a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1682_o 3._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o religious_a commonwealth_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ordain_v the_o apostle_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o its_o part_n 22._o be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n 15._o and_o holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n for_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o this_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v not_o a_o new_a distinct_a church_n but_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a stock_n or_o root_n believe_v jew_n and_o christian_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n 18._o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n who_o unite_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o church_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v both_o side_n of_o the_o house_n and_o hold_v they_o together_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n the_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n tell_v we_o 16._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n which_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n which_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n be_v heir_n to_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v all_o privilege_n in_o common_a shall_v be_v divide_v into_o as_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n though_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v distinct_a person_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o where_o every_o thing_n be_v common_a there_o be_v not_o one_o community_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o distinct_a essence_n and_o subsistence_n of_o their_o own_o as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o natural_a being_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o all_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o another_o then_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o body_n one_o communion_n one_o household_n and_o family_n for_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o distinguish_v and_o separate_a no_o enclosure_n or_o partition_n of_o divine_a appointment_n there_o can_v be_v by_o divine_a institution_n but_o one_o body_n 2._o i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v derive_v may_v signify_v and_o be_v so_o expound_v by_o many_o divine_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o christian_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o call_v and_o choose_v or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a faith_n by_o peculiar_a law_n by_o peculiar_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o about_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n the_o church_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n institute_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o each_o other_o because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o body_n which_o require_v a_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o present_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v this_o that_o this_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v he_o and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a
this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_v about_o fix_v and_o occasional_a communion_n that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o great_a and_o wise_a reason_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v now_o man_n may_v have_v house_n in_o different_a parish_n or_o distinct_a diocese_n or_o may_v travel_v into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v or_o they_o may_v sometime_o go_v to_o prayer_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o another_o parish-church_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abide_v be_v may_v be_v call_v constant_a communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o we_o accidental_o visit_v and_o communicate_v with_o may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o schism_n because_o we_o still_o communicate_v either_o with_o the_o same_o national_a church_n or_o which_o be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o traveller_n with_o some_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v also_o member_n and_o so_o still_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n but_o those_o of_o which_o we_o own_v ourselves_o member_n as_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n as_o be_v either_o sincere_a member_n of_o the_o national_a or_o catholic_n church_n from_o hence_o our_o dissenter_n conclude_v that_o their_o communion_n with_o a_o independent_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o fix_v member_n be_v as_o consistent_a with_o their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o to_o serve_v some_o present_a turn_n they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o as_o our_o fix_a communion_n with_o our_o parish-church_n be_v with_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o parish-church_n which_o no_o body_n account_v schism_n though_o when_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o causeless_a it_o be_v a_o great_a disorder_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v vast_o great_a for_o in_o the_o first_o case_n we_o only_o communicate_v with_o such_o church_n which_o be_v all_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o be_v a_o member_n of_o they_o all_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o be_v as_o a_o member_n but_o he_o who_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a church_n can_v communicate_v so_o much_o as_o occasional_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o member_n because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n not_o only_o of_o another_o particular_a but_o of_o a_o separate_a church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o be_v one_o with_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o 1._o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n 12._o which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n 18._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_n and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o boudt_fw-ge that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n
our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o these_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v constant_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o schism_n be_v for_o they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sceptical_a suspension_n of_o communion_n all_o their_o day_n and_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a rule_n to_o direct_v all_o man_n in_o this_o inquiry_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o worship_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o other_o party_n and_o sect_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o advantage_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n no_o public_a establishment_n can_v justify_v a_o sinful_a communion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o national_a church_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o state_n and_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n for_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o english_a man_n during_o these_o church_n division_n among_o we_o never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n never_o to_o pray_v nor_o hear_v nor_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o religion_n but_o this_o they_o will_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v and_o therefore_o by_o suspending_a communion_n they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v for_o no_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o whatever_o church_n he_o communicate_v with_o though_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o his_o life_n as_o he_o occasional_o travel_n that_o way_n yet_o he_o communicate_v as_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o fix_a member_n do_v not_o signify_v our_o fix_a abode_n