respect_n than_o such_o as_o amount_v to_o save_a grace_n or_o internal_a holiness_n then_o your_o principle_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o other_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n can_v be_v sound_n when_o you_o and_o they_o assert_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n save_o sanctify_v for_o we_o see_v other_o than_o such_o be_v in_o scripture_n account_v own_v as_o real_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n both_o of_o you_o and_o they_o in_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o innovation_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o which_o have_v be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o so_o much_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o exercise_v as_o much_o charity_n in_o 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charitable_a judgement_n of_o some_o that_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o to_o set_v up_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n for_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v indeed_o a_o way_n like_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v none_o that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o so_o prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o make_v party_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v but_o to_o own_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o false_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o little_a child_n of_o such_o and_o the_o successor_n of_o such_o in_o the_o same_o profession_n until_o they_o desert_n the_o church_n or_o be_v worthy_o and_o deserve_o and_o in_o a_o regular_a way_n of_o proceed_v excommunicate_v be_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o open_a manifest_a certain_a and_o fix_v rule_n which_o have_v it_o be_v due_o observe_v will_v have_v preserve_v the_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o now_o be_v lamentable_o divide_v and_o disturb_v by_o introduce_v other_o measure_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o next_o thing_n then_o which_o as_o i_o say_v we_o will_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o in_o what_o respect_n little_a child_n be_v member_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n church_n and_o capable_a of_o the_o then_o initiate_a ordinance_n and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o natural_a descent_n from_o abraham_n or_o from_o abraham_n seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o abraham_n as_o he_o be_v father_n to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n member_n as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o natural_a but_o his_o religious_a capacity_n that_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v the_o father_n of_o believer_n and_o according_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n whether_o young_a or_o old_a be_v so_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a political_n or_o civil_a community_n but_o a_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a community_n and_o therefore_o all_o person_n and_o so_o little_a child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o have_v be_v person_n of_o a_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a consideration_n this_o i_o think_v be_v past_a dispute_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v that_o the_o little_a child_n which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v in_o that_o religious_a capacity_n active_o or_o by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o while_n but_o little_a one_o but_o be_v passive_o such_o this_o consider_v i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o better_a to_o place_v the_o visible_a church-membership_a of_o infant_n or_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o than_o god_n elect_v and_o call_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o their_o parent_n dedicate_a and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n first_o god_n choose_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n among_o the_o rest_n deut._n 4.37_o because_o he_o love_v thy_o father_n therefore_o he_o choose_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o this_o be_v the_o adoption_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 9.4_o now_o god_n thus_o choose_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o as_o he_o do_v in_o promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n be_v one_o degree_n of_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o which_o they_o become_v a_o holy_a seed_n relative_o holy_a ay_o mean_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o they_o become_v his_o people_n by_o god_n call_v they_o to_o be_v so_o as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o election_n and_o promise_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n style_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n israel_n my_o called_z isa_n 48.12_o by_o this_o call_n of_o his_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a degree_n separate_v to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o difference_v from_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o be_v under_o no_o such_o call_v now_o god_n then_o call_v person_n to_o be_v his_o people_n when_o he_o place_v they_o in_o such_o circumstance_n or_o vouchsafe_v they_o such_o mean_n as_o by_o which_o they_o do_v or_o will_v come_v to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o god_n now_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o call_n it_o be_v either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a as_o for_o abraham_n himself_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v call_v by_o god_n in_o a_o way_n extraordinary_a by_o his_o appear_v and_o speak_v to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v in_o mesopotamia_n act_v 7.2_o but_o his_o seed_n and_o posterity_n be_v call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n by_o be_v educate_v from_o their_o childhood_n in_o abraham_n religion_n by_o their_o parent_n derive_v it_o from_o abraham_n and_o so_o successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n according_a to_o psal_n 78.5_o 6._o the_o lord_n establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n that_o they_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o little_a child_n who_o be_v then_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o all_o confess_v be_v call_v to_o that_o church_n membership_n unless_o you_o can_v suppose_v that_o any_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v doubtless_o the_o election_n and_o call_v aforesaid_a by_o which_o little_a child_n be_v bring_v into_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n which_o qualify_v they_o for_o a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n initiate_a ordinance_n for_o the_o time_n then_o be_v which_o other_o child_n be_v not_o due_o capable_a of_o who_o be_v not_o under_o that_o election_n and_o call_n god_n place_v those_o infant_n in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v their_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o tutorage_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o will_v issue_v in_o their_o own_n god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o be_v his_o call_n of_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o unto_o such_o a_o profession_n and_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o reckon_v little_a child_n as_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o
