Selected quad for the lemma: head_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
head_n church_n member_n mystical_a 3,558 5 10.4248 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26906 The cure of church-divisions, or, Directions for weak Christians to keep them from being dividers or troublers of the church with some directions to the pastors how to deal with such Christians / by Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1670 (1670) Wing B1234; ESTC R1684 258,570 520

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

mystical_a and_o as_o visible_a be_v but_o one_o however_o the_o member_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v many_o six_o it_o be_v one_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o all_o must_v walk_v in_o seven_o and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n and_o happiness_n which_o we_o all_o expect_v and_o in_o one_o heaven_n that_o we_o must_v meet_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v have_v one_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o one_o employment_n in_o the_o love_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n and_o one_o felicitate_v fruition_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o evermore_o therefore_o he_o that_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n or_o faith_n or_o true_a religion_n the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n of_o unity_n and_o the_o shame_n and_o mischief_n of_o division_n may_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o further_o consider_v the_o instance_n which_o follow_v first_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o proportionable_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n do_v signify_v that_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o christ._n he_o that_o be_v unite_v but_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o visible_o by_o baptism_n and_o profession_n unite_v to_o christ_n such_o a_o union_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o joh._n 15._o 2._o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o he_o that_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n of_o the_o regenerate_v and_o spiritual_a be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n with_o his_o union_n with_o the_o church_n but_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o he_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o this_o mystical_a church_n can_v possible_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o the_o member_n which_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n be_v also_o separate_v from_o the_o head_n and_o he_o that_o himself_o forsake_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o sorsake_v the_o mystical_a church_n and_o christ_n himself_o for_o to_o forsake_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o be_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o spiritual_a but_o you_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n if_o you_o forsake_v and_o refuse_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n before_o he_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n or_o be_v baptize_v and_o without_o baptism_n in_o some_o few_o case_n yet_o so_o he_o can_v be_v if_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o as_o mystical_a and_o as_o visible_a as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o profess_v while_o we_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v with_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o some_o particular_a church_n without_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a but_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o christ._n but_o than_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o all_o profess_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o visible_o subject_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o the_o papist_n call_v the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n that_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o christian_n subject_v to_o one_o vicar_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n either_o constitutive_a or_o govern_v such_o a_o pretend_a head_n be_v a_o usurper_n and_o no_o true_a authorize_v vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o church_n as_o such_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o seduce_v christian_n follow_v such_o a_o traitorous_a usurper_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o christ_n or_o from_o his_o church_n second_o consider_v also_o that_o union_n be_v not_o only_o a_o accident_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v part_n of_o its_o very_a essence_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o church_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o kingdom_n no_o city_n no_o family_n and_o so_o no_o church_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o unite_a member_n as_o it_o be_v no_o house_n which_o consist_v not_o of_o unite_a part_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v the_o great_a course_n of_o man_n boldness_n in_o divide_v way_n that_o they_o take_v union_n to_o be_v but_o some_o laudable_a accident_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v which_o yet_o in_o some_o case_n we_o may_v be_v without_o and_o think_v that_o separation_n be_v tolerable_a fault_n even_o when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v they_o fault_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o unity_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o be_v of_o o●r_n own_o christianity_n read_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ephes._n 4._o three_o remember_v also_o that_o our_o union_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o such_o communion_n joh._n 15._o 4._o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o if_o a_o man_n abide_v not_o in_o i_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o as_o a_o branch_n and_o be_v wither_v and_o man_n gather_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o col._n 2._o 19_o from_o the_o head_n all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n the_o member_n that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n have_v no_o life_n or_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n or_o from_o the_o body_n but_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v without_o the_o teach_v the_o holy_a worship_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n where_o the_o spirit_n do_v come_v and_o out_o of_o the_o society_n which_o christ_n be_v special_o relate_v to_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v his_o hospital_n we_o can_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o help_n of_o the_o