that_o of_o christianity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o three_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v these_o rule_n towards_o the_o work_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n more_o exact_o then_o in_o and_o towards_o other_o common_a duty_n because_o those_o work_n and_o performance_n be_v of_o a_o more_o important_a nature_n than_o other_o work_n as_o be_v more_o universal_a and_o more_o lead_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o such_o as_o more_o near_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o he_o so_o that_o a_o small_a fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o profession_n than_o a_o great_a fault_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n so_o that_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o because_o all_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v more_o obligatory_a unto_o minister_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n then_o unto_o common_a professor_n that_o therefore_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o concern_v love_n and_o unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v more_o bind_v towards_o they_o chief_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n then_o towards_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o duty_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a guilt_n and_o less_o excusable_a then_o in_o any_o other_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o gross_a misdemenour_n a_o little_a moat_n in_o the_o eye_n will_v trouble_v the_o whole_a body_n more_o than_o a_o great_a handful_n of_o dirt_n and_o dust_n cast_v upon_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o face_n and_o the_o least_o prick_n that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o pia_fw-la mater_fw-la of_o the_o brain_n as_o physician_n say_v will_v kill_v a_o man_n infallible_o but_o a_o great_a wound_n in_o the_o flesh_n nay_o a_o stab_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v be_v cure_v a_o thorn_n in_o a_o small_a joint_n will_v endanger_v a_o gangrene_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n whereas_o a_o great_a imposthume_n in_o a_o part_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v without_o danger_n &_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n though_o with_o some_o trouble_n to_o purge_v the_o whole_a of_o many_o evil_a humour_n thus_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o disaffection_n in_o one_o minister_n against_o another_o or_o breach_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o least_o duty_n of_o their_o charge_n may_v prove_v infinite_o more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n then_o great_a and_o gross_a hostility_n in_o common_a professor_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a concernment_n now_o among_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o default_n of_o minister_n in_o their_o charge_n that_o of_o the_o want_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o of_o care_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n together_o with_o a_o delight_n to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n by_o themselves_o be_v to_o i_o one_o of_o the_o great_a because_o it_o do_v direct_o cross_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n which_o be_v to_o gather_v the_o believer_n into_o one_o visible_a body_n and_o to_o bring_v that_o body_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o john_n 17.21_o 22_o 23._o compare_v with_o ephes_n 4.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n than_o the_o main_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o end_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v prosecute_v must_v needs_o be_v their_o great_a guilt_n whence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o to_o maintain_v no_o communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o with_o another_o be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a fault_n because_o most_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o administration_n so_o then_o if_o to_o maintain_v spiritual_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n fundamental_a and_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o engagement_n unto_o a_o concurrence_n and_o the_o lawful_a way_n of_o spiritual_a correspondency_n be_v also_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o must_v be_v entertain_v because_o without_o these_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v nor_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v to_o any_o visible_a perfection_n but_o rather_o visible_o dissolve_v thus_o then_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a scripturall_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o such_o as_o neglect_v it_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n sect_n iv_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o infallible_a example_n in_o the_o ministry_n although_o the_o mediatory_a action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o imitable_a nor_o be_v they_o perform_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o any_o for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o his_o relation_n unto_o we_o as_o our_o brother_n sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o flesh_n 2.11_o heb._n 2.11_o and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o converse_n among_o man_n be_v such_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o duty_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n or_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o dutiful_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o either_o a_o example_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v or_o a_o precept_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v practice_v for_o in_o this_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n because_o he_o go_v before_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o he_o before_o all_o other_o but_o also_o none_o further_a than_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o chief_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o love_n unity_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o weak_a do_v allege_v his_o practice_n as_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o thus_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n ephes_n 5.1_o 2._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o coloss_n 3.13_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o gal._n 6.2_o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 4.1_o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_n yourselves_o likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2._o have_v use_v many_o strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o unity_n verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o strife_n and_o division_n vers_fw-la 3._o than_o vers_n 4._o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o mutual_a care_n of_o one_o another_o whereunto_o as_o a_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o christ_n example_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o motive_n verse_n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 17.22_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o even_o as_o we_o be_v one_o by_o glory_n i_o understand_v here_o grace_n as_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v as_o concern_v christ_n practice_n in_o his_o ministry_n to_o avoid_v branch_n and_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o other_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o isa_n 42.2_o 3._o and_o matth._n 12.19_o 20._o thus_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n bear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n and_o concern_v his_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o unity_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o god_n the_o apostle_n do_v set_v it_o forth_o as_o