when_o they_o be_v but_o place_v in_o circumstance_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o do_v it_o actual_o in_o the_o issue_n and_o thus_o the_o child_n of_o the_o rohathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v number_v with_o their_o father_n as_o with_o they_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o they_o be_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o numb_a 3.28_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o some_o little_a child_n as_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o afterward_o mat._n 18.6_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v little_a child_n be_v say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n when_o their_o parent_n do_v so_o deut._n 29.11_o 12._o to_o conclude_v this_o enquiry_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o infant_n be_v then_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o respect_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v that_o they_o be_v so_o unless_o any_o more_o likely_a can_v be_v name_v which_o i_o can_v imagine_v for_o other_o infant_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v not_o under_o these_o circumstance_n be_v not_o repute_v church_n member_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o immediate_a capacity_n of_o the_o church_n initiate_a ordinance_n the_o next_o thing_n after_o this_o which_o will_v be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o the_o visible_a church_n membership_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v discontinue_v or_o terminate_v by_o the_o take_a place_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n or_o by_o any_o new_a church_n state_n under_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o will_v determine_v this_o question_n against_o you_o in_o the_o negative_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o in_o rom._n 11.29_o where_o it_o be_v say_v for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n these_o word_n relate_v to_o the_o call_n of_o such_o jew_n who_o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n be_v then_o enemy_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o yet_o belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n that_o which_o i_o chief_o note_v from_o they_o be_v that_o the_o call_n of_o god_n or_o his_o ancient_a way_n or_o method_n of_o bring_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v his_o people_n be_v not_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n recall_v no_o more_o than_o his_o donation_n or_o gift_n confer_v on_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v when_o he_o promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n on_o the_o term_n he_o do_v but_o both_o be_v still_o continue_v without_o any_o repentance_n in_o god_n the_o way_n into_o the_o church_n be_v as_o open_v the_o term_n of_o admission_n as_o touch_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o they_o as_o easy_a and_o the_o mean_n of_o procure_v it_o vouchsafe_v by_o god_n as_o sufficient_a now_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v god_n have_v not_o repent_v of_o any_o favour_n or_o grace_n that_o be_v ancient_o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n whether_o old_a or_o young_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o in_o that_o very_a prediction_n in_o isa_n 59.20_o 21._o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o rom._n 11.26_o 27._o recite_v touch_v the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o gospel_n time_n it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o same_o way_n of_o propagate_a church-member_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n by_o parent_n train_v up_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n transmit_v it_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v there_o say_v as_o for_o i_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o point_n of_o event_n that_o except_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a profession_n and_o professor_n from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v use_v by_o god_n appointment_n by_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a which_o be_v by_o receive_v their_o infant_n child_n into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v by_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o further_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o what_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o it_o our_o saviour_n say_v suffer_v the_o little_a child_n to_o come_v to_o i_o and_o forbid_v they_o not_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o which_o word_n for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o reason_n here_o give_v by_o our_o saviour_n why_o little_a child_n shall_v be_v suffer_v and_o not_o forbid_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o which_o show_v that_o when_o he_o say_v of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o little_a child_n proper_o as_o those_o be_v which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o not_o of_o man_n like_o little_a child_n in_o humility_n innocency_n or_o docility_n as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v understand_v it_o in_o your_o sense_n then_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v here_o for_o a_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o or_o how_o will_v it_o follow_v thaâ—_n because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v of_o other_o person_n like_o little_a child_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o altogether_o unlike_o they_o in_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o exception_n against_o their_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v their_o minority_n that_o therefore_o little_a child_n proper_o mean_v aught_o to_o be_v suffer_v and_o not_o forbid_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o little_a child_n proper_o than_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n assert_n such_o little_a child_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n whether_o you_o understand_v by_o kingdom_n of_o god_n heaven_n itself_o or_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o none_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n above_o who_o be_v not_o first_o of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v his_o body_n the_o church_n only_o that_o christ_n be_v thus_o the_o saviour_n of_o but_o if_o this_o text_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o your_o sense_n yet_o it_o will_v prove_v that_o for_o which_o i_o allege_v it_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o that_o which_o make_v adult_a person_n like_o little_a child_n in_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n will_v qualify_v they_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o qualify_v the_o child_n themselves_o for_o it_o if_o you_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o well_o prove_v dove_n lamb_n and_o sheep_n qualify_v to_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o little_a child_n because_o they_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v set_v for_o pattern_n unto_o man_n and_o good_a man_n upon_o account_n of_o resemble_v they_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n i_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o because_o these_o creature_n have_v not_o rational_a nature_n as_o child_n