be_v defective_a second_o if_o you_o will_v have_v true_a religion_n to_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v than_o you_o must_v also_o set_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v promote_v and_o advance_v religion_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o five_o thing_n which_o if_o do_v will_v magnify_v our_o religion_n wherein_o i_o become_v your_o most_o humble_a petitioner_n in_o christ_n stead_n 1_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v exalt_v religion_n so_o much_o as_o a_o godly_a learned_a orthodox_n and_o painful_a ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 17._o 6._o that_o his_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v say_v thus_o of_o he_o he_o do_v most_o zealous_o seek_v to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n but_o what_o course_n take_v he_o to_o advance_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o three_o next_o verse_n he_o provide_v careful_o that_o all_o his_o people_n may_v be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o religion_n he_o send_v teach_v levites_n and_o able_a minister_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o magistrate_n also_o with_o they_o to_o protect_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o king_n josiah_n that_o he_o encourage_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 35._o 2_o 3._o that_o be_v the_o way_n he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o i_o entreat_v that_o person_n unordain_v to_o that_o great_a work_n and_o who_o despise_v that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o ministerial_a employment_n in_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o such_o minister_n ordain_v as_o be_v ignorant_a scandalous_a or_o unsound_a in_o judgement_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o any_o pastoral_a charge_n in_o the_o land_n that_o those_o who_o be_v already_o creep_v in_o may_v upon_o due_a proof_n be_v suspend_v from_o their_o place_n and_o in_o case_n they_o reform_v not_o eject_v that_o all_o good_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o store_v every_o congregation_n with_o such_o a_o soulsaving_a preacher_n as_o may_v seed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o that_o timous_a care_n may_v be_v take_v to_o encourage_v such_o minister_n lest_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v for_o want_v of_o outward_a necessary_n whilst_o they_o deal_v forth_o their_o spiritual_n to_o other_o 2_o the_o settlement_n and_o due_a administration_n of_o that_o discipline_n or_o cburch-government_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o pluck_v up_o the_o weed_n that_o the_o wheat_n may_v flourish_v this_o be_v that_o fence_n of_o god_n vineyard_n speak_v of_o isa_n 5._o 2._o that_o serve_v both_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o ungodly_a the_o want_n of_o this_o holy_a discipline_n be_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o lamentation_n herein_o i_o entreat_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n be_v of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n you_o will_v please_v therein_o to_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o these_o dominion_n and_o that_o all_o such_o matter_n may_v be_v conclude_v of_o by_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n of_o the_o three_o nation_n 3_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o all_o christ_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n make_v much_o to_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o land_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o the_o misusage_n or_o non-usage_n of_o those_o ordinance_n be_v our_o great_a reproach_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n these_o be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o therefore_o pray_v that_o all_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o congregation_n may_v be_v require_v to_o administer_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n even_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n to_o due_o qualify_a person_n within_o their_o precinct_n though_o as_o yet_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o settle_v methinks_v it_o be_v sad_a that_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o spiritual_a food_n and_o so_o famish_v whilst_o we_o be_v contend_v which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o carve_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o none_o be_v permit_v to_o administer_v any_o of_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n save_v in_o the_o parish_n whereof_o they_o be_v pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o who_o parish_n they_o desire_v to_o administer_v they_o 4_o catechise_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o a_o excellent_a way_n and_o mean_a to_o propagate_v religion_n and_o cause_n it_o to_o flourish_v this_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o by_o minister_n parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n that_o there_o be_v so_o little_o find_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o land_n my_o request_n therefore_o be_v that_o you_o will_v by_o all_o due_a way_n and_o mean_n show_v your_o approbation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o catechise_v and_o that_o you_o will_v as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n stir_v up_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o a_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n therein_o 5_o last_o school_n of_o learning_n do_v also_o contribute_v much_o to_o the_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n those_o be_v the_o nursery_n wherein_o grow_v up_o many_o plant_n for_o the_o use_n both_o of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v you_o therefore_o please_v to_o take_v this_o also_o into_o your_o serious_a thought_n and_o to_o provide_v that_o the_o university_n near_o this_o