a_o faculty_n of_o life_n and_o a_o right_a through_o that_o faculty_n to_o act_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o the_o work_n of_o its_o own_o office_n and_o have_v immediate_o from_o the_o head_n its_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o any_o particular_a fellow-member_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o faculty_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o right_n every_o member_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o head_n to_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o unity_n thereof_o and_o not_o to_o stand_v or_o act_v by_o itself_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o head_n though_o head_n and_o over_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o foot_n though_o but_o foot_n and_o under_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o but_o even_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o most_o unseemly_a member_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o the_o whole_a for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o alone_o be_v make_v to_o depend_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o apply_v practical_o without_o dispute_v to_o particular_a matter_n now_o in_o dispute_n and_o if_o our_o brain_n be_v less_o and_o our_o conscience_n more_o exercise_v in_o look_v herein_o to_o that_o which_o be_v without_o all_o dispute_n the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o nicety_n though_o we_o may_v confer_v about_o they_o of_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o right_a to_o power_n and_o government_n and_o with_o the_o national_a debate_n of_o the_o priority_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o of_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n upon_o which_o rock_n our_o affection_n be_v now_o split_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o necessary_a communion_n correspondency_n and_o concurrence_n be_v neglect_v among_o we_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o know_a excellency_n commendablenesse_n and_o usefulnes_n thereof_o therefore_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o set_v before_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v life_n the_o loveliness_n of_o this_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v but_o put_v forth_o our_o hand_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o not_o feed_v upon_o the_o theory_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n concern_v particular_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a whereof_o the_o fruit_n do_v work_v nothing_o but_o death_n and_o enmity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o between_o man_n and_o man_n nothing_o but_o strife_n and_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o pride_n wherewith_o our_o knowledge_n do_v puff_n we_o up_o to_o appear_v somewhat_o more_o than_o other_o in_o all_o our_o undertake_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o unity_n and_o of_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o charity_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v himself_o of_o purpose_n to_o commend_v unity_n and_o charity_n unto_o we_o which_o now_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o in_o two_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o section_n to_o represent_v only_o the_o head_n thereof_o in_o brief_a unto_o such_o as_o be_v conscionable_a that_o by_o themselves_o they_o may_v lay_v the_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o weigh_v it_o considerate_o that_o god_n may_v persuade_v their_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o â§_o the_o excellency_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o 133._o psal_n where_o first_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o proposition_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o invite_v we_o to_o contemplate_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o with_o admiration_n in_o the_o twofold_a property_n thereof_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o pleasantness_n which_o be_v in_o it_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n verse_n 1._o then_o second_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n he_o do_v show_v wherein_o that_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v consist_v and_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v the_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o do_v bring_v with_o it_o to_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n in_o great_a plenty_n the_o blessing_n be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a the_o first_o in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o spiritual_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a anoint_v it_o be_v like_o the_o ointment_n who_o excellency_n be_v 1._o in_o their_o worth_n the_o precious_a ointment_n 2._o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n which_o be_v to_o consecrate_v and_o make_v man_n priest_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n confer_v upon_o their_o principal_a faculty_n upon_o the_o head_n the_o beard_n aaron_n beard_n 3._o in_o their_o abundance_n and_o fruitful_a proceed_n from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o inferior_a part_n it_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n go_v down_o upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n verse_n 2._o the_o bodily_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o both_o far_o from_o the_o church_n and_o near_o unto_o the_o same_o as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n a_o hill_n and_o land_n far_o from_o jerusalem_n near_o jordan_n and_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n verse_n 3._o all_o this_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v accompany_v brotherly_a unity_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n to_o be_v there_o viz._n where_o unity_n be_v and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v be_v even_o life_n for_o evermore_o verse_n 3._o and_o consequent_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o if_o of_o life_n eternal_a then_o of_o temporal_a also_o for_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o matth._n 6.33_o now_o from_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o inference_n only_o that_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o we_o may_v denounce_v the_o contrary_a threaten_n unto_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o not_o 9_o rom._n 2.8_o 9_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o of_o unity_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v love_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o where_o the_o same_o care_n of_o member_n one_o for_o another_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o why_o unity_n be_v preserve_v for_o where_o that_o love_a care_n be_v not_o unity_n be_v not_o but_o a_o rent_n will_v be_v as_o we_o may_v daily_o perceive_v in_o our_o doleful_a estate_n therefore_o all_o the_o excellency_n that_o belong_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v first_o and_o original_o to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o charity_n but_o then_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o excellency_n which_o be_v more_o immediate_o attribute_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n reckon_v up_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 7._o compare_v with_o verse_n 12_o 13._o of_o chap._n 12._o he_o come_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o unto_o this_o duty_n he_o promise_v to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a which_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o in_o the_o follow_v 13_o chapter_n he_o begin_v to_o describe_v from_o whence_o this_o inference_n do_v offer_v itself_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o love_n so_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o the_o apostle_n in_o
