and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o this_o one_o thing_n well_o consider_v viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d edification_n or_o building_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o do_v always_o primary_o refer_v to_o or_o at_o least_o include_v church-unity_n and_o communion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n what_o a_o ill_a way_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o great_a edification_n in_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o edification_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v consider_v the_o most_o material_a place_n where_o this_o word_n be_v use_v now_o the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n render_v by_o edification_n be_v a_o house_n or_o building_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n wherein_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 10._o you_o be_v god_n husbandry_n you_o be_v god_n building_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n or_o building_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n â—1_n the_o whole_a building_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o 42._o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n hence_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v builder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 11._o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v labourer_n together_o with_o god_n 9_o in_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v himself_o a_o master_n builder_n hence_o the_o increase_n growth_n and_o advance_n towards_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n or_o edification_n of_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n commend_v prophesy_v or_o expound_v the_o scripture_n before_o speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n without_o a_o interpreter_n 9_o because_o by_o this_o the_o church_n receive_v building_n or_o edification_n 12._o all_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o building_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n the_o apostolical_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n be_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o build_v 10._o and_o not_o to_o pull_v down_o that_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n entire_a and_o its_o communion_n pure_a and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o edification_n be_v primary_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n 12._o that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v 12._o that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n place_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n in_o unity_n and_o love_n 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n till_o we_o be_v unite_v by_o one_o faith_n into_o one_o body_n and_o perfect_a man._n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o in_o he_o into_o all_o thing_n 16._o which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n be_v close_o unite_v and_o compact_v together_o as_o stones_z and_o timber_n be_v to_o make_v one_o house_n and_o thus_o they_o grow_v into_o one_o body_n and_o increase_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o which_o be_v edifyed_a and_o build_v up_o in_o love_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v this_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o such_o a_o common_a charity_n as_o we_o have_v for_o all_o mankind_n but_o such_o a_o love_n and_o sympathy_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o which_o none_o but_o member_n can_v have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o now_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v the_o not_o for_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o separate_a for_o edification_n be_v to_o pull_v down_o instead_o of_o building_n up_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a edification_n and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o edification_n be_v sometime_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n in_o scripture_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n comfort_v yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o 11._o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v and_o this_o edify_v one_o another_o without_o question_n signify_v our_o promote_a each_o other_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o christian_a grace_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a christian_n but_o then_o this_o be_v call_v edification_n or_o building_n because_o this_o growth_n and_o improvement_n be_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n thus_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o yet_o god_n have_v but_o one_o temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o particular_a christian_n be_v god_n temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o as_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o holy_a temple_n by_o a_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o edification_n man_n may_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n the_o apostle_n know_v no_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o internal_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 7._o i_o have_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n 4._o which_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o one_o spirit_n be_v appropriate_v to_o this_o one_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o animate_v than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n 3._o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o case_n still_o remain_v which_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o a_o few_o word_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n now_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o this_o be_v think_v of_o late_a day_n not_o only_o a_o very_a innocent_a and_o lawful_a thing_n but_o the_o true_a catholick-spirit_n and_o catholick-communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o church_n of_o all_o communion_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v except_v the_o papist_n and_o quaker_n it_o be_v think_v a_o schismatical_a principle_n to_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o we_o and_o thus_o some_o who_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o
a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1682_o 3._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o religious_a commonwealth_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ordain_v the_o apostle_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o its_o part_n 22._o be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n 15._o and_o holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n for_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o this_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v not_o a_o new_a distinct_a church_n but_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a stock_n or_o root_n believe_v jew_n and_o christian_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n 18._o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n who_o unite_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o church_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v both_o side_n of_o the_o house_n and_o hold_v they_o together_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n the_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n tell_v we_o 16._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n which_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n which_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n be_v heir_n to_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v all_o privilege_n in_o common_a shall_v be_v divide_v into_o as_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n though_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v distinct_a person_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o where_o every_o thing_n be_v common_a there_o be_v not_o one_o community_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o distinct_a essence_n and_o subsistence_n of_o their_o own_o as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o natural_a being_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o all_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o another_o then_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o body_n one_o communion_n one_o household_n and_o family_n for_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o distinguish_v and_o separate_a no_o enclosure_n or_o partition_n of_o divine_a appointment_n there_o can_v be_v by_o divine_a institution_n but_o one_o body_n 2._o i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v derive_v may_v signify_v and_o be_v so_o expound_v by_o many_o divine_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o christian_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o call_v and_o choose_v or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a faith_n by_o peculiar_a law_n by_o peculiar_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o about_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n the_o church_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n institute_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o each_o other_o because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o body_n which_o require_v a_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o present_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v this_o that_o this_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v he_o and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a
