doctrine_n and_o holy_a example_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o withal_o press_v they_o to_o unity_n and_o warn_v they_o against_o their_o division_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o error_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o scripture_n quote_v from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o scripture_n who_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o controversy_n without_o mistake_n do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n sake_n permit_v person_n hold_v and_o maintain_v many_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o own_o they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n while_o they_o manifest_v visible_a sanctity_n in_o the_o main_a and_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v not_o receive_v those_o error_n by_o tradition_n and_o education_n from_o christian_a ancestor_n or_o teacher_n then_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o they_o all_o god_n people_n now_o be_v themselves_o fallible_a in_o judgement_n and_o exceed_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n even_o the_o able_a and_o gracious_a of_o they_o and_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v but_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n of_o gospel_n light_n and_o knowledge_n out_o of_o a_o long_a dark_a night_n of_o antichristian_a error_n and_o pollution_n through_o which_o many_o of_o themselves_o not_o long_o since_o be_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o several_a gospel_n truth_n in_o which_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n have_v since_o more_o full_o inform_v they_o to_o walk_v towards_o one_o another_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o rule_n of_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.2_o and_o thereby_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n verse_n 3_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v so_o walk_v in_o like_a case_n when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n therefore_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v now_o object_n 2._o then_o you_o be_v for_o the_o permit_v of_o all_o error_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o must_v not_o separate_v from_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n what_o shall_v we_o separate_v from_o answ_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a discrimination_n by_o name_n of_o all_o error_n or_o to_o determine_v the_o degree_n of_o any_o particular_a error_n that_o shall_v render_v the_o erroneous_a person_n incommunicable_a be_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n for_o i_o to_o undertake_v i_o shall_v only_o propose_v some_o general_a rule_n and_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o countenance_n and_o shall_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o judicious_a christian_n first_o that_o church_n and_o believer_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o deny_v communion_n with_o all_o such_o who_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o second_o from_o such_o who_o though_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n by_o hold_v regeneration_n and_o visible_a grace_n to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o visible_a member_n of_o gospel_n church_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a in_o judgement_n that_o their_o error_n be_v first_o contrary_a to_o godliness_n or_o second_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n or_o three_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n doctrine_n of_o salvation_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o for_o the_o first_o by_o person_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o who_o though_o profess_v of_o and_o practise_v the_o true_a external_a act_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o they_o may_v be_v general_o profess_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o sound_a christian_n yet_o in_o their_o declare_a principle_n and_o conversation_n disow_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o express_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o jo_n 3.3_o with_o all_o other_o visible_a sign_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n as_o hebr._n 6.1_o to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o gospel-fellowship_n which_o may_v be_v discern_v either_o by_o their_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3.4_o or_o otherwise_o by_o their_o apparent_a enmity_n to_o or_o scorn_v of_o gracious_a qualification_n in_o other_o by_o deride_v the_o godly_a as_o holy_a brethren_n and_o sister_n or_o by_o the_o scorn_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n now_o such_o though_o they_o may_v profess_v the_o form_n do_v visible_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n from_o who_o we_o have_v a_o express_a rule_n to_o withdraw_v 2_o tim._n 3.5_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o from_o such_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n press_v the_o corinthian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o â—â—aked_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o commmunion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concerd_a have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o infidel_n and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2._o second_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o be_v from_o person_n hold_v opinion_n or_o live_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o opinion_n as_o tend_v to_o a_o deny_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o life_n in_o his_o reveal_v communicable_a quality_n manifest_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n heb._n 1.3_o and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n concern_v which_o paul_n to_o timothy_n give_v a_o express_a command_n 1_o tim_n 6.3_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o withdraw_v thyself_o and_o further_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o 1_o verse_n but_o thou_o oh_o man_n of_o god_n fly_v these_o thing_n and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o titus_n make_v this_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n titus_n 1.1_o paul_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o in_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o verse_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o by_o well_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o those_o three_o short_a epistle_n you_o may_v plain_o observe_v what_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v by_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n in_o all_o person_n of_o what_o state_n of_o condition_n soever_o as_o in_o people_n towards_o magistrate_n 1_o tim_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o titus_n 3.1_o in_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n chap._n 3._o chap._n 4.6.12_o vers_fw-la 2_o tim._n 2.15.24_o chap._n 4.2_o titus_n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o in_o private_a christian_n towards_o their_o minister_n chap._n 5.1_o 17_o 18_o 19_o in_o servant_n towards_o master_n chap._n 6.1_o 2._o titus_n 2.9.10_o in_o rich_a towards_o the_o poor_a chapter_n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n in_o age_a man_n titus_n 2_o 2._o in_o age_a woman_n titus_n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o young_a woman_n titus_n 2.4_o 5._o in_o young_a man_n vers_fw-la 6._o teach_v we_o by_o all_o those_o scripture_n with_o all_o other_o of_o like_a tendency_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o be_v opinion_n to_o be_v esteem_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n when_o they_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n and_o to_o slight_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o and_o fill_v the_o head_n and_o mind_n of_o christian_n with_o loose_a
