such_o as_o expect_v the_o very_a syllable_n of_o the_o assertion_n in_o the_o proof_n therefore_o for_o brevity_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o better_a way_n â—â—_o this_o time_n to_o offer_v here_o a_o full_a sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o assertion_n which_o shall_v be_v question_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v sober_o demand_v it_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n richard_n baxter_n acton_n nou._n 2d_o 1688._o q._n see_v you_o have_v oft_o affirm_v public_o that_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n among_o christian_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v if_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o practice_v they_o be_v not_o the_o hindrance_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o answer_v these_o question_n follow_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 2._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n personal_o in_o a_o particular_a 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edification_n decent_o and_o
church_n concord_n contain_v i._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o unnecessary_a division_n and_o separation_n and_o the_o real_a concord_n of_o the_o moderate_a independent_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o instance_a in_o ten_o seem_a difference_n ii_o the_o term_n necessary_a for_o concord_n among_o all_o true_a church_n and_o christian_n the_o first_o part_n write_v 1655._o the_o second_o part_n 1667._o and_o publish_v this_o 1691._o to_o second_v a_o late_a agreement_n of_o the_o london_n protestant_a nonconformist_n and_o a_o former_a treatise_n call_v the_o true_a and_o only_a term_n of_o church-concord_n by_o richard_n baxter_n mat._n 5._o 9_o bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12_o 13._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o who_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o be_v 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cumberland_n more_o large_a and_o worthy_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a tolerate_a church_n i_o pray_v you_o read_v they_o §_o 3._o but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o close_a practice_n as_o the_o foreigner_n prelatist_n and_o popular_a call_v brownist_n keep_v off_o so_o but_o few_o of_o the_o rigid_a presbyterian_o or_o independent_o join_v with_o we_o and_o indeed_o worcestershire_n and_o the_o adjoin_a county_n have_v but_o few_o of_o either_o sort_n but_o the_o main_a body_n of_o our_o association_n be_v man_n that_o think_v the_o episcopal_a presbyterian_o and_o independent_o have_v each_o of_o they_o some_o good_a in_o which_o they_o excel_v the_o other_o two_o party_n and_o each_o of_o they_o some_o mistake_n and_o that_o to_o select_v out_o of_o all_o three_o the_o best_a part_n and_o leave_v the_o worst_a be_v the_o most_o desirable_a and_o ancient_a form_n of_o government_n but_o that_o so_o much_o as_o may_v unite_v they_o in_o the_o comfortable_a service_n of_o 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tympanite_n of_o this_o land_n and_o christ_n i_o hope_v will_v remember_v the_o penitent_a part_n of_o they_o when_o he_o come_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o they_o that_o robe_a other_o of_o their_o civil_a and_o church_n rite_n may_v yet_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o paradise_n furfure_n pinguescunt_fw-la pulli_fw-la si_fw-la lacte_fw-la madescat_fw-la even_o those_o that_o read_v this_o praise_n with_o displeasure_n take_v repentance_n for_o a_o disgrace_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v they_o need_v it_o may_v yet_o by_o grace_n repent_v and_o live_v through_o god_n great_a mercy_n the_o excussed_a simila_fw-la have_v be_v child_n food_n though_o the_o millstone_n have_v make_v it_o unfit_a for_o seed_n but_o god_n will_n aliunde_fw-la provide_v seed_n though_o we_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o abundance_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o seminary_n tare_n §_o 4._o but_o our_o trouble_n next_o to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o badness_n
of_o a_o further_a agreement_n with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v their_o ejecter_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o take_v no_o member_n out_o of_o any_o of_o your_o true_a pastoral_n consent_v church_n without_o a_o just_a hear_n and_o satisfactory_a reason_n to_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o take_v not_o all_o your_o parishioner_n even_o atheist_n papist_n and_o infidel_n for_o your_o church_n member_n noâ—_n yet_o all_o your_o auditor_n and_o catechuman_n but_o only_o your_o communicant_n and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o nonconformist_n church_n than_o of_o none_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o cite_v you_o the_o canon_n of_o a_o council_n decree_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n convert_v not_o any_o heathen_n or_o unbeliever_n and_o another_o convert_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o flock_n that_o do_v convert_v they_o in_o my_o hist._n of_o council_n will_v they_o but_o first_o admit_v the_o exclude_v to_o public_a lecture_n where_o the_o incumbent_n consent_v it_o will_v prepare_v the_o way_n for_o further_a concord_n the_o great_a reconciler_n will_v in_o due_a time_n reconcile_v and_o close_o unite_v his_o own_o amen_n apr._n 11._o 1691._o ri._n baxter_n to_o the_o unite_a protestant_a nonconformist_n in_o london_n though_o i_o be_v by_o the_o confinement_n of_o decrepit_a age_n and_o pain_n hinder_v from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o form_n or_o contract_n of_o your_o agreement_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o signify_v my_o sense_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o by_o the_o publication_n of_o my_o old_a