affection_n and_o no_o judgement_n other_o all_o judgement_n and_o no_o affection_n some_o have_v zeal_n but_o want_v knowledge_n other_o have_v knowledge_n but_o want_v zeal_n whereas_o light_n and_o heat_n go_v together_o if_o grace_n be_v of_o a_o true_a growth_n now_o this_o time_n of_o unevenness_n in_o thy_o grace_n will_v much_o disinable_a thou_o for_o unite_n work_n for_o herein_o thou_o will_v be_v like_o the_o foolish_a physician_n who_o have_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o medicine_n for_o all_o disease_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o that_o which_o cure_v some_o kill_v other_o and_o therefore_o job_n friend_n though_o good_a man_n apply_v the_o wrong_a plaster_n to_o his_o sore_n he_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v physician_n of_o no_o value_n job_n 13.4_o how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n say_v he_o but_o what_o do_v your_o argument_n reprove_v that_o be_v word_n right_o apply_v suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n or_o people_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o seasonable_a to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n occasion_n therefore_o say_v isaiah_n chap._n 50.4_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v give_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o i_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 25.11_o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n and_o as_o a_o ear_n of_o gold_n a_o ornament_n of_o fine_a gold_n so_o be_v a_o wise_a reprover_n upon_o a_o obedient_a ear_n now_o until_o thou_o have_v a_o spiritual_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a affection_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n the_o season_n of_o a_o duty_n nor_o the_o right_a way_n of_o perform_v and_o apply_v it_o 8._o be_v most_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a in_o perform_v that_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o this_o good_a work_n that_o be_v most_o proper_o thy_o own_o unto_o which_o thou_o be_v most_o clear_o call_v by_o that_o place_n or_o condition_n providence_n have_v set_v thou_o in_o either_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o thy_o ability_n and_o gift_n in_o such_o thy_o place_n do_v most_o fit_a thou_o for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a regard_n thereto_o among_o christian_n have_v great_o increase_v and_o promote_v their_o division_n for_o order_n of_o place_n be_v necessary_a to_o union_n and_o harmony_n in_o all_o thing_n whether_o natural_a civil_a or_o spiritual_a for_o what_o a_o confusion_n in_o nature_n will_v it_o be_v for_o the_o hand_n to_o be_v perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o foot_n or_o the_o foot_n the_o hand_n or_o the_o eye_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ear_n or_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o eye_n which_o metaphor_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o to_o teach_v the_o divide_a corinthian_n that_o order_n of_o place_n be_v necessary_a to_o union_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o prove_v first_o in_o regard_n all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o gift_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 2_o in_o regard_n all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o place_n or_o office_n verse_n 28_o 29._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v of_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o preserve_v distinction_n but_o also_o degree_n of_o place_n which_o he_o do_v not_o say_v himself_o set_v in_o the_o church_n though_o that_o may_v have_v be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n but_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o his_o church_n lest_o the_o ringleader_n of_o division_n in_o that_o church_n shall_v have_v break_v the_o order_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o authority_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o and_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n observe_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o same_o people_n to_o be_v expect_v change_n in_o their_o outward_a condition_n after_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n answer_v several_a particular_a case_n 1_o epistle_n chap_n 7._o and_o lest_o any_o other_o from_o the_o like_a temptation_n or_o mistake_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o those_o answer_n he_o lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n or_o precept_n to_o answer_v all_o objection_n against_o this_o truth_n as_o verse_n 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o so_o verse_n 24._o brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n therefore_o of_o all_o duty_n labour_v to_o be_v perform_v those_o duty_n thy_o present_a place_n and_o calling_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n in_o order_n to_o the_o union_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n find_v thou_o like_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n faithful_o improve_n thy_o few_o talent_n he_o will_v trust_v thou_o with_o many_o talent_n matt._n 25.23_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o who_o i_o intend_v not_o those_o carnal_a scandalous_a dumb_a dog_n who_o seldom_o open_v their_o mouth_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o bark_v at_o the_o precious_a flock_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o expect_v better_o from_o they_o will_v be_v to_o expect_v grape_n of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v gracious_a holy_a man_n solemn_o set_v apart_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o work_n of_o what_o judgement_n or_o persuasion_n soever_o as_o to_o the_o present_a contoversy_n among_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v fellow-labourer_n but_o