physician_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v a_o pilot_n to_o they_o who_o forsake_v his_o ship_n nor_o a_o captain_n to_o they_o who_o separate_v from_o his_o army_n out_o of_o this_o ark_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o deluge_n and_o no_o place_n of_o rest_n or_o safety_n for_o a_o soul._n four_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n be_v their_o secondary_a strength_n their_o primary_n strength_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o quicken_v they_o and_o their_o secondary_a strength_n be_v their_o union_n among_o themselves_o separation_n from_o christ_n deprive_v man_n of_o the_o first_o and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o second_o a_o army_n be_v strong_a than_o a_o man_n and_o a_o kingdom_n than_o a_o single_a person_n a_o flame_n will_v burn_v more_o strong_o than_o a_o spark_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n be_v more_o forcible_a than_o a_o single_a drop_n a_o threefold_a cord_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o weak_a commonwealth_n do_v seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o confederacy_n with_o other_o state_n the_o church_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n both_o for_o their_o number_n their_o concord_n and_o their_o order_n and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v can_v stand_v union_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o what_o good_a soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v divider_n be_v certain_o the_o weakener_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o those_o mean_n which_o best_o corroborate_v the_o body_n and_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n do_v best_a cure_v many_o particular_a disease_n which_o no_o mean_n will_v c●re_v whilst_o nature_n be_v debilitate_a so_o be_v the_o church_n disease_n best_o cure_v by_o unite_n fortify_v remedy_n which_o will_v be_v increase_v by_o a_o divide_v way_n of_o reformation_n divide_v be_v wound_v and_o unite_n be_v the_o close_n of_o the_o wound_n there_o be_v no_o good_a work_n but_o satan_n be_v a_o pretender_n to_o it_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v
a_o heretic_n or_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o not_o and_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v be_v divide_v about_o it_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o refer_v to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n it_o be_v but_o go_v to_o rome_n and_o send_v thither_o all_o the_o party_n and_o witness_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n can_v decide_v it_o much_o more_o judicious_o than_o those_o that_o be_v on_o the_o place_n and_o know_v the_o person_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o three_o year_n time_n or_o less_o if_o wind_n and_o weather_n and_o all_o thing_n serve_v and_o if_o all_o the_o person_n die_v by_o the_o way_n the_o controversy_n be_v end_v if_o one_o part_n only_o die_v let_v the_o long_a liver_n have_v the_o better_a and_o be_v justify_v or_o if_o the_o pope_n will_v rather_o send_v governor_n to_o the_o place_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n whether_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n you_o shall_v hold_v communion_n with_o such_o a_o man_n or_o not_o and_o so_o forward_o its_o like_a in_o a_o few_o year_n time_n some_o of_o they_o may_v live_v to_o come_v thither_o and_o if_o you_o must_v still_o appeal_v to_o the_o pope_n himself_o for_o fear_n lest_o a_o priest_n be_v not_o the_o infallible_a or_o final_a judge_n and_o can_v do_v no_o better_o than_o other_o folk_n priest_n you_o may_v after_o all_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o voyage_n and_o if_o you_o can_v in_o that_o age_n get_v the_o case_n dispatch_v yet_o you_o must_v believe_v that_o you_o have_v appear_v to_o the_o only_a centre_n of_o unity_n this_o cheat_a noise_n and_o name_n of_o unity_n have_v be_v the_o great_a divider_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o bring_v a_o bless_a peace_n and_o harmony_n among_o all_o christian_n the_o church_n have_v be_v set_v all_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n condemn_v and_o unchurch_v one_o another_o and_o million_o have_v be_v murder_v in_o the_o flame_n inquisition_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o death_n and_o those_o be_v martyr_n with_o the_o one_o part_n who_o be_v burn_v as_o heretic_n by_o the_o other_o and_o more_o million_o have_v be_v murder_v by_o war_n and_o hatred_n and_o confusion_n be_v become_v the_o mark_n and_o temperament_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o lo●dly_o cry_v up_o unity_n and_o concord_n order_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o common_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n by_o cry_v down_o schism_n sect_n and_o faction_n and_o a_o common_a way_n to_o destroy_v both_o unity_n and_o peace_n by_o cry_v up_o unity_n and_o peace_n therefore_o let_v not_o bare_a n●mes_n dec●ive_v you_o remember_v that_o one_o of_o the_o old_a sect_n or_o faction_n of_o carnal_a christian_n cry_v up_o cephas_n that_o be_v peter_z and_o say_v we_o be_v of_o cephas_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o if_o he_o be_v the_o church_n constitutive_a or_o govern_v head_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o and_o 3._o 22._o and_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o any_o apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o noble_a sort_n of_o member_n and_o none_o of_o they_o the_o head_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 27_o 28._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n but_o bellarmine_n aware_a of_o this_o have_v devise_v this_o shift_n that_o the_o pope_n succee_v peter_n in_o more_o than_o his_o apostle-ship_n even_o his_o head-ship_n but_o when_o he_o have_v prove_v peter_n more_o than_o a_o apostle_n and_o the_o pope_n his_o successor_n he_o will_v do_v the_o business_n till_o than_o we_o must_v say_v that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o a_o good_a priest_n or_o bishop_n below_o a_o apostle_n we_o shall_v give_v he_o more_o honour_n than_o his_o treasonable_a usurpation_n of_o christ_n prerogative_n be_v like_a to_o procure_v he_o for_o he_o that_o will_v needs_o have_v all_o shall_v have_v none_o and_o he_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v bring_v low_o and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v less_o than_o a_o man_n direct_v lviii_o take_v heed_n of_o superstition_n and_o observe_v well_o the_o circular_a course_n of_o zealous_a superstition_n malignity_n formality_n and_o peevish_a singularity_n and_o schism_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v mislead_v by_o respect_n of_o