it_o can_v be_v deni_fw-la d_o that_o they_o spring_v original_o from_o hence_o see_v every_o thing_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v from_o all_o which_o i_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o association_n of_o church-officer_n or_o of_o any_o other_o public_a officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o who_o subordinate_a not_o themselves_o and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o each_o other_o by_o their_o office_n and_o by_o their_o association_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n to_o exalt_v the_o unity_n thereof_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v see_v above_o all_o therein_o but_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o association_n of_o christian_n subordinate_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o place_n above_o other_o be_v papal_a and_o antichristian_a let_v then_o all_o party_n look_v to_o their_o aim_n in_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o presbyterial_a association_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v settle_v upon_o episcopal_a or_o erastian_n principle_n and_o let_v all_o magistrate_n look_v to_o their_o interest_n and_o way_n of_o prosecute_a the_o same_o by_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v democraticall_a aristocratical_a parliamentary_a or_o monarchical_a whatsoever_o their_o character_n frame_n or_o model_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o circumstantial_o which_o be_v all_o that_o ordinary_o man_n as_o man_n look_v after_o let_v i_o say_v all_o these_o officer_n of_o each_o kind_n or_o such_o as_o out_o of_o the_o mix_a multitude_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o do_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o profit_n and_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o combination_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n i_o say_v again_o let_v all_o these_o look_v well_o to_o it_o every_o one_o in_o his_o particular_a association_n if_o their_o whole_a aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o society_n be_v not_o to_o subordinate_a themselves_o and_o their_o combination_n and_o confederacy_n to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o alone_o shall_v last_v eternal_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o break_v to_o piece_n without_o all_o remedy_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n can_v fail_v isa_n 8_o 9_o 10._o which_o say_v associate_n yourselves_o you_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o nought_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v for_o god_n be_v with_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n do_v provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o bid_v the_o people_n thereof_o a_o defiance_n that_o though_o they_o join_v all_o in_o one_o and_o gird_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n be_v bring_v to_o full_a maturity_n yet_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o effect_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n in_o their_o association_n and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n because_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o their_o association_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v blow_n upon_o all_o the_o design_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o god_n for_o wherein_o man_n be_v not_o subordinate_a they_o be_v opposite_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v strong_a than_o his_o opposite_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v provide_v for_o their_o safety_n with_o confederacy_n strength_n and_o counsel_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o question_n be_v make_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v draw_v and_o engage_v into_o worldly_a confederacy_n for_o humane_a fear_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v god_n alone_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o their_o fear_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o because_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v so_o a_o sanctuary_n but_o to_o other_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o second_o that_o they_o shall_v bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_v the_o law_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v his_o disciple_n shall_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o only_a bond_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o bond_n shall_v be_v their_o obedientiall_a submission_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 16._o three_o that_o they_o shall_v arm_v themselves_o with_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o although_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o they_o vers_n 17.18_o four_o and_o last_o when_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n man_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v then_o to_o consult_v only_o with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o any_o other_o oracle_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v this_o advice_n shall_v be_v drive_v into_o utter_a despair_n vers_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v humane_a association_n what_o the_o issue_n thereof_o will_v be_v and_o what_o the_o way_n be_v to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o that_o despair_n which_o do_v attend_v those_o that_o forsake_v god_n and_o subordinate_a not_o their_o counsel_n and_o association_n to_o his_o will_n this_o than_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o take_v this_o warning_n whether_o we_o be_v professor_n or_o officer_n but_o chief_o this_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o ministerial_a association_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o charge_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o only_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o although_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o among_o the_o combination_n which_o now_o be_v on_o foot_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o ground_n will_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v answerable_a thereunto_o i_o shall_v offer_v that_o whereunto_o both_o side_n do_v agree_v and_o which_o without_o contradiction_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enter_v they_o upon_o a_o ministerial_a correspondency_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a brotherhood_n in_o christianity_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o flock_n from_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o matter_n of_o agreement_n in_o the_o point_n of_o association_n may_v be_v