master-builder_n in_o this_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n and_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n they_o have_v have_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a hand_n in_o saint_n division_n so_o it_o be_v my_o earnest_a prayer_n they_o may_v be_v own_v and_o fit_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n now_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v propose_v to_o they_o be_v first_o that_o you_o labour_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o those_o sad_a division_n that_o have_v be_v among_o yourselves_o and_o from_o thence_o those_o unbrother_o untender_a and_o uncharitable_a carriage_n in_o your_o public_a writing_n and_o speaking_n one_o towards_o another_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v many_o private_a christian_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o you_o have_v be_v grieve_v and_o ashamed_a to_o read_v and_o hear_v though_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v please_v most_o with_o such_o of_o their_o teacher_n as_o be_v most_o vehement_a against_o those_o contrary_n mind_v to_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o have_v that_o general_a overflow_a spirit_n of_o division_n and_o dissension_n which_o we_o now_o complain_v of_o receive_v its_o life_n and_o nourishment_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o in_o isa_n 4.12_o o_o my_o people_n they_o which_o lead_v thou_o cause_v thou_o to_o err_v and_o destroy_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o path_n if_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o froward_a contentious_a uncharitable_a spirit_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o follower_n tread_v on_o each_o other_o heel_n in_o that_o crooked_a path_n therefore_o if_o no_o other_o argument_n be_v prevail_v let_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sad_a divide_a condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n produce_v by_o your_o example_n affect_v your_o heart_n that_o you_o can_v with_o that_o comfort_n and_o authority_n repeat_v that_o exhortation_n to_o the_o saint_n under_o your_o charge_n that_o paul_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n chap._n 3_o have_v in_o the_o 15_o and_o 16._o verse_n exhort_v they_o to_o union_n and_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o preserve_v it_o he_o exhort_v in_o verse_n 17_o brethren_n be_v you_o follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n so_o he_o exhort_v timothy_n chap._n 4._o after_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n in_o instruction_n to_o he_o concern_v the_o error_n and_o division_n that_o be_v in_o his_o flock_n he_o than_o exhort_v he_o verse_n 12._o but_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o so_o peter_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5.3_o he_o exhort_v the_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o not_o to_o be_v as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o to_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n i_o be_o far_o from_o say_v that_o none_o of_o god_n minister_n at_o
minister_n p._n 140_o errata_fw-la page_n 7_o l._n 1._o r_o john_n 17.3_o p._n 17._o l._n 8._o r._n which_o p._n 26._o l._n 24._o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 44._o l._n 12._o for_o care_n r._n core_n p._n 60._o l._n 19_o r._n unseasonable_a p._n 66._o l._n 21._o r._n quote_v p._n 32._o 33._o 34._o p._n 72._o last_o line_n for_o peace_n r._n place_n p._n 85._o l._n 16._o r._n p._n 68_o p._n 98._o l._n 8._o r._n afliction_n p._n 101._o l._n 10._o for_o time_n r._n kind_n p._n 104._o l._n 11._o r._n as_o it_o be_v p._n 116._o l._n 11._o r._n p._n 30._o 31._o 32._o 33._o 34._o 35_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o for_o which_o r._n such_o gospel-separation_n separate_v from_o its_o abuse_n wherein_o be_v assert_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o moral_a philosophy_n that_o virtue_n be_v usua_o find_v in_o medium_n and_o vice_n in_o extreme_n so_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o divine_a truth_n be_v find_v in_o medium_n &_o error_n in_o extreme_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wind_n nor_o in_o the_o earthquake_n nor_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n 1_o king_n 19.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o straightway_o psal_n 5.8_o isai_n 40.3_o 4._o and_o 42_o 1â—_n matth._n 3.3_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o crooked_a way_n of_o error_n psal_n 125.5_o prov._n 2.15_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o strait-path_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o left_a deut._n 5.32_o josh_n â—_o 7_o 2_o king_n 22.2_o prov._n 4_o 27._o jsai_n 30.21_o all_o which_o scripture_n evidence_n to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n of_o both_o hand_n which_o many_o christian_n not_o due_o consider_v have_v run_v into_o sad_a extreme_n like_o those_o people_n amos_n mention_n that_o flee_v from_o a_o lion_n and_o a_o bear_n have_v meet_v they_o amos_n 5.19_o and_o as_o this_o sad_a evil_n of_o extremity_n have_v have_v its_o influence_n over_o most_o controversal_a point_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o rigid_a stickler_n for_o they_o so_o in_o especial_a manner_n have_v it_o produce_v sad_a effect_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n wherein_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n several_a profess_v christ_n not_o due_o weigh_v the_o bound_n the_o lord_n have_v set_v in_o distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n too_o wide_o so_o many_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o separate_v the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n do_v shut_v the_o door_n too_o close_o and_o reject_v those_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o