endeavour_n of_o that_o kind_a to_o promote_v the_o execution_n i_o great_o rejoice_v in_o your_o very_a attempt_n that_o god_n excit_v you_o to_o a_o practical_a desire_n of_o speedy_a heal_v our_o pernicious_a shameful_a strife_n much_o more_o that_o you_o have_v so_o skilful_o make_v the_o present_a plaster_n for_o the_o wound_n no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n so_o well_o but_o it_o may_v be_v better_o do_v you_o must_v look_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v assault_v by_o cavil_v and_o reproach_n those_o that_o these_o thirty_o year_n have_v deny_v you_o brotherly_o communion_n with_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a you_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o union_n among_o yourselves_o and_o the_o potent_a schismatic_n that_o to_o divert_v the_o infamy_n from_o themselves_o have_v stigmatise_v you_o with_o their_o own_o name_n will_v be_v loath_a that_o your_o concord_n shall_v confute_v they_o while_o you_o offer_v your_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o what_o they_o make_v necessary_a term_n of_o ministration_n and_o communion_n will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o obey_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o no_o less_o than_o deliberate_a covenant_v perjury_n or_o lie_v and_o renunciation_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o church-corruption_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n self-defence_n they_o must_v stretch_v their_o wit_n and_o gift_n of_o tongue_n to_o make_v all_o this_o seem_v but_o a_o melancholy_n or_o feign_a fear_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o you_o refuse_v as_o they_o call_v i_o antiepiscopal_a and_o against_o the_o church_n because_o i_o will_v have_v more_o bishop_n over_o a_o thousand_o or_o many_o hundred_o church_n than_o one_o and_o will_v have_v as_o many_o hand_n to_o do_v the_o work_n at_o least_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v more_o church_n in_o a_o diocese_n than_o one_o and_o will_v have_v incumbent_n to_o be_v pastor_n and_o rector_n but_o dream_v man_n that_o build_v city_n or_o travel_v in_o their_o sleep_n can_v build_v more_o or_o go_v further_o in_o a_o hour_n special_o if_o they_o lie_v soft_a in_o a_o university_n or_o a_o great_a man_n house_n than_o a_o wake_a man_n can_v do_v in_o a_o year_n or_o in_o his_o life_n my_o own_o judgement_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o church_n constitution_n i_o have_v oft_o publish_v and_o you_o may_v see_v it_o in_o lascitius_fw-la and_o commenius_n book_n of_o the_o bohemian_a waldenses_n church-government_n brethren_n i_o hope_v you_o fix_v not_o your_o bound_n of_o pacification_n in_o the_o word_n or_o limit_n of_o this_o form_n of_o concord_n with_o a_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la either_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a the_o public_a church_n door_n will_v be_v unlock_v to_o your_o lawful_a communion_n or_o not_o if_o yea_o it_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n that_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v my_o publish_v my_o old_a reason_n against_o unnecessary_a antichurche_n or_o militant_a contentious_a gather_n but_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o much_o mercy_n for_o this_o land_n but_o that_o the_o door_n be_v lock_v up_o against_o desire_a concord_n or_o venient_fw-la romani_fw-la our_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n man_n will_v prevail_v to_o deliver_v up_o the_o land_n to_o a_o pretend_a universal_a foreign_a power_n and_o make_v all_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v treason_n to_o resist_v either_o a_o french_a or_o irish_a army_n if_o they_o be_v but_o commissioned_n to_o perform_v it_o then_o your_o concord_n with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o enemy_n to_o peace_n will_v be_v a_o comfortable_a help_n to_o your_o patient_a suffering_n and_o may_v keep_v up_o some_o spark_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n from_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v and_o while_o you_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o most_o high_a you_o may_v lodge_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o may_v enter_v into_o your_o chamber_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n on_o you_o for_o a_o little_a moment_n till_o the_o indignation_n be_v overpast_a and_o god_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v when_o the_o wicked_a be_v ensnare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n thus_o pray_v god_n to_o save_v you_o from_o violate_v the_o concord_n you_o consent_v to_o and_o from_o be_v pervert_v by_o the_o ignorant_a divide_v sort_n of_o teacher_n or_o people_n and_o that_o you_o will_v study_v mr._n meade_n reason_n against_o division_n well_o and_o seasonable_o urge_v i_o bid_v you_o farewell_o your_o quondam_a fellow-labourer_n ri._n baxter_n london_n april_n 23._o 1691._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._n the_o necessity_n of_o concord_n and_o mischief_n of_o unnecessary_a separation_n manifest_v in_o twenty_o of_o the_o ill_a effect_n pag._n 1._o ch._n ii_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n hereof_o p._n 13._o ch._n iii_o the_o first_o difference_n with_o the_o independent_o reconcile_v viz._n of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o church_n member_n p._n 15._o ch._n iu._n the_o second_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o a_o church_n covenant_n p._n 19_o ch._n v._o the_o three_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n p._n 21._o ch._n vi_o the_o four_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o their_o choose_a pastor_n p._n 23._o ch._n vii_o the_o five_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o right_a to_o govern_v and_o censure_n p._n 25._o ch._n viii_o the_o