since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o know_v no_o place_n nor_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n have_v be_v preach_v with_o more_o diligence_n power_n and_o evidence_n for_o conviction_n nor_o where_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a success_n or_o acceptation_n those_o therefore_o who_o perish_v among_o we_o do_v not_o do_v so_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o a_o right_a belief_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o for_o their_o own_o personal_a infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n public_o admit_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n as_o shall_v direct_o or_o absolute_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o through_o the_o 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notion_n under_o consideration_n for_o any_o failure_n herein_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o charge_v by_o any_o person_n of_o modesty_n or_o sobriety_n the_o reflection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a by_o some_o on_o the_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v or_o own_v do_v fall_n as_o severe_o on_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o least_o until_o within_o a_o few_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o they_o do_v on_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o own_o any_o especial_a concernment_n in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v public_o discountenance_v by_o other_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n eternal_a decree_n justification_n by_o faith_n the_o loss_n of_o original_a grace_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n that_o we_o say_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n public_o teach_v and_o own_v among_o we_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n will_v receive_v any_o great_a damage_n by_o the_o impotent_a assault_n of_o some_o few_o especial_o consider_v their_o mannagement_n of_o those_o assault_n by_o tale_n rail_v and_o ralliery_a to_o the_o last_a reproach_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o providence_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o particular_a church_n these_o at_o present_a be_v of_o many_o sort_n or_o be_v esteem_v so_o to_o be_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v sundry_a solemn_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v observe_v joint_o by_o his_o disciple_n unto_o his_o honour_n and_o their_o edification_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o such_o society_n community_n or_o 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professor_n in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o sacred_a worship_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o institution_n for_o their_o edification_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o accident_n or_o mere_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o common_a providence_n but_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n in_o they_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n by_o some_o this_o duty_n be_v more_o express_o attend_v unto_o than_o by_o other_o and_o by_o some_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v for_o neither_o antecedent_o nor_o consequential_o unto_o such_o their_o conjunction_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o nor_o what_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n they_o go_v in_o these_o thing_n with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v confound_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o these_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o walk_v irregular_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_n or_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o will_v they_o in_o their_o least_o secular_a concernment_n behave_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o regardlesness_n ot_fw-mi negligence_n for_o however_o their_o lot_n previous_o unto_o their_o own_o choice_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o place_n or_o society_n they_o will_v make_v a_o after-judgment_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n either_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o station_n or_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o but_o a_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n regulate_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v by_o many_o deny_v and_o by_o most_o neglect_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mere_a effect_n of_o their_o political_a distribution_n by_o civil_a law_n aim_v principal_o at_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o civil_a distribution_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o assembly_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n institute_v and_o appoint_v such_o society_n they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a disadvantage_n unto_o true_a church-communion_n and_o love_n the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a and_o hence_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o next_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n great_a peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n for_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v and_o plant_v alike_o according_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n all_o regulate_v and_o order_v by_o the_o same_o common_a rule_n man_n have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o after-age_n and_o which_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o noisome_a foolish_a fantastical_a opinion_n vent_v by_o impostor_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n abhor_v but_o on_o various_a occasion_n and_o by_o sundry_a degree_n there_o come_v to_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o these_o particular_a church_n appoint_v for_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o
empire_n under_o himself_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o original_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o revolution_n that_o happen_v afterward_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v whole_o inconcerned_a in_o this_o new_a church_n sovereignty_n which_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o western_a province_n of_o that_o empire_n so_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n consummate_v for_o whereas_o the_o pope_n to_o secure_v his_o new_a acquisition_n endeavour_v to_o empale_v the_o title_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unto_o those_o christian_n which_o profess_a obedience_n unto_o himself_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n there_o ensue_v such_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v concern_v these_o several_a sort_n of_o conceit_a particular_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o kind_n have_v no_o institution_n in_o nor_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v prudential_n contrivance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o form_v which_o they_o effect_v by_o various_a degree_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o tend_v unto_o the_o increase_n of_o concord_n and_o order_n among_o christian_n whether_o real_o and_o effectual_o they_o have_v attain_v that_o end_n the_o event_n have_v long_o since_o manifest_v and_o it_o will_v be_v one_o day_n acknowledge_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v last_v and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n or_o advantage_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n be_v the_o mutual_a intestine_a difference_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o who_o first_o possess_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o church_n about_o their_o dignity_n pre-eminences_a privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o first_o apparent_o let_v in_o pride_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o church-guide_n lose_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o theâ—r_a successor_n more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o continue_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o its_o retrival_v how_o far_o any_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n unto_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o and_o as_o such_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o rule_n and_o administration_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v what_o respect_v we_o have_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v owe_v they_o as_o they_o may_v in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n but_o whereas_o in_o their_o original_a and_o rise_v they_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o prudential_n contrivance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o unquestionable_o may_v be_v various_o influence_v by_o corrupt_a preâ—udâ—ces_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o mannagement_n of_o their_o invention_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o wherein_o such_o communion_n may_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v declare_v for_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o minister_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o quiet_a subjection_n unto_o they_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v they_o be_v fond_a and_o impious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o whole_o deny_v that_o the_o mistake_v or_o disorder_n of_o christian_n in_o comply_v with_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o warrantable_a institution_n aught_o to_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o of_o withdraw_v it_o from_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o their_o error_n and_o wander_n from_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v or_o may_v continue_v interest_v in_o all_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o double_a account_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o person_n bear_v of_o god_n unite_v unto_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n mystical_a which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a object_n of_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v overtake_v may_v befall_v any_o person_n under_o those_o qualification_n the_o admittance_n of_o they_o though_o culpable_a be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n and_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v profess_v subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n uâ—sibly_o profess_v under_o which_o notion_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n commend_v unto_o our_o love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o fond_a imagination_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n want_v love_n towards_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o that_o there_o need_v be_v any_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o take_v schism_n in_o the_o common_a receive_v notion_n of_o it_o if_o we_o bear_v unkindness_n towards_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n if_o we_o desire_v or_o seek_v their_o hurt_n if_o we_o persecute_v they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o trouble_v in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n if_o we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o if_o we_o pity_v they_o not_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n error_n or_o suffering_n if_o we_o say_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o when_o naked_a be_v thou_o clothe_v and_o when_o hungry_a be_v thou_o feed_v but_o relieve_v they_o not_o according_a unto_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n if_o we_o have_v a_o aversation_n to_o their_o person_n or_o judge_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o cast_v themselves_o open_o and_o visible_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o scripture-rule_n we_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o about_o church-constitution_n or_o order_n that_o ought_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o any_o want_n of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n there_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a practice_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v which_o in_o itself_o and_o without_o other_o avoidable_a evil_n need_v not_o on_o either_o side_n to_o be_v schismatical_a if_o by_o censure_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n such_o church_n or_o person_n will_v force_v we_o to_o submit_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v change_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o as_o for_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o person_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o have_v only_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v full_a well_o assure_v that_o wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n there_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o far_o than_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o concern_v who_o we_o be_v call_v to_o pass_v any_o other_o censure_n or_o judgement_n so_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o we_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o hold_v that_o communion_n with_o all_o these_o assembly_n when_o call_v thereunto_o which_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o circumstance_n unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o or_o such_o instance_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o neither_o among_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v observe_v they_o in_o his_o worship_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n
to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o assembly_n in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n unto_o our_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v but_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o sacred_a worship_n do_v intervene_v all_o other_o consideration_n must_v be_v discard_v and_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o all_o irregular_a event_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o of_o these_o church_n have_v woeful_o degenerate_v and_o that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v so_o do_v both_o from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n and_o also_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v and_o have_v do_v in_o such_o various_a degree_n and_o way_n as_o necessary_o require_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o and_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n give_v we_o instance_n hereof_o at_o this_o day_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v unto_o we_o in_o what_o be_v record_v concern_v sundry_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n they_o be_v new_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o have_v rule_n give_v by_o they_o to_o attend_v unto_o for_o their_o direction_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o emergency_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o receive_v those_o command_n and_o direction_n which_o they_o be_v enable_v infallible_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o great_a advantage_n we_o fâ—nd_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o be_v sudden_o fall_v into_o sinful_a neglect_n disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n some_o of_o these_o be_v reprove_v and_o reform_v by_o the_o great_a apostle_n 3._o in_o his_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rebuke_v and_o threaten_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o have_v increase_v in_o their_o degeneracy_n wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o which_o be_v now_o not_o at_o all_o with_o the_o severe_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o other_o form_n and_o shape_n have_v by_o their_o superstition_n false_a worship_n and_o express_a idolatry_n join_v with_o wickedness_n of_o life_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o by_o cast_v themselves_o into_o a_o new_a worldly_a constitution_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n abandon_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o church_n of_o christ._n so_o be_v sundry_a faithful_a city_n become_v harlot_n and_o where_o righteousness_n inhabit_v there_o dwell_v persecute_v murderer_n such_o church_n be_v plant_v of_o christ_n whole_o noble_a vine_n but_o be_v degenerate_v into_o those_o that_o be_v bitter_a and_o wild_a whatever_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v concern_v the_o personal_a condition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o such_o apostatise_v church_n or_o of_o any_o of_o they_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v the_o seat_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o in_o their_o pretend_a administration_n of_o they_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o indifferency_n many_o may_v be_v grow_v into_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a worship_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o respect_n that_o be_v between_o the_o grace_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o all_o internal_a religion_n consist_v in_o moral_a honesty_n only_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o our_o profession_n 20._o but_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o whatever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o what_o he_o condemn_v for_o both_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n 14._o whatever_o we_o pretend_v will_v be_v find_v vain_a if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a after_o the_o defection_n uâ—der_fw-mi jeroboam_n it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o church_n at_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o positive_a institution_n for_o they_o have_v neither_o priest_n nor_o sacrifice_n nor_o any_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o god_n approve_v of_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n not_o to_o join_v with_o the_o leader_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o worship_n as_o also_o to_o observe_v those_o sacred_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o they_o in_o the_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n 11._o but_o attend_v unto_o all_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o calf_n be_v set_v up_o 13._o according_o many_a of_o the_o most_o zealous_a professor_n among_o they_o 12._o with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 13._o and_o with_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n open_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o join_v themselves_o unto_o judah_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n continue_v therein_o other_o among_o they_o secret_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o when_o some_o have_v deserve_v the_o title_n of_o babylon_n because_o of_o their_o idolatry_n false_a worship_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o in_o a_o open_a visible_a profess_a separation_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o plague_n but_o this_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v nor_o do_v make_v concern_v any_o but_o such_o as_o among_o who_o idolatry_n spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o who_o join_v thereunto_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n as_o to_o their_o be_v acceptable_a assembly_n of_o worshipper_n before_o god_n be_v lose_v and_o dissolve_v neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v plain_o to_o disowne_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o set_v up_o that_o of_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a man_n above_o it_o yet_o all_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v in_o such_o apostatical_a church_n remain_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o as_o they_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n so_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o among_o they_o who_o by_o a_o save_a faith_n in_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v profess_v do_v real_o belong_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n of_o christ._n a_o institute_v church_n therefore_o may_v by_o the_o crime_n and_o wickedness_n of_o its_o ruler_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a administration_n in_o holy_a thing_n utter_o destroy_v their_o institute_v estate_n and_o yet_o not_o present_o all_o of_o they_o cease_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o can_v say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o annul_v church_n administration_n and_o render_v they_o abominable_a will_v absolute_o destroy_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o individual_a person_n who_o partake_v in_o they_o and_o many_o may_v secret_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o be_v defile_v with_o such_o abomination_n so_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o the_o israelitish_n church_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o who_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o baalish_n idolatry_n of_o who_o none_o be_v know_v to_o elijah_n and_o therefore_o do_v god_n still_o continue_v a_o respect_n unto_o they_o as_o his_o people_n because_o of_o those_o secret_a one_o and_o because_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o flesh_n afford_v unto_o they_o a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n by_o his_o prophet_n when_o the_o ordinary_a by_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v utter_o cease_v this_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v concern_v every_o place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o profession_n make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n see_v it_o be_v the_o passion_n of_o elijah_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o oversee_v so_o great_a a_o remnant_n as_o god_n have_v leave_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o from_o his_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v more_o
severe_a in_o their_o censure_n for_o god_n than_o he_o will_v be_v for_o himself_o moreover_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o those_o church_n be_v not_o baptize_v into_o they_o as_o particular_a church_n nor_o initiate_v into_o they_o thereby_o but_o the_o relation_n which_o ensue_v unto_o they_o thereon_o be_v unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a together_o with_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n world_n lie_v whole_o in_o darkness_n and_o evil_n by_o a_o dedication_n unto_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n upon_o a_o personal_a avowment_n of_o that_o faith_n whereinto_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o become_v complete_a member_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o state_n they_o be_v hereby_o admit_v into_o whatever_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n they_o be_v personal_o interest_v in_o they_o lose_v they_o not_o by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v relate_v yea_o lose_v the_o whole_a advantage_n of_o a_o institute_v church-state_n they_o may_v still_o retain_v whatever_o belong_v unto_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n be_v baptism_n only_o a_o initiation_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n upon_o the_o failure_n of_o that_o church_n baptism_n as_o to_o all_o its_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n must_v cease_v also_o we_o do_v therefore_o own_o that_o among_o those_o who_o assembly_n be_v reject_v by_o christ_n because_o of_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o wickedness_n there_o may_v be_v person_n true_o belong_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o by_o their_o profession_n be_v a_o portion_n of_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n how_o far_o they_o do_v consent_n unto_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v how_o far_o they_o have_v light_n against_o they_o how_o far_o they_o do_v bewail_v they_o how_o far_o they_o repent_v of_o they_o what_o god_n will_v bear_v withal_o in_o they_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o be_v call_v to_o judge_v our_o love_n be_v to_o be_v towards_o they_o as_o person_n relate_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o capacity_n mention_v but_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o act_n of_o false_a worship_n be_v forbid_v unto_o we_o by_o virtue_n also_o of_o that_o relation_n which_o they_o still_o continue_v unto_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o believer_n they_o have_v power_n and_o be_v warrant_v as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o join_v together_o anew_o in_o church_n order_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n for_o it_o be_v fond_a to_o imagine_v that_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o he_o when_o it_o be_v discover_v unto_o they_o and_o these_o be_v our_o thought_n concern_v such_o church_n as_o be_v open_o and_o visible_o apostatical_a again_o there_o be_v corruption_n that_o may_v befall_v or_o enter_v into_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o those_o before_o insist_v on_o especial_o if_o as_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v not_o leaven_v if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v not_o infect_v but_o only_o some_o part_n or_o part_n of_o it_o which_o other_o more_o sound_a do_v resist_v and_o give_v their_o testimony_n against_o and_o these_o may_v have_v none_o of_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n before_o mention_v thus_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n or_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o evacuate_v their_o church_n state_n as_o that_o they_o give_v no_o sufficient_a warrant_n unto_o any_o person_n immediate_o to_o leave_v their_o communion_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o the_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o apostolical_a direction_n give_v unto_o they_o on_o such_o occasion_n render_v this_o assertion_n evident_a and_o incontroulable_a nor_o do_v we_o in_o the_o least_o approve_v of_o their_o practice_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v that_o be_v considerable_a who_o upon_o every_o fail_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o any_o church_n think_v themselves_o sufficient_o warrant_v immediate_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o depart_v from_o its_o communion_n much_o more_o do_v we_o condemn_v they_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o their_o own_o surmise_n and_o misapprehension_n for_o such_o there_o may_v be_v as_o make_v their_o own_o hasty_a conception_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n administration_n and_o communion_n who_o unless_o they_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n please_v can_v be_v