keep_v such_o sheep_n out_o of_o christ_n fold_n as_o have_v his_o own_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o just_a even_o they_o both_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n pro._n 17_o 15._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v out_o in_o this_o weighty_a case_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o church-separation_n from_o the_o world_n &_o shall_v therein_o occasional_o discuss_v the_o several_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o extreme_n of_o either_o hand_n be_v stumble_v in_o that_o betwixt_o both_o the_o straight_a and_o narrow_a yet_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a path_n of_o purity_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o truth_n i_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v as_o well_o discern_v as_o the_o error_n plead_v against_o i_o shall_v state_n these_o two_o general_a position_n first_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n wherein_o god_n have_v have_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n a_o duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o such_o his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o separate_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n for_o proof_n read_v exod._n 19.6_o compare_v with_o 1_o king_n 8.53_o so_o ezra_n 10.11_o and_o 6.21_o exod._n 23.16_o leu._n 20.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o so_o neh._n 9_o 2._o and_o 13.3_o rom._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o equal_a duty_n from_o his_o church_n and_o people_n so_o separate_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o deut._n 5.1.3_o and_o 18.6_o and_o 1_o king_n 8.55.62_o 1_o chron._n 13.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 28.21_o and_o 2_o chron._n 30.1_o and_o 35.3_o ezra_n 10.5_o psal_n 31.23_o 24._o in_o which_o scripture_n consider_v the_o word_n all_z israel_n and_o alice_n saint_n and_o so_o eph._n 4._o to_o the_o 14._o cant._n 6.9_o psal_n 133._o hosea_n 10_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.3_o and_o 11.18_o but_o these_o two_o position_n thus_o general_o state_v i_o judge_v will_v be_v agree_v unto_o by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o scripture_n quote_v and_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o the_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o first_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o note_n if_o the_o first_o position_n be_v true_a than_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o separation_n be_v rather_o about_o the_o manner_n or_o extent_n then_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o separate_a people_n from_o the_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o deny_v therefore_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o a_o right_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n wherein_o some_o will_v have_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n call_v the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a catholic_a church_n and_o only_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n pagan_n &c._n &c._n to_o be_v the_o world_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o most_o vehement_a against_o separation_n among_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o extent_n if_o they_o shall_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o those_o brand_n of_o separatist_n and_o schismatic_n cast_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o papist_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o then_o assent_v that_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v lawful_a from_o a_o people_n make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o say_v other_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o conversation_n thereto_o there_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o the_o term_n of_o this_o qualification_n will_v admit_v of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o their_o explanation_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n as_o before_o for_o first_o some_o will_v interpret_v that_o term_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o bare_a ability_n through_o education_n to_o answer_v to_o question_n give_v they_o in_o a_o catechism_n which_o a_o child_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v usual_o more_o capable_a of_o and_o expert_a in_o than_o person_n of_o grow_v year_n which_o if_o that_o be_v admit_v than_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n heb._n 6.1_o with_o all_o other_o gospel_n qualification_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n may_v be_v spare_v as_o to_o church_n fellowship_n on_o earth_n but_o as_o various_a as_o man_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o several_a point_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n in_o controversy_n so_o various_a be_v their_o explanation_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n each_o make_v those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o in_o and_o separate_v upon_o part_n of_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o church-member_n the_o discuss_n of_o all_o which_o will_v take_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o then_o for_o the_o other_o term_n of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o as_o
