doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o what_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n do_v this_o prejudice_n that_o use_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n heâ—_n 6._o 1._o not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o any_o more_o than_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o do_v prejudice_v the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o be_v call_v christ_n or_o the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n call_v the_o foundation_n ephes_n 2._o 20._o of_o which_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o corner_n stone_n and_o yet_o sure_o christian_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n do_v understand_v that_o these_o say_n do_v not_o contradict_v but_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o say_n of_o paul_n other_o foundation_n can_v no_o mâ—n_z lay_v etc._n etc._n so_o long_o as_o christ_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o head_n the_o all_o and_o in_o all_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o since_o the_o searcher_n do_v grant_v and_o say_v to_o my_o knowledge_n that_o they_o do_v ever_o grant_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a basis_n for_o a_o happy_a composure_n of_o our_o unhappy_a dâ—fference_n it_o remain_v that_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a point_n of_o difference_n lie_v in_o this_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o 2_o whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n or_o some_o other_o kind_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o affirm_v the_o first_o they_o imagine_v the_o latter_a but_o now_o ask_v they_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n they_o will_v assign_v to_o be_v mean_v heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o then_o they_o either_o answer_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o else_o so_o flat_o contradictory_o one_o to_o another_o or_o with_o such_o hesitation_n in_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v but_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o such_o leader_n in_o israel_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n may_v well_o pass_v for_o such_o if_o etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v the_o milk_n which_o babe_n must_v feed_v upon_o nor_o can_v they_o assign_v to_o babe_n their_o portion_n therein_o but_o instead_o of_o milk_n they_o sometime_o set_v before_o they_o strong_a meat_n even_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o pertain_v to_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o babe_n principle_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fit_a nutriment_n for_o they_o and_o now_o that_o the_o searcher_n may_v sufficient_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n etc._n etc._n they_o number_v up_o six_o or_o seven_o sort_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o then_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n which_o of_o all_o these_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n be_v intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o unwary_a demand_n no_o doubt_n they_o have_v lead_v many_o a_o simple_a meaning_n christian_n into_o a_o maze_n and_o there_o leave_v he_o nor_o can_v they_o possible_o give_v he_o relief_n since_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o same_o meander_n and_o as_o a_o addition_n to_o their_o folly_n they_o demand_v that_o see_v divers_a man_n be_v different_o persuade_v concern_v that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o they_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n practise_v by_o we_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v hold_v for_o god_n institution_n for_o certain_o divers_a man_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o interest_n diverse_o persuade_v of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o mist_n till_o they_o be_v weary_a shall_v desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o will_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v plain_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o be_v which_o be_v call_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o though_o the_o searcher_n be_v please_v to_o trouble_v their_o reader_n with_o a_o large_a enumeration_n of_o laying_n on_o of_o hand_n yet_o they_o seem_v at_o last_o to_o be_v content_a that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o shall_v be_v one_o out_o of_o two_o namely_o either_o that_o which_o be_v for_o heal_v the_o sick_a or_o else_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o they_o rather_o incline_v to_o the_o first_o and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v show_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o who_o such_o gift_n do_v belong_v and_o consequent_o they_o know_v not_o on_o who_o to_o impose_v their_o hand_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o shall_v be_v that_o on_o the_o sick_a be_v no_o way_n congruous_a to_o truth_n or_o reason_n for_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n see_v it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n than_o with_o one_o but_o it_o be_v not_o more_o bless_v to_o be_v without_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o to_o have_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o they_o see_v they_o be_v upbraid_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a if_o necessary_a yet_o be_v prerequisite_a to_o faith_n sign_n be_v for_o they_o which_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o not_o for_o they_o that_o do_v but_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v subsequent_a to_o faith_n yea_o it_o follow_v baptism_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n again_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a be_v most_o proper_a if_o not_o only_o proper_a for_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o therefore_o not_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o not_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o as_o for_o sick_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o bid_v to_o have_v hand_n lay_v on_o they_o but_o be_v bid_v to_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v pray_v over_o they_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o what_o though_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o woman_n luke_n 3._o 17._o and_o the_o disease_a people_n of_o the_o island_n act_v 28._o 9_o 10._o may_v be_v teach_v to_o all_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n appertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o to_o follow_v his_o baptism_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o teach_v to_o a_o believer_n as_o such_o for_o what_o do_v it_o add_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o believe_v already_o that_o christ_n have_v one_o far_o great_a thing_n than_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o disease_n for_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v overcome_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o to_o those_o that_o doubt_v whether_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o a_o sight_n may_v be_v some_o way_n convince_a to_o they_o but_o still_o this_o be_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o not_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o see_v then_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o person_n which_o be_v without_o to_o work_v miracle_n can_v with_o no_o show_n of_o truth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heâ—_n 6._o 2._o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v join_v with_o