quiet_a no_o where_o wherefore_o when_o any_o church_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o consent_n antecedent_o a_o member_n do_v fall_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a from_o any_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v or_o when_o it_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n or_o irregularity_n in_o its_o administration_n such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v place_v in_o his_o present_a state_n by_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v orderly_o therein_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o such_o defection_n and_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o they_o who_o miscarriage_n at_o present_a he_o can_v remedy_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o large_a and_o spacious_a field_n for_o wisdom_n patience_n love_n and_o prudent_a zeal_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a imagination_n that_o separation_n be_v the_o only_a cure_n for_o church-disorder_n all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n bestow_v on_o church-member_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o several_a station_n at_o such_o a_o season_n all_o instruction_n give_v for_o their_o due_a improvement_n unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o nature_n rule_n and_o law_n of_o all_o society_n declare_v that_o all_o other_o remedy_n possible_a and_o lawful_a be_v to_o be_v attempt_v before_o a_o church_n be_v final_o desert_v but_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v provide_v always_o that_o it_o be_v judge_v unlawful_a for_o any_o person_n either_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n or_o order_n or_o concord_n or_o on_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o join_v actual_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a or_o to_o profess_v any_o opinion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hold_v fast_o on_o all_o emergency_n and_o far_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v as_o sure_o enough_o we_o may_v that_o such_o a_o church_n so_o corrupt_v shall_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o its_o error_n miscarriage_n neglect_v and_o mal-administrations_a that_o it_o shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v warn_v or_o admonish_v or_o be_v so_o by_o any_o mean_n shall_v wilful_o reject_v and_o despise_v all_o intruction_n that_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o they_o that_o be_v yet_o sound_a in_o it_o whether_o elder_n or_o member_n in_o peaceable_a endeavour_n to_o reduce_v it_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o shall_v rather_o hurt_v persecute_v and_o seek_v their_o trouble_n for_o so_o do_v whereby_o their_o edification_n come_v continual_o to_o be_v obstruct_v and_o their_o soul_n to_o be_v hazard_v through_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o such_o person_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v absolute_o lose_v their_o church-state_n or_o be_v total_o reject_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o the_o mean_v appoint_v unto_o any_o end_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v and_o regulate_v according_a unto_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o let_v man_n present_a apprehension_n be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o will_v one_o day_n appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o church-order_n rule_n communion_n and_o administration_n be_v not_o the_o grandeur_n or_o secular_a advantage_n of_o some_o few_o not_o outward_a peace_n and_o quietness_n unto_o who_o preservation_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v ordain_v but_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o gospel-obedience_n where_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o dispose_v of_o and_o manage_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o regular_o further_a and_o promote_v that_o end_n but_o rather_o obstruct_v it_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reduce_v unto_o their_o due_a order_n and_o tendency_n
they_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o another_o way_n much_o more_o may_v any_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n if_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o their_o corruption_n error_n fail_n and_o mistake_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o hereby_o they_o direct_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o authority_n from_o he_o in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v or_o impose_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o that_o any_o man_n withdraw_v of_o themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n for_o their_o own_o good_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v infer_v in_o they_o a_o want_n of_o love_n and_o peaceableness_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o divide_v from_o christ_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o all_o true_a christian_a love_n embrace_v a_o cloud_n of_o slothful_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o we_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o own_o love_n he_o who_o implant_v and_o work_v it_o in_o we_o have_v give_v we_o rule_n how_o it_o must_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o on_o all_o emergency_n it_o may_v work_v as_o regular_o by_o sharp_a cut_a rebuke_n as_o by_o the_o most_o silken_a and_o compliant_a expression_n by_o manifest_v a_o aversation_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o by_o embrace_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o leave_v that_o rule_n and_o go_v off_o from_o any_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v immediate_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v will_n pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o we_o and_o not_o love_n and_o among_o all_o the_o exhortation_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o unity_n and_o concord_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o we_o shall_v agree_v or_o comply_v with_o any_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o evil_a practice_n but_o as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o ourselves_o to_o obtain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v a_o participation_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n and_o all_o fellowship_n with_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o love_n towards_o such_o church_n be_v to_o work_v by_o pity_n compassion_n prayer_n instruction_n which_o be_v due_a mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n not_o by_o consent_n unto_o they_o or_o communion_n with_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v subvert_v for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o authority_n all_o that_o we_o have_v or_o may_v pretend_v to_o have_v unto_o any_o church_n be_v of_o no_o value_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o term_n of_o communion_n who_o foundation_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o regard_n thereunto_o moreover_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o be_v no_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o assembly_n as_o to_o institute_v worship_n be_v reject_v by_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o also_o as_o it_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a plantation_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o secret_a hidden_a one_o among_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o we_o do_v judge_v that_o wherever_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v upon_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v however_o the_o way_n of_o it_o may_v be_v obstruct_v unto_o the_o most_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o error_n they_o may_v also_o retain_v that_o profession_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o infidel_n world_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v still_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o on_o these_o account_n be_v our_o love_n to_o be_v continue_v unto_o they_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v hold_v with_o they_o that_o that_o be_v of_o no_o institute_v or_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o church-state_n be_v reject_v even_o as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o a_o brother_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v with_o some_o true_a church_n instance_n whereof_o shall_v be_v give_v afterward_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o necessity_n that_o any_o shall_v deny_v all_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o such_o as_o be_v so_o may_v require_v such_o thing_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o or_o submit_v unto_o what_o assembly_n of_o christian_n we_o behold_v visible_o worship_v god_n in_o christ_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o when_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n or_o no_o as_o though_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o practice_n do_v depend_v sole_o thereon_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o be_v of_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v open_o judge_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n persist_v in_o so_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o constitution_n or_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n will_v not_o present_o resolve_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v but_o in_o such_o a_o cà se_n two_o thing_n be_v by_o we_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o nothing_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o church_n obtain_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o our_o conjunction_n with_o they_o which_o be_v our_o edification_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v discourse_v comprise_v our_o thought_n concern_v those_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o degeneracy_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o institution_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a whilst_o there_o be_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o subjection_n of_o soul_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n avow_v or_o any_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o he_o continue_v among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o some_o few_o name_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v eternal_o for_o as_o a_o relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o unto_o as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n so_o where_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v through_o invincible_a outward_a impediment_n or_o be_v omit_v through_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n or_o be_v on_o just_a cause_n refuse_v where_o opportunity_n make_v a_o tender_a of_o it_o or_o where_o the_o be_v and_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o apostasy_n of_o those_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n do_v belong_v the_o utter_a want_n of_o it_o and_o that_o always_o be_v not_o such_o as_o necessary_o infer_v the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o suffer_v under_o it_o other_o church_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o guilty_a of_o the_o enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n before_o discourse_v of_o these_o all_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o his_o promise_a presence_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o assembly_n answerable_a hereunto_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v their_o officer_n or_o ruler_n and_o all_o their_o sacred_a administration_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o one_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a rashness_n and_o presumption_n yea_o a_o evident_a fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o love_n or_o secular_a private_a interest_n
be_v ordain_v or_o for_o which_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o what_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n what_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligent_a labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctaine_n be_v require_v unto_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n where_o it_o be_v omit_v or_o neglect_v where_o it_o be_v careless_o attend_v unto_o where_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o act_v more_o like_a hireling_n than_o true_a shepherd_n where_o they_o want_v skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o declare_v from_o it_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n or_o diligence_n to_o be_v urgent_a continual_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o there_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v ruin_v and_o utter_o lose_v and_o where_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o thought_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v exercise_v withal_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o church_n will_v in_o vain_a or_o at_o least_o unjust_o expect_v that_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v abide_v in_o their_o particular_a communion_n when_o they_o can_v or_o do_v not_o provide_v food_n for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n unless_o all_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n be_v equal_o asleep_a in_o security_n division_n among_o they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n ensue_v will_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o starve_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o have_v sinful_o destroy_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v there_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o duty_n of_o love_n that_o require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v the_o sole_a immediate_a end_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n be_v their_o own_o edification_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o can_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o abide_v there_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v where_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o cast_v aside_o this_o may_v become_v such_o as_o know_v not_o their_o duty_n nor_o care_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o perish_v in_o and_o for_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o they_o which_o in_o such_o case_n shall_v provide_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v and_o severe_o treat_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o riotous_a person_n who_o sport_n themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n but_o with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o they_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o dread_n of_o their_o own_o account_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n will_v forcible_o shut_v up_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v short_a of_o all_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o every_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o such_o church_n make_v with_o a_o design_n of_o join_v unto_o those_o where_o the_o word_n be_v dispense_v with_o more_o diligence_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o and_o it_o will_v better_o become_v such_o church_n to_o return_v industrious_o unto_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n whereby_o this_o occasion_n of_o division_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o to_o attempt_v their_o own_o justification_n by_o the_o severe_a prosecution_n of_o such_o as_o depart_v from_o they_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o improve_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v the_o know_v and_o open_a duty_n of_o church_n in_o their_o guide_n or_o minister_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v the_o growth_n of_o light_n knowledge_n godliness_n strictness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o conversation_n in_o those_o member_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o may_v be_v find_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n such_o be_v they_o to_o own_o encourage_v and_o make_v their_o companion_n and_o endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o they_o for_o unless_o man_n in_o their_o ordinary_a and_o common_a conversation_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n do_v uniform_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o offence_n upto_o other_o and_o of_o reproach_n to_o themselves_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o instead_o of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v beat_v their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o drunken_a but_o by_o all_o way_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o conversation_n and_o herein_o what_o wisdom_n patience_n diligence_n love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n be_v require_v they_o alone_o know_v and_o they_o full_a well_o know_v who_o for_o any_o season_n have_v in_o their_o place_n conscientious_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o labour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v therein_o and_o the_o trouble_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o by_o contrary_a act_n to_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a nor_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v encourage_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o their_o peril_n the_o heart_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n fear_n god_n thrive_a in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v together_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n &_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o there_o ought_v their_o affection_n to_o be_v most_o intense_a for_o as_o such_o person_n be_v the_o crown_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o guide_n and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o do_v know_v or_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o what_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o to_o honour_n and_o pay_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o teacher_n how_o much_o on_o all_o account_n they_o owe_v unto_o they_o whereby_o their_o mutual_a love_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o practise_v then_o be_v they_o both_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o effectual_a unto_o their_o proper_a end_n but_o where_o thing_n in_o church_n through_o their_o negligence_n or_o corruption_n or_o that_o of_o their_o guide_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v what_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o those_o who_o be_v forward_a in_o profession_n who_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o own_v among_o they_o who_o have_v apparent_o attain_v a_o growth_n in_o spirituol_n light_a and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_o cherish_v and_o regard_v from_o be_v love_v like_v or_o associate_v withal_o as_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v be_v mark_v observe_v reproach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o every_o slight_a provocation_n put_v even_o to_o outward_a trouble_n whilst_o man_n of_o worldly_a and_o profane_a conversation_n ignorant_a perhaps_o riotous_a and_o debauch_a shall_v be_v the_o delight_n and_o companion_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o ruler_n it_o can_v be_v that_o
of_o their_o several_a country_n whereby_o their_o civil_a liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o take_v place_n or_o prevail_v among_o person_n of_o more_o light_n and_o knowledge_n who_o be_v able_a to_o compare_v it_o or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o the_o iâ—stitutions_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o admistration_n therein_o also_o direct_v it_o great_o alienates_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n especial_o it_o do_v so_o if_o set_v up_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o that_o benign_a kind_a spiritual_a and_o every_o way_n useful_a discipline_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n when_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n in_o the_o papacy_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v what_o ensue_v thereon_o divine_v indeed_o and_o sundry_a other_o person_n learned_a and_o godly_a do_v principal_o insist_v on_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o defilement_n and_o abomination_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o that_o which_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o whole_a nation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a domination_n which_o they_o have_v crafty_o erectsd_v and_o cunning_o manage_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o own_o ambition_n power_n and_o avarice_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n and_o wherever_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v continue_v that_o a_o rule_n under_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v erect_v and_o exercise_v in_o any_o church_n after_o the_o nature_n of_o secular_a court_n by_o force_n and_o power_n put_v forth_o in_o legal_a citation_n penalty_n pecuniary_a mulct_n without_o a_o open_a evidence_n of_o man_n be_v act_v in_o what_o they_o do_v herein_o by_o love_n charity_n compassion_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n zeel_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o purity_n holiness_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o church_n may_v not_o expect_v unity_n and_o peace_n any_o long_a than_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v overbalance_n other_o thought_n and_o desire_n proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o yea_o whatever_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n about_o which_o there_o may_v be_v doubtful_a disputation_n which_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v not_o be_v able_a clear_o to_o determine_v yet_o if_o the_o avow_a end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o tendency_n unto_o that_o end_n be_v not_o manifest_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v out_o whence_o our_o obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o shall_v arise_v and_o where_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o some_o church-order_n be_v aim_v at_o alone_a in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o will_v quick_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o or_o of_o no_o value_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n do_v alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o from_o a_o acquiescencie_n in_o their_o station_n or_o relation_n to_o such_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a enforcement_n of_o man_n obedience_n and_o reverence_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o they_o watch_v diligent_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n 27._o as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o if_o they_o see_v such_o set_v over_o they_o as_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o such_o watchful_a care_n act_v its_o self_n according_a to_o those_o scripture-direction_n which_o be_v continual_o read_v unto_o they_o but_o rather_o rule_v they_o with_o force_n and_o rigour_n seek_v they_o not_o they_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n and_o sometime_o regular_o sometime_o irregular_o contrive_v their_o own_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n it_o may_v not_o here_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n that_o have_v seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o the_o miscarriage_n insist_v on_o now_o these_o be_v chief_o some_o principle_n with_o their_o application_n that_o they_o have_v trust_v unto_o but_o which_o indeed_o have_v real_o deceive_v they_o and_o will_v yet_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o whereas_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o thereon_o entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n and_o privilege_n they_o need_v not_o further_o concern_v themselves_o to_o seek_v for_o ground_n or_o warranty_n to_o keep_v up_o all_o their_o member_n unto_o their_o communion_n for_o be_v they_o otherwise_o what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o abide_v in_o their_o peace_n and_o order_n if_o any_o call_v their_o church-state_n into_o question_n they_o take_v no_o consideration_n of_o they_o but_o how_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v it_o may_v be_v destroy_v as_o perverse_a schismatic_n and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n every_o dissent_n from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v criminal_a as_o if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o right_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o supposition_n whereof_o include_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n which_o in_o the_o least_o differ_v from_o they_o than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o uncharitable_a nor_o schismatical_a principle_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o common_a definition_n of_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n that_o term_n of_o causeless_a be_v very_o little_o consider_v or_o weigh_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o wherever_o there_o have_v be_v complaint_n of_o fault_n miscarriage_n error_n defection_n of_o church_n in_o late_a age_n their_o counsel_n have_v only_o be_v how_o to_o destroy_v the_o complainer_n not_o in_o the_o least_o how_o they_o shall_v reform_v themselves_o as_o though_o in_o church-affair_n truth_n right_o and_o equity_n be_v entail_v on_o power_n and_o possession_n how_o the_o complaint_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n quicken_v by_o the_o outcry_n of_o so_o many_o province_n of_o europe_n and_o evidence_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v elude_v and_o frustrate_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n leave_v all_o tfiing_n to_o be_v try_v out_o by_o interest_n and_o force_n be_v full_a well_o know_v for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v attempt_v and_o accomplish_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a labour_n care_n and_o trouble_v thing_n not_o delightful_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n at_o ease_n beside_o as_o it_o may_v possible_o ruffle_v or_o discompose_v some_o of_o the_o chief_n in_o their_o present_a way_n or_o enjoyment_n so_o it_o will_v as_o they_o fear_v tend_v to_o their_o disreputation_n as_o though_o they_o have_v former_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o neglective_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o this_o as_o they_o suppose_v will_v draw_v after_o it_o another_o inconvenience_n by_o reflect_v on_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o the_o occasion_n of_o former_a disorder_n and_o division_n they_o choose_v therefore_o general_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v up_o their_o defence_n and_o security_n against_o a_o humble_a painful_a reformation_n in_o a_o plea_n that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n of_o old_a who_o in_o the_o height_n of_o her_o decay_a condition_n 17._o flatter_v herself_o that_o she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o or_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v exceed_o strange_a unto_o man_n who_o wise_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o whereas_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o enjoy_v for_o some_o good_a season_n the_o presence_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o infallible_a guidance_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o original_a purity_n and_o order_n do_v within_o a_o few_o year_n many_o of_o they_o so_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v from_o heaven_n to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o destroy_v they_o unless_o they_o do_v speedy_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n that_o those_o now_o
