of_o these_o two_o extreme_n which_o disowne_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v require_v in_o person_n in_o order_n to_o visible_a membership_n or_o church-state_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o that_o point_n it_o be_v already_o so_o large_o speak_v unto_o and_o full_o clear_v by_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o especial_o that_o late_a eminent_a discoverer_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n mr_n jo._n cotton_n in_o that_o little_a treatise_n of_o he_o beside_o several_a other_o entitle_v the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o press_v a_o unity_n of_o church-state_n with_o any_o that_o make_v not_o visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o main_a mark_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o church-membership_a but_o what_o union_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o godly_a of_o that_o judgement_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o opinion_n in_o its_o place_n and_o shall_v now_o chief_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o general_n position_n that_o all_o true_a believer_n congregat_v together_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o mix_a worship_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v one_o another_o as_o true_a church_n and_o saint_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n jo._n 11.52_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n rom._n 12.4_o 5._o sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n jo._n 10.16_o in_o observance_n of_o all_o those_o joint_a duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v rend_a or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o object_n the_o term_n of_o your_o position_n so_o general_o state_v may_v admit_v of_o several_a construction_n and_o thereby_o give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n though_o you_o shall_v prove_v it_o if_o not_o more_o particular_o explain_v answ_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o term_n in_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o will_v arise_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o for_o brevity_n sake_n shall_v pass_v they_o by_o here_o and_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o position_n with_o argument_n i_o shall_v chief_o draw_v from_o these_o seven_o general_a head_n follow_v first_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v visible_o manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n believer_n ought_v to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n second_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o son_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n and_o church_n on_o earth_n all_o his_o ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o from_o the_o evident_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o visible_a choice_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a inspiration_n of_o its_o quicken_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n believer_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o as_o such_o who_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o they_o to_o a_o mutual_a participation_n in_o the_o privilege_n gift_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n four_o from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o age_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o fellow-member_n with_o themselves_o in_o god_n visible_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o approve_v of_o and_o choose_v by_o all_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n five_o from_o the_o several_a simile_n and_o metaphor_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a interest_n in_o a_o union_n with_o one_o another_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o what_o unity_n be_v require_v and_o interest_n be_v give_v to_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n and_o under_o the_o same_o shepherd_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o same_o interest_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o union_n require_v in_o the_o several_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v so_o fit_o compare_v thereto_o and_o lively_o set_v out_o thereby_o six_o from_o the_o evident_a sad_a consequence_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n though_o their_o dividing_n and_o separating_n from_o one_o another_o and_o unite_n together_o upon_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n argue_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o destructive_a uncomfortable_a consequence_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o evil_n labour_v against_o and_o avoid_v seven_o from_o the_o evident_a and_o unspeakable_a good_a both_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n the_o union_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o gospel_n last_v principle_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o since_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o a_o bind_v and_o abide_v principle_n as_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n will_v so_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o unvaluable_a good_a thereof_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n by_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o next_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o visible_a grace_n itself_o now_o from_o the_o first_o head_n viz_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n i_o argue_v 1._o those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n 2._o believer_n ought_v to_o manifest_v their_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n but_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o visible_a believer_n and_o gration_n holy_a person_n to_o be_v his_o child_n therefore_o ought_v believer_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n 1._o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o since_o prejudice_v against_o truth_n do_v ofttimes_o put_v out_o all_o light_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o light_n of_o some_o scripture_n to_o the_o clear_n up_o this_o truth_n and_o first_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 23._o verse_n 8._o compare_v with_o the_o 9th_o say_v the_o word_n in_o verse_n 8._o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n which_o he_o prove_v in_o verse_n 9_o for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o heb._n 2.11_o for_o both_o he_o that_o sanctifi_v and_o they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v all_o of_o one_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n from_o which_o scripture_n i_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o all_o saint_n for_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o imperfection_n and_o uncomliness_n unsutatable_a to_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o course_n of_o life_n because_o himself_o as_o head_n and_o they_o as_o member_n be_v all_o of_o one_o father_n that_o since_o his_o father_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o all_o as_o son_n verse_n 10._o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o then_o all_o as_o brethren_n verse_n 11._o now_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o fellow_n brethren_n who_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o like_a infirmity_n jam._n 5.17_o who_o do_v all_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v be_v more_o high-minded_a in_o this_o case_n and_o soon_o ashamed_a of_o their_o brethren_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n than_o their_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o bear_n with_o he_o he_o bear_v all_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o the_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o they_o heb._n 12.2_o thereby_o set_v they_o a_o pattern_n to_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o each_o other_o infirmity_n for_o so_o argue_v paul_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v