they_o shall_v proceed_v against_o we_o and_o withdraw_v from_o we_o upon_o this_o account_n answ_n have_v as_o before_o walk_v with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o unblamableness_n towards_o they_o let_v not_o that_o offend_v you_o that_o be_v their_o sin_n so_o to_o abuse_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o you_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o punishment_n keep_v many_o a_o believe_a jew_n from_o public_o own_v the_o gospel_n john_n 12.42_o nevertheless_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n also_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n dare_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o john_n 9.22_o acts._n 22.19_o object_n but_o will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o foment_n and_o increase_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o where_o congregation_n do_v consist_v of_o person_n so_o different-minded_n each_o enjoy_n a_o equal_a liberty_n of_o profess_v and_o practise_v their_o different_a persuasion_n this_o must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o a_o frequent_a beget_n dispute_v and_o controversy_n among_o they_o whereby_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v be_v endanger_v answ_n without_o doubt_v the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o fellowship_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o the_o mercy_n of_o unity_n of_o understanding_n will_v remove_v but_o put_v they_o all_o in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o forementioned_a evil_n which_o their_o divide_n and_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o as_o at_o present_a be_v attend_v with_o and_o then_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o great_a for_o where_o a_o necessity_n of_o evil_n be_v upon_o we_o one_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admit_v the_o least_o that_o which_o least_o dishonour_v god_n and_o tend_v least_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o sure_o i_o need_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n attend_v each_o of_o these_o case_n in_o competition_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o great_a but_o when_o you_o find_v such_o error_n or_o erroneous_a person_n single_v out_o the_o admit_v of_o who_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o equal_a evil_n either_o as_o to_o god_n dishonour_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o his_o church_n that_o our_o present_a division_n be_v attend_v with_o then_o and_o not_o else_o i_o judge_v you_o ought_v to_o assent_v thereto_o but_o if_o once_o union_n of_o saint_n have_v that_o weight_n upon_o our_o heart_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v i_o do_v not_o judge_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n can_v be_v so_o inconsistent_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o edification_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a liberty_n to_o all_o controversal_a point_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o withal_o must_v provide_v a_o equal_a rule_n to_o limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o extreme_n of_o unseasonable_a unsober_a and_o troublesome_a promotion_n of_o they_o or_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o each_o hand_n so_o that_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfortable_a walk_v of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o main_a duty_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a agreement_n may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o james_n do_v not_o say_v where_o difference_n of_o understanding_n be_v but_z where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n &_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o therefore_o do_v but_o make_v a_o equal_a provision_n against_o carnal_a contention_n and_o disorderly_a promotion_n of_o controvert_v point_n and_o then_o the_o hold_v they_o or_o sober_a preach_n and_o practise_v of_o they_o can_v not_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o union_n in_o the_o same_o church_n object_n but_o will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o prejudice_n and_o block_n up_o the_o way_n of_o some_o despise_v controvert_v truth_n which_o much_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v receive_v and_o the_o generality_n be_v very_o much_o prejudice_v against_o and_o this_o way_n will_v subject_v the_o saint_n profess_v they_o to_o the_o unite_a church_n power_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v they_o and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o they_o under_o great_a discouragement_n and_o contempt_n answ_n whatsoever_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o in_o order_n to_o the_o promote_a controvert_v despise_a truth_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o promote_v they_o howsoever_o to_o our_o reason_n it_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o we_o lie_v our_o hand_n to_o any_o part_n of_o god_n work_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o path_n and_o though_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o understanding_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o produce_v one_o instance_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o justify_v separation_n thereupon_o before_o you_o plead_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o this_o union_n will_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v at_o present_a under_o reproach_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n for_o nothing_o more_o tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o oppose_a despise_a truth_n then_o the_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v bring_v upon_o it_o by_o weak_a self-conceited_a stickler_n for_o it_o who_o unseasonable_a and_o unsober_a contend_v for_o it_o do_v so_o much_o offend_v and_o stumble_v the_o contrary_n mind_v that_o they_o take_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o promoter_n sake_n whereas_o be_v saint_n unite_v in_o church_n order_n there_o may_v be_v special_a time_n and_o place_n appoint_v for_o the_o most_o able_a and_o sober_a of_o each_o different_a persuasion_n to_o hold_v forth_o their_o ground_n for_o their_o judgement_n either_o doctrinal_o by_o way_n of_o preach_v or_o otherwise_o by_o a_o sober_a and_o christian_a conference_n betwixt_o such_o as_o the_o brethren_n of_o each_o different_a persuasion_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o where_o all_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o make_v their_o sober_a objection_n against_o what_o shall_v be_v deliver_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o with_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o church_n which_o will_v also_o exceed_o tend_v to_o remove_v those_o discouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o despise_a truth_n and_o those_o encouragement_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o be_v give_v by_o our_o division_n to_o several_a applaud_v error_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o person_n make_v he_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o esteem_v nor_o advantage_v christian_n will_v then_o receive_v or_o reject_v controvert_v point_n single_o to_o answer_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n make_v know_v to_o they_o whereby_o doubtless_o truth_n will_v much_o prevail_v against_o error_n for_o a_o sincere_a sober_a conscience_n no_o