city_n and_o all_o such_o school_n as_o be_v already_o erect_v and_o found_v may_v be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v that_o fit_a schoolmaster_n may_v be_v provide_v and_o well_o encourage_v and_o that_o other_o school_n may_v also_o be_v erect_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v these_o thing_n among_o many_o other_o that_o may_v have_v be_v mention_v i_o have_v be_v bold_a to_o mind_v you_o of_o from_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o by_o your_o counsel_n you_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o bless_a physician_n of_o this_o languish_a church_n and_o nation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o that_o speech_n of_o david_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n when_o he_o be_v to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 16._o arise_v therefore_o and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o the_o second_o sermon_n judas_n verse_n 19_o these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n appertain_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_o and_o sincere_o in_o doctrine_n show_v incorruptness_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o none_o will_v deny_v it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o use_v sound_a speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v tit._n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o minister_n have_v to_o do_v they_o stand_v bind_v also_o to_o preach_v seasonable_a truth_n otherwise_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v want_v in_o their_o duty_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o god_n we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o right_n time_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o set_v a_o lustre_n upon_o it_o eccl._n 3._o 11._o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o time_n fruit_n be_v the_o best_a when_o it_o be_v ripe_a word_n though_o they_o may_v be_v truth_n yet_o lose_v their_o beauty_n if_o unreasonable_o speak_v and_o therefore_o solomon_n have_v a_o excellent_a proverb_n for_o this_o prov._n 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v or_o upon_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n with_o a_o due_a concurrence_n and_o observation_n of_o all_o its_o circumstance_n be_v like_o apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n pleasant_a as_o apple_n profitable_a as_o gold_n and_o silver_n when_o the_o apostle_n peter_n observe_v the_o giddy_a humour_n of_o sectary_n apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n which_o once_o they_o have_v profess_v he_o make_v this_o the_o work_n of_o that_o time_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o confirm_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o truth_n against_o those_o fantasy_n and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o stand_v so_o when_o paul_n observe_v that_o the_o city_n of_o athens_n be_v whole_o give_v to_o idolatry_n he_o bend_v himself_o to_o this_o seasonable_a doctrine_n even_o to_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o god_n who_o they_o do_v ignorant_o worship_n
unto_o you_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o discourse_n now_o this_o separation_n command_v and_o by_o all_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v endeavour_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o particular_o and_o distinct_o in_o seven_o thing_n i_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v in_o their_o preach_n make_v a_o separation_n or_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o ungodly_a by_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v the_o one_o and_o by_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v the_o other_o in_o the_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v chaff_n aswell_o as_o wheat_n dross_n aswell_o as_o gold_n and_o that_o man_n that_o undertake_v the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o learned_a to_o make_v this_o distinction_n can_v hardly_o be_v judge_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n this_o this_o i_o say_v be_v that_o take_v forth_o or_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a which_o the_o lord_n give_v in_o commandment_n to_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n in_o that_o place_n before_o quote_v chap._n 15._o 19_o and_o they_o that_o ground_n their_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o church_n upon_o this_o scripture_n as_o many_o do_v do_v squeeze_v blood_n out_o of_o the_o text_n instead_o of_o sincere_a milk_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1_o from_o the_o word_n conjoin_v in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v these_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n if_o thou_o return_v then_o will_v i_o bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o take_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a thou_o shall_v be_v as_o my_o mouth_n let_v they_o return_v unto_o thou_o but_o return_v not_o thou_o unto_o they_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v unto_o jeremiah_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lord_n prophet_n employ_v in_o deliver_v his_o message_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o the_o native_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o enunciation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o be_v thus_o much_o if_o thou_o cast_v off_o all_o thy_o distrustfulness_n impatiency_n and_o grudge_n against_o i_o whereunto_o thou_o be_v inclinable_a and_o turn_v unto_o i_o rely_v upon_o i_o by_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o obedience_n than_o i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o as_o in_o time_n past_a and_o give_v thou_o grace_n to_o attend_v upon_o my_o service_n free_o without_o any_o fear_n or_o distractedness_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v faithful_o and_o constant_o