have_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o spiritual_a benefit_n as_o child_n be_v nor_o be_v ever_o constitute_v church-member_n heretofore_o as_o little_a child_n have_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o difference_n it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o church-member_n because_o the_o other_o be_v not_o though_o both_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n in_o some_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o will_v qualify_v rational_a creature_n for_o church-membership_a so_o that_o take_v it_o which_o way_n you_o will_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o text_n for_o infant_n church-membership_a be_v far_o strange_a than_o any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o again_o in_o luke_n 9.48_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o little_a child_n which_o he_o have_v set_v by_o he_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v receive_v this_o child_n in_o my_o name_n receive_v i_o here_o you_o have_v no_o room_n to_o pretend_v it_o mean_v of_o man_n qualify_v like_o child_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v receive_v such_o as_o this_o child_n in_o my_o name_n but_o
far_o as_o regeneration_n in_o a_o person_n be_v a_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o baptise_v he_o than_o you_o have_v to_o baptize_v the_o adult_n consider_v far_o that_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n commission_n do_v run_v in_o general_a term_n to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o how_o can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v understand_v otherwise_o thereby_o than_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o convert_a gentile_n and_o jew_n too_o shall_v with_o their_o parent_n be_v receive_v as_o proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o such_o baptize_v unless_o they_o have_v have_v caution_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o if_o they_o have_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o unlikelihood_n of_o their_o understanding_n otherwise_o be_v take_v from_o a_o usage_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o they_o do_v initiate_v proselyte_n both_o father_n and_o child_n from_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o circumcise_n they_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o more_o learned_a among_o yourselves_o and_o which_o you_o may_v find_v recite_v by_o several_a of_o our_o english_a author_n out_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a doctor_n as_o by_o dr._n hammond_n for_o one_o in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o mat._n 3.1_o john_n 3.5_o see_v also_o ainsworth_n on_o gen._n 17.12_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o proselyte_n into_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n the_o jew_n esteem_v a_o new_a birth_n unto_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o refer_v in_o his_o discourse_n with_o nicodemus_n when_o he_o say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n jo._n 3._o and_o when_o nicodemus_n gross_o misunderstand_a our_o saviour_n and_o demand_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v our_o saviour_n reply_v and_o say_v be_v thou_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v be_v this_o any_o such_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v so_o like_o what_o be_v familiar_o practise_v among_o yourselves_o this_o consider_v they_o by_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o can_v not_o well_o understand_v but_o that_o they_o be_v now_o to_o go_v abroad_o into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o proselyte_n the_o nation_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n both_o parent_n and_o child_n like_v as_o now_o and_o then_o a_o family_n of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o proselyte_v to_o the_o jew_n religion_n and_o receive_v into_o their_o church_n and_o according_o the_o record_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o person_n baptize_v that_o have_v household_n make_v it_o probable_a in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o circumstance_n that_o when_o the_o 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world_n into_o the_o church_n by_o family_n as_o the_o event_n show_v he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gentile_n of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n come_v in_o by_o family_n and_o we_o see_v by_o the_o instance_n beforementioned_a that_o the_o christian_n come_v in_o by_o family_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o family_n also_o and_o the_o church_n have_v be_v stock_v by_o family_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n transmit_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n from_o parent_n to_o child_n and_o from_o master_n to_o servant_n it_o will_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o that_o when_o the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n his_o household_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n with_o he_o if_o you_o consider_v upon_o how_o small_a appearance_n of_o become_v christian_n adult_n person_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o by_o they_o when_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o cor._n 8.7.11_o that_o such_o as_o unto_o that_o hour_n continue_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n be_v yet_o call_v brethren_n though_o weak_a brethren_n indeed_o you_o may_v easy_o guess_v upon_o how_o little_a appearance_n of_o christianity_n person_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o you_o may_v by_o the_o baptise_v of_o simon_n magus_n and_o many_o other_o that_o soon_o prove_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o church_n by_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v evil_o speak_v of_o when_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o night_n in_o which_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jailer_n and_o his_o household_n they_o be_v all_o baptize_v they_o do_v not_o long_o stand_v candidate_n for_o church-membership_a nor_o can_v attain_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o door_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v far_o wide_a than_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o be_v refuse_v that_o be_v willing_a present_o to_o be_v baptize_v how_o bad_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o or_o prove_v to_o be_v after_o no_o not_o simon_n magus_n himself_o than_o who_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o worse_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o distemper_n in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n it_o of_o the_o notorious_a scandalous_a member_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v the_o rather_o mention_v to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a that_o little_a child_n be_v baptize_v where_o whole_a household_n be_v baptize_v when_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o those_o household_n for_o if_o adult_n and_o grow_v person_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v if_o they_o be_v baptize_v when_o there_o be_v but_o any_o fair_a probability_n that_o they_o will_v own_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o future_a though_o but_o by_o so_o little_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o some_o of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v then_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o they_o may_v baptize_v some_o little_a child_n also_o concern_v who_o circumstance_n consider_v there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a a_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v own_v profess_v and_o assert_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o future_a as_o there_o be_v that_o their_o parent_n will_v in_o as_o much_o as_o parent_n still_o use_v to_o educate_v their_o child_n in_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v unto_o all_o which_o let_v i_o add_v this_o further_o that_o the_o judaize_v
