two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christ-church_n in_o the_o city_n of_o dublin_n before_o the_o honourable_a the_o general_n convention_n of_o ireland_n the_o first_o on_o prov._n 11._o 14._o at_o the_o first_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a convention_n march_v 2._o 1659._o the_o second_o on_o judas_n v._n 19_o at_o a_o public_a fast_o appoint_v by_o the_o say_a convention_n march_v 9_o 1659._o bianca_n sem_fw-mi cox_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o pastor_n at_o st._n katherine_n in_o dublin_n dublin_n print_v by_o william_n bladen_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1660._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o general_n convention_n of_o ireland_n worthy_a patriot_n your_o desire_n which_o i_o interpret_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o command_n have_v cause_v i_o contrary_a to_o i_o own_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n to_o appear_v in_o public_a i_o can_v behold_v nothing_o in_o these_o my_o poor_a labour_n that_o may_v deserve_v your_o acceptance_n only_o this_o i_o can_v say_v that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o these_o two_o sermon_n to_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o you_o in_o particular_a in_o which_o i_o do_v and_o shall_v find_v comfort_n it_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n that_o plain_o preach_v of_o seasonable_a truth_n which_o be_v former_o stifle_v by_o sectarian_n spirit_n be_v now_o revive_v and_o countenance_v through_o your_o patronage_n this_o will_v stand_v upon_o your_o account_n for_o good_a at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rash_a censure_n of_o unstable_a spirit_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o i_o for_o preach_v these_o sermon_n because_o i_o have_v meddle_v with_o their_o diana_n and_o i_o expect_v much_o more_o unfriendly_a deal_n now_o they_o appear_v to_o public_a view_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o poet_n hic_fw-la murus_fw-la aheneus_fw-la esto_fw-la nil_fw-la conscire_fw-la sibi_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o can_v speak_v it_o in_o sincerity_n that_o i_o have_v not_o intend_v to_o bespatter_v any_o man_n person_n but_o to_o set_v out_o the_o loathsomeness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o tenet_n of_o those_o man_n that_o have_v study_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o christian_a liberty_n to_o enslave_v these_o three_o nation_n of_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o unchurch_n they_o it_o be_v now_o above_o thirty_o year_n since_o my_o reverend_a and_o learned_a tutor_n mr._n arthur_n hildersham_n who_o name_n and_o praise_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o life_n time_n accept_v of_o all_o the_o godly_a though_o differ_v in_o judgement_n as_o fuller_n witness_v in_o his_o history_n of_o britain_n cent._n 17._o book_n 11._o do_v frequent_o advise_v i_o and_o other_o to_o beware_v of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o error_n begin_v then_o to_o be_v busy_a in_o the_o land_n assure_v i_o that_o separation_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o bane_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n how_o prophetic_a his_o word_n be_v the_o woeful_a experience_n of_o diverse_a year_n by_o past_a have_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o he_o suffer_v much_o trouble_n and_o restraint_n under_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o prelacy_n he_o act_v both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v against_o this_o bitter_a weed_n of_o separation_n insomuch_o as_o the_o learned_a dr._n willet_n in_o his_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o christ_n college_n before_o his_o harmony_n upon_o the_o first_o of_o samuel_n style_v he_o schismaticorum_fw-la qui_fw-la vulgò_fw-la brownistae_fw-la malleum_fw-la what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o brownist_n former_o and_o our_o separatist_n now_o i_o yet_o discern_v not_o both_o of_o they_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n deny_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n save_v only_o that_o these_o late_a have_v put_v a_o fair_a dress_n upon_o this_o monster_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v more_o amiable_a be_v warn_v by_o this_o divine_a oracle_n most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n i_o have_v endeavour_v ever_o since_o the_o lord_n count_v i_o faithful_a put_v i_o into_o the_o ministry_n to_o bear_v my_o weak_a testimony_n against_o this_o general_a error_n of_o the_o time_n both_o because_o it_o be_v the_o fruitful_a mother_n of_o manifold_a heresy_n deprive_v the_o church_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o also_o because_o from_o this_o church-separation_n have_v proceed_v state-separation_n even_o to_o the_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o our_o birth-privilege_n as_o subject_n if_o god_n mercy_n have_v not_o seasonable_o interpose_v now_o god_n almighty_a direct_v you_o in_o those_o great_a affair_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o help_v you_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o commit_v to_o the_o saint_n both_o against_o schism_n and_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o