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nation_n church_n government_n national_a 1,425 5 11.0890 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o nation_n and_o not_o from_o any_o scripture_n or_o religious_a rule_n and_o be_v these_o prohibition_n only_o temporary_a or_o occasional_a suit_v unto_o such_o emergency_n as_o may_v give_v countenance_n unto_o their_o necessity_n there_o may_v be_v a_o proportionable_a compliance_n with_o they_o but_o whereas_o they_o respect_v all_o time_n alike_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o act_n any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o such_o prohibition_n to_o secure_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o no_o way_n interfere_v with_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o the_o law_n by_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o occasion_n unto_o civil_a disturbance_n and_o other_o also_o by_o their_o peaceable_a deportment_n in_o all_o they_o do_v but_o whereas_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o talon_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o trade_n withal_o have_v accept_v of_o his_o term_n and_o engage_v into_o his_o service_n without_o any_o condition_n of_o exception_n in_o case_n of_o such_o prohibition_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a they_o shall_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o desist_v from_o their_o work_n on_o such_o occurrence_n any_o far_a than_o in_o what_o they_o must_v yield_v unto_o outward_a force_n and_o necessity_n it_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o that_o if_o such_o a_o legal_a prohibition_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gopel_n it_o will_v not_o be_v obligatory_a unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o supreme_a magistrate_n lawful_o to_o forbid_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o subject_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o grant_v make_v by_o god_n the_o father_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o commission_n he_o give_v thereon_o unto_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v some_o only_a that_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o prohibition_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o peace_n sake_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o will_n of_o their_o superior_n therein_o whilst_o there_o be_v other_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n that_o peace_n be_v or_o may_v be_v secure_v on_o other_o term_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v but_o that_o one_o man_n liberty_n to_o attend_v unto_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o do_v it_o according_o shall_v excuse_v another_o from_o that_o which_o be_v personal_o incumbent_a on_o himself_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o easy_o apprehend_v nor_o can_v be_v ready_o digest_v beside_o what_o be_v pretend_v of_o the_o sufficient_a number_n of_o preacher_n without_o any_o contribution_n of_o aid_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v indeed_o but_o pretend_v for_o if_o all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n gift_a and_o call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o nation_n be_v equal_o encourage_v unto_o and_o in_o their_o work_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v a_o attendance_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o due_a measure_n and_o manner_n and_o those_o who_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o unto_o compassionate_a thought_n towards_o the_o multitude_n of_o poor_a sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v wherefore_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o shall_v shut_v up_o these_o discourse_n with_o a_o brief_a answer_n unto_o the_o forego_n objection_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o we_o say_v 1._o that_o schism_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o sin_n or_o somewhat_o that_o be_v evil_a it_o can_v in_o no_o circumstance_n be_v any_o mae_v duty_n but_o we_o have_v manifest_v as_o satisfactory_o unto_o our_o own_o conscience_n so_o we_o hope_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o in_o our_o present_a condition_n our_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v our_o express_a duty_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o affinity_n with_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n and_o those_o who_o intend_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n in_o or_o for_o our_o assembly_n must_v first_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n 2._o notwithstanding_o they_o or_o any_o thing_n by_o we_o perform_v in_o they_o we_o do_v preserve_v our_o communion_n entire_a with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v all_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n own_v therein_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o present_a opinion_n of_o some_o who_o have_v evident_o depart_v from_o it_o our_o non-admittance_n of_o the_o present_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o apprehend_v national_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_o ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v account_v for_o before_o but_o we_o be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o a_o public_a avowment_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n 3._o into_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o on_o those_o term_n and_o condition_n which_o not_o only_o we_o may_v just_o but_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o refuse_v and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o beside_o no_o man_n be_v so_o oblige_v unto_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n at_o any_o time_n to_o relinquish_v it_o and_o to_o secure_v himself_o also_o from_o all_o law_n which_o may_v respect_v that_o communion_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o we_o never_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o any_o parochial_a church_n but_o what_o be_v civil_a and_o arbitrary_a a_o relinquishment_n whereof_o be_v practise_v at_o pleasure_n every_o day_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n continue_v therefore_o in_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o all_o other_o protestant_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n thereof_o as_o unite_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o under_o one_o civil_a or_o political_a head_n and_o have_v antecedent_o no_o evangelical_n obligation_n upon_o we_o unto_o local_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n numerical_o with_o any_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n and_o be_v prohibit_v from_o any_o such_o communion_n by_o the_o term_n condition_n and_o custom_n indispensible_o annex_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v be_v christ_n freeman_n it_o be_v moreover_o our_o duty_n to_o assemble_v ourselves_o in_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o be_v express_o command_v we_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v or_o condemn_v by_o man_n in_o and_o for_o what_o we_o do_v yet_o that_o he_o do_v both_o accept_v we_o here_o and_o will_v acquit_v we_o hereafter_o who_o we_o serve_v and_o seek_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n which_o we_o own_o or_o allow_v be_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o those_o that_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a and_o compliant_a with_o that_o evangelical_n union_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o term_n whereof_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o hold_v and_o observe_v even_o with_o they_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n differ_v from_o we_o as_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v also_o to_o exercise_v all_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o love_n peaceableness_n and_o gentleness_n towards_o they_o by_o who_o we_o be_v hate_v and_o revile_v finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 3._o line_n 21._o read_v from_o he_o p._n 5._o l._n 9_o r._n train_n of_o l._n 12._o for_o seriousness_n r._n fierceness_n p._n 16_o l._n 26._o for_o security_n r._n severity_n l._n 33_o of_o it_o add_v which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o profess_v p._n 19_o l_o 23._o r._n searcher_n p._n 31._o l._n 23._o r._n 18._o p._n 32._o l._n 29_o r._n principle_n p._n 38._o l._n 9_o r._n church_n state_n p._n 49._o l._n 1._o r._n in_o this_o p._n 66._o l._n 4._o r._n lose_v we_o p._n 87._o l._n 19_o for_o particularity_n r._n particular_a rite_n p_o 98._o l._n 12._o for_o this_o r._n their_o p._n 100_o l_o 10_o for_o according_a r._n avoid_v p._n 116._o l._n 2._o r._n can_v p._n 130._o 17._o r._n ascadius_n p._n 152._o l._n 20._o for_o your_o r._n their_o p._n 155._o l._n 6._o r._n gender_n p._n 156._o l._n 16._o r._n occasion_n p._n 159._o l._n 12._o r._n this_o p._n 167._o l._n 21._o r._n their_o 186._o l._n 2._o for_o erect_a r._n enact_v p._n 190._o l._n 28._o r._n easter_n be_v p._n 198._o l._n 13._o r._n indeseazable_a p._n 202._o l._n 20._o r._n express_v judge_n 5._o 15._o 2_o sam._n 19_o 41_o 42_o 43._o 2_o sam._n 16._o 4._o 2_o chron._n 20._o 23._o heyl._n hist_o of_o presb._n phil._n 2._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o heb._n 12._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 13._o ephes._n 2._o 12_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 5_o 6._o act_n 12._o mark_n 16._o 15._o 16._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 16._o luk._n ●_o 18._o act_n 26._o 18._o eph._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ch._n 4._o 18._o rom._n 8._o 8._o heb._n 11._o 6._o joh._n 3._o 15_o 36._o gal._n 5._o 6._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 11_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o rom._n 8._o 29_o 30._o rom._n 10._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 2_o cor._n 10_o 4_o 5._o rom._n 10_o 10._o ephes_n ●_o 26_o 