can_v be_v but_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o a_o indifferent_a by-stander_n to_o judge_v on_o whether_o side_n the_o occasion_n and_o guilt_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v second_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o we_o for_o our_o guide_n in_o this_o case_n and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o and_o safe_o think_v that_o this_o shall_v give_v a_o certain_a rule_n unto_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o all_o church-guide_n in_o future_a age_n now_o they_o do_v never_o make_v any_o thing_n unscriptural_a or_o what_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o religious_a worship_n &_o church_n order_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o will_v continual_o give_v themselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a observe_v concern_v they_o that_o their_o constant_a labour_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 5._o and_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o festival_n or_o fast_n of_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o intermedle_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n and_o thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o observance_n about_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a variety_n in_o they_o both_z as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o observe_v and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o this_o be_v gradual_o increase_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n and_o excess_n as_o that_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o become_v intolerable_a unto_o christendom_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o better_a success_n be_v expect_v in_o a_o relinquishment_n and_o departure_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n order_n give_v we_o in_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n neither_o be_v the_o plea_n from_o hence_o build_v mere_o on_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o man_n alive_a either_o from_o their_o write_n or_o the_o approve_a record_n of_o those_o time_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o ever_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o uninstituted_a ritâ—_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o communion_n but_o also_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o case_n under_o debate_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o joint_o determine_v by_o they_o for_o be_v call_v unto_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o professor_n wherein_o the_o former_a labour_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o latter_a the_o observation_n of_o moses_n institution_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o joint_a communion_n as_o be_v mention_v even_o now_o they_o not_o only_o determine_v against_o any_o such_o imposition_n but_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o nothing_o but_o necessary_a thing_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o from_o other_o reason_n antecedent_o unto_o their_o prescription_n and_o appointment_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o communion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o and_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v on_o that_o great_a occasion_n in_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n appoint_v any_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o command_v so_o in_o their_o direction_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_a believer_n for_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n whereunto_o it_o do_v extend_v they_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o avoidance_n of_o a_o present_a scandal_n which_o may_v have_v great_o retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o direction_n and_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o season_n forgo_v the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n this_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practise_v this_o the_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o that_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after-age_n that_o man_n shall_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v not_o but_o let_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n fix_v in_o and_o by_o their_o example_n stand_v unmoved_a and_o many_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n will_v be_v take_v away_o but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v offer_v that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n require_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o variation_n from_o the_o precise_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o of_o they_o require_v be_v then_o sufficient_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o primitive_a simplicity_n be_v now_o decay_a among_o the_o most_o so_o that_o a_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n and_o observance_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o end_n but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n or_o their_o secular_a engagement_n be_v no_o way_n advantageous_a unto_o religion_n let_v they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v professor_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n of_o light_n humility_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o may_v be_v order_v in_o all_o church_n concern_v according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n wherefore_o when_o christian_n unto_o the_o former_a plea_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o do_v also_o add_v their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n have_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n commend_v unto_o they_o or_o do_v do_v or_o require_v in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a their_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o any_o can_v derive_v a_o warranty_n enable_v they_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o the_o institution_n therefore_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v direct_o against_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o condition_n inquire_v about_o and_o first_o to_o invent_v they_o then_o to_o impose_v they_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o then_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v they_o as_o schismatic_n as_o enemy_n to_o love_n and_o peace_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v unto_o they_o look_v not_o unlike_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o unwarrantable_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n three_o not_o only_o by_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n but_o they_o have_v also_o doctrinal_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n discourse_v at_o large_a hereon_o rom._n 14._o 15._o chap._n the_o attentive_a read_n of_o those_o two_o chapter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v this_o cause_n among_o all_o unintere_v and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o suppose_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n which_o he_o exemplify_v in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o time_n different_a apprehension_n and_o observance_n about_o some_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o seem_a countenance_n of_o a_o sacred_a and_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o be_v their_o original_a institution_n some_o in_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o their_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o exercise_v in_o a_o holy_a subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o express_a and_o positive_a law_n erect_v for_o their_o abrogation_n but_o the_o cease_n of_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n oeconomy_n towards_o his_o church_n many_o therefore_o continue_v to_o observe_v they_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v other_o be_v persuade_v and_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o any_o obligation_n
unto_o may_v any_o make_v a_o judgement_n but_o themselves_o who_o impose_v they_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n grow_v to_o a_o unblamable_a excess_n if_o other_o may_v judge_v at_o least_o for_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o so_o of_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v desire_v if_o themselves_o be_v the_o the_o only_a judge_n the_o case_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o our_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n scarce_o warrantable_a and_o who_o see_v not_o what_o endless_a contest_v and_o difference_n will_v ensue_v on_o these_o supposition_n if_o the_o whole_a liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o all_o apprehension_n of_o duty_n in_o professor_n be_v not_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheistical_a indifferency_n as_o to_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o outward_a worship_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v on_o this_o head_n may_v be_v confirm_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o secession_n from_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o produce_v they_o in_o particular_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o they_o be_v that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n lie_v in_o essential_o that_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o disagree_v from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o still_o whatever_o church_n make_v such_o extrinsical_a thing_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o yield_v not_o to_o they_o be_v schismatical_a in_o its_o so_o do_v and_o the_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schism_n that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n on_o those_o term_n only_o return_v they_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o the_o society_n impose_v such_o condition_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v judge_n whether_o those_o condition_n be_v just_a and_o equitable_a or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v they_o general_o plead_v our_o common_a cause_n wherefore_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o affirm_v that_o where_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n indispensible_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v be_v by_o any_o church_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o they_o expect_v or_o require_v to_o join_v in_o their_o fellowship_n communion_n and_o order_n if_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v so_o impose_v do_v thereon_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o act_n duty_n and_o part_n of_o worship_n wherein_o a_o submission_n unto_o these_o condition_n be_v exdress_v either_o verbal_o or_o virtual_o they_o be_v not_o thereon_o to_o be_v esteem_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o the_o whole_a fault_n of_o the_o division_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o insist_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o imposition_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o at_o present_a especial_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v know_v in_o its_o self_n so_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v unto_o all_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o particular_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v indispensible_o enjoin_v that_o we_o give_v a_o solemn_a attestation_n unto_o the_o liturgy_n and_o all_o contain_v in_o it_o by_o the_o subscription_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o consent_v thereunto_o which_o must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v we_o dispute_v not_o now_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o of_o that_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v it_o only_o propose_v or_o recommend_v unto_o minister_n for_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n according_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v needful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n and_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n will_v produce_v great_a diversity_n yea_o and_o confusion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o can_v only_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o of_o old_a when_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o ability_n in_o all_o sacred_a administration_n but_o it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o it_o with_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o or_o attendance_n unto_o it_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o at_o present_a be_v call_v into_o question_n it_o will_v not_o we_o suppose_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v unto_o we_o all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o that_o by_o such_o law_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o be_v sufficient_o severe_a in_o their_o penalty_n for_o we_o have_v rule_n and_o measure_n of_o church-communion_n assign_v unto_o we_o by_o law_n mere_o civil_a be_v there_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v so_o we_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o in_o this_o instance_n but_o thing_n be_v evident_o and_o open_o with_o we_o as_o here_o lay_v down_o now_o this_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v unscriptural_a and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n be_v without_o warranty_n or_o countenance_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o liturgy_n or_o prescribe_v form_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o church-ordinance_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o assembly_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n no_o direction_n about_o it_o no_o command_n for_o it_o will_n we_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v 1._o command_v indeed_o we_o be_v to_o make_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o our_o assembly_n to_o instruct_v 28._o lead_v guide_n and_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n institute_v by_o he_o 2._o and_o to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o apostle_n also_o describe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o own_o attendance_n unto_o it_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v give_v themselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o but_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n only_o except_v in_o and_o by_o the_o use_n or_o read_n of_o a_o liturgy_n and_o the_o prescribe_a form_n of_o it_o without_o variation_n or_o recede_v from_o the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o silent_a of_o if_o any_o one_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o produce_v instance_n unto_o his_o purpose_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v remember_v that_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v require_v not_o only_o to_o produce_v a_o warranty_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n or_o liturgy_n but_o also_o that_o rule_n be_v give_v therein_o enable_v church_n to_o make_v the_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v nothing_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o case_n as_o at_o present_a state_v and_o whatever_o confidence_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o herein_o we_o know_v that_o nothing_o unto_o this_o purpose_n can_v be_v thence_o produce_v it_o be_v plead_v indeed_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prescribe_v it_o unto_o his_o disciple_n but_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o that_o they_o do_v so_o use_v it_o nor_o that_o the_o repetition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o they_o though_o the_o own_n of_o it_o as_o by_o he_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o end_n by_o he_o design_v may_v just_o be_v make_v so_o lest_o of_o all_o be_v it_o or_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o rule_n or_o just_a encouragement_n
who_o make_v that_o refusal_n other_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o charge_n we_o value_v not_o for_o this_o be_v but_o man_n day_n the_o judgement_n whereof_o we_o neither_o stand_v nor_o fall_v unto_o yea_o we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o peaceableness_n and_o sobriety_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o such_o imposition_n and_o unto_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v make_v his_o church_n and_o disciple_n free_a and_o if_o once_o thing_n be_v come_v unto_o that_o state_n that_o man_n will_v assign_v no_o other_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o will_v quick_o appear_v where_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o division_n will_v remain_v if_o any_o such_o division_n will_v yet_o remain_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o make_v the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o some_o man_n fallible_a even_o as_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedidience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v expect_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o we_o say_v with_o heart_n in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a and_o pain_v to_o see_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n tear_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o lust_n passion_n and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n can_v we_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o rupture_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n provide_v it_o may_v have_v a_o consistency_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o as_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o will_v real_o contribute_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o we_o shall_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o faithfulness_n give_v up_o our_o best_a endeavour_n therein_o and_o where_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v bear_v with_o patience_n those_o disdainful_a reproach_n which_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n blow_v up_o by_o a_o confluence_n of_o secular_a perish_a advantage_n prompt_v they_o to_o pour_v out_o upon_o we_o for_o our_o noncompliance_n with_o their_o imposition_n second_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v consent_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o sundry_a duty_n which_o be_v make_v so_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n hinder_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n by_o other_o we_o have_v somewhat_o to_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o excuse_n but_o if_o we_o ourselves_o voluntary_o consent_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o they_o we_o can_v avoid_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o worst_a way_n whereby_o such_o a_o consent_n may_v be_v express_v be_v by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o as_o though_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o bargain_n with_o other_o man_n what_o duty_n we_o will_v observe_v aâ—d_v what_o we_o will_v omit_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o in_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o be_v to_o give_v this_o consent_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v by_o compact_a and_o agreement_n which_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o pretence_n of_o excuse_n in_o our_o omission_n it_o be_v no_o time_n afterward_o to_o plead_v that_o we_o will_v discharge_v such_o duty_n be_v we_o not_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v we_o have_v ourselves_o antecedent_o and_o voluntary_o renounce_v a_o concern_n in_o such_o forbid_a duty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v honest_o conform_v but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o declare_a resolution_n to_o accept_v of_o all_o the_o term_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o with_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o under_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v that_o we_o look_v on_o conformity_n and_o what_o other_o apprehend_v thereby_o or_o understand_v therein_o who_o seem_v to_o press_v man_n to_o conform_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v we_o know_v not_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o omission_n of_o know_a duty_n inseparable_o accompany_v our_o conformity_n that_o thereby_o we_o solemn_o consent_v unto_o this_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o refuse_v because_o without_o sin_n in_o the_o voluntary_a neglect_n and_o omission_n of_o duty_n we_o can_v comply_v with_o it_o which_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o we_o nor_o what_o may_v in_o any_o way_n render_v we_o unblamable_a the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v no_o such_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v bind_v constant_o to_o neglect_v any_o know_a duty_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o himself_o for_o their_o sake_n nor_o do_v his_o institution_n interfere_v that_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o one_o shall_v exclude_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o another_o neither_o do_v he_o by_o his_o command_n bring_v any_o one_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a or_o of_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n however_o therefore_o we_o value_v church-peace_n and_o union_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v it_o by_o a_o abrenunciation_n of_o any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o will_v a_o agreement_n procure_v on_o such_o term_n be_v of_o any_o use_n unto_o we_o or_o of_o advantage_n to_o the_o church_n its_o self_n wherefore_o that_o compliance_n in_o church_n communion_n which_o will_v be_v obstructive_a of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n be_v not_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n enjoin_v we_o and_o therefore_o its_o omission_n can_v be_v culpable_a in_o we_o but_o it_o will_v its_o self_n be_v our_o sin_n especial_o will_v it_o be_v thus_o where_o the_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v omit_v be_v such_o as_o be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a office_n wherein_o we_o be_v peculiar_o require_v to_o be_v faithful_a it_o remain_v therefore_o only_o that_o we_o declare_v wherein_o we_o shall_v by_o conformity_n engage_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o some_o few_o instance_n 1_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a immediate_a care_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o he_o be_v overseer_n commit_v unto_o he_o that_o no_o part_n hereof_o which_o belong_v unto_o their_o edification_n be_v exempt_v from_o he_o 28._o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o account_n which_o will_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o 5._o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n for_o as_o minister_n be_v call_v overseer_n ruler_n 5._o guide_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a so_o be_v they_o command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 17._o a_o discharge_n of_o all_o which_o must_v come_v into_o their_o account_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o a_o exemption_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o their_o office_n or_o care_n if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v let_v the_o place_n be_v produce_v wherein_o such_o a_o exemption_n be_v make_v or_o any_o instance_n of_o it_o among_o the_o first_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v for_o hitherto_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v attempt_v that_o we_o know_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o conclude_v from_o the_o plea_n that_o some_o be_v appoint_v unto_o a_o superior_a degree_n above_o other_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o his_o flock_n commit_v unto_o he_o although_o he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o of_o his_o discharge_n thereof_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o to_o to_o teach_v instruct_v and_o preach_v to_o their_o flock_n but_o to_o go_v before_o they_o also_o in_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spiritual_a discipline_n appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o ministerial_a teach_n and_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n for_o these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o allusion_n and_o its_o application_n be_v obvious_a and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o any_o they_o be_v usurper_n if_o they_o
