteoedent_n will_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o wise_a builder_n for_o they_o know_v the_o superstructure_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v secure_a if_o the_o foundation_n be_v defective_a the_o consequence_n be_v good_a because_o every_o principle_n heb._n 6._o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o so_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n among_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n nor_o will_v our_o brethren_n demand_n ground_v on_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n prejudice_n ought_v that_o we_o have_v say_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o shall_v be_v obtain_v but_o they_o be_v plain_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n must_v die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o appear_v luke_o 24._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o and_o he_o that_o be_v jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n what_o thing_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o concern_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a indeed_o and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o how_o our_o ruler_n deliver_v he_o to_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o have_v crucify_v he_o but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v deliver_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v yea_o and_o certain_a woman_n also_o of_o our_o own_o company_n make_v we_o astonish_v which_o be_v early_o at_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o when_o they_o find_v not_o his_o body_n they_o come_v say_v that_o they_o have_v also_o sein_fw-fr a_fw-fr vision_n of_o angel_n which_o say_v that_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o certain_a that_o be_v with_o we_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o find_v it_o even_o as_o the_o woman_n have_v say_v but_o he_o they_o see_v not_o then_o he_o say_v that_o be_v jesus_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_n fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n hence_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o christ_n disciple_n be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v work_v man_n deliverance_n by_o die_v for_o they_o 2._o that_o he_o shall_v overcome_v death_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a 3._o that_o christ_n both_o reprove_v their_o ignorance_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o principle_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o our_o brethren_n have_v gain_v by_o quere_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n sure_o not_o a_o hairs-breadth_n of_o proof_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n any_o more_o than_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o like_a manner_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o wink_v at_o the_o day_n of_o this_o ignorance_n yet_o sure_o we_o know_v that_o man_n be_v not_o now_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unless_o they_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v not_o to_o cry_v lord_n lord_n only_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o their_o lord_n purchaser_n and_o their_o lord_n commander_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a whence_o we_o conclude_v if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n and_o here_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o demand_n where_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n upon_o any_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v corrupt_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v the_o ordinance_n cease_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n act_v 10._o 47_o 48._o for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o reception_n thereof_o &_o be_v propound_v as_o a_o mean_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o condition_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n acts._n 2._o 38._o yet_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n be_v once_o at_o least_o give_v and_o receive_v before_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v yea_o those_o person_n have_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n for_o god_n that_o know_v their_o heart_n do_v now_o evidence_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n purife_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n act_v 11._o yet_o do_v not_o all_o this_o in_o the_o least_o make_v void_a that_o solemn_a ordinance_n the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v fore-ordained_n to_o signify_v and_o sacramental_o to_o confer_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o practic_a part_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o church_n be_v under_o ordinance_n than_o who_o can_v forbid_v prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n even_o for_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n thereof_o already_o see_v none_o will_v say_v i_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v so_o much_o but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v more_o again_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n nor_o confusion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o holy_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o rom._n 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 33._o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o ordain_v a_o divide_a or_o confuse_a order_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v avoid_v if_o once_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n already_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o a_o ordinance_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o other_o part_n can_v arrive_v at_o the_o privilege_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o body_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o order_n a_o weak_a sight_n may_v perceive_v whither_o such_o a_o conceit_n will_v lead_v we_o at_o last_o even_o into_o that_o wilderness_n whither_o many_o be_v go_v who_o forsooth_o because_o they_o have_v the_o kernel_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o shell_n to_o wit_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o spirit_n which_o lead_v man_n into_o disobedience_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o at_o length_n they_o have_v so_o much_o spirit_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v without_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o as_o little_a esteem_n with_o they_o as_o his_o ordinance_n the_o other_o corrupt_a ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o present_a receiving_n and_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o language_n what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o seem_v to_o border_n much_o upon_o their_o apprehension_n who_o concern_v holy_a baptism_n do_v thus_o speak_v i_o be_o as_o well_o