as_o water_n can_v make_v i_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o that_o gâ—d_v never_o say_v to_o his_o people_n seek_v 〈◊〉_d i_o in_o vain_a the_o ground_n therefore_o of_o this_o demand_n be_v thus_o corrupt_a we_o shall_v leave_v it_o without_o further_a answer_n we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o most_o important_a pinch_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o brethren_n demand_n and_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v steem_v a_o true_a church_n they_o be_v under_o the_o preâ—â—ssion_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n refolâ—ing_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v further_a what_o they_o shall_v from_o â—â—me_n to_o time_n understand_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_v â—_o goâ—_n these_o latter_a word_n i_o confess_v do_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n yet_o be_v as_o little_a satisfactory_a to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n under_o consideration_n as_o the_o like_a resolution_n will_v be_v to_o they_o from_o such_o person_n of_o other_o persuasion_n as_o shall_v desire_v communion_n with_o they_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o in_o the_o case_n of_o holy_a baptism_n till_o they_o see_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o frequent_o dispute_v and_o write_v against_o it_o and_o do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o adversary_n whatsoever_o to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o religious_o observe_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v like_a as_o this_o kind_n of_o resolution_n will_v little_o comfort_v our_o brethren_n so_o do_v the_o other_o as_o little_a comfort_n we_o till_o we_o see_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n more_o solicitous_a for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o see_v not_o than_o hitherto_o or_o at_o least_o than_o by_o this_o their_o search_n they_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o and_o much_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v answer_v this_o demand_n with_o all_o integrity_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o first_o negative_o that_o those_o baptize_v christian_n who_o reject_v prayer_n with_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o spirit_n oâ—_n promise_n have_v a_o church-state_n perfect_a in_o principle_n and_o orderly_a in_o constitution_n according_a to_o heâ—_n 6._o 1_o 2._o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o platform_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o there_o be_v one_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v such_o a_o constitution_n or_o church-state_n i_o must_v plain_o deny_v and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o denial_n i_o dare_v refer_v myself_o if_o not_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o differ_a brethren_n yet_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture-evidence_n precede_v but_o second_o that_o our_o brethren_n have_v a_o church-state_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n according_a to_o truth_n i_o must_v and_o do_v cheerful_o grant_v like_v as_o i_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o genus_fw-la who_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o form_n and_o proportion_n which_o he_o hold_v with_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o species_n or_o part_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfect_a essence_n composition_n and_o form_n of_o a_o man_n or_o as_o i_o may_v call_v a_o edifice_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o house_n though_o it_o want_v not_o only_a much_o of_o its_o compleatness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o superstructure_n as_o god_n know_v all_o church_n do_v but_o also_o though_o it_o be_v somway_o defective_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o some_o material_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o defect_n no_o church_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wilful_a want_n need_v to_o have_v for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a â—hat_n we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v in_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o high_a import_n of_o that_o expression_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o manifold_a obstruction_n within_o and_o without_o yet_o doubtless_o we_o may_v learn_v all_o the_o rudiment_n or_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n maugre_o the_o opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o auxiliary_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o can_v exceed_v the_o stature_n of_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o may_v improve_v our_o simile_n by_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v ourselves_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o most_o important_a of_o our_o brethren_n demand_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n under_o debate_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o look_v how_o far_o forth_o such_o a_o necessary_a member_n as_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n do_v conduce_v not_o only_o to_o the_o well-being_n but_o even_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o body_n natural_a so_o far_o doubtless_o the_o least_o foundation_n principle_n of_o christianity_n conduce_v not_o only_o to_o the_o well-being_n but_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o as_o he_o that_o take_v a_o member_n from_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v it_o hand_n or_o other_o member_n detract_v somewhat_o from_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o body_n even_o so_o he_o that_o take_v away_o from_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n do_v entrench_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o body_n mystical_a now_o that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n be_v grant_v by_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v with_o good_a right_n stand_v for_o it_o as_o necessary_a even_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o we_o have_v even_o now_o declare_v and_o that_o that_o very_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v and_o accord_o do_v practice_n we_o trust_v be_v sufficient_o love_v before_o and_o that_o as_o by_o other_o argument_n so_o also_o by_o this_o namely_o because_o no_o other_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n practise_v by_o our_o brethren_n or_o â—ny_a body_n else_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n or_o reason_n be_v call_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o christ_n our_o brethren_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a â—ow_o that_o the_o removal_n or_o extirpation_n of_o any_o oâ—her_n of_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o will_v leave_v if_o â—ot_n mortality_n yet_o a_o dangerous_a wound_n or_o grievous_a maim_n in_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n and_o â—herefore_o can_v they_o but_o once_o humble_o consider_v â—hey_n will_v certain_o see_v that_o their_o root_n out_o â—he_v four_o principle_n be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o body_n of_o that_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v our_o brethren_n only_o want_v in_o respect_n â—f_o the_o truth_n we_o plead_v for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a but_o now_o together_o with_o their_o â—eing_v want_v they_o be_v become_v the_o enemy_n â—nd_v great_a opposer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o o_o â—e_a searcher_n your_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v which_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o chief_z cause_n of_o our_o division_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o be_v embody_v before_o they_o see_v this_o truth_n yet_o abstain_v from_o opposition_n anâ—_n contradiction_n have_v very_o much_o christian_a communion_n though_o they_o dâ—â—â—er_v in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o point_n depend_v it_o be_v our_o saviour_n rule_n he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o 〈◊〉_d be_v on_o our_o part_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o be_v nâ—_n on_o our_o part_n who_o be_v against_o we_o but_o then_o our_o brother_n be_v the_o man_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o onâ—_n man_n which_o be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o point_n â—_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v make_v twâ—_n party_n where_o indeed_o there_o shall_v have_v beâ—â—_n but_o one_o you_o see_v then_o brethren_n that_o we_o lay_v tâ—â—_n ground_n of_o our_o non-communion_n with_o yoâ—_n more_o upon_o your_o oppose_v the_o truth_n we_o hold_v thaâ—_n upon_o your_o non-submission_n to_o it_o yea_o beshrew_v your_o late_a opposition_n discover_v in_o your_o late_a unseasonable_a and_o partial_a search_n for_o have_v it_o nâ—_n be_v for_o that_o we_o have_v gain_v some_o grouâ—â—_n through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n of_o our_o long_a dissension_n and_o unhappy_a distraction_n have_v you_o or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o carryâ—â—_n it_o humble_o and_o peaceable_o as_o man_n