also_o against_o all_o profaneness_n and_o ungodliness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o you_o may_v be_v call_v the_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o restorer_n of_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o that_o so_o at_o the_o last_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v advance_v in_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n among_o we_o and_o ireland_n may_v be_v indeed_o insula_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la so_o still_o shall_v pray_v you_o and_o the_o church_n servant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n sem_fw-mi cox_n from_o my_o study_n in_o st._n thomas-street_n in_o dublin_n march_v 1659._o march_v the_o 3._o 1659._o by_o the_o general_n convention_n of_o ireland_n ordered_n that_o sir_n paul_n davys_n sir_n theophilus_n jones_n and_o doctor_n dudley_n loftus_n be_v and_o be_v appoint_v a_o committee_n to_o return_v the_o thanks_o of_o the_o convention_n to_o mr._n cox_n for_o the_o sermon_n preach_v by_o he_o before_o the_o convention_n yesterday_o and_o to_o desire_v mr._n cox_n to_o cause_v his_o sermon_n to_o be_v print_v and_o it_o be_v also_o order_v that_o mr._n cox_n be_v desire_v by_o the_o say_a committee_n to_o attend_v the_o convention_n every_o morning_n to_o pray_v with_o they_o before_o the_o sit_v sign_v by_o order_n ma._n barry_n clerk_n of_o the_o general_n convention_n of_o ireland_n the_o first_o sermon_n proverb_n 11._o 14._o where_o no_o counsel_n be_v the_o people_n fall_v but_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n the_o son_n of_o david_n king_n of_o israel_n be_v usual_o methodise_v under_o three_o head_n viz._n his_o ethic_n his_o politic_n and_o his_o economic_n his_o politic_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o solomon_n treat_v of_o four_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o complete_a such_o a_o government_n and_o make_v it_o happy_a viz._n 1_o a_o king_n or_o supreme_a governor_n 2_o counsellor_n of_o state_n 3_o nobles_z favourite_n or_o courtier_n 4_o subject_n where_o such_o a_o government_n be_v the_o people_n flourish_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v happy_a our_o text_n and_o our_o present_a occasion_n lead_v we_o to_o speak_v concern_v counsellor_n and_o their_o counsel_n of_o person_n that_o be_v call_v to_o consult_v de_fw-fr arduis_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la upon_o which_o account_n you_o noble_a senator_n be_v convene_v this_o day_n concern_v counsellor_n solomon_n acquaint_v we_o 1._o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o with_o their_o qualification_n the_o first_o our_o text_n speak_v of_o wherein_o the_o second_o will_v also_o be_v include_v so_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o where_o no_o counsel_n be_v the_o people_n fall_v but_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n that_o this_o divine_a sentence_n may_v have_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o serious_o consider_v who_o have_v deliver_v it_o this_o shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o solomon_n who_o write_v this_o golden_a sentence_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a ghost_n inform_v we_o 1_o king_n 4._o 30_o 31._o that_o his_o wisdom_n excel_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o east_n country_n that_o be_v of_o the_o arabian_n or_o chaldean_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v very_o great_a as_o appeareth_z by_o that_o commendation_n give_v to_o moses_n act_v 7._o 22._o that_o he_o be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o be_v wise_a than_o all_o man_n than_o ethan_n the_o ezrahite_a and_o heman_n and_o chalcol_n and_o darda_fw-it the_o sons_z of_o mahol_n none_o that_o write_v of_o civil_a polity_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o he_o now_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n his_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_o hearken_v unto_o a_o
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
separatist_n among_o we_o in_o this_o common_a wealth_n or_o no_o but_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sun_n beam_n have_v not_o we_o multitude_n among_o we_o that_o have_v depart_v from_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n especial_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n upon_o a_o mere_a pretence_n of_o non-communion_n with_o the_o ungodly_a nay_o have_v we_o not_o very_o many_o both_o minister_n and_o other_o that_o have_v cast_v off_o our_o church_n and_o en_fw-fr body_v themselves_o into_o other_o society_n none_o can_v deny_v this_o he_o be_v blind_a that_o see_v it_o not_o now_o let_v we_o yet_o inquire_v further_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v so_o do_v they_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v our_o congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o we_o be_v false_a church_n non_fw-la datur_fw-la tertium_fw-la if_o they_o acknowledge_v we_o to_o be_v true_a church_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v then_o why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n at_o the_o least_o and_o do_v they_o not_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o christ_n protection_n by_o their_o separation_n yea_o very_o