refer_v of_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o proposition_n 1_o the_o officer_n of_o sister_n church_n make_v profession_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n in_o christ_n shall_v desire_v to_o advance_v each_o other_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n shall_v have_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o brotherly_a conference_n 2_o cor._n 13.9_o malach._n 3.16_o 2_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o conference_n shall_v be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o make_v it_o more_o complete_a in_o love_n and_o to_o gain_v other_o to_o concur_v with_o they_o by_o the_o truth_n therein_o 3_o they_o shall_v for_o these_o end_n set_v themselves_o in_o a_o way_n to_o make_v their_o conference_n effectual_o conscionable_a constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o disorderlinesse_n which_o way_n may_v be_v settle_v upon_o these_o ground_n first_o upon_o a_o voluntary_a engagement_n free_o enter_v into_o which_o shall_v contain_v these_o head_n that_o see_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n in_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v to_o each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n 11._o gal._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1_o 11._o that_o they_o will_v entertain_v brotherly_a meeting_n and_o conference_n to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o
in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n will_v perceive_v that_o among_o the_o manifold_a cause_n of_o our_o miserable_a breach_n and_o sinful_a distraction_n misery_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o one_o misery_n the_o original_n and_o consequent_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o same_o employment_n do_v not_o maintain_v those_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v make_v necessary_a for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n for_o see_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o show_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o stand_v together_o and_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n beget_v of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o fellow-soldier_n in_o the_o same_o fight_n and_o warfare_n and_o as_o fellow-member_n in_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v i_o say_v this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o undeniable_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o these_o relation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o profess_v a_o brotherhood_n but_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o fervent_a love_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o joint_o to_o communicate_v in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o these_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o relation_n be_v neither_o real_o think_v upon_o nor_o at_o all_o prosecure_v to_o any_o purpose_n almost_o by_o any_o be_v no_o less_o undeniable_a and_o must_v needs_o although_o to_o our_o great_a shame_n be_v plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v see_v then_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o their_o fault_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o apparent_a that_o no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o extenuate_v it_o therefore_o the_o judgement_n be_v ripe_a for_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n have_v now_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n most_o just_o overtake_v they_o for_o whereas_o they_o be_v late_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a within_o themselves_o and_o as_o profitable_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n abroad_o as_o any_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o unity_n now_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o unsettle_a and_o more_o miserable_a within_o themselves_o and_o less_o respect_v by_o other_o and_o less_o useful_a both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o towards_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o that_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o all_o the_o church_n &_o this_o only_a because_o they_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o in_o their_o profession_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o have_v not_o regard_v nor_o do_v they_o yet_o regard_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o christian_a brotherhood_n so_o much_o as_o outward_a concernment_n ministry_n the_o guilt_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v become_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n 9_o mal._n 2.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o cause_v all_o their_o adversary_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o mouth_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o transgression_n 3._o ephe._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o for_o if_o the_o very_a vocation_n wherewith_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v unto_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o far_o more_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o minister_n to_o intend_v before_o other_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n in_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v compact_v in_o their_o station_n to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o chief_a joint_n of_o these_o member_n be_v more_o especial_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o compact_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n but_o how_o far_o they_o be_v not_o only_o distant_a from_o this_o conjunction_n but_o have_v even_o a_o aversion_n unto_o it_o i_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o mention_v the_o thing_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n nor_o shall_v i_o search_v at_o who_o door_n the_o fault_n do_v principal_o lie_v whether_o here_o or_o there_o for_o i_o know_v that_o every_o one_o will_v justify_v his_o own_o proceed_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v free_o say_v and_o i_o say_v it_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v without_o offence_n to_o either_o side_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o affection_n and_o of_o endeavour_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o very_a fundamental_o thereof_o guilt_n the_o sinful_a misery_n follow_v upon_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o we_o all_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o fight_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o life_n that_o i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o animositie_n prevail_v and_o so_o small_a a_o sense_n of_o christianity_n in_o common_a duty_n and_o of_o imminent_a danger_n find_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o move_v any_o to_o compassionate_v one_o another_o calamity_n far_o less_o to_o draw_v any_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o stand_v unite_v for_o each_o other_o conservation_n that_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o do_v true_o mourn_v and_o not_o rejoice_v rather_o at_o his_o opposite_n party_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o rejoice_v at_o iniquity_n where_o be_v he_o that_o do_v seek_v to_o heal_v breach_n upon_o common_a principle_n and_o without_o a_o particular_a interest_n 13.5_o 1_o cor._n 13.6_o 1_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o seek_v itself_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v