six_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o other_o church_n for_o that_o time_n be_v call_v to_o it_o p._n 32._o ch._n ix_o the_o seven_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v all_o government_n and_o church_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o subjection_n to_o synod_n or_o any_o other_o clergy_n governor_n as_o over_o they_o p._n 33._o ch._n x._o the_o eight_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o layman_n may_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n or_o as_o send_v to_o gather_v church_n p._n 38._o ch._n xi_o the_o nine_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o the_o parish_n church_n be_v true_a church_n p._n 41._o ch._n xii_o the_o ten_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o take_v member_n out_o of_o other_o church_n and_o of_o gather_v church_n in_o other_o man_n parish_n p._n 42._o ch._n xiii_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o agreement_n reduce_v to_o practice_n p._n 55._o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o part._n q._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n of_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n p_o 62._o q._n 2._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n personal_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n q._n 3._o what_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o neighbour_n church_n may_v hold_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o q._n 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n foreign_a jurisdiction_n be_v confute_v in_o another_o book_n q._n 5._o what_o be_v the_o magistrate_n
but_o if_o practical_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v either_o slander_v any_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n or_o shall_v use_v it_o as_o no_o church_n the_o case_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v of_o in_o our_o church_n and_o association_n 10._o we_o be_v agree_v that_o no_o member_n shall_v forsake_v a_o church_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o another_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o forsake_v if_o they_o require_v it_o and_o that_o much_o less_o shall_v any_o part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v a_o unnecessary_a separation_n from_o the_o rest_n and_o become_v a_o distinct_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o private_a antichurche_n i_o mean_v separated_z assembly_n set_v up_o against_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o as_o rival_n draw_v person_n to_o themselves_o and_o keep_v up_o faction_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o place_n shall_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o all_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a necessity_n of_o such_o separation_n we_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o no_o public_a pastor_n or_o church_n shall_v refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o be_v credible_a professor_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n much_o less_o shall_v they_o cast_v off_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o parish_n that_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v several_a case_n in_o which_o person_n may_v withdraw_v from_o church_n or_o for_o those_o of_o one_o parish_n to_o join_v with_o a_o church_n in_o another_o parish_n though_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o habitation_n be_v usual_o meet_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o bound_a of_o our_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o the_o parish_n be_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o ordinary_o none_o be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o parish_n let_v we_o therefore_o put_v only_o the_o necessary_a general_n into_o the_o form_n of_o our_o agreement_n and_o leave_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v accuse_v of_o any_o violalation_n thereof_o to_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o association_n where_o if_o the_o accuse_v will_v appear_v they_o may_v have_v a_o brotherly_a hear_n if_o not_o the_o case_n may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v in_o and_o the_o associate_v brethren_n proceed_v according_o in_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o hold_v or_o not_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o declare_v this_o the_o yet_o brief_a sum_n of_o our_o agreement_n be_v 1._o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a separation_n and_o contention_n 2._o to_o hold_v a_o ordinary_a course_n in_o synod_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o strengthen_v each_o other_o for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o these_o we_o must_v yield_v as_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o may_v in_o lesser_a thing_n but_o to_o deny_v we_o these_o viz._n union_n and_o communion_n and_o peace_n be_v to-deny_a we_o our_o end_n and_o all_o yet_o note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o intention_n to_o impose_v upon_o all_o other_o all_o point_n that_o these_o two_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o nor_o to_o put_v all_o their_o agreement_n into_o our_o form_n of_o concord_n as_o if_o we_o regard_v agreement_n with_o no_o other_o for_o instance_n both_o party_n be_v agree_v of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o mere_a rule_v elder_n but_o so_o be_v not_o all_o other_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o their_o communion_n and_o therefore_o let_v that_o point_n be_v leave_v out_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o each_o church_n so_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o associate_v synod_n shall_v rather_o in_o point_n of_o convenience_n at_o least_o be_v temporary_a than_o state_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n but_o other_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o