way_n bias_v seldom_o miscarry_v in_o its_o judgement_n and_o so_o in_o our_o present_a divide_a confuse_a state_n several_a controvert_v truth_n may_v suffer_v much_o prejudice_n by_o the_o many_o error_n they_o be_v accompany_v with_o in_o the_o professor_n of_o they_o and_o ofttimes_o so_o inter-woven_a and_o entangle_v in_o their_o practice_n that_o such_o as_o may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v discourage_v and_o keep_v off_o thereby_o whereas_o this_o union_n upon_o gospel_n principle_n remove_v all_o that_o and_o leave_v every_o truth_n single_a and_o pure_a without_o any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n thou_o may_v then_o take_v up_o such_o a_o trample_a on_o pearl_n though_o it_o be_v find_v among_o swine_n and_o add_v it_o to_o the_o bracelet_n of_o thy_o former_a grace_n or_o duty_n without_o wallow_v with_o they_o in_o the_o mire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o or_o perform_v it_o object_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o we_o judge_v godly_a both_o minister_n and_o private_a christian_n that_o will_v be_v opposite_a to_o we_o in_o this_o work_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o carnal_a multitude_n and_o visible_a unbeliever_n they_o admit_v a_o bare_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o some_o other_o additional_a qualification_n not_o evidence_v conversion_n nor_o visible_a grace_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-membership_a etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v we_o walk_v towards_o they_o answ_n
minister_n p._n 140_o errata_fw-la page_n 7_o l._n 1._o r_o john_n 17.3_o p._n 17._o l._n 8._o r._n which_o p._n 26._o l._n 24._o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 44._o l._n 12._o for_o care_n r._n core_n p._n 60._o l._n 19_o r._n unseasonable_a p._n 66._o l._n 21._o r._n quote_v p._n 32._o 33._o 34._o p._n 72._o last_o line_n for_o peace_n r._n place_n p._n 85._o l._n 16._o r._n p._n 68_o p._n 98._o l._n 8._o r._n afliction_n p._n 101._o l._n 10._o for_o time_n r._n kind_n p._n 104._o l._n 11._o r._n as_o it_o be_v p._n 116._o l._n 11._o r._n p._n 30._o 31._o 32._o 33._o 34._o 35_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o for_o which_o r._n such_o gospel-separation_n separate_v from_o its_o abuse_n wherein_o be_v assert_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o moral_a philosophy_n that_o virtue_n be_v usua_o find_v in_o medium_n and_o vice_n in_o extreme_n so_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o divine_a truth_n be_v find_v in_o medium_n &_o error_n in_o extreme_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wind_n nor_o in_o the_o earthquake_n nor_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n 1_o king_n 19.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o straightway_o psal_n 5.8_o isai_n 40.3_o 4._o and_o 42_o 1â—_n matth._n 3.3_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o crooked_a way_n of_o error_n psal_n 125.5_o prov._n 2.15_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o strait-path_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o left_a deut._n 5.32_o josh_n â—_o 7_o 2_o king_n 22.2_o prov._n 4_o 27._o jsai_n 30.21_o all_o which_o scripture_n evidence_n to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n of_o both_o hand_n which_o many_o christian_n not_o due_o consider_v have_v run_v into_o sad_a extreme_n like_o those_o people_n amos_n mention_n that_o flee_v from_o a_o lion_n and_o a_o bear_n have_v meet_v they_o amos_n 5.19_o and_o as_o this_o sad_a evil_n of_o extremity_n have_v have_v its_o influence_n over_o most_o controversal_a point_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o rigid_a stickler_n for_o they_o so_o in_o especial_a manner_n have_v it_o produce_v sad_a effect_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n wherein_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n several_a profess_v christ_n not_o due_o weigh_v the_o bound_n the_o lord_n have_v set_v in_o distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n too_o wide_o so_o many_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o separate_v the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n do_v shut_v the_o door_n too_o close_o and_o reject_v those_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o keep_v such_o sheep_n out_o of_o christ_n fold_n as_o have_v his_o own_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o just_a even_o they_o both_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n pro._n 17_o 15._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v out_o in_o this_o weighty_a case_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o church-separation_n from_o the_o world_n &_o shall_v therein_o occasional_o discuss_v the_o several_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o extreme_n of_o either_o hand_n be_v stumble_v in_o that_o betwixt_o both_o the_o straight_a and_o narrow_a yet_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a path_n of_o purity_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o truth_n i_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v as_o well_o discern_v as_o the_o error_n plead_v against_o i_o shall_v state_n these_o two_o general_a position_n first_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n wherein_o god_n have_v have_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n a_o duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o such_o his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o separate_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n for_o proof_n read_v exod._n 19.6_o compare_v with_o 1_o king_n 8.53_o so_o ezra_n 10.11_o and_o 6.21_o exod._n 23.16_o leu._n 20.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o so_o neh._n 9_o 2._o and_o 13.3_o rom._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o equal_a duty_n from_o his_o church_n and_o people_n so_o separate_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o deut._n 5.1.3_o and_o 18.6_o and_o 1_o king_n 8.55.62_o 1_o chron._n 13.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 28.21_o and_o 2_o chron._n 30.1_o and_o 35.3_o ezra_n 10.5_o psal_n 31.23_o 24._o in_o which_o scripture_n consider_v the_o word_n all_z israel_n and_o alice_n saint_n and_o so_o eph._n 4._o to_o the_o 14._o cant._n 6.9_o psal_n 133._o hosea_n 10_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.3_o and_o 11.18_o but_o these_o two_o position_n thus_o general_o state_v i_o judge_v will_v be_v agree_v unto_o by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o scripture_n quote_v and_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o the_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o first_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o note_n if_o the_o first_o position_n be_v true_a than_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o separation_n be_v rather_o about_o the_o manner_n or_o extent_n then_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o separate_a people_n from_o the_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o deny_v therefore_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o a_o right_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n wherein_o some_o will_v have_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n call_v the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a catholic_a church_n and_o only_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n pagan_n &c._n &c._n to_o be_v the_o world_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o most_o vehement_a against_o separation_n among_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o extent_n if_o they_o shall_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o