those_o name_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n appoint_v rev._n 11.13_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n never_o plant_v in_o his_o church_n mat._n 15.13_o and_o which_o therefore_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o reformation_n have_v be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v forth_o to_o the_o rejoice_v of_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o agreement_n among_o the_o reform_a party_n the_o difference_n now_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n we_o mean_v still_o among_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v their_o face_n zion_n ward_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n true_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v may_v even_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o our_o division_n that_o ever_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o distance_n in_o affection_n shall_v arise_v from_o so_o small_a difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o first_o between_o the_o ptesbyterians_n and_o independent_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n spring_v up_o between_o they_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o paper_n large_o to_o insist_v thereon_o whereof_o we_o may_v instance_n in_o three_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o question_n 1._o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v rather_o speculative_a and_o in_o logical_a term_n than_o practical_a which_o unless_o satan_n and_o corruption_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a much_o to_o obstruct_v or_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o so_o much_o desire_v union_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o acute_a question_n concern_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n which_o though_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o give_v a_o light_n and_o influence_n into_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o there_o be_v some_o discrepancy_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o godly_a learned_a man_n about_o it_o yet_o while_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v not_o improve_v to_o the_o deny_v of_o communion_n of_o church_n nor_o yet_o the_o assert_v of_o it_o improve_v to_o the_o deny_v of_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o make_v godly_a people_n lie_v among_o the_o pot_n and_o live_v at_o a_o loose_a end_n as_o lamb_n in_o a_o large_a place_n under_o no_o particular_a pastoral_n charge_n under_o no_o special_a oversight_n and_o inspection_n for_o their_o soul_n while_o both_o side_n do_v acknowledge_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n not_o only_o the_o universal_a invisible_a church_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n but_o also_o particular_a church_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n not_o only_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a communion_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o they_o all_o but_o also_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o this_o may_v well_o suffice_v unto_o brotherly_a love_n and_o union_n there_o be_v also_o some_o further_a dispute_n about_o this_o word_n church_n about_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o a_o whole_a nation_n where_o christianity_n have_v obtain_v a_o civil_a sanction_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o in_o those_o we_o call_v christian_a state_n or_o kingdom_n but_o if_o such_o a_o kingdom_n be_v call_v a_o national_a church_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a if_o withal_o it_o be_v remember_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o tie_v his_o ordinance_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o any_o one_o place_n as_o of_o old_a to_o the_o temple_n but_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n these_o and_o other_o such_o like_a question_n though_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v and_o search_v into_o for_o every_o apex_n of_o truth_n be_v precious_a the_o least_o jota_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o the_o very_a file_n and_o dust_n of_o gold_n be_v precious_a yet_o be_v rather_o in_o term_n and_o notion_n and_o not_o so_o direct_o practical_a and_o theological_a as_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n so_o we_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n they_o shall_v discompose_v and_o disunite_v the_o spirit_n of_o godly_a learned_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o be_v act_v and_o influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o debate_n and_o disquisition_n 2._o those_o thing_n also_o be_v not_o of_o present_a consideration_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n rather_o of_o particular_a person_n than_o of_o the_o whole_a party_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o many_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n at_o large_a and_o before_o election_n ad_fw-la ministerium_fw-la vagum_fw-la or_o sine_fw-la titulo_fw-la which_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n as_o well_o as_o of_o new-england_n do_v not_o approve_v though_o nevertheless_o they_o that_o do_v if_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n without_o exception_n must_v be_v own_v and_o number_v among_o the_o lord_n faithful_a minister_n because_o they_o minister_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n moreover_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a man_n shall_v send_v themselves_o and_o run_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n into_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o they_o go_v forth_o unto_o that_o work_n by_o the_o judgement_n and_o encouragement_n of_o godly_a faithful_a minister_n of_o more_o ability_n and_o experience_n than_o themselves_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n who_o if_o they_o solemn_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n with_o they_o and_o for_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_n in_o that_o and_o if_o withal_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o this_o can_v be_v matter_n of_o much_o offence_n to_o any_o so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n all_o the_o difference_n remain_v as_o to_o this_o point_n be_v not_o about_o their_o pass_v through_o ministerial_a trial_n and_o approbation_n but_o only_o about_o impowr_v they_o to_o baptise_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unfixed_a way_n without_o any_o special_a relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n or_o charge_n for_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v attend_v upon_o that_o work_n as_o their_o particular_a call_v be_v general_o grant_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o be_v ordinary_o practise_v without_o