without_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o flattery_n of_o any_o declare_v what_o the_o true_a good_a be_v which_o i_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o dislike_v if_o thou_o countenance_v that_o that_o be_v good_a and_o do_v bear_v up_o and_o comfort_v good_a man_n and_o contrariwise_o condemne_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o keep_v down_o wicked_a man_n than_o thou_o shall_v show_v by_o these_o effect_n that_o thou_o be_v my_o true_a prophet_n that_o thou_o speak_v in_o thy_o ministry_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n so_o as_o its_o clear_a that_o this_o take_v forth_o of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a be_v a_o act_n appertain_v to_o his_o ministerial_a office_n in_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o not_o in_o gather_v a_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o unchurch_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n 2_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o join_v they_o into_o a_o separate_a church_n or_o society_n among_o themselves_o and_o certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lord_n intention_n that_o in_o that_o great_a defection_n and_o backslide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v gather_v a_o select_a number_n out_o of_o they_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n among_o themselves_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o footstep_n of_o his_o act_n in_o that_o kind_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v so_o new_a rare_a and_o strange_a a_o work_n 3_o if_o the_o prophet_n have_v attempt_v to_o have_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n he_o have_v without_o doubt_n sin_v therein_o and_o so_o have_v not_o be_v as_o god_n mouth_n but_o must_v have_v be_v number_v among_o the_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o have_v therein_o transgress_v by_o digress_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o as_o corrupt_v a_o time_n of_o the_o church_n as_o jeremiah_n live_v in_o and_o yet_o he_o make_v no_o rent_n nor_o separation_n among_o they_o but_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o holy_a sabbath_n with_o they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n observe_v the_o passover_n with_o they_o wait_v at_o jerusalem_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o solemn_a feast_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o church_n fellowship_n wirh_fw-mi they_o as_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o this_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o jeremiah_n intend_v not_o any_o such_o separation_n as_o some_o will_v infer_v from_o it_o but_o only_o the_o put_n of_o a_o distinction_n in_o his_o preach_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o ungodly_a but_o this_o take_v forth_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a put_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o preach_v comfortable_a doctrine_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o terror_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o god_n messenger_n do_v not_o observe_v this_o distinction_n they_o give_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n and_o cast_v their_o pearl_n before_o swine_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v mat._n 7._o 6._o two_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v separate_v from_o communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n frequent_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o separation_n must_v be_v twofold_a 1_o from_o that_o worship_n that_o heathen_n give_v to_o their_o false_a god_n unto_o idol_n which_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v especial_o intend_v in_o the_o 52._o of_o isaiah_n verse_n 11._o before_o cite_a where_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v his_o people_n to_o depart_v and_o go_v out_o from_o babylon_n and_o to_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n that_o they_o do_v or_o offer_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o idol_n we_o must_v separate_v from_o all_o idolater_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v write_v mat._n 4._o 10._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v all_o divine_a honour_n both_o that_o that_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worship_n and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d service_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o idolater_n not_o with_o their_o idol_n 2_o from_o the_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n such_o as_o the_o papist_n perform_v to_o god_n by_o their_o image_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o separation_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v revel_v 18._o 4._o before_o mention_v come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o be_v separate_a from_o the_o papal_a jurisdiction_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a babylon_n under_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v in_o as_o great_a spiritual_a captivity_n and_o slavery_n as_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o in_o caldea_n or_o all_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n render_v there_o why_o we_o must_v thus_o separate_v 1_o because_o unless_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o papist_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o that_o worship_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o vanity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v that_o he_o can_v be_v present_a at_o a_o mass_n or_o other_o worship_n that_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o keep_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o not_o sin_n therein_o presence_n at_o idolworship_n voluntary_o make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v partaker_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o 2_o because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o thus_o come_v out_o all_o those_o intolerable_a misery_n that_o shall_v come_v inevitable_o upon_o these_o idolater_n shall_v light_v upon_o we_o likewise_o and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o
