a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v wherein_o the_o great_a gospel_n promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o the_o way_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o general_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n by_o tho._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o burden_n whosoever_o he_o be_v wherefore_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zech._n 8._o 19_o print_v for_o the_o author_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o london_n with_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o messenger_n elder_n and_o brethren_n occasional_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salutation_n etc._n etc._n brethren_n when_o i_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v your_o desire_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o brotherly_a concord_n peace_n and_o truth_n may_v possess_v the_o room_n of_o all_o our_o division_n in_o affection_n judgement_n and_o practice_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o many_o prayer_n be_v daily_o make_v to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o that_o hopeful_a way_n we_o late_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o desire_v and_o therewithal_o that_o most_o unhappy_a obstruction_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o you_o know_v arise_v from_o one_o who_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v a_o restorer_n of_o the_o ancient_a path_n which_o many_o have_v forsake_v and_o so_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o its_o be_v neglect_v who_o be_v in_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v therewithal_o great_a opportunity_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v real_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n much_o good_a even_o then_o by_o a_o little_a solly_n follow_v his_o own_o counsel_n doubtless_o through_o satan_n malice_n who_o envy_v our_o good_a have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o enterprise_n obnoxious_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o grievous_a i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o a_o sigh_n even_o this_o which_o here_o i_o present_a unto_o you_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v this_o which_o be_v no_o soon_o conceive_v but_o i_o be_v immediate_o satisfy_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o holy_a way_n which_o have_v be_v gris_o profane_v by_o a_o hypocritical_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o true_a for_o ever_o be_v that_o word_n hosea_n 14._o ult_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v therein_o but_o the_o transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o and_o certain_o as_o our_o brethren_n resuse_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n after_o the_o due_a order_n at_o the_o first_o so_o this_o prodigious_a hypocrisy_n at_o the_o last_o may_v too_o true_o be_v call_v church_n perrez_n ecclesia_fw-la at_o this_o day_n thou_o lord_n be_v righteous_a thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o hide_a thing_n thereof_o and_o have_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o thy_o precious_a though_o much_o abuse_v truth_n even_o so_o lord_n let_v our_o iniquity_n be_v ever_o correct_v but_o yet_o in_o mercy_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o now_o no_o more_o go_v about_o this_o dreadful_a work_n to_o bring_v the_o ark_n the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o some_o irregular_a church_n to_o their_o due_a reverence_n unto_o it_o if_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v his_o servant_n still_o convene_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o his_o sight_n for_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o we_o shall_v one_o understand_v another_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n seek_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o induce_v to_o believe_v or_o hope_v for_o from_o not_o only_o the_o great_a desire_n which_o i_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n general_o that_o peace_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v upon_o israel_n but_o also_o from_o the_o great_a forwardness_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o to_o consent_v unto_o certain_a proposal_n for_o peace_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o profess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o the_o former_o divide_a party_n that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n this_o proposition_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o there_o want_v but_o a_o step_n as_o it_o be_v to_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o to_o a_o last_a peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o impossible_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o agree_v about_o the_o particular_a service_n intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o unless_o a_o spirit_n of_o perverseness_n be_v mingle_v among_o we_o towards_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o difficulty_n something_o be_v say_v in_o the_o sequel_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v why_o the_o searcher_n shall_v so_o much_o declaim_v against_o you_o as_o if_o you_o unchurch_v all_o churchâ—s_n but_o yourselves_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n have_v never_o understand_v that_o you_o do_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o agreement_n deliver_v such_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o much_o your_o business_n to_o meddle_v with_o unchurch_v any_o body_n as_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n indeed_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o reject_v or_o oppose_v your_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o case_n depend_v have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a èspecial_o touch_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o plain_o argue_v you_o own_o they_o for_o such_o but_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o their_o reject_v or_o oppose_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o uncapable_a of_o present_a communion_n with_o those_o that_o religious_o observe_v the_o truth_n by_o they_o reject_v and_o oppose_v for_o if_o you_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o what_o need_v any_o debate_n be_v have_v whether_o it_o be_v orderly_a or_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n now_o that_o person_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v circumstance_v concern_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o other_o christian_n or_o church_n imply_v no_o absurdity_n but_o be_v rather_o very_o necessary_a i_o hope_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v demonstrate_v something_o also_o i_o have_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o messenger_n office_n which_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o i_o confess_v myself_o nothing_o so_o fit_a a_o person_n to_o plead_v this_o cause_n as_o some_o other_o however_o if_o that_o which_o i_o have_v do_v may_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o other_o to_o do_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v i_o commit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o church_n your_o brother_n and_o servant_n tho._n grantham_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n brethren_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v good_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n by_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o turn_v the_o unkindness_n of_o brethren_n into_o mean_n of_o preservation_n to_o the_o family_n gen._n 50._o 20._o we_o be_v make_v even_o against_o hope_n to_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o product_n of_o your_o do_n in_o your_o search_n and_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v may_v be_v good_a although_o its_o procedure_n in_o respect_n