make_v for_o they_o and_o allow_v unto_o they_o in_o due_a season_n so_o also_o to_o keep_v off_o those_o from_o partake_v in_o they_o who_o without_o his_o master_n order_n and_o warrant_n will_v intrude_v themselves_o into_o his_o family_n and_o unjust_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n consist_v and_o the_o same_o be_v require_v in_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o household_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o the_o provision_n that_o he_o have_v make_v for_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v undeniable_o part_n of_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n or_o minister_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o many_o of_o they_o we_o must_v solemn_o renounce_v a_o concernment_n in_o upon_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o conformity_n in_o matter_n and_o manner_n require_v of_o we_o neither_o be_v these_o duty_n such_o as_o be_v of_o light_a importance_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o any_o detriment_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o edification_n be_v great_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o who_o mind_n a_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v countenance_v by_o their_o attendance_n unto_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o order_n have_v scarce_o consider_v he_o aright_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v some_o therefore_o of_o these_o duty_n we_o shall_v instance_n in_o first_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o consider_v aright_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o obtain_v a_o right_a thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o its_o holy_a ordinance_n take_v care_n they_o must_v that_o none_o who_o have_v that_o right_o grant_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v discourage_v or_o exclude_v nor_o any_o altogether_o unworthy_a admit_v and_o hereunto_o as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sincere_a and_o save_a be_v require_v to_o neglect_v a_o enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o prostitute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n and_o to_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o under_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o the_o right_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v internal_a grace_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o all_o outward_a administration_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o on_o the_o part_n of_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v if_o they_o be_v open_o and_o visible_o unworthy_a what_o do_v we_o thereby_o but_o what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o destroy_v their_o soul_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o harden_v and_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n will_v be_v hazard_v thereby_o for_o whereas_o they_o have_v grant_v unto_o they_o the_o most_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o state_n towards_o god_n that_o the_o church_n be_v authorize_v to_o give_v what_o reason_n have_v they_o to_o think_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o secure_a or_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n â—ressing_v they_o to_o look_v after_o a_o change_n and_o relinquishment_n of_o it_o for_o although_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_v ordinance_n do_v not_o absolute_o set_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n unto_o every_o individual_a person_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o do_v absolute_o do_v so_o to_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v they_o witness_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n his_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o therewithal_o of_o all_o person_n according_a to_o their_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v of_o it_o but_o those_o who_o in_o no_o considerable_a instance_n do_v answer_v this_o profession_n can_v obtain_v nothing_o unto_o themselves_o but_o a_o occasion_n of_o harden_v and_o render_v they_o secure_a in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n for_o tell_v man_n whilst_o you_o please_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n of_o reformation_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o vnholiness_n you_o confirm_v unto_o they_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o pledge_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o he_o they_o will_v not_o much_o regard_n your_o other_o exhortation_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o conformity_n worth_n that_o we_o contend_v about_o ten_o thousand_o time_n over_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o adninistration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o life_n of_o they_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n lose_v the_o word_n still_o declare_v that_o without_o regeneration_n without_o save_a faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o adninistration_n of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n there_o be_v a_o abatement_n make_v of_o this_o rigorous_a determination_n and_o man_n have_v their_o salvation_n assure_v unto_o they_o without_o a_o credible_a profession_n yea_o or_o a_o pretence_n of_o these_o qualification_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o who_o live_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o believe_v the_o one_o nor_o much_o regard_n the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o church_n itself_o as_o to_o its_o purity_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o communion_n be_v dammage_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o careful_a inspection_n into_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o ignorance_n worldliness_n and_o profaneness_n will_v spread_v themselves_o as_o a_o leprosy_n over_o such_o a_o church_n whence_o their_o communion_n will_v be_v of_o very_o little_a use_n and_o advantage_n unto_o believer_n and_o hereby_o do_v church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o expression_n of_o the_o purity_n holiness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n become_v the_o principal_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o his_o dishonour_n in_o the_o world_n 27._o and_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v that_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n will_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o love_n and_o death_n if_o he_o measure_v they_o by_o what_o appear_v in_o church_n under_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o neglect_n nor_o do_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o state_n without_o reformation_n sufficient_o consider_v the_o representation_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n some_o of_o which_o be_v overtake_v with_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o therein_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n as_o to_o what_o kind_n of_o proceed_n particular_a church_n be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o in_o all_o generation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a amazement_n that_o any_o church_n dare_v approve_v and_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o impurity_n and_o defection_n as_o be_v evident_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o those_o primitive_a pattern_n do_v man_n think_v he_o be_v change_v or_o that_o he_o will_v approve_v in_o they_o what_o he_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o other_o or_o do_v they_o suppose_v he_o mind_v these_o thing_n no_o more_o and_o because_o he_o be_v unseen_a that_o he_o see_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v all_o find_v at_o length_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o as_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n now_o this_o duty_n by_o conformity_n we_o renounce_v a_o concernment_n in_o so_o as_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n whence_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n thereof_o before_o mention_v must_v fall_v on_o we_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o
duty_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o authority_n for_o it_o will_v be_v leave_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o be_v allow_v in_o case_n of_o a_o sudden_a emergency_n upon_o a_o offence_n take_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o any_o which_o be_v instruct_v beforehand_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o the_o allow_a exercise_n of_o it_o will_v yield_v no_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v extend_v the_o rule_n beyond_o the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o present_a current_a administration_n of_o church-discipline_n there_o be_v no_o great_a question_n to_o be_v make_v what_o entertainment_n he_o will_v meet_v withal_o for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o go_v out_o again_o and_o if_o instead_o of_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n any_o can_v content_v themselves_o to_o be_v informer_n of_o crime_n unto_o other_o we_o desire_v their_o pardon_n if_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o at_o present_a we_o be_v plead_v about_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o judge_v and_o take_v care_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o charge_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o hereof_o will_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o upon_o the_o neglect_n or_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n consequent_n of_o great_a moment_n do_v depend_v yea_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o it_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n into_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v but_o the_o power_n of_o exercise_v ministerial_a authority_n in_o a_o just_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v renounce_v in_o our_o conformity_n if_o we_o shall_v submit_v thereunto_o for_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o after_o we_o have_v conform_v we_o can_v pretend_v no_o excuse_n from_o what_o be_v enjoin_v we_o or_o forbid_v unto_o we_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o all_o be_v found_v in_o our_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o consent_n hence_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o omission_n must_v whole_o fall_v on_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undergo_v there_o be_v we_o know_v many_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o commit_n of_o this_o power_n and_o trust_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a congregation_n great_a inconvenience_n be_v pretend_v as_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfitness_n of_o most_o minister_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o a_o trust_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o arbitrariness_n and_o partiality_n which_o probable_o other_o will_v exercise_v therein_o the_o yoke_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v on_o the_o people_n thereby_o and_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v usual_o plead_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o insist_v on_o but_o 1._o this_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o some_o or_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o do_v he_o appoint_v nor_o be_v it_o meet_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o his_o own_o presumption_n intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o man_n habitation_n with_o their_o age_n and_o the_o like_a be_v of_o no_o consideration_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o every_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o ignorant_a wicked_a or_o profligate_v to_o impose_v himself_o on_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christian_a religion_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v principal_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o gather_v they_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v into_o that_o church-order_n and_o fellowship_n wherein_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n or_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o this_o course_n of_o proceed_v continue_v uninterrupted_a with_o some_o little_a variation_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o duty_n until_o corruption_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o still_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o in_o the_o papal_a church_n itself_o to_o this_o day_n particular_a confessor_n be_v esteem_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o meetness_n of_o their_o penitent_n for_o a_o admission_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n of_o their_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v now_o be_v esteem_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o succeed_v in_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o church-society_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o unheard_a of_o in_o antiquity_n that_o those_o who_o dispense_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o disposal_n as_o to_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n so_o it_o be_v as_o uncouth_a that_o those_o who_o now_o sustain_v the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n unto_o the_o several_a congregation_n attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v that_o ignorance_n and_o disability_n in_o minister_n as_o be_v pretend_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o accommodate_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o truth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o this_o work_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v great_a namely_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o unto_o all_o their_o hearer_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o no_o other_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v and_o such_o there_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n through_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o his_o supply_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o these_o know_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o study_v meditate_v pray_v ask_v counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o perhaps_o of_o more_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n than_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v want_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v direction_n from_o he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o other_o security_n of_o regular_a orderly_a and_o useful_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v we_o nor_o do_v we_o need_v for_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n will_v not_o fail_v the_o attain_n of_o his_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o also_o 4._o the_o judgement_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o complete_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a as_o be_v pretend_v they_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o or_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o he_o nor_o own_a by_o he_o what_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o it_o may_v stand_v until_o lawful_o recall_v
shall_v always_o walk_v blameless_a according_a unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n of_o obedience_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o other_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v so_o bless_v in_o this_o world_n that_o all_o who_o belong_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v constant_o and_o perpetual_o inoffensive_a this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o it_o do_v so_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o old_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o otherwise_o to_o be_v expect_v among_o we_o on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o who_o be_v even_o press_v with_o the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v obtain_v a_o admission_n into_o church_n society_n by_o the_o strict_a rule_n that_o any_o can_v proceed_v upon_o therein_o and_o these_o after_o they_o have_v know_v and_o profess_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n may_v and_o often_o do_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o fall_v again_o into_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n many_o good_a man_n and_o real_o sincere_a believer_n may_v through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v surprise_v into_o fault_n and_o sin_n scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o offensive_a to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v no_o relief_n in_o and_o for_o his_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 7._o no_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v clear_v themselves_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o such_o impiety_n 6._o or_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o who_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o 11._o as_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o this_o communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v 18._o no_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v put_v forth_o from_o among_o they_o the_o old_a leaven_n which_o will_v otherwise_o infect_v the_o whole_a 2._o no_o way_n to_o discharge_v themselves_o and_o their_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v impenitent_a in_o their_o sin_n no_o mean_n for_o the_o awaken_n conviction_n humiliation_n and_o recovery_n of_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v no_o way_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n with_o the_o sentence_n that_o he_o denounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o they_o that_o be_v impenitent_a if_o he_o have_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o church_n in_o this_o world_n can_v possible_o be_v preserve_v from_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n nor_o can_v they_o by_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a communiou_n be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o he_o can_v be_v please_v with_o they_o or_o continue_v to_o walk_v among_o they_o for_o let_v man_n please_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o will_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o where_o person_n obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o wicked_a and_o who_o life_n be_v whole_o discrepant_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v suffer_v to_o abide_v without_o control_n but_o if_o he_o have_v make_v the_o provision_n inquire_v after_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v both_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v grant_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o these_o end_n his_o command_n to_o exercise_v it_o with_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n with_o the_o rule_v give_v they_o to_o proceed_v by_o with_o the_o know_a end_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o holiness_n be_v all_o open_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o must_v then_o be_v inquire_v unto_o who_o this_o trust_n be_v first_o commit_v and_o of_o who_o these_o duty_n be_v principal_o require_v for_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n how_o they_o may_v regular_o attend_v unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o offence_n among_o they_o they_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o and_o direct_v as_o that_o set_v aside_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o rule_n herein_o by_o the_o extreme_o force_v and_o unproveable_a exception_n of_o some_o interest_v person_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o mat._n 18._o v._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o a_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n herein_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o due_a order_n to_o provide_v for_o if_o they_o be_v abridge_v hereof_o and_o deprive_v thereby_o of_o so_o great_a a_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n as_o also_o of_o the_o usefulness_n require_v in_o they_o towards_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oppression_n that_o they_o suffer_v under_o and_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_o neglect_v by_o they_o 17._o not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o other_o man_n sin_n also_o lie_v upon_o they_o 15._o neither_o be_v their_o own_o gild_n small_a herein_o for_o suffer_v sin_n to_o abide_v on_o a_o brother_n without_o reproof_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o hatred_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o hatred_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o less_o evident_o declare_v for_o from_o such_o person_n as_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o refuse_v to_o reform_v on_o due_a admonition_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o put_v from_o among_o they_o such_o obstinate_a offender_n as_o also_o previous_o thereunto_o to_o watch_v diligent_o lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o among_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v defile_v and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v subservient_fw-fr all_o the_o command_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o purity_n order_n holiness_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n be_v with_o who_o rest_v the_o principal_a care_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n exercise_v and_o to_o exercise_v it_o according_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o minister_n and_o through_o their_o neglect_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o offender_n be_v leave_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n without_o a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n if_o the_o church_n its_o self_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v thereby_o and_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o these_o thing_n in_o one_o degree_n or_o other_o more_o or_o less_o will_v ensue_v on_o that_o neglect_n it_o will_v not_o turn_v unto_o their_o comfortable_a account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o authority_n and_o inspection_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o reason_n before_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o case_n of_o admission_n do_v undeniable_o evince_v and_o if_o those_o minister_n who_o do_v conscientious_o attend_v unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n towards_o particular_a flock_n will_v but_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n by_o the_o light_n of_o open_a and_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o there_o will_v need_v little_a argue_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o what_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o be_v require_v from_o they_o if_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v no_o light_n into_o the_o duty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n or_o as_o we_o think_v mistake_n and_o neglect_v can_v be_v no_o rule_n unto_o we_o what_o we_o may_v be_v forbid_v what_o we_o may_v be_v hinder_v in_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o for_o we_o voluntary_o to_o engage_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v every_o way_n oblige_v to_o avoid_v there_o be_v also_o sundry_a particular_a duty_n relate_v unto_o these_o that_o be_v more_o general_a which_o in_o like_a manner_n on_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n propose_v unto_o we_o must_v be_v forgo_v and_o omit_v and_o where_o by_o these_o mean_n or_o neglect_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o exercise_v church_n communion_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o its_o member_n be_v whole_o lose_v and_o sundry_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o be_v virtual_o prohibit_v unto_o they_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o grow_v into_o disuse_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o such_o church_n where_o these_o evil_n be_v inveterate_a and_o remediless_a particular_a person_n do_v peaceable_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n by_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o society_n as_o wherein_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o practical_o attend_v unto_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o wicked_a person_n that_o be_v of_o its_o communion_n nor_o