those_o brand_n of_o separatist_n and_o schismatic_n cast_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o papist_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o then_o assent_v that_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v lawful_a from_o a_o people_n make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o say_v other_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o conversation_n thereto_o there_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o the_o term_n of_o this_o qualification_n will_v admit_v of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o their_o explanation_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n as_o before_o for_o first_o some_o will_v interpret_v that_o term_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o bare_a ability_n through_o education_n to_o answer_v to_o question_n give_v they_o in_o a_o catechism_n which_o a_o child_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v usual_o more_o capable_a of_o and_o expert_a in_o than_o person_n of_o grow_v year_n which_o if_o that_o be_v admit_v than_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n heb._n 6.1_o with_o all_o other_o gospel_n qualification_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n may_v be_v spare_v as_o to_o church_n fellowship_n on_o earth_n but_o as_o various_a as_o man_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o several_a point_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n in_o controversy_n so_o various_a be_v their_o explanation_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n each_o make_v those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o in_o and_o separate_v upon_o part_n of_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o church-member_n the_o discuss_n of_o all_o which_o will_v take_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o then_o for_o the_o other_o term_n of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o as_o
abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n know_v you_o therefore_o that_o they_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n the_o same_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_v with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o rom._n 4.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o divers_a other_o place_n now_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o everlasting_a infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n and_o character_n of_o his_o true_a child_n on_o earth_n be_v that_o these_o antitype_n of_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n and_o circumcision_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o type_n themselves_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o you_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o chief_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o epistle_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o what_o they_o former_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v now_o make_v out_o to_o believer_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n plead_v with_o they_o that_o now_o all_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v break_v down_o eph._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o show_v that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n ga._n 5.6_o and_o so_o peter_n act._n 10.34_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a epistle_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v fellow-heir_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o eph._n 3.6_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o prove_v it_o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n rom._n 4.15_o 16_o 17._o &_o rom._n 9.7_o 8._o gal._n 3.16_o 29._o and_o therefore_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v rom._n 8.17_o gal._n 3.29_o eph._n 3.6_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o uncircumcised_a but_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n rom._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o rom._n 4.9_o 10._o &_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o phil._n 3.3_o col._n 2.11_o from_o all_o which_o scripture_n and_o abundance_n more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v of_o like_a tendency_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o god_n people_n and_o church_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n continue_v the_o same_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o true_a unalterable_a and_o infallible_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n and_o mark_v of_o god_n child_n the_o swerve_v from_o which_o have_v lead_v into_o all_o those_o confusion_n and_o division_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o god_n church_n most_o particular_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n lay_v waste_n those_o old_a church_n bound_n and_o clip_v off_o god_n ancient_a sheep_n mark_n will_v confine_v the_o place_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o own_o none_o to_o be_v his_o pasture_n sheep_n but_o such_o as_o will_v receive_v their_o by_o mark_n against_o who_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o take_v up_o that_o complaint_n laban_n son_n make_v against_o jacob_n gen._n 31.1_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o that_o be_v our_o father_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o father_n have_v he_o get_v all_o this_o glory_n some_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n whole_o break_v down_o this_o hedge_n about_o god_n vineyard_n they_o will_v not_o somuch_a as_o admit_v of_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n of_o heart_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a type_n of_o circumcision_n and_o abraham_n seed_n as_o before_o to_o be_v the_o visible_a bind_v of_o god_n visible_a church_n and_o mark_v of_o visible_a saint_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v as_o we_o mind_v before_o will_v add_v some_o further_a uncertain_a disputable_a qualification_n of_o knowledge_n and_o suitable_a conversation_n but_o doubtless_o this_o unsound_a principle_n have_v antichrist_n set_v himself_o upon_o his_o throne_n by_o and_o lay_v waste_v the_o mountain_n of_o god_n by_o and_o tread_v under_o his_o foot_n the_o holy_a city_n by_o this_o have_v let_v in_o the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o wild_a beast_n out_o of_o the_o field_n to_o devour_v that_o it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o church_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o this_o principle_n with_o the_o prophet_n isay_n 64.10_o zion_n be_v a_o wilderness_n jerusalem_n a_o desolation_n and_o to_o plead_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n why_o have_v thou_o break_v down_o her_o hedge_n so_o that_o all_o they_o which_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n do_v pluck_v she_o the_o boar_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v waste_v it_o and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n do_v devour_v it_o psal_n 80.12.13_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o antichrist_n if_o you_o do_v but_o observe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n decline_v state_n make_v his_o way_n into_o god_n church_n and_o usher_v all_o his_o train_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a doctrine_n by_o lay_v waste_n the_o church_n true_a fence_n and_o bound_n and_o by_o lay_v the_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o into_o a_o open_a field_n in_o which_o every_o unclean_a beast_n may_v make_v his_o den_n and_o pass_v through_o psal_n 80.12_o 13._o and_o as_o these_o ancient_a bound_n of_o god_n church_n be_v again_o discover_v