offence_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n by_o those_o we_o call_v lecturer_n hither_o also_o not_o impertinent_o as_o not_o be_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o any_o whole_a party_n may_v be_v refer_v the_o reason_n which_o have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n about_o parish_n precinct_n which_o though_o some_o perhaps_o do_v religious_o observe_v and_o bound_v up_o themselves_o unto_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o under_o every_o form_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o transgress_v they_o for_o not_o only_o the_o independent_o and_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o the_o very_a papist_n and_o prelate-protestants_a have_v think_v it_o lawful_a in_o the_o late_a time_n to_o receive_v those_o of_o their_o way_n from_o all_o the_o parish_n round_o about_o who_o likewise_o have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o in_o their_o own_o way_n when_o most_o of_o the_o public_a place_n be_v in_o other_o hand_n whereby_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o no_o sort_n or_o sect_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n in_o these_o nation_n do_v judge_n themselves_o necessary_o involve_v in_o church-communion_n by_o their_o habitation_n however_o a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o spiritual_a body_n or_o society_n and_o the_o limit_n be_v part_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o body_n that_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o not_o mere_o humane_a as_o be_v the_o division_n of_o parish_n be_v a_o notion_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o appearance_n of_o spiritual_a reason_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o indulgence_n due_a to_o such_o as_o act_v upon_o it_o if_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v without_o offence_n hither_o also_o last_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o so_o let_v they_o be_v dismiss_v and_o forget_v whatever_o unbrother_o reproach_n and_o change_n of_o schism_n or_o antichristianisme_n etc._n etc._n may_v have_v be_v use_v by_o some_o particular_a man_n of_o harsh_a and_o violent_a spirit_n but_o not_o approve_v by_o other_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n be_v man_n of_o wise_a and_o cool_a spirit_n 3._o a_o three_o sort_n of_o question_n not_o to_o be_v now_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o about_o state-matter_n the_o effect_n whereof_o we_o feel_v at_o this_o day_n which_o be_v and_o
the_o late_a reformation_n by_o some_o who_o name_n and_o sect_n have_v disappear_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o the_o further_a progress_n of_o the_o light_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o 4._o as_o to_o matter_n of_o institution_n and_o church-worship_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n here_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o the_o difference_n lie_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o general_n agreement_n even_o here_o also_o at_o least_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o worship_n instance_n may_v be_v give_v in_o four_o unite_n principle_n sufficient_v for_o a_o safe_a and_o well_o ground_a union_n 1._o we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n as_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v a_o ministry_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n and_o censure_n in_o his_o name_n that_o the_o lord_n supper_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o 4._o confessi_fw-la faith_n cap._n 30._o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n propos_fw-fr 4._o but_o all_o ignorant_a and_o ungodly_a person_n as_o they_o be_v unfit_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o can_v without_o great_a sin_n against_o he_o while_o they_o remain_v such_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n or_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o evidence_n that_o both_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o insert_v it_o in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v conclude_v in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n yea_o the_o episcopal_a party_n have_v bear_v witness_n to_o it_o 27._o see_v the_o 39_o article_n art_n 27._o for_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n therefore_o not_o of_o debauch_a person_n where_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o minister_v and_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n they_o require_v a_o promise_n of_o they_o to_o exercise_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n deacon_n in_o the_o form_n of_o order_v priest_n as_o deacon_n and_o if_o it_o be_v require_v what_o this_o discipline_n be_v they_o thus_o express_v their_o notion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n sinner_n book_n of_o com._n prayer_n comminat_fw-la against_o sinner_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o lent_n such_o person_n as_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v in_o the_o stead_n whereof_o until_o the_o say_a discipline_n may_v be_v restore_v again_o which_o thing_n be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v think_v good_a that_o in_o your_o presence_n be_v read_v the_o general_a sentence_n of_o god_n curse_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v answer_v to_o every_o sentence_n amen_n yet_o further_o they_o order_v minister_n thus_o to_o act_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n communion_n rubric_n before_o the_o communion_n if_o any_o say_v they_o be_v a_o open_a and_o notorious_a evil_a liver_n so_o that_o the_o congregation_n by_o he_o be_v offend_v or_o have_v do_v any_o wrong_n to_o his_o neighbour_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n the_o curate_n have_v knowledge_n thereof_o shall_v call_v he_o and_o advertise_v he_o in_o any_o wise_a not_o to_o presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v himself_o to_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o amend_v his_o former_a naughty_a life_n that_o the_o congregation_n may_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v which_o afore_o be_v offend_v the_o same_o order_n shall_v the_o curate_n use_v with_o those_o betwixt_o who_o he_o perceive_v malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o reign_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o know_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v the_o minister_n ought_v to_o admit_v the_o penitent_a person_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o not_o he_o that_o be_v obstinate_a thus_o full_o thus_o express_o do_v even_o episcopal_a man_n own_o and_o bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n 4._o there_o be_v this_o further_a agreement_n that_o the_o ceremony_n and_o other_o episcopal_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a