doctrine_n and_o holy_a example_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o withal_o press_v they_o to_o unity_n and_o warn_v they_o against_o their_o division_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o error_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o scripture_n quote_v from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o scripture_n who_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o controversy_n without_o mistake_n do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n sake_n permit_v person_n hold_v and_o maintain_v many_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o own_o they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n while_o they_o manifest_v visible_a sanctity_n in_o the_o main_a and_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v not_o receive_v those_o error_n by_o tradition_n and_o education_n from_o christian_a ancestor_n or_o teacher_n then_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o they_o all_o god_n people_n now_o be_v themselves_o fallible_a in_o judgement_n and_o exceed_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n even_o the_o able_a and_o gracious_a of_o they_o and_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v but_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n of_o gospel_n light_n and_o knowledge_n out_o of_o a_o long_a dark_a night_n of_o antichristian_a error_n and_o pollution_n through_o which_o many_o of_o themselves_o not_o long_o since_o be_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o several_a gospel_n truth_n in_o which_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n have_v since_o more_o full_o inform_v they_o to_o walk_v towards_o one_o another_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o rule_n of_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.2_o and_o thereby_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n verse_n 3_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v so_o walk_v in_o like_a case_n when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n therefore_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v now_o object_n 2._o then_o you_o be_v for_o the_o permit_v of_o all_o error_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o must_v not_o separate_v from_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n what_o shall_v we_o separate_v from_o answ_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a discrimination_n by_o name_n of_o all_o error_n or_o to_o determine_v the_o degree_n of_o any_o particular_a error_n that_o shall_v render_v the_o erroneous_a person_n incommunicable_a be_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n for_o i_o to_o undertake_v i_o shall_v only_o propose_v some_o general_a rule_n and_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o countenance_n and_o shall_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o judicious_a christian_n first_o that_o church_n and_o believer_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o deny_v communion_n with_o all_o such_o who_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o second_o from_o such_o who_o though_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n by_o hold_v regeneration_n and_o visible_a grace_n to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o visible_a member_n of_o gospel_n church_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a in_o judgement_n that_o their_o error_n be_v first_o contrary_a to_o godliness_n or_o second_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n or_o three_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n doctrine_n of_o salvation_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o for_o the_o first_o by_o person_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o who_o though_o profess_v of_o and_o practise_v the_o true_a external_a act_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o they_o may_v be_v general_o profess_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o sound_a christian_n yet_o in_o their_o declare_a principle_n and_o conversation_n disow_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o express_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o jo_n 3.3_o with_o all_o other_o visible_a sign_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n as_o hebr._n 6.1_o to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o gospel-fellowship_n which_o may_v be_v discern_v either_o by_o their_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3.4_o or_o otherwise_o by_o their_o apparent_a enmity_n to_o or_o scorn_v of_o gracious_a qualification_n in_o other_o by_o deride_v the_o godly_a as_o holy_a brethren_n and_o sister_n or_o by_o the_o scorn_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n now_o such_o though_o they_o may_v profess_v the_o form_n do_v visible_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n from_o who_o we_o have_v a_o express_a rule_n to_o withdraw_v 2_o tim._n 3.5_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o from_o such_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n press_v the_o corinthian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o â—â—aked_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o commmunion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concerd_a have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o infidel_n and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2._o second_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o be_v from_o person_n hold_v opinion_n or_o live_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o opinion_n as_o tend_v to_o a_o deny_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o life_n in_o his_o reveal_v communicable_a quality_n manifest_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n heb._n 1.3_o and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n concern_v which_o paul_n to_o timothy_n give_v a_o express_a command_n 1_o tim_n 6.3_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o withdraw_v thyself_o and_o further_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o 1_o verse_n but_o thou_o oh_o man_n of_o god_n fly_v these_o thing_n and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o titus_n make_v this_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n titus_n 1.1_o paul_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o in_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o verse_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o by_o well_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o those_o three_o short_a epistle_n you_o may_v plain_o observe_v what_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v by_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n in_o all_o person_n of_o what_o state_n of_o condition_n soever_o as_o in_o people_n towards_o magistrate_n 1_o tim_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o titus_n 3.1_o in_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n chap._n 3._o chap._n 4.6.12_o vers_fw-la 2_o tim._n 2.15.24_o chap._n 4.2_o titus_n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o in_o private_a christian_n towards_o their_o minister_n chap._n 5.1_o 17_o 18_o 19_o in_o servant_n towards_o master_n chap._n 6.1_o 2._o titus_n 2.9.10_o in_o rich_a towards_o the_o poor_a chapter_n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n in_o age_a man_n titus_n 2_o 2._o in_o age_a woman_n titus_n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o young_a woman_n titus_n 2.4_o 5._o in_o young_a man_n vers_fw-la 6._o teach_v we_o by_o all_o those_o scripture_n with_o all_o other_o of_o like_a tendency_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o be_v opinion_n to_o be_v esteem_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n when_o they_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n and_o to_o slight_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o and_o fill_v the_o head_n and_o mind_n of_o christian_n with_o loose_a
and_o substance_n of_o the_o form_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v proportionable_o prefer_v before_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n despise_v and_o pour_v contempt_n upon_o the_o true_a form_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o abuse_v as_o to_o set_v up_o itself_o against_o or_o without_o the_o true_a power_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o your_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n nor_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n and_o call_v of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o appoint_v feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o so_o isa_n 29.13_o ezek._n 33.30_o yet_o all_o these_o particular_a performance_n be_v the_o require_v institute_v act_n of_o god_n visible_a worship_n which_o he_o blame_v they_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o isa_n 43_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o mal._n 1._o 8._o compare_v with_o the_o 13_o 14._o but_o when_o his_o people_n become_v carnal_a observer_n of_o his_o visible_a worship_n cry_v as_o those_o carnal_a jew_n do_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7.4_o without_o manifest_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n which_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o form_n of_o then_o behold_v to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n 1_o sam._n 