general_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o reception_n thereof_o which_o way_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n perform_v by_o her_o minister_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n and_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n belong_v to_o they_o in_o the_o minority_n of_o their_o christian_a state_n for_o explication_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o show_v first_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o some_o now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o act_v 19_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n or_o some_o worse_a cause_n seem_v not_o to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o they_o have_v forget_v unto_o what_o they_o be_v baptise_a matth._n 28._o 19_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o reform_a and_o elevate_a state_n imaginable_a neither_o any_o create_a spirit_n whatsoever_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o mean_v that_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o form_v gen._n 1._o 2._o job_n 26._o 13._o and_o which_o know_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 10._o and_o which_o be_v present_a every_o where_o psal_n 139._o 7_o 8._o 9_o which_o spirit_n we_o therefore_o believe_v to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n in_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o therefore_o right_o say_v to_o be_v god_n act_v 5._o 3_o 4_o 9_o second_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n receive_v this_o holy_a spirit_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o essential_o and_o personal_o for_o so_o they_o can_v contain_v he_o but_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o manifestation_n and_o operation_n by_o gift_n according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 12._o by_o fruit_n according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o galath_n 5._o 22_o 23._o and_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o so_o much_o neglect_v truth_n the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n lie_v much_o in_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n it_o behove_v that_o we_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o glorious_a promise_n that_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n and_o make_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o we_o may_v the_o more_o devout_o seek_v for_o it_o not_o only_o in_o our_o private_a devotion_n but_o also_o in_o that_o special_a and_o public_a way_n assign_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o obtain_n so_o great_a a_o benefit_n let_v it_o therefore_o first_o be_v consider_v that_o to_o be_v under_o the_o common_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o conversion_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n be_v another_o it_o be_v certain_a a_o person_n may_v be_v eminent_o under_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o other_o as_o appear_v first_o in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o though_o they_o be_v the_o person_n which_o receive_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o promise_v holy_a spirit_n yet_o be_v they_o for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o receive_v it_o for_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n act_n 1._o 4_o 5._o but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o fâ—r_v john_n true_o baptize_v with_o water_n but_o you_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n hence_o john_n 7._o 39_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o samaritan_n be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n be_v fall_v on_o none_o of_o they_o act_v 8._o 12_o 15_o 16._o the_o ephesian_n also_o believe_v in_o god_n after_o they_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o be_v not_o seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n till_o afterward_o eph._n 1._o 13_o 14._o agreeable_a hereunto_o be_v that_o question_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_v 19_o 2._o have_v you_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o you_o believe_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o question_n be_v put_v be_v believer_n in_o christ_n yea_o baptise_a believer_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o baptise_a disciple_n have_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o indeed_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o peter_n can_v so_o confident_o and_o universal_o promise_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o every_o one_o that_o do_v repent_v of_o their_o iniquity_n and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lâ—rd_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n act_n 2._o 38._o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o person_n may_v be_v under_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o certain_a state_n of_o christianity_n for_o those_o that_o may_v be_v call_v disciple_n be_v call_v christian_n act_n 11._o 26._o and_o yet_o be_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o confirm_v spirit_n of_o promise_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o john_n 14._o 16_o 17._o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o note_v well_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o respect_v the_o spirit_n as_o it_o work_v miracle_n only_o but_o also_o and_o indeed_o much_o more_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v a_o leader_n into_o all_o truuh_o call_v therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n in_o such_o wise_a as_o shall_v abide_v with_o and_o in_o the_o saint_n for_o ever_o yea_o it_o be_v the_o comforter_n or_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n and_o be_v therefore_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o pertain_v to_o christian_n general_o second_o that_o this_o seal_n and_o confirm_v spirit_n of_o promise_n belong_v to_o christ_n disciple_n general_o whether_o male_a or_o female_a i_o conceive_v some_o necessity_n to_o demonstrate_v because_o the_o searcher_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o at_o the_o least_o they_o may_v exclude_v â—omen_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n will_v not_o have_v they_o include_v in_o the_o word_n they_o act_v 8._o 17._o but_o if_o we_o prove_v that_o woman_n have_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n equal_o with_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o fear_n the_o trifle_a demand_n of_o the_o searcher_n in_o their_o 29_o querie_n which_o only_o serve_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o it_o seem_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n have_v hand_n impose_v on_o they_o with_o prayer_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o their_o cavil_n