anabaptist_n more_o true_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o they_o and_o that_o then_o the_o baptise_v of_o person_n may_v be_v as_o well_o defer_v till_o they_o have_v special_a grace_n as_o their_o particular_a church-membership_a may_v and_o so_o upon_o that_o account_n among_o other_o have_v go_v over_o to_o they_o second_o hereby_o some_o who_o may_v have_v no_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v betray_v into_o self_n flattery_n and_o into_o a_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v because_o so_o good_a and_o know_v a_o congregation_n as_o they_o esteem_v such_o a_o church_n to_o be_v have_v judge_v that_o they_o have_v and_o so_o rest_v secure_a in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n which_o make_v several_a of_o the_o new-england_n minister_n after_o their_o long_a experience_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o way_n at_o last_o in_o their_o joint_a answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_v apologetical_a preface_n p._n 43_o 44._o to_o say_v thus_o indeed_o when_o man_n confound_v these_o two_o and_o do_v tie_v visible_a church-membership_a unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n whenas_o alas_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o three_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o a_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o many_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o if_o the_o separation_n build_v upon_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o that_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v accountable_a for_o the_o evil_n consequent_a upon_o it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o set_v father_n against_o son_n and_o son_n against_o father_n mother_n against_o daughter_n and_o daughter_n against_o mother_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n lu._n 12.53_o but_o whosoever_o have_v undertake_v a_o separation_n from_o though_o but_o part_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n and_o mistake_a principle_n must_v be_v accountable_a for_o the_o ill_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o until_o they_o repent_v and_o leave_v off_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o schism_n itself_o which_o cause_v they_o but_o now_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v to_o you_o why_o a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n that_o person_n have_v not_o save_v grace_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o non-admission_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a church_n communion_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o i_o have_v show_v likewise_o how_o that_o in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n such_o have_v be_v visible_a church-member_n and_o external_o relate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o christ_n and_o call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o denominate_v saint_n upon_o another_o account_n than_o that_o of_o save_a grace_n or_o internal_a holiness_n which_o if_o true_o represent_v than_o it_o can_v be_v matter_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o contrary_a to_o ground_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v constitute_v upon_o other_o term_n and_o because_o they_o be_v so_o in_o that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v style_v saint_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n but_o such_o as_o be_v saint_n in_o a_o save_a sense_n though_o this_o principle_n of_o separation_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v ground_v on_o that_o for_o some_o in_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o saint_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v yet_o style_v saint_n from_o their_o be_v separate_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o worship_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n only_o and_o to_o be_v of_o his_o holy_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o at_o large_a saint_n than_o be_v the_o common_a appellation_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o christian_n be_v now_o and_o be_v not_o then_o use_v to_o discriminate_a the_o sincere_a from_o the_o unsound_a christian_n as_o it_o be_v now_o this_o be_v a_o device_n of_o a_o late_a date_n and_o be_v too_o like_a that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o do_v appropriate_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v saint_n unto_o such_o only_a as_o they_o esteem_v to_o have_v be_v eminent_o religious_a the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v that_o if_o the_o separation_n of_o these_o friend_n with_o that_o of_o your_o own_o be_v unaccountable_a from_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o and_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o as_o a_o unlawful_a and_o naughty_a schism_n and_o for_o the_o many_o evil_n produce_v by_o it_o until_o pardon_v be_v obtain_v by_o repentance_n which_o none_o can_v promise_v themselves_o but_o upon_o reformation_n the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v observe_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v that_o it_o do_v afford_v we_o a_o substantial_a ground_n for_o national_a church_n that_o be_v it_o afford_v we_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n who_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o profess_v god_n true_a religion_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n subject_a matter_n of_o a_o church_n though_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n which_o lie_v cross_v to_o your_o thought_n and_o which_o you_o be_v wont_a to_o oppose_v with_o some_o indignation_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v by_o god_n call_v and_o their_o profession_n abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n and_o as_o such_o be_v church_n matter_n and_o a_o church_n inorganical_o consider_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o nation_n now_o by_o god_n call_v and_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n become_v abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n in_o a_o sense_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o well_o national_a church_n matter_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o that_o other_o nation_n which_o have_v profess_v god_n true_a religion_n have_v thereby_o become_v abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n ever_o be_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o also_o from_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o abraham_n my_o covenant_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v i_o make_v thou_o gen._n 17.4_o 5._o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n by_o natural_a generation_n only_o but_o also_o if_o not_o only_o of_o his_o be_v a_o spiritual_a father_n