its_o administration_n defile_v by_o their_o presence_n and_o communication_n in_o they_o nor_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o prejudice_v thereby_o because_o it_o have_v be_v so_o say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n 10._o though_o whether_o suitable_o unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o no_o 6._o be_v very_o questionable_a but_o suppose_v this_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o where_o wicked_a person_n be_v admit_v without_o distinction_n or_o discrimination_n unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v tolerate_v therein_o without_o any_o procedure_n with_o they_o or_o against_o they_o contrary_a to_o express_v rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v to_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v real_o pious_a among_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n prevail_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o whole_a they_o may_v not_o only_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n impair_n of_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n to_o join_v unto_o another_o where_o there_o be_v more_o care_n of_o piety_n purity_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o they_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o a_o due_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o may_v a_o little_a touch_n hereon_o once_o for_o all_o the_o general_n end_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n as_o such_o be_v the_o visible_a mannagement_n of_o the_o enmity_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n mystical_a against_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o end_n god_n ever_o have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o person_n open_o profane_a do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n their_o father_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o church_n constitution_n which_o tend_v unto_o or_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o mix_n and_o reconcile_n these_o distinct_a seed_n whilst_o they_o be_v such_o and_o visible_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o type_n prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v declare_v that_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v actual_o bring_v unto_o a_o head_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a that_o be_v visible_o so_o 2._o so_o the_o description_n general_o and_o uniformal_o give_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 12._o when_o actual_o call_v and_o erect_v be_v 9_o that_o they_o consist_v of_o person_n call_v sanctify_a justify_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n or_o saint_n believer_n 44._o faithful_a one_o purify_v and_o separate_v unto_o god_n such_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v 6._o such_o they_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v by_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o their_o communion_n 2._o and_o as_o such_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o conversation_n 13._o by_o what_o authority_n so_o great_a a_o change_n shall_v be_v now_o wrought_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n 4_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v altogether_o indifferent_a of_o what_o sort_n of_o person_n they_o do_v consist_v 11._o we_o know_v not_o yea_o to_o speak_v plain_o we_o great_o fear_v that_o both_o the_o worship_n and_o worshipper_n be_v defile_v 22._o where_o open_a impenitent_a sinner_n be_v free_o admit_v unto_o all_o sacred_a administration_n without_o control_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o as_o god_n complain_v that_o his_o sanctuary_n be_v pollute_v when_o there_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o 1._o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o uncircumcised_a in_o flesh_n so_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o such_o defile_v mixture_n 6._o and_o charge_v to_o watch_v against_o they_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o insist_v on_o the_o great_a evil_n it_o will_v be_v in_o we_o 16._o if_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o seem_a outward_a approbation_n unto_o those_o thing_n and_o their_o use_n which_o we_o can_v but_o condemn_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o moreover_o there_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o not_o absolute_o to_o hide_v the_o light_n we_o have_v receive_v therein_o under_o a_o bushel_n nor_o will_v we_o render_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n absolute_o hopeless_a by_o our_o profess_a compliance_n with_o the_o thing_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v reform_v but_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v already_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v a_o gild_n of_o schism_n charge_v either_o on_o minister_n or_o people_n who_o withhold_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n whereof_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v make_v condition_n necessary_a and_o indispensible_a and_o wherein_o they_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o perform_v many_o duty_n make_v necessary_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o as_o the_o rigid_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o so_o let_v they_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o among_o all_o that_o sincere_o profess_v the_o gospel_n there_o may_v be_v that_o peace_n and_o such_o a_o agreement_n obtain_v as_o in_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v all_o exercise_v those_o duty_n of_o love_n which_o the_o strict_a union_n do_v require_v these_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n as_o also_o to_o renounce_v every_o principle_n or_o opinion_n whereof_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o opposite_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o if_o man_n will_v continue_v to_o charge_n accuse_v or_o revile_v we_o either_o out_o of_o a_o causeless_a distaste_n against_o our_o person_n or_o misunderstand_a of_o our_o principle_n and_o way_n or_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n or_o mere_o prompt_v thereunto_o through_o a_o vain_a elation_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o the_o distance_n wherein_o through_o their_o secular_a advantage_n they_o look_v upon_o we_o to_o stand_v from_o they_o as_o we_o can_v help_v it_o so_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v not_o to_o be_v great_o move_v at_o it_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o vindicate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o disorder_n and_o abuse_n that_o have_v be_v introduce_v into_o it_o and_o probable_o will_v be_v they_o who_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o but_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o care_n be_v that_o in_o godly_a simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n we_o may_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n not_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v plead_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a which_o we_o be_v charge_v withal_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o of_o england_n but_o also_o that_o we_o assemble_v in_o separate_a congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o evident_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o contract_n unto_o ourselves_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v more_o require_v thereunto_o but_o what_o will_v those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o objection_n have_v we_o to_o do_v will_v they_o have_v we_o starve_v our_o soul_n by_o a_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o their_o nourishment_n or_o will_v they_o have_v we_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a omission_n of_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n by_o they_o or_o those_o
the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o not_o from_o any_o scripture_n or_o religious_a rule_n and_o be_v these_o prohibition_n only_o temporary_a or_o occasional_a suit_v unto_o such_o emergency_n as_o may_v give_v countenance_n unto_o their_o necessity_n there_o may_v be_v a_o proportionable_a compliance_n with_o they_o but_o whereas_o they_o respect_v all_o time_n alike_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o act_n any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o such_o prohibition_n to_o secure_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o no_o way_n interfere_v with_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o the_o law_n by_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o occasion_n unto_o civil_a disturbance_n and_o other_o also_o by_o their_o peaceable_a deportment_n in_o all_o they_o do_v but_o whereas_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o talon_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o trade_n withal_o have_v accept_v of_o his_o term_n and_o engage_v into_o his_o service_n without_o any_o condition_n of_o exception_n in_o case_n of_o such_o prohibition_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a they_o shall_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o desist_v from_o their_o work_n on_o such_o occurrence_n any_o far_a than_o in_o what_o they_o must_v yield_v unto_o outward_a force_n and_o necessity_n it_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o that_o if_o such_o a_o legal_a prohibition_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gopel_n it_o will_v not_o be_v obligatory_a unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o supreme_a magistrate_n lawful_o to_o forbid_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o subject_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o grant_v make_v by_o god_n the_o father_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o commission_n he_o give_v thereon_o unto_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v some_o only_a that_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o prohibition_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o peace_n sake_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n therein_o whilst_o there_o be_v other_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n that_o peace_n be_v or_o may_v be_v secure_v on_o other_o term_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v but_o that_o one_o man_n liberty_n to_o attend_v unto_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o do_v it_o according_o shall_v excuse_v another_o from_o that_o which_o be_v personal_o incumbent_a on_o himself_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o easy_o apprehend_v nor_o can_v be_v ready_o digest_v beside_o what_o be_v pretend_v of_o the_o sufficient_a number_n of_o preacher_n without_o any_o contribution_n of_o aid_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v indeed_o but_o pretend_v for_o if_o all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n gift_a and_o call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o nation_n be_v equal_o encourage_v unto_o and_o in_o their_o work_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v a_o attendance_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o due_a measure_n and_o manner_n and_o those_o who_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o unto_o compassionate_a thought_n towards_o the_o multitude_n of_o poor_a sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v wherefore_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o shall_v shut_v up_o these_o discourse_n with_o a_o brief_a answer_n unto_o the_o forego_n objection_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o schism_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o sin_n or_o somewhat_o that_o be_v evil_a it_o can_v in_o no_o circumstance_n be_v any_o mae_v duty_n but_o we_o have_v manifest_v as_o satisfactory_o unto_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o we_o hope_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o in_o our_o present_a condition_n our_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v our_o express_a duty_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o affinity_n with_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n and_o those_o who_o intend_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n in_o or_o for_o our_o assembly_n must_v first_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n 2._o notwithstanding_o they_o or_o any_o thing_n by_o we_o perform_v in_o they_o we_o do_v preserve_v our_o communion_n entire_a with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v all_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n own_v therein_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o present_a opinion_n of_o some_o who_o have_v evident_o depart_v from_o it_o our_o non-admittance_n of_o the_o present_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o apprehend_v national_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_o ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v account_v for_o before_o but_o we_o be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o a_o public_a avowment_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n 3._o into_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o on_o those_o term_n and_o condition_n which_o not_o only_o we_o may_v just_o but_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o refuse_v and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o beside_o no_o man_n be_v so_o oblige_v unto_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n at_o any_o time_n to_o relinquish_v it_o and_o to_o secure_v himself_o also_o from_o all_o law_n which_o may_v respect_v that_o communion_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o we_o never_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o any_o parochial_a church_n but_o what_o be_v civil_a and_o arbitrary_a a_o relinquishment_n whereof_o be_v practise_v at_o pleasure_n every_o day_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n continue_v therefore_o in_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o all_o other_o protestant_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n thereof_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o under_o one_o civil_a or_o political_a head_n and_o have_v antecedent_o no_o evangelical_n obligation_n upon_o we_o unto_o local_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n numerical_o with_o any_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n and_o be_v prohibit_v from_o any_o such_o communion_n by_o the_o term_n condition_n and_o custom_n indispensible_o annex_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v be_v christ_n freeman_n it_o be_v moreover_o our_o duty_n to_o assemble_v ourselves_o in_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o be_v express_o command_v we_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v or_o condemn_v by_o man_n in_o and_o for_o what_o we_o do_v yet_o that_o he_o do_v both_o accept_v we_o here_o and_o will_v acquit_v we_o hereafter_o who_o we_o serve_v and_o seek_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n which_o we_o own_o or_o allow_v be_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o those_o that_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a and_o compliant_a with_o that_o evangelical_n union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o term_n whereof_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v and_o observe_v even_o with_o they_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n differ_v from_o we_o as_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v also_o to_o exercise_v all_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o love_n peaceableness_n and_o gentleness_n towards_o they_o by_o who_o we_o be_v hate_v and_o revile_v finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 3._o line_n 21._o read_v from_o he_o p._n 5._o l._n 9_o r._n train_n of_o l._n 12._o for_o seriousness_n r._n fierceness_n p._n 16_o l._n 26._o for_o security_n r._n severity_n l._n 33_o of_o it_o add_v which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o profess_v p._n 19_o l_o 23._o r._n searcher_n p._n 31._o l._n 23._o r._n 18._o p._n 32._o l._n 29_o r._n principle_n p._n 38._o l._n 9_o r._n church_n state_n p._n 49._o l._n 1._o r._n in_o this_o p._n 66._o l._n 4._o r._n lose_v we_o p._n 87._o l._n 19_o for_o particularity_n r._n particular_a rite_n p_o 98._o l._n 12._o for_o this_o r._n their_o p._n 100_o l_o 10_o for_o according_a r._n avoid_v p._n 116._o l._n 2._o r._n can_v p._n 130._o 17._o r._n ascadius_n p._n 152._o l._n 20._o for_o your_o r._n their_o p._n 155._o l._n 6._o r._n gender_n p._n 156._o l._n 16._o r._n occasion_n p._n 159._o l._n 12._o r._n this_o p._n 167._o l._n 21._o r._n their_o 186._o l._n 2._o for_o erect_a r._n enact_v p._n 190._o l._n 28._o r._n easter_n be_v p._n 198._o l._n 13._o r._n indeseazable_a p._n 202._o l._n 20._o r._n express_v judge_n 5._o 15._o 2_o sam._n 19_o 41_o 42_o 43._o 2_o sam._n 16._o 4._o 2_o chron._n 20._o 23._o heyl._n hist_o of_o presb._n phil._n 2._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o heb._n 12._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 13._o ephes._n 2._o 12_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 5_o 6._o act_n 12._o mark_n 16._o 15._o 16._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 16._o luk._n â—_o 18._o act_n 26._o 18._o eph._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ch._n 4._o 18._o rom._n 8._o 8._o heb._n 11._o 6._o joh._n 3._o 15_o 36._o gal._n 5._o 6._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 11_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o rom._n 8._o 29_o 30._o rom._n 10._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 2_o cor._n 10_o 4_o 5._o rom._n 10_o 10._o ephes_n â—_o 26_o 27._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 16._o rom._n 14._o 3._o john_n 15._o 18_o 19_o 25._o ps._n 35._o 19_o acts._n 18._o 9_o 10_o 11._o mat._n 24._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o jam._n 2._o 13._o heb._n 12._o 14._o rev._n 21._o 8._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o act._n 14_o 23._o chap._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o act._n 15._o 2_o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 2._o 3._o mat._n 28._o 20._o john_n 15._o 10_o 14._o 2_o chron._n 11._o chap._n 13._o 1_o king_n 12._o chap._n 13._o rev._n 18._o 4._o ephes._n 4._o 3_o 4._o john_n 17._o 21_o 22._o eph._n 5._o 30_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o gen._n 5_o 2._o 3_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 12_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o col._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 14._o 5._o phil._n 3._o 15_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11._o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o ephes._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o john_n 17._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 10_o 4_o 5._o mat._n 28._o 20._o joh._n 14._o 16._o heb._n 13._o 27._o rev._n 3._o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o act_n 20._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 31._o lnk._n 22._o 24_o 25._o 26._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o chap._n 3._o 3_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 11._o mat._n 6._o 1._o 2._o luke_n 6._o 37._o rom._n 14._o 3._o 4._o 10._o jam._n 4._o 12._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o rom._n 12_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 10_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 18._o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o gal._n 6._o 1._o â—ct_n 6._o 4._o sâ—crat_fw-mi hâ—st_n lib._n 5._o act_n 15._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o 3._o joh._n 9_o 10._o ro._n 14._o 1._o phil._n 3._o 15._o he._n 5._o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o act._n 6._o 4._o act_n 20._o 17._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 5._o 17._o eph._n 5._o 25_o 26_o 27._o act_n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28._o ro._n 14._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 11._o mat._n 16._o 18._o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o rev._n 2_o 2._o leu._n 19_o 17._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 9_o 10._o &_o â—_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6_o 9_o 10._o 2_o thess._n 3._o 6._o isa._n 26._o 2._o ezek._n 43._o 12._o chap._n 44._o 9_o levit._fw-la 11._o 44._o rom._n 1._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 1_o 2._o chap._n 12._o 13._o phil_n 1._o 4_o col._n 2._o 11._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o ezek_n 44._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o heb._n 12._o 15_o 16._o
when_o upon_o lesser_a difference_n man_n judge_v church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o administration_n to_o be_v invalid_a so_o do_v some_o judge_n of_o church_n because_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o so_o do_v more_o of_o other_o because_o they_o have_v none_o but_o the_o validity_n or_o invalidity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n high_o disputable_a in_o their_o notion_n and_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a gospel-obedience_n in_o their_o practice_n and_o we_o be_v undue_o charge_v with_o other_o apprehension_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o such_o thought_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o our_o heort_n as_o though_o the_o church_n constitute_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o the_o rule_n we_o apprehend_v appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v but_o out_o of_o design_n endeavour_v to_o expose_v we_o to_o popular_a envy_n and_o hatred_n who_o invent_v and_o publish_v such_o thing_n concern_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v we_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o take_v from_o thence_o any_o such_o provocation_n as_o may_v corrupt_v our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o nor_o to_o relieve_v ourselves_o by_o return_v the_o like_a censure_n unto_o they_o as_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o scripture_n rule_n and_o duty_n must_v in_o these_o matter_n regulate_v our_o thought_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o whilst_o we_o judge_v other_o to_o be_v true_a church_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o their_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v none_o because_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v indeed_o that_o many_o church_n have_v miss_v and_o do_v miss_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o precise_a rule_n of_o their_o due_a constitution_n and_o walk_v that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v add_v useless_a superfluous_a rite_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v in_o many_o of_o they_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n or_o a_o carnal_a rule_n erect_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o that_o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o importance_n and_o danger_n be_v prevalent_a in_o sundry_a of_o they_o that_o their_o ruler_n be_v much_o influence_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n and_o envy_n against_o such_o as_o plead_v for_o reformation_n beyond_o their_o measure_n or_o interest_n yet_o that_o hereupon_o they_o shall_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o immediate_o forfeit_v their_o church-state_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n nor_o acceptable_a sacred_a administration_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o false_a imagination_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o by_o we_o entertain_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o those_o church_n in_o europe_n which_o be_v common_o call_v reform_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n of_o they_o the_o same_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o same_o readiness_n for_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o we_o will_v desire_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v bear_v or_o exercise_v towards_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v find_v negligent_a in_o any_o office_n of_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o compassion_n help_n or_o assistance_n or_o such_o supply_n in_o outward_a or_o inward_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n or_o ability_n for_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o as_o our_o shame_n and_o herein_o we_o desire_v to_o fulfil_v the_o royal_a law_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o same_o we_o say_v concern_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o constitution_n with_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o some_o say_v that_o parochial_a church_n be_v under_o a_o force_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o practice_n of_o sundry_a thing_n and_o forbid_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o wherein_o the_o compliance_n of_o some_o be_v not_o over-voluntary_a nor_o please_v to_o themselves_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o nullity_n or_o invalidity_n in_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v in_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o some_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o unbelief_n and_o this_o be_v the_o paganize_a of_o england_n which_o some_o of_o we_o be_v traduce_v for_o we_o believe_v that_o among_o the_o visible_a professor_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n as_o in_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n so_o that_o in_o it_o be_v treasure_v up_o a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n of_o christ._n we_o believe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v by_o their_o profession_n constitute_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o judge_v not_o we_o condemn_v not_o those_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o their_o light_n and_o understanding_n in_o particularity_n do_v practice_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v comply_v withal_o for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o fail_v wherein_o they_o miss_v or_o out_o go_v the_o rule_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n absolute_o destructive_a of_o their_o particular_a church-state_n and_o what_o more_o can_v reasonable_o be_v require_v of_o we_o or_o expect_v from_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o distance_n that_o do_v remain_v between_o we_o &_o they_o shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o for_o our_o duty_n in_o particular_a presential_a communion_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a ordinance_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o we_o in_o asia_n or_o africa_n we_o shall_v we_o hope_v be_v direct_v to_o determine_v aright_o concern_v it_o when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o be_v our_o thought_n concern_v they_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v to_o love_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_z that_o god_n will_v send_v out_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o help_v they_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o we_o towards_o they_o those_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v in_o who_o be_v within_o the_o line_n of_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n among_o who_o we_o walk_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n unto_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o join_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v hereunto_o in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o church_n among_o ourselves_o but_o that_o a_o man_n remove_v his_o habitation_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o desire_n herein_o and_o this_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o judgement_n how_o a_o man_n may_v best_o improve_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o edification_n we_o see_v not_o therefore_o how_o any_o man_n with_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o sobriety_n or_o modesty_n can_v charge_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o a_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n for_o we_o embrace_v it_o on_o all_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v know_v within_o what_o narrow_a bound_n the_o charity_n and_o unity_n of_o some_o be_v confine_v who_o yet_o advantage_n themselves_o by_o a_o noise_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o disturb_v break_v or_o dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n either_o as_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o its_o internal_a form_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o as_o visible_o profess_v necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o concern_v particular_a church_n congregation_n assembly_n or_o parish_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v detect_v by_o any_o to_o spring_v from_o want_n of_o love_n or_o to_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o have_v therefore_o thus_o brief_o give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o relation_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o