15.12_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n then_o and_o not_o sacrifice_n hosea_n 6.6_o mat._n 9_o 13._o then_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o lord_n than_o sacrifice_n pro._n 21.32_o as_o the_o scribe_n reply_v to_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 12.3_o well_o master_n thou_o have_v say_v the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o none_o other_o but_o be_v and_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o the_o understanding_n and_o with_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o be_v more_o than_o all_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o when_o jesus_n see_v â—hat_n he_o answer_v discreet_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o which_o reply_n the_o lord_n place_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weight_n in_o person_n esteem_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n much_o above_o the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o these_o scripture_n i_o will_v infer_v that_o in_o our_o strive_n about_o the_o true_a form_n of_o worship_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o preserve_n and_o propagate_a the_o true_a power_n before_o it_o if_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n in_o regard_n the_o lord_n have_v so_o evident_o in_o his_o word_n declare_v his_o wellpleasedness_a in_o the_o power_n when_o mention_v distinct_a from_o the_o form_n but_o never_o to_o the_o form_n when_o mention_v distinct_a from_o the_o power_n object_n do_v you_o think_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n can_v consist_v without_o the_o true_a form_n answ_n if_o by_o true_a form_n be_v mean_v a_o sincere_a desire_n after_o the_o true_a form_n and_o a_o conscientious_a walk_v up_o thereto_o so_o far_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v convince_v or_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o wilful_a and_o settle_a neglect_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n commandment_n even_o in_o his_o visible_a worship_n when_o nothing_o come_v in_o competition_n therewith_o of_o more_o immediate_a concernment_n to_o god_n church_n and_o glory_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o true_a form_n the_o perfect_a unerring_a observance_n of_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o god_n worship_n without_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o rule_n give_v in_o his_o word_n then_o i_o answer_v it_o may_v in_o regard_n the_o most_o understanding_n and_o sincere_a christian_a be_v fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o mistake_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o our_o own_o sad_a experience_n speak_v loud_a for_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o so_o uncharitable_o rigid_a of_o any_o persuasion_n retain_v gracious_a qualification_n but_o will_v admit_v that_o among_o such_o as_o be_v godly_a differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v both_o able_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o be_v judge_v to_o err_v will_v practise_v it_o and_o in_o that_o case_n i_o judge_v it_o be_v against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o spiritual_a and_o natural_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n to_o compel_v a_o conformity_n to_o a_o visible_a act_n of_o worship_n before_o the_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o its_o duty_n therein_o or_o at_o least_o unprincipled_a in_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n against_o the_o act_n require_v which_o all_o that_o separate_v from_o or_o reject_v gracious_a person_n for_o not_o conform_v to_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n before_o conviction_n do_v evident_o do_v for_o i_o judge_v there_o can_v be_v no_o high_a impulsion_n upon_o conscience_n in_o a_o gracious_a person_n their_o anonstate_v of_o he_o from_o his_o visible_a interest_n in_o &_o privilege_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o sure_o sincere_a christian_n do_v value_n above_o their_o liberty_n or_o the_o great_a outward_a good_a they_o enjoy_v yet_o this_o they_o must_v lose_v if_o they_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n against_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o these_o violation_n of_o conscience_n be_v oft_o practise_v by_o such_o as_o most_o cry_v up_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o the_o impose_v of_o practice_n and_o principle_n upon_o gracious_a person_n conscientious_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o conscience_n object_n but_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n of_o opinion_n betwixt_o such_o as_o be_v godly_a about_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o unity_n in_o gospel_n order_n for_o where_o some_o be_v positive_o for_o and_o other_o positive_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n how_o can_v such_o agree_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o one_o fellowship_n answ_n either_o those_o positive_a contrary_n must_v be_v about_o thing_n of_o that_o weight_n that_o one_o side_n must_v come_v within_o some_o of_o the_o former_a rule_n before_o mind_a page_n 17._o or_o otherwise_o of_o less_o weight_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v from_o if_o the_o former_a the_o sound_n in_o judgement_n have_v there_o a_o evident_a rule_n to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v from_o if_o the_o latter_a then_o to_o walk_v tender_o and_o charitable_o towards_o each_o other_o then_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a &_o not_o to_o please_v themselves_o then_o paul_n rule_n philip._n 3.15_o 16._o come_v in_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a or_o sincere_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attaint_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n object_n but_o you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o to_o those_o controversy_n among_o the_o godly_a about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o extent_n of_o christ_n death_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n answ_n though_o i_o do_v judge_n as_o those_o and_o the_o most_o of_o such_o like_a controversy_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o each_o persuasion_n the_o err_a party_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o incommunicable_a nor_o the_o difference_n about_o they_o of_o that_o extent_n as_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o a_o orderly_a and_o comfortable_a walk_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therein_o each_o enjoy_n both_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n they_o walk_v tender_o and_o humble_o towards_o each_o other_o therein_o yet_o i_o shall_v decline_v a_o particular_a speak_v my_o thought_n at_o present_a have_v reason_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o disability_n for_o that_o work_n and_o be_v in_o hope_n the_o lord_n may_v draw_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o more_o able_a to_o engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n against_o controversye_n whereby_o i_o shall_v
renew_v its_o purity_n p._n 57_o 3._o unity_n will_v repair_v its_o reputation_n and_o esteem_n p._n 57_o 58._o 4._o unity_n will_v renew_v its_o growth_n and_o increase_n p._n 59_o 60._o 5._o unity_n will_v abundant_o renew_v its_o joy_n and_o comfort_n p._n 61._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 62._o from_o who_o objection_n may_v be_v expect_v p._n 63._o how_o the_o objection_n be_v state_v to_o the_o reader_n p._n 64._o 1._o object_n against_o the_o admission_n of_o erroneous_a person_n answer_v p._n 65._o and_o wherein_o be_v prove_v that_o person_n hold_v great_a error_n then_o general_o saint_n now_o separate_v upon_o be_v admit_v communion_n with_o the_o primitive_a church_n p._n 65._o 66._o much_o more_o reason_n for_o god_n minister_n and_o church_n to_o permit_v erroneous_a person_n into_o communion_n now_o then_o then_o p._n 67._o 2._o object_n that_o this_o principle_n admit_v all_o error_n and_o heresy_n in_o god_n church_n answer_v p._n 67._o in_o which_o answer_n be_v show_v what_o sort_n of_o error_n or_o erroneous_a person_n god_n church_n and_o people_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v from_o p_o 68_o to_o 77._o 3._o object_n raise_a from_o the_o 2_o thess_n 3.6_o concern_v disorderly_a walk_v and_o disobedience_n answer_v from_o p._n 77._o to_o 83._o 4._o object_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n can_v consist_v without_o the_o true_a form_n answer_v p_o 83._o 84_o 5._o object_n from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o unity_n with_o principle_n direct_o