of_o many_o nation_n who_o be_v to_o derive_v their_o be_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a capacity_n from_o he_o from_o who_o the_o true_a save_a doctrine_n have_v be_v since_o propagate_v first_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n interpret_v the_o aforesaid_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n rom._n 4.16_o 17._o that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n not_o to_o that_o only_a which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o that_o also_o which_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n now_o if_o abraham_n be_v have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a father_n of_o many_o nation_n than_o many_o nation_n must_v needs_o be_v his_o spiritual_a child_n for_o father_n and_o child_n be_v corlaretive_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o one_o be_v a_o father_n the_o other_o must_v be_v his_o child_n and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n gal._n 3.29_o be_v true_a of_o all_o that_o be_v so_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o man_n be_v christ_n in_o that_o sense_n they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o profession_n only_o or_o by_o a_o sound_a faith_n also_o and_o in_o correspondence_n to_o all_o this_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o become_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n revel_v 11.15_o and_o this_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_a as_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o to_o abraham_n himself_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o instead_o
of_o many_o zech._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v national_o god_n people_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n so_o here_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o many_o nation_n national_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o be_v his_o people_n also_o and_o consequent_o he_o must_v be_v the_o god_n of_o those_o nation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o be_v his_o people_n thus_o far_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n undue_o take_v up_o and_o a_o averseness_n to_o confess_v yourselves_o to_o have_v be_v mistake_v shall_v hinder_v you_o from_o accept_v of_o a_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o yield_v up_o your_o judgement_n as_o conquer_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o proceed_v then_o yet_o far_o if_o nation_n 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see_v what_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o schism_n be_v which_o make_v they_o socarnal_a in_o the_o apostle_n account_v such_o as_o be_v their_o be_v puff_v up_o for_o one_o teacher_n against_o another_o and_o their_o debate_n envy_n wrath_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n and_o tumult_n that_o be_v among_o they_o just_o such_o as_o your_o schism_n have_v bring_v forth_o among_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n only_o i_o fear_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o schism_n have_v as_o much_o exceed_v they_o then_o as_o our_o schism_n itself_o have_v exceed_v they_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n then_o you_o will_v do_v well_o calm_o to_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o mistake_v the_o right_a method_n of_o promote_a the_o power_n of_o religion_n when_o you_o make_v so_o wide_a a_o breach_n as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o each_o christian_n of_o you_o have_v keep_v to_o parochial_a communion_n and_o each_o out_v minister_n have_v keep_v their_o residence_n among_o they_o and_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o private_a member_n in_o the_o parish_n way_n and_o have_v also_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n join_v with_o those_o minister_n which_o have_v succeed_v they_o in_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v in_o the_o parish_n as_o by_o a_o private_a application_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o public_a labour_n of_o their_o minister_n together_o with_o catechise_v and_o other_o personal_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n private_o administer_v to_o the_o several_a family_n in_o the_o parish_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o have_v be_v do_v instead_o of_o gather_v separate_a congregation_n i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o by_o so_o do_v you_o will_v have_v take_v a_o unspeakable_o far_o better_a course_n to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o nation_n than_o by_o what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o to_o have_v procure_v a_o removal_n also_o of_o your_o burden_n long_o before_o now_o and_o to_o have_v be_v competent_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o separation_n have_v always_o of_o old_a be_v count_v a_o undue_a irregular_a and_o dangerous_a way_n of_o seek_v what_o you_o desire_v even_o by_o the_o ancient_a non_fw-fr conformist_n themselves_o and_o be_v as_o much_o inveigh_v against_o by_o they_o in_o those_o time_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o conformist_n themselves_o you_o know_v right_a well_o that_o when_o sacrifice_v observation_n of_o sabbath_n and_o other_o institute_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n come_v in_o competition_n with_o mercy_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a it_o by_o no_o mean_n please_v he_o when_o these_o be_v thrust_v out_o that_o the_o other_o may_v take_v place_n much_o less_o have_v you_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o such_o love_n as_o 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then_o if_o you_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n convince_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o of_o you_o to_o who_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a to_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o bethink_v you_o how_o you_o may_v take_v yourselves_o off_o this_o way_n and_o if_o the_o high_a power_n over_o we_o shall_v perceive_v any_o relent_a in_o you_o for_o what_o have_v be_v do_v i_o dare_v not_o suspect_v but_o that_o they_o will_v take_v your_o case_n into_o compassionate_a consideration_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v their_o part_n towards_o the_o make_n up_o the_o great_a breach_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o heal_a way_n to_o hinder_v the_o grow_a mischief_n of_o it_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o which_o have_v occasion_v all_o this_o unhappiness_n under_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o groan_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o concern_v part_n of_o it_o extreme_o suffer_v be_v a_o want_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o due_a use_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n it_o be_v that_o which_o occasion_v division_n and_o the_o unchristian_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n first_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n have_v produce_v the_o same_o and_o perhaps_o much_o worse_a effect_n among_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n very_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o believe_v do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o think_v themselves_o still_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o ritual_a law_n of_o moses_n but_o other_o do_v