upon_o this_o account_n and_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v all_o fellow_n sufferer_n and_o brethren_n in_o affliction_n at_o this_o day_n under_o the_o prelate_n who_o by_o their_o violence_n against_o we_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o testimony_n of_o these_o time_n as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o compliance_n with_o rome_n and_o other_o evil_n but_o chief_o by_o their_o assiduity_n in_o that_o good_a work_n of_o silence_v godly_a minister_n and_o impose_v upon_o tender_a conscience_n do_v manifest_o declare_v what_o interest_n and_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o how_o uncapable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o unite_v with_o we_o there_o may_v be_v personal_a love_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o some_o individual_n among_o they_o especial_o to_o some_o who_o live_v in_o former_a dark_a time_n before_o the_o day_n break_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v endue_v with_o another_o and_o a_o better_a spirit_n than_o usual_o appear_v and_o look_v out_o in_o that_o form_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o tender_a conscience_n there_o be_v christian_a love_n and_o esteem_v due_a to_o such_o as_o personal_o and_o individual_o consider_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o unite_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v every_o individual_a in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a bulk_n and_o body_n of_o they_o in_o their_o present_a interest_n and_o constitution_n as_o also_o of_o the_o form_n itself_o as_o complexly_v consider_v with_o all_o that_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o thus_o far_o in_o these_o four_o particular_n at_o least_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o general_a concurrence_n and_o consent_n among_o the_o whole_a reform_a party_n even_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o institute_v worship_n second_o and_o as_o for_o those_o inquiry_n what_o shall_v then_o be_v do_v for_o union_n with_o such_o who_o way_n of_o worship_n do_v exclude_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o who_o make_v promiscuous_a administration_n and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o hint_v we_o say_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ministry_n be_v thing_n too_o precious_a to_o be_v part_v with_o for_o union_n with_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o the_o same_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v concern_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n before_o mention_v moreover_o communion_n with_o scandalous_a person_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o superstitious_a vanity_n be_v such_o hard_a condition_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n be_v accept_v of_o therefore_o we_o humble_o judge_v that_o the_o best_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o man_n of_o such_o principle_n and_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n for_o union_n with_o they_o be_v this_o to_o labour_v to_o reduce_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o it_o be_v attend_v and_o accompany_v usual_o with_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n which_o while_o they_o do_v persist_v and_o continue_v in_o and_o that_o in_o a_o day_n of_o so_o clear_a gospel_n light_n and_o liberty_n as_o through_o grace_n these_o nation_n have_v enjoy_v it_o may_v well_o become_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o say_v o_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n and_o unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o glory_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v we_o have_v therefore_o omit_v in_o this_o essay_n for_o union_n among_o those_o people_n of_o god_n all_o such_o dead_a and_o blast_a form_n out_o of_o which_o god_n be_v go_v and_o which_o be_v but_o stream_n and_o rivulet_n as_o it_o be_v of_o that_o dead_a sea_n that_o sea_n of_o blood_n the_o fish_n whereof_o die_v rev._n 8.8_o 9_o and_o chap._n 16.3_o not_o of_o that_o crystal_n sea_n rev._n 4.6_o lively_n image_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13.14_o 15._o
irenicum_fw-la or_o a_o essay_n for_o union_n wherein_o be_v humble_o tender_v some_o proposal_n in_o order_n to_o some_o near_a union_n among_o the_o godly_a of_o different_a judgement_n by_o mr._n samuel_n mather_n late_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o dublin_n quia_fw-la conjungi_fw-la possunt_fw-la voluntates_fw-la hominum_fw-la in_fw-la bono_fw-mi quamvis_fw-la omni_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la sensus_fw-la consentientes_fw-la circa_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la pertinent_a ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la quod_fw-la appetunt_fw-la idcirco_fw-la dissensio_fw-la opinionum_fw-la circa_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la minus_fw-la sunt_fw-la necessaria_fw-la quamvis_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la concordiae_fw-la impediat_fw-la ipsi_fw-la tamen_fw-la concordiae_fw-la non_fw-la repugnat_fw-la philip._n 3.15_o 16._o ames_n case_n conse_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 29._o thes_n 4._o necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la studium_fw-la concordiae_fw-la 1._o ratione_fw-la charitatis_fw-la a_o qua_fw-la fluit_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la fovet_fw-la promovet_fw-la &_o implet_fw-la 2._o ratione_fw-la justitiae_fw-la cujus_fw-la impedimenta_fw-la removet_fw-la 3._o ratione_fw-la felicitatis_fw-la tam_fw-la communis_fw-la quam_fw-la privatae_fw-la quae_fw-la vnitis_fw-la viribus_fw-la concordium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la facilius_fw-la procuratur_fw-la idem_fw-la eod._n cap._n opinionum_fw-la varietas_fw-la &_o opinantium_fw-la unitas_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mr._n borough_n of_o heart_n division_n siquid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la his_fw-la vtere_fw-la mecum_fw-la london_n print_v by_o thomas_n snowden_n 1680._o irenicum_fw-la or_o a_o essay_n for_o union_n wherein_o be_v humble_o tender_v some_o proposal_n in_o order_n to_o a_o near_a union_n among_o those_o of_o different_a judgement_n those_o who_o have_v appear_v studious_a of_o reformation_n in_o these_o nation_n have_v be_v unhappy_o subdivide_v into_o three_o form_n or_o party_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o independent_o and_o anti-paedo-baptists_n under_o each_o of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o to_o be_v true_o godly_a and_o to_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o as_o hold_v christ_n the_o head_n under_o these_o various_a form_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o unite_v