person_n i_o mean_v that_o first_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n have_v be_v the_o usual_a beginner_n of_o superstition_n second_o malignity_n in_o that_o age_n have_v oppose_v it_o for_o the_o author_n sake_n three_o in_o the_o next_o age_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o man_n have_v adore_v the_o author_n and_o make_v themselves_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o formal_a part_n of_o that_o superstition_n and_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o own_v it_o four_o and_o then_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o man_n that_o first_o make_v it_o do_v oppose_v it_o in_o enmity_n to_o those_o who_o impose_v and_o own_v it_o and_o suffer_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n in_o dislike_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o observe_v this_o partial_a dance_n but_o church-history_n may_v convince_v the_o understand_a reader_n that_o so_o it_o have_v be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v first_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o holy_a person_n do_v at_o first_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o lawful_a and_o in_o some_o indiscreet_a and_o unwarrantable_a expression_n second_o the_o malignant_a enemy_n of_o godliness_n hate_n and_o oppose_v these_o expression_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o zeal_n express_v 3._o when_o they_o be_v dead_a god_n perform_v his_o promise_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v bless_v prov._n 10._o 7._o the_o carnal_a party_n of_o that_o age_n as_o wel●_n as_o other_o do_v honour_n those_o who_o their_o forefather_n hate_v and_o murder_v math._n 23._o 29_o 30._o wo_n to_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n wherefore_o you_o be_v witness_n to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n fill_v you_o up_o then_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n the_o wicked_a of_o one_o generation_n kill_v god_n servant_n and_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o next_o generation_n do_v honour_n their_o name_n and_o celebrate_v their_o memorial_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n which_o the_o sinner_n be_v trouble_v with_o and_o hate_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o live_a saint_n who_o he_o abhor_v but_o the_o name_n and_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v less_o troublesome_a to_o he_o yea_o and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o make_v he_o a_o religion_n of_o to_o quiet_a his_o conscience_n in_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o name_n of_o dead_a saint_n he_o can_v honour_v and_o the_o form_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o corpse_n of_o piety_n he_o can_v own_v and_o have_v become_v so_o religious_a both_o his_o former_a enmity_n to_o live_a holiness_n and_o his_o carnal_a zeal_n for_o his_o image_n of_o religion_n engage_v he_o to_o make_v a_o stir_n for_o it_o and_o persecute_v those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o when_o the_o zealous_a and_o devout_a people_n of_o that_o age_n see_v this_o they_o loathe_v that_o carcase_n or_o image_n which_o the_o formalist_n contend_v for_o and_o many_o ●lye_v from_o it_o with_o too_o great_a abhorrence_n for_o the_o person_n sake_n who_o now_o esteem_v it_o forget_v its_o original_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o that_o set_v it_o up_o and_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n for_o instance_n the_o most_o of_o the_o person_n who_o the_o papist_n now_o keep_v holy_a day_n for_o be_v very_o religious_a godly_a people_n and_o the_o zealous_a religious_a people_n of_o that_o age_n do_v think_v that_o the_o honour_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o invite_v the_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o weak_a to_o stick_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o keep_v the_o day_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n in_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o in_o honour_n of_o they_o the_o wicked_a of_o that_o age_n hate_v and_o persecute_v both_o the_o martyr_n and_o they_o that_o honour_v they_o in_o the_o next_o age_n religion_n
be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o prejudice_n passion_n or_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n 28._o do_v not_o too_o much_o reverence_v the_o revelation_n impulse_n or_o most_o confident_a opinion_n of_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n or_o holiness_n but_o try_v all_o judicious_o and_o sober_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 29._o take_v heed_n lest_o the_o trouble_n of_o your_o own_o disquiet_v doubt_v mind_n do_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o draw_v you_o to_o some_o uncouth_a way_n of_o cure_n and_o so_o make_v the_o fancy_n of_o some_o new_a opinion_n sect_n or_o practice_n to_o seem_v your_o remedy_n and_o give_v you_o ease_n and_o soperswade_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n 30_o keep_v in_o the_o rank_n of_o a_o humble_a disciple_n or_o learner_n in_o christ_n church_n till_o you_o be_v fit_a and_o call_v to_o be_v teacher_n yourselves_o 31._o grow_v up_o in_o the_o great_a substantial_a practical_a truth_n and_o duty_n and_o grow_v downward_o in_o the_o root_n of_o a_o clear_a belief_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o neither_o begin_v too_o soon_o with_o doubtful_a opinion_n nor_o ever_o lie_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o 32._o lay_v not_o a_o great_a stress_n upon_o your_o different_a word_n and_o manner_n of_o prayer_n than_o god_n have_v lay_v and_o take_v heed_n of_o scorn_v reproach_v or_o slight_v the_o word_n and_o manner_n of_o other_o man_n worship_n when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n accept_v from_o the_o sincere_a where_o the_o case_n about_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v handle_v 33._o when_o you_o be_v sure_o that_o other_o man_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v sinful_a yet_o make_v it_o not_o any_o other_o or_o great_a sin_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o speak_v not_o evil_a of_o so_o much_o in_o it_o as_o be_v good_a and_o slander_v not_o god_n as_o a_o hater_n or_o rejecter_n of_o all_o man_n service_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o infirmity_n or_o as_o a_o partial_a hater_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o and_o not_o you_o 34._o think_v not_o that_o all_o be_v unlawful_o obey_v which_o be_v unlawful_o command_v 35._o think_v not_o that_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n worship_n with_o who_o you_o join_v no_o not_o of_o the_o minister_n