against_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o practise_n of_o lay_v on_o oâ—_n hand_n be_v at_o least_o the_o less_o considerable_a now_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n extend_v to_o christian_a woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n appear_v from_o the_o prophet_n foresight_n of_o the_o extent_n thereof_o isa_n 44._o 3._o i_o will_v power_n water_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v thirsty_a and_o flood_n upon_o the_o dry_a ground_n i_o will_v power_n my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n and_o my_o blessing_n upon_o their_o offspring_n joel_n 2._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o that_o i_o will_v power_n out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o upon_o the_o servant_n and_o upon_o the_o handmaid_n in_o those_o day_n will_v i_o power_n out_o of_o my_o spirit_n which_o glorious_a promise_n be_v first_o fulfil_v to_o the_o christian_n soon_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n act_n 2._o and_o now_o be_v the_o time_n as_o well_o as_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o promise_n act_v 5._o 32._o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v sâ—nt_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n gal._n 4._o 6._o
to_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o every_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n and_o for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o certain_a disciple_n at_o ephesus_n reason_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o service_n more_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o gift_n or_o office_n which_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o any_o man_n yet_o certain_o they_o have_v power_n or_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o heavenly_a confirmation_n which_o ensue_v upon_o their_o performance_n insomuch_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n be_v as_o much_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n well_o please_v to_o he_o as_o any_o other_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o la_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v evince_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o even_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v viz._n a_o temporary_a practice_n only_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o some_o few_o have_v practise_v or_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o cease_v be_v only_o perform_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v therefore_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o service_n to_o be_v very_o universal_a it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o indifferent_a man_n that_o very_o many_o thousand_o be_v in_o the_o religious_a practice_n of_o this_o ministration_n in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o first_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o its_o plantation_n where_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v very_o great_a in_o likelihood_n not_o less_o than_o a_o hunâ—red_n thousand_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o act_n 8._o vers_fw-la 14._o it_o be_v say_v samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n which_o expression_n that_o they_o include_v each_o individual_a i_o will_v not_o affirm_v for_o if_o they_o import_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n as_o that_o will_v appear_v it_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n this_o be_v evident_a partly_o for_o that_o we_o hear_v not_o of_o so_o much_o as_o one_o person_n who_o oppose_v himself_o against_o philip_n preach_v in_o that_o city_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n for_o he_o consent_v to_o philip_n doctrine_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o the_o generality_n thereof_o be_v convert_v by_o philip_n as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v general_o deceive_v by_o simon_n the_o witch_n as_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 9_o he_o bewitch_v they_o to_o wit_n the_o people_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v interpret_v of_o all_o or_o the_o generality_n verse_n 11._o to_o he_o they_o have_v regard_n from_o the_o least_o even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 5._o that_o philip_n go_v down_o to_o samaria_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o i._n e._n all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v rational_o gather_v from_o vers_fw-la 6._o aâ—d_v the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o philip_n speak_v heâ—ring_v and_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v hence_o we_o may_v perceive_v a_o very_a general_n if_o not_o a_o universal_a conversion_n of_o this_o city_n who_o like_a as_o in_o time_n past_a they_o give_v regard_n to_o the_o sorcerer_n both_o the_o least_o and_o great_a of_o they_o but_o now_o with_o one_o accord_n they_o give_v heed_n to_o what_o philip_n speak_v even_o so_o vers_n 12._o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o very_a same_o people_n without_o exception_n that_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o the_o account_v give_v be_v so_o general_a as_o the_o term_n already_o note_v may_v imply_v it_o be_v add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n yea_o further_o as_o the_o deceive_a city_n be_v now_o record_v to_o be_v convert_v so_o the_o very_a deceiver_n himself_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o believe_v and_o baptize_v vers_fw-la 13._o we_o have_v therefore_o not_o only_o a_o general_n or_o indefinite_a account_n of_o the_o disciple_n at_o samaria_n but_o what_o be_v general_o or_o indefinite_o deliver_v in_o the_o word_n samaria_n receive_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n be_v sufficient_o define_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n of_o the_o deceiver_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v deceive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o both_o sex_n to_o wit_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o upon_o those_o very_a person_n it_o be_v say_v without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o exception_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n after_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v on_o none_o of_o they_o note_v on_o none_o of_o they_o wherefore_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o all_o therefore_o they_o impose_v hand_n on_o they_o all_o now_o suppose_v that_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n will_v afford_v but_o three_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n capable_a of_o instruction_n if_o then_o i_o do_v allow_v two_o part_n out_o of_o three_o yet_o there_o remain_v 100000_o convert_v probable_o however_o infallible_o a_o great_a multitude_n to_o who_o we_o may_v well_o add_v as_o a_o people_n own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o by_o who_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v to_o samaria_n and_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o think_v that_o they_o will_v now_o innovate_v a_o service_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o samaria_n which_o be_v not_o before_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n that_o send_v they_o thither_o but_o this_o service_n be_v number_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o hebrew_n church_n