and_o make_v up_o that_o our_o spiritual_a watchman_n may_v keep_v their_o guard_n upon_o the_o tower_n of_o these_o holy_a wall_n so_o shall_v the_o church_n purity_n and_o unity_n be_v recover_v but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o other_o christian_n that_o admit_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v a_o distinction_n nay_o the_o chief_a and_o main_a distinction_n betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o the_o world_n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v it_o to_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n but_o will_v add_v some_o other_o private_a mark_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n some_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o different_a understanding_n in_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n must_v be_v as_o a_o post_n of_o their_o own_o set_v up_o by_o god_n post_n as_o in_o ezek._n 43.8_o in_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o church_n now_o though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a as_o the_o former_a in_o regard_n it_o preserve_v holiness_n and_o visible_a grace_n as_o the_o main_a rule_n or_o bind_v yet_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o error_n be_v very_o sad_a for_o this_o be_v the_o apparent_a inlet_n of_o all_o those_o division_n and_o carnal_a contention_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o continue_v and_o increase_v the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v more_o at_o large_a prove_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o jerusalem_n must_v not_o only_o be_v as_o a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o holy_a city_n isa_n 52.1_o isa_n 1.26_o but_o as_o a_o city_n compact_v psal_n 122.3_o a_o city_n with_o wall_n psal_n 51.18_o lam._n 2.8_o 18._o cant._n 5.7_o now_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v both_o these_o extreme_n be_v to_o observe_v the_o bound_n and_o mark_n that_o god_n have_v set_v about_o his_o church_n to_o walk_v about_o zion_n and_o go_v round_o about_o she_o and_o tell_v the_o tower_n thereof_o mark_v you_o well_o her_o bulwark_n and_o consider_v her_o palace_n that_o you_o may_v tell_v it_o the_o generation_n follow_v the_o right_a observation_n and_o preserve_n of_o which_o will_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v comely_a as_o jerusalem_n cant._n 6.4_o god_n will_v then_o be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n psal_n 48.3_o we_o shall_v then_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o but_o for_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a
out_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n and_o partly_o to_o prepare_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o necessary_a and_o sad_a consequence_n that_o may_v attend_v they_o which_o duty_n the_o division_n of_o our_o day_n among_o god_n people_n loud_o call_v for_o which_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n unto_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o little_a digression_n which_o be_v to_o entreat_v all_o who_o desire_n in_o sincerity_n to_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o heart-searching_a in_o order_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n and_o avoid_v the_o cosequence_n of_o the_o sad_a division_n among_o we_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a direction_n 1._o search_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n thorough_o for_o this_o curse_a spirit_n of_o division_n may_v have_v hide_v itself_o under_o such_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o good_a that_o whilst_o thou_o seek_v for_o it_o among_o thy_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n it_o may_v be_v close_o hide_v in_o several_a of_o thy_o best_a duty_n and_o religious_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v he_o not_o among_o thy_o temptation_n of_o pride_n of_o mind_n self_n conceit_n affect_v singularity_n a_o desire_n to_o seem_v some_o body_n among_o those_o with_o who_o thou_o walk_v a_o love_a pre-eminence_n over_o thy_o brethren_n or_o in_o a_o froward_a rash_a uncharitable_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o search_v thy_o heart_n thorough_o and_o find_v he_o not_o dwell_v there_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n or_o corruption_n then_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a heart_n search_v as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o religious_a duty_n for_o this_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n know_v how_o to_o transform_v itself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o eminent_a knowledge_n and_o have_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o some_o special_a truth_n that_o many_o other_o of_o god_n people_n be_v dark_a in_o then_o search_v whether_o thy_o knowledge_n have_v not_o puff_v thou_o up_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 4.18.19_o 4_o chap._n verse_n 8._o col._n 2.8_o and_o beget_v in_o thou_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o thy_o own_o thing_n phil._n 2.4_o and_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2.3_o whether_o thy_o gift_n grace_n and_o religious_a endowment_n have_v not_o be_v more_o employ_v by_o thou_o in_o promote_a and_o propagate_a of_o disputable_a point_n and_o doubtful_a question_n rom._n 14.1_o tend_v rather_o to_o strife_n about_o word_n 1_o tim._n 6.4_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.23_o and_o vain_a janglin_n 1_o tim._n 1.7_o then_o to_o godly_a edify_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o whether_o by_o thy_o knowledge_n thou_o have_v not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o thy_o weak_a brother_n way_n rom._n 14.13_o by_o press_v upon_o he_o more_o remote_a duty_n while_o the_o immediate_a duty_n of_o his_o present_a state_n in_o grace_n have_v be_v neglect_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o can_v not_o say_v they_o then_o because_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o bear_v they_o john_n 16.12_o and_o to_o that_o of_o paul_n who_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o spiritual_a but_o unto_o carnal_a even_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o and_o therefore_o feed_v they_o with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n verse_n 2._o i_o say_v search_n and_o examine_v whether_o thy_o knowledge_n have_v not_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n in_o some_o such_o or_o the_o like_a fail_n which_o have_v so_o visible_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a the_o dissension_n and_o division_n among_o god_n people_n but_o second_o be_v thou_o one_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n for_o god_n his_o way_n and_o truth_n that_o thou_o think_v thou_o can_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o psal_n 69.9_o then_o search_n and_o try_v thy_o zeal_n for_o fear_v this_o spirit_n of_o division_n have_v not_o hide_v itself_o there_o the_o jew_n misguide_a zeal_n mention_v act_n 21.20_o provoke_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o against_o paul_n verse_n 28._o man_n of_o israel_n help_v this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o teach_v all_o man_n everywhere_o against_o the_o people_n and_o the_o law_n and_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v paul_n misguided_a zeal_n before_o conversion_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n gal._n 1.14_o that_o provoke_v he_o beyond_o measure_n to_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o verse_n 13._o and_o so_o phil._n 3.6_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v zealous_a be_v sure_a it_o be_v in_o