god_n we_o can_v with_o confidence_n and_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n own_o as_o dear_a a_o valuation_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o peaceableness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o professor_n whatever_o and_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o principle_n do_v as_o much_o tend_v and_o and_o conduce_v unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o any_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v propose_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o we_o either_o do_v or_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o embrace_v every_o thing_n or_o way_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v or_o do_v bless_v thereunto_o we_o doubt_v not_o as_o have_v be_v before_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o fail_n and_o sinful_a miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n who_o separate_v or_o be_v rather_o drive_v from_o the_o present_a public_a worship_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o in_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o under_o the_o various_a temptation_n and_o provocation_n they_o have_v be_v expose_v unto_o have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o a_o unpleasant_a relish_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o irregular_a prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v find_v act_v themselves_o in_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v so_o among_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o hope_v that_o where_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v any_o guilt_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o reproof_n which_o have_v be_v public_o give_v unto_o it_o with_o what_o spirit_n or_o intention_n soever_o manage_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o amendment_n of_o they_o who_o have_v offend_v but_o for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o must_v bear_v this_o testimony_n unto_o our_o sincerity_n that_o we_o not_o only_o condemn_v but_o abhor_v all_o evil_a surmise_n among_o professor_n all_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n all_o causeless_a aversation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n all_o strife_n wrath_n anger_n and_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n much_o more_o do_v we_o cast_v out_o all_o thought_n of_o judge_a man_n eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o respect_n unto_o such_o difference_n nor_o do_v we_o nor_o dare_v we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o real_o opposite_a to_o love_v peace_n unity_n or_o concord_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o excuse_v any_o of_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o intemperate_a heat_n in_o word_n or_o otherwise_o which_o some_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o until_o their_o repentance_n must_v bear_v their_o own_o judgement_n so_o we_o will_v not_o make_v a_o recharge_v on_o other_o who_o differ_v in_o persuasion_n from_o we_o of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a crime_n nor_o indeed_o need_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n contrary_a unto_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n be_v write_v as_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o we_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o lot_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o of_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o scandalous_a crime_n which_o other_o that_o condemn_v they_o in_o we_o indulg_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o least_o check_n or_o control_v the_o law_n of_o this_o condition_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o profession_n which_o we_o do_v avow_v only_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n against_o we_o by_o their_o plea_n for_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v for_o peace_n but_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o war_n can_v they_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o valuation_n and_o seck_v after_o these_o thing_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_v bless_v by_o christ_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o with_o a_o severity_n at_o least_o commensurate_a to_o the_o utmost_a they_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v against_o we_o whilst_o free_a from_o malice_n and_o evil_a design_n only_o we_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o accession_n that_o man_n can_v make_v towards_o they_o who_o depart_v from_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o those_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o abound_v most_o with_o it_o who_o can_v most_o comply_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o discourse_n with_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o their_o author_n do_v proceed_v from_o sincerity_n in_o they_o only_o as_o we_o fear_v somewhat_o leaven_v with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a unto_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n perhaps_o no_o less_o sincere_a and_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n than_o themselves_o though_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o reproof_n which_o some_o do_v manage_v on_o the_o foundation_n mention_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o mannagement_n many_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o appearance_n if_o not_o evidence_n of_o evil_a surmise_n ungrounded_a temerarious_a censure_n of_o self-conceit_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n of_o hard_a thought_n of_o undue_a charge_n on_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o in_o all_o of_o a_o want_n of_o real_a love_n condescension_n and_o compassion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v real_o find_v among_o professor_n blame_v by_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n both_o as_o charge_v and_o recharge_v have_v a_o double_a appearance_n those_o from_o who_o they_o proceed_v look_v on_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n which_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o to_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v amiable_a useful_a and_o free_a from_o all_o offence_n whereas_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v view_v of_o they_o in_o the_o disorder_a reflection_n of_o their_o opposition_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o undergo_v by_o they_o do_v apprehend_v they_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n unto_o we_o to_o find_v that_o when_o some_o be_v severe_o handle_v for_o those_o principle_n and_o way_n wherein_o they_o can_v and_o do_v commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o apprehend_v that_o their_o intention_n purpose_n principle_n and_o affection_n be_v injurious_o traduce_v and_o pervert_v they_o fall_v with_o a_o equal_a severity_n on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v though_o their_o reproof_n proceed_v from_o a_o equal_a sincerity_n unto_o what_o themselves_o profess_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o especial_o be_v such_o mutual_a reflection_n grievous_a and_o irksome_a unto_o man_n when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o profess_a friend_n do_v industrious_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o wrath_n of_o profess_a adversary_n chap._n iu._n want_v of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n just_o complain_v of_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n 1._o misapprehension_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n wherein_o it_o do_v true_o consist_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v mistake_v about_o both_o 2._o neglect_v in_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o know_a gospel-duty_n of_o preach_v unto_o conversion_n and_o edification_n care_v of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o discipline_n how_o neglect_v how_o corrupt_v principle_n seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o miscarriage_n 1._o confidence_n of_o their_o place_n 2._o contempt_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o trust_v unto_o worldly_a grandeur_n other_o cause_n of_o division_n remainder_n of_o corruption_n from_o the_o general_n apostasy_n weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o readiness_n to_o take_v offence_n remedy_n hereof_o pride_n false_a teacher_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a decay_n of_o love_n a_o great_a want_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a nor_o less_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v they_o be_v obtain_v it_o will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o loss_n be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o one_o and_o no_o less_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o for_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n occasion_v chief_o by_o false_a notion_n of_o unity_n and_o undue_a mean_n
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
unto_o they_o and_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o stir_v up_o those_o gracious_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o preserve_v gospel-unity_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a progress_n make_v towards_o peace_n reconciliation_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o good_n or_o imprison_v of_o the_o person_n of_o dissenter_n will_v ever_o effect_v but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n be_v require_v here_o unto_o as_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o comply_v withal_o for_o whilst_o man_n do_v hardly_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n and_o power_n accompany_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o that_o whole_a end_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v whilst_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n patience_n meekness_n condescension_n self-denial_n renunciation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o church-guide_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n unto_o the_o attain_n and_o preservation_n of_o gopel-unity_n but_o do_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n into_o a_o subordination_n unto_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n by_o external_a force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v very_o small_a expectation_n of_o success_n in_o the_o way_n propose_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v herewith_o satisfy_v take_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o infect_v with_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n and_o restore_v their_o unity_n unto_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v find_v uncompliant_a therewithal_o we_o shall_v without_o repine_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o hasten_v a_o amendment_n another_o cause_n of_o the_o evil_a effect_n and_o consequent_n mention_v be_v the_o great_a neglect_n that_o have_v be_v in_o church_n and_o church-ruler_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o open_a direct_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v such_o and_o so_o evident_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o or_o to_o attempt_v a_o excuse_n of_o it_o and_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n other_o will_v always_o according_a to_o their_o will_n or_o desire_n attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o what_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o if_o church_n or_o their_o ruler_n will_v excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o member_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o through_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o mal-administrations_a it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o under_o their_o conduct_n whither-eve_a they_o shall_v lead_v they_o but_o if_o it_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a out_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v every_o one_o live_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o every_o one_o notwithstanding_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o help_n of_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n be_v oblige_v immediate_o in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o do_v in_o case_n therefore_o that_o they_o find_v the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v relate_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o neglect_n mention_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o will_v provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o difference_n and_o division_n will_v fall_v out_o which_o may_v all_o of_o they_o have_v be_v prevent_v have_v there_o be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o work_n doctrine_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o care_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v inevitable_o shut_v up_o under_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a instance_n will_v render_v this_o cause_n of_o our_o division_n more_o evident_a and_o manifest_a the_o first_o end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n act_v 26._o 17_o 18._o this_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v question_v nor_o deny_v that_o the_o work_n hereof_o in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v and_o pursue_v with_o zeal_n diligence_n labour_n and_o care_n all_o accompany_v with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o success_n in_o and_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o be_v a_o truth_n also_o that_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o controversy_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n herein_o principal_o do_v man_n in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n exercise_n and_o manifest_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o compassion_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o acquit_v themselves_o faithful_o in_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n if_o now_o in_o any_o assembly_n or_o other_o society_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o claim_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o church_n towards_o all_o person_n live_v within_o the_o bound_n or_o limit_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o themselves_o this_o work_n be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o careless_o &_o perfunctory_o attend_v unto_o if_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o incumbent_a do_v either_o suppose_v themselves_o free_a from_o any_o obligation_n thereunto_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o engagement_n or_o do_v so_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o relation_n unto_o many_o charge_n or_o employment_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v due_o attend_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v unable_a and_o insufficient_a for_o it_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o such_o church_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o love_n care_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o testify_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o great_a thought_n of_o heart_n and_o no_o small_a disorder_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v occasion_v in_o they_o who_o understand_v aright_o how_o much_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o constitute_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v neglect_v among_o they_o and_o although_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o a_o season_n patient_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o quiet_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o this_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v yet_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o exclude_v it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n its_o self_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v therein_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o it_o will_v increase_v their_o disquietment_n and_o whereas_o man_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o nor_o be_v by_o any_o other_o way_n join_v unto_o church_n for_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a end_n or_o purpose_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n it_o be_v altogether_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o endeavour_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o church_n wherein_o these_o end_n be_v not_o pursue_v nor_o attainable_a and_o yet_o a_o confidence_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v countenance_v sundry_a church-guide_n into_o that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n which_o many_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_v under_o at_o this_o day_n the_o second_o end_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o they_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v believe_v herein_o consist_v that_o feed_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o ministry_n
such_o church_n shall_v long_o continue_v in_o peace_n nor_o be_v that_o peace_n wherein_o they_o continue_v much_o to_o be_v value_v a_o agreement_n in_o such_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n and_o holiness_n than_o church_n order_n or_o concord_n and_o when_o man_n once_o find_v themselves_o hate_v and_o it_o may_v be_v persecute_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n as_o they_o believe_v but_o because_o they_o labour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o profession_n to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v they_o can_v hardly_o avoid_v the_o entertainment_n of_o severe_a thought_n concern_v they_o from_o who_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o expect_v other_o usage_n as_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o more_o peaceable_a encouragement_n and_o edification_n four_o hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o gospel_n discipline_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v indeed_o by_o some_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o rule_n or_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n but_o this_o doubt_n must_v respect_v such_o outward_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v but_o not_o prove_v necessary_a for_o whether_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v some_o to_o rule_n and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v whether_o he_o have_v prescribe_v law_n or_o rule_n whereby_o the_o one_o shall_v govern_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v whether_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_v of_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n can_v well_o be_v call_v into_o controversy_n by_o such_o as_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o what_o nature_n or_o kind_n these_o governor_n or_o ruler_n be_v to_o be_v what_o be_v their_o office_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v invest_v therewith_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n how_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thing_n determine_v by_o he_o in_o the_o word_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v conversant_a it_o be_v evident_o declare_v of_o what_o nature_n they_o be_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o to_o what_o end_n the_o qualification_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n their_o deportment_n in_o it_o their_o removal_n from_o it_o be_v all_o express_v in_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n give_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v unruly_a or_o disorderly_a who_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o holiness_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v rebuke_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o if_o after_o all_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o amendment_n they_o abide_v in_o impenitency_n that_o they_o be_v eject_v out_o of_o communion_n for_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a be_v a_o society_n gather_v and_o erect_v to_o express_v and_o declare_v the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o do_v no_o church_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o world_n the_o preservation_n therefore_o of_o holiness_n in_o they_o whereof_o the_o discipline_n mention_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n be_v as_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v also_o express_o ordain_v that_o in_o case_n offence_n shall_v arise_v in_o and_o among_o his_o church_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v compose_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o his_o own_o law_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o in_o sinful_a miscarriage_n cause_v offence_n or_o scandal_n there_o be_v a_o regular_a proceed_n according_a unto_o a_o especial_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offendor_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o in_o other_o case_n have_v fall_v by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v be_v restore_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o more_o particular_n that_o the_o whole_a flock_n be_v continual_o watch_v over_o exhort_v warn_v instruct_v comfort_v as_o the_o necessity_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o do_v require_v now_o suppose_v these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n rule_n and_o direction_n to_o be_v give_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v warranty_n for_o their_o execution_n unto_o man_n prudent_a for_o the_o order_n of_o affair_n according_a to_o their_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o we_o judge_v that_o a_o complete_a rule_n or_o government_n be_v erect_v thereby_o in_o the_o church_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o every_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o direct_v unto_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o church_n to_o expect_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o their_o communion_n see_v itself_o neglect_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o they_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a in_o the_o sacred_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n do_v neither_o defile_v the_o administration_n themselves_o nor_o render_v they_o unuseful_a unto_o those_o who_o be_v right_o interest_v in_o they_o and_o due_o prepare_v for_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o no_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v forsake_v nor_o its_o communion_n withdraw_v from_o mere_o on_o that_o account_n many_o of_o old_a and_o of_o late_o have_v plead_v nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o this_o sole_o of_o its_o self_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n but_o when_o a_o church_n shall_v tolerate_v in_o its_o communion_n not_o only_o evil_a man_n but_o their_o evil_n and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o use_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o other_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v leaven_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v obstruct_v beyond_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o to_o submit_v unto_o and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o neither_o will_v thing_n have_v any_o better_a success_n where_o the_o discipline_n degenerate_v into_o a_o outward_a forcible_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n the_o thing_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o he_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n wherefore_o charity_n pity_n compassion_n condescension_n meekness_n and_o forbearance_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v so_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o exercise_v this_o care_n and_o duty_n for_o he_o in_o the_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n or_o to_o commit_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o unto_o such_o person_n as_o whereby_o or_o by_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v represent_v as_o furious_a captious_a proud_a covetous_a oppressive_a be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o some_o while_n they_o boast_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o example_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o grace_n do_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n make_v unco_n the_o world_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o a_o account_n of_o this_o degeneracy_n be_v give_v so_o distinct_o by_o peitro_n suave_fw-la the_o author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n lib._n 4_o ad_fw-la ann._n 1551._o that_o we_o think_v it_o not_o unmeet_a to_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o say_v therefore_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n he_o leave_v also_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a this_o principal_a precept_n to_o love_v one_o another_o charge_v they_o to_o make_v peace_n between_o those_o that_o dissent_v and_o for_o the_o last_o remedy_n give_v the_o care_n thereof_o to_o the_o