27._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 16._o rom._n 14._o 3._o john_n 15._o 18_o 19_o 25._o ps._n 35._o 19_o acts._n 18._o 9_o 10_o 11._o mat._n 24._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o jam._n 2._o 13._o heb._n 12._o 14._o rev._n 21._o 8._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o act._n 14_o 23._o chap._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o act._n 15._o 2_o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 2._o 3._o mat._n 28._o 20._o john_n 15._o 10_o 14._o 2_o chron._n 11._o chap._n 13._o 1_o king_n 12._o chap._n 13._o rev._n 18._o 4._o ephes._n 4._o 3_o 4._o john_n 17._o 21_o 22._o eph._n 5._o 30_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o gen._n 5_o 2._o 3_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 12_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o col._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 14._o 5._o phil._n 3._o 15_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11._o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o ephes._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o john_n 17._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 10_o 4_o 5._o mat._n 28._o 20._o joh._n 14._o 16._o heb._n 13._o 27._o rev._n 3._o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o act_n 20._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 31._o lnk._n 22._o 24_o 25._o 26._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o chap._n 3._o 3_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 11._o mat._n 6._o 1._o 2._o luke_n 6._o 37._o rom._n 14._o 3._o 4._o 10._o jam._n 4._o 12._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o rom._n 12_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 10_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 18._o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o gal._n 6._o 1._o ●ct_n 6._o 4._o s●crat_fw-mi h●st_n lib._n 5._o act_n 15._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o 3._o joh._n 9_o 10._o ro._n 14._o 1._o phil._n 3._o 15._o he._n 5._o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o act._n 6._o 4._o act_n 20._o 17._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 5._o 17._o eph._n 5._o 25_o 26_o 27._o act_n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28._o ro._n 14._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 11._o mat._n 16._o 18._o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o rev._n 2_o 2._o leu._n 19_o 17._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 9_o 10._o &_o ●_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6_o 9_o 10._o 2_o thess._n 3._o 6._o isa._n 26._o 2._o ezek._n 43._o 12._o chap._n 44._o 9_o levit._fw-la 11._o 44._o rom._n 1._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 1_o 2._o chap._n 12._o 13._o phil_n 1._o 4_o col._n 2._o 11._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o ezek_n 44._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o heb._n 12._o 15_o 16._o
the_o church_n in_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a notion_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o administration_n some_o therefore_o rest_v in_o particular_a assembly_n or_o such_o society_n who_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o under_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o own_o elder_n 23._o overseer_n guide_n or_o bishop_n and_o hereunto_o they_o add_v the_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o those_o elder_n and_o other_o 28._o to_o advise_v and_o determine_v in_o common_a about_o the_o especial_a necessity_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n 3._o or_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o more_o of_o they_o 2_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v require_v 1._o these_o in_o name_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n be_v continue_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n other_o suppose_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n though_o that_o name_n in_o its_o first_o use_n and_o application_n to_o church_n affair_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o apply_v unto_o for_o it_o be_v of_o old_a the_o name_n of_o a_o patriarchal_a church_n and_o herein_o the_o sole_a rule_n guidance_n and_o authoritative_a inspection_n of_o many_o perhaps_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a church_n assemble_v for_o sacred_a worship_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o one_o man_n who_o in_o contradistinction_n from_o other_o they_o call_v the_o bishop_n for_o the_o join_n of_o other_o with_o he_o or_o their_o subordination_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o sole_a ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o the_o diocese_n may_v be_v think_v to_o reside_v in_o he_o alone_o for_o those_o other_o do_v either_o act_n in_o his_o name_n or_o by_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o or_o have_v no_o pretence_n unto_o any_o authority_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a however_o in_o common_a use_n what_o they_o exercise_v may_v be_v so_o term_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o church_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n exercise_v in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v here_o insist_v on_o some_o rest_n not_o here_o but_o unto_o these_o diocesan_n add_v metropolitical_a church_n which_o also_o be_v esteem_v particular_a church_n though_o it_o be_v uncertain_a by_o what_o warrant_n or_o on_o what_o ground_n in_o these_o one_o person_n have_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n a_o respect_n unto_o and_o over_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n like_o that_o which_o they_o have_v over_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a assembly_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v animate_v and_o regulate_v by_o certain_a arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n or_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o due_a bound_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o nature_n or_o constitution_n peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v there_o wherever_o they_o be_v admit_v various_a degree_n in_o their_o elevation_n but_o how_o much_o or_o little_a the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a for_o any_o one_o to_o judge_v neither_o be_v it_o by_o wise_a man_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o any_o further_a than_o that_o as_o they_o suppose_v it_o have_v leave_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n for_o a_o expediency_n unto_o some_o certain_a end_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o metropolitical_a church_n have_v be_v require_v in_o latter_a age_n to_o constitute_v a_o church_n national_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o apellation_n have_v original_o another_o occasion_n whereunto_o the_o invention_n of_o these_o metropolitical_a church_n be_v accommodate_v for_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o respect_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a order_n or_o rule_n but_o unto_o the_o supreme_a political_a power_n whereunto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o church_n be_v civil_o subject_a hence_o that_o which_o be_v provincial_a at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o fabric_n which_o be_v in_o the_o romish_a empire_n whilst_o the_o whole_a be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o monarch_n become_v national_a when_o the_o several_a province_n be_v turn_v into_o kingdom_n with_o absolute_a sovereign_a power_n among_o themselves_o whole_o independent_a of_o any_o other_o and_o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o authority_n will_v erect_v a_o ecclesiastical_a image_n of_o that_o demolish_a empire_n will_v allow_v of_o such_o provincial_a church_n as_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o but_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o national_a church_n as_o in_o their_o first_o notion_n include_v a_o sovereign_a power_n unto_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n within_o themselves_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n become_v national_a in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o which_o before_o be_v but_o provincial_n moreover_o the_o consent_n of_o many_o have_v prevail_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v patriarchal_a church_n comprehend_v under_o their_o inspection_n and_o jurisdiction_n many_o of_o these_o metropolitical_a and_o provincial_a church_n and_o these_o also_o be_v look_v on_o as_o particular_a for_o from_o their_o first_o invention_n there_o have_v be_v four_o or_o five_o of_o they_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o comprise_v the_o catholic_n church_n although_o those_o who_o preside_v in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o decline_a age_n of_o the_o church_n style_v themselves_o ecumenical_a and_o catholic_n thing_n be_v carry_v thus_o far_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n one_o own_a as_o principal_a or_o chief_a of_o this_o latter_a sort_n set_v up_o for_o a_o church_n denominate_v papal_n from_o a_o title_n he_o have_v appropriate_v unto_o himself_o for_o by_o artifices_fw-la innumerable_a he_o cease_v not_o from_o endeavour_v to_o subject_v all_o those_o other_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n unto_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o other_o patriarch_n as_o they_o over_o metropolitan_n and_o so_o downward_o whereby_o all_o christian_n be_v imagine_v to_o be_v comprise_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o some_o of_o they_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o claim_n of_o a_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n thereunto_o belong_v this_o he_o can_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n for_o but_o that_o he_o think_v they_o cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o that_o he_o may_v possess_v they_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o that_o order_n