a_o good_a thing_n gal._n 4_o 18._o it_o be_v dangerous_a being_n exceed_o zealous_a for_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n disputable_a and_o much_o controvert_v betwixt_o both_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n lest_o while_o like_o those_o pharisee_n luke_n 11.42_o thou_o be_v zealous_a in_o tything_n mint_n and_o rue_v and_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o as_o holy_a zeal_n right_o manage_v be_v the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n among_o christian_n so_o misguided_a be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o in_o thy_o search_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o division_n among_o saint_n go_v on_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o search_v and_o try_v every_o grace_n and_o gift_n in_o thou_o lest_o thou_o misse_v of_o thy_o care_n in_o search_v the_o wound_n now_o for_o the_o sad_a effect_n and_o evil_a consequence_n flow_v from_o division_n among_o christian_n i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v unmentionable_a for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o name_v a_o evil_a that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o this_o commonwealth_n groan_v under_o that_o our_o division_n have_v not_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o if_o not_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o be_v there_o cause_n to_o complain_v the_o much_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_a reformation_n have_v be_v obstruct_v and_o retard_v why_o consider_v whether_o division_n hinder_v it_o not_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a can_v but_o agree_v on_o good_a thing_n to_o have_v propose_v they_o or_o joint_o desire_v they_o we_o have_v not_o want_v a_o authority_n to_o have_v grant_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o the_o several_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v every_o one_o a_o reformation_n to_o promote_v wherein_o a_o equal_a provision_n of_o liberty_n and_o encouragement_n for_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a have_v be_v decline_v and_o the_o extreme_n of_o each_o of_o their_o different_a persuasion_n insist_v on_o like_o the_o cruel_a harlot_n solomon_n give_v judgement_n against_o they_o have_v rather_o choose_v half_a a_o dead_a child_n than_o their_o opposite_n shall_v enjoy_v a_o live_a one_o 2._o be_v there_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o spread_a of_o error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n why_o division_n open_v the_o door_n for_o they_o for_o every_o one_o make_v their_o particular_a opinion_n a_o particular_a different_a religion_n and_o separate_v thereupon_o have_v give_v a_o kind_n of_o reputation_n to_o â—â—â—aration_n though_o it_o be_v from_o the_o most_o pure_a church_n and_o holy_a people_n so_o that_o if_o any_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o suck_v in_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o observe_v they_o will_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o then_o walk_v why_o it_o be_v but_o separate_v and_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o and_o they_o have_v field-room_n enough_o to_o sow_v their_o tare_n in_o whereas_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n unite_v together_o within_o the_o bound_n before_o mention_v and_o exercise_v that_o discipline_n god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n it_o will_v bear_v a_o authority_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o tit._n 2.8_o the_o offend_a person_n will_v be_v ashamed_a which_o now_o it_o do_v not_o for_o now_o the_o personmarked_a rom._n 16.17_o or_o withdraw_v from_o with_o all_o other_o observe_v he_o not_o of_o the_o same_o way_n or_o fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o past_o the_o censure_n do_v but_o look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o censure_n pass_v by_o a_o few_o christian_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o heed_v it_o not_o that_o i_o may_v say_v the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o disease_a and_o infect_v of_o his_o people_n be_v become_v contemptible_a which_o nothing_o but_o the_o union_n of_o his_o church_n that_o the_o censure_n of_o one_o congregation_n may_v be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v remedy_v and_o then_o if_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o gospel_n jerusalem_n
separate_n from_o the_o saint_n differ_v mind_v and_o dissimulation_n rather_o than_o his_o error_n chap._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o that_o make_v paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n verse_n 11._o but_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n most_o other_o fundamental_a error_n be_v include_v under_o the_o three_o head_n forego_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v any_o further_a upon_o this_o difficult_a work_n of_o distinguish_a fundamental_o but_o conclude_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n with_o this_o one_o argument_n that_o if_o those_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o scripture_n mention_v as_o dangerous_a and_o unsufferable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v only_o exhort_v to_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v from_o be_v all_o either_o of_o a_o scandalous_a profane_a nature_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o contrary_a to_o a_o godly_a life_n inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n or_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o save_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n then_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v at_o this_o day_n ought_v only_o to_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v from_o such_o but_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n the_o scripture_n mention_n as_o dangerous_a and_o insufferable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v exhort_v to_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v from_o be_v only_o such_o ergo_fw-la the_o church_n and_o saint_n at_o this_o day_n ought_v only_o to_o reject_v &_o withdraw_v from_o such_o object_n but_o there_o be_v several_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o note_v person_n for_o offence_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o these_o general_a rule_n propose_v by_o you_o as_o for_o disorderly_a walk_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o now_o we_o command_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a etc._n etc._n and_o and_z so_o for_o disobedience_n verse_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o the_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n etc._n etc._n answ_n i_o do_v admit_v all_o offence_n and_o disorder_n come_v within_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n censure_n to_o be_v incommunicable_a after_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v past_a so_o far_o as_o such_o censure_n extend_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o consequent_o person_n live_v in_o such_o disorder_n and_o not_o manifest_v repentance_n and_o resolution_n to_o reform_v aught_o to_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o fellowship_n if_o they_o shall_v tender_v themselves_o and_o none_o other_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v sufficient_a to_o unqualifie_v a_o person_n for_o a_o church_n state_n before_o admission_n will_v also_o be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v he_o out_o or_o withdraw_v from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o but_o the_o case_n quote_v with_o all_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n