communion_n think_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o concord_n to_o our_o brethren_n liberty_n if_o they_o will_v hold_v communion_n in_o the_o association_n that_o have_v but_o temporary_a precedent_n let_v they_o be_v receive_v and_o if_o those_o that_o own_v not_o state_v precedent_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o exercise_v a_o negative_a voice_n in_o ordination_n will_v yet_o hold_v communion_n in_o synod_n with_o a_o signification_n of_o their_o dissent_n in_o that_o point_n with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o will_v be_v by_o such_o as_o more_o regard_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o christian_a charity_n piety_n and_o common_a truth_n than_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o carnal_a interest_n i_o shall_v therefore_o next_o adjoin_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o a_o universal_a concord_n between_o all_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o nation_n which_o yet_o need_v not_o be_v subscribe_v but_o take_v as_o presuppose_v there_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a form_n of_o concord_n for_o the_o general_n peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n enough_o for_o subscription_n or_o express_a consent_n church_n concord_n about_o government_n and_o order_n the_o second_o part._n the_o just_a term_n of_o agreement_n between_o all_o sober_a serious_a christian_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o now_o distinguish_v in_o point_n 1._o of_o catholic_n communion_n 2._o of_o particular_a church_n communion_n 3._o of_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour_n church_n 4._o and_o of_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n 5._o and_o of_o their_o duty_n as_o good_a subject_n to_o their_o prince_n humble_o offer_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o true_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o their_o division_n if_o not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v and_o as_o a_o stand_a witness_n before_o god_n and_o man_n against_o divide_v zeal_n and_o church_n tyranny_n by_o richard_n baxter_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 15._o 1_o 2_o 6_o 7._o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1691._o to_o the_o reader_n countryman_n my_o saviour_n have_v make_v i_o believe_v that_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n mat._n 12._o 25._o i_o shall_v the_o less_o regard_n the_o minister_n of_o satan_n who_o will_v say_v that_o such_o attempt_n to_o unite_v the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o king_n be_v a_o dangerous_a plot_n to_o strengthen_v rebel_n against_o the_o king_n by_o their_o union_n if_o such_o fiend_n shall_v do_v their_o will_n upon_o i_o as_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n to_o the_o final_a perfective_a grace_n of_o love_n so_o i_o shall_v as_o much_o rejoice_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n or_o martyr_n for_o christian_a love_n as_o for_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o if_o peacemaker_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o those_o that_o be_v his_o child_n at_o least_o i_o be_o content_v with_o that_o blessedness_n mat._n 5._o 9_o and_o envy_v not_o their_o kind_n of_o honour_n or_o prosperity_n if_o this_o attempt_n shall_v speed_v no_o better_o than_o many_o which_o i_o have_v former_o make_v have_v do_v as_o to_o any_o public_a reconciliation_n i_o shall_v not_o yet_o think_v it_o vain_a while_o the_o private_a mind_n of_o many_o christian_n be_v form_v into_o more_o peaceable_a apprehension_n and_o disposition_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v succeed_v for_o any_o public_a or_o common_a heal_n how_o great_a will_v be_v my_o joy_n while_o the_o conciliatory_a write_n and_o precious_a name_n of_o usher_n hall_n davenant_n dury_n bergius_n burrough_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o sweet_a to_o i_o let_v envy_n gnash_v the_o teâ—th_n and_o divide_v malice_n do_v its_o worst_a i_o hope_v in_o this_o delightful_a work_n to_o live_v and_o die_v one_o thing_n i_o must_v warn_v the_o reader_n of_o that_o i_o have_v omit_v scripture_n proof_n of_o my_o assertion_n because_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o past_a controversy_n and_o because_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o two_o or_o three_o text_n compare_v will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o usual_a sleighty_a readins_n of_o
to_o which_o end_n their_o first_o care_n must_v be_v to_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n by_o corrupt_v of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n to_o any_o to_o withdraw_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v any_o unnecessary_a thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o communion_n but_o to_o unite_v in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o give_v liberty_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a a_o mean_v approve_v in_o all_o age_n by_o peacemaker_n and_o to_o guide_v the_o church_n by_o the_o paternal_a government_n of_o reason_n and_o love_n and_o not_o by_o tyranny_n to_o make_v themselves_o hateful_a and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o preach_v love_n and_o concord_n that_o the_o people_n may_v know_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o faction_n and_o division_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o factiousness_n and_o contentiousness_n themselves_o and_o their_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o labour_n after_o a_o laudable_a if_o they_o can_v reach_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o ability_n in_o teach_v and_o exemplariness_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o charitable_a life_n that_o they_o may_v win_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o