into_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n by_o conviction_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v which_o nevertheless_o as_o we_o have_v see_v through_o the_o freegrace_n of_o christ_n some_o instance_n of_o already_o so_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o in_o some_o further_a measure_n when_o those_o better_a time_n shall_v come_v whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o people_n one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n mean_v while_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o try_v how_o near_o we_o can_v come_v together_o suppose_v each_o party_n to_o remain_v unconvince_v of_o any_o error_n in_o their_o way_n now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v concern_v these_o three_o judgement_n first_o how_o far_o they_o agree_v and_o then_o wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o then_o to_o make_v some_o proposal_n in_o order_n to_o some_o near_a and_o close_a union_n among_o they_o unto_o which_o method_n we_o be_v lead_v not_o out_o of_o any_o desire_n or_o delight_n to_o revive_v the_o mention_n of_o our_o difference_n which_o we_o can_v wish_v have_v be_v prevent_v or_o can_v now_o be_v bury_v in_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o oblivion_n but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o public_a that_o they_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o because_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o division_n have_v arisen_a from_o misunderstanding_n of_o one_o another_o and_o we_o can_v well_o proceed_v or_o not_o with_o any_o great_a clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o light_n but_o rather_o as_o man_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o propound_v mean_n and_o way_n of_o union_n nor_o can_v we_o pass_v any_o just_a and_o well_o ground_a judgement_n upon_o what_o be_v propound_v if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v and_o right_o apprehend_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n the_o agreement_n first_o then_o for_o the_o agreement_n they_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o four_o general_a head_n first_o we_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o also_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o this_o be_v so_o do_v appear_v as_o by_o other_o evidence_n so_o by_o compare_v together_o the_o several_a confession_n of_o faith_n that_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n be_v approve_v and_o accept_v in_o the_o same_o word_n both_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o year_n 1647._o and_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n by_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n also_o as_o they_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o their_o platform_n of_o discipline_n publish_v in_o the_o year_n 1648._o as_o also_o by_o the_o great_a parliament_n of_o england_n in_o the_o same_o year_n 1648._o and_o final_o by_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n in_o their_o general_a meeting_n at_o the_o savoy_n anno_fw-la 1658._o and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o anti-paedo-baptists_n in_o london_n publish_v circiter_fw-la 1650._o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o upon_o perusal_n of_o it_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o fundamental_a difference_n appear_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o therein_o if_o any_o objection_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o particular_a person_n as_o to_o fundamental_a unsoundness_n and_o corruption_n of_o judgement_n or_o looseness_n and_o unholiness_n of_o conversation_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o yea_o we_o hope_v many_o under_o each_o of_o these_o denomination_n unto_o who_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o conversation_n adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n but_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n but_o hold_v damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v devoratoria_fw-la salutis_fw-la be_v not_o include_v nor_o intend_v in_o these_o proposal_n no_o more_o than_o man_n of_o profane_a life_n if_o there_o be_v any_o person_n or_o society_n either_o under_o these_o or_o any_o other_o form_n or_o way_n of_o profession_n whatsoever_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o do_v not_o live_v christian_a life_n doubtless_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o call_v his_o people_n to_o unite_v with_o such_o but_o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o they_o 2._o this_o agreement_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n infer_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o christian_a love_n as_o sympathy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o their_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n to_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o strait_n etc._n etc._n duty_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o even_o to_o enemy_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n when_o their_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o but_o more_o especial_o towards_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n even_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n though_o differ_v though_o err_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n hither_o belong_v a_o candid_a construction_n of_o all_o their_o action_n and_o notion_n interpret_n every_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a sense_n not_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o any_o whole_a party_n of_o professor_n from_o some_o few_o inconsiderable_a individual_n nor_o calculate_v the_o whole_a from_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o some_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a forbear_v and_o avoid_v unbrother_o and_o provoke_a term_n and_o word_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n all_o which_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o cordial_n and_o christian_n love_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n there_o be_v a_o agreement_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o main_a act_n of_o natural_a worship_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n viz._n prayer_n preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o also_o in_o the_o special_a time_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n for_o we_o all_o observe_v that_o day_n and_o there_o be_v no_o scruple_n make_v of_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v one_o another_o which_o according_o be_v ordinary_o practise_v among_o we_o in_o this_o city_n which_o as_o it_o be_v some_o further_a step_n towards_o love_n and_o union_n so_o we_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o considerable_a advance_n and_o increase_v of_o light_n shine_v forth_o upon_o we_o in_o these_o present_a time_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o scruple_v in_o the_o former_a age_n before_o