people_n and_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n found_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ._n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v or_o constitute_v a_o church_n for_o such_o person_n if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v with_o who_o dare_v affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o human_a creature_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n god_n have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n for_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o such_o covenant_n rite_n and_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o can_v be_v no_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o least_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n and_o whoever_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a if_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a that_o i_o need_v only_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o follow_a case_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church_n member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n for_o if_o baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church_n member_n than_o a_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n for_o then_o a_o church_n will_v be_v a_o human_a creature_n and_o a_o human_a constitution_n whereas_o a_o church_n can_v be_v found_v only_o upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v true_a no_o man_n who_o be_v at_o age_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n till_o he_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o voluntary_o undertake_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o this_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o voluntary_a contract_n and_o covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o exact_v from_o their_o member_n and_o wherein_o they_o place_v a_o church-state_n be_v part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o find_v the_o church_n upon_o a_o human_a covenant_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n if_o it_o be_v than_o no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n but_o a_o independent_a and_o then_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v how_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n determine_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o dr._n owen_n church_n another_o of_o mr._n griffiths_n or_o any_o other_o independent_a pastor_n and_o if_o they_o can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n there_o be_v another_o still_o why_o they_o exact_v this_o church-covenant_n of_o baptise_a christian_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n if_o baptism_n make_v they_o member_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o think_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church-state_n but_o what_o depend_v on_o such_o human_a contract_n than_o the_o church_n owe_v its_o be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 5._o i_o observe_v far_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a christian_n christianity_n indeed_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o sure_o it_o do_v not_o separate_a christian_n from_o each_o other_o the_o apostle_n only_o undertake_v to_o convert_v jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n convert_v christian_n from_o common_a christianity_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o independency_n if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o know_v no_o church_n but_o what_o all_o christian_n be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n the_o one_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n from_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o prove_v the_o gather_a church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o national_a church_n must_v either_o conclude_v that_o a_o church_n and_o church-state_n be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n without_o it_o or_o that_o baptise_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n be_v no_o better_o than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o be_v that_o baptism_n itself_o though_o a_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o a_o human_a independent_a covenant_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n on_o that_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n into_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n found_v upon_o one_o covenant_n and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n may_v and_o have_v divide_v the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n and_o member_n and_o particular_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o that_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v divide_v the_o covenant_n also_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o guilty_a divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o new_a grant_n a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a distinct_a city_n and_o corporation_n but_o than_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v the_o same_o their_o right_n to_o it_o depend_v upon_o distinct_a grant_n but_o if_o he_o grant_v a_o charter_n for_o the_o erect_v of_o such_o a_o corporation_n and_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o that_o corporation_n those_o who_o wilful_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o corporation_n
our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o these_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v constant_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o schism_n be_v for_o they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sceptical_a suspension_n of_o communion_n all_o their_o day_n and_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a rule_n to_o direct_v all_o man_n in_o this_o inquiry_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o worship_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o other_o party_n and_o sect_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o advantage_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n no_o public_a establishment_n can_v justify_v a_o sinful_a communion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o national_a church_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o state_n and_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n for_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o english_a man_n during_o these_o church_n division_n among_o we_o never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n never_o to_o pray_v nor_o hear_v nor_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o religion_n but_o this_o they_o will_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v and_o therefore_o by_o suspending_a communion_n they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v for_o no_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o whatever_o church_n he_o communicate_v with_o though_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o his_o life_n as_o he_o occasional_o travel_n that_o way_n yet_o he_o communicate_v as_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o fix_a member_n do_v not_o signify_v our_o fix_a abode_n or_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o our_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o fix_v and_o permanent_a relation_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n may_v be_v perform_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n with_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o occasional_a but_o of_o fix_a communion_n because_o though_o i_o communicate_v but_o once_o and_o that_o occasional_o yet_o i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o occasional_a but_o a_o fix_a relation_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o communicate_v with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o communion_n without_o own_v their_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretend_a act_n of_o occasional_a commmunion_n and_o so_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christin_n to_o do_v if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o these_o divide_a party_n as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o many_o separate_a church_n be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a body_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v further_o from_o consider_v the_o two_o follow_a case_n case_n 2._o 2._o the_o second_o case_n be_v this_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v absurd_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o this_o distinction_n nor_o for_o this_o question_n every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o and_o for_o man_n to_o talk_v of_o be_v member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n in_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o member_n be_v a_o schismatical_a notion_n of_o church-membership_n because_o it_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n into_o distinct_a membership_n and_o therefore_o into_o distinct_a body_n which_o make_v the_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o one_o but_o many_o body_n for_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n which_o be_v member_n only_o of_o that_o particular_a