may_v give_v they_o no_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o soul_n require_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o better_a help_n but_o if_o differ_v though_o tolerable_a opinion_n do_v so_o possess_v any_o of_o the_o people_n mind_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v satisfy_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o their_o presence_n will_v be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o their_o absence_n or_o if_o the_o pastor_n or_o church_n be_v so_o overrigid_a as_o not_o to_o tolerate_v their_o dissent_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o permit_v they_o to_o worship_n in_o other_o assembly_n though_o their_o withdraw_n may_v not_o be_v justifiable_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v maintain_v with_o they_o as_o with_o neighbour_n church_n though_o perhaps_o weak_a and_o faulty_a which_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o the_o next_o question_n q._n 3._o what_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o neighbour_n church_n may_v hold_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o a._n what_o these_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o question_n be_v be_v show_v before_o the_o communion_n in_o question_n consist_v 1._o in_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n 2._o in_o the_o same_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o necessary_a part_n 3._o in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n 4._o in_o a_o profess_a estimation_n of_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n and_o as_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 5._o and_o in_o a_o profess_a love_n to_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 6._o and_o in_o such_o communion_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o the_o term_n therefore_o and_o mean_n must_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o they_o must_v public_o profess_v the_o same_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o continue_v our_o consent_n to_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n particular_o profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o to_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n believe_v also_o the_o sacred_a canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o our_o divine_a belief_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o renounce_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v know_v they_o all_o heresy_n error_n and_o practice_n contrary_a hereto_o this_o be_v all_o the_o profession_n that_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o person_n in_o order_n to_o the_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o or_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n beside_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n relation_n or_o of_o neighbour_n church_n for_o their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o except_o when_o any_o scandal_n oblige_v we_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v suspect_v heresy_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o just_a purgation_n or_o repentance_n and_o the_o require_v of_o large_a unnecessary_a profession_n have_v be_v the_o grand_a engine_n of_o church_n division_n through_o many_o generation_n 2._o yet_o as_o there_o be_v christian_n of_o divers_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v church_n also_o as_o different_a and_o though_o we_o must_v own_v they_o all_o as_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v such_o indeed_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o judge_v they_o equal_o sound_v or_o pure_a but_o must_v disow_v the_o gross_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n which_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o must_v special_o honour_v those_o that_o be_v more_o faithful_a pure_a and_o entire_a 3._o no_o one_o particular_a single_a church_n must_v claim_v or_o usurp_v a_o right_n of_o dominion_n or_o government_n over_o other_o church_n as_o give_v they_o by_o god_n see_v that_o all_o such_o true_a church_n be_v as_o city_n or_o corporation_n in_o one_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o one_o king_n but_o be_v none_o of_o they_o rightful_a ruler_n of_o the_o rest_n nor_o must_v any_o man_n of_o their_o own_o head_n set_v up_o such_o form_n of_o government_n as_o of_o humane_a right_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o as_o spiritual_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n commit_v to_o his_o minister_n though_o one_o eminent_a minister_n may_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v many_o other_o and_o have_v some_o care_n of_o many_o church_n contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o order_n settle_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o all_o universal_o necessary_o church_n government_n and_o infallible_o guide_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o may_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o such_o invent_a policy_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o make_v their_o forge_a head_n pope_n or_o council_n a_o constitutive_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o seign_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v schismatic_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o subject_n 4._o but_o love_n and_o concord_n and_o peace_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o the_o equal_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n see_v it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o beauty_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o help_v of_o the_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n therefore_o such_o correspondency_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o each_o other_o and_o to_o a_o just_a furtherance_n of_o these_o happy_a end_n