or_o congregation_n nor_o that_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v faulty_o perform_v for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v no_o church-communion_n upon_o earth_n where_o be_v more_o about_o extemporary_a prayer_n and_o impose_v form_n 36._o yet_o know_v what_o pastor_n and_o church-communion_n you_o may_v join_v with_o and_o what_o not_o and_o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n 37._o in_o your_o judge_n of_o discipline_n reformation_n and_o any_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n good_a be_v sure_a your_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o true_a end_n and_o upon_o the_o particular_a rule_n and_o not_o on_o either_o of_o they_o alone_o take_v not_o that_o for_o a_o mean_n which_o be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o be_v in_o ●ts_n nature_n destructive_a of_o the_o end_n 38._o neglect_v not_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n much_o less_o renounce_v it_o or_o deny_v it_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o take_v it_o for_o your_o duty_n to_o publish_v all_o which_o you_o judge_v to_o be_v truth_n nor_o a_o sin_n to_o silence_v many_o lesser_a truth_n when_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o welfare_n do_v require_v it_o 39_o know_v which_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o pretend_v not_o any_o lesser_a duty_n against_o these_o great_a though_o the_o least_o when_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v or_o neglect_v 40._o labour_n for_o a_o sound_a judgement_n to_o know_v good_a from_o evil_n lest_o you_o trouble_v yourselves_o and_o other_o by_o mistake_n forsake_v not_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o judicious_a teacher_n nor_o the_o company_n of_o the_o agree_a generality_n of_o the_o godly_a 41._o let_v not_o the_o bare_a fervour_n of_o a_o preacher_n or_o the_o loudness_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o affectionate_a utterance_n draw_v you_o too_o far_o to_o admire_v or_o follow_v he_o without_o a_o proportion_n of_o solid_a understanding_n and_o judiciousness_n 43._o your_o belief_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v make_v your_o own_o and_o not_o take_v mere_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o and_o in_o all_o point_n of_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n you_o must_v ever_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o err_v in_o those_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n the_o major_a vote_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o humane_a obedience_n your_o governor_n must_v be_v your_o guide_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a and_o difficult_a speculation_n the_o judgement_n of_o one_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a understanding_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o major_a vote_n 43._o reject_v not_o a_o good_a cause_n because_o it_o be_v own_v by_o some_o bad_a man_n and_o own_o not_o a_o bad_a cause_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o it_o judge_v not_o of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o person_n when_o you_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o person_n by_o the_o cause_n 44._o yea_o take_v the_o bad_a example_n of_o religious_a man_n to_o be_v one_o of_o your_o most_o perilous_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o special_a sin_n of_o professor_n in_o the_o age_n you_o live_v in_o that_o you_o may_v be_v special_o fortify_v against_o they_o 45._o desire_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o affect_v not_o to_o be_v odd_a and_o singular_a from_o ordinary_a christian_n in_o lawful_a thing_n 46._o when_o you_o have_v to_o do_v only_o with_o stigmatise_v scandalous_a one_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o scandal_n go_v as_o far_o from_o they_o as_o lawful_o you_o can_v but_o with_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o sinner_n who_o conversion_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v go_v not_o as_o far_o from_o they_o as_o you_o can_v but_o purposely_o study_v to_o come_v as_o near_o they_o as_o lawful_o you_o may_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o better_a advantage_n to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n 47._o whenever_o you_o be_v avoid_v any_o error_n forget_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrary_a extreme_a to_o be_v avoid_v of_o which_o you_o be_v not_o our_o of_o danger_n 48._o think_v more_o and_o talk_v more_o of_o your_o fault_n and_o fail_n against_o other_o especial_o against_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o pastor_n than_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o fail_n against_o you_o 49._o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o good_a in_o other_o which_o appear_v and_o talk_v rather_o of_o that_o behind_o their_o back_n than_o of_o their_o fault_n 50._o study_v the_o duty_n of_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v more_o than_o of_o reproof_n and_o find_v fault_n 51._o the_o more_o you_o suffer_v by_o ruler_n or_o any_o m●n_z the_o more_o be_v watchful_a lest_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o dishonour_v they_o or_o to_o withdraw_v or_o abate_v the_o love_n which_o be_v their_o due_n 52._o make_v conscience_n of_o heart-revenge_n and_o tongue-revenge_n as_o well_o as_o of_o hand-revenge_n 53._o when_o you_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o hurt_n which_o you_o feel_v from_o magistrate_n remember_v also_o the_o good_a which_o the_o church_n receive_v by_o they_o 54._o learn_v to_o suffer_v by_o good_a people_n and_o by_o minister_n and_o not_o only_o by_o ungodly_a people_n or_o by_o magistrate_n 55._o when_o you_o complain_v of_o violence_n and_o persecution_n in_o other_o take_v heed_n lest_o the_o same_o inward_a vice_n work_v in_o you_o by_o church_n cruelty_n and_o dimn_v censure_n against_o they_o or_o other_o persecution_n and_o separation_n often_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n 56._o keep_v still_o in_o your_o eye_n the_o state_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o a_o people_n they_o be_v through_o the_o world_n who_o christ_n have_v communion_n with_o and_o may_v not_o ignorant_o separate_v from_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n while_o you_o think_v that_o you_o separate_v but_o from_o those_o about_o you_o queres_fw-la about_o separation_n 57_o yet_o ler_n not_o any_o here_o cheat_v you_o by_o the_o bare_a namee_n and_o title_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o papal_a usurp_a head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o must_v you_o dream_v of_o any_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o universal_a