as_o water_n can_v make_v i_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o that_o gâ—d_v never_o say_v to_o his_o people_n seek_v 〈◊〉_d i_o in_o vain_a the_o ground_n therefore_o of_o this_o demand_n be_v thus_o corrupt_a we_o shall_v leave_v it_o without_o further_a answer_n we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o most_o important_a pinch_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o brethren_n demand_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v steem_v a_o true_a church_n they_o be_v under_o the_o preâ—â—ssion_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n refolâ—ing_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v further_a what_o they_o shall_v from_o â—â—me_n to_o time_n understand_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_v â—_o goâ—_n these_o latter_a word_n i_o confess_v do_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n yet_o be_v as_o little_a satisfactory_a to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n under_o consideration_n as_o the_o like_a resolution_n will_v be_v to_o they_o from_o such_o person_n of_o other_o persuasion_n as_o shall_v desire_v communion_n with_o they_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o in_o the_o case_n of_o holy_a baptism_n till_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o frequent_o dispute_v and_o write_v against_o it_o and_o do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o adversary_n whatsoever_o to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o religious_o observe_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v like_a as_o this_o kind_n of_o resolution_n will_v little_o comfort_v our_o brethren_n so_o do_v the_o other_o as_o little_a comfort_n we_o till_o we_o see_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n more_o solicitous_a for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o see_v not_o than_o hitherto_o or_o at_o least_o than_o by_o this_o their_o search_n they_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o much_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v answer_v this_o demand_n with_o all_o integrity_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o first_o negative_o that_o those_o baptize_v christian_n who_o reject_v prayer_n with_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o spirit_n oâ—_n promise_n have_v a_o church-state_n perfect_a in_o principle_n and_o orderly_a in_o constitution_n according_a to_o heâ—_n 6._o 1_o 2._o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o platform_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o there_o be_v one_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v such_o a_o constitution_n or_o church-state_n i_o must_v plain_o deny_v and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o denial_n i_o dare_v refer_v myself_o if_o not_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o differ_a brethren_n yet_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture-evidence_n precede_v but_o second_o that_o our_o brethren_n have_v a_o church-state_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n according_a to_o truth_n i_o must_v and_o do_v cheerful_o grant_v like_v as_o i_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o genus_fw-la who_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o form_n and_o proportion_n which_o he_o hold_v with_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o species_n or_o part_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a essence_n composition_n and_o form_n of_o a_o man_n or_o as_o i_o may_v call_v a_o edifice_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o house_n though_o it_o want_v not_o only_a much_o of_o its_o compleatness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o superstructure_n as_o god_n know_v all_o church_n do_v but_o also_o though_o it_o be_v somway_o defective_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o some_o material_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o defect_n no_o church_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wilful_a want_n need_v to_o have_v for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a â—hat_n we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v in_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o high_a import_n of_o that_o expression_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o manifold_a obstruction_n within_o and_o without_o yet_o doubtless_o we_o may_v learn_v all_o the_o rudiment_n or_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n maugre_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o auxiliary_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o can_v exceed_v the_o stature_n of_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o may_v improve_v our_o simile_n by_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v ourselves_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o important_a of_o our_o brethren_n demand_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n under_o debate_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o look_v how_o far_o forth_o such_o a_o necessary_a member_n as_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n do_v conduce_v not_o only_o to_o the_o well-being_n but_o even_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o body_n natural_a so_o far_o doubtless_o the_o least_o foundation_n principle_n of_o christianity_n conduce_v not_o only_o to_o the_o well-being_n but_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o as_o he_o that_o take_v a_o member_n from_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v it_o hand_n or_o other_o member_n detract_v somewhat_o from_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o body_n even_o so_o he_o that_o take_v away_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n do_v entrench_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o body_n mystical_a now_o that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n be_v grant_v by_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v with_o good_a right_n stand_v for_o it_o as_o necessary_a even_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o we_o have_v even_o now_o declare_v and_o that_o that_o very_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v and_o accord_o do_v practice_n we_o trust_v be_v sufficient_o love_v before_o and_o that_o as_o by_o other_o argument_n so_o also_o by_o this_o namely_o because_o no_o other_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n practise_v by_o our_o brethren_n or_o â—ny_a body_n else_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n or_o reason_n be_v call_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o christ_n our_o