i_o judge_v come_v clear_o within_o the_o second_o rule_v lay_v down_o of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n for_o if_o you_o observe_v these_o two_o verse_n quote_v with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v betwixt_o they_o by_o way_n of_o explanation_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o search_v further_o for_o his_o meaning_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o one_o intend_v both_o the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o error_n of_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n but_o error_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o ver_fw-la 11._o for_o we_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o which_o walk_v among_o you_o disorderly_o work_v not_o at_o all_o but_o be_v busy_a body_n now_o such_o we_o command_v and_o exhort_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o with_o quietness_n they_o work_v and_o eat_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v there_o be_v some_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v idle_o dispose_v live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o busy_v themselves_o about_o matter_n they_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o tend_v not_o only_a to_o the_o burden_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thes_n 2.9_o 2_o thes_n 3.8_o but_o to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o disquiet_n of_o it_o 1_o thes_n 4.11_o and_o also_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o verse_n 12._o which_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v only_o mean_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o like_a disorder_n he_o further_o complain_v 1_o tim._n 5.13_o and_o they_o withal_o learn_v to_o be_v idle_a wander_v about_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o not_o only_o idle_a but_o tatler_n also_o and_o busybody_n speak_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v concern_v any_o person_n who_o be_v of_o holy_a blameless_a conversation_n for_o their_o error_n in_o judgement_n not_o within_o the_o former_a rule_n propose_v object_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o order_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o which_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o observe_v aught_o to_o be_v exclude_v and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o disorderly_a person_n answ_n yes_o there_o be_v a_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v which_o such_o as_o refuse_v may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o as_o disorderly_a person_n yet_o all_o disorder_n do_v not_o arise_v to_o that_o height_n of_o offence_n as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o censure_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v disorderly_o walk_v among_o christian_n chief_o to_o consist_v of_o offence_n against_o one_o of_o these_o two_o rule_n first_o either_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel_n conversation_n or_o second_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o gospel_n visible_a worship_n against_o the_o first_o of_o these_o rule_n do_v all_o those_o offend_v which_o we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n write_v against_o and_o those_o idle_a busybody_n mention_v by_o paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o as_o in_o the_o former_a objection_n of_o such_o peter_n prophesy_v 2_o pet._n 2.2_o by_o reason_n of_o who_o pernicious_a way_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o so_o paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chapter_n 3.18_o for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n now_o these_o sort_n of_o disorderly_a person_n i_o hope_v all_o that_o be_v gracious_a will_v agree_v to_o disown_n but_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o second_o head_n of_o disorder_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n visible_a worship_n the_o controversy_n about_o which_o have_v produce_v more_o rent_n and_o division_n among_o god_n people_n than_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o inward_a qualification_n of_o grace_n have_v do_v for_o such_o as_o never_o be_v able_a to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n verse_n 3._o nor_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n col._n 1.26_o such_o as_o never_o have_v acquaintance_n with_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n have_v be_v very_o able_a to_o plead_v for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o from_o rational_a conclusion_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o they_o have_v fill_v their_o head_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v that_o not_o only_o carnal_a christian_n but_o even_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v capable_a of_o discover_v and_o observe_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n for_o what_o man_n be_v rational_o capable_a to_o oppose_v they_o be_v rational_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o and_o observe_v but_o atheist_n jew_n and_o turk_n etc._n etc._n be_v rational_o capable_a to_o oppose_v therefore_o rational_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o and_o observe_v the_o visible_a write_a rule_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o visible_a rule_n and_o true_a form_n of_o god_n worship_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v high_o value_v by_o all_o sincere_a christian_n and_o by_o they_o all_o faithful_o observe_v yet_o when_o through_o the_o general_a apostasy_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o the_o corrupt_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n the_o visible_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n become_v corrupt_v and_o from_o thence_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n betwixt_o person_n equal_o aim_v at_o purity_n in_o it_o there_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v much_o of_o tenderness_n and_o caution_n in_o such_o about_o their_o strive_v for_o the_o right_a form_n lest_o thereby_o they_o stifle_v and_o destroy_v the_o true_a power_n which_o be_v the_o end_n
of_o they_o that_o afflict_v thou_o shall_v come_v bend_v to_o thou_o and_o all_o they_o that_o despise_v thou_o shall_v bow_v themselves_o down_o at_o the_o sole_n of_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v call_v thou_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o zion_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n verse_n 14._o that_o whereas_o in_o thy_o divide_a disunited_a state_n thou_o have_v be_v forsake_v and_o haâ—ed_v so_o that_o no_o man_n go_v through_o thou_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o eternal_a excellency_n a_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n verse_n 15._o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o unity_n 5._o the_o renew_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v abundant_o tend_v to_o renew_v its_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o ransom_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v then_o return_v and_o come_v to_o zion_n with_o song_n and_o everlasting_a joy_n upon_o their_o head_n they_o shall_v obtain_v joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v flee_v away_o isa_n 35.10_o compare_v with_o the_o 8._o and_o 9_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n unity_n so_o psal_n 48.1_o let_v mount_n zion_n rejoice_v let_v the_o daughter_n of_o judah_n be_v glad_a etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o the_o 12._o and_o 13._o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o unity_n if_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v