advantage_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o command_v by_o authority_n from_o heaven_n i_o think_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o dream_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o come_v among_o the_o disciple_n go_v preposterous_o from_o person_n to_o person_n pray_v and_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o without_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o which_o to_o do_v be_v enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o spectator_n and_o iâ—_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n and_o gravity_n of_o gospel_n performance_n which_o as_o they_o must_v be_v act_n oâ—_n subjection_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v please_v god_n so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o act_n or_o subjection_n musâ—_n come_v by_o hear_v with_o understand_v whaâ—_n they_o must_v do_v or_o to_o what_o they_o must_v submit_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o this_o hear_n must_v be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o there_o iâ—_n no_o ground_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n but_o goâ—_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v anâ—_n the_o samaritan_n submission_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o approve_v it_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n be_v of_o faith_n therefore_o they_o hear_v with_o understanding_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v their_o duty_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o both_o concern_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v practice_v with_o such_o frequency_n this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o disciple_n general_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v record_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o act_n in_o promote_a the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a the_o follower_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o divers_a have_v labour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o contrary_n mind_v in_o this_o point_n who_o work_n be_v extant_a &_o unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v far_o save_v that_o i_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o do_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o to_o do_v for_o they_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n as_o for_o the_o lay_v hand_n on_o disciple_n or_o rather_o less_o for_o since_o they_o do_v now_o acquit_v that_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o as_o not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o business_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n do_v bring_v the_o suffrage_n of_o dr._n hammond_n victor_n cyprian_n and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o precept_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o many_o word_n for_o lay_v hand_n upon_o officer_n although_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n with_o i_o that_o that_o way_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o depute_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o their_o work_n respective_o wherefore_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o this_o enthememe_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v hand_n on_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v a_o show_n by_o their_o action_n out_o of_o some_o ancient_a author_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a as_o if_o antiquity_n be_v on_o their_o part_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o find_v they_o partly_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o partly_o from_o such_o as_o have_v gather_v certain_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v this_o matter_n 8._o tertullian_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o like_o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o flesh_n be_v wash_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o so_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n we_o must_v all_o hasten_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n mean_v by_o baptism_n and_o at_o length_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seven_o fold_v grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o a_o person_n can_v perfect_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o careless_o and_o willing_o and_o not_o of_o necessity_n he_o remain_v without_o it_o jubi_fw-la cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n say_v which_o also_o be_v do_v with_o we_o that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v present_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n jerom_n according_a to_o andrea_n willet_n touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 42._o eusebius_n have_v a_o passage_n concern_v novatus_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n how_o he_o slight_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o mention_n make_v of_o his_o be_v baptize_v he_o say_v he_o obtain_v not_o that_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n confirmation_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n insomuch_o than_o he_o obtain_v not_o that_o how_o come_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v also_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n c._n 2._o for_o modern_a writer_n erasmus_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a without_o mixture_n in_o most_o of_o his_o exposition_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v most_o clear_a these_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o first_o degree_n unto_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o our_o former_a life_n and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o true_a innocency_n and_o soul-health_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o god_n then_o forthwith_o that_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o holy_a baptism_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o restore_v again_o to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v and_o also_o that_o last_o judgement_n that_o shall_v award_v some_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o other_o some_o to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o damnation_n 2._o diodate_v have_v these_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n join_v to_o baptism_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o blessing_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n and_o he_o call_v these_o principle_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a catechism_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 6._o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o outward_a ministry_n or_o mystical_a wash_n do_v regenerate_v wash_v away_o sin_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o filthiness_n so_o do_v the_o imsition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n give_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o outward_a and_o mystical_a wash_n do_v only_o represent_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n blood_n our_o sin_n be_v clean_o wash_v away_o etc._n etc._n from_o these_o testimony_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o contend_v for_o touch_v the_o practice_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n with_o laying_z on_o of_o hand_n be_v no_o novel_a thing_n but_o as_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o use_n as_o necessary_a in_o place_n the_o next_o to_o holy_a baptism_n among_o christian_n general_o a_o appendix_n meet_v late_o with_o a_o very_a worthy_a brother_n at_o east_n haddon_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n he_o do_v much_o importune_v i_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o short_a dispute_n with_o he_o about_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n to_o who_o i_o consent_v and_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n
desirous_a know_v the_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a for_o you_o know_v how_o dear_a you_o have_v be_v to_o we_o when_o yâ—â—_n consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o heart_n embrace_v you_o in_o as_o large_a a_o degree_n of_o communion_n we_o can_v possible_o without_o violation_n of_o our_o principleâ—_n mere_o upon_o consideration_n of_o your_o as_o 〈◊〉_d think_v very_o christian-like_a offer_n in_o order_n to_o peace_n viz._n that_o you_o will_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o desire_v we_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n in_o your_o congregation_n but_o also_o that_o you_o will_v cease_v your_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a our_o endeavour_n for_o peace_n go_v slow_o on_o you_o know_v the_o cause_n yet_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v patience_n for_o thing_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o least_o violence_n be_v common_o most_o permanent_a and_o here_o i_o shall_v have_v give_v the_o reader_n no_o further_o trouble_v about_o this_o particular_a but_o that_o the_o searcher_n be_v please_v to_o upbraid_v and_o very_o strange_o to_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o some_o among_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o all_o for_o their_o sake_n as_o if_o we_o make_v not_o only_o many_o more_o fundamental_o and_o essential_o to_o communion_n than_o ever_o