itself_o be_v frame_v for_o have_v not_o diocesan_n metropolitical_n and_o patriarchal_a church_n make_v way_n for_o it_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o church_n papal_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o believer_n have_v never_o befall_v the_o mind_n of_o mind_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o prodigious_a empire_n which_o the_o pope_n claim_v and_o have_v obtain_v over_o christianity_n be_v a_o emergency_n of_o the_o contest_v that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o leader_n of_o the_o great_a sort_n of_o church_n about_o the_o right_n title_n and_o pre-eminences_a among_o themselves_o with_o some_o other_o occasional_a and_o intestine_a distemper_n only_o he_o have_v one_o singular_a advantage_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o his_o pretence_n and_o desire_n for_o whereas_o this_o whole_a contiguation_n of_o churcht_n into_o all_o these_o story_n in_o the_o top_n whereof_o he_o emerge_v and_o lift_v up_o himself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o accommodation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o affair_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o its_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_n the_o centre_v therein_o of_o all_o subordinate_a power_n and_o order_n in_o one_o monarch_n incline_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o design_n as_o very_o reasonable_a hence_o the_o principal_a plea_n for_o that_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o at_o present_a he_o claim_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v monarchial_a and_o therein_o consist_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o whole_a work_n that_o whereas_o this_o fabric_n of_o church_n rule_n be_v erect_v in_o imitation_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o he_o can_v never_o effect_v his_o sovereignty_n whilst_o that_o empire_n stand_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o union_n under_o the_o command_n of_o one_o or_o more_o emperor_n by_o consent_n yet_o when_o that_o empire_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o province_n thereof_o become_v parcel_v out_o unto_o several_a nation_n who_o erect_v absolute_a independent_a sovereignty_n among_z themselves_o he_o be_v able_a by_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v before_o obtain_v so_o to_o improve_v all_o emergency_n and_o advantage_n as_o to_o gather_v all_o these_o new_a kingdom_n into_o one_o religious_a
spirit_n which_o be_v save_o communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n alone_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n belong_v thereunto_o than_o in_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o church_n under_o heaven_n the_o charge_n therefore_o of_o some_o against_o we_o that_o we_o paganize_v the_o nation_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n from_o other_o concern_v the_o regular_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n worship_n be_v wondrous_a vain_a and_o ungrounded_a but_o we_o know_v that_o man_n use_v such_o severe_a expression_n and_o reflection_n out_o of_o a_o discompose_v habit_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o and_o not_o from_o a_o sedate_n judgement_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o hence_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o convince_v other_o of_o that_o whereof_o if_o they_o will_v put_v it_o unto_o a_o serious_a trial_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v themselves_o this_o then_o be_v that_o church_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o sincere_a faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o out_o of_o which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v which_o thing_n be_v weak_o and_o arrogant_o appropriate_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o belong_v or_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o as_o we_o can_v manifest_v by_o instance_n do_v that_o work_n now_o lie_v before_o we_o this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n love_v and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o 27._o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o church_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a regard_n as_o be_v the_o spring_n from_o which_o all_o other_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n do_v flow_v within_o the_o virge_z and_o compass_n of_o it_o do_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v the_o end_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o man_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o neither_o will_v we_o to_o save_v our_o life_n which_o for_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n and_o their_o good_a 16._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o lay_v down_o when_o just_o call_v thereunto_o wilful_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o which_o we_o hope_v god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v natural_a unto_o we_o by_o that_o one_o and_o selfsame_a spirit_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v animate_v we_o do_v confess_v that_o because_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n liable_a to_o error_n mistake_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o they_o be_v all_o internal_o act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v all_o attend_v unto_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n according_a as_o they_o apprehend_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o concern_v it_o have_v all_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o be_v all_o equal_o unite_v unto_o their_o head_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o conception_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v many_o difference_n among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o moral_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o whilst_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o profession_n they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n under_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n with_o other_o circumstance_n whereinto_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n absolute_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o but_o secure_v they_o all_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o forbearance_n with_o a_o charge_n of_o duty_n after_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v up_o unto_o a_o perfect_a union_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o bless_a aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o those_o who_o by_o way_n of_o force_n will_v drive_v they_o into_o any_o other_o union_n or_o agreement_n than_o their_o own_o light_n and_o duty_n will_v lead_v they_o into_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppose_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o they_o and_o his_o rule_n over_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o division_n and_o schism_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n among_o themselves_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o darkness_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n 3._o and_o in_o such_o case_n mutual_a judge_n and_o despising_n be_v apt_a to_o ensue_v and_o that_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o that_o common_a faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o such_o cross_n entangle_v wheel_n be_v there_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o all_o of_o they_o real_o value_v and_o esteem_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v incomparable_o above_o those_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o their_o valuation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o union_n and_o agreement_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a whereas_o their_o difference_n be_v usual_o influence_v by_o carnal_a and_o secular_a consideration_n which_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o sensible_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o poor_a mortal_n but_o so_o far_o as_o their_o division_n and_o difference_n be_v unto_o they_o unavoidable_a the_o remedy_n of_o far_a evil_n proceed_v from_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o frequent_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v love_n meckness_n forbearance_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v with_o a_o true_a understanding_n and_o due_a valuation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o common_a hope_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o without_o they_o our_o unavoidable_a difference_n will_v occasion_v and_o this_o excellent_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o a_o rejection_n of_o evil_a surmise_n and_o a_o watchfulness_n over_o ourselves_o against_o irregular_a judge_n and_o censure_v of_o other_o together_o with_o a_o peaceable_a walk_n in_o consent_n and_o unity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o propose_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o they_o must_v have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o carnal_a interest_n or_o some_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n on_o their_o mind_n into_o who_o understanding_n the_o light_n of_o it_o do_v not_o shine_v with_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o shall_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o various_a apprehension_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unavoidable_o attend_v their_o frail_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n yea_o or_o of_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n ensue_v thereon_o proceed_v from_o corrupt_a and_o not_o thorough_o mortify_v affection_n be_v warrant_v to_o hate_v judge_n despise_v or_o contemn_v one_o another_o much_o more_o to_o strive_v by_o external_a force_n to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o mahomet_n and_o not_o in_o jesus_n christ._n whatever_o share_n therefore_o we_o be_v force_v to_o bare_a in_o difference_n with_o or_o division_n from_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v any_o who_o declare_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o so_o to_o be_v by_o a_o visible_a and_o regular_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v