or_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o our_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o fix_v and_o permanent_a relation_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n may_v be_v perform_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n with_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o occasional_a but_o of_o fix_a communion_n because_o though_o i_o communicate_v but_o once_o and_o that_o occasional_o yet_o i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o occasional_a but_o a_o fix_a relation_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o communicate_v with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o communion_n without_o own_v their_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretend_a act_n of_o occasional_a commmunion_n and_o so_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christin_n to_o do_v if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o these_o divide_a party_n as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o many_o separate_a church_n be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a body_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v further_o from_o consider_v the_o two_o follow_a case_n case_n 2._o 2._o the_o second_o case_n be_v this_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v absurd_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o this_o distinction_n nor_o for_o this_o question_n every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o and_o for_o man_n to_o talk_v of_o be_v member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n in_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o member_n be_v a_o schismatical_a notion_n of_o church-membership_n because_o it_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n into_o distinct_a membership_n and_o therefore_o into_o distinct_a body_n which_o make_v the_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o one_o but_o many_o body_n for_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n which_o be_v member_n only_o of_o that_o particular_a
worship_n and_o their_o great_a endeavour_n to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o i_o say_v if_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v one_o body_n nor_o member_n of_o each_o other_o than_o they_o be_v two_o separate_a church_n and_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o monarchy_n and_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o their_o distinct_a governor_n and_o distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o england_n be_v but_o one_o church_n 3._o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n now_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o will_v grievous_o have_v puzzle_v st._n cyprian_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n who_o never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o sort_n of_o communion_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o member_n signify_v a_o fix_a and_o constant_a not_o a_o occasional_a member_n not_o a_o member_n which_o be_v one_o day_n a_o member_n and_o the_o next_o day_n upon_o his_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n be_v no_o member_n which_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o member_n just_a as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o if_o church-membership_a be_v a_o fix_a and_o constant_a relation_n in_o itself_o consider_v than_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v fix_v and_o constant_a also_o and_o therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o term_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o antiquity_n we_o must_v consult_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o modern_a author_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o they_o now_o by_o fix_a communion_n they_o mean_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o occasional_a communion_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o this_o distinction_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o i_o have_v evident_o prove_v to_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n for_o if_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n but_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o then_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v as_o fix_v as_o our_o relation_n and_o membership_n be_v and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v himself_o will_v talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a member_n if_o no_o man_n can_v perform_v any_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n since_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o member_n be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o he_o who_o be_v no_o member_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o occasional_a membership_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o occasional_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n may_v exercise_v act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n which_o respect_v christian_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n tho_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o act_n mere_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o than_o every_o true_a catholic_n christian_n be_v not_o only_o in_o a_o fix_a state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o live_v in_o as_o constant_a a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n as_o he_o do_v with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v for_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v if_o that_o church_n be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_v and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o principal_o consist_v in_o government_n and_o discipline_n every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o he_o be_v under_o the_o immediate_a instruction_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o personal_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o this_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o when_o neighbour_n bishop_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o agree_v upon_o some_o common_a rule_n of_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o religious_a office_n this_o make_v they_o a_o patriarchal_a or_o national_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o such_o particular_a or_o unite_a bishop_n we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o diocesan_n or_o national_a church_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o other_o diocesan_n or_o national_a church_n but_o this_o do_v not_o confine_v our_o church-membership_a and_o communion_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o it_o strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v while_o it_o impose_v nothing_o on_o we_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n but_o though_o particular_a christian_n be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n and_o usage_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o to_o maintain_v personal_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o virtual_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o notwithstanding_o my_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o my_o constant_a abide_v and_o habitation_n in_o it_o when_o ever_o i_o travel_v into_o any_o other_o church_n i_o communicate_v with_o they_o as_o a_o member_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o be_v i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v communicate_v otherwise_o for_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o communion_n but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o nothing_o i_o can_v do_v can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o do_v not_o own_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n and_o yet_o