in_o the_o world_n order_v at_o first_o by_o person_n fallible_a and_o who_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v actual_o deceive_v shall_v so_o continue_v in_o their_o purity_n and_o holiness_n from_o age_n to_o age_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n well_o will_v it_o be_v if_o it_o prove_v so_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o visitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o become_v the_o guide_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o take_v care_n that_o there_o do_v not_o such_o decay_n of_o truth_n holiness_n and_o purity_n in_o worship_n fall_v out_o under_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o preside_v as_o that_o for_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o threaten_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o defection_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n be_v such_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o who_o think_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o reformation_n may_v just_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o sinful_a degeneracy_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v usual_o plead_v in_o bar_n unto_o all_o endeavour_n after_o church-reformation_n for_o they_o say_v if_o upon_o the_o clamour_n of_o a_o few_o humorous_a discontent_a person_n who_o nothing_o will_v please_v and_o who_o perhaps_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o a_o reformation_n must_v instant_o be_v make_v or_o attempt_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o stable_n firm_a or_o sacred_a leave_v in_o the_o church_n thing_n once_o well_o establish_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n upon_o every_o one_o exception_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v vehement_o plead_v and_o urge_v to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o thought_n of_o change_v any_o thing_n though_o evident_o for_o the_o better_a but_o long_o continue_v complaint_n and_o petition_n of_o multitude_n who_o sincerity_n have_v receive_v as_o great_a a_o attestation_n as_o humane_a nature_n or_o christian_a religion_n can_v give_v it_o may_v be_v deserve_v not_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v however_o the_o jealousy_n which_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o themselves_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o or_o its_o departure_n from_o they_o especial_o consider_v the_o fearful_a example_n of_o the_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n of_o many_o church_n which_o be_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n seem_v to_o require_v a_o readiness_n in_o they_o on_o every_o intimation_n or_o remembrance_n to_o search_v into_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o redress_v what_o they_o find_v amiss_o for_o suppose_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o blameless_a as_o to_o those_o order_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o other_o dissent_v from_o they_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o defect_n and_o declension_n in_o doctrine_n holiness_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o most_o strict_a observation_n of_o outward_a order_n will_v neither_o countenance_n nor_o compensate_a for_o to_o think_v to_o preserve_v a_o church_n by_o outward_a order_n when_o its_o internal_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v decay_v be_v but_o to_o do_v like_o he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o set_v a_o dead_a body_n upright_o but_o fail_v in_o his_o attempt_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o another_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o apply_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v neither_o able_a nor_o fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o aught_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o what_o they_o purpose_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o imbibe_v of_o this_o apprehension_n which_o be_v exceed_o well_o suit_v to_o be_v make_v a_o cover_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n of_o those_o unto_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v accommodate_v make_v they_o impatient_a of_o hear_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o common_a to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o they_o be_v not_o to_o do_v in_o thing_n sacred_a and_o religious_a only_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v so_o much_o ingenuity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o its_o application_n that_o it_o be_v seldom_o extend_v by_o any_o beyond_o their_o own_o concernment_n for_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o way_n to_o maintain_v its_o self_n in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o its_o constitution_n but_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o its_o subject_n see_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o its_o profession_n will_v endure_v no_o kind_n of_o impartial_a test_n or_o trial_n they_o extend_v it_o unto_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o those_o who_o be_v secure_a that_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v will_v endure_v a_o examination_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v found_v therein_o and_o thence_o educe_v they_o will_v allow_v unto_o the_o people_n at_o least_o a_o judgement_n of_o discern_a truth_n from_o falsehood_n to_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o as_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a interest_n and_o concern_v there_o they_o betake_v themselves_o for_o relief_n unto_o this_o principle_n now_o as_o there_o be_v more_o honesty_n and_o safety_n in_o this_o latter_a way_n than_o in_o the_o former_a so_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o ingenuity_n and_o self-consistency_n for_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o and_o about_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a or_o religious_a you_o will_v never_o know_v how_o to_o hit_v a_o joint_n aright_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n among_o such_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o say_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n about_o these_o thing_n they_o may_v judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o not_o about_o those_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a too_o open_a to_o say_v that_o they_o may_v exercise_v a_o judgement_n about_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o none_o about_o what_o we_o appoint_v ourselves_o but_o without_o offence_n be_v it_o speak_v this_o apprehension_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o under_o its_o restriction_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a that_o it_o must_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o excess_n of_o prejudice_n if_o any_o man_n of_o learning_n shall_v undertake_v to_o patronize_v it_o those_o who_o speak_v in_o these_o thing_n out_o of_o custom_n and_o interest_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v or_o deny_v as_o many_o do_v be_v of_o no_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o they_o to_o keep_v their_o distance_n and_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n lest_o many_o of_o those_o who_o they_o exclude_v from_o judge_v for_o themselves_o shall_v be_v find_v more_o competent_a judge_n in_o those_o matter_n than_o themselves_o and_o let_v church_n and_o church-ruler_n do_v what_o they_o please_v every_o man_n at_o last_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o do_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n church_n may_v inform_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o can_v enforce_v they_o and_o if_o those_o that_o adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n do_v not_o do_v so_o because_o they_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o best_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v they_o therein_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o a_o herd_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v call_v by_o another_o name_n and_o yet_o a_o secret_a apprehension_n in_o some_o that_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v so_o leave_v and_o confine_v unto_o themselves_o as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o obedience_n without_o any_o sedulous_a enquiry_n after_o what_o be_v their_o own_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o account_n which_o every_o one_o must_v give_v of_o himself_o unto_o god_n do_v great_o influence_n they_o into_o the_o neglect_n insist_v on_o and_o when_o any_o of_o the_o people_n come_v to_o know_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o duty_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o can_v but_o know_v it_o if_o at_o all_o they_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v alienate_v from_o those_o who_o will_v neither_o permit_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v mislead_v for_o if_o the_o
blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a as_o well_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v as_o he_o that_o lead_v will_v into_o the_o ditch_n add_v hereunto_o the_o thought_n of_o some_o that_o secular_a grandeur_n and_o outward_a pomp_n with_o a_o distance_n and_o reservedness_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o ordinary_a man_n be_v necessary_a in_o ecclesiastic_n to_o raise_v and_o preserve_v that_o popular_a veneration_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v their_o due_n without_o this_o it_o be_v think_v government_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o nor_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n awe_v unto_o obedience_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o old_a nor_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o no_o direction_n be_v give_v for_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o sacred_a or_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a write_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o of_o they_o abound_v with_o instruction_n how_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v preserve_v that_o respect_n which_o be_v their_o due_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v 3._o readiness_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n 31._o in_o labour_n kindness_n compassion_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o shall_v excel_v and_o go_v before_o the_o flock_n as_o their_o example_n this_o way_n of_o procure_a veneration_n unto_o church_n guide_v by_o worldly_a state_n greatness_n seem_v domination_n or_o power_n be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v a_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o primitive_a time_n yea_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v express_o prohibit_v 26._o in_o that_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n unto_o they_o for_o avoid_v conformity_n in_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n but_o those_o time_n they_o say_v be_v past_a and_o go_v there_o remain_v not_o that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o christian_n as_o to_o reverence_v their_o pastor_n for_o their_o humility_n grace_n labour_n and_o gift_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v now_o give_v they_o to_o be_v use_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o popular_a level_a spirit_n that_o envy_v the_o dignity_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v it_o so_o therefore_o that_o in_o any_o place_n they_o be_v just_o and_o useful_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o themselves_o possess_v of_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o to_o envy_v they_o their_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o endeavour_v their_o deprivation_n of_o they_o but_o we_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_v mention_v be_v vain_a and_o whole_o frustrate_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o christian_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o respect_n and_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o their_o pastor_n and_o guide_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o office_n with_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o open_a evidence_n how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o reduction_n of_o primitive_a light_n truth_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n into_o church_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v endanger_v their_o ruin_n and_o will_v effect_v it_o if_o continue_v namely_o a_o accommodation_n of_o church-order_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o state_n and_o deportment_n of_o ruler_n unto_o the_o decay_n and_o irreligion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o remove_v by_o their_o reformation_n but_o we_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v imitate_v than_o the_o corrupt_a degeneracy_n of_o other_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o or_o provide_v for_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o corrupt_a persuasion_n have_v in_o most_o age_n since_o the_o day_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la let_v out_o and_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n and_o vainglory_n of_o several_a ecclesiastic_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n which_o some_o church_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n be_v otherwise_o utter_o destitute_a of_o those_o qualification_n which_o tue_o name_n of_o the_o place_n they_o possess_v do_v require_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o give_v one_o single_a instance_n where_o that_o respect_n and_o estimation_n which_o the_o scripture_n tequire_v in_o the_o people_n towards_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v ever_o ingenerate_v or_o improve_v by_o that_o worldly_a grandeur_n pomp_n and_o domination_n which_o some_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o useful_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o that_o awe_n which_o be_v put_v thereby_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o common_a fort_n of_o man_n that_o terror_n which_o these_o thing_n strike_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v obnoxious_a unto_o trouble_n and_o disadvantage_n from_o they_o that_o outward_a observance_n which_o be_v by_o some_o do_v unto_o person_n vest_v with_o they_o with_o the_o admission_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o into_o a_o equality_n of_o society_n with_o great_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o those_o who_o satisfy_v and_o please_v themselves_o herewith_o instead_o of_o that_o regard_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o officer_n or_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o people_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o do_v but_o help_v on_o their_o defection_n from_o their_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o manifest_v what_o innumerable_a scandalous_a offence_n proceed_v from_o the_o pride_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v find_v among_o many_o who_o be_v perhaps_o young_a and_o ignorant_a it_o may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o their_o conversation_n have_v nothing_o to_o bear_v up_o themselves_o withal_o but_o a_o interest_n in_o dignity_n and_o worldly_a riches_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o this_o corrupt_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o judge_v how_o much_o be_v lose_v hereby_o from_o the_o true_a glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o people_n be_v quiet_o suffer_v to_o decay_v in_o that_o love_n and_o respect_n towards_o their_o pastor_n which_o be_v their_o grace_n and_o duty_n whilst_o they_o will_v pay_v that_o outward_a veneration_n which_o worldly_a grandeur_n do_v acquire_v and_o pastor_n satisfy_v themselves_o therewith_o grow_v neglective_a of_o that_o exemplary_a humility_n and_o holiness_n of_o that_o laborious_a diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o care_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o shall_v procure_v they_o that_o holy_a respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o their_o office_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v only_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o be_v before_o discourse_v of_o another_o great_a occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n arise_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o confusion_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n by_o that_o general_a apostasy_n from_o gospel-truth_n purity_n and_o order_n whereiu_o they_o be_v for_o sundry_a age_n involve_v few_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o total_o free_v themselves_o from_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o relic_n of_o its_o disorder_n that_o such_o a_o apostasy_n do_v befall_v these_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o prove_v a_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a church-state_n of_o england_n that_o thing_n shall_v so_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o be_v of_o old_a foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o that_o many_o church_n have_v receive_v a_o signal_n deliverance_n from_o the_o principal_a evil_n of_o that_o apostasy_n in_o the_o reformation_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v for_o therein_o by_o several_a way_n and_o in_o several_a degree_n of_o success_n a_o return_n unto_o their_o pristine_a faith_n and_o order_n be_v sincere_o endeavour_v and_o so_o far_o be_v there_o a_o blessing_n accompany_v of_o their_o endeavour_n as_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o deliver_v from_o thing_n in_o themselves_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o do_v yet_o continue_v among_o they_o sundry_a remainder_n of_o those_o disorder_n which_o under_o their_o fatal_a declension_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o nor_o do_v there_o need_v any_o further_a proof_n hereof_o than_o the_o incurable_a difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v find_v among_o they_o for_o have_v they_o all_o attain_v their_o primitive_a condition_n such_o division_n with_o all_o their_o cause_n have_v be_v prevent_v and_o the_o papist_n upbraid_v protestant_n with_o their_o
intestine_a difference_n and_o schism_n do_v but_o reproach_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a in_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o rectify_v all_o those_o abuse_n and_o remove_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o they_o be_v invent_v and_o do_v introduce_v in_o a_o thousand_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n only_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o that_o owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o original_a which_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o as_o a_o occasion_n of_o much_o disorder_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o of_o great_a division_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o it_o be_v know_v none_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o plain_a story_n of_o their_o preach_v the_o success_n which_o they_o have_v therein_o and_o their_o proceed_n to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n thereon_o put_v this_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sober_a contradiction_n none_o will_v say_v that_o they_o gather_v church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v whilst_o they_o continue_v such_o nor_o of_o open_a sinner_n continue_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n a_o evidence_n therefore_o and_o confession_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o first_o church_n neither_o will_v we_o ever_o contend_v with_o such_o importune_a prejudices_fw-la as_o under_o any_o pretence_n capable_a of_o a_o wrangle_a countenance_n shall_v set_v up_o against_o this_o evidence_n hence_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v look_v on_o as_o person_n real_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o effectual_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v they_o salute_v and_o treat_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o we_o say_v they_o be_v look_v on_o and_o own_v and_o as_o such_o upon_o their_o confession_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o look_v on_o they_o and_o own_v they_o though_o absolute_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n some_o among_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o some_o prove_a apostate_n but_o this_o profession_n of_o conversion_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mutual_a acknowledgement_n of_o each_o other_o as_o so_o convert_v unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o and_o although_o this_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preserve_v all_o the_o first_o church_n absolute_o free_a from_o schism_n and_o division_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o most_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o that_o infection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o reduction_n of_o unity_n after_o that_o by_o the_o violent_a interposition_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o temptation_n it_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o a_o season_n afterward_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o many_o more_o take_v on_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v not_o such_o eminent_a and_o visible_a conversion_n unto_o god_n as_o most_o of_o those_o have_v who_o be_v change_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o person_n unfit_a and_o unqualify_v for_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o be_v member_n of_o church_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o order_n and_o disreputation_n of_o their_o holy_a conversation_n they_o be_v for_o some_o good_a season_n keep_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o expectant_n and_o call_v catechuman_n or_o person_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o trial_n be_v make_v of_o their_o faith_n holiness_n and_o constancy_n before_o their_o admission_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n peace_n and_o order_n provide_v for_o especial_o be_v they_o so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o severe_a discipline_n which_o be_v then_o exercise_v towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n press_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v admit_v on_o much_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v whole_a nation_n come_v to_o claim_v successive_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n without_o any_o personal_a duty_n perform_v or_o profession_n make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n on_o their_o part_n and_o so_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o many_o place_n to_o this_o day_n man_n general_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o far_o about_o a_o title_n to_o church-membership_n and_o privilege_n but_o rest_n in_o the_o prepossession_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o own_o nativity_n in_o such_o or_o such_o place_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v own_v or_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o 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by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o they_o many_o take_v up_o with_o and_o rest_n in_o these_o external_a thing_n as_o though_o christianity_n consist_v in_o they_o although_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n where_o the_o quicken_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o internal_a grace_n be_v want_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o church-order_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v far_o away_o man_n come_v together_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-assembly_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v admit_v but_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n with_o no_o other_o heart_n nor_o design_n but_o on_o and_o with_o what_o they_o partake_v in_o any_o civil_a society_n or_o joint_o engage_v in_o any_o other_o worldly_a concern_v and_o this_o fundamental_a error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o many_o church_n be_v the_o occasion_n as_o of_o other_o evil_n so_o in_o particular_a of_o division_n among_o profess_a christian_n hence_o original_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n accommodate_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o such_o person_n as_o understand_v little_a or_o be_v little_a sensible_a of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a discipline_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o thereby_o at_o last_o degenerate_v into_o the_o outward_a way_n of_o force_n and_o power_n before_o describe_v for_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v rule_v and_o instead_o of_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a temper_n and_o condition_n where_o unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n be_v suit_v there_o be_v invent_v a_o way_n of_o government_n accommodate_v unto_o that_o state_n whereinto_o they_o be_v lapse_v which_o those_o concern_v find_v to_o be_v the_o far_o easy_a work_n of_o the_o two_o hence_o do_v sincere_a mutual_a love_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v among_o church-member_n see_v they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o tolerable_a persuasion_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o profession_n in_o each_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v it_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o to_o provoke_v it_o unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n hence_o do_v private_a spiritual_a communion_n fail_v among_o they_o the_o most_o be_v stranger_n unto_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o despise_v and_o contemn_v it_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o its_o exercise_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o useful_a church-communion_n and_o where_o public_a communion_n be_v only_o attend_v unto_o with_o a_o neglect_n hereof_o it_o will_v quick_o wither_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o on_o this_o occasion_n do_v all_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n exhortation_n and_o admonition_n proceed_v from_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o frequent_o recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n