brethren_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a â—ow_o that_o the_o removal_n or_o extirpation_n of_o any_o oâ—her_n of_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o will_v leave_v if_o â—ot_n mortality_n yet_o a_o dangerous_a wound_n or_o grievous_a maim_n in_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n and_o â—herefore_o can_v they_o but_o once_o humble_o consider_v â—hey_n will_v certain_o see_v that_o their_o root_n out_o â—he_v four_o principle_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o body_n of_o that_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v our_o brethren_n only_o want_v in_o respect_n â—f_o the_o truth_n we_o plead_v for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a but_o now_o together_o with_o their_o â—eing_v want_v they_o be_v become_v the_o enemy_n â—nd_v great_a opposer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o o_o â—e_a searcher_n your_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v which_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o chief_z cause_n of_o our_o division_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o be_v embody_v before_o they_o see_v this_o truth_n yet_o abstain_v from_o opposition_n anâ—_n contradiction_n have_v very_o much_o christian_a communion_n though_o they_o dâ—â—â—er_v in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o point_n depend_v it_o be_v our_o saviour_n rule_n he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o 〈◊〉_d be_v on_o our_o part_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v nâ—_n on_o our_o part_n who_o be_v against_o we_o but_o then_o our_o brother_n be_v the_o man_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o onâ—_n man_n which_o be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o point_n â—_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v make_v twâ—_n party_n where_o indeed_o there_o shall_v have_v beâ—â—_n but_o one_o you_o see_v then_o brethren_n that_o we_o lay_v tâ—â—_n ground_n of_o our_o non-communion_n with_o yoâ—_n more_o upon_o your_o oppose_v the_o truth_n we_o hold_v thaâ—_n upon_o your_o non-submission_n to_o it_o yea_o beshrew_v your_o late_a opposition_n discover_v in_o your_o late_a unseasonable_a and_o partial_a search_n for_o have_v it_o nâ—_n be_v for_o that_o we_o have_v gain_v some_o grouâ—â—_n through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n of_o our_o long_a dissension_n and_o unhappy_a distraction_n have_v you_o or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o carryâ—â—_n it_o humble_o and_o peaceable_o as_o man_n
desirous_a know_v the_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o you_o know_v how_o dear_a you_o have_v be_v to_o we_o when_o yâ—â—_n consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n embrace_v you_o in_o as_o large_a a_o degree_n of_o communion_n we_o can_v possible_o without_o violation_n of_o our_o principleâ—_n mere_o upon_o consideration_n of_o your_o as_o 〈◊〉_d think_v very_o christian-like_a offer_n in_o order_n to_o peace_n viz._n that_o you_o will_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o desire_v we_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n in_o your_o congregation_n but_o also_o that_o you_o will_v cease_v your_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a our_o endeavour_n for_o peace_n go_v slow_o on_o you_o know_v the_o cause_n yet_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v patience_n for_o thing_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o least_o violence_n be_v common_o most_o permanent_a and_o here_o i_o shall_v have_v give_v the_o reader_n no_o further_o trouble_v about_o this_o particular_a but_o that_o the_o searcher_n be_v please_v to_o upbraid_v and_o very_o strange_o to_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o some_o among_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o all_o for_o their_o sake_n as_o if_o we_o make_v not_o only_o many_o more_o fundamental_o and_o essential_o to_o communion_n than_o ever_o god_n make_v but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o eager_o set_v upon_o make_v every_o thing_n fundamental_a as_o that_o every_o circumstantial_a thing_n be_v by_o we_o ready_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o adoption_n of_o fundamental_o but_o what_o the_o searcher_n shall_v mean_v to_o suggest_v by_o their_o demand_n as_o if_o we_o make_v mix_v marriage_n the_o â—ating_n of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v matter_n of_o apparel_n and_o the_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o end_v strife_n the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o church_n i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o brethren_n ridiculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o adversary_n however_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n not_o only_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v these_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o lest_o otherwise_o be_v prejudice_v with_o their_o strange_a reflection_n their_o soul_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v in_o these_o enormity_n and_o first_o concern_v mix_v marriage_n thus_o we_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o positive_a 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n for_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visiblâ—_n church_n of_o god_n to_o marry_v with_o thâ—se_a that_o be_v noâ—_n of_o that_o body_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n oâ—_n holy_a scripture_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o in_o ever_o since_o he_o choose_v a_o people_n out_o of_o the_o falâ—_n race_n of_o adam_n to_o be_v his_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o revengeful_a stroke_n on_o those_o his_o son_n who_o iâ—_n the_o day_n of_o noah_n take_v unto_o themselves_o wife_n oâ—_n those_o who_o be_v only_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n buâ—_n not_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v from_o above_o gen._n 6_o two_o 6_o 7._o to_o which_o we_o will_v add_v our_o saviours_n premonition_n and_o prediction_n that_o the_o siâ—_n of_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v like_o they_o in_o the_o day_n oâ—_n noah_n luke_n 17._o 27_o to_o 30._o and_o particular_o iâ—_n the_o case_n of_o marriage_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ouâ—_n saviour_n in_o that_o place_n shall_v be_v opposite_a tâ—_n marriage_n aâ—_n it_o be_v institute_v of_o god_n for_o man_n use_v no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v against_o eat_a anâ—_n drink_v lawful_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o meâ—_n commit_v in_o these_o action_n respective_o whicâ—_n he_o disallow_v how_o much_o the_o lord_n disallow_v such_o marriage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a