blow_v a_o portrait_n from_o the_o battle_n and_o seek_v for_o a_o cessation_n from_o needless_a and_o injurious_a controversy_n who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v endeavour_v a_o through_o and_o unprejudicate_v reconciliation_n and_o who_o dare_v own_o a_o treaty_n for_o mutual_a condescension_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v cast_v off_o or_o fall_v upon_o by_o his_o brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o we_o be_v serious_o exhort_v even_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o let_v our_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n 12.18_o phil._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o 1_o cor._n 9.22_o rom._n 12.18_o and_o that_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o every_o one_o for_o their_o edification_n sake_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o still_o justify_v ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o all_o these_o rule_n no_o sure_o for_o to_o cover_v or_o to_o excuse_v this_o fault_n will_v aggravate_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o to_o discover_v or_o condemn_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v pardon_n for_o it_o but_o to_o reform_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v that_o only_a which_o in_o this_o case_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v forsake_v let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o resolve_v effectual_o upon_o a_o course_n of_o reformation_n our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n be_v this_o breach_n of_o
against_o that_o church_n 3_o and_o last_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n whatever_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loosen_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n these_o promise_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o church_n which_o be_v build_v thereupon_o nor_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v fail_v so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n do_v last_o for_o what_o although_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v their_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n make_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v liar_n that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v true_a for_o he_o have_v conclude_v all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o therefore_o in_o his_o say_n he_o shall_v be_v justifify_v and_o when_o he_o be_v judge_v overcome_v we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o unrighteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o that_o although_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n shall_v utter_o fail_v he_o and_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v his_o church_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n and_o never_o recall_v the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o church_n but_o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v 59.21_o isa_n 59.21_o that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o societic_n of_o man_n believe_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v open_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o church_n existent_a and_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v existent_a there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o confident_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o see_v there_o be_v society_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v here_o existent_a and_o know_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fail_n in_o particular_a duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v guilty_a that_o yet_o god_n promise_v for_o the_o main_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o church_n second_o i_o may_v infer_v this_o also_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v get_v both_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n and_o against_o their_o administration_n therein_o whereby_o he_o do_v blast_v they_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v void_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o than_o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a that_o the_o builder_n themselves_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o want_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o by_o their_o division_n to_o give_v such_o a_o advantage_n unto_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a visible_o to_o pull_v down_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o these_o same_o and_o such_o like_a fail_n 76.10_o the_o comfort_n of_o believer_n against_o these_o evil_n psal_n 76.10_o will_v work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a towards_o those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n have_v get_v against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v tend_v together_o to_o god_n great_a glory_n and_o satan_n own_o overthrow_n at_o last_o for_o as_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v sure_o praise_v the_o lord_n so_o the_o plot_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o prevail_a upon_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o saint_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n will_v redound_v exceed_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o purpose_n in_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o final_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o see_v then_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o issue_n of_o this_o warfare_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o fail_n in_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v take_v as_o a_o reproach_n to_o discredit_v they_o towards_o other_o in_o their_o function_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o its_o own_o way_n and_o degree_n to_o be_v of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o admonition_n of_o love_n to_o show_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a the_o necessity_n of_o lay_v their_o own_o condition_n to_o heart_n and_o of_o seek_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o in_o that_o way_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v find_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o this_o design_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n further_o press_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v among_o we_o that_o afterward_o i_o may_v come_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n 16._o gal._n 6.15_o 16._o but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n peace_n say_v be_v will_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o mercy_n be_v god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o where_o these_o fruit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o apparent_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o spirit_n of_o strife_n of_o bitterness_n of_o hatred_n and_o of_o merciless_a affection_n do_v prevail_v there_o we_o needs_o must_v say_v that_o the_o old_a creature_n be_v still_o alive_a because_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v earthly_a 18._o jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o be_v the_o old_a man_n rule_n bring_v forth_o such_o effect_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o mortify_v the_o member_n of_o the_o old_a man_n 3.5.8_o col._n 3.5.8_o which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n whereof_o these_o be_v a_o part_n but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o