and_o find_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n whence_o it_o appear_v this_o ministration_n be_v as_o universal_a as_o other_o ordinance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n ergo_fw-la not_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n only_o nor_o do_v that_o text_n deut._n 34._o 9_o allege_v by_o the_o searcher_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v that_o joshua_n be_v full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisedâ—me_n for_o moses_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o etc._n etc._n which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o timothy_n receive_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o pauâ—'s_n hand_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n or_o judgement_n which_o may_v be_v receive_v where_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v doubtless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v without_o boast_v that_o some_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n be_v so_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o least_o in_o comparison_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o the_o searcher_n will_v not_o say_v they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v they_o have_v tell_v we_o though_o very_o untrue_o that_o the_o end_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 8._o act_n 19_o be_v cease_v or_o not_o attainable_a which_o they_o conceive_v be_v only_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conceit_n of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o prodigious_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v late_o submit_v to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o i_o marvel_n with_o what_o conscience_n if_o indeed_o he_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o the_o end_n of_o that_o service_n be_v not_o attainable_a it_o be_v worthy_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o ephesus_n long_o before_o paul_n lay_v hand_n on_o those_o certain_a disciple_n which_o he_o find_v there_o at_o his_o second_o come_v to_o that_o city_n act_n 18._o 19_o 20_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v confirm_v there_o for_o many_o year_n
brethren_n resolve_v we_o concern_v the_o proper_a time_n to_o begin_v to_o teach_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o that_o principle_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n mean_o while_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o instruct_v man_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o touch_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v at_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o beginning_n their_o christian_a course_n or_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n because_o every_o member_n of_o that_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v vivify_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o again_o the_o whole_a foundation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o the_o principle_n heb_n 6._o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o anteoedent_n will_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o wise_a builder_n for_o they_o know_v the_o superstructure_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v secure_a if_o the_o foundation_n be_v defective_a the_o consequence_n be_v good_a because_o every_o principle_n heb._n 6._o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o so_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n among_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n nor_o will_v our_o brethren_n demand_n ground_v on_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n prejudice_n ought_v that_o we_o have_v say_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o shall_v be_v obtain_v but_o they_o be_v plain_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n must_v die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n as_o appear_v luke_o 24._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o and_o he_o that_o be_v jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n what_o thing_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o concern_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o be_v a_o prophet_n mighty_a indeed_o and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o how_o our_o ruler_n deliver_v he_o to_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o have_v crucify_v he_o but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v deliver_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v yea_o and_o certain_a woman_n also_o of_o our_o own_o company_n make_v we_o astonish_v which_o be_v early_o at_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o when_o they_o find_v not_o his_o body_n they_o come_v say_v that_o they_o have_v also_o sein_fw-fr a_fw-fr vision_n of_o angel_n which_o say_v that_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o certain_a that_o be_v with_o we_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o find_v it_o even_o as_o the_o woman_n have_v say_v but_o he_o they_o see_v not_o then_o he_o say_v that_o be_v jesus_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_n fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n hence_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o christ_n disciple_n be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v work_v man_n deliverance_n by_o die_v for_o they_o 2._o that_o he_o shall_v overcome_v death_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a 3._o that_o christ_n both_o reprove_v their_o ignorance_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o principle_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o our_o brethren_n have_v gain_v by_o quere_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n sure_o not_o a_o hairs-breadth_n of_o proof_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n shall_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n any_o more_o than_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o in_o like_a manner_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o wink_v at_o the_o day_n of_o this_o ignorance_n yet_o sure_o we_o know_v that_o man_n be_v not_o now_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unless_o they_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v not_o to_o cry_v lord_n lord_n only_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o their_o lord_n purchaser_n and_o their_o lord_n commander_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a whence_o we_o conclude_v if_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o unfit_a for_o church-communion_n and_o here_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o demand_n where_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n upon_o any_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v corrupt_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v the_o ordinance_n cease_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n act_v 10._o 47_o 48._o for_o baptism_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o reception_n thereof_o &_o be_v propound_v as_o a_o mean_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o condition_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n acts._n 2._o 38._o yet_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n be_v once_o at_o least_o give_v and_o receive_v before_o baptism_n be_v dispense_v yea_o those_o person_n