must_v be_v leave_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o wherein_o perhaps_o we_o may_v all_o stand_v in_o some_o need_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o debate_n and_o discussion_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n and_o how_o to_o accommodate_v they_o may_v be_v wave_v for_o the_o present_a as_o either_o not_o very_o momentous_a or_o not_o seasonable_a or_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o present_a scope_n which_o be_v heal_v and_o reunite_a the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n we_o find_v then_o the_o remain_a difference_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v a_o present_a and_o more_o particular_a consideration_n consist_v chief_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o respective_a denomination_n be_v about_o class_n and_o synod_n the_o presbyterian_o conceive_v as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n 240._o jus_fw-la div_o c._n 14._o p._n 240._o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o word_n a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n yea_o of_o a_o juridical_a synod_n consist_v of_o govern_v officer_n of_o divers_a presbyterial_a church_n the_o congregational_a man_n on_o the_o contrary_a hold_n 3._o ames_n bradshaw_n eng._n pur._n c._n 2._o th._n 3._o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o subject_v any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o he_o to_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n than_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v within_o itself_o so_o that_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n of_o congregation_n shall_v err_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n no_o other_o church_n or_o spiritual_a church_n officer_n have_v by_o any_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n power_n to_o censure_n punish_v or_o control_v the_o same_o but_o only_o to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v they_o now_o that_o this_o difference_n may_v not_o appear_v great_a than_o indeed_o it_o be_v we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o concession_n on_o both_o side_n for_o first_o we_o find_v that_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n on_o the_o one_o side_n grant_v that_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n 251._o prov._n ass_n lond._n jus._n div_o c._n 15._o p._n 251._o or_o in_o a_o pagan_a country_n where_o it_o can_v convenient_o associate_v must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n on_o the_o other_o side_n grant_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n narrat_fw-la see_v the_o apologetical_a narrat_fw-la and_o the_o accountableness_n of_o particular_a congregation_n thereunto_o the_o absolute_a unaccountableness_n whereof_o they_o do_v even_o with_o detest_a expression_n disclaim_v so_o that_o when_o thing_n be_v thorough_o examine_v all_o the_o difference_n remain_v as_o to_o this_o head_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o about_o the_o best_a way_n for_o regulation_n of_o synod_n for_o the_o congregational_a man_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v elective_a and_o occasional_a not_o stand_v and_o permanent_a and_o to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o first_o remove_v beyond_o the_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o subordination_n of_o synod_n one_o unto_o another_o in_o great_a and_o lesser_a assembly_n they_o stick_v at_o and_o towards_o a_o err_a church_n they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o put_v forth_o a_o formal_a act_n of_o censure_n or_o excommunication_n but_o only_o a_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n whereby_o the_o difference_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a point_n sure_o not_o wide_a enough_o to_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o breach_n of_o love_n and_o distance_n of_o affection_n among_o brethren_n yea_o so_o near_o do_v these_o two_o form_n come_v together_o and_o so_o narrow_a be_v the_o part_a point_n that_o some_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n have_v say_v 12.4_o mr._n marshal_n serm._n on_o rom._n 12.4_o they_o grant_v that_o which_o do_v tantamount_n and_o they_o differ_v but_o in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n and_o this_o disagreement_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o any_o christian_a accord_n with_o they_o in_o affection_n preface_n prov._n ass_n jus_fw-la div_o minist_n preface_n the_o independent_o reciprocal_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v for_o a_o tender_a presbytery_n and_o that_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n fin_n mr._n h._n p._n advice_n prope_fw-la fin_n and_o so_o desirous_a of_o union_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o so_o loath_a to_o differ_v that_o some_o of_o the_o first_o who_o have_v appear_v in_o that_o cause_n do_v approve_v and_o close_v with_o he_o h._n mr._n r._n m._n ans._n to_o mr._n c._n h._n they_o answer_v in_o draw_v down_o the_o difference_n to_o the_o narrow_a compass_n and_o they_o write_v as_o do_v other_o general_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n in_o a_o moderate_a and_o brotherly_a stile_n 2._o there_o be_v much_o controversy_n also_o concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o several_a proportion_n of_o power_n belong_v respective_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o to_o the_o fraternity_n a_o subject_a worthy_a of_o deep_a search_n and_o which_o according_o have_v exercise_v the_o thought_n and_o pen_n of_o many_o but_o we_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o difference_n upon_o a_o severe_a consideration_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v so_o great_a nor_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v accommodate_v as_o may_v seem_v for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o practical_a avoid_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n both_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a anarchy_n and_o confusion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n and_o oppression_n on_o the_o other_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v secure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o devour_v and_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n nor_o yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elder_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v for_o first_o it_o be_v agree_v and_o grant_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o christ_n have_v place_v the_o roll_a power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o officer_n only_o