such_o great_a search_n of_o heart_n sure_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o must_v flow_v in_o great_a comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o say_v david_n who_o have_v great_a experience_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o division_n among_o god_n people_n the_o sense_n he_o have_v thereof_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 133._o how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n upon_o the_o head_n that_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n even_o aaron_n beard_n that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n and_o as_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n etc._n etc._n he_o can_v not_o think_v of_o thing_n excellent_a enough_o to_o compare_v the_o sweetness_n and_o comfortableness_n of_o union_n unto_o i_o may_v further_o proceed_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a prosperity_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n both_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o reader_n enlargement_n and_o close_o up_o this_o head_n with_o this_o follow_a argument_n that_o that_o mercy_n which_o will_v prepare_v the_o way_n for_o and_o bring_v in_o with_o it_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o precious_a mercy_n must_v needs_o be_v itself_o a_o glorious_a mercy_n and_o of_o all_o other_o mercy_n inferior_a to_o it_o to_o be_v labour_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o but_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o saint_n union_n as_o before_o therefore_o it_o ought_v of_o all_o mercy_n inferior_a to_o it_o to_o be_v pray_v and_o labour_v for_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_v of_o such_o objection_n as_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o or_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v make_v against_o the_o several_a foremention_v head_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o they_o which_o i_o have_v defer_v for_o this_o place_n rather_o than_o to_o annex_v they_o to_o the_o head_n or_o argument_n they_o may_v most_o proper_o oppose_v in_o regard_n several_a of_o they_o be_v so_o general_a that_o they_o will_v include_v the_o several_a particular_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o each_o part_n thereby_o avoid_v prolixity_n now_o the_o person_n from_o who_o the_o ensue_a objection_n may_v be_v expect_v must_v be_v either_o from_o such_o as_o do_v err_v in_o the_o extreme_a against_o my_o first_o proposition_n in_o not_o approve_v of_o a_o separation_n betwixt_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n or_o visible_o gracious_a and_o visible_o ungracious_a person_n or_o otherwise_o from_o such_o as_o do_v err_v in_o the_o extreme_a against_o my_o second_o general_a position_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o religious_a worship_n and_o service_n without_o separate_a or_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o which_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v include_v the_o contrary-minded_n to_o this_o truth_n in_o both_o extreme_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o avoid_v all_o name_n of_o distinction_n that_o may_v be_v offensive_a earnest_o wish_v that_o those_o nickname_n of_o division_n among_o saint_n may_v be_v like_o those_o name_n of_o baalim_n hos_fw-la 2.17_o take_v out_o of_o our_o mouth_n that_o the_o old_a good_a name_n of_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n or_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a may_v be_v again_o revive_v i_o shall_v state_n the_o objection_n in_o a_o general_a way_n leave_v the_o reader_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o be_v his_o own_o and_o consider_v the_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o to_o himself_o according_o for_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v be_v several_a objection_n that_o will_v be_v joint_o make_v by_o person_n of_o several_a persuasion_n and_o from_o several_a principle_n which_o to_o answer_v to_o distinct_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o multiply_v many_o word_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n object_n 1._o we_o do_v admit_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o holy_a gracious_a person_n to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o they_o which_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o and_o be_v poison_v with_o error_n and_o delusion_n with_o which_o they_o will_v infect_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n thâ—se_a we_o only_o reject_v and_o speak_v against_o as_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n answ_n such_o as_o the_o error_n and_o delusion_n may_v be_v your_o rejection_n may_v be_v just_a but_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n so_o reject_v and_o stigmatise_v with_o nickname_n by_o you_o be_v not_o of_o that_o sort_n but_o general_o hold_v the_o foundation_n point_v of_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n with_o you_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o thing_n very_o controversal_a now_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v believer_n taint_v with_o divers_a error_n of_o a_o dangerous_a nature_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o reject_v as_o incommunicable_a nor_o reproach_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o several_a of_o they_o err_v in_o point_n of_o great_a weight_n as_o deny_v justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o chief_a scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o erroneousness_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o doctrine_n with_o which_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o ephesian_n colossian_n and_o philippian_n be_v also_o taint_v which_o error_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o those_o christian_n i_o judge_v be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a tendency_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o controversy_n christian_n in_o these_o day_n usual_o separate_v upon_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n there_o be_v several_a delude_v with_o philosophical_a error_n and_o heathenish_a opinion_n and_o custom_n as_o worship_v of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.8_o compare_v with_o the_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n and_o further_o what_o sad_a error_n and_o schism_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n infect_v with_o there_o be_v contention_n strife_n and_o vain_a jangle_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.3_o 4._o contradiction_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o minister_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o even_o of_o paul_n himself_o who_o god_n have_v use_v as_o the_o instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n 1_o cor._n 11.12_o 2_o cor._n 10.1_o 10._o give_v to_o vexatious_a law_n suit_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o the_o heathen_a chap._n 6._o verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o abuse_v of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o brethren_n chapter_n 8._o error_n in_o the_o administration_n and_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n even_o to_o the_o profane_v that_o holy_a ordinance_n chap._n 11._o yet_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o he_o write_v against_o these_o great_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n give_v not_o a_o word_n of_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o sound_a to_o separate_v from_o those_o corrupt_a nor_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n but_o labour_n by_o sound_a