in_o a_o great_a error_n in_o that_o point_n and_o they_o that_o practise_v this_o kind_n of_o separation_n do_v fail_v gross_o in_o two_o thing_n 1_o they_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n as_o our_o lord_n show_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o mention_v if_o he_o have_v not_o converse_v with_o they_o aâ—_n well_o as_o preach_v public_o unto_o they_o they_o have_v never_o be_v convert_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n 2_o they_o harden_v sinner_n against_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n too_o much_o austerity_n in_o this_o kind_n drive_v man_n into_o a_o dislike_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n who_o may_v be_v win_v by_o a_o more_o gentle_a and_o meek_a demeanour_n towards_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v that_o grave_a advice_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 24-26_a the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a separation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o refuse_v necessary_a company_n with_o those_o who_o be_v unregenerate_a that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n and_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o notable_a caveat_n concern_v it_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9-11_a i_o write_v say_v he_o unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o company_n with_o fornicator_n yet_o not_o altogether_o with_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o explanation_n of_o my_o meaning_n wherein_o i_o be_v not_o right_o understand_v not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v where_o he_o plain_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o estrange_v ourselves_o more_o from_o such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n and_o afterward_o do_v fall_v into_o soul_n offence_n than_o from_o such_o as_o never_o do_v yet_o come_v up_o to_o such_o a_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o sinful_a separation_n ii_o those_o also_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o kind_n that_o forsake_v family_n society_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o their_o relation_n be_v unconvert_v and_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n of_o some_o person_n in_o these_o our_o day_n aswell_o as_o in_o former_a time_n against_o this_o practice_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v express_o 1_v cor._n 7._o 10-15_a let_v not_o the_o wife_n depart_v or_o separate_v from_o her_o husband_n etc._n etc._n this_o kind_n of_o separation_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o do_v occasion_n manifold_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n iii_o they_o also_o be_v to_o be_v account_v very_o faulty_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v just_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o separatist_n who_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o particular_o from_o that_o great_a seal_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o communicate_v with_o they_o who_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v unworthy_a communicant_n and_o graceless_a man_n before_o i_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o must_v lay_v down_o and_o constant_o affirm_v these_o two_o receive_v and_o well_o ground_v truth_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v in_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v 1_o i_o say_v that_o person_n gross_o ignorant_a or_o notorious_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n but_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o so_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o bloudof_a the_o lord_n as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o 1_o gor._n 11._o 27._o 29._o such_o person_n eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n 2_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exclude_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o such_o as_o shall_v appear_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v undue_o qualify_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o that_o ordinance_n and_o in_o particular_a this_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o unholy_a and_o between_o unclean_a and_o clean_a and_o according_o to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v from_o ordinance_n they_o be_v the_o priest_n that_o thrust_v uzziah_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n when_o the_o leprosy_n appear_v upon_o he_o 2._o chr._n 26._o 19_o 20._o from_o these_o two_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o practice_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o allow_v not_o promiscuous_a or_o mix_a communion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a report_n and_o slander_n that_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o sectary_n have_v cast_v upon_o we_o to_o advance_v their_o own_o interest_n thereby_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o boast_v we_o may_v say_v that_o our_o ordinance_n be_v keep_v as_o pure_a from_o mix_a communion_n as_o they_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n yet_o though_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v constant_o receive_v and_o maintain_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o private_a christian_n may_v not_o therefore_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n or_o decline_v any_o of_o christ_n ordinance_n because_o they_o see_v some_o person_n admit_v to_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o those_o ordinance_n who_o themselves_o look_v upon_o as_o ungodly_a man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a