your_o foul_a backbiting_a revile_v censorious_a contentious_a tongue_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o contrary_a 13._o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v let_v he_o that_o will_v be_v think_v more_o know_v and_o religious_a than_o his_o neighbour_n be_v so_o much_o more_o blameless_a and_o meek_a to_o all_o man_n and_o excel_v they_o in_o good_a work_n v._n 14._o but_o if_o you_o have_v a_o bitter_a zeal_n for_o so_o be_v the_o greek_a word_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o in_o such_o a_o zeal_n or_o in_o your_o great_a knowledge_n and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n 15._o this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o as_o you_o imagine_v who_o father_n it_o on_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a or_o natural_a and_o devilish_a o_o doleful_a mistake_n that_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o conceit_a spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o excellency_n which_o they_o think_v have_v be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n v._n 16._o for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o strive_v contentious_a zeal_n against_o brethren_n there_o be_v confusion_n or_o tumult_n and_o unquietness_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n o_o lamentable_a reformer_n that_o set_v up_o every_o evil_a work_n while_o they_o seem_v zealous_a against_o evil_n v._n 17._o but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n or_o wrangle_v and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n when_o peace-breaker_n that_o sow_v in_o division_n and_o contention_n shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o unrighteousness_n though_o they_o call_v their_o way_n by_o the_o most_o religious_a name_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o show_v you_o what_o vanity_n and_o division_n be_v that_o wrong_a apprehension_n draw_v you_o not_o to_o sin_v direct_v viii_o when_o any_o thing_n need_v amendment_n in_o the_o church_n remember_v that_o the_o best_a christian_a must_v be_v the_o forward_a to_o reformation_n and_o ●he_v backwarde_a to_o division_n and_o must_v search_v and_o try_v all_o mean_n of_o reform_v which_o make_v not_o against_o the_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o here_o determine_v in_o what_o case_n you_o may_v or_o may_v not_o separate_v from_o any_o company_n of_o faulty_a christian_n i_o only_o say_v that_o you_o must_v never_o separate_v what_o god_n have_v conjoin_v the_o holiness_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o believer_n if_o corruption_n blemish_n and_o dishonour_v the_o congregation_n do_v not_o say_v let_v sin_n alone_o i_o must_v not_o oppose_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o division_n but_o be_v the_o forward_a to_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o can_v prevail_v as_o you_o desire_v be_v the_o backwarde_a to_o divide_v and_o separate_v and_o do_v it_o not_o without_o a_o certain_a warrant_n and_o extreme_a necessity_n resolve_v with_o austin_n i_o will_v not_o be_v the_o chaff_n and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o go_v out_o of_o the_o floor_n though_o the_o chaff_n be_v there_o never_o give_v over_o your_o just_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o possible_o you_o can_v avoid_v it_o forsake_v not_o the_o church_n which_o you_o desire_v to_o reform_v as_o paul_n say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o forsake_v a_o sea-wrecked_a vessel_n if_o these_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o ship_n you_o can_v be_v save_v many_o a_o one_o by_o unlawful_a fly_a and_o shift_v for_o his_o own_o great_a peace_n and_o safety_n do_v much_o more_o hazard_v his_o own_o and_o other_o direct_v ix_o forget_v not_o the_o great_a difference_n between_o cast_v out_o the_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a from_o the_o church_n by_o discipline_n and_o the_o godlies'_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o because_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n the_o second_o be_v ordinary_o a_o great_a sin_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o impenitent_a shall_v be_v put_v away_o from_o church-communion_n that_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o whether_o you_o shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v permit_v this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o call_v you_o to_o beware_v not_o but_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o christian_a may_v lawful_o remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o that_o have_v more_o light_a and_o purity_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o soul._n but_o before_o you_o separate_v from_o a_o faulty_a church_n as_o such_o as_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v communicate_v with_o you_o must_v look_v well_o about_o you_o and_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o thing_n which_o you_o affirm_v many_o weak_a christian_n mark_v those_o text_n which_o bid_v we_o avoid_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o to_o have_v no_o company_n with_o disorderly_a walker_n and_o not_o to_o eat_v with_o flagitious_a person_n do_v not_o sufficient_o mark_v their_o sense_n but_o take_v they_o as_o if_o they_o call_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n with_o which_o these_o person_n do_v communicate_v whereas_o if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n or_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n first_o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n second_o or_o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o both_o these_o we_o will_v promote_v and_o no_o way_n hinder_v three_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v let_v we_o here_o peruse_v the_o text_n that_o speak_v of_o our_o withdraw_n from_o the_o wicked_a 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v express_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o oblige_v to_o put_v away_o the_o incestuous_a person_n from_o among_o they_o and_o so_o not_o to_o eat_v with_o such_o offender_n so_o be_v that_o in_o 2_o thes._n 3._o and_o that_o in_o tit._n 3._o 10._o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n avoid_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o have_v already_o separate_v himself_o from_o our_o communion_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v put_v private_a familiarity_n which_o we_o be_v further_a to_o avoid_v in_o brief_a there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v of_o which_o command_v any_o more_o i_o have_v before_o show_v that_o abundance_n of_o church_n corruption_n