opposite_a one_o to_o another_o answer_v p._n 85._o 6._o object_n against_o the_o too_o general_a state_v the_o case_n and_o not_o come_v to_o those_o particular_a point_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v answer_v p._n 86._o 7._o object_n from_o the_o unpossibility_n of_o gospel_n union_n until_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o glorious_a promise_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a time_n answer_v p._n 87._o wherein_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o defer_v our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o after_o unity_n p._n 87._o 88_o unity_n must_v precede_v glory_n to_o christ_n church_n p._n 88_o division_n lie_v as_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n glory_n now_o as_o unbelief_n do_v former_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n p._n 89._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n glory_n hold_v forth_o a_o universality_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o glory_n to_o all_o saint_n p._n 89._o the_o union_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v be_v not_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o our_o understanding_n wherein_o we_o differ_v but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n one_o towards_o another_o while_o thus_o differ_v p._n 90._o the_o lord_n have_v supply_v his_o church_n with_o special_a unite_n grace_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o special_a unite_n duty_n as_o the_o end_n p._n 91._o they_o that_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n by_o dispute_v and_o reason_v they_o into_o the_o same_o understanding_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n p._n 92_o 93._o saint_n too_o apt_a to_o be_v pore_v upon_o each_o other_o infirmity_n p._n 94._o object_n from_o the_o prejudice_n that_o be_v in_o christian_n against_o each_o other_o opinion_n and_o principle_n answer_v p._n 95._o direction_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n p._n 96._o 1._o direction_n to_o labour_v to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o duty_n p._n 95._o 2._o direction_n to_o arm_n themselves_o against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o difficulty_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o therein_o p._n 96._o 3._o to_o take_v heed_n of_o exercise_v any_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n weapon_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o union_n cause_n p._n 96._o 97._o 4._o labour_v to_o obtain_v a_o compassionate_a tender_a frame_n of_o spirit_n p._n 97._o 5_o set_v thy_o affection_n on_o those_o thing_n in_o saint_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o visible_a p._n 99_o 6._o labour_n to_o abound_v in_o unite_n grace_n p._n 99_o 100_o 7._o labour_v to_o preserve_v a_o proportionable_a growth_n of_o of_o grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n p._n 100_o 8._o be_v most_o exercise_v in_o those_o duty_n thy_o place_n and_o ability_n most_o call_v thou_o unto_o and_o fit_v thou_o for_o p._n 102._o 103._o further_a direction_n to_o gospel_n minister_n in_o order_n to_o saint_n union_n p._n 103._o 104_o 1._o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o division_n among_o themselves_o 104._o 105._o 106._o 2._o then_o to_o study_v all_o holy_a way_n of_o further_a the_o work_n of_o union_n p._n 107._o 3._o to_o change_v their_o sharp_a censuring_n and_o blaming_n into_o entreating_n and_o beseeching_n p._n 108._o 4._o to_o commend_v what_o be_v good_a as_o well_o as_o condemn_v what_o be_v evil_a in_o those_o differ_v from_o they_o p_o 109._o 5._o to_o lay_v no_o more_o stress_n upon_o the_o error_n reprove_v than_o the_o scripture_n do_v p._n 110._o 6._o to_o take_v heed_n of_o so_o intail_v error_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o charge_v upon_o person_n hold_v some_o lesser_a error_n with_o other_o they_o detest_v the_o thought_n of_o p._n 111._o 7._o to_o beware_v in_o so_o oppose_a error_n controversall_a in_o some_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o commend_v error_n fundamental_a in_o other_o p._n 112._o christian_n of_o all_o hand_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o manifest_v more_o indignation_n against_o some_o holy_a person_n for_o controversall_a error_n differ_v from_o they_o then_o against_o visible_a ungodliness_n and_o open_a profaneness_n in_o they_o that_o in_o opinion_n close_o with_o they_o p._n 113._o 114._o little_o help_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n from_o such_o as_o have_v much_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o evil_a of_o saint_n devision_n p._n 115._o therefore_o those_o that_o have_v the_o evil_a of_o saint_n division_n upon_o their_o heart_n ought_v the_o more_o to_o labour_v for_o unity_n p._n 116._o 1._o by_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n together_o and_o apart_o for_o saint_n union_n p._n 116._o 2._o to_o study_v to_o propagate_v the_o principle_n of_o this_o truth_n p._n 117._o 3._o to_o set_v up_o some_o beginning_n in_o gospel_n fellowship_n upon_o this_o gospel_n principle_n p._n 117._o 118._o object_n from_o the_o averseness_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o danger_n of_o further_a division_n upon_o the_o promote_a this_o principle_n answer_v p._n 118_o 119_o 120._o object_n from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o person_n not_o agree_v in_o judgement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o fellowship_n without_o obstruct_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o whole_a answer_v p._n 121_o 122._o object_n from_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o some_o controvert_v despise_a truth_n may_v receive_v thereby_o answer_v p_o 123._o 124._o object_n from_o the_o opposition_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o such_o of_o the_o godly_a as_o be_v against_o all_o separation_n answer_v p._n 126_o 127._o object_n from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o walk_v towards_o such_o who_o conversion_n though_o hopeful_a may_v be_v very_o doubtful_a answer_v p._n 128._o 129._o a_o censorious_a spirit_n and_o provoke_a carriage_n towards_o any_o profess_v christianity_n though_o not_o visible_o gracious_a be_v unblamable_a and_o hurtful_a p._n 130._o what_o case_n may_v give_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o present_a promote_a this_o or_o any_o other_o precious_a truth_n among_o some_o people_n p._n 131._o what_o the_o dross_n and_o rubbish_n of_o christian_n principle_n and_o spirit_n be_v that_o hinder_v they_o from_o unite_n which_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v labour_v to_o remove_v in_o order_n to_o unity_n when_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o towards_o it_o p._n 132_o 133._o christian_n usual_o more_o curious_a about_o the_o dish_n the_o lord_n present_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o they_o in_o than_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituallness_n of_o the_o bread_n itself_o p._n 134._o unpossible_a for_o saint_n ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o union_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o they_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o be_v agree_v p._n 135._o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n never_o speak_v good_a of_o differ_v christian_n one_o to_o another_o p._n 136_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n confine_v the_o heart_n of_o saint_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o a_o few_o of_o god_n people_n and_o ofttimes_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n one_o to_o another_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n p._n 137_o 138._o this_o evil_a principle_n lead_v to_o a_o wrest_v &_o misapply_v the_o precious_a promise_n and_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o misguide_v we_o in_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o duty_n towards_o our_o brother_n p._n 139._o what_o the_o author_n drive_v at_o in_o all_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o gospel_n