fault_n thus_o to_o separate_v there_o be_v great_a disorder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o those_o person_n who_o come_v unto_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 21_o 22._o one_o come_v to_o it_o hungry_a and_o another_o drunken_a great_a miscarriage_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o our_o communicant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o apostle_n chide_v they_o sharp_o about_o those_o thing_n what_o say_v he_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o that_o have_v not_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o you_o shall_v i_o praise_v you_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v you_o not_o their_o disorder_n call_v aloud_o for_o reformation_n and_o the_o apostle_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o reform_v it_o by_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o you_o find_v not_o that_o he_o give_v any_o commandment_n or_o allowance_n to_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o separate_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o ordinance_n with_o the_o church_n no_o he_o commend_v they_o for_o this_o that_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a do_v not_o separate_v but_o come_v still_o together_o into_o one_o place_n verse_n 20_o and_o he_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o schism_n and_o division_n chap._n 3._o 3_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v be_v very_o cautious_a in_o this_o case_n for_o 1_o such_o person_n who_o may_v by_o a_o private_a christian_a or_o christian_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v unworthy_a to_o participate_v in_o that_o ordinance_n may_v yet_o be_v worthy_a and_o so_o account_v of_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o best_a man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o private_a christian_a in_o this_o case_n as_o the_o hebrew_n say_v to_o moses_n act_v 7._o 27._o who_o make_v thou_o a_o ruler_n and_o a_o judge_n 2_o though_o the_o person_n be_v indeed_o unworthy_a yet_o their_o unworthiness_n may_v be_v unknown_a unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n to_o make_v know_v such_o offender_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o their_o reformation_n may_v be_v endeavour_v and_o not_o therefore_o to_o decline_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n dic_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la mat._n 18._o 17._o he_o say_v not_o if_o thou_o be_v offend_v fall_n off_o from_o the_o church_n but_o acquaint_v the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o scandal_n in_o thy_o way_n may_v be_v remove_v 3_o those_o that_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n may_v suspect_v that_o such_o or_o such_o
person_n be_v unworthy_a and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o full_a proof_n make_v of_o it_o the_o opinion_n or_o knowledge_n of_o one_o private_a christian_a may_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n in_o some_o case_n but_o there_o must_v be_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o where_o full_a proof_n be_v want_v there_o can_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o a_o judicial_a proceed_n nor_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o account_v such_o person_n or_o person_n unworthy_a of_o that_o ordinance_n charity_n will_v surmise_v no_o evil_a without_o sufficient_a proof_n make_v when_o paul_n be_v come_v the_o three_o time_n to_o corinth_n to_o reform_v their_o disorder_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o course_n he_o will_v follow_v in_o that_o work_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 1._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v every_o word_n be_v establish_v he_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_n by_o hear-say_n and_o bare_a report_n but_o by_o full_a and_o clear_a proof_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o pattern_n in_o all_o church_n censure_n 4_o although_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o full_a proof_n may_v be_v have_v of_o a_o fault_n commit_v by_o a_o church-member_n and_o that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o that_o person_n have_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o may_v just_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o lotds_n table_n if_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o opportunity_n as_o yet_o to_o hear_v the_o witness_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o private_a admonition_n whereupon_o repentance_n may_v follow_v so_o evident_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o occasion_n to_o proceed_v to_o suspension_n much_o less_o can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o occasion_n for_o a_o private_a christian_n to_o withdraw_v communion_n in_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v preposterous_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n to_o suspend_v any_o church-member_n from_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n before_o he_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o fault_n and_o have_v show_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o such_o a_o man_n repentance_n aswell_o as_o his_o fault_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o to_o every_o private_a member_n and_o if_o his_o repentance_n be_v know_v to_o they_o and_o they_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o that_o shall_v give_v much_o content_n to_o other_o in_o diverse_a case_n paul_n suppose_a that_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o onesimus_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o philemon_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n 5._o admit_v that_o the_o fault_n be_v notorious_a and_o evident_o prove_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n do_v sinful_o connive_v at_o it_o and_o cast_v not_o