have_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n for_o god_n that_o know_v their_o heart_n do_v now_o evidence_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n purife_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n act_v 11._o yet_o do_v not_o all_o this_o in_o the_o least_o make_v void_a that_o solemn_a ordinance_n the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v fore-ordained_n to_o signify_v and_o sacramental_o to_o confer_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o inward_a wash_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o then_o the_o end_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v obtain_v do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o practic_a part_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o church_n be_v under_o ordinance_n than_o who_o can_v forbid_v prayer_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n even_o for_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n thereof_o already_o see_v none_o will_v say_v i_o trust_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v so_o much_o but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v more_o again_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n nor_o confusion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o his_o holy_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o rom._n 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 33._o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o ordain_v a_o divide_a or_o confuse_a order_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v avoid_v if_o once_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n already_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o a_o ordinance_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o other_o part_n can_v arrive_v at_o the_o privilege_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o body_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o order_n a_o weak_a sight_n may_v perceive_v whither_o such_o a_o conceit_n will_v lead_v we_o at_o last_o even_o into_o that_o wilderness_n whither_o many_o be_v go_v who_o forsooth_o because_o they_o have_v the_o kernel_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o shell_n to_o wit_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o spirit_n which_o lead_v man_n into_o disobedience_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o at_o length_n they_o have_v so_o much_o spirit_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v without_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o as_o little_a esteem_n with_o they_o as_o his_o ordinance_n the_o other_o corrupt_a ground_n of_o this_o demand_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o present_a receiving_n and_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o language_n what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o seem_v to_o border_n much_o upon_o their_o apprehension_n who_o concern_v holy_a baptism_n do_v thus_o speak_v i_o be_o as_o well_o
〈◊〉_d seed_n of_o abraham_n he_o be_v of_o one_o substance_n with_o â—is_n church_n touch_v his_o manhood_n and_o for_o â—hat_n cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brother_n as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o â—loud_n he_o also_o himself_o likewise_o take_v part_n of_o the_o â—â—me_n he_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n raise_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o fruit_n of_o david_n loin_n according_a to_o the_o â—â—esh_n he_o be_v david_n son_n call_v frequent_o a_o â—an_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v the_o property_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_n except_v this_o his_o birth_n growth_n manner_n of_o life_n and_o death_n do_v declare_v i_o conclude_v then_o he_o of_o who_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v be_v man_n by_o nature_n the_o short_a be_v this_o jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v before_o alâ—_n thing_n and_o he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n therefore_o he_o iâ—_n god_n by_o nature_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o worlâ—_n be_v bear_v in_o time_n and_o suffer_v death_n or_o be_v slay_v 〈◊〉_d therefore_o he_o be_v man_n by_o nature_n yet_o more_o short_o this_o jesus_n be_v immanuel_n or_o god-man_n in_o onâ—_n person_n the_o three_o part._n show_v that_o our_o brethren_n reject_v and_o oppose_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n enforce_v a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n between_o they_o and_o thâ—_n church_n which_o walk_v in_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o division_n which_o happen_v in_o thâ—_n church_n be_v not_o proper_o but_o accidental_o against_o she_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o a_o people_n who_o may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o be_v very_o true_a when_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o division_n be_v as_o epidemical_a as_o in_o â—ny_a society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o so_o also_o it_o must_v be_v deny_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o division_n which_o happen_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n â—re_n property_n against_o herself_o for_o see_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o she_o may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v corrupt_v divers_a way_n â—â—om_v she_o first_o integrity_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o â—orm_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n even_o hence_o be_v enforce_v a_o necessity_n that_o â—he_v be_v other_o reform_v whereupon_o divers_a worthy_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v labour_v 〈◊〉_d restore_v the_o decay_a part_n if_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o â—oot_v out_o such_o thing_n as_o â—ave_n be_v obtrude_v by_o innovation_n and_o sure_o â—hat_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o be_v more_o or_o less_o â—he_v duty_n of_o all_o and_o consequent_o the_o sin_n of_o â—â—ch_a as_o put_v not_o their_o shoulder_n to_o the_o work_n â—eh_o 3._o 5._o but_o much_o more_o they_o who_o not_o onâ—y_o will_v not_o do_v it_o themselves_o but_o hinder_v and_o discourage_v they_o that_o will_v say_v in_o effect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 44._o 16_o 17._o as_o for_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o hâ—st_v speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hearken_v untâ—_n thou_o but_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v as_o we_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d and_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n put_v the_o mark_n of_o antiquity_n upon_o their_o own_o way_n and_o the_o note_n oâ—_n novelty_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n oâ—_n god_n something_o like_o to_o which_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o searcher_n where_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o caâ—_n well_o remember_v when_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v noâ—_n esteem_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n which_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d have_v reason_n to_o question_n when_o i_o consider_v thaâ—_n themselves_o do_v hold_v and_o say_v they_o ever_o diâ—_n hold_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heâ—_n 6._o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o