unto_o the_o own_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o this_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o other_o sort_n who_o press_v conformity_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o other_o instance_n some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v so_o unto_o they_o and_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v judge_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a or_o expedient_a to_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n last_o all_o coincidency_n weigh_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o that_o other_o also_o that_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n 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tenderness_n be_v use_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o nothing_o severe_o press_v on_o they_o that_o doubt_v and_o for_o their_o different_a apprehension_n and_o way_n they_o shall_v all_o walk_v in_o peace_n condescend_v unto_o and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o determine_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o impose_v on_o christian_n unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n than_o do_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o better_a it_o be_v and_o more_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o person_n and_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o different_a observation_n in_o sundry_a thing_n relate_v unto_o sacred_a worship_n wherein_o they_o can_v join_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o communicate_v together_o endeavour_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v enforce_v unto_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o christ_n enstamp_v on_o they_o according_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n give_v these_o direction_n and_o that_o suitable_o unto_o his_o intention_n in_o they_o for_o the_o dissent_v party_n agree_v in_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o constant_o meet_v in_o distinct_a assembly_n or_o church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o holy_a worship_n because_o of_o the_o different_a rite_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v and_o in_o this_o posture_n be_v peace_n and_o love_n continue_v among_o they_o until_o in_o process_n of_o time_n their_o difference_n through_o mutual_a forbearance_n be_v extinguish_v they_o coalesce_v into_o one_o church_n state_n and_o order_n and_o the_o former_a peace_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o distance_n be_v deem_v sufficient_a whilst_o thing_n be_v not_o measure_v nor_o regulate_v by_o secular_a interest_n or_o advantage_n but_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o present_a unhappiness_n that_o such_o a_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o particular_a church_n be_v mistake_v to_o have_v a_o ill_a aspect_n upon_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o power_n honour_n and_o revenue_n but_o as_o we_o apprehend_v there_o be_v as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v among_o we_o a_o plain_a mistake_n in_o this_o surmise_n so_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chief_a in_o our_o consultation_n about_o church_n affair_n it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o commit_v quiet_o the_o success_n and_o event_n of_o duty_n unto_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n four_o there_o be_v also_o a_o signal_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o in_o a_o instance_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o prevail_v very_o early_o among_o they_o about_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a passeover_n for_o the_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o most_o of_o they_o that_o the_o observance_n hereof_o be_v countenance_v if_o not_o render_v necessary_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o general_o believe_v that_o by_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o accommodate_v themselves_o unto_o their_o practice_n only_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o the_o precise_a time_n or_o day_n which_o they_o be_v to_o solemnize_v as_o the_o head_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o festival_n as_o every_o undue_a presumption_n have_v one_o lameness_n or_o other_o accompany_v it_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o which_o be_v square_a and_o steady_a some_o therefore_o plead_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o as_o it_o be_v strong_o assert_v and_o testify_v by_o multitude_n keep_v his_o easter_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n who_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v other_o not_o inferior_a unto_o they_o in_o number_n or_o authority_n oppose_v unto_o their_o time_n the_o example_n of_o peter_n who_o they_o affirm_v on_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a for_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v to_o have_v observe_v his_o easter_n at_o another_o time_n and_o according_a unto_o a_o different_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a how_o the_o contest_v hereabout_o trouble_v the_o church_n both_o of_o europe_n and_o asia_n who_o certain_o have_v thing_n more_o material_a to_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o about_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o at_o length_n prevail_v over_o the_o other_o and_o obtain_v a_o kind_n of_o catholicism_n against_o that_o which_o be_v countenance_v only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n as_o that_o church_n be_v always_o wondrous_a happy_a in_o reduce_v other_o church_n unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o its_o sentiment_n as_o seldom_o want_v desire_n or_o skill_n dexterous_o to_o improve_v its_o manifold_a advantage_n now_o this_o be_v that_o easter_n to_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o not_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o hereon_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n be_v confident_a that_o the_o truth_n be_v on_o his_o side_n namely_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n resolve_v to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o he_o see_v not_o how_o there_o can_v be_v either_o union_n peace_n or_o uniformity_n among_o they_o he_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o he_o
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o thâ—m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o exâ—â—ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n
spirit_n which_o be_v save_o communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n alone_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n belong_v thereunto_o than_o in_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o church_n under_o heaven_n the_o charge_n therefore_o of_o some_o against_o we_o that_o we_o paganize_v the_o nation_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n from_o other_o concern_v the_o regular_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n worship_n be_v wondrous_a vain_a and_o ungrounded_a but_o we_o know_v that_o man_n use_v such_o severe_a expression_n and_o reflection_n out_o of_o a_o discompose_v habit_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o and_o not_o from_o a_o sedate_n judgement_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o hence_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o convince_v other_o of_o that_o whereof_o if_o they_o will_v put_v it_o unto_o a_o serious_a trial_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v themselves_o this_o then_o be_v that_o church_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o sincere_a faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o out_o of_o which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v which_o thing_n be_v weak_o and_o arrogant_o appropriate_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o belong_v or_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o as_o we_o can_v manifest_v by_o instance_n do_v that_o work_n now_o lie_v before_o we_o this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n love_v and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o 27._o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o church_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a regard_n as_o be_v the_o spring_n from_o which_o all_o other_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n do_v flow_v within_o the_o virge_z and_o compass_n of_o it_o do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v the_o end_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o man_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o neither_o will_v we_o to_o save_v our_o life_n which_o for_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n and_o their_o good_a 16._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v down_o when_o just_o call_v thereunto_o wilful_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o which_o we_o hope_v god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v natural_a unto_o we_o by_o that_o one_o and_o selfsame_a spirit_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v animate_v we_o do_v confess_v that_o because_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n liable_a to_o error_n mistake_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o they_o be_v all_o internal_o act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v all_o attend_v unto_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n according_a as_o they_o apprehend_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o concern_v it_o have_v all_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o be_v all_o equal_o unite_v unto_o their_o head_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o conception_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v many_o difference_n among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o moral_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o whilst_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o profession_n they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n under_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n with_o other_o circumstance_n whereinto_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n absolute_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o but_o secure_v they_o all_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o forbearance_n with_o a_o charge_n of_o duty_n after_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v up_o unto_o a_o perfect_a union_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o bless_a aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o those_o who_o by_o way_n of_o force_n will_v drive_v they_o into_o any_o other_o union_n or_o agreement_n than_o their_o own_o light_n and_o duty_n will_v lead_v they_o into_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppose_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o they_o and_o his_o rule_n over_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o division_n and_o schism_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n among_o themselves_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o darkness_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n 3._o and_o in_o such_o case_n mutual_a judge_n and_o despising_n be_v apt_a to_o ensue_v and_o that_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o that_o common_a faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o such_o cross_n entangle_v wheel_n be_v there_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o all_o of_o they_o real_o value_v and_o esteem_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v incomparable_o above_o those_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o their_o valuation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o union_n and_o agreement_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a whereas_o their_o difference_n be_v usual_o influence_v by_o carnal_a and_o secular_a consideration_n which_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o sensible_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o poor_a mortal_n but_o so_o far_o as_o their_o division_n and_o difference_n be_v unto_o they_o unavoidable_a the_o remedy_n of_o far_a evil_n proceed_v from_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o frequent_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v love_n meckness_n forbearance_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v with_o a_o true_a understanding_n and_o due_a valuation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o common_a hope_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o without_o they_o our_o unavoidable_a difference_n will_v occasion_v and_o this_o excellent_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o a_o rejection_n of_o evil_a surmise_n and_o a_o watchfulness_n over_o ourselves_o against_o irregular_a judge_n and_o censure_v of_o other_o together_o with_o a_o peaceable_a walk_n in_o consent_n and_o unity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o propose_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o they_o must_v have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o carnal_a interest_n or_o some_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n on_o their_o mind_n into_o who_o understanding_n the_o light_n of_o it_o do_v not_o shine_v with_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o shall_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o various_a apprehension_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unavoidable_o attend_v their_o frail_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n yea_o or_o of_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n ensue_v thereon_o proceed_v from_o corrupt_a and_o not_o thorough_o mortify_v affection_n be_v warrant_v to_o hate_v judge_n despise_v or_o contemn_v one_o another_o much_o more_o to_o strive_v by_o external_a force_n to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o mahomet_n and_o not_o in_o jesus_n christ._n whatever_o share_n therefore_o we_o be_v force_v to_o bare_a in_o difference_n with_o or_o division_n from_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v any_o who_o declare_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o so_o to_o be_v by_o a_o visible_a and_o regular_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v
a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n unto_o we_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v any_o blame_n where_o we_o be_v find_v defective_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o strict_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v or_o whereof_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v capable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n until_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v it_o be_v our_o desire_n to_o manage_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o own_o light_n and_o apprehension_n without_o anger_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_a speak_v or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a in_o ourselves_o or_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o other_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o for_o the_o spiritual_a prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n for_o its_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o they_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v we_o not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o about_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v singular_o suit_v to_o the_o furtherance_n and_o preservation_n of_o union_n and_o due_a order_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v by_o any_o unto_o their_o renunciation_n but_o our_o main_a design_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o with_o they_o may_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bequeath_v unto_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o we_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o mention_v neither_o to_o boast_v of_o nor_o yet_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o but_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v our_o conviction_n concern_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o may_v there_o any_o sedate_n peaceable_a unprejudicate_a endeavour_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v for_o the_o allay_n of_o all_o occasional_a distemper_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o all_o difference_n among_o they_o who_o belong_v to_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o these_o nation_n not_o only_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o also_o agree_v and_o consent_n in_o all_o way_n and_o act_n of_o religious_a communion_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o manifest_v that_o no_o rigid_a adherence_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o conception_n of_o our_o own_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n allow_v a_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n no_o delight_n in_o singularity_n no_o prejudice_n against_o person_n or_o thing_n shall_v obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o own_v it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v and_o seek_v after_o peace_n unity_n consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o holy_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o those_o who_o by_o a_o regular_a profession_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v and_o will_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n renounce_v every_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o communion_n or_o direct_o or_o indirect_o be_v in_o its_o self_n obstructive_a of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o its_o outward_a profession_n as_o constitutive_a of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o denomination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a whereunto_o they_o all_o universal_o belong_v who_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o under_o the_o limitation_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o profession_n and_o thereby_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o evil_a and_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o in_o common_a use_n the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o on_o other_o account_v many_o who_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o profession_n that_o they_o make_v may_v just_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o world_n or_o of_o it_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n call_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o his_o time_n 25._o the_o world_n say_v he_o hate_v i_o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o thereby_o intend_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n beside_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n evince_v it_o he_o put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o testimony_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n concern_v their_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a hatred_n namely_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n 19_o be_v part_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n only_o now_o he_o thus_o term_v they_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o especial_o their_o ruler_n although_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n yet_o be_v not_o only_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n but_o also_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n in_o who_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o hence_o a_o general_n rule_n be_v establish_v that_o what_o profession_n soever_o any_o man_n do_v make_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o what_o church_n soever_o they_o do_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a in_o their_o life_n and_o persecuter_n of_o such_o as_o be_v better_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v real_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o will_v perish_v without_o repentance_n these_o be_v they_o who_o receive_v on_o they_o a_o form_n or_o delineation_n of_o godliness_n do_v yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o from_o who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o but_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o who_o in_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o infidel_n world_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v total_o reject_v or_o to_o who_o it_o be_v never_o tender_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o who_o throughout_o the_o world_n outward_o own_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o that_o love_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o they_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o be_v require_v of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n consist_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o this_o consideration_n that_o be_v as_o catholic_n and_o visible_o profess_v and_o in_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v require_v as_o the_o principle_n animate_v that_o communion_n and_o render_v it_o acceptable_a mutual_a love_n with_o its_o occasional_a exercise_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o common_a profession_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o open_o reject_v the_o principal_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o deny_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o use_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n as_o also_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n and_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o know_a community_n of_o these_o professor_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o own_o so_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n concern_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o hereon_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o real_o belong_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n election_n who_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v unto_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v maintain_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n or_o among_o any_o people_n among_o who_o there_o be_v none_o who_o he_o have_v design_v to_o bring_v
have_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o for_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v byvertue_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o he_o take_v it_o as_o unquestionable_a upon_o a_o current_n and_o prevalent_a rumour_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n hereupon_o he_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v unto_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o communion_n all_o those_o person_n and_o church_n who_o will_v observe_v any_o other_o day_n which_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n among_o who_o the_o apostle_n john_n do_v long_o converse_v here_o be_v our_o present_a case_n direct_o exemplify_v or_o represent_v so_o long_o before_o hand_n the_o success_n only_o of_o this_o fact_n of_o he_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o now_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o what_o entertainment_n this_o his_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n find_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o reproof_n of_o his_o precipitancy_n and_o irregular_a fix_v new_a bound_n unto_o church_n communion_n be_v famous_a in_o those_o day_n especial_o the_o rebuke_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o practice_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a person_n then_o live_v be_v eminent_o celebrate_v as_o consonant_a to_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o those_o who_o have_v transmit_v unto_o we_o the_o report_n of_o those_o time_n he_o who_o himself_z first_o condemn_v other_o rash_o be_v for_o his_o so_o do_v general_o condemn_v by_o all_o suppose_v now_o that_o any_o person_n live_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o call_v into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o condition_n thereof_o propose_v unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o shall_v assent_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n or_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n shall_v refrain_v from_o it_o where_o shall_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o schism_n be_v charge_v and_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o not_o only_o with_o those_o who_o come_v out_o of_o asia_n to_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o that_o diotrephes_n but_o also_o with_o sundry_a in_o that_o church_n its_o self_n as_o blastus_n and_o other_o as_o what_o great_a division_n be_v occasion_v hereby_o between_o the_o saxon_n and_o britain_n have_v be_v by_o many_o declare_v but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o gild_n of_o these_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o that_o coin_a and_o impose_v these_o new_a rule_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o this_o temerarious_a attempt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reflect_v no_o inconsiderable_a gild_n upon_o it_o neither_o can_v the_o whole_a observance_n its_o self_n from_o first_o to_o last_o ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v occasion_v thereby_o nor_o have_v the_o introduction_n of_o such_o thing_n ever_o obtain_v any_o better_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o free_a the_o church_n be_v until_o that_o time_n after_o they_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o circumcise_a professor_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n from_o any_o appearance_n of_o unwritten_a condition_n of_o communion_n be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o who_o have_v look_v into_o the_o monument_n which_o remain_v of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o sundry_a christian_n take_v upon_o they_o very_o early_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o guidance_n or_o direction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o sensible_a present_a thing_n in_o religion_n especial_o where_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a require_v great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o exercise_n so_o be_v they_o many_o of_o they_o easy_o infect_v by_o that_o tincture_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o from_o the_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o these_o observance_n be_v free_a and_o take_v up_o by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n not_o only_o every_o church_n but_o every_o person_n in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n some_o age_n it_o be_v before_o such_o thing_n be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o canon_n and_o that_o perhaps_o first_o by_o heretic_n or_o at_o least_o under_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n as_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n can_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o and_o practise_v of_o the_o first_o church_n be_v manifest_a against_o such_o imposition_n five_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n fix_v and_o determine_v by_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o shall_v now_o only_o manifest_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o plea_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n every_o church_n may_v propose_v something_o yea_o many_o thing_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v without_o a_o admission_n whereof_o aâ—d_a subjection_n thereunto_o he_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v from_o all_o church_n privilege_n among_o they_o now_o this_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o the_o authority_n that_o christ_n have_v over_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o honour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o therein_o nor_o on_o the_o same_o supposition_n be_v his_o law_n sufficient_a to_o rule_v and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o diotrephes_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n 10._o who_o be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n probable_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o pre-eminence_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v among_o they_o they_o will_v scarce_o escape_v without_o reproof_n who_o refuse_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n commend_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o such_o new_a imposition_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pre-eminence_n they_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o endless_a perplexity_n they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o who_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o call_v he_o only_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o baptism_n with_o a_o voluntary_a credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o claim_v their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o person_n who_o produce_v this_o warranty_n and_o thereon_o desire_v according_a to_o order_n the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n if_o he_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o it_o or_o forbid_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o ground_n sufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o evince_v the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o his_o profession_n little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o too_o much_o unto_o man_n own_o church_n indeed_o may_v more_o or_o less_o insist_v upon_o the_o explicitness_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n as_o they_o find_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o edification_n with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n leave_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o any_o church_n may_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o every_o professor_n be_v allow_v with_o reference_n unto_o particular_a assembly_n to_o