exod._n 34._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o deut._n 7_o 3._o 1_o king_n 11._o 1_o 2._o neh._n 13._o and_o that_o the_o same_o transgression_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v avoid_v can_v be_v deny_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 39_o and_o 10._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v by_o person_n so_o unlawful_o couple_v be_v a_o carnal_a pollution_n to_o say_v no_o more_o can_v be_v withstand_v but_o by_o such_o as_o trust_v more_o to_o their_o own_o argument_n then_o to_o the_o scripture_n see_v the_o law_n which_o forbid_v member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o marry_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o deut._n 7._o 3._o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o very_a act_n 1_o king_n 11._o 1_o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o further_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n read_v and_o consider_v these_o scripture_n act._n 15._o 29._o mal._n 2._o 11_o 12._o rev._n 2._o 14._o as_o in_o this_o case_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o perverse_a so_o we_o have_v the_o conâ—ent_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n profess_v christianity_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a to_o oâ—it_v the_o manifold_a testimony_n that_o may_v be_v â—rought_v i_o will_v only_o set_v down_o two_o the_o first_o â—aith_n thus_o marriage_n be_v not_o only_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n but_o also_o on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d by_o christ_n vindicate_v from_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n in_o which_o regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o religion_n that_o marriage_n be_v not_o make_v between_o those_o of_o different_a basil_n religion_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o marriage_n already_o make_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o former_a the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 7._o but_o the_o latter_a be_v most_o severe_o prohibit_v exod._n 34._o 12._o etc._n etc._n deut._n 7._o 3._o where_o a_o reason_n be_v render_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seduce_v to_o which_o paul_n saying_n agree_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o the_o wicked_a or_o bear_v not_o the_o strange_a yoke_n with_o unbeliever_n sad_n example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o event_n of_o such_o marriage_n of_o the_o first_o world_n gen._n 6._o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 22._o of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 21._o 15._o of_o jehosaphat_n 2_o king_n 8._o of_o valence_n the_o emperor_n who_o by_o his_o wife_n be_v seduce_v and_o draw_v to_o arianism_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o catholic_n to_o marry_v with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n rhemists_n testament_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o they_o also_o refer_v to_o st._n jerom._n contra_fw-la rhem._n jocinian_n lib._n 1._o and_o to_o the_o council_n at_o â—â—aodicea_n cap._n 10._o 31._o neither_o may_v it_o be_v infer_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v say_v that_o person_n thus_o transgress_v must_v put_v away_o their_o yoke-fellow_n no_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o shall_v so_o imagine_v for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a god_n suffer_v that_o sin_n once_o to_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o by_o any_o stand_a law_n enjoin_v such_o a_o penalty_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v permit_v such_o marriage_n to_o continue_v as_o have_v be_v unlawful_o make_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o leah_n who_o be_v fraudulent_o give_v to_o jacob_n by_o which_o mean_v rachel_n the_o lawful_a spouse_n be_v withhold_v from_o her_o husband_n shall_v mortal_a man_n be_v more_o just_a than_o god_n shall_v man_n be_v more_o righteous_a than_o his_o maker_n job_n 4._o 17._o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o marriage_n of_o leah_n to_o jacob_n shall_v stand_v that_o will_v not_o as_o well_o argue_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o such_o as_o err_v in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o choice_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o sin_n be_v rather_o great_a in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o marry_v two_o sister_n especial_o not_o in_o the_o life-time_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v also_o in_o this_o act_n the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n or_o adultery_n the_o learned_a protestant_n affirm_v the_o sin_n to_o be_v adultery_n see_v dr._n willet_n in_o his_o hexapla_n in_o gen_n upon_o this_o text._n again_o polygamy_n or_o have_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n nor_o warrant_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n but_o be_v rather_o against_o it_o and_o have_v its_o rise_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n bear_v record_n from_o 19_o a_o wicked_a man_n yet_o divers_a such_o marriage_n be_v permit_v when_o contract_v though_o never_o command_v and_o so_o never_o lawful_a by_o any_o appointment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o sin_n of_o marry_v
as_o pastor_n and_o also_o how_o many_o several_a congregation_n they_o may_v act_v in_o as_o pastor_n by_o consent_n whether_o two_o only_a or_o ten_o only_a or_o a_o hundred_o and_o so_o ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la sure_o if_o once_o they_o give_v particular_a pastor_n power_n to_o act_n as_o elder_n in_o more_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n appoint_v to_o oversee_v they_o can_v never_o bind_v their_o power_n and_o than_o what_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o exceed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o further_o if_o our_o brethren_n can_v give_v their_o particular_a pastors_n power_n to_o act_v as_o pastor_n in_o many_o church_n for_o a_o month_n or_o half_a a_o year_n then_o why_o not_o a_o year_n 2._o or_o 3._o and_o so_o for_o the_o term_n of_o life_n the_o occasion_n still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o how_o much_o come_v this_o short_a of_o the_o power_n commit_v to_o any_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n wherefore_o see_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v exercise_v as_o great_a authority_n in_o send_v man_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o settle_v their_o church_n as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v dislike_v our_o calling_n those_o office_n by_o such_o name_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v they_o rather_o than_o