a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n unto_o we_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v any_o blame_n where_o we_o be_v find_v defective_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o strict_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v or_o whereof_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v capable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n until_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v it_o be_v our_o desire_n to_o manage_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o own_o light_n and_o apprehension_n without_o anger_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_a speak_v or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a in_o ourselves_o or_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o other_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o for_o the_o spiritual_a prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n for_o its_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o they_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v we_o not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o about_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v singular_o suit_v to_o the_o furtherance_n and_o preservation_n of_o union_n and_o due_a order_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v by_o any_o unto_o their_o renunciation_n but_o our_o main_a design_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o with_o they_o may_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bequeath_v unto_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o we_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o mention_v neither_o to_o boast_v of_o nor_o yet_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o but_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v our_o conviction_n concern_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o may_v there_o any_o sedate_n peaceable_a unprejudicate_a endeavour_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v for_o the_o allay_n of_o all_o occasional_a distemper_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o all_o difference_n among_o they_o who_o belong_v to_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o these_o nation_n not_o only_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o also_o agree_v and_o consent_n in_o all_o way_n and_o act_n of_o religious_a communion_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o manifest_v that_o no_o rigid_a adherence_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o conception_n of_o our_o own_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n allow_v a_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n no_o delight_n in_o singularity_n no_o prejudice_n against_o person_n or_o thing_n shall_v obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o own_v it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v and_o seek_v after_o peace_n unity_n consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o holy_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o those_o who_o by_o a_o regular_a profession_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v and_o will_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n renounce_v every_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o communion_n or_o direct_o or_o indirect_o be_v in_o its_o self_n obstructive_a of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o its_o outward_a profession_n as_o constitutive_a of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o denomination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a whereunto_o they_o all_o universal_o belong_v who_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o under_o the_o limitation_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o profession_n and_o thereby_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o evil_a and_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o in_o common_a use_n the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o on_o other_o account_v many_o who_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o profession_n that_o they_o make_v may_v just_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o world_n or_o of_o it_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n call_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o his_o time_n 25._o the_o world_n say_v he_o hate_v i_o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o thereby_o intend_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n beside_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n evince_v it_o he_o put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o testimony_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n concern_v their_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a hatred_n namely_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n 19_o be_v part_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n only_o now_o he_o thus_o term_v they_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o especial_o their_o ruler_n although_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n yet_o be_v not_o only_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n but_o also_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n in_o who_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o hence_o a_o general_n rule_n be_v establish_v that_o what_o profession_n soever_o any_o man_n do_v make_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o what_o church_n soever_o they_o do_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a in_o their_o life_n and_o persecuter_n of_o such_o as_o be_v better_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v real_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o will_v perish_v without_o repentance_n these_o be_v they_o who_o receive_v on_o they_o a_o form_n or_o delineation_n of_o godliness_n do_v yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o from_o who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o but_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o who_o in_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o infidel_n world_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v total_o reject_v or_o to_o who_o it_o be_v never_o tender_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o who_o throughout_o the_o world_n outward_o own_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o that_o love_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o they_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o be_v require_v of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n consist_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o this_o consideration_n that_o be_v as_o catholic_n and_o visible_o profess_v and_o in_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v require_v as_o the_o principle_n animate_v that_o communion_n and_o render_v it_o acceptable_a mutual_a love_n with_o its_o occasional_a exercise_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o common_a profession_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o open_o reject_v the_o principal_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o deny_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o use_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n as_o also_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n and_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o know_a community_n of_o these_o professor_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o own_o so_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n concern_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o hereon_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o real_o belong_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n election_n who_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v unto_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v maintain_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n or_o among_o any_o people_n among_o who_o there_o be_v none_o who_o he_o have_v design_v to_o bring_v
unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o send_n and_o continue_v of_o it_o 11._o whereon_o he_o enjoin_v the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o stay_v in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o have_v much_o people_n who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v convert_v he_o will_v not_o continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o scatter_v his_o pearl_n where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o rend_a swine_n nor_o send_v fisher_n unto_o water_n wherein_o he_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o serpent_n and_o viper_n 14._o it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v unto_o many_o be_v only_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o 16._o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o prove_v unto_o they_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o first_o direct_v and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o will_v not_o probable_o be_v continue_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o be_v so_o where_o this_o design_n be_v not_o pursue_v nor_o accomplish_v towards_o any_o neither_o will_v god_n make_v use_n of_o it_o any_o where_o mere_o for_o the_o aggravation_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o condemnation_n nor_o will_v his_o so_o do_v consist_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n its_o self_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o love_n and_o grace_n which_o it_o profess_v to_o declare_v where_o it_o be_v indeed_o open_o reject_v there_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o find_v any_o admittance_n there_o be_v have_v somewhat_o of_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a work_n to_o effect_v and_o the_o