but_o one_o spirit_n so_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o this_o own_o spirit_n and_o tendency_n of_o its_o operation_n be_v unity_n eph._n 4.3_o and_o next_o to_o that_o betwixt_o head_n and_o member_n christ_n and_o saint_n it_o drive_v on_o the_o design_n of_o the_o saint_n union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o truth_n eph._n 4.13_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v divide_v nor_o deceive_v but_o must_v speak_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o person_n heb._n 13.8_o man_n may_v have_v different_a apprehension_n and_o understanding_n and_o from_o the_o variety_n in_o they_o may_v put_v a_o various_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o spirit_n teach_v 1_o cor._n 12.3_o but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n remain_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n it_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n jo._n 16.13_o and_o though_o this_o variety_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n operation_n in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n and_o direct_v the_o judgement_n from_o the_o variety_n which_o be_v in_o the_o capacity_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o more_o certain_a property_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n and_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o such_o variety_n for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n of_o degree_n yet_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o those_o thing_n bear_v a_o divine_a stamp_n that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n eph._n 5.9_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o complexion_n in_o all_o saint_n from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n saint_n can_v walk_v by_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o gospel_n brethren_n or_o church-member_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n to_o choose_v where_o it_o have_v choose_v before_o they_o but_o the_o visible_a tract_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n be_v its_o manifest_v its_o indwel_n through_o its_o operation_n in_o carry_v the_o soul_n out_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therefore_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o person_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n for_o believer_n to_o make_v their_o choice_n by_o object_n but_o may_v some_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o spirit_n operation_n and_o thereby_o its_o choice_n in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o delusion_n as_o this_o be_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o new_o reign_v have_v transform_v itself_o to_o so_o near_o a_o likeness_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n answ_n whatsoever_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o visible_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n act_v 11.17_o but_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v clear_o testify_v to_o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n gal._n 5.22.23_o therefore_o such_o person_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o qualify_v aught_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o own_a by_o believer_n as_o such_o of_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o choice_n for_o what_o may_v be_v further_o object_v against_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o various_a understanding_n and_o different_a mind_n of_o several_a visible_a gracious_a person_n and_o from_o the_o gross_a error_n hold_v by_o several_a person_n seem_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o such_o general_a objection_n as_o will_v include_v many_o of_o those_o particular_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o every_o argument_n i_o may_v add_v many_o argument_n more_o draw_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n but_o let_v all_o that_o long_a for_o the_o union_n of_o saint_n first_o resolve_v to_o make_v the_o spirit_n choice_n they_o and_o then_o they_o shall_v hardly_o read_v a_o scripture_n but_o will_v afford_v they_o some_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o a_o child_n nor_o our_o chief_a shepherd_n a_o sheep_n that_o be_v visible_o such_o but_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n on_o they_o either_o less_o or_o more_o visible_a 2_o cor._n 1.22_o eph._n 1.13_o &_o 4.30_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o one_o argument_n more_o and_o leave_v the_o remain_n to_o the_o reader_n meditation_n that_o qualification_n or_o state_n which_o give_v we_o free_a access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n eph._n 2.18_o &_o 1.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v his_o adopt_a son_n rom._n 8.15_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v annex_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o preitious_a promise_n 2_o peter_n 1.4_o wherein_o he_o seek_v and_o desire_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o joh._n 4.23_o by_o which_o we_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o same_o body_n of_o which_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n 1_o col._n 12._o heir_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n james_n 2.5_o or_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.11_o 14._o and_o partaker_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n in_o heaven_n col._n 1.27_o &_o 3.4_o nay_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o shall_v be_v their_o state_n in_o glory_n john_n 17.23_o 24_o eph_n 4.13_o when_o all_o other_o qualification_n and_o additional_a rule_n of_o distinction_n shall_v cease_v 1_o cor._n 13.8_o 10._o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o qualification_n for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n to_o own_o and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n by_o but_o the_o qualification_n that_o give_v we_o right_o unto_o &_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o former_a particular_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o a_o spiritual_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o srcipture_n annex_v with_o abundance_n more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v do_v sufficient_o evidence_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o