god_n make_v but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o eager_o set_v upon_o make_v every_o thing_n fundamental_a as_o that_o every_o circumstantial_a thing_n be_v by_o we_o ready_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o adoption_n of_o fundamental_o but_o what_o the_o searcher_n shall_v mean_v to_o suggest_v by_o their_o demand_n as_o if_o we_o make_v mix_v marriage_n the_o â—ating_n of_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v matter_n of_o apparel_n and_o the_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o end_v strife_n the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o church_n i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o brethren_n ridiculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o adversary_n however_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o give_v the_o reader_n not_o only_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v these_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o lest_o otherwise_o be_v prejudice_v with_o their_o strange_a reflection_n their_o soul_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v in_o these_o enormity_n and_o first_o concern_v mix_v marriage_n thus_o we_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o positive_a 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n for_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visiblâ—_n church_n of_o god_n to_o marry_v with_o thâ—se_a that_o be_v noâ—_n of_o that_o body_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n oâ—_n holy_a scripture_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o in_o ever_o since_o he_o choose_v a_o people_n out_o of_o the_o falâ—_n race_n of_o adam_n to_o be_v his_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o revengeful_a stroke_n on_o those_o his_o son_n who_o iâ—_n the_o day_n of_o noah_n take_v unto_o themselves_o wife_n oâ—_n those_o who_o be_v only_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n buâ—_n not_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v from_o above_o gen._n 6_o two_o 6_o 7._o to_o which_o we_o will_v add_v our_o saviours_n premonition_n and_o prediction_n that_o the_o siâ—_n of_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v like_o they_o in_o the_o day_n oâ—_n noah_n luke_n 17._o 27_o to_o 30._o and_o particular_o iâ—_n the_o case_n of_o marriage_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ouâ—_n saviour_n in_o that_o place_n shall_v be_v opposite_a tâ—_n marriage_n aâ—_n it_o be_v institute_v of_o god_n for_o man_n use_v no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v against_o eat_a anâ—_n drink_v lawful_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o meâ—_n commit_v in_o these_o action_n respective_o whicâ—_n he_o disallow_v how_o much_o the_o lord_n disallow_v such_o marriage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a exod._n 34._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o deut._n 7_o 3._o 1_o king_n 11._o 1_o 2._o neh._n 13._o and_o that_o the_o same_o transgression_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v avoid_v can_v be_v deny_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 39_o and_o 10._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v by_o person_n so_o unlawful_o couple_v be_v a_o carnal_a pollution_n to_o say_v no_o more_o can_v be_v withstand_v but_o by_o such_o as_o trust_v more_o to_o their_o own_o argument_n then_o to_o the_o scripture_n see_v the_o law_n which_o forbid_v member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o marry_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o deut._n 7._o 3._o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o very_a act_n 1_o king_n 11._o 1_o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o further_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n read_v and_o consider_v these_o scripture_n act._n 15._o 29._o mal._n 2._o 11_o 12._o rev._n 2._o 14._o as_o in_o this_o case_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o perverse_a so_o we_o have_v the_o conâ—ent_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n profess_v christianity_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a to_o oâ—it_v the_o manifold_a testimony_n that_o may_v be_v â—rought_v i_o will_v only_o set_v down_o two_o the_o first_o â—aith_n thus_o marriage_n be_v not_o only_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n but_o also_o on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d by_o christ_n vindicate_v from_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n in_o which_o regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o religion_n that_o marriage_n be_v not_o make_v between_o those_o of_o different_a basil_n religion_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o marriage_n already_o make_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o former_a the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 7._o but_o the_o latter_a be_v most_o severe_o prohibit_v exod._n 34._o 12._o etc._n etc._n deut._n 7._o 3._o where_o a_o reason_n be_v render_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seduce_v to_o which_o paul_n saying_n agree_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o the_o wicked_a or_o bear_v not_o the_o strange_a yoke_n with_o unbeliever_n sad_n example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o event_n of_o such_o marriage_n of_o the_o first_o world_n gen._n 6._o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 22._o of_o ahab_n 1_o king_n 21._o 15._o of_o jehosaphat_n 2_o king_n 8._o of_o valence_n the_o emperor_n who_o by_o his_o wife_n be_v seduce_v and_o draw_v to_o arianism_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o catholic_n to_o marry_v with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n rhemists_n testament_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o they_o also_o refer_v to_o st._n jerom._n contra_fw-la rhem._n jocinian_n lib._n 1._o and_o to_o the_o council_n at_o â—â—aodicea_n cap._n 10._o 31._o neither_o may_v it_o be_v infer_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v say_v that_o person_n thus_o transgress_v must_v put_v away_o their_o yoke-fellow_n no_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o shall_v so_o imagine_v for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a god_n suffer_v that_o sin_n once_o to_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o by_o any_o stand_a law_n enjoin_v such_o a_o penalty_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v permit_v such_o marriage_n to_o continue_v as_o have_v be_v unlawful_o make_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o leah_n who_o be_v fraudulent_o give_v to_o jacob_n by_o which_o mean_v rachel_n the_o lawful_a spouse_n be_v withhold_v from_o her_o husband_n shall_v mortal_a man_n be_v more_o just_a than_o god_n shall_v man_n be_v more_o righteous_a than_o his_o maker_n job_n 4._o 17._o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o the_o marriage_n of_o leah_n to_o jacob_n shall_v stand_v that_o will_v not_o as_o well_o argue_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o such_o as_o err_v in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o choice_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o sin_n be_v rather_o great_a in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o marry_v two_o sister_n especial_o not_o in_o the_o life-time_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v also_o in_o this_o act_n the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n or_o adultery_n the_o learned_a protestant_n affirm_v the_o sin_n to_o be_v adultery_n see_v dr._n willet_n in_o his_o hexapla_n in_o gen_n upon_o this_o text._n again_o polygamy_n or_o have_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n nor_o warrant_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n but_o be_v rather_o against_o it_o and_o have_v its_o rise_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n bear_v record_n from_o 19_o a_o wicked_a man_n yet_o divers_a such_o marriage_n be_v permit_v when_o contract_v though_o never_o command_v and_o so_o never_o lawful_a by_o any_o appointment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o sin_n of_o marry_v