i_o think_v nonâ—_n of_o its_o assertor_n ever_o have_v less_o esteem_n oâ—_n it_o than_o they_o neither_o do_v the_o moderation_n of_o its_o assertor_n in_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o hold_v with_o thosâ—_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n for_o somâ—_n time_n after_o themselves_o have_v own_v it_o argueâ—_n that_o those_o who_o receive_v â—he_n doctrine_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n do_v not_o esteem_v it_o the_o same_o whicâ—_n now_o they_o do_v sith_o reason_n will_v that_o when_o anâ—_n part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n attain_v to_o thâ—_n knowledge_n of_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n have_v be_v obscure_v they_o shall_v exercise_v all_o long-suffering_a anâ—_n forbearance_n to_o see_v if_o by_o any_o mean_v the_o contrary_a mind_a may_v be_v enlighten_v but_o now_o if_o after_o all_o endeavour_n use_v and_o patience_n extend_v some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v whole_o audrie_v to_o reformation_n and_o that_o in_o such_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v reasonable_a nor_o be_v it_o scriptural_a 21._o that_o those_o who_o god_n have_v enlighten_v shall_v be_v bind_v to_o continue_v with_o the_o obstinate_a in_o their_o by-path_n but_o must_v at_o length_n â—eclare_v themselves_o in_o manner_n of_o speech_n like_o â—hat_n of_o joshuah_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a to_o you_o to_o serve_v 〈◊〉_d lord_n in_o this_o principle_n of_o his_o doctrine_n choose_v 〈◊〉_d what_o you_o will_v do_v but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v resolve_v â—â—rein_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n agreeable_a whereunto_o 〈◊〉_d that_o direction_n of_o the_o â—ord_n to_o the_o 11._o remnant_n â—hat_n hold_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o â—heir_n whole_a heart_n jer._n 15._o â—9_n let_v they_o return_v to_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d return_v not_o thou_o to_o they_o â—hence_o i_o note_v four_o thing_n considerable_a to_o â—ur_n present_a occasion_n 1._o that_o the_o party_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v â—oth_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o â—â—em_n touch_v some_o necessary_a part_n of_o religiâ—â—_n 3._o that_o the_o lord_n allow_v this_o division_n and_o â—â—courageth_v the_o continuation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o perfect_o or_o according_a to_o his_o word_n 4._o that_o the_o church-state_n of_o neither_o part_n be_v as_o yet_o take_v whole_o away_o or_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o hence_o i_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o theâ—â—_n 28._o church_n defection_n in_o the_o principle_n or_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o may_v lawful_o be_v hold_v a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n between_o thâ—_n part_v defective_a and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a or_o reform_v and_o yeâ—_n the_o church_n state_n of_o neither_o whole_o destroy_v and_o bâ—_n how_o much_o the_o principle_n 〈◊〉_d point_v of_o faith_n be_v great_a or_o lâ—sser_a by_o so_o much_o thiâ—_n distinction_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v with_o great_a or_o lesâ—_n severity_n this_o i_o may_v confirm_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o thosâ—_n great_a distraction_n which_o happen_v among_o theâ—_n sometime_o about_o principle_n of_o truth_n refer_v immediate_o to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n hos_n 11._o 12._o and_o otherwhiles_o about_o those_o which_o be_v neglect_v will_v great_o impair_v the_o power_n oâ—_n godliness_n among_o man_n judâ—_n 19_o 20_o chuâ—_n iâ—_n which_o distraction_n the_o faithful_a labour_v as_o iâ—_n be_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n to_o reform_v the_o part_n distemper_v without_o destroy_v their_o church-state_n judg._n 20._o and_o 21._o chapter_n jer._n 17._o 12._o to_o 17._o during_o which_o combustion_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o demur_n in_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o part_n contend_v as_o may_v â—asily_o be_v gather_v from_o their_o bitter_a and_o sanguinary_a conflict_n if_o our_o very_a reason_n do_v not_o convince_v we_o but_o leave_v the_o many_o and_o convince_a allegaâ—â—ons_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o be_v not_o deny_v â—hat_n appellation_n though_o under_o such_o defileâ—ents_n as_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o celebrate_v the_o â—oly_a rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o â—herefore_o consequent_o very_o unfit_a for_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o withstand_v their_o pollution_n which_o may_v sufficient_o satisfy_v reasonable_a â—en_n and_o therefore_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o â—hat_n it_o be_v no_o absurd_a thing_n to_o grant_v a_o peâ—ple_a the_o apâ—ilation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o hold_v they_o uncapable_a 〈◊〉_d communion_n with_o such_o of_o the_o church_n
the_o peace_n of_o our_o church_n let_v i_o now_o conclude_v with_o a_o free_a word_n to_o the_o brethren_n of_o both_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o adversary_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o chief_o you_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o principle_n under_o debate_n the_o more_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o show_v forth_o your_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o hope_v and_o believe_v all_o thing_n which_o doubtless_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o believe_v this_o of_o your_o brethren_n in_o general_a that_o if_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n as_o you_o do_v they_o will_v be_v nothing_o less_o zealous_a for_o it_o then_o yourselves_o and_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o they_o be_v erroneous_a in_o our_o judgement_n and_o certain_o erroneous_a they_o be_v so_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o reject_v one_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o endanger_v the_o rest_n yet_o let_v we_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o be_v awar_n of_o this_o they_o will_v abhor_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o do_v so_o prejudice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n our_o brethren_n do_v err_v it_o be_v true_a but_o they_o err_v with_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o error_n because_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o err_v now_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a be_v not_o puff_v up_o against_o any_o that_o zealous_o serve_v the_o lord_n though_o perhaps_o they_o err_v from_o many_o of_o his_o precept_n charity_n be_v not_o the_o companion_n of_o that_o excess_n of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n which_o abound_v in_o some_o man_n for_o it_o know_v that_o temperance_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o our_o zeal_n as_o mercy_n be_v in_o judgement_n violent_a spirit_n seldom_o or_o never_o do_v the_o church_n service_n without_o disservice_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o truth_n we_o stand_v for_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o defend_v it_o no_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n