gospel_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o place_n dispense_v and_o admit_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n be_v from_o the_o light_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o by_o any_o mean_n so_o far_o instruct_v as_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o subject_v their_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o observe_v the_o religious_a duty_n by_o he_o prescribe_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n among_o all_o these_o the_o foundation_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preserve_v for_o they_o universal_o receive_v the_o whole_a canonical_a scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o such_o motive_n as_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o do_v so_o sincere_o herein_o they_o give_v a_o tacit_n consent_n unto_o the_o whole_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o they_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o god_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v without_o a_o general_n renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o falsity_n and_o evil_n that_o it_o do_v condemn_v where_o these_o thing_n concur_v man_n will_v not_o believe_v nor_o practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o they_o think_v god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o will_v accept_v from_o they_o and_o we_o find_v it_o also_o in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o wherever_o they_o be_v do_v universal_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o only_a and_o eternal_a son_n they_o all_o look_v also_o for_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o profess_v obedience_n unto_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n with_o many_o other_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n as_o also_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n however_o therefore_o they_o be_v difference_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o however_o they_o be_v mutual_o esteem_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n however_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v excite_v and_o provoke_v to_o curse_n and_o persecute_v one_o another_o with_o wonderful_a folly_n and_o by_o a_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o other_o principle_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o be_v they_o all_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o belong_v all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v and_o out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o we_o take_v not_o any_o consideration_n at_o present_a of_o that_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o uncharitable_a error_n which_o will_v confine_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o single_a denomination_n or_o indeed_o rather_o unto_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o person_n in_o a_o outward_a mode_n of_o religious_a rule_n and_o worship_n where_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o silent_a as_o of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v yea_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o vncharitableness_n for_o any_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n make_v by_o multitude_n of_o christian_n with_o the_o last_a misery_n and_o frequent_a martyrdom_n which_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o undergo_v shall_v turn_v unto_o no_o advantage_n either_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o their_o own_o eternal_a blessedness_n because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o judge_v by_o the_o fundamental_a princiciple_n and_o law_n of_o their_o church_n communion_n but_o man_n ought_v to_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n 13._o have_v we_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n uncharitable_a to_o such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o insolence_n have_v we_o ever_o exclude_v any_o sort_n of_o christian_n absolute_o from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o those_o way_n and_o term_n of_o outward_a church_n communion_n which_o we_o approve_v of_o we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o as_o high_o criminal_a in_o want_n of_o christian_a love_n as_o any_o can_v desire_v to_o have_v we_o esteem_v so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o universal_a collective_a body_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n how_o far_o the_o error_n in_o judgement_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v superad_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v may_v be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o so_o prejudice_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n god_n only_o know_v but_o those_o notice_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o of_o the_o love_n care_n and_o compassion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o end_n of_o his_o mediation_n do_v persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o where_o man_n in_o sincerity_n do_v improve_v the_o ability_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n where_o with_o they_o be_v entrust_v endeavour_v withal_o to_o answer_v their_o light_n and_o conviction_n with_o a_o suitable_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o few_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o malignant_a a_o nature_n as_o absolute_o to_o exclude_v such_o person_n from_o a_o interest_n in_o eternal_a mercy_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n real_a or_o pretend_a have_v imprison_v banish_a kill_v burn_v other_o for_o such_o error_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v in_o they_o and_o which_o he_o have_v do_v according_o but_o this_o we_o must_v grant_v and_o do_v that_o those_o who_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v no_o way_n influence_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o some_o conformity_n thereunto_o or_o who_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o a_o christian_a profession_n do_v give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 14._o for_o as_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n so_o no_o idolater_n or_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 8._o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 15._o or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n measure_v they_o by_o the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o receive_v by_o they_o
since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o know_v no_o place_n nor_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n have_v be_v preach_v with_o more_o diligence_n power_n and_o evidence_n for_o conviction_n nor_o where_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a success_n or_o acceptation_n those_o therefore_o who_o perish_v among_o we_o do_v not_o do_v so_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o a_o right_a belief_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o for_o their_o own_o personal_a infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n public_o admit_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n as_o shall_v direct_o or_o absolute_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n encourage_v in_o a_o state_n or_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o deprive_v of_o due_a advantage_n to_o far_a their_o spiritual_a good_a or_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n in_o religion_n neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o tend_v to_o their_o own_o edification_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o eternal_a ruin_n be_v great_o incumbent_a on_o themselves_o to_o consider_v unto_o this_o catholic_n church_n we_o owe_v all_o christian_a love_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o both_o towards_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o particular_a member_n as_o we_o have_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o it_o this_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o notion_n under_o consideration_n for_o any_o failure_n herein_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o charge_v by_o any_o person_n of_o modesty_n or_o sobriety_n the_o reflection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a by_o some_o on_o the_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v or_o own_v do_v fall_n as_o severe_o on_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o least_o until_o within_o a_o few_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o they_o do_v on_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o own_o any_o especial_a concernment_n in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v public_o discountenance_v by_o other_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n eternal_a decree_n justification_n by_o faith_n the_o loss_n of_o original_a grace_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n that_o we_o say_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n public_o teach_v and_o own_v among_o we_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n will_v receive_v any_o great_a damage_n by_o the_o impotent_a assault_n of_o some_o few_o especial_o consider_v their_o mannagement_n of_o those_o assault_n by_o tale_n rail_v and_o ralliery_a to_o the_o last_a reproach_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o providence_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o particular_a church_n these_o at_o present_a be_v of_o many_o sort_n or_o be_v esteem_v so_o to_o be_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v sundry_a solemn_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v observe_v joint_o by_o his_o disciple_n unto_o his_o honour_n and_o their_o edification_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o such_o society_n community_n or_o assembly_n of_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v due_o perform_v but_o in_o and_o by_o such_o society_n so_o some_o of_o they_o do_v either_o express_v the_o union_n love_n and_o common_a hope_n that_o