or_o of_o scandalous_a member_n be_v then_o among_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n never_o speak_v a_o syllable_n to_o any_o one_o christian_a to_o separate_v from_o any_o one_o of_o all_o those_o church_n which_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v have_v whole_o omit_v if_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n obj._n but_o then_o why_o do_v luther_n and_o the_o first_o protestant_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o will_v you_o justify_v they_o from_o schism_n ans._n its_o pity_n that_o sloth_n and_o sortishness_n shall_v keep_v any_o protestant_n or_o papist_n either_o in_o such_o ignorance_n as_o to_o need_v any_o help_n to_o answer_v so_o easy_a a_o question_n at_o this_o day_n let_v not_o equivocal_a name_n deceive_v we_o and_o the_o case_n be_v easy_a by_o the_o word_n church_n the_o scripture_n still_o mean_v first_o either_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n alone_o second_o or_o particular_a congregation_n associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o god_n worship_n but_o the_o pope_n have_v feign_v another_o kind_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v it_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o christian_n as_o head_v by_o himself_o as_o the_o constitutive_a and_o govern_v head_n whereas_o first_o god_n never_o institute_v or_o allow_v such_o a_o church_n second_o nor_o do_v ever_o the_o universality_n of_o christian_n acknowledge_v this_o usurp_a head_n show_v i_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o church-history_n that_o either_o there_o ever_o be_v the_o facto_fw-la or_o aught_o to_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o i_o profess_v i_o will_v immediate_o turn_n
furtherance_n of_o the_o right_n and_o successful_a use_n of_o gift_n for_o ordinary_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o the_o heart_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n when_o a_o unexperienced_a hypocrite_n speak_v without_o life_n but_o sometime_o a_o dulness_n and_o want_n of_o utterance_n in_o the_o sincere_a and_o a_o natural_a and_o affect_a fervency_n in_o the_o hypocrite_n with_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n do_v obscure_a this_o difference_n and_o make_v the_o hypocrite_n the_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n direct_v xviii_o understand_v well_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o communion_n with_o all_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o your_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n mystical_a you_o must_v have_v communion_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o regeneration_n the_o same_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o same_o law_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a you_o must_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o ministry_n and_o public_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v universal_o determine_v of_o by_o christ._n and_o though_o you_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n you_o must_v be_v as_o present_v in_o spirit_n by_o consent_n with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n you_o must_v have_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a church_n and_o visible_a communion_n in_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o kind_a of_o workship_n with_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o l●cal-presential_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o you_o be_v present_a and_o with_o any_o other_o where_o your_o presence_n afterward_o may_v be_v needful_a unless_o they_o hinder_v you_o by_o unlawful_a term_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o measure_n of_o communion_n which_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o all_o but_o you_o must_v have_v communion_n with_o all_o man_n as_o a_o man_n and_o with_o neighbour_n as_o a_o neighbour_n and_o with_o relation_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n civil_a or_o domestical_a and_o with_o all_o true_a christian_n as_o a_o true_a christian_a and_o with_o all_o profess_a christian_n as_o a_o profess_a christian_n and_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o you_o be_v a_o part_n as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o church_n and_o with_o your_o bosom_n friend_n and_o intimate_a companion_n as_o a_o friend_n and_o companion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o you_o must_v communicate_v with_o no_o church_n or_o person_n in_o their_o sin_n itself_o and_o yet_o not_o refuse_v their_o communion_n in_o good_a though_o mix_v with_o sin_n you_o must_v own_v all_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a and_o join_v in_o spirit_n by_o consent_n as_o if_o you_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o presence_n and_o make_v all_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v your_o own_o as_o you_o do_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o be_v present_a if_o there_o be_v disorder_n or_o imperfection_n or_o sinful_a blemish_n in_o their_o prayer_n you_o must_v disow_v all_o those_o fault_n but_o not_o therefore_o disow_v any_o part_n of_o all_o their_o prayer_n which_o be_v good_a but_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o part_n in_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o fail_n and_o here_o you_o may_v perceive_v what_o a_o mischief_n peevish_a separation_n be_v on_o both_o side_n it_o hinder_v you_o from_o pr●ying_v aright_o for_o other_o as_o the_o member_n shall_v do_v for_o all_o the_o body_n and_o it_o hinder_v you_o from_o partake_v in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n indeed_o god_n may_v hear_v those_o prayer_n for_o you_o which_o you_o yourselves_o disow_v but_o whether_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o deal_n be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v he_o have_v make_v every_o man_n will_n or_o choice_n the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o his_o participation_n of_o such_o benefit_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o he_o that_o abhor_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n or_o take_v they_o for_o such_o as_o god_n abhor_v or_o will_v not_o accept_v and_o in_o his_o mind_n disow_v all_o participation_n and_o communion_n in_o they_o shall_v yet_o have_v a_o part_n against_o his_o will_n but_o of_o this_o more_o anon_o as_o your_o baptism_n make_v you_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o you_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o your_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v more_o noble_a more_o necessary_a and_o more_o durable_a than_o your_o relation_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v