will_v support_v it_o against_o the_o strong_a opposition_n therefore_o let_v your_o moderation_n appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o brethren_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v i_o thus_o speak_v beware_v that_o you_o despise_v not_o your_o brethren_n especial_o you_o that_o be_v man_n of_o part_n because_o you_o be_v take_v for_o brethren_n of_o high_a degree_n must_v now_o if_o you_o own_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v oppose_v seem_v to_o be_v abase_v you_o that_o have_v be_v instructer_n of_o the_o simple_a must_v now_o learn_v of_o babe_n or_o at_o least_o such_o thing_n as_o pertain_v to_o babe_n whereupon_o if_o you_o ask_v your_o conscience_n i_o be_o persuade_v you_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o once_o a_o wise_a man_n meet_v with_o upon_o a_o occasion_n like_o to_o this_o when_o he_o reason_v with_o his_o friend_n after_o this_o manner_n because_o other_o be_v go_v before_o be_v it_o a_o shame_n for_o we_o to_o come_v after_o or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o great_a shame_n not_o at_o all_o to_o go_v after_o they_o aug._n confess_v l._n 8._o c_o 8._o and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o baptise_v for_o man_n have_v forsake_v the_o way_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o subject_n and_o manner_n of_o that_o ordinance_n there_o be_v find_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n for_o christian_n of_o ancient_a stand_n as_o it_o be_v to_o begin_v again_o and_o yet_o some_o then_o as_o you_o now_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v prevail_v with_o but_o will_v at_o least_o have_v the_o way_n of_o baptise_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n liberty_n as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o four_o principle_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v plead_v that_o cause_n when_o no_o other_o endeavour_n can_v prevail_v for_o those_o that_o stumble_v at_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o extinct_a in_o this_o nation_n whilst_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o be_v bless_v with_o great_a increase_n and_o what_o shall_v befall_v you_o if_o to_o your_o disobedience_n you_o shall_v add_v pertinacity_n a_o little_a time_n may_v determine_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v perceive_v brethren_n how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o we_o glad_o will_v we_o have_v communion_n with_o you_o in_o all_o christian_a privilege_n but_o your_o wilful_a want_n as_o of_o some_o may_v be_v fear_v you_o of_o one_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o therewithal_o your_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v our_o church_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v obtain_v be_v the_o business_n for_o time_n to_o determine_v and_o o_o that_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v mean_o while_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o searcher_n and_o their_o search_n ourselves_o and_o our_o sigh_n to_o he_o that_o will_v cause_v all_o the_o church_n to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o will_v give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n for_o man_n to_o strain_v more_o at_o the_o word_n apostle_n as_o some_o do_v at_o the_o word_n bishop_n then_o at_o the_o work_n or_o office_n signify_v thereby_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n as_o i_o conceive_v then_o groundless_a humility_n or_o hypocritical_a subtlety_n see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o title_n be_v as_o lowly_a as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o suit_n with_o the_o matter_n thereby_o intend_v the_o first_o signify_v a_o messenger_n or_o one_o send_v the_o other_o a_o overseer_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v this_o humour_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o call_v old_a thing_n by_o their_o old_a name_n and_o therefore_o shall_v call_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o same_o name_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v give_v they_o not_o to_o make_v they_o proud_a but_o rather_o humble_v and_o to_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n concern_v the_o work_n which_o by_o their_o office_n they_o stand_v engage_v to_o do_v nor_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o this_o time_n to_o say_v much_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n general_o but_o only_o of_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n &_o this_o because_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o only_a doubt_n but_o endeavour_n to_o make_v other_o doubtful_a also_o whether_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n any_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n to_o succeed_v the_o primitive_a apostle_n as_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o albeit_o we_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v successor_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n yet_o our_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o all_o respect_n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n something_o ordinary_a â—nd_n fix_v and_o something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a the_o latter_a be_v first_o their_o immediate_a â—ission_n 1._o second_o they_o â—earned_v their_o doctrine_n eiâ—her_o from_o the_o sacred_a lip_n â—f_o the_o lord_n christ_n or_o by_o â—â—fallible_a revelation_n and_o be_v not_o teach_v it_o â—y_a man_n as_o 13._o timothy_n and_o â—ther_o their_o successor_n â—ere_z heb._n 2._o great_a salâ—ation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v â—im_v that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v â—â—en_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n thaâ—_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1_o 5._o but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n thâ—â—_n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receiveâ—_n it_o of_o man_n ananias_n neither_o be_v teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 11._o three_o they_o be_v tâ—_n lay_v a_o foundation_n and_o tâ—_n propose_v a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n 16._o for_o other_o teacher_n to_o builâ—_n on_o and_o to_o keep_v as_o their_o pattern_n and_o a_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o try_v other_o doctrine_n anâ—_n spirit_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10._o as_o a_o wise_a master_n buildeâ—_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o another_o