variance_n the_o minister_n themselves_o be_v entangle_v in_o these_o passion_n and_o that_o even_o one_o against_o another_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o show_v forth_o all_o meekness_n with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n receive_v we_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v this_o work_n how_o can_v they_o persuade_v other_o to_o walk_v by_o a_o rule_n which_o they_o mind_v not_o and_o wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o exercise_v it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o to_o do_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o intend_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n moreover_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n do_v avail_v any_o thing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o division_n and_o distraction_n which_o be_v among_o we_o for_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n be_v sinful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v leave_v off_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o uncircumcision_n to_o the_o gentile_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n than_o any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n be_v divide_v and_o if_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n between_o they_o far_o less_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o that_o which_o by_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v available_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 5.6_o gal._n 5.6_o be_v faith_n only_o which_o work_v by_o love_n if_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o hearer_n that_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o unbeliever_n thereunto_o and_o to_o
build_v up_o and_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o believer_n therein_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n among_o themselves_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o except_o they_o be_v first_o agree_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o except_o there_o be_v some_o amiable_a concurrence_n among_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n therefore_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v inseparable_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o true_a christian_a so_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n be_v inseparable_o requisite_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o ministry_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n towards_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o they_o be_v also_o no_o less_o necessitate_v to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o unitle_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o hearer_n for_o without_o this_o profession_n that_o manifestation_n will_v never_o in_o reason_n be_v find_v a_o truth_n fit_a to_o convict_v the_o world_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v just_a that_o when_o witness_n do_v not_o agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v so_o it_o be_v equitable_a that_o when_o they_o do_v agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v reject_v and_o if_o by_o this_o only_a default_n they_o make_v their_o testimony_n without_o effect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o discredit_v it_o to_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o not_o to_o make_v it_o contemptible_a to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o ruin_v they_o and_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o professor_n and_o not_o to_o stagger_v they_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v see_v that_o be_v not_o blind_a and_o senseless_a that_o original_o nothing_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o blessing_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o all_o these_o misery_n upon_o all_o which_o this_o consequence_n do_v manifest_o follow_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o remnant_n which_o be_v leave_v entire_a to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v not_o utter_o decay_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v this_o distract_a state_n unto_o some_o settlement_n if_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o concur_v and_o correspond_v together_o that_o they_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o loveliness_n the_o peaceablenesse_n the_o meekness_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o hearer_n may_v follow_v therein_o his_o footstep_n as_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o to_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o path_n of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o and_o out_o of_o this_o way_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o the_o father_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a become_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o even_o our_o brother_n to_o gain_v we_o unto_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n sect._n i._n what_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v wherein_o our_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v hitherto_o we_o have_v reflect_v upon_o that_o which_o do_v make_v the_o study_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o we_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n now_o we_o shall_v reflect_v also_o upon_o the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o generous_a disposition_n to_o be_v draw_v by_o mere_a necessity_n and_o fear_n unto_o a_o duty_n but_o to_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a therein_o be_v praiseworthy_a and_o argue_v a_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a inclination_n therefore_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o work_v upon_o this_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_v to_o waken_v it_o in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v ingenuity_n and_o my_o aim_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o able_a to_o consider_v of_o their_o way_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n then_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o any_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n before_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o for_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o i_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v conscionable_a and_o to_o those_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v as_o to_o evidence_n unto_o they_o that_o a_o matter_n be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o do_v interest_n conscience_n into_o action_n now_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o offer_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o shall_v contract_v all_o which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o one_o assertion_n which_o have_v open_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o enemy_n 12._o act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o phil._n 1.27_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o or_o of_o inward_a breach_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o to_o study_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o whole_o necessary_a yet_o that_o for_o the_o true_a 1_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n 2_o of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a 3_o nothing_o more_o profitable_a 4_o nothing_o more_o commendable_a 5_o and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 6_o and_o the_o perfect_a 7_o