and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o the_o ruler_n but_o only_o the_o rule_v for_o to_o make_v they_o all_o ruler_n and_o the_o elder_n cipher_n this_o be_v not_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o say_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o hebrew_n 13.17_o and_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o therefore_o to_o cast_v aside_o the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o they_o and_o their_o authority_n and_o so_o to_o give_v they_o but_o a_o paint_a power_n and_o empty_a title_n and_o to_o make_v they_o ruler_n in_o name_n but_o not_o in_o deed_n this_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o gospel_n order_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n as_o must_v needs_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o contention_n and_o confusion_n any_o such_o exorbitant_a independency_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o contentious_a confusion_n our_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v neither_o plead_v for_o nor_o practice_v but_o disavow_v and_o disclaim_v and_o yet_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v agree_v and_o grant_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o mere_a idle_a spectator_n and_o person_n altogether_o unconcern_v in_o church_n matter_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v some_o way_n to_o concur_v and_o consent_v at_o least_o in_o matter_n of_o chief_a weight_n and_o moment_n as_o in_o the_o constitute_n of_o officer_n and_o in_o the_o receive_n and_o eject_v of_o member_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o such_o transaction_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n or_o allege_v they_o may_v bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o elder_n to_o judge_v thereof_o thus_o much_o be_v grant_v and_o practise_v among_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o if_o both_o these_o be_v put_v together_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o here_o be_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o practical_a agreement_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o bless_v god_n and_o to_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v further_o improve_v though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o notional_a difference_n he_o that_o shall_v peruse_v and_o compare_v together_o mr._n cotten_n of_o new-england_n his_o treatise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o
bar_n upon_o church_n union_n with_o they_o as_o be_v no_o church_n but_o the_o severity_n of_o this_o dis-uniting_a principle_n as_o we_o can_v find_v it_o express_o assert_v in_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n before_o mention_v baptism_n h._n l._n of_o baptism_n so_o we_o know_v some_o of_o that_o way_n who_o do_v disow_v it_o and_o affirm_v that_o baptism_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n but_o they_o make_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o foundation_n of_o church-communion_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o more_o scriptural_a so_o it_o be_v a_o more_o brotherly_o and_o a_o more_o unite_n principle_n these_o therefore_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n in_o difference_n and_o under_o dispute_n among_o the_o three_o form_n omit_v only_o some_o few_o thing_n which_o either_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o can_v well_o be_v affix_v to_o any_o of_o the_o three_o form_n or_o party_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a party_n or_o else_o be_v employ_v and_o include_v in_o these_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v proposal_n and_o now_o have_v see_v and_o take_v this_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o controversy_n agitate_a among_o professor_n under_o these_o several_a form_n we_o may_v with_o the_o more_o clearness_n proceed_v to_o consider_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v some_o near_a closure_n and_o union_n than_o yet_o have_v be_v and_o that_o without_o entrench_v upon_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o each_o party_n doubtless_o there_o may_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o our_o principle_n suppose_v both_o the_o agreement_n and_o the_o difference_n to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o state_v as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v as_o we_o suppose_v all_o that_o understand_v they_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v and_o the_o agreement_n be_v so_o great_a and_o many_o and_o the_o difference_n so_o few_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o propose_v upon_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o quaery_n whether_o union_n in_o so_o many_o great_a truth_n which_o in_o the_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v attain_v to_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o three_o thing_n more_o 1._o for_o a_o mutual_a own_n and_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o each_o other_o as_o true_a church_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o something_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n do_v appear_v notwithstanding_o those_o lesser_a difference_n before_o mention_v 2._o and_o consequent_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o one_o another_o so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v mutual_a advice_n and_o assistance_n as_o occasion_n may_v require_v and_o 3._o to_o receive_v the_o approve_a member_n of_o each_o other_o congregation_n to_o occasion_n all_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n answer_n we_o humble_o conceive_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n that_o these_o query_n may_v be_v answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o difference_n before_o evince_v by_o such_o a_o particular_a induction_n be_v a_o basis_n and_o a_o ground_n work_v firm_a enough_o whereon_o to_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o the_o possibility_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o unite_n whereunto_o these_o motive_n beside_o many_o other_o may_v persuade_v 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o as_o agree_v in_o all_o those_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n before_o mention_v if_o also_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v without_o offence_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o godly_a person_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o saint_n to_o unite_v and_o come_v as_o near_o together_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.7_o corrupt_a association_n and_o mixture_n of_o professor_n with_o man_n visible_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v against_o but_o the_o person_n of_o who_o we_o treat_v be_v to_o humane_a judgement_n and_o to_o outward_a appearance_n saint_n