consider_v may_v just_o cause_v the_o sober_a christian_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o communion_n as_o i_o perceive_v the_o searcher_n will_v hand_n ouâ—r_o head_n involve_v we_o into_o now_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o church-rendings_a or_o unchurch_v other_o church_n through_o ignorance_n or_o preposterus_fw-la zeal_n as_o i_o do_v not_o perfect_o know_v so_o i_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a go_v about_o to_o justify_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n for_o you_o to_o asperse_v all_o our_o congregation_n with_o such_o man_n action_n no_o more_o than_o the_o like_a preposterous_a action_n by_o some_o among_o you_o for_o such_o there_o have_v be_v both_o particular_a person_n and_o congregation_n will_v justify_v we_o to_o fasten_v the_o like_a reproach_n upon_o you_o which_o hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o do_v nor_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o your_o procreation_n to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o what_o though_o there_o have_v be_v during_o the_o time_n of_o these_o contention_n and_o opposition_n a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n between_o the_o congregation_n aforesaid_a hold_v to_o be_v needful_a at_o least_o in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o can_v be_v very_o comfortable_a without_o unity_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o sure_a this_o have_v be_v do_v general_o without_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n on_o either_o side_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o such_o as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o dissension_n have_v maintain_v the_o great_a engagement_n of_o charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o that_o have_v not_o so_o do_v it_o be_v just_o fear_v the_o guilt_n have_v be_v as_o great_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n in_o communion_n have_v be_v hold_v i_o presume_v by_o all_o wise_a christian_n rather_o of_o necessity_n then_o for_o any_o delight_n they_o have_v have_v in_o it_o partly_o for_o that_o the_o truth_n in_o question_n will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v slight_v as_o a_o thing_n but_o at_o most_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v any_o truth_n then_o to_o let_v it_o pass_v with_o such_o a_o estimation_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o contention_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v rise_v between_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a community_n and_o no_o mean_n remain_v to_o pacify_v those_o division_n for_o what_o pious_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v justify_v his_o admit_v some_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o embrace_v nay_o though_o oppose_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n deny_v another_o that_o liberty_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o disparity_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n must_v admit_v of_o one_o thing_n out_o of_o two_o at_o least_o so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n work_v viz._n either_o that_o the_o party_n dissent_v may_v sit_v down_o in_o distinct_a congreation_n without_o the_o offence_n or_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o or_o else_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o dispence_v with_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o by_o one_o till_o indeed_o we_o have_v none_o leave_v entire_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o single_v they_o apart_o and_o yield_v to_o each_o opinionist_n the_o plea_n which_o our_o brethren_n do_v use_v in_o the_o case_n depend_v which_o in_o effect_n be_v this_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o you_o see_v we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o you_o do_v which_o yet_o i_o fear_v etc._n etc._n except_o the_o four_o and_o as_o touch_v that_o we_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o founlation_n yet_o we_o deny_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o you_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n this_o plea_n be_v admit_v a_o second_o come_v and_o plead_v thus_o let_v we_o build_v with_o you_o for_o we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6._o 1,2_o as_o you_o do_v except_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v faith_n be_v a_o principle_n according_a to_o heb._n 6._o 1._o but_o we_o deny_v that_o faith_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n a_o three_o come_v and_o say_v we_o have_v right_a to_o sit_v down_o in_o communion_n with_o you_o for_o we_o do_v own_o all_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v we_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o do_v say_v that_o it_o be_v your_o own_o innovation_n or_o tradition_n yet_o we_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n a_o four_o pretend_v they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n only_a that_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o say_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o christianity_n they_o term_v a_o humane_a innovation_n yet_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n final_o there_o come_v other_o and_o profess_v that_o they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n oracle_n heâ—_n 6._o etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o they_o deny_v with_o origen_n that_o eternal_a judgement_n which_o we_o hold_v and_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a salvation_n and_o yet_o they_o own_o with_o he_o a_o judgement_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o upon_o these_o pretension_n they_o demand_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o admit_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v as_o undoubted_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o that_o be_v our_o case_n let_v our_o brethren_n resolve_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v dispense_v with_o they_o in_o reject_v and_o oppose_v that_o principle_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o other_o principle_n or_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n certain_a it_o be_v as_o before_o we_o have_v hint_v there_o be_v no_o artifice_n of_o satan_n so_o likely_a to_o wear_v out_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n as_o to_o make_v it_o subject_a to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n viz._n to_o admit_v man_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o estimation_n and_o fitness_n for_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o deny_v this_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o own_v it_o and_o whilst_o our_o brethren_n be_v labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o bring_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o this_o state_n of_o subjection_n other_o be_v as_o busy_o tamper_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o those_o christian_n who_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v open_v opposition_n though_o too_o bad_a yet_o be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n than_o such_o pretend_a friendship_n for_o truth_n be_v oppose_v have_v strength_n and_o authority_n to_o withstand_v its_o great_a adversary_n but_o if_o once_o subtle_a man_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n under_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o wait_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overthrow_v these_o prove_v the_o great_a prophaner_n and_o subverter_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o devourer_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o that_o have_v but_o craft_n to_o get_v in_o if_o once_o this_o door_n of_o dispense_n with_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v open_v assure_o have_v those_o person_n act_n the_o 10._o the_o remission_n of_o who_o sin_n be_v evidence_v from_o heaven_n very_o eminent_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n without_o submit_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o peter_n question_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a which_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o some_o such_o thought_n may_v possible_o dart_v itself_o into_o the_o breast_n of_o some_o it_o have_v certain_o make_v hey-boyss_n that_o ordinance_n almost_o total_o for_o who_o do_v not_o now_o a-days_o present_o suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o spiriâ—_n our_o brethren_n demand_v of_o we_o whether_o those_o qualification_n which_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o they_o say_v give_v right_o to_o baptism_n but_o not_o so_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o though_o baptism_n be_v no_o qualification_n for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o that_o we_o may_v reach_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v