especial_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o knowledge_n of_o it_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o other_o beget_v a_o unchristian_a carriage_n in_o they_o one_o towards_o another_o upon_o occasion_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v gal._n 5.13_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o when_o he_o say_v you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n his_o meaning_n doubtless_o in_o special_a be_v that_o by_o the_o christian_a ecconomy_n the_o believer_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o external_a mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v oblige_v but_o though_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n in_o these_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o as_o strict_o oblige_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o moral_a substance_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ever_o one_o part_n whereof_o consist_v in_o our_o love_n one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v for_o all_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o one_o word_n even_o in_o this_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o now_o his_o counsel_n therefore_o to_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v use_v this_o liberty_n of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o they_o may_v serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n that_o they_o will_v suffer_v christian_a charity_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o and_o then_o caution_n they_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n they_o shall_v use_v this_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n by_o gratify_v any_o carnal_a selfish_a humour_n under_o colour_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o diminish_n or_o quench_v love_n or_o to_o the_o engender_v variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n envy_v or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o he_o after_o reckon_v up_o ver._n 20._o and_o intimate_v in_o the_o 14._o ver_fw-la that_o if_o they_o do_v thus_o abuse_v their_o christian_a liberty_n what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v and_o that_o be_v their_o bite_v one_o another_o first_o and_o then_o their_o be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o contrary_n to_o which_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n those_o christian_n abuse_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o they_o put_v such_o a_o stress_n on_o it_o and_o on_o stand_v unmovable_o in_o it_o without_o give_v any_o ground_n to_o those_o christian_n which_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o in_o place_v so_o much_o of_o christianity_n in_o it_o as_o to_o despise_v slight_a and_o set_v at_o naught_o those_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o cause_v division_n strife_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_v one_o another_o by_o mean_n whereof_o their_o good_a
imprimatur_fw-la 18_o march_n 1675_o 6._o rmo_z d_o no_o arch_n po_o cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la geo._n hooper_n a_o serious_a and_o friendly_a address_n to_o the_o nonconformist_n begin_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n or_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o persuasive_a to_o peace_n and_o unity_n by_o w._n a._n luke_n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxvi_o the_o preface_n the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a address_n be_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o reunite_v of_o a_o divide_a church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n earnest_o and_o with_o reiterated_a petition_n pray_v for_o to_o his_o father_n and_o which_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o do_v with_o the_o most_o pathetical_a expression_n they_o can_v well_o take_v unto_o themselves_o persuade_v the_o christian_n to_o maintain_v by_o which_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o success_n of_o christ_n design_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o gospel_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o union_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o division_n siding_n faction_n and_o disaffection_n in_o the_o church_n and_o separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o from_o another_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o design_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n where_o these_o take_v place_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n in_o great_a part_n which_o he_o intend_v they_o in_o recommend_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o they_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o of_o the_o mind_n spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v most_o tender_a lest_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o most_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o repair_v breach_n when_o make_v but_o contrariwise_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o venturous_a in_o make_v breach_n upon_o pretence_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v a_o impartial_a trial_n and_o least_o careful_a to_o close_v up_o those_o which_o be_v make_v be_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o be_v so_o devoid_a of_o a_o christ-like_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n all_o which_o look_v most_o unpleasant_o upon_o so_o many_o as_o will_v not_o do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v to_o prevent_v the_o far_a growth_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_n already_o make_v by_o it_o consider_v all_o which_o and_o the_o deplorable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n by_o reason_n of_o schism_n and_o what_o man_n suffer_v and_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v thereby_o in_o their_o religious_a interest_n i_o can_v imagine_v wherein_o or_o by_o what_o good_a man_n can_v better_o approve_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n and_o more_o answer_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n nor_o better_o serve_v their_o generation_n than_o by_o endeavour_v hearty_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o promote_v the_o reunite_v of_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o if_o by_o endeavour_n of_o this_o nature_n any_o think_v i_o have_v act_v more_o than_o come_v to_o my_o share_n in_o this_o address_n or_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o affection_n to_o so_o good_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n which_o will_v easy_o obtain_v pardon_n from_o those_o that_o be_v for_o peace_n i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o many_o attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v make_v by_o other_o and_o endeavour_n use_v to_o this_o end_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o little_o come_v of_o it_o be_v because_o those_o who_o be_v the_o aggressor_n or_o many_o of_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o the_o centre_n of_o union_n and_o standard_n of_o communion_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o a_o union_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v upon_o such_o term_n or_o to_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o our_o breach_n shall_v lie_v open_a till_o it_o can_v be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v for_o when_o will_v all_o presbyterian_o