church-member_n and_o gospel_n brethren_n by_o the_o four_o general_n head_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v argue_v be_v the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n who_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o person_n as_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v record_v for_o our_o example_n in_o scripture_n who_o in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o age_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o make_v this_o duty_n of_o preserve_v the_o church_n union_n and_o peace_n within_o itself_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a duty_n unto_o which_o most_o other_z duty_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n must_v give_v place_n unto_o and_o they_o do_v always_o make_v the_o declare_v visible_a choice_n of_o god_n their_o choice_n for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o his_o visible_a covenant_n with_o a_o especial_a grace_n unto_o they_o own_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n member_n in_o his_o church_n exclude_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o admit_v no_o other_o which_o point_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o true_a church-bound_n that_o until_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o instance_n at_o least_o out_o of_o god_n word_n of_o a_o person_n or_o person_n visible_a which_o in_o those_o church-bound_n before_o mention_v viz._n abraham_n seed_n &_o circumcision_n in_o the_o type_n &_o antitype_n be_v keep_v out_o or_o not_o esteem_v one_o of_o god_n church_n not_o scandalous_a or_o unexcommunicate_v i_o shall_v for_o bear_v further_o speak_v to_o that_o and_o shall_v chief_o from_o this_o head_n insist_v to_o observe_v the_o weight_n that_o the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n when_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o jacob_n family_n how_o careful_a be_v joseph_n to_o preserve_v union_n among_o his_o brethren_n though_o they_o have_v little_o deserve_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n yet_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a charge_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o be_v see_v that_o you_o fall_v not_o out_o by_o the_o way_n gen._n 4.5.24_o so_o moses_n reprove_v his_o brethren_n the_o hebrew_n for_o strive_v one_o with_o another_o exod._n 2.13_o in_o in_o these_o word_n as_o stephen_n quote_v it_o act_n 7.26_o sir_n you_o be_v brethren_n why_o do_v you_o wrong_v one_o another_o so_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a search_n of_o heart_n judge_n 5.15_o 16._o so_o david_n behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o
they_o shall_v proceed_v against_o we_o and_o withdraw_v from_o we_o upon_o this_o account_n answ_n have_v as_o before_o walk_v with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o unblamableness_n towards_o they_o let_v not_o that_o offend_v you_o that_o be_v their_o sin_n so_o to_o abuse_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o you_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o punishment_n keep_v many_o a_o believe_a jew_n from_o public_o own_v the_o gospel_n john_n 12.42_o nevertheless_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n also_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n dare_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o john_n 9.22_o acts._n 22.19_o object_n but_o will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o foment_n and_o increase_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o where_o congregation_n do_v consist_v of_o person_n so_o different-minded_n each_o enjoy_n a_o equal_a liberty_n of_o profess_v and_o practise_v their_o different_a persuasion_n this_o must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o a_o frequent_a beget_n dispute_v and_o controversy_n among_o they_o whereby_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v be_v endanger_v answ_n without_o doubt_v the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o fellowship_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o the_o mercy_n of_o unity_n of_o understanding_n will_v remove_v but_o put_v they_o all_o in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o forementioned_a evil_n which_o their_o divide_n and_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o as_o at_o present_a be_v attend_v with_o and_o then_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o great_a for_o where_o a_o necessity_n of_o evil_n be_v upon_o we_o one_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o admit_v the_o least_o that_o which_o least_o dishonour_v god_n and_o tend_v least_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o sure_o i_o need_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n attend_v each_o of_o these_o case_n in_o competition_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o great_a but_o when_o you_o find_v such_o error_n or_o erroneous_a person_n single_v out_o the_o admit_v of_o who_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o equal_a evil_n either_o as_o to_o god_n dishonour_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o his_o church_n that_o our_o present_a division_n be_v attend_v with_o then_o and_o not_o else_o i_o judge_v you_o ought_v to_o assent_v thereto_o but_o if_o once_o union_n of_o saint_n have_v that_o weight_n upon_o our_o heart_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v i_o do_v not_o judge_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n can_v be_v so_o inconsistent_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o edification_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n must_v allow_v a_o equal_a liberty_n to_o all_o controversal_a point_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o withal_o must_v provide_v a_o equal_a rule_n to_o limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o