yea_o confessor_n and_o fellow-sufferer_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a indearment_n 2._o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n and_o season_n for_o it_o wherein_o the_o lord_n call_v his_o people_n to_o it_o to_o study_v union_n and_o lament_v their_o former_a distance_n and_o offence_n to_o seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o sure_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o all_o into_o a_o suffer_a condition_n together_o under_o the_o pressure_n and_o yoke_n of_o man_n upon_o upon_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v time_n then_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o mutual_a animosity_n and_o to_o learn_v that_o golden_a rule_n rom._n 14.3_o let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o which_o eat_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o which_o eat_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o eat_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o a_o golden_a rule_n of_o christian_a love_n the_o sense_n whereof_o may_v be_v thus_o render_v in_o the_o aspect_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o disputation_n of_o our_o time_n let_v not_o he_o that_o depend_v in_o the_o way_n of_o classical_a subordination_n despise_v he_o that_o depend_v not_o and_o let_v not_o he_o that_o depend_v not_o judge_v he_o that_o depend_v for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o sell_v truth_n to_o purchase_v peace_n there_o be_v no_o such_o dead_a fly_n in_o the_o ointment_n there_o be_v no_o silence_v or_o suppress_v of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o these_o proposal_n nor_o any_o tendency_n we_o hope_v to_o scepticism_n or_o personal_a indifferency_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n whereunto_o that_o good_a principle_n of_o tenderness_n and_o moderation_n towards_o brethren_n of_o differ_v judgement_n have_v be_v by_o some_o either_o unskilful_o or_o perverse_o misimprove_v which_o form_n soever_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n here_o be_v nothing_o do_v so_o far_o entrench_v upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v free_o hold_v it_o forth_o they_o may_v retain_v and_o practice_v that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v according_a to_o their_o present_a conviction_n notwithstanding_o this_o degree_n of_o union_n and_o so_o neither_o be_v any_o truth_n suppress_v nor_o any_o one_o conscience_n impose_v upon_o 4._o yea_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o far_o unite_v as_o it_o will_v conduce_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o further_a increase_n of_o love_n so_o likewise_o to_o the_o further_a discovery_n and_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o if_o in_o anything_o you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n 5._o it_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n remove_v that_o great_a stumble_a block_n from_o before_o the_o blind_a profane_a world_n who_o pretend_v to_o take_v offence_n at_o our_o division_n look_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o multiply_a glass_n of_o their_o own_o enmity_n and_o so_o account_v every_o difference_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o different_a religion_n but_o who_o know_v how_o convince_v this_o may_v be_v to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o lord_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n john_n 17.21_o 23._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o doubtless_o it_o will_v convince_v such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o and_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v leave_v the_o more_o without_o excuse_n and_o final_o it_o will_v rejoice_v they_o that_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v please_v unto_o he_o who_o name_n be_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o have_v so_o often_o command_v we_o to_o love_v one_o another_o finis_fw-la
kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o mr._n gillaspy_n of_o scotland_n his_o dispute_n against_o english_a popish_a ceremony_n will_v find_v they_o both_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n as_o to_o this_o signal_n instance_n of_o the_o people_n power_n and_o privilege_n viz._n the_o right_n they_o have_v to_o elect_a and_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o they_o choose_v deacon_n act_n 6._o and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n they_o go_v very_o far_o act_v 1.23_o and_o they_o choose_v elder_n by_o suffrage_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cum_fw-la per_fw-la juffragia_fw-la creassent_fw-la beza_n and_o it_o be_v so_o abundant_o and_o so_o constant_o witness_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o by_o all_o our_o protestant_a divine_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o by_o our_o brethren_n and_o father_n the_o old_a puritan_n nonconformist_n in_o all_o their_o book_n and_o writing_n against_o the_o prelate_n and_o seal_v with_o their_o manifold_a and_o faithful_a suffering_n that_o now_o in_o this_o height_n of_o gospel_n light_a to_o relinquish_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a retrograde_a motion_n in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o bring_v the_o sun_n as_o it_o be_v ten_o degree_n backward_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v require_v and_o insist_v upon_o the_o relinquishment_n of_o it_o we_o must_v ingenious_o confess_v unto_o they_o that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o purchase_v our_o union_n with_o they_o at_o such_o a_o price_n we_o must_v confess_v it_o upon_o his_o account_n who_o have_v purchase_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o people_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o who_o royal_a authority_n and_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o ordain_v in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n therefore_o the_o people_n may_v not_o must_v not_o be_v utter_o exclude_v we_o can_v we_o dare_v not_o yield_v thereunto_o howsoever_o their_o concurrence_n may_v be_v manifest_v and_o express_v whether_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o other_o way_n of_o vote_v either_o more_o explicit_o or_o more_o implicit_o according_a to_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o person_n place_n and_o time_n which_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o variety_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rule_n admit_v of_o any_o latitude_n we_o will_v not_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o narrow_a in_o the_o testimony_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o 39_o article_n and_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n which_o be_v own_a and_o subscribe_v even_o by_o the_o episcopal_a man_n and_o by_o all_o the_o conform_v