think_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o turn_v anabaptist_n or_o independent_o or_o independent_o to_o turn_v anabaptist_n or_o anabaptist_n to_o turn_v independent_o or_o both_o to_o turn_v presbyterian_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v when_o will_v those_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_n in_o with_o they_o so_o that_o there_o seem_v a_o necessity_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o for_o all_o the_o subdivide_v part_n of_o the_o aggressor_n to_o reunite_a themselves_o again_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o undue_o rend_v themselves_o or_o else_o to_o perpetuate_v our_o various_a schism_n until_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o thereby_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o common_a adversary_n and_o whoever_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o put_v thing_n on_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o run_v that_o hazard_n rather_o than_o to_o come_v to_o such_o term_n of_o accommodation_n as_o be_v not_o sinful_a though_o otherwise_o not_o altogether_o such_o as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v certain_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v person_n of_o but_o private_a selfish_a spirit_n regard_v more_o their_o own_o personal_a satisfaction_n and_o private_a conveniency_n than_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a a_o temper_n very_o unworthy_a a_o christian_n and_o far_o from_o a_o lay_n down_o the_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n who_o be_v for_o yield_v to_o her_o competitrix_n rather_o than_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v divide_v beside_o by_o continue_v a_o schism_n upon_o such_o term_n which_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o any_o sufficient_a or_o just_a cause_n they_o make_v themselves_o accountable_a for_o all_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o it_o since_o than_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o the_o aggressor_n in_o their_o subdivision_n will_v ever_o settle_v or_o unite_v upon_o any_o one_o of_o their_o narrow_a foundation_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v much_o more_o become_v they_o as_o christian_n for_o they_o all_o to_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n rather_o than_o to_o perpetuate_v such_o a_o complex_fw-la schism_n as_o we_o see_v have_v cast_v both_o church_n and_o nation_n into_o a_o convulsion_n and_o threaten_v its_o final_a ruin_n do_v you_o or_o can_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n after_o all_o trial_n make_v any_o man_n upon_o earth_n better_a christian_n than_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o who_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o her_o communion_n i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a intelligent_a person_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v there_o be_v and_o if_o not_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n then_o if_o nothing_o but_o the_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n be_v your_o design_n why_o rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o schism_n that_o will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v so_o successful_a for_o the_o effect_v this_o end_n in_o so_o many_o other_o worthy_a person_n as_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o example_n of_o holy_a live_n worthy_a our_o imitation_n why_o the_o matter_n as_o i_o apprehend_v it_o stand_v thus_o those_o who_o mind_n have_v be_v influence_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o different_a principle_n of_o the_o old_a non_fw-fr conformist_n brownist_n and_o anabaptist_n before_o our_o late_a unhappy_a civil_a war_n break_v out_o take_v the_o opportunity_n which_o it_o give_v they_o to_o begin_v a_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o they_o notion_v it_o to_o be_v and_o although_o they_o all_o still_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o in_o those_o doctrine_n wherein_o it_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n also_o yet_o they_o all_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o her_o order_n and_o government_n but_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n but_o therein_o sharp_o oppose_v one_o another_o so_o that_o this_o so_o call_v reformation_n produce_v more_o division_n and_o
separation_n and_o multiply_v more_o and_o more_o monstrous_a sect_n than_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nation_n before_o notwithstanding_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o all_o which_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o mean_n use_v by_o the_o high_a power_n to_o reduce_v they_o yet_o it_o seem_v these_o several_a divide_a part_n have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o still_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o esteem_a reformation_n in_o their_o several_a different_a way_n and_o rather_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o division_n in_o common_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o their_o several_a subdivision_n among_o themselves_o than_o to_o return_v to_o our_o parochial_a communion_n now_o then_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o follow_a address_n be_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n especial_o the_o one_o be_v that_o both_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n in_o many_o thing_n wherein_o this_o reformation_n endeavour_v by_o they_o do_v consist_v be_v real_o corruption_n and_o thing_n which_o ought_v themselves_o to_o be_v reform_v the_o other_o be_v that_o if_o any_o emendation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v be_v find_v convenient_a for_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o stability_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v the_o present_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o many_o of_o this_o nation_n consider_v for_o moses_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n by_o god_n direction_n put_v that_o into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o law_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o have_v be_v ncessary_a yet_o to_o seek_v this_o by_o separation_n from_o our_o parish_n church_n and_o by_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o they_o and_o by_o keep_v assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o be_v no_o good_a method_n of_o proceed_v therein_o but_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o hurt_v the_o church_n of_o god_n much_o more_o than_o to_o do_v it_o good_a and_o to_o set_v people_n back_o and_o not_o to_o bring_v they_o forward_o in_o that_o wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a christianity_n lie_v and_o for_o my_o justification_n in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n so_o far_o on_o my_o side_n as_o that_o as_o mr._n baxter_n say_v such_o as_o mr._n cartwright_n egerton_n hildersham_n dod_n amesius_n parker_n bains_n brightman_n ball_n bradshaw_n paget_n langly_n nicols_n hear_a and_o many_o such_o write_v more_o against_o separation_n than_o the_o conformist_n do_v and_o the_o former_a writing_n of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o abound_v also_o with_o invective_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o our_o parish_n church_n yea_o those_o who_o have_v be_v chief_a in_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v