extreme_n of_o unseasonable_a unsober_a and_o troublesome_a promotion_n of_o they_o or_o opposition_n to_o they_o of_o each_o hand_n so_o that_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfortable_a walk_v of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o main_a duty_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a agreement_n may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o james_n do_v not_o say_v where_o difference_n of_o understanding_n be_v but_z where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n &_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o therefore_o do_v but_o make_v a_o equal_a provision_n against_o carnal_a contention_n and_o disorderly_a promotion_n of_o controvert_v point_n and_o then_o the_o hold_v they_o or_o sober_a preach_n and_o practise_v of_o they_o can_v not_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o union_n in_o the_o same_o church_n object_n but_o will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o prejudice_n and_o block_n up_o the_o way_n of_o some_o despise_v controvert_v truth_n which_o much_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v receive_v and_o the_o generality_n be_v very_o much_o prejudice_v against_o and_o this_o way_n will_v subject_v the_o saint_n profess_v they_o to_o the_o unite_a church_n power_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v they_o and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o they_o under_o great_a discouragement_n and_o contempt_n answ_n whatsoever_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o in_o order_n to_o the_o promote_a controvert_v despise_a truth_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o promote_v they_o howsoever_o to_o our_o reason_n it_o may_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o we_o lie_v our_o hand_n to_o any_o part_n of_o god_n work_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o path_n and_o though_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o understanding_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o produce_v one_o instance_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o justify_v separation_n thereupon_o before_o you_o plead_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o this_o union_n will_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v at_o present_a under_o reproach_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n for_o nothing_o more_o tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o oppose_a despise_a truth_n then_o the_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v bring_v upon_o it_o by_o weak_a self-conceited_a stickler_n for_o it_o who_o unseasonable_a and_o unsober_a contend_v for_o it_o do_v so_o much_o offend_v and_o stumble_v the_o contrary_n mind_v that_o they_o take_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o promoter_n sake_n whereas_o be_v saint_n unite_v in_o church_n order_n there_o may_v be_v special_a time_n and_o place_n appoint_v for_o the_o most_o able_a and_o sober_a of_o each_o different_a persuasion_n to_o hold_v forth_o their_o ground_n for_o their_o judgement_n either_o doctrinal_o by_o way_n of_o preach_v or_o otherwise_o by_o a_o sober_a and_o christian_a conference_n betwixt_o such_o as_o the_o brethren_n of_o each_o different_a persuasion_n shall_v make_v choice_n of_o where_o all_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o make_v their_o sober_a objection_n against_o what_o shall_v be_v deliver_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o with_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o church_n which_o will_v also_o exceed_o tend_v to_o remove_v those_o discouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o despise_a truth_n and_o those_o encouragement_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o be_v give_v by_o our_o division_n to_o several_a applaud_v error_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o person_n make_v he_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o esteem_v nor_o advantage_v christian_n will_v then_o receive_v or_o reject_v controvert_v point_n single_o to_o answer_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n make_v know_v to_o they_o whereby_o doubtless_o truth_n will_v much_o prevail_v against_o error_n for_o a_o sincere_a sober_a conscience_n no_o way_n bias_v seldom_o miscarry_v in_o its_o judgement_n and_o so_o in_o our_o present_a divide_a confuse_a state_n several_a controvert_v truth_n may_v suffer_v much_o prejudice_n by_o the_o many_o error_n they_o be_v accompany_v with_o in_o the_o professor_n of_o they_o and_o ofttimes_o so_o inter-woven_a and_o entangle_v in_o their_o practice_n that_o such_o as_o may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v discourage_v and_o keep_v off_o thereby_o whereas_o this_o union_n upon_o gospel_n principle_n remove_v all_o that_o and_o leave_v every_o truth_n single_a and_o pure_a without_o any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n thou_o may_v then_o take_v up_o such_o a_o trample_a on_o pearl_n though_o it_o be_v find_v among_o swine_n and_o add_v it_o to_o the_o bracelet_n of_o thy_o former_a grace_n or_o duty_n without_o wallow_v with_o they_o in_o the_o mire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o or_o perform_v it_o object_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o we_o judge_v godly_a both_o minister_n and_o private_a christian_n that_o will_v be_v opposite_a to_o we_o in_o this_o work_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o carnal_a multitude_n and_o visible_a unbeliever_n they_o admit_v a_o bare_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o some_o other_o additional_a qualification_n not_o evidence_v conversion_n nor_o visible_a grace_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-membership_a etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v we_o walk_v towards_o they_o answ_n