be_v among_o they_o or_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o king_n ruler_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n all_o person_n belong_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a society_n and_o become_v as_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o several_a fold_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o great_a shepherd_n and_o the_o respective_a conduct_n of_o those_o employ_v under_o he_o and_o this_o conjunction_n of_o professor_n in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o sacred_a worship_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o institution_n for_o their_o edification_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o accident_n or_o mere_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o common_a providence_n but_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n in_o they_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n by_o some_o this_o duty_n be_v more_o express_o attend_v unto_o than_o by_o other_o and_o by_o some_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v for_o neither_o antecedent_o nor_o consequential_o unto_o such_o their_o conjunction_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o nor_o what_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n they_o go_v in_o these_o thing_n with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v confound_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o these_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o walk_v irregular_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_n or_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o will_v they_o in_o their_o least_o secular_a concernment_n behave_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o regardlesness_n ot_fw-mi negligence_n for_o however_o their_o lot_n previous_o unto_o their_o own_o choice_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o place_n or_o society_n they_o will_v make_v a_o after-judgment_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n either_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o station_n or_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o but_o a_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n regulate_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v by_o many_o deny_v and_o by_o most_o neglect_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mere_a effect_n of_o their_o political_a distribution_n by_o civil_a law_n aim_v principal_o at_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o civil_a distribution_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o assembly_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n institute_v and_o appoint_v such_o society_n they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a disadvantage_n unto_o true_a church-communion_n and_o love_n the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a and_o hence_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o next_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n great_a peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n for_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v and_o plant_v alike_o according_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n all_o regulate_v and_o order_v by_o the_o same_o common_a rule_n man_n have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o after-age_n and_o which_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o noisome_a foolish_a fantastical_a opinion_n vent_v by_o impostor_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n abhor_v but_o on_o various_a occasion_n and_o by_o sundry_a degree_n there_o come_v to_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o these_o particular_a church_n appoint_v for_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o
when_o upon_o lesser_a difference_n man_n judge_v church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o administration_n to_o be_v invalid_a so_o do_v some_o judge_n of_o church_n because_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o so_o do_v more_o of_o other_o because_o they_o have_v none_o but_o the_o validity_n or_o invalidity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n high_o disputable_a in_o their_o notion_n and_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a gospel-obedience_n in_o their_o practice_n and_o we_o be_v undue_o charge_v with_o other_o apprehension_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o such_o thought_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o our_o heort_n as_o though_o the_o church_n constitute_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o the_o rule_n we_o apprehend_v appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v but_o out_o of_o design_n endeavour_v to_o expose_v we_o to_o popular_a envy_n and_o hatred_n who_o invent_v and_o publish_v such_o thing_n concern_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v we_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o take_v from_o thence_o any_o such_o provocation_n as_o may_v corrupt_v our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o nor_o to_o relieve_v ourselves_o by_o return_v the_o like_a censure_n unto_o they_o as_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o scripture_n rule_n and_o duty_n must_v in_o these_o matter_n regulate_v our_o thought_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o whilst_o we_o judge_v other_o to_o be_v true_a church_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o their_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v none_o because_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v indeed_o that_o many_o church_n have_v miss_v and_o do_v miss_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o precise_a rule_n of_o their_o due_a constitution_n and_o walk_v that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v add_v useless_a superfluous_a rite_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v in_o many_o of_o they_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n or_o a_o carnal_a rule_n erect_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o that_o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o importance_n and_o danger_n be_v prevalent_a in_o sundry_a of_o they_o that_o their_o ruler_n be_v much_o influence_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n and_o envy_n against_o such_o as_o plead_v for_o reformation_n beyond_o their_o measure_n or_o interest_n yet_o that_o hereupon_o they_o shall_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o immediate_o forfeit_v their_o church-state_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n nor_o acceptable_a sacred_a administration_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o false_a imagination_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o by_o we_o entertain_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o those_o church_n in_o europe_n which_o be_v common_o call_v reform_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n of_o they_o the_o same_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o same_o readiness_n for_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o we_o will_v desire_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v bear_v or_o exercise_v towards_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v find_v negligent_a in_o any_o office_n of_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o compassion_n help_n or_o assistance_n or_o such_o supply_n in_o outward_a or_o inward_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n or_o ability_n for_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o as_o our_o shame_n and_o herein_o we_o desire_v to_o fulfil_v the_o royal_a law_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o same_o we_o say_v concern_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o constitution_n with_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o some_o say_v that_o parochial_a church_n be_v under_o a_o force_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o practice_n of_o sundry_a thing_n and_o forbid_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o wherein_o the_o compliance_n of_o some_o be_v not_o over-voluntary_a nor_o please_v to_o themselves_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o nullity_n or_o invalidity_n in_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v in_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o some_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o unbelief_n and_o this_o be_v the_o paganize_a of_o england_n which_o some_o of_o we_o be_v traduce_v for_o we_o believe_v that_o among_o the_o visible_a professor_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n as_o in_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n so_o that_o in_o it_o be_v treasure_v up_o a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n of_o christ._n we_o believe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v by_o their_o profession_n constitute_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o judge_v not_o we_o condemn_v not_o those_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o their_o light_n and_o understanding_n in_o particularity_n do_v practice_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v comply_v withal_o for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o fail_v wherein_o they_o miss_v or_o out_o go_v the_o rule_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n absolute_o destructive_a of_o their_o particular_a church-state_n and_o what_o more_o can_v reasonable_o be_v require_v of_o we_o or_o expect_v from_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o distance_n that_o do_v remain_v between_o we_o &_o they_o shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o for_o our_o duty_n in_o particular_a presential_a communion_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a ordinance_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o we_o in_o asia_n or_o africa_n we_o shall_v we_o hope_v be_v direct_v to_o determine_v aright_o concern_v it_o when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o