they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v equal_o admit_v by_o one_o another_o to_o the_o free_a participation_n in_o the_o privilege_n and_o provision_n of_o their_o father_n house_n the_o second_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o man_n who_o be_v trust_v by_o earthly_a parent_n with_o the_o care_n and_o guardianship_n of_o their_o child_n until_o they_o come_v to_o age_n to_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o part_n of_o their_o portion_n appoint_v for_o their_o maintenance_n in_o their_o nonage_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o starve_a or_o ruin_n of_o the_o orphan_n than_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o god_n minister_n and_o church_n who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o child_n portion_n which_o the_o father_n have_v appoint_v they_o for_o their_o spiritual_a maintenance_n in_o their_o nonage_n of_o this_o life_n to_o withhold_v or_o detain_v it_o from_o they_o but_o be_v a_o grievious_a cry_a sin_n in_o the_o former_a case_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o latter_a three_o argument_n if_o it_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o true_a natural_a affection_n and_o the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o earthly_a father_n only_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o his_o most_o healthful_a strong_a and_o lovely_a child_n and_o leave_v the_o sickly_a weak_a and_o deform_a in_o a_o starve_a condition_n much_o less_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o affection_n wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o the_o most_o merciful_a and_o heavenly_a father_n who_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v his_o child_n psal_n 103.13_o who_o much_o more_o know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.11_o who_o when_o his_o childen_a ask_v bread_n will_v not_o give_v a_o stone_n vers_n 9_o who_o though_o a_o mother_n may_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o can_v forget_v he_o isa_n 49.15_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o strong_a and_o healthful_a and_o lovely_a and_o to_o leave_v the_o disease_a weak_a and_o unlovely_a in_o a_o perish_a state_n but_o it_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o former_a ergo_fw-la not_o with_o the_o latter_a nay_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o a_o more_o special_a extraordinary_a care_n in_o the_o lord_n of_o sick_a &_o weak_a soul_n then_o of_o strong_a and_o healthy_a the_o whole_a need_v no_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a luke_n 5.31_o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isa_n 40.11_o and_o the_o contrary_a unmerciful_a disposition_n in_o his_o people_n he_o severe_o reprove_v ezek._n 34.4_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o ten_o verse_n from_o which_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v a_o merciful_a tender_a father_n to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o weak_a they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o church_n guidance_n and_o feed_v then_o the_o strong_a do_v and_o therefore_o for_o any_o one_o to_o deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o church-priviledge_n and_o provision_n to_o such_o as_o be_v visible_a believer_n and_o sincere_a in_o the_o main_a and_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n receive_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o lesser_a error_n and_o weakness_n than_o what_o by_o a_o visible_a rule_n unsaint_n they_o or_o bring_v they_o within_o church_n censure_n as_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n so_o have_v they_o no_o example_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o the_o weak_a and_o disease_a of_o god_n child_n be_v not_o only_o provide_v for_o by_o he_o but_o most_o especial_o upon_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v the_o privilege_n and_o provision_n of_o his_o house_n the_o second_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n union_n be_v lively_o hold_v forth_o be_v their_o membership_n of_o the_o same_o body_n now_o of_o all_o relation_n this_o be_v least_o consistent_a without_o unity_n if_o they_o be_v live_v member_n though_o some_o may_v be_v lame_a and_o other_o weak_a yet_o the_o other_o member_n will_v not_o despise_v nor_o cut_v they_o off_o while_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o cure_n but_o rather_o take_v more_o care_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o recovery_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o suffer_v with_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12.26_o in_o which_o chapter_n he_o do_v full_o speak_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o unity_n among_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n prove_v that_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n nor_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o most_o feeble_a and_o uncomely_a member_n shall_v have_v their_o office_n in_o and_o care_n from_o the_o body_n the_o comely_a and_o useful_a have_v verse_n 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o verse_n 25._o from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n have_v a_o right_n unto_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o their_o membership_n and_o have_v upon_o they_o a_o mutual_a duty_n of_o care_n and_o service_n to_o one_o another_o then_o ought_v no_o member_n to_o exclude_v each_o other_o from_o their_o right_n of_o membership_n in_o the_o body_n but_o all_o christ_n true_a member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o ergo_fw-la none_o ought_v to_o exclude_v each_o other_o from_o their_o right_n of_o membership_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o of_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n under_o the_o same_o shepherd_n plant_n in_o the_o same_o garden_n beside_o their_o holy_a fellowship_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gopel_n phil._n 1._o â—_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.9_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o phil._n 1._o so_o fellow-citizen_n eph._n 9.19_o fellow_n heir_n eph._n 3.6_o fellow-servant_n matt._n 18.28_o 29._o and_o chap._n 24.49_o fellow-soldier_n phil._n 2._o 25._o all_o which_o relation_n imply_v mutnall_a interest_n in_o the_o public_a stock_n of_o their_o fellowship_n and_o will_v afford_v plenty_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o duty_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o saint_n in_o all_o their_o joint_a privilege_n and_o duty_n as_o such_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n own_o meditation_n and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o six_o general_a head_n the_o six_o sort_n of_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o evident_a sad_a consequence_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n through_o their_o separate_n and_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o and_o their_o unite_n together_o upon_o other_o principle_n then_o that_o of_o visible_a grace_n the_o many_o and_o great_a evil_n that_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n if_o former_a age_n have_v leave_v we_o without_o precedent_n the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v will_v afford_v we_o sad_a experience_n that_o the_o old_a machivilian_n principle_n divide_v if_o you_o will_v destroy_v have_v much_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n will_v pronounce_v a_o curse_n against_o simeon_n and_o levi_n for_o their_o iniquity_n he_o say_v i_o will_v divide_v they_o in_o jacob_n and_o scatter_v they_o in_o israel_n gen_n 49.7_o and_o so_o the_o church_n complain_v lam._n 4_o 16._o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divide_v they_o he_o will_v no_o more_o regard_v they_o division_n be_v a_o evident_a forerunner_n of_o destruction_n the_o former_a be_v usualy_a inflict_v upon_o a_o people_n as_o a_o forerun_a judgement_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o from_o thence_o be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n mat._n 12.25_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v imply_v that_o division_n prepare_v a_o kingdom_n for_o desolation_n and_o remove_v the_o strength_n by_o which_o the_o unite_a city_n or_o house_n stand_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n jud_v 5.16_o there_o be_v great_a search_n of_o heart_n partly_o to_o find_v