as_o pastor_n and_o also_o how_o many_o several_a congregation_n they_o may_v act_v in_o as_o pastor_n by_o consent_n whether_o two_o only_a or_o ten_o only_a or_o a_o hundred_o and_o so_o ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la sure_o if_o once_o they_o give_v particular_a pastor_n power_n to_o act_n as_o elder_n in_o more_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n appoint_v to_o oversee_v they_o can_v never_o bind_v their_o power_n and_o than_o what_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o exceed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o further_o if_o our_o brethren_n can_v give_v their_o particular_a pastors_n power_n to_o act_v as_o pastor_n in_o many_o church_n for_o a_o month_n or_o half_a a_o year_n then_o why_o not_o a_o year_n 2._o or_o 3._o and_o so_o for_o the_o term_n of_o life_n the_o occasion_n still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o how_o much_o come_v this_o short_a of_o the_o power_n commit_v to_o any_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n wherefore_o see_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v exercise_v as_o great_a authority_n in_o send_v man_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o settle_v their_o church_n as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v dislike_v our_o calling_n those_o office_n by_o such_o name_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v they_o rather_o than_o by_o such_o name_n as_o be_v exclusive_a of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v exercise_v either_o by_o those_o who_o go_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o take_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n true_a it_o be_v that_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n and_o that_o he_o be_v elder_a in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o but_o this_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o office_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n sometime_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o let_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o 10._o great_a contain_v the_o less_o yet_o the_o less_o do_v not_o contain_v the_o great_a for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o particular_a elder_n of_o a_o congregation_n only_o and_o a_o charge_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n be_v thing_n inconsistent_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n what_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o person_n gift_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o general_a privilege_n or_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n here_o to_o discourse_n but_o only_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v which_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o office_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o only_o provide_v a_o liberty_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o modest_a exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v edify_v but_o also_o when_o by_o his_o providence_n any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o remâ—te_a place_n or_o otherwise_o call_v to_o testify_v their_o faith_n they_o may_v lawful_o evangelize_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 8._o 4_o 5._o and_o other_o very_a ancient_a author_n see_v socrates_n schlasticus_n l._n 1._o the_o 15._o 16._o chapter_n 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v define_v be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o continual_a neâ—d_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ancient_a purity_n thereof_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o that_o greâ—t_a danger_n they_o lie_v under_o by_o reasâ—n_n of_o the_o many_o decivers_a or_o false_a vpostle_n which_o be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n who_o corrupt_v the_o worldly_a mingle_v therewith_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o world_n be_v the_o lord_n harvest_n into_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o send_v his_o labourer_n and_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n luke_n 10._o 1_o 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o these_o labourer_n be_v at_o least_o chief_o some_o that_o be_v in_o a_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o can_v so_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a function_n in_o the_o ministry_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o other_o officer_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v bind_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o partly_o for_o that_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o direction_n to_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o send_v forth_o messenger_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o sure_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o office_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o very_a clause_n touch_v their_o be_v send_v forth_o and_o that_o as_o lamb_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o what_o labourer_n these_o be_v a_o necessity_n therefore_o liee_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o her_o member_n to_o that_o needful_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o lest_o otherwise_o she_o be_v like_o those_o who_o make_v many_o prayer_n for_o that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o cause_v the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o her_o assembly_n nor_o be_v it_o like_o that_o the_o world_n will_v send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o instruction_n it_o remain_v therefore_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o illumination_n of_o all_o that_o as_o gad_n have_v wont_a to_o send_v forth_o his_o ambassador_n to_o beseech_v the_o world_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n even_o so_o one_o fruit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o this_o day_n be_v a_o gift_n even_o for_o the_o rebellious_a that_o the_o lord_n god_n may_v dwell_v among_o they_o psal_n 68_o 18._o which_o be_v compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o may_v very_o well_o be_v interpret_v of_o a_o gift_a ministry_n to_o turn_v rebellious_a sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n to_o which_o agree_v that_o place_n john_n 16._o 8._o where_o our_o lord_n do_v assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n as_o he_o shall_v operate_v or_o work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o promise_v either_o end_v with_o that_o age_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v or_o else_o if_o it_o remain_v to_o these_o day_n than_o it_o suppose_v a_o ministry_n to_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n the_o everlasting_a gospel_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v bind_v even_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n as_o debtor_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o unwise_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o satan_n have_v his_o apostle_n minister_n or_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o time_n past_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 13_o 22._o it_o be_v strange_a now_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n shall_v have_v none_o to_o withstand_v these_o if_o need_v be_v with_o a_o be_v they_o apostle_n so_o be_o i_o as_o well_o as_o with_o a_o be_v they_o mnister_n of_o christ_n so_o be_o i_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n hear_v dissllow_v the_o appellation_n of_o apostle_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o beside_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o that_o which_o he_o do_v disallow_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o when_o their_o work_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o such_o as_o only_o transform_v themselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n but_o have_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v call_v apostle_n beside_o the_o foundation-layer_n paul_n have_v a_o very_a easy_a way_n to_o confute_v these_o deceiver_n even_o by_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o profess_v themselves_o apostle_n be_v proof_n