and_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n the_o determination_n of_o useful_a circumstance_n according_a to_o god_n general_a rule_n be_v no_o sinful_a addition_n to_o god_n word_n or_o ordinance_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o here_o to_o be_v so_o judge_v if_o magistrate_n by_o law_n or_o church_n by_o consent_n do_v determine_v of_o useful_a undetermined_a circumstance_n for_o the_o order_n of_o these_o correspondency_n and_o prevent_v contention_n faction_n and_o division_n 5._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o these_o correspondency_n be_v messenger_n and_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o letter_n testimonial_a or_o certificate_n if_o one_o church_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o upon_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n or_o scandalous_a practice_n they_o may_v by_o messenger_n admonish_v they_o and_o these_o may_v by_o messenger_n make_v their_o purgation_n or_o confession_n as_o also_o if_o they_o desire_v advice_n or_o help_n from_o one_o another_o but_o if_o in_o common_a and_o weighty_a case_n there_o be_v need_n of_o more_o common_a and_o judicious_a consultation_n or_o signification_n of_o consent_n and_o concord_n synod_n be_v the_o mean_n thereto_o and_o if_o one_o member_n travel_v into_o other_o part_n or_o remove_v his_o dwell_n or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o suspicious_a time_n and_o case_n communicatory_a letter_n and_o certificate_n be_v the_o mean_n that_o heretic_n and_o deceiver_n abuse_v not_o the_o church_n 6._o whether_o these_o synod_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o certain_a state_v time_n or_o various_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o whether_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o precedent_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v mutable_a or_o fix_v and_o of_o how_o many_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v compose_v and_o how_o oft_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v sit_v with_o such_o like_a be_v circumstance_n leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n
under_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christ._n but_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v so_o ordinary_a and_o great_a that_o in_o sound_n and_o peaceable_a country_n where_o heresy_n or_o church-tyranny_n do_v not_o turn_v they_o against_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o where_o state-iealousy_n cause_v not_o ruler_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o statedness_n and_o frequency_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o very_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o contrary_a case_n it_o may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a 7._o though_o no_o one_o of_o these_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o council_n nor_o many_o conjunct_a be_v by_o divine_a right_o the_o proper_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o one_o another_o their_o canon_n be_v agreement_n for_o union_n rather_o than_o the_o law_n of_o superior_a governor_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o by_o their_o assemble_v lose_v their_o govern_n power_n over_o their_o several_a flock_n but_o meet_v to_o exercise_v it_o with_o the_o great_a consideration_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o their_o lawful_a determination_n and_o agreement_n may_v be_v true_o obligatory_a to_o their_o several_a flock_n 8._o the_o largeness_n of_o these_o council_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n as_o the_o scandal_n heresy_n schism_n or_o contention_n do_v require_v but_o to_o make_v proper_a universal_a council_n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a supreme_a govern_v lawgiver_n to_o a_o body_n politic_a call_v the_o universal_a church_n be_v a_o device_n of_o those_o who_o will_v do_v christ_n work_n in_o their_o own_o mistake_v way_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v desperate_o divide_v corrupt_a and_o injure_v it_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o christ_n universal_a law_n be_v sufficient_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o circumstantial_a determination_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v pernicious_a if_o not_o impossible_a the_o many_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o paucity_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o presence_n in_o many_o church_n the_o many_o year_n that_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o travel_n the_o opposition_n of_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n prince_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v or_o through_o who_o country_n they_o must_v travel_v the_o war_n and_o jealousy_n of_o prince_n the_o probability_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o able_a pastor_n in_o such_o a_o voyage_n they_o be_v usual_o age_a man_n and_o weak_a their_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o unintelligibleness_n to_o one_o another_o their_o long_a continuance_n in_o such_o council_n their_o incapacity_n to_o meet_v and_o hear_v together_o in_o any_o one_o room_n the_o probability_n that_o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o near_a bishop_n and_o paucity_n of_o the_o remote_a will_v make_v a_o faction_n go_v for_o the_o council_n the_o improbability_n that_o ever_o they_o will_v return_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o decree_n the_o unsatisfiedness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o decree_n when_o a_o thousand_o or_o a_o hundred_o pastor_n who_o choose_v one_o single_a delegate_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v speak_v their_o sense_n or_o not_o with_o many_o such_o reason_n make_v it_o as_o pernicious_a as_o unnecessary_a nor_o have_v the_o christian_a church_n ever_o have_v such_o