in_o their_o office_n apostolical_a which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o our_o lord_n obtain_v and_o give_v to_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ascension_n eph._n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o gift_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n albeit_o some_o of_o they_o be_v perhaps_o but_o rare_o find_v at_o least_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n especial_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o i_o can_v say_v something_o partly_o from_o such_o information_n as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o partly_o from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v in_o that_o behalf_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o gift_n of_o office_n here_o repeat_v why_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n i_o see_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o evident_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v complete_v and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o office_n respective_o as_o before_o we_o have_v define_v so_o needful_a that_o the_o church_n will_v easy_o find_v the_o want_n of_o they_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v take_v from_o she_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o anon_o and_o although_o we_o say_v before_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n and_o yet_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o now_o say_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o the_o make_v those_o gift_n temporary_a or_o but_o for_o a_o time_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o those_o which_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o at_o all_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o abnegated_a or_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o these_o gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apoostle_n our_o meaning_n not_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n but_o only_o a_o necessary_a concomicant_n thereto_o so_o that_o though_o this_o concomitant_a shall_v not_o befound_v it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o office_n consider_v as_o we_o have_v define_v it_o we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o certain_o have_v many_o apostle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v foundation_n layer_n and_o master-builder_n such_o be_v andronicus_n and_o junia_n rom._n 16._o 7._o who_o be_v â—â—id_v to_o he_o man_n of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n some_o conceive_v they_o be_v of_o the_o seventy_o apostle_n than_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a interpretation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v note_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n from_o their_o native_a signification_n which_o clear_o give_v andronicuâ—_n and_o junia_n a_o place_n among_o the_o apostle_n not_o among_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o we_o read_v of_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o and_o such_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v those_o 3_o ep._n john_n who_o be_v say_v to_o go_v forth_o for_o the_o name_n sake_n of_o christ_n take_v nothing_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o courtes_o entertain_v and_o dioteophe_n for_o reject_v have_v not_o these_o brethren_n be_v send_v topreach_n i_o see_v not_o how_o john_n shall_v reprove_v they_o that_o receive_v they_o not_o or_o stir_v up_o gaius_n to_o bring_v they_o on_o their_o journey_n whethersoever_o they_o will_v go_v but_o john_n care_n of_o they_o and_o his_o hâ—lding_v they_o in_o reputation_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o opposer_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therewithal_o their_o forsake_v all_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o free_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n otherwise_o if_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v they_o can_v not_o manage_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a john_n call_v they_o brethren_n only_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o ministerial_a capacity_n for_o we_o find_v the_o same_o phrase_n use_v by_o paul_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v messenger_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 32._o or_o if_o the_o brethren_n be_v inquire_v oâ—_n they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o gloâ—y_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o those_o brethren_n be_v messenger_n only_o as_o they_o be_v send_v to_o carry_v the_o contribution_n from_o the_o gentile_a church_n to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o be_v a_o very_a cold_a exposition_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o business_n but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v how_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o service_n only_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n sure_o this_o character_n must_v needs_o refer_v to_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o better_a treasure_n than_o silver_n and_o gold_n since_o either_o brethren_n or_o sister_n of_o very_a ordinary_a capacity_n if_o faithful_a may_v have_v be_v send_v with_o earthly_a treasure_n again_o epaphroditus_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o mâ—ssenger_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n but_o also_o paul_n companion_n in_o labour_n and_o his_o fellow_n soldier_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o church_n bounty_n to_o paul_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n since_o he_o have_v a_o great_a employment_n than_o that_o namely_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o war_n in_o that_o holy_a warfare_n even_o as_o a_o companion_n of_o paul_n himself_o and_o therefore_o worthy_o may_v he_o be_v call_v a_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v barnabas_n luke_n mark_v silas_n sylvanus_n titchicus_n troplimus_n and_o apollo_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o be_v frequent_o fellow_n traveller_n and_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o i_o argue_v thus_o these_o person_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n therefore_o their_o office_n be_v general_a and_o by_o consequence_n travel_v minister_n â—r_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n the_o major_n be_v true_a otherwise_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v rom._n 10._o or_o be_v paul_n fellow-soldier_n and_o fellow_n labourer_n the_o minor_a be_v out_o of_o doubt_n because_o of_o their_o unfixedness_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v and_o beside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v express_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o where_o silvanus_n be_v join_v with_o paul_n as_o speak_v to_o the_o thessâ—lonians_n and_o so_o throughout_o that_o epistle_n and_o chap._n 2._o 6._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v nor_o of_o man_n seek_v we_o glory_n we._n what_o we_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n when_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a how_o may_v paul_n and_o silvanus_n have_v be_v burdensome_a why_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o they_o be_v otherwise_o they_o may_v not_o have_v be_v burdensome_a as_o such_o timotheus_n and_o titus_n be_v evident_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n as_o appear_v partly_o from_o the_o scripture_n even_o now_o allege_v where_o as_o paâ—l_v and_o silvanus_n so_o also_o timotheus_n be_v express_o call_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o partly_o from_o those_o epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v to_o they_o respective_o 1_o tim._n 1._o as_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n when_o i_o go_v into_o macedoian_a that_o thou_o may_v wâ—rn_v some_o that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n so_o do_v have_v timothy_n charge_n be_v only_o at_o ephesus_n as_o pastor_n only_o of_o that_o church_n there_o have_v be_v no_o