by_o such_o name_n as_o be_v exclusive_a of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v exercise_v either_o by_o those_o who_o go_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o take_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n true_a it_o be_v that_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n and_o that_o he_o be_v elder_a in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o but_o this_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o office_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n sometime_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o let_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o 10._o great_a contain_v the_o less_o yet_o the_o less_o do_v not_o contain_v the_o great_a for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o particular_a elder_n of_o a_o congregation_n only_o and_o a_o charge_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n be_v thing_n inconsistent_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n what_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o person_n gift_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o general_a privilege_n or_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n here_o to_o discourse_n but_o only_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v which_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o office_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o only_o provide_v a_o liberty_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o modest_a exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v edify_v but_o also_o when_o by_o his_o providence_n any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o remâ—te_a place_n or_o otherwise_o call_v to_o testify_v their_o faith_n they_o may_v lawful_o evangelize_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 8._o 4_o 5._o and_o other_o very_a ancient_a author_n see_v socrates_n schlasticus_n l._n 1._o the_o 15._o 16._o chapter_n 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v define_v be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o continual_a neâ—d_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ancient_a purity_n thereof_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o that_o greâ—t_a danger_n they_o lie_v under_o by_o reasâ—n_n of_o the_o many_o decivers_a or_o false_a vpostle_n which_o be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n who_o corrupt_v the_o worldly_a mingle_v therewith_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o world_n be_v the_o lord_n harvest_n into_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o send_v his_o labourer_n and_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n luke_n 10._o 1_o 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o these_o labourer_n be_v at_o least_o chief_o some_o that_o be_v in_o a_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o can_v so_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a function_n in_o the_o ministry_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o other_o officer_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v bind_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o partly_o for_o that_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o direction_n to_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o send_v forth_o messenger_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o sure_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o office_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o very_a clause_n touch_v their_o be_v send_v forth_o and_o that_o as_o lamb_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o what_o labourer_n these_o be_v a_o necessity_n therefore_o liee_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o her_o member_n to_o that_o needful_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o lest_o otherwise_o she_o be_v like_o those_o who_o make_v many_o prayer_n for_o that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o cause_v the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o her_o assembly_n nor_o be_v it_o like_o that_o the_o world_n will_v send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o instruction_n it_o remain_v therefore_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o illumination_n of_o all_o that_o as_o gad_n have_v wont_a to_o send_v forth_o his_o ambassador_n to_o beseech_v the_o world_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n even_o so_o one_o fruit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o this_o day_n be_v a_o gift_n even_o for_o the_o rebellious_a that_o the_o lord_n god_n may_v dwell_v among_o they_o psal_n 68_o 18._o which_o be_v compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o may_v very_o well_o be_v interpret_v of_o a_o gift_a ministry_n to_o turn_v rebellious_a sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n to_o which_o agree_v that_o place_n john_n 16._o 8._o where_o our_o lord_n do_v assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n as_o he_o shall_v operate_v or_o work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o promise_v either_o end_v with_o that_o age_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v or_o else_o if_o it_o remain_v to_o these_o day_n than_o it_o suppose_v a_o ministry_n to_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n the_o everlasting_a gospel_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v bind_v even_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n as_o debtor_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o unwise_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o satan_n have_v his_o apostle_n minister_n or_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o time_n past_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 13_o 22._o it_o be_v strange_a now_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n shall_v have_v none_o to_o withstand_v these_o if_o need_v be_v with_o a_o be_v they_o apostle_n so_o be_o i_o as_o well_o as_o with_o a_o be_v they_o mnister_n of_o christ_n so_o be_o i_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n hear_v dissllow_v the_o appellation_n of_o apostle_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o beside_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o that_o which_o he_o do_v disallow_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o when_o their_o work_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o such_o as_o only_o transform_v themselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n but_o have_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v call_v apostle_n beside_o the_o foundation-layer_n paul_n have_v a_o very_a easy_a way_n to_o confute_v these_o deceiver_n even_o by_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o profess_v themselves_o apostle_n be_v proof_n