and_o they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o be_v so_o at_o the_o last_o if_o they_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v the_o matter_n thus_o that_o though_o we_o be_v true_a church_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o pure_a church_n and_o they_o desire_v to_o gather_v into_o a_o more_o pure_a church_n way_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accuse_v for_o unlawful_a separation_n i_o must_v answer_v in_o four_o word_n 1_o that_o they_o have_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n for_o go_v out_o of_o a_o true_a church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n to_o be_v find_v in_o another_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 23._o 2_o that_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_n who_o will_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o corrupt_v and_o gather_v another_o from_o among_o they_o of_o a_o more_o pure_a constitution_n whilst_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v a_o church_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n aâ—_n dear_a child_n eph._n 5._o 1._o 3_o that_o this_o separation_n though_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n to_o be_v find_v else_o where_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v never_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v not_o judge_v they_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_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 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 4_o this_o departure_n of_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o very_o grievous_a discommodity_n and_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n which_o they_o ought_v wary_o to_o have_v decline_v insomuch_o as_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o reformation_n be_v retard_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v mat._n 18._o 7._o we_o to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v say_v we_o be_v not_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o leave_v we_o then_o behold_v we_o have_v bless_a be_v god_n all_o the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a and_o incorruptible_a doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n we_o have_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n among_o we_o and_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o themselves_o make_v the_o most_o essential_a note_n of_o a_o church_n true_o institute_v we_o have_v the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n among_o we_o so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o judge_n otherwise_o then_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n what_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o shall_v make_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o sure_o the_o fault_n lie_v not_o in_o we_o because_o we_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o themselves_o that_o be_v amiss_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o 1_o either_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o high_a mind_a man_n that_o set_v more_o price_n and_o esteem_v upon_o their_o own_o ability_n part_n and_o grace_n then_o upon_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o seed_n of_o separation_n when_o a_o man_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o foment_v division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n they_o have_v a_o high_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o commend_v themselves_o and_o then_o own_o ability_n as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 2_o cor._n 10._o 18._o but_o they_o have_v â—ase_a thought_n and_o utter_v unfit_a speech_n against_o paul_n verse_n 10._o his_o bodily_a presence_n say_v they_o be_v weak_a and_o his_o speech_n contemptible_a he_o have_v no_o good_a elocution_n but_o this_o be_v far_o off_o from_o that_o which_o christ_n require_v to_o be_v in_o his_o disciple_n the_o first_o lesson_n to_o be_v learn_v in_o his_o school_n be_v self_n denial_n mat._n 16._o 24._o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o self_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n safe_a from_o be_v a_o separatist_n but_o when_o pride_n thus_o prick_v a_o man_n forward_o and_o that_o he_o valu_v his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o the_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o holiness_n of_o a_o whole_a national_a assembly_n of_o orthodox_n divine_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o he_o run_v upon_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o separation_n 2_o or_o else_o self_n end_n and_o base_a carnal_a respect_n draw_v man_n into_o this_o gulf_n they_o aim_v at_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o self_n interest_n to_o make_v themselves_o great_a and_o rich_a in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n speak_v full_o to_o this_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 13_a where_o he_o inform_v we_o that_o false_a teacher_n through_o covetousness_n do_v with_o feign_a word_n make_v merchandise_n of_o professor_n such_o kind_n of_o trade_v as_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v base_a among_o man_n and_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n hope_v of_o great_a gift_n and_o