out_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o his_o merit_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o sound_a ground_n to_o forsake_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n no_o private_a christian_n need_v to_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v accessary_a to_o that_o man_n sin_n or_o receive_v hurt_v by_o participation_n in_o that_o ordinance_n whereunto_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v no_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o child_n to_o refuse_v the_o bread_n which_o their_o father_n offer_v to_o they_o because_o dog_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v in_o the_o room_n and_o snatch_n at_o the_o child_n portion_n there_o will_v appear_v more_o of_o surliness_n than_o of_o discretion_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o do_v participate_v with_o judas_n in_o a_o seal_a ordinance_n after_o he_o be_v detect_v to_o be_v the_o traitor_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v john_n 13._o 23-27_a with_o mat._n 26._o 23-26_a this_o rejection_n of_o ordinance_n this_o separation_n from_o they_o upon_o supposition_n that_o unworthy_a person_n be_v admit_v be_v to_o be_v severe_o censure_v as_o proud_a censoriousness_n and_o uncharitable_a rashness_n which_o god_n abhor_v notwithstanding_o that_o pretence_n of_o piety_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o these_o be_v they_o that_o say_v stand_v by_o thyself_o and_o come_v not_o near_o we_o for_o we_o be_v boly_a than_o thou_o but_o mark_v what_o a_o character_n the_o lord_n give_v of_o they_o isa_n 65._o 5._o these_o be_v a_o smoke_n in_o my_o nose_n they_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n to_o god_n than_o the_o stink_a snuff_n of_o a_o candle_n can_v be_v to_o any_o of_o we_o it_o become_v true_a christian_n to_o judge_n themselves_o and_o to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o sweep_v at_o their_o own_o door_n first_o our_o lord_n give_v excellent_a advice_n to_o we_o all_o mat._n 7._o 1_o 2._o judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v for_o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o mete_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v frequent_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v most_o censorious_a and_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a be_v most_o charitable_a i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o mourn_v if_o he_o see_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a person_n admit_v to_o seal_v ordinance_n but_o he_o may_v not_o therefore_o separate_v from_o those_o ordinance_n whilst_o they_o remain_v god_n ordinance_n this_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o much_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a for_o christian_n to_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n to_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 17._o although_o those_o that_o do_v officiate_v therein_o be_v very_o lewd_a man_n that_o be_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o sinful_a separation_n four_o those_o be_v also_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n guilty_a of_o hateful_a separation_n that_o decline_v private_a christian_n communion_n with_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v of_o common_a concernment_n to_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n conference_n etc._n etc._n they_o that_o fear_v god_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o mal._n 3._o 16._o yet_o even_o herein_o there_o be_v singular_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v for_o when_o such_o private_a meeting_n be_v make_v the_o anvil_n whereon_o to_o hammer_v out_o treason_n and_o sedition_n in_o the_o land_n and_o the_o snare_n and_o bait_n to_o draw_v man_n into_o separation_n from_o our_o public_a congregation_n than_o whatsoever_o glorious_a gloss_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o meeting_n wherein_o christ_n will_v be_v present_a such_o assembly_n every_o good_a foul_a aught_o to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v suppre_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n such_o seditious_a meeting_n i_o be_o sure_o have_v many_o of_o those_o be_v of_o late_a year_n which_o have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o in_o they_o many_o of_o our_o late_a misery_n have_v be_v first_o plot_v and_o contrive_v but_o when_o god_n people_n do_v meet_v only_o for_o edification_n and_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n with_o prayer_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o general_a good_a of_o both_o as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v in_o these_o nation_n forty_o and_o fifty_o year_n ago_o then_o such_o meeting_n be_v to_o be_v countenance_v and_o frequent_v and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o holy_a private_a communion_n of_o saint_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o believer_n lose_v much_o comfort_n cool_v in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o rust_n in_o their_o grace_n much_o more_o than_o former_o from_o this_o private_a christian_a communion_n we_o must_v not_o separate_v v_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o that_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n for_o some_o error_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v therein_o and_o gather_v themselves_o into_o other_o society_n distinct_a therefrom_o be_v without_o doubt_n guilty_a of_o sinful_a separation_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n it_o be_v no_o light_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o count_v she_o for_o a_o harlot_n in_o who_o womb_n we_o have_v be_v conceive_v who_o have_v bring_v we_o forth_o for_o god_n and_o nourish_v we_o till_o we_o be_v bring_v up_o and_o all_o because_o she_o have_v some_o spot_n and_o blemish_n upon_o she_o this_o course_n be_v against_o the_o