clergy_n there_o be_v reiterated_a and_o express_a mention_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o church_n affair_n both_o in_o the_o seclusion_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n as_o person_n by_o who_o the_o congregation_n be_v offend_v and_o in_o the_o open_a declaration_n of_o their_o repentance_n that_o so_o the_o congregation_n may_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v and_o they_o readmit_v from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v as_o to_o this_o head_n we_o hope_v we_o may_v come_v to_o this_o result_n that_o if_o we_o can_v but_o understand_v one_o another_o there_o need_v no_o further_a expedient_a for_o the_o compose_n and_o reconcile_n of_o this_o controversy_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o some_o difference_n about_o the_o subject_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o extent_n as_o to_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seal_v by_o it_o the_o presbyterian_o conceive_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o protestant_n christian_n religion_n and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o independent_o restrain_v it_o only_o to_o such_o parent_n as_o beside_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n walk_v without_o offence_n and_o so_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o antipaedo_a baptist_n restrain_v it_o yet_o further_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o infant_n as_o from_o the_o covenant_n so_o likewise_o from_o the_o seal_n thereof_o as_o belong_v in_o their_o judgement_n only_o to_o person_n grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n upon_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o difference_n though_o not_o so_o much_o debate_v and_o write_v of_o as_o the_o former_a about_o classical_a subordination_n and_o church_n power_n yet_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o daily_a practice_n do_v incur_v more_o into_o the_o observation_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o common_a people_n the_o distance_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a between_o this_o threefold_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o baptise_v almost_o all_o the_o child_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o none_o at_o all_o and_o none_o but_o such_o whole_a parent_n be_v accept_v as_o godly_a unto_o full_a communion_n here_o then_o be_v three_o several_a way_n the_o distance_n whereof_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n understand_v but_o yet_o in_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o try_v how_o near_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v together_o reduce_v the_o difference_n to_o the_o narrow_a point_n we_o can_v first_o then_o they_o that_o be_v count_v large_a be_v not_o for_o baptismal_a administration_n absolute_o universal_a but_o they_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n at_o least_o moreover_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v count_v somewhat_o narrow_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o monopolise_v and_o impropriate_a baptism_n to_o themselves_o as_o though_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o way_n but_o they_o do_v profess_v and_o affirm_v that_o if_o the_o parent_n be_v such_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v touch_v though_o they_o walk_v not_o with_o we_o if_o they_o be_v by_o other_o saint_n and_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v judge_v godly_a and_o find_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o themselves_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v such_o parent_n under_o what_o form_n soever_o to_o be_v worthy_a also_o of_o that_o bless_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n for_o their_o child_n but_o as_o to_o the_o three_o opinion_n that_o of_o the_o anti-paedo-baptists_n here_o indeed_o lie_v the_o great_a difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o that_o in_o the_o true_a and_o unconstrained_a consequence_n of_o it_o it_o draw_v very_o deep_a beside_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v arisen_a as_o to_o that_o form_n upon_o other_o pretension_n and_o occurrence_n that_o have_v happen_v both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o too_o many_o to_o be_v here_o enumerate_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n of_o deep_a comprehension_n in_o all_o the_o influence_n and_o concernment_n of_o it_o than_o we_o can_v wade_v into_o at_o this_o time_n we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v to_o our_o dissent_v friend_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v also_o our_o want_n of_o light_n and_o ability_n to_o evince_v and_o demonstrate_v any_o of_o these_o three_o judgement_n to_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o single_o consider_v and_o by_o itself_o a_o fundamental_a error_n therefore_o we_o humble_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o gospel_n love_n to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o it_o till_o it_o please_v the_o father_n of_o light_n out_o of_o his_o freegrace_n and_o mercy_n to_o shine_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o differ_a brethren_n with_o further_a and_o more_o convict_a light_n but_o here_o be_v some_o other_o question_n concern_v this_o great_a and_o bless_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n wherein_o both_o the_o other_o form_n do_v full_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o judgement_n against_o the_o anti-paedo-baptists_n and_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o administration_n which_o these_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v by_o dip_v or_o plunge_v the_o body_n under_o water_n 39_o confess_v anab._n prop._n 39_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a hold_n that_o dip_v of_o the_o person_n into_o the_o water_n be_v not_o necessary_a 3._o confess_v faith_n cap._n of_o baptism_n propos_fw-fr 3._o but_o baptism_n be_v right_o administer_v by_o pour_v or_o sprinkle_v water_n upon_o the_o person_n also_o concern_v the_o administrator_n the_o anti-paedo-baptists_n hold_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o disciple_n be_v man_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 31._o confess_v anab._n prop._n 31._o but_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o concur_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v peculiar_o to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v but_o by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n lawful_o call_v as_o for_o such_o as_o make_v baptism_n in_o their_o way_n the_o very_a essence_n and_o form_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o un-church_n all_o other_o beside_o themselves_o separation_n r._n l._n of_o gospel_n separation_n and_o so_o put_v a_o