and_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender-hearted_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n forgive_v you_o verse_n 31.32_o here_o be_v the_o mean_n then_o verse_n 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n here_o be_v the_o end_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chapter_n 2.2_o that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n here_o he_o express_v the_o end_n then_o verse_n 3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a jangle_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o so_o verse_n 4._o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o thus_o he_o direct_v the_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o gospel_n union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o suitable_a gospel_n grace_n and_o why_o believer_n shall_v be_v more_o discourage_v in_o endeavour_v the_o church_n unity_n than_o its_o purity_n i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n attend_v the_o one_o but_o what_o attend_v the_o other_o even_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o principle_n which_o paul_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o work_n of_o saint_n union_n to_o dispute_n and_o reason_n they_o into_o the_o same_o understanding_n and_o practice_n begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n the_o first_o step_n to_o unity_n be_v humility_n and_o therein_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o patience_n meekness_n charity_n long-suffering_a and_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n etc._n etc._n the_o principal_a and_o main_a use_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o their_o exercise_n will_v be_v little_o need_v if_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v once_o attain_v to_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o through_o the_o rigid_a froward_a contentious_a disposition_n of_o some_o christian_n unity_n of_o church-state_n in_o some_o place_n can_v not_o be_v obtain_v but_o christian_n shall_v continue_v to_o walk_v in_o several_a distinct_a society_n according_a to_o their_o several_a persuasion_n yet_o therein_o they_o may_v be_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o forego_v unite_n grace_n and_o unity_n of_o brotherhood_n by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o each_o other_o as_o gospel_n church_n and_o exercise_v all_o brotherly_a and_o christian_a affection_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n where_o the_o joint_a advice_n or_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n of_o the_o several_a society_n may_v be_v require_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o help_n of_o each_o other_o therein_o which_o will_v prepare_v the_o way_n for_o a_o more_o perfect_a union_n for_o as_o nothing_o more_o tend_v to_o divide_v than_o a_o frequent_a controvert_n of_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n among_o saint_n so_o nothing_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o unite_v than_o a_o frequent_a partake_n of_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v for_o in_o the_o one_o they_o only_o come_v to_o discern_v the_o unsoundness_n of_o judgement_n and_o weakness_n of_o each_o other_o by_o passionate_a unplease_a expression_n which_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o in_o dispute_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o they_o will_v come_v to_o observe_v the_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o each_o other_o which_o will_v exceed_o tend_v to_o endear_v and_o unite_v for_o if_o godly_a person_n be_v better_o know_v to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o grace_n and_o less_o in_o their_o defect_n and_o weakness_n their_o union_n will_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n as_o at_o present_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o what_o the_o church_n say_v cant._n 1.5_o concern_v her_o affliction_n may_v be_v repeat_v by_o different-minded_n society_n of_o christian_n one_o to_o another_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n or_o suppose_a error_n on_o each_o hand_n look_v not_o upon_o i_o because_o i_o be_o black_a for_o as_o a_o good_a man_n observe_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o hebr._n 12.1_o christian_n be_v the_o exceed_a apt_a to_o be_v pore_v upon_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o cloud_n pry_v into_o each_o other_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n judge_v of_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n which_o he_o that_o shall_v judge_v righteous_a judgement_n will_v not_o do_v isa_n 11.3_o for_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n to_o be_v so_o exercise_v they_o say_v let_v she_o be_v defile_v and_o let_v our_o eye_n look_v upon_o zion_n mich._n 4.11_o which_o sin_n in_o saint_n be_v near_o kin_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o ham_n gen._n 9.22_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o see_n of_o his_o father_n nakedness_n but_o in_o not_o cover_v it_o and_o his_o publish_n it_o to_o his_o brethren_n without_o and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v union_n of_o saint_n while_o we_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o divide_v practice_n be_v to_o expect_v it_o by_o way_n of_o miracle_n but_o to_o expect_v it_o as_o before_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o unite_n grace_n be_v to_o expect_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mean_n unto_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o blessing_n be_v only_o annex_v object_n but_o although_o the_o union_n of_o saint_n as_o before_o be_v a_o mercy_n of_o that_o worth_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o that_o weight_n you_o press_v it_o yet_o the_o present_a sad_a divide_a state_n of_o god_n people_n in_o these_o nation_n seem_v to_o render_v it_o so_o difficult_a that_o endeavour_n to_o unite_v may_v tend_v further_a to_o divide_v there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o prejudice_n in_o christian_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o principle_n they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o each_o other_o but_o the_o very_a person_n hold_v they_o be_v ofttimes_o unacceptable_a and_o burdensome_a to_o each_o other_o for_o their_o opinion_n sake_n answ_n i_o will_v i_o can_v say_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o objection_n but_o doubtless_o there_o be_v the_o work_n be_v like_a to_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n both_o from_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n but_o especial_o where_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v predominant_a it_o will_v exceed_o rage_v it_o will_v there_o like_o those_o unclean_a spirit_n our_o saviour_n cast_v out_o mark_v 1.26_o chap._n 5.2_o 3_o 4._o tear_n those_o it_o possess_v and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n before_o it_o come_v forth_o but_o be_v not_o discourage_v the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o shall_v prevail_v against_o this_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o contention_n strife_n and_o vain_a jangle_a which_o thus_o beget_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o god_n people_n but_o the_o better_a to_o enable_v thou_o to_o employ_v thy_o talon_n and_o opportunity_n in_o this_o good_a work_n consider_v the_o follow_a direction_n in_o general_a to_o all_o person_n of_o what_o degree_n or_o condition_n soever_o labour_v to_o inform_v thyself_o not_o only_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n be_v a_o mercy_n and_o the_o endeavour_v of_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o many_o other_o nay_o most_o other_o when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n therewith_o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o a_o mercy_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o duty_n do_v much_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n towards_o it_o and_o carry_v the_o heart_n in_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a duty_n i_o shall_v press_v thou_o unto_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n 2._o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o worth_n and_o weight_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o seek_v frequent_o the_o lord_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o labour_n to_o arm_n thyself_o against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o difficulty_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o that_o though_o its_o likely_a thou_o may_v come_v to_o bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o a_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n a_o person_n of_o no_o setledness_n in_o judgement_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o notion_n of_o unpractiseable_a thing_n and_o much_o worse_a than_o this_o yet_o heed_n it_o not_o but_o know_v this_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v best_a discern_v by_o