of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o 8_o maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n 9_o and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o lay_v not_o this_o duty_n to_o heart_n but_o love_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o 10_o themselves_z and_o to_o maintain_v the_o principle_n 11_o of_o a_o singular_a distance_n from_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o minnistery_n will_v not_o be_v able_a in_o the_o end_n to_o approve_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v this_o assertion_n be_v somewhat_o large_a therefore_o to_o open_v the_o part_n thereof_o that_o my_o meaning_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o several_a head_n thereof_o thus_o 1_o that_o by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_v none_o but_o such_o person_n as_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o call_v to_o administer_v the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n be_v mean_v the_o work_n which_o in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o a_o office_n and_o such_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o gather_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o saint_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n over_o those_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o all_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v 3_o that_o when_o i_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v conscionable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o contract_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o conscience_n 4_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o do_v yield_v in_o its_o own_o kind_a some_o benefit_n to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o 5_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v commendable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v quality_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o
brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6.7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow_n labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1.10_o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6.24_o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12.26_o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19.21_o and_o 6.1_o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5.13_o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 16.14_o 1_o cor._n 16.14_o gal._n 6.2_o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13.35_o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5.14_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o
they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n 1â—_n ephes_n 6_o 1â—_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n 15.16_o jam._n 3.14_o 15.16_o for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20.21_o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o separately_z each_o from_o other_o without_o any_o care_n to_o maintain_v good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o cross_v one_o another_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o draw_v sheep_n one_o from_o another_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o the_o joint_a care_n of_o his_o flock_n i_o find_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o christ_n do_v seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o 1.7.8_o cant._n 1.7.8_o it_o be_v afraid_a to_o turn_v aside_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o come_v to_o he_o it_o be_v bid_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o flock_n under_o many_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n companion_n do_v perplex_v the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o aside_o from_o he_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o shepherd_n that_o be_v unite_v be_v the_o way_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v three_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n do_v whole_o necessitate_v they_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n because_o not_o only_o these_o duty_n in_o themselves_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o work_n but_o what_o ever_o else_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o charge_n whether_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o man_n except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n first_o then_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o very_a work_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o their_o profession_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v allege_v second_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n without_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n 1_o john_n 4.8_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o ibid._n verse_n 16._o moreover_o he_o that_o do_v not_o all_o his_o work_n in_o love_n as_o he_o be_v command_v 1_o cor._n 16.14_o transgrese_v the_o whole_a law_n by_o the_o unlovely_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n because_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13.8_o 9_o 10._o so_o the_o want_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v please_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o 8._o and_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o love_n so_o it_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o man_n for_o if_o god_n bless_v it_o not_o how_o can_v it_o prosper_v towards_o they_o and_o how_o can_v he_o bless_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o and_o what_o i_o say_v of_o love_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o unity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o love_n inseparable_a from_o it_o in_o christ_n aim_n john_n 17.23_o and_o equal_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o ephes_n 4.1_o ephes_n 4.1_o till_o 7._o phil._n 2.2_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o must_v thus_o be_v qualify_v to_o find_v acceptance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v more_o distinct_o upon_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v perceive_v more_o clear_o the_o intrinsical_a coherence_n which_o be_v find_v between_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o ministerial_a administration_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o administration_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n whereunto_o the_o sacrament_n 6.4_o act_n 6.4_o the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n be_v subordinate_a that_o therein_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o saint_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a substance_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4._o from_o verse_n 11._o till_o 17._o where_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 11._o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 11._o both_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n their_o work_n be_v the_o same_o towards_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n namely_o this_o 1._o to_o be_v serviceable_a in_o perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o in_o build_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 12._o verse_n 12._o in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n thereof_o unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o verse_n 13._o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o aim_v at_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shoot_v not_o at_o the_o mark_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o second_o their_o service_n be_v to_o preserve_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o