large_a reward_n make_v many_o a_o man_n to_o turn_v separatist_n or_o if_o they_o aim_v not_o at_o a_o outward_a estate_n yet_o at_o least_o a_o great_a name_n fame_n and_o honour_n among_o man_n do_v entice_v they_o to_o this_o vanity_n this_o be_v it_o that_o tickle_v the_o new_a fangle_a preacher_n at_o ephesus_n act_v 20._o 30._o they_o shall_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a company_n of_o follower_n if_o they_o set_v up_o new_a fashion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o have_v not_o some_o of_o the_o separatist_n enlarge_v their_o precinct_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o lord_n bishop_n diocese_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o watch_v well_o one_o over_o another_o live_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n these_o be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v of_o god_n only_o joh._n 5._o 44._o 3_o or_o else_o they_o warp_v to_o separation_n through_o their_o own_o injudiciousness_n be_v unsettle_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o sound_a catechise_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n that_o so_o many_o have_v of_o late_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o vertigo_n â—â—_o they_o have_v get_v more_o use_n of_o their_o tongue_n than_o christian_n have_v former_o but_o they_o have_v less_o in_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o old_a christian_n have_v if_o man_n be_v well_o instruct_v in_o religion_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o seduce_v to_o separation_n the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v deceive_v by_o such_o delusion_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n into_o their_o soul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 11._o they_o can_v by_o found_v judgement_n discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n when_o a_o false_a teacher_n come_v in_o appearance_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n this_o want_n of_o judgement_n pervert_v
thousand_o use_v 2._o hence_o there_o arise_v just_a ground_n of_o humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n in_o that_o this_o error_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o overspr_v these_o dominion_n and_o over_o this_o island_n particular_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o this_o be_v the_o achan_n the_o pest_n of_o our_o land_n and_o that_o i_o will_v clear_v that_o unto_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o do_v but_o with_o much_o brevity_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v the_o more_o deep_o humble_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o abomination_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1_o separation_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a sin_n of_o many_o other_o it_o be_v a_o very_a comprehensive_a evil_n the_o womb_n out_o of_o which_o issue_v many_o prodigious_a monster_n if_o i_o shall_v begin_v to_o show_v its_o rise_n and_o growth_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v prove_v offensive_a to_o some_o here_o present_a and_o it_o will_v be_v beside_o my_o purpose_n observe_v therefore_o only_o be_v of_o spring_n hence_o arise_v many_o of_o the_o heresy_n and_o abomination_n that_o be_v how_o among_o we_o we_o be_v pester_v with_o anabaptist_n seeker_n quaker_n and_o the_o like_a sort_n of_o viper_n but_o they_o all_o begin_v in_o separation_n man_n first_o run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v of_o any_o religion_n they_o please_v our_o late_a experience_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o and_o how_o indeed_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o man_n forsake_v the_o true_a church_n what_o hinder_v but_o they_o may_v erect_v any_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v devise_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o make_v it_o the_o foul_a sin_n 2_o separation_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o many_o of_o god_n own_o people_n as_o we_o do_v conceive_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v smut_v and_o taint_v with_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n child_n be_v aggravate_v by_o many_o more_o circumstance_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n be_v israel_n have_v sin_v be_v that_o which_o god_n affirm_v to_o joshua_n as_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o humiliation_n chap._n 7._o 11._o the_o child_n of_o god_n sin_n against_o great_a outward_a light_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o do_v they_o sin_n against_o the_o inward_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o sin_n against_o great_a mercy_n than_o other_o do_v they_o sin_n against_o covenant_n vow_n and_o strong_a resolution_n this_o make_v their_o sin_n of_o separation_n much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n his_o own_o people_n 3_o separation_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n by_o far_o than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o be_v maintain_v countenance_v and_o preach_v up_o as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o a_o duty_n this_o kind_a withdraw_a from_o church_n and_o ordinance_n be_v hold_v forth_o as_o a_o great_a gospel_n truth_n by_o many_o satan_n