the_o daughter_n of_o their_o people_n now_o to_o such_o i_o have_v these_o follow_a direction_n to_o propose_v though_o you_o do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o time_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o estrange_v the_o heart_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o good_a people_n one_o from_o another_o yet_o to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o a_o controversy_n against_o controversy_n manage_v of_o it_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o may_v so_o much_o tend_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o the_o endear_n and_o unite_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n one_o to_o another_o that_o may_v be_v worth_a your_o engage_v in_o if_o you_o observe_v what_o be_v say_v page_n 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o you_o will_v there_o see_v how_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n contend_v against_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n and_o labour_v to_o preserve_v union_n among_o saint_n as_o the_o main_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o you_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o own_o heart_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n near_o you_o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o mercy_n set_v special_a time_n apart_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o difficult_a and_o a_o great_a work_n and_o prayer_n have_v do_v many_o such_o all_o those_o late_a great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n in_o these_o nation_n which_o they_o be_v now_o so_o unable_a to_o agree_v about_o the_o divide_n of_o be_v all_o by_o many_o gracious_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o request_n with_o joels_n exhortation_n chap._n 2.17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v use_v a_o byword_n against_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n 2._o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o study_v and_o propagate_v this_o truth_n for_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o this_o day_n have_v produce_v i_o have_v find_v few_o though_o i_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v and_o seek_v for_o they_o of_o this_o subject_n and_o have_v i_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o long_o delay_v expectation_n i_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o have_v make_v a_o essay_n upon_o this_o work_n but_o i_o hope_v if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n it_o may_v serve_v to_o provoke_v some_o of_o you_o to_o lay_v your_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n lest_o such_o unskilful_a one_o as_o myself_o be_v shall_v spoil_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o bad_o manage_v it_o 3._o set_a upon_o some_o beginning_n in_o gospel-fellowship_n upon_o this_o gospel_n principle_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v prosper_v and_o bless_v it_o against_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n as_o the_o house_n of_o david_n against_o saul_n it_o shall_v grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o the_o other_o weak_a and_o weak_a the_o lord_n seem_v to_o be_v withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n of_o his_o quicken_n sanctify_a comfort_a grace_n from_o the_o people_n with_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v most_o predominate_a even_o pour_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o divider_n what_o he_o threaten_v to_o backsliders_a prov._n 14.14_o even_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o be_v even_o weary_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_o sensible_a thereof_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 120.6_o my_o soul_n have_v long_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o hate_v peace_n unto_o who_o your_o foot_n will_v be_v beautiful_a that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n esay_n 52.7_o when_o they_o shall_v observe_v by_o your_o order_n and_o spiritual_a concord_n how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n as_o psal_n 133.1_o if_o you_o have_v already_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n labour_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o this_o precious_a truth_n which_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v it_o and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a round_o about_o that_o you_o be_v in_o charity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o all_o the_o godly_a or_o visible_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o engage_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n at_o present_a then_o make_v know_v your_o judgement_n to_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n near_o unto_o you_o and_o press_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o together_o and_o to_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v enlighten_v they_o therein_o which_o when_o obtain_v proceed_v as_o before_o object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o promote_a of_o it_o among_o they_o may_v hazard_v a_o breach_n betwixt_o we_o or_o at_o least_o a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n show_n shall_v we_o then_o walk_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o duty_n answ_n either_o such_o a_o averseness_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o conscientious_a godly_a fear_n that_o some_o other_o truth_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v may_v be_v prejudice_v thereby_o otherwise_o from_o a_o contentious_a unruly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o sincere_a and_o savoury_a advice_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o they_o if_o from_o the_o former_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o tenderness_n and_o christian_a patience_n aught_o to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o endeavour_n use_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o your_o main_a aim_n and_o intendment_n in_o promote_a this_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o all_o grievance_n of_o that_o hand_n come_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o a_o equal_a provision_n of_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n may_v be_v to_o all_o conscientious_o profess_v or_o practise_v any_o controvert_v point_n without_o the_o least_o discouragement_n or_o restraint_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o sober_a mind_n can_v desire_v if_o from_o the_o latter_a less_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o say_v paul_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o churhe_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o so_o to_o titus_n there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v titus_n 1.10_o 11._o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n vers_fw-la 13._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o chapter_n 2.15_o when_o christian_n contain_v not_o themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o sober_a gracious_a spirit_n whether_o the_o matter_n they_o strive_v about_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n their_o pride_n passion_n unruliness_n ought_v to_o be_v reprove_v but_o if_o in_o case_n they_o all_o shall_v agree_v to_o dissent_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v retain_v their_o former_a rule_n of_o separation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o other_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o but_o the_o rather_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o most_o need_v your_o help_n for_o christian_n much_o more_o minister_n shall_v not_o somuch_o consider_v where_o they_o may_v walk_v to_o enjoy_v most_o comfort_n and_o christian_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n but_o rather_o where_o they_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o weak_a disease_v of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o though_o i_o do_v judge_v you_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o all_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a affection_n towards_o they_o yet_o not_o herein_o with_o peter_n gal._n 2.12_o 13._o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o they_o but_o yourselves_o withal_o likeminded_a to_o manifest_v your_o charity_n towards_o and_o desire_v of_o fellowship_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o as_o your_o occasion_n give_v you_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n your_o principle_n by_o your_o practice_n object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v shall_v be_v so_o offend_v as_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