more_o noble_a because_o the_o society_n be_v more_o noble_a the_o whole_a be_v more_o excellent_a than_o a_o little_a part_n it_o be_v more_o necssary_a because_o you_o can_v be_v save_v and_o be_v christian_n without_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o you_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o be_v save_v without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o state_v particular_a church_n it_o be_v more_o durable_a because_o you_o can_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o without_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n but_o divers_a occasion_n may_v warrant_v your_o removeall_n from_o a_o particular_a church_n live_v not_o therefore_o in_o those_o narrow_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n as_o if_o your_o congregation_n or_o your_o party_n be_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o if_o you_o have_v no_o christian_a relation_n to_o any_o other_o minister_n or_o people_n nor_o owe_v any_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o remember_v that_o all_o christian_n person_n and_o congregation_n be_v but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n direct_v xix_o take_v heed_n of_o engage_v yourselves_o too_o far_o in_o any_o divide_a sect_n or_o of_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o any_o party_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o injury_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o cause_n of_o christianity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o several_a rank_n of_o christian_n the_o sound_a and_o most_o upright_o be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la their_o communion_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o that_o be_v more_o unsound_a and_o scandalous_a but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prefer_v the_o eye_n or_o hand_n before_o the_o foot_n a_o noble_a member_n before_o a_o more_o ignoble_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o own_o a_o sect_n as_o such_o or_o a_o party_n as_o they_o either_o divide_v from_o other_o or_o take_v up_o a_o divide_v opposite_a interest_n you_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o err_v against_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n nor_o against_o any_o truth_n or_o duty_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n for_o then_o the_o church_n be_v no_o church_n and_o then_o christ_n be_v not_o its_o head_n and_o then_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n may_v perish_v and_o then_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n but_o you_o can_v say_v of_o any_o one_o part_n that_o you_o be_v sure_o that_o part_n shall_v never_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v there_o may_v fall_v out_o a_o necessity_n which_o may_v warrant_v the_o body_n to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o leg_n to_o save_v the_o rest_n but_o no_o corporal_a necessity_n can_v warrant_v you_o to_o destroy_v the_o whole_a nor_o any_o one_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o body_n before_o it_o be_v forcible_o cut_v off_o he_o that_o see_v not_o how_o the_o espouse_v of_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n do_v corrupt_v most_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o lacerate_v and_o deface_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o not_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v somewhat_o rare_a to_o meet_v with_o any_o serious_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o engage_v into_o some_o sect_n or_o side_n or_o party_n as_o to_o darken_v their_o judgement_n and_o pervert_v their_o affection_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o corrupt_v their_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n how_o blind_o do_v such_o look_v on_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o how_o partial_o do_v they_o judge_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o how_o small_a a_o thing_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n to_o excuse_v the_o fault_n of_o any_o of_o their_o party_n and_o how_o small_a and_o common_a a_o good_a seem_v excellent_a in_o they_o and_o how_o perverse_o do_v they_o
that_o he_o take_v they_o for_o no_o church_n and_o disow_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o world_n who_o you_o disow_v or_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o separate_v where_o christ_n do_v not_o separate_v and_o to_o be_v go_v from_o his_o ho●se_n while_o he_o there_o abide_v and_o to_o condemn_v those_o who_o he_o condemn_v not_o nor_o yet_o command_v you_o to_o forsake_v or_o to_o condemn_v obj._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o little_a flock_n and_o not_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o number_n and_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o grace_n to_o never_o so_o few_o i_o will_v confine_v my_o communion_n to_o as_o few_o answ._n first_o grace_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o you_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o only_o therefore_o your_o communion_n must_v be_v extend_v according_a to_o man_n profession_n and_o not_o according_a to_o sincerity_n which_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o question_n be_v who_o have_v grace_n and_o who_o have_v not_o god_n have_v not_o make_v you_o a_o heart_n search_v judge_n but_o have_v make_v profession_n the_o sign_n which_o you_o must_v judge_v by_o and_o he_o that_o profess_v christianity_n profess_v all_o that_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n second_o if_o christ_n flock_n be_v little_a when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n it_o be_v much_o great_a now_o and_o if_o it_o be_v little_a still_o as_o it_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o world_n of_o heathen_n infidel_n and_o hypocrite_n will_v he_o give_v they_o thanks_o that_o will_v make_v it_o less_o yea_o a_o thousand_o time_n less_o than_o it_o be_v indeed_o have_v he_o so_o few_o and_o will_v you_o take_v from_o he_o almost_o all_o those_o few_o if_o you_o have_v but_o a_o hundred_o sheep_n when_o your_o neighbour_n have_v a_o thousand_o will_v you_o thank_v he_o that_o will_v rob_v you_o of_o all_o save_o one_o three_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v the_o fewness_n of_o the_o save_v we_o reverence_v his_o counsel_n and_o believe_v his_o word_n but_o if_o you_o will_v make_v it_o so_o much_o less_o a_o number_n while_o you_o falsify_v god_n word_n you_o will_v tempt_v yourselves_o at_o last_o not_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o you_o have_v make_v it_o false_a and_o incredible_a by_o make_v it_o your_o own_o brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o we_o while_o we_o pity_v you_o and_o will_v save_v your_o soul_n from_o your_o own_o snare_n and_o delusion_n you_o know_v not_o how_o fast_o you_o be_v hasten_v to_o infidelity_n and_o to_o the_o renounce_n of_o christ_n himself_o you_o little_o suspect_v that_o your_o extraordinary_a strictness_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v tend_v to_o your_o turn_a heathen_n and_o deny_v the_o whole_a church_n but_o remember_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v so_o infiait_o good_a as_o well_o as_o just_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o christ_n call_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n be_v say_v so_o to_o love_v the_o world_n in_o give_v he_o joh._n 3._o 16._o that_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v god_n will_v save_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o ten_o or_o a_o thousand_o and_o damn_v all_o the_o rest_n if_o you_o do_v in_o your_o bravad●_n believe_v yourselves_o this_o year_n by_o the_o next_o you_o may_v be_v like_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o fable_n i_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o forbear_v name_v some_o high_a professor_n know_v late_o at_o w●rcester_n exeter_z and_o other_o part_n who_o die_v apostate-infidel_n deride_v christianity_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n who_o once_o be_v separatist_n and_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n church_n be_v no_o more_o numerous_a than_o all_o the_o separatist_n on_o earth_n it_o will_v make_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n more_o difficult_a for_o as_o he_o be_v no_o king_n that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n so_o he_o be_v next_o to_o no_o king_n who_o kingdom_n be_v next_o to_o none_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v that_o our_o king_n be_v only_a king_n of_o islington_n or_o hackney_n and_o no_o more_o will_v by_o deride_v he_o to_o day_n prepare_v for_o the_o depose_v he_o to_o morrow_n they_o be_v glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n even_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v become_v his_o kingdom_n and_o if_o you_o will_v take_v from_o he_o all_o save_o two_o or_o three_o cottage_n i_o mean_v the_o separate_a church_n only_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a addition_n to_o your_o treason_n to_o take_v the_o rest_n and_o to_o crucify_v christ_n afresh_o and_o write_v over_o he_o in_o der●sion_n the_o title_n of_o a_o king_n you_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n he_o that_o can_v entice_v a_o apple_n from_o a_o child_n if_o he_o can_v get_v he_o to_o let_v he_o eat_v all_o the_o rest_n till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o little_a of_o the_o core_n will_v then_o easy_o get_v he_o to_o throw_v away_o that_o worthless_a relict_n if_o to_o day_n you_o will_v needs_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v reject_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n save_v only_o a_o few_o person_n who_o have_v pride_n enough_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o rest_n by_z to_z morrow_n or_o e●e_n lo●g_v you_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o add_v one_o other_o degree_n to_o your_o derision_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v christ._n obj._n but_o we_o be_v more_o than_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n answ._n first_o you_o never_o yet_o prove_v that_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n be_v damn_v and_o no_o more_o save_v from_o hell_n than_o be_v saved●_n from_o the_o deluge_n second_o if_o you_o have_v yet_o th●●_n scripture_n speak_v such_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o universal_a gospel_n church_n as_o that_o which_o make_v up_o 〈◊〉_d former_a diminution_n and_o loss_n and_o help_v 〈…〉_z against_o such_o difficulty_n direct_v lvii_o yet_o let_v not_o any_o here_o cheat_v you_o by_o overdo_v nor_o mere_a name_n and_o title_n of_o unity_n deceive_v you_o instead_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o must_v you_o ever_o dream_v of_o any_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o christ_n himself_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o satan_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v under_o pretence_n of_o promote_a it_o and_o his_o way_n be_v to_o overgo_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o seem_v more_o zealous_a than_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o to_o mend_v their_o work_n by_o do_v it_o better_o or_o do_v more_o christ_n be_v not_o strict_a enough_o for_o the_o pharisee_n in_o keep_v the_o 〈◊〉_d nor_o in_o his_o company_n nor_o in_o his_o diet_n sata●●_n have_v always_o two_o way_n to_o destroy_v both_o truth_n and_o duty_n the_o first_o be_v by_o direct_a oppose_a it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o next_o be_v by_o overdo_v and_o pretend_v to_o defend_v it_o if_o he_o can_v destroy_v zeal_n by_o scorn_v it_o and_o quench_v it_o he_o will_v try_v to_o do_v it_o by_o overheat_v and_o distemper_a it_o if_o he_o can_v destroy_v knowledge_n by_o the_o way_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n he_o will_v try_v to_o spin_v it_o out_o into_o the_o fine_a thread_n of_o vain_a and_o innumerable_a question_n and_o speculation_n and_o to_o crumble_v it_o into_o such_o invisible_a atom_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o scepticism_n or_o nothing_o if_o he_o can_v destroy_v faith_n by_o open_a infidelity_n he_o will_v try_v to_o make_v man_n believe_v too_o much_o by_o make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o own_o belief_n and_o calling_n that_o a_o particular_a faith_n &_o alter_v god_n word_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n to_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o nobleness_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o need_v no_o such_o help_n as_o these_o till_o by_o over_n they_o have_v raise_v their_o edifice_n in_o the_o air_n and_o reject_v their_o foundation_n and_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o of_o their_o physician_n lest_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v accuse_v as_o insufficient_a even_o so_o when_o satan_n find_v that_o he_o can_v direct_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v division_n into_o credit_n he_o will_v be_v more_o zealous_a for_o unity_n than_o christ_n himself_n he_o will_v then_o endure_v no_o disagreement_n among_o christian_n no_o not_o in_o a_o opinion_n nor_o a_o form_n or_o ceremony_n not_o in_o meat_n or_o drink_n or_o keep_v of_o day_n or_o in_o judge_v of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n