be_v our_o thought_n concern_v they_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v to_o love_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_z that_o god_n will_v send_v out_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o help_v they_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o we_o towards_o they_o those_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v in_o who_o be_v within_o the_o line_n of_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n among_o who_o we_o walk_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n unto_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o join_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v hereunto_o in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o church_n among_o ourselves_o but_o that_o a_o man_n remove_v his_o habitation_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o desire_n herein_o and_o this_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o judgement_n how_o a_o man_n may_v best_o improve_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o edification_n we_o see_v not_o therefore_o how_o any_o man_n with_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o sobriety_n or_o modesty_n can_v charge_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o a_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n for_o we_o embrace_v it_o on_o all_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v know_v within_o what_o narrow_a bound_n the_o charity_n and_o unity_n of_o some_o be_v confine_v who_o yet_o advantage_n themselves_o by_o a_o noise_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o disturb_v break_v or_o dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n either_o as_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o its_o internal_a form_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o as_o visible_o profess_v necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o concern_v particular_a church_n congregation_n assembly_n or_o parish_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v detect_v by_o any_o to_o spring_v from_o want_n of_o love_n or_o to_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o have_v therefore_o thus_o brief_o give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o relation_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o
of_o their_o several_a country_n whereby_o their_o civil_a liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o take_v place_n or_o prevail_v among_o person_n of_o more_o light_n and_o knowledge_n who_o be_v able_a to_o compare_v it_o or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o the_o i●stitutions_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o admistration_n therein_o also_o direct_v it_o great_o alienates_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n especial_o it_o do_v so_o if_o set_v up_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o that_o benign_a kind_a spiritual_a and_o every_o way_n useful_a discipline_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n when_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n in_o the_o papacy_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v what_o ensue_v thereon_o divine_v indeed_o and_o sundry_a other_o person_n learned_a and_o godly_a do_v principal_o insist_v on_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o defilement_n and_o abomination_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o that_o which_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o whole_a nation_n from_o they_o be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a domination_n which_o they_o have_v crafty_o erectsd_v and_o cunning_o manage_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o own_o ambition_n power_n and_o avarice_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n and_o wherever_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v continue_v that_o a_o rule_n under_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v erect_v and_o exercise_v in_o any_o church_n after_o the_o nature_n of_o secular_a court_n by_o force_n and_o power_n put_v forth_o in_o legal_a citation_n penalty_n pecuniary_a mulct_n without_o a_o open_a evidence_n of_o man_n be_v act_v in_o what_o they_o do_v herein_o by_o love_n charity_n compassion_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n zeel_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o purity_n holiness_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o church_n may_v not_o expect_v unity_n and_o peace_n any_o long_a than_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v overbalance_n other_o thought_n and_o desire_n proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o yea_o whatever_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n about_o which_o there_o may_v be_v doubtful_a disputation_n which_o man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v not_o be_v able_a clear_o to_o determine_v yet_o if_o the_o avow_a end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o tendency_n unto_o that_o end_n be_v not_o manifest_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v out_o whence_o our_o obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o shall_v arise_v and_o where_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o some_o church-order_n be_v aim_v at_o alone_a in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o will_v quick_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o or_o of_o no_o value_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n do_v alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o from_o a_o acquiescencie_n in_o their_o station_n or_o relation_n to_o such_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a enforcement_n of_o man_n obedience_n and_o reverence_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o they_o watch_v diligent_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n 27._o as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o if_o they_o see_v such_o set_v over_o they_o as_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o such_o watchful_a care_n act_v its_o self_n according_a to_o those_o scripture-direction_n which_o be_v continual_o read_v unto_o they_o but_o rather_o rule_v they_o with_o force_n and_o rigour_n seek_v they_o not_o they_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n and_o sometime_o regular_o sometime_o irregular_o contrive_v their_o own_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n it_o may_v not_o here_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n that_o have_v seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o the_o miscarriage_n insist_v on_o now_o these_o be_v chief_o some_o principle_n with_o their_o application_n that_o they_o have_v trust_v unto_o but_o which_o indeed_o have_v real_o deceive_v they_o and_o will_v yet_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o whereas_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o thereon_o entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n and_o privilege_n they_o need_v not_o further_o concern_v themselves_o to_o seek_v for_o ground_n or_o warranty_n to_o keep_v up_o all_o their_o member_n unto_o their_o communion_n for_o be_v they_o otherwise_o what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o abide_v in_o their_o peace_n and_o order_n if_o any_o call_v their_o church-state_n into_o question_n they_o take_v no_o consideration_n of_o they_o but_o how_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v it_o may_v be_v destroy_v as_o perverse_a schismatic_n and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n every_o dissent_n from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v criminal_a as_o if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o right_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o supposition_n whereof_o include_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n which_o in_o the_o least_o differ_v from_o they_o than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o uncharitable_a nor_o schismatical_a principle_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o common_a definition_n of_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n that_o term_n of_o causeless_a be_v very_o little_o consider_v or_o weigh_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o wherever_o there_o have_v be_v complaint_n of_o fault_n miscarriage_n error_n defection_n of_o church_n in_o late_a age_n their_o counsel_n have_v only_o be_v how_o to_o destroy_v the_o complainer_n not_o in_o the_o least_o how_o they_o shall_v reform_v themselves_o as_o though_o in_o church-affair_n truth_n right_o and_o equity_n be_v entail_v on_o power_n and_o possession_n how_o the_o complaint_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n quicken_v by_o the_o outcry_n of_o so_o many_o province_n of_o europe_n and_o evidence_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v elude_v and_o frustrate_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n leave_v all_o tfiing_n to_o be_v try_v out_o by_o interest_n and_o force_n be_v full_a well_o know_v for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v attempt_v and_o accomplish_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a labour_n care_n and_o trouble_v thing_n not_o delightful_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n at_o ease_n beside_o as_o it_o may_v possible_o ruffle_v or_o discompose_v some_o of_o the_o chief_n in_o their_o present_a way_n or_o enjoyment_n so_o it_o will_v as_o they_o fear_v tend_v to_o their_o disreputation_n as_o though_o they_o have_v former_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o neglective_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o this_o as_o they_o suppose_v will_v draw_v after_o it_o another_o inconvenience_n by_o reflect_v on_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o the_o occasion_n of_o former_a disorder_n and_o division_n they_o choose_v therefore_o general_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lay_v up_o their_o defence_n and_o security_n against_o a_o humble_a painful_a reformation_n in_o a_o plea_n that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n of_o old_a who_o in_o the_o height_n of_o her_o decay_a condition_n 17._o flatter_v herself_o that_o she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o or_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a now_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v exceed_o strange_a unto_o man_n who_o wise_o consider_v these_o thing_n that_o whereas_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o enjoy_v for_o some_o good_a season_n the_o presence_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o infallible_a guidance_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o original_a purity_n and_o order_n do_v within_o a_o few_o year_n many_o of_o they_o so_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v from_o heaven_n to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o destroy_v they_o unless_o they_o do_v speedy_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n that_o those_o now_o