to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n and_o must_v not_o think_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a distinct_a corporation_n by_o the_o same_o charter_n thus_o it_o be_v here_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o body_n and_o christian_a church_n who_o shall_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v all_o receive_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o admit_v member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n now_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o body_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o this_o body_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n which_o we_o call_v church_n but_o which_o be_v not_o member_n nor_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v carry_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n out_o of_o the_o church_n with_o we_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o common_a charter_n of_o the_o christian-church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o go_v without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o particular_a separate_a church_n but_o a_o general_a covenant_n make_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o covenant_n in_o particular_a with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n of_o france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v we_o in_o particular_a a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v second_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n now_o church-communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n and_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church_n member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church_n privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o a_o church_n relation_n exact_v from_o they_o i_o know_v this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v a_o personal_a and_o presential_a communion_n in_o religious_a office_n as_o when_o man_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n together_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o church-communion_n be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o any_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o natural_a union_n be_v in_o natural_a body_n that_o communion_n be_v in_o body_n politic_a whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a society_n a_o member_n must_v be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v any_o natural_a action_n or_o office_n of_o a_o member_n before_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o the_o foot_n can_v walk_v or_o the_o ear_n can_v hear_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o see_v or_o walk_v but_o see_v and_o walk_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n thus_o in_o a_o body_n politic_a when_o man_n by_o any_o common_a charter_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o society_n they_o become_v one_o common_a body_n or_o one_o communion_n and_o this_o give_v they_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o body_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o their_o charter_n require_v of_o they_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regular_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n or_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o a_o unjust_a usurpation_n shall_v a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o citizen_n of_o london_n open_v his_o shop_n and_o drive_v a_o trade_n as_o other_o citizen_n do_v or_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o a_o common-hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n act_n like_o a_o citizen_n this_o will_v not_o make_v he_o a_o citizen_n but_o a_o intruder_n he_o be_v a_o foreigner_n still_o and_o his_o presume_v to_o act_n like_o a_o citizen_n when_o he_o be_v none_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n but_o just_o expose_v he_o to_o censure_v and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n and_o society_n unite_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o office_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o and_o which_o none_o have_v any_o right_a to_o perform_v but_o they_o such_o as_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o intrude_v into_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o church-member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o church-member_n though_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n shall_v for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o at_o some_o critical_a time_n come_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o there_o hear_v the_o common-prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v this_o make_v this_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o which_o he_o never_o communicate_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a will_v never_o do_v again_o if_o it_o do_v not_o all_o this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v only_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o perform_v some_o such_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o since_o the_o decay_n of_o church_n discipline_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o member_n which_o be_v such_o a_o abuse_n as_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o deny_v their_o communion_n to_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o excommunicate_a upon_o other_o account_n but_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v embody_v and_o incorporate_v with_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v what_o that_o mean_n every_o one_o know_v who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n of_o a_o city_n or_o any_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o consist_v of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o require_v all_o those_o who_o will_v
enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o society_n to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a trust_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o church_n society_n as_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n instruction_n censure_n of_o the_o church_n a_o communion_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a office_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n or_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n renounce_v his_o membership_n and_o communion_n with_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v exteme_o plain_a and_o though_o man_n may_v cavil_v for_o dispute_n sake_n yet_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o though_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n he_o shall_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o hence_o of_o great_a use_n 1._o that_o church-communion_n primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n not_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o church-communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o among_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o neighbour_n to_o each_o other_o but_o in_o membership_n now_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o how_o large_a soever_o the_o body_n be_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n those_o who_o live_v at_o st._n david_n and_o those_o at_o yarmouth_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o a_o church-state_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o church-communion_n be_v found_v only_o on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a covenant_n to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o particular_a church-membership_a be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o human_a invention_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o alone_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o independency_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a church-state_n as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n
do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n 12._o apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o administer_v the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n 41._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o 19_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o 25._o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n from_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o 21._o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v