council_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o as_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v no_o power_n to_o summon_v the_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o other_o prince_n so_o the_o record_a suffrage_n of_o all_o the_o council_n certify_v we_o that_o they_o be_v none_o such_o but_o the_o subject_n only_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v such_o with_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a number_n of_o some_o adjacent_a bishop_n and_o that_o but_o very_o seldom_o so_o that_o those_o council_n be_v universal_a only_o as_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o but_o very_o rare_o if_o ever_o but_o never_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n 9_o if_o a_o plurality_n of_o heretic_n schismatic_n or_o ungodly_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n shall_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o council_n oppress_v the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n the_o sound_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n must_v hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o not_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o flock_n in_o obedience_n to_o such_o council_n 10._o if_o any_o church_n or_o pastor_n be_v accuse_v or_o defame_v to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n of_o any_o heresy_n schism_n scandal_n or_o injury_n either_o to_o any_o person_n of_o that_o church_n or_o to_o any_o neighbour_n church_n or_o person_n the_o general_a precept_n of_o christian_a charity_n concord_n humility_n submission_n etc._n etc._n do_v oblige_v such_o accuse_a person_n to_o tender_a to_o their_o offend_a brethren_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v many_o church_n due_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o hear_v their_o reason_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o amend_v if_o they_o have_v err_v and_o in_o lawful_a thing_n to_o yield_v to_o other_o for_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o to_o avoid_v offence_n where_o great_a accident_n make_v it_o not_o then_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 11._o if_o any_o pastor_n or_o neighbour_n church_n remain_v impenitent_a under_o such_o prove_a heresy_n impiety_n or_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o godliness_n the_o synod_n or_o neighbour_n church_n after_o due_a admonition_n and_o pationce_n shall_v open_o disow_v their_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a communion_n shall_v also_o disclaim_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o shall_v send_v to_o the_o innocent_a part_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o save_v themselves_o by_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n or_o to_o forsake_v such_o heretical_a and_o impenitent_a pastor_n and_o shall_v motion_n they_o to_o better_a pastor_n and_o send_v some_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o they_o be_v accept_v but_o none_o of_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a infirmity_n or_o fail_n 12._o a_o true_o ordain_v minister_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v or_o accept_v by_o a_o church_n for_o the_o present_a time_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o guide_v they_o in_o public_a worship_n and_o sacramental_a communion_n in_o the_o sickness_n or_o absence_n of_o their_o state_v pastor_n or_o in_o a_o vacancy_n aught_o to_o assist_v they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o administration_n and_o when_o a_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o pastor_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o desire_v the_o faithful_a neighbour_n pastor_n to_o assist_v they_o for_o supply_v especial_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o part_n of_o pastoral_a sufficiency_n which_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o try_v themselves_o and_o to_o ordain_v by_o approbation_n and_o solemn_a investiture_n such_o a_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o they_o consent_v to_o if_o he_o be_v not_o before_o ordain_v or_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o by_o prayer_n to_o desire_n god_n to_o bless_v he_o in_o that_o special_a charge_n q._n 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n a._n this_o need_v no_o more_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a answer_n but_o this_o 1._o that_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o main_n must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n 2._o but_o they_o must_v not_o busy_v themselves_o needless_o with_o the_o distant_a and_o unknown_a case_n and_o business_n of_o other_o nor_o 3_o must_v they_o violate_v the_o lawful_a restraint_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n nor_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n or_o interest_n 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n they_o shall_v send_v to_o they_o for_o satisfaction_n and_o those_o church_n shall_v send_v they_o the_o forementioned_a confession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o either_o purge_v themselves_o from_o the_o crime_n of_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v or_o confess_v they_o and_o forsake_v they_o but_o when_o the_o pastor_n which_o in_o several_a country_n have_v drink_v in_o differ_v opinion_n shall_v expect_v that_o all_o other_o shall_v speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o controvert_v point_n of_o tolerable_a difference_n and_o by_o their_o odious_a imagine_a consequence_n shall_v slander_v other_o church_n or_o pastor_n as_o hold_v that_o which_o they_o disclaim_v or_o as_o deny_v that_o which_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n they_o profess_v as_o their_o very_a religion_n and_o by_o their_o passion_n unskilfulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n shall_v make_v all_o difference_n though_o