〈◊〉_d seed_n of_o abraham_n he_o be_v of_o one_o substance_n with_o â—is_n church_n touch_v his_o manhood_n and_o for_o â—hat_n cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brother_n as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o â—loud_n he_o also_o himself_o likewise_o take_v part_n of_o the_o â—â—me_n he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n raise_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o david_n loin_n according_a to_o the_o â—â—esh_n he_o be_v david_n son_n call_v frequent_o a_o â—an_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v the_o property_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_n except_v this_o his_o birth_n growth_n manner_n of_o life_n and_o death_n do_v declare_v i_o conclude_v then_o he_o of_o who_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v be_v man_n by_o nature_n the_o short_a be_v this_o jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v before_o alâ—_n thing_n and_o he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n therefore_o he_o iâ—_n god_n by_o nature_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o worlâ—_n be_v bear_v in_o time_n and_o suffer_v death_n or_o be_v slay_v 〈◊〉_d therefore_o he_o be_v man_n by_o nature_n yet_o more_o short_o this_o jesus_n be_v immanuel_n or_o god-man_n in_o onâ—_n person_n the_o three_o part._n show_v that_o our_o brethren_n reject_v and_o oppose_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n enforce_v a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n between_o they_o and_o thâ—_n church_n which_o walk_v in_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o division_n which_o happen_v in_o thâ—_n church_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o accidental_o against_o she_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o a_o people_n who_o may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o be_v very_o true_a when_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o division_n be_v as_o epidemical_a as_o in_o â—ny_a society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o so_o also_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o division_n which_o happen_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n â—re_n property_n against_o herself_o for_o see_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o she_o may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v corrupt_v divers_a way_n â—â—om_v she_o first_o integrity_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o â—orm_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n even_o hence_o be_v enforce_v a_o necessity_n that_o â—he_v be_v other_o reform_v whereupon_o divers_a worthy_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v labour_v 〈◊〉_d restore_v the_o decay_a part_n if_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o â—oot_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o â—ave_n be_v obtrude_v by_o innovation_n and_o sure_o â—hat_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o be_v more_o or_o less_o â—he_v duty_n of_o all_o and_o consequent_o the_o sin_n of_o â—â—ch_a as_o put_v not_o their_o shoulder_n to_o the_o work_n â—eh_o 3._o 5._o but_o much_o more_o they_o who_o not_o onâ—y_o will_v not_o do_v it_o themselves_o but_o hinder_v and_o discourage_v they_o that_o will_v say_v in_o effect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 44._o 16_o 17._o as_o for_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o hâ—st_v speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hearken_v untâ—_n thou_o but_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v as_o we_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d and_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n put_v the_o mark_n of_o antiquity_n upon_o their_o own_o way_n and_o the_o note_n oâ—_n novelty_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n oâ—_n god_n something_o like_o to_o which_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o searcher_n where_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o caâ—_n well_o remember_v when_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v noâ—_n esteem_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n which_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d have_v reason_n to_o question_n when_o i_o consider_v thaâ—_n themselves_o do_v hold_v and_o say_v they_o ever_o diâ—_n hold_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heâ—_n 6._o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o i_o think_v nonâ—_n of_o its_o assertor_n ever_o have_v less_o esteem_n oâ—_n it_o than_o they_o neither_o do_v the_o moderation_n of_o its_o assertor_n in_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o hold_v with_o thosâ—_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n for_o somâ—_n time_n after_o themselves_o have_v own_v it_o argueâ—_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v â—he_n doctrine_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n do_v not_o esteem_v it_o the_o same_o whicâ—_n now_o they_o do_v sith_o reason_n will_v that_o when_o anâ—_n part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n attain_v to_o thâ—_n knowledge_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n have_v be_v obscure_v they_o shall_v exercise_v all_o long-suffering_a anâ—_n forbearance_n to_o see_v if_o by_o any_o mean_v the_o contrary_a mind_a may_v be_v enlighten_v but_o now_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n use_v and_o patience_n extend_v some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v whole_o audrie_v to_o reformation_n and_o that_o in_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v reasonable_a nor_o be_v it_o scriptural_a 21._o that_o those_o who_o god_n have_v enlighten_v shall_v be_v bind_v to_o continue_v with_o the_o obstinate_a in_o their_o by-path_n but_o must_v at_o length_n â—eclare_v themselves_o in_o manner_n of_o speech_n like_o â—hat_n of_o joshuah_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a to_o you_o to_o serve_v 〈◊〉_d lord_n in_o this_o principle_n of_o his_o doctrine_n choose_v 〈◊〉_d what_o you_o will_v do_v but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v resolve_v â—â—rein_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n agreeable_a whereunto_o 〈◊〉_d that_o direction_n of_o the_o â—ord_n to_o the_o 11._o remnant_n â—hat_n hold_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o â—heir_n whole_a heart_n jer._n 15._o â—9_n let_v they_o return_v to_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d return_v not_o thou_o to_o they_o â—hence_o i_o note_v four_o thing_n considerable_a to_o â—ur_n present_a occasion_n 1._o that_o the_o party_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v â—oth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o â—â—em_n touch_v some_o necessary_a part_n of_o religiâ—â—_n 3._o that_o the_o lord_n allow_v this_o division_n and_o â—â—courageth_v the_o continuation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o perfect_o or_o according_a to_o his_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o church-state_n of_o neither_o part_n be_v as_o yet_o take_v whole_o away_o or_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o hence_o i_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o theâ—â—_n 28._o church_n defection_n in_o the_o principle_n or_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o may_v lawful_o be_v hold_v a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n between_o thâ—_n part_v defective_a and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a or_o reform_v and_o yeâ—_n the_o church_n state_n of_o neither_o whole_o destroy_v and_o bâ—_n how_o much_o the_o principle_n 〈◊〉_d point_v of_o faith_n be_v great_a or_o lâ—sser_a by_o so_o much_o thiâ—_n distinction_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v with_o great_a or_o lesâ—_n severity_n this_o i_o may_v confirm_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o thosâ—_n great_a distraction_n which_o happen_v among_o theâ—_n sometime_o about_o principle_n of_o truth_n refer_v immediate_o to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n hos_n 11._o 12._o and_o otherwhiles_o about_o those_o which_o be_v neglect_v will_v great_o impair_v the_o power_n oâ—_n godliness_n among_o man_n judâ—_n 19_o 20_o chuâ—_n iâ—_n which_o distraction_n the_o faithful_a labour_v as_o iâ—_n be_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n to_o reform_v the_o part_n distemper_v without_o destroy_v their_o church-state_n judg._n 20._o and_o 21._o chapter_n jer._n 17._o 12._o to_o 17._o during_o which_o combustion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o demur_n in_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o part_n contend_v as_o may_v â—asily_o be_v gather_v from_o their_o bitter_a and_o sanguinary_a conflict_n if_o our_o very_a reason_n do_v not_o convince_v we_o but_o leave_v the_o many_o and_o convince_a allegaâ—â—ons_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o be_v not_o deny_v â—hat_n appellation_n though_o under_o such_o defileâ—ents_n as_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o celebrate_v the_o â—oly_a rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o â—herefore_o consequent_o very_o unfit_a for_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o withstand_v their_o pollution_n which_o may_v sufficient_o satisfy_v reasonable_a â—en_n and_o therefore_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o â—hat_n it_o be_v no_o absurd_a thing_n to_o grant_v a_o peâ—ple_a the_o apâ—ilation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o hold_v they_o uncapable_a 〈◊〉_d communion_n with_o such_o of_o the_o church_n