have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o within_o itself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v if_o then_o every_o part_n by_o his_o joint_n that_o be_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o who_o be_v join_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v bind_v to_o supply_v to_o another_o part_n that_z which_o be_v his_o effectual_a work_n towards_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n in_o love_n than_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o correspond_v and_o concur_v with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o fellow-joynt_n for_o how_o can_v any_o part_n supply_v any_o thing_n to_o another_o part_n of_o the_o body_n without_o the_o joint_n thereof_o so_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o association_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v undeniable_a true_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v edify_v one_o another_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v for_o to_o that_o effect_n joint_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o let_v we_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o particular_a association_n of_o believer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v to_o be_v count_v as_o one_o association_n and_o that_o by_o the_o joint_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o whole_a the_o part_n therefore_o be_v fit_o to_o be_v join_v together_o whence_o we_o must_v gather_v that_o minister_n be_v not_o only_a joint_n to_o unite_v individual_a professor_n into_o a_o society_n but_o to_o unite_v one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o for_o he_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v compact_v by_o joint_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o congregation_n though_o distinct_a by_o themselves_o and_o one_o within_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o several_a joint_n yet_o aught_o to_o be_v further_o joint_v with_o other_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o stand_v by_o themselves_o as_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a disjoint_v from_o each_o other_o a_o which_o be_v the_o posture_n whereat_o many_o desire_n to_o stand_v and_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o too_o many_o upon_o several_a pretence_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o how_o contrary_a this_o be_v unto_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o aim_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o hope_v such_o as_o be_v conscionable_a will_v be_v able_a to_o see_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v and_o although_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o speak_v much_o more_o of_o this_o relation_n which_o minister_n ought_v to_o maintain_v one_o to_o another_o see_v it_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o brotherly_a love_n of_o unity_n of_o mutual_a care_n of_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v more_o particular_o bind_v unto_o minister_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n yet_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v three_o or_o four_o special_a duty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v more_o distinct_o unto_o they_o rather_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n then_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n because_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n rather_o unto_o their_o public_a charge_n and_o employment_n wherein_o they_o relate_v one_o another_o then_o unto_o the_o common_a profession_n by_o itself_o first_o they_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o serve_v all_o man_n ministerial_o as_o christ_n serve_v we_o but_o they_o be_v by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n more_o distinct_o command_v to_o serve_v one_o another_o matth._n chap._n 20._o verse_n 27_o 28._o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v and_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o second_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v first_o unto_o themselves_o and_o then_o to_o the_o flock_n act_v 20._o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n for_o verse_n 29._o &_o 30._o they_o be_v foretell_v that_o among_o they_o grievous_a wolf_n will_v enter_v in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o self_n that_o be_v some_o of_o their_o own_o vocation_n man_n shall_v arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o if_o then_o all_o must_v look_v diligent_o lest_o a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o many_o be_v defile_v thereby_o hebr._n 12.15_o far_o more_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o look_v to_o each_o other_o herein_o three_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o gift_n as_o not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o all_o and_o chief_o for_o each_o other_o to_o profit_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12._o verse_n 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o to_o the_o minister_n ordinary_o the_o great_a and_o most_o useful_a manifestation_n be_v give_v and_o they_o can_v profit_v most_o thereby_o one_o towards_o another_o because_o in_o be_v profitable_a thereby_o unto_o each_o other_o they_o be_v enable_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o four_o and_o last_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n wherein_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o they_o be_v to_o subject_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 29.32_o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o let_v the_o other_o judge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n from_o all_o which_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v infer_v so_o the_o mean_n to_o maintain_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o where_o the_o end_n be_v command_v there_o the_o mean_n also_o without_o which_o that_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v be_v also_o command_v so_o that_o we_o must_v clear_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a scripturall_a truth_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o because_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v find_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o call_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n than_o this_o duty_n be_v and_o therefore_o whosoever_o do_v not_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n do_v not_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o whosoever_o do_v walk_v thereby_o peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o all_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n amen_o finis_fw-la brotherly_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n especial_o among_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o excellent_a and_o comely_a at_o all_o time_n and_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o our_o present_a division_n so_o desirable_a and_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n i_o conceive_v all_o overture_n and_o counsel_n have_v a_o true_a tendency_n thereunto_o worthy_a the_o public_a light_n and_o do_v therefore_o approve_v the_o publication_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n entitle_v a_o peacemaker_n without_o partiality_n and_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n june_n 6._o 1648._o joseph_n caryl_n