temptation_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o the_o woman_n transgression_n the_o great_a when_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v eat_v of_o under_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o good_a gen._n 3._o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o call_v that_o good_a that_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o god_n can_v abide_v it_o when_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o call_v darkness_n light_n this_o also_o call_v for_o mourning_n 4_o separation_n be_v that_o leaven_n which_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n it_o be_v that_o canker_n or_o gangrene_n that_o will_v if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 17._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o dangerous_a sign_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n though_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v in_o a_o religious_a habit_n the_o apostle_n propound_v this_o question_n to_o those_o that_o study_v to_o make_v a_o rent_n at_o corinth_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o much_o suspect_v your_o grace_n and_o doubt_v that_o you_o be_v person_n carnal_a sensual_a have_v not_o the_o spirit_n because_o you_o run_v thus_o into_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o second_o use_n use_v 3_o if_o separation_n be_v such_o a_o old_a dangerous_a spread_a and_o contaminate_v evil_a then_o here_o be_v exhortation_n in_o two_o branch_n i._o if_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a then_o i_o beg_v that_o you_o fly_v separation_n and_o also_o those_o that_o will_v entice_v you_o to_o it_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v draw_v from_o that_o church_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o for_o god_n meddle_v you_o not_o with_o they_o that_o be_v give_v to_o change_v their_o church_n it_o become_v we_o all_o to_o be_v of_o david_n mind_n who_o profess_v psal_n 119._o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n more_o emphatical_a ramos_fw-la or_o summitates_fw-la arborum_fw-la i_o hate_v to_o be_v like_o the_o upper_a branch_n of_o a_o tree_n that_o be_v bow_v and_o shake_v with_o every_o wind_n to_o be_v a_o weathercock_n in_o religion_n without_o ballast_n change_v and_o turn_v with_o every_o turn_n of_o the_o time_n o_o this_o be_v a_o hateful_a thing_n indeed_o now_o if_o you_o will_v be_v preserve_v from_o this_o evil_a that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v into_o separation_n i_o shall_v prescribe_v unto_o you_o five_o help_n which_o be_v all_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n judas_n in_o the_o two_o verse_n that_o do_v succeed_v our_o text_n viz._n verse_n 20._o 21._o but_o you_o belove_v build_v up_o yourselves_o on_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n 1_o he_o that_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o separation_n must_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n this_o be_v clear_o hint_v in_o these_o word_n building_n up_o yourselves_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n there_o must_v first_o be_v a_o foundation_n lay_v before_o we_o can_v rear_v a_o build_n faith_n be_v this_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o build_v on_o your_o faith_n faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o seduction_n upon_o this_o rock_n say_v our_o savour_n mat._n 16_o 18._o viz._n upon_o myself_o who_o thou_o have_v now_o confess_v i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o neither_o satan_n nor_o seducer_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o lead_v he_o from_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a faith_n fix_v upon_o christ_n faith_n will_v conquer_v 2_o when_o you_o have_v dig_v deep_a and_o be_v come_v to_o the_o foundation_n you_o must_v build_v upon_o it_o unto_o perfection_n building_n up_o yourselves_o on_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n he_o that_o will_v stand_v against_o wind_n and_o weather_n and_o not_o be_v shake_v and_o rend_v from_o the_o church_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o upon_o that_o only_a if_o a_o man_n build_v partly_o upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o partly_o beside_o it_o his_o building_n will_v settle_v and_o fall_v or_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v earth_n and_o rubbish_n between_o the_o foundation_n and_o the_o building_n the_o fabric_n will_v come_v to_o naught_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o house_n stand_v when_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 7._o 24._o 25._o on_o the_o otherside_n the_o cause_n why_o the_o other_o house_n stand_v not_o but_o fall_v when_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o foundation_n verse_n 26._o 27._o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n labour_v for_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v complete_a in_o christ_n the_o more_o shall_v he_o be_v keep_v from_o be_v a_o separatist_n 3_o you_o must_v pray_v fervent_o for_o your_o perfeverance_n in_o church-state_n and_o fellowship_n pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o his_o motion_n and_o inspiration_n and_o not_o with_o the_o mouth_n only_o as_o hypocrite_n use_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o lip_n labour_n that_o