or_o congrâ—â—tions_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v free_a from_o these_o corrupâ—ions_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o those_o ground_n which_o â—re_n more_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o then_o see_v how_o it_o â—ay_v reach_v the_o case_n depend_v between_o the_o searcher_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o first_o from_o act_n 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v that_o â—here_o be_v not_o only_o great_a disputation_n but_o dissension_n also_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o word_n communion_n dissension_n do_v imply_v the_o discontinuance_n oâ—_n communion_n between_o paul_n baâ—nâ—bas_n with_o those_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v zealous_a for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v one_o unchurch_n another_o but_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n thaâ—_n may_v be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o strife_n and_o very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o assembly_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n do_v plain_o determine_v the_o point_n oâ—_n doctrine_n yet_o do_v they_o forbear_v their_o censure_n against_o the_o person_n who_o err_v in_o that_o case_n 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o exercise_v all_o longanimity_n rather_o than_o severity_n know_v that_o their_o power_n be_v give_v moderation_n more_o for_o edificationâ—_n then_o for_o destroy_v any_o man_n attainment_n in_o the_o path_n of_o christianity_n howbeit_o when_o this_o lenity_n will_v not_o effect_v thâ—_n reformation_n of_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o those_o corrupter_n or_o depraver_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o diâ—_n the_o apostle_n lie_v great_a weight_n upon_o they_o whâ—_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 12._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o judaizer_n have_v general_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n before_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o gallatian_n for_o see_v that_o epistle_n write_v by_o paul_n siâ—vanus_n and_o timotheus_n do_v empower_v the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n to_o note_v such_o as_o disobey_v 1._o it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o diâ—inction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o its_o direction_n then_o doubtless_o that_o epistle_n act_v 15._o write_v in_o the_o â—ame_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v every_o way_n as_o much_o empower_v all_o church_n to_o put_v â—he_n like_o note_n of_o distinction_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v not_o â—hey_n the_o same_o which_o note_n of_o distinction_n howsoever_o it_o may_v lie_v as_o a_o bar_n against_o their_o present_a communion_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o destroy_v their_o breâ—her-hood_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o so_o that_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o a_o people_n â—ay_v be_v esteem_v brethren_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communionâ—â—th_v â—â—th_z other_o church_n or_o brethren_n in_o christ_n for_o â—he_n matter_n in_o short_a lie_v thus_o as_o a_o brother_n be_v 〈◊〉_d member_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v immediate_o relate_v â—o_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o a_o member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a as_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o christian_a brother_n and_o yet_o just_o for_o some_o cause_n be_v deny_v present_a communion_n with_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n so_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v account_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communion_n by_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o chief_o when_o she_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v may_v well_o serve_v to_o satisfy_v our_o brethren_n that_o we_o commit_v no_o absurdity_n in_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o we_o grant_v they_o the_o appellation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o particular_a as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v have_v show_v that_o alâ—_n manner_n of_o division_n which_o church_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o against_o she_o they_o being_n after_o a_o sort_n rather_o necessary_a for_o her_o reformation_n then_o to_o bring_v heâ—_n to_o desolation_n when_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n have_v make_v in_o vasion_n upon_o heâ—_n though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o eveâ—_n those_o division_n be_v accidental_o against_o thâ—_n church_n and_o that_o as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o chief_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o stumble_n to_o weak_a christian_n it_o behove_v that_o we_o brief_o show_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o division_n which_o be_v proper_o against_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o when_o both_o party_n contend_v strive_v to_o set_v up_o some_o sinful_a thing_n or_o their_o own_o device_n 2._o when_o they_o divide_v about_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o indifferent_a only_o 3._o when_o the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n seek_v for_o as_o revenge_v upon_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o controversy_n be_v hold_v those_o and_o such_o like_v tend_v only_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o church_n have_v no_o tendency_n at_o all_o to_o edification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o show_v itself_o among_o the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o set_v up_o man_n some_o this_o man_n and_o other_o that_o and_o this_o in_o opposition_n one_o unto_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o which_o folly_n have_v be_v the_o overthrow_n of_o congregation_n where_o man_n person_n have_v be_v admiâ—ed_v and_o truth_n neglect_v the_o second_o be_v rebuke_v rom._n 14._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n meaning_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v the_o three_o be_v detect_v gal._n 5._o 15._o for_o whatsoever_o the_o question_n be_v this_o be_v their_o sin_n they_o do_v bite_v one_o another_o thus_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o without_o charity_n preach_v christ_n mere_o of_o envy_n to_o add_v thereby_o some_o affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o brethren_n those_o kind_n of_o division_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o apostle_n become_v the_o heathen_n sport_n and_o the_o christian_n shame_n upon_o their_o â—pen_a theater_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o return_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o have_v befall_v our_o body_n about_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n heb._n 6._o 2._o the_o searcher_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o part_n distemper_v to_o be_v only_o the_o congregation_n under_o the_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o search_n and_o the_o directon_n of_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n on_o their_o part_n who_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v have_v make_v and_o defend_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o withal_o divide_v themselves_o from_o a_o principle_n thereof_o and_o this_o word_n schism_n be_v take_v by_o the_o searcher_n not_o in_o a_o mild_a sense_n such_o as_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v take_v by_o propriety_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v division_n in_o some_o low_a consideration_n as_o the_o word_n be_v translate_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o but_o they_o have_v hoist_v it_o in_o their_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o congregation_n profess_v the_o four_o principle_n to_o the_o most_o extreme_a signification_n even_o that_o of_o sedition_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o if_o we_o unchurch_v constitution_n all_o church_n but_o ourselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o light_a matter_n to_o brand_v all_o those_o church_n for_o schismatic_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o bare_a abstain_v from_o communion_n chief_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v general_o if_o so_o much_o have_v be_v do_v and_o that_o upon_o such_o immergent_fw-la occasion_n as_o have_v at_o least_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hot_a contention_n be_v give_v for_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o this_o their_o rash_a charge_n against_o their_o brethren_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o put_v a_o bar_n for_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n while_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n only_o remain_v undecided_a which_o be_v due_o