whence_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o pit_n whence_o they_o be_v dig_v they_o will_v be_v less_o in_o offensive_a term_n and_o scornful_a carriage_n towards_o poor_a carnal_a professor_n they_o will_v rather_o say_v as_o paul_n argue_v 1_o cor._n 4.7_o who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v unto_o who_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o paul_n reply_n now_o if_o you_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v you_o glory_n as_o if_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o i_o may_v multiply_v many_o more_o answer_n to_o objection_n that_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o make_v beginning_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o some_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n shall_v engage_v in_o the_o practice_n hereof_o will_v be_v more_o convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o gracious_a holy_a person_n of_o different_a judgement_n may_v comfortable_o walk_v together_o in_o gospel_n fellowship_n edify_v each_o other_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n without_o be_v offensive_a or_o grievous_a one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o different_a mind_n than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o add_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o gospel_n minister_n as_o to_o their_o propagate_a this_o precious_a truth_n with_o this_o one_o direction_n 4._o if_o providence_n have_v place_v your_o present_a residence_n among_o a_o people_n so_o froward_o bend_v to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n that_o the_o labour_v to_o promote_v this_o gospel_n union_n may_v be_v so_o ill_o resent_v by_o they_o as_o may_v render_v your_o present_a ministration_n unacceptable_a and_o thereby_o unsuccesfull_a among_o they_o that_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o take_v up_o david_n complaint_n psal_n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n then_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n you_o ought_v to_o suspend_v earnest_a press_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o gospel_n union_n and_o say_v as_o the_o lord_n do_v john_n 16.12_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o but_o yet_o not_o to_o close_v with_o such_o in_o their_o rigid_a divide_v principle_n as_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n do_v gal._n 2.12_o 13._o but_o to_o be_v daily_o labour_v to_o remove_v they_o for_o take_v but_o away_o the_o rubbish_n and_o dross_n of_o christian_n principle_n and_o spirit_n and_o then_o like_v hew_v stone_n they_o will_v unite_v of_o themselves_o 1._o by_o the_o rubbish_n and_o dross_n of_o their_o spirit_n that_o hinder_v union_n i_o mean_v those_o sinful_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o unite_n grace_n before_o mention_v as_o pride_n and_o passion_n self_n conceit_n envy_n hatred_n emulation_n and_o the_o like_a for_o if_o these_o be_v once_o remove_v and_o the_o opposite_a grace_n strengthen_v inclination_n to_o union_n will_v become_v as_o natural_a to_o they_o as_o now_o inclination_n to_o division_n be_v for_o remove_v but_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n cease_v and_o if_o you_o shall_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o divide_v principle_n before_o their_o divide_v spirit_n be_v subdue_v they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o capable_a to_o practise_v this_o gospel_n union_n then_o a_o drunken_a man_n will_v be_v capable_a to_o go_v without_o stagger_v and_o therefore_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v do_v towards_o this_o work_n be_v prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n people_n with_o unite_n grace_n 2._o by_o the_o rubbish_n or_o dividingness_n of_o their_o principle_n i_o mean_v such_o notion_n and_o tenant_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o division_n which_o christian_n of_o most_o persuasion_n have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o because_o former_a good_a man_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n all_o along_o profess_v the_o same_o way_n with_o they_o have_v so_o do_v therefore_o they_o conceive_v they_o must_v do_v so_o too_o of_o which_o sort_n of_o divide_v principle_n be_v 1._o a_o confine_v their_o christian_a relation_n affection_n and_o duty_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n allow_v god_n to_o have_v no_o visible_a church_n nor_o judge_v themselves_o to_o owe_v any_o special_a duty_n to_o christian_n as_o brethren_n beyond_o their_o own_o rule_n of_o fellowship_n which_o principle_n be_v usual_o the_o nurse_n if_o not_o the_o mother_n of_o these_o follow_a practice_n from_o hence_o proceed_v all_o those_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v saint_n from_o a_o free_a participation_n of_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v rigid_a against_o separation_n will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o join_v with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o will_v either_o have_v objection_n against_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n or_o otherwise_o against_o their_o judgement_n and_o qualification_n and_o thereby_o oft_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o a_o soul-searching_a powerful_a instruction_n and_o stand_v pick_v the_o bone_n of_o a_o dry_a sapless_a historica_fw-la discourse_n set_v off_o with_o the_o trim_n of_o some_o humane_a excellency_n that_o the_o other_o may_v want_v more_o mind_v what_o the_o dish_n be_v the_o lord_n present_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o they_o in_o than_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o bread_n itself_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v usual_o put_v this_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n into_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4.7_o he_o oft_o time_n hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a when_o he_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n and_o suckling_n mat._n 11.25_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o who_o i_o judge_v godly_a to_o rigid_a upon_o this_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o hear_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a ungracious_a person_n or_o stay_v at_o home_n then_o to_o attend_v a_o powerful_a heart-searching_a godly_a preacher_n contrary-minded_n in_o some_o thing_n to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o poor_a christian_n do_v run_v into_o the_o like_a extreme_a for_o as_o the_o former_a make_v humane_a defect_n the_o rule_n of_o rejection_n they_o go_v near_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o election_n and_o so_o by_o both_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n wherever_o find_v be_v decline_v and_o set_v light_n by_o and_o put_v in_o competition_n with_o every_o circumstantial_a thing_n whereas_o if_o christian_n will_v make_v that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o hear_v viz._n the_o nourishment_n edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o rule_n of_o hear_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v and_o nothing_o will_v more_o tend_v to_o further_a the_o saint_n union_n than_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o hindrance_n in_o their_o providential_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v for_o if_o gracious_a person_n different-minded_n do_v but_o sometime_o meet_a to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n together_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o joint_a concernment_n and_o to_o taste_v the_o preciousness_n of_o each_o other_o experience_n and_o grace_n by_o a_o mutual_a communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n it_o will_v much_o tend_v to_o remove_v uncharitable_a jealousy_n and_o endear_v their_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o that_o be_v the_o argument_n peter_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o unbelieved_a jew_n that_o the_o gentile_n be_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o grace_n act_v 11.17_o forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n unto_o which_o reason_n they_o assent_v v._o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n from_o which_o scripture_n you_o may_v clear_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v both_o peter_n and_o the_o believe_a jew_n opinion_n that_o such_o aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v each_o other_o as_o fellow-brethren_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n have_v grant_v the_o same_o precious_a gift_n and_o grace_n unto_o and_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o christian_n ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o union_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o they_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v for_o while_o christian_n be_v at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o they_o can_v never_o come_v to_o acknowledge_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v oblige_v or_o unite_n for_o we_o may_v