intestine_a difference_n and_o schism_n do_v but_o reproach_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a in_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o rectify_v all_o those_o abuse_n and_o remove_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o they_o be_v invent_v and_o do_v introduce_v in_o a_o thousand_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n only_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o that_o owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o original_a which_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o as_o a_o occasion_n of_o much_o disorder_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o of_o great_a division_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o it_o be_v know_v none_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o plain_a story_n of_o their_o preach_v the_o success_n which_o they_o have_v therein_o and_o their_o proceed_n to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n thereon_o put_v this_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sober_a contradiction_n none_o will_v say_v that_o they_o gather_v church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v whilst_o they_o continue_v such_o nor_o of_o open_a sinner_n continue_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n a_o evidence_n therefore_o and_o confession_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o first_o church_n neither_o will_v we_o ever_o contend_v with_o such_o importune_a prejudices_fw-la as_o under_o any_o pretence_n capable_a of_o a_o wrangle_a countenance_n shall_v set_v up_o against_o this_o evidence_n hence_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v look_v on_o as_o person_n real_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o effectual_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v they_o salute_v and_o treat_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o we_o say_v they_o be_v look_v on_o and_o own_v and_o as_o such_o upon_o their_o confession_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o look_v on_o they_o and_o own_v they_o though_o absolute_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n some_o among_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o some_o prove_a apostate_n but_o this_o profession_n of_o conversion_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mutual_a acknowledgement_n of_o each_o other_o as_o so_o convert_v unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o and_o although_o this_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preserve_v all_o the_o first_o church_n absolute_o free_a from_o schism_n and_o division_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o most_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o that_o infection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o reduction_n of_o unity_n after_o that_o by_o the_o violent_a interposition_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o temptation_n it_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o a_o season_n afterward_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o many_o more_o take_v on_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v not_o such_o eminent_a and_o visible_a conversion_n unto_o god_n as_o most_o of_o those_o have_v who_o be_v change_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o person_n unfit_a and_o unqualify_v for_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o be_v member_n of_o church_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o order_n and_o disreputation_n of_o their_o holy_a conversation_n they_o be_v for_o some_o good_a season_n keep_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o expectant_n and_o call_v catechuman_n or_o person_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o trial_n be_v make_v of_o their_o faith_n holiness_n and_o constancy_n before_o their_o admission_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n peace_n and_o order_n provide_v for_o especial_o be_v they_o so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o severe_a discipline_n which_o be_v then_o exercise_v towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n press_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v admit_v on_o much_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v whole_a nation_n come_v to_o claim_v successive_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n without_o any_o personal_a duty_n perform_v or_o profession_n make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n on_o their_o part_n and_o so_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o many_o place_n to_o this_o day_n man_n general_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o far_o about_o a_o title_n to_o church-membership_n and_o privilege_n but_o rest_n in_o the_o prepossession_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o own_o nativity_n in_o such_o or_o such_o place_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v own_v or_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o credible_a as_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n it_o be_v certain_a for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o any_o nor_o perform_v by_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o ill_o consult_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o outward_a formal_a representation_n of_o thing_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o internal_a grace_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o corrupt_a principle_n for_o whereas_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o power_n internal_a and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o grace_n have_v outward_a representation_n of_o they_o which_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o what_o they_o represent_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o they_o many_o take_v up_o with_o and_o rest_n in_o these_o external_a thing_n as_o though_o christianity_n consist_v in_o they_o although_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n where_o the_o quicken_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o internal_a grace_n be_v want_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o church-order_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v far_o away_o man_n come_v together_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-assembly_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v admit_v but_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n with_o no_o other_o heart_n nor_o design_n but_o on_o and_o with_o what_o they_o partake_v in_o any_o civil_a society_n or_o joint_o engage_v in_o any_o other_o worldly_a concern_v and_o this_o fundamental_a error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o many_o church_n be_v the_o occasion_n as_o of_o other_o evil_n so_o in_o particular_a of_o division_n among_o profess_a christian_n hence_o original_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n accommodate_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o such_o person_n as_o understand_v little_a or_o be_v little_a sensible_a of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a discipline_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o thereby_o at_o last_o degenerate_v into_o the_o outward_a way_n of_o force_n and_o power_n before_o describe_v for_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v rule_v and_o instead_o of_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a temper_n and_o condition_n where_o unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n be_v suit_v there_o be_v invent_v a_o way_n of_o government_n accommodate_v unto_o that_o state_n whereinto_o they_o be_v lapse_v which_o those_o concern_v find_v to_o be_v the_o far_o easy_a work_n of_o the_o two_o hence_o do_v sincere_a mutual_a love_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v among_o church-member_n see_v they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o tolerable_a persuasion_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o profession_n in_o each_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v it_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o to_o provoke_v it_o unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n hence_o do_v private_a spiritual_a communion_n fail_v among_o they_o the_o most_o be_v stranger_n unto_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o despise_v and_o contemn_v it_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o its_o exercise_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o useful_a church-communion_n and_o where_o public_a communion_n be_v only_o attend_v unto_o with_o a_o neglect_n hereof_o it_o will_v quick_o wither_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o on_o this_o occasion_n do_v all_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n exhortation_n and_o admonition_n proceed_v from_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o frequent_o recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o th●m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o ex●●ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o