in_o their_o apologetical_a narration_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o conscience_n of_o defilement_n they_o conceive_v cleaved_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n or_o of_o the_o unwarrantable_a power_n of_o church_n governor_n exercise_v therein_o do_v never_o work_v in_o any_o of_o they_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o parish_n congregation_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o again_o we_o have_v always_o profess_v say_v they_o and_o that_o in_o these_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o that_o we_o both_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v a_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v not_o offend_v you_o by_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o these_o concession_n by_o reflection_n which_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o only_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v all_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v do_v but_o what_o we_o can_v give_v some_o competent_a account_n of_o unto_o man_n a_o thing_n wherein_o you_o have_v leave_v even_o such_o as_o wish_v you_o very_o well_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o not_o know_v how_o to_o reconcile_v your_o principle_n and_o your_o practice_n what_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o in_o order_n to_o it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a circumstance_n of_o former_a and_o present_a time_n separation_n doctrine_n of_o schism_n open_v and_o apply_v to_o gather_a church_n a_o stop_n to_o the_o course_n of_o separation_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v fall_v very_o short_a of_o it_o and_o have_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o return_n from_o other_o some_o as_o have_v even_o leave_v it_o without_o any_o strength_n at_o all_o especial_o in_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o lay_v communion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n at_o last_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o all_o those_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n into_o which_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n have_v betray_v we_o into_o path_n of_o purity_n peace_n and_o love_n and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n that_o so_o we_o may_v all_o come_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n a_o serious_a and_o friendly_a address_n to_o the_o nonconformist_n begin_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n sir_n now_o i_o be_o upon_o leave_v the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o age_n some_o reason_n have_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o leave_v behind_o i_o for_o you_o a_o few_o word_n not_o of_o bitter_a contention_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o such_o only_a as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o in_o do_v so_o methinks_v i_o may_v promise_v myself_o that_o what_o shall_v be_v thus_o offer_v will_v with_o a_o like_a mind_n be_v ponder_v and_o weigh_v by_o all_o such_o among_o you_o as_o in_o who_o passion_n prejudice_n and_o partiality_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o than_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v how_o unfit_a soever_o i_o may_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v think_v for_o this_o undertake_n yet_o my_o former_a experience_n in_o your_o way_n and_o the_o many_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n i_o have_v have_v about_o it_o may_v possible_o have_v give_v i_o so_o much_o advantage_n for_o it_o as_o may_v excuse_v my_o present_a undertake_n and_o beside_o if_o he_o that_o dig_v a_o pit_n ex._n 23.33_o be_v to_o cover_v it_o no_o man_n need_v to_o wonder_v if_o i_o concern_v myself_o more_o than_o many_o other_o by_o endeavour_v what_o in_o i_o lie_v to_o cure_v the_o almost_o epidemical_a disease_n of_o schism_n in_o some_o and_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o other_o for_o however_o the_o 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and_o baptism_n which_o we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o consider_v and_o therein_o proceed_v gradual_o when_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v argue_v from_o the_o church-membership_a and_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n in_o old_a testament_n time_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o baptism_n of_o infant_n now_o and_o in_o favour_n also_o of_o the_o nationality_n of_o church_n it_o have_v be_v still_o reply_v and_o urge_v by_o you_o that_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n then_o and_o now_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v then_o by_o natural_a generation_n whereas_o it_o be_v constitute_v now_o by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o further_o that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v church-member_n then_o and_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o initiate_a ordinance_n be_v not_o so_o now_o and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o cornerstone_n in_o your_o build_n a_o foundation_n principle_n upon_o which_o both_o 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utter_o overthrow_v it_o for_o that_o which_o these_o word_n will_v direct_o prove_v be_v that_o church-membership_n or_o person_n relation_n unto_o god_n as_o his_o child_n do_v not_o no_o not_o in_o old_a testament_n time_n proceed_v from_o natural_a generation_n or_o mere_o from_o be_v abraham_n seed_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n against_o who_o pretence_n the_o apostle_n here_o argue_v do_v indeed_o hold_v that_o because_o they_o be_v natural_o descend_v from_o abraham_n and_o circumcise_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v unrighteous_a and_o not_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o own_v they_o for_o his_o child_n but_o cast_v they_o off_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o doctrine_n it_o seem_v assert_v that_o he_o will_v if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o build_v this_o confidence_n be_v in_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o 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separate_v from_o christian_a congregation_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v otherwise_o baptize_v than_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o which_o deny_v church_n communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a for_o that_o reason_n and_o practice_v upon_o it_o according_o for_o this_o be_v a_o causeless_o and_o unwarrantable_a rent_n and_o breach_n make_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o ordinary_a the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o like_a in_o other_o church_n which_o be_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n as_o that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o be_v but_o a_o proud_a uncharitable_a and_o unpeaceable_a faction_n and_o side_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o high_a as_o to_o separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o other_o in_o public_a 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congregation_n like_o wander_a star_n have_v first_o leave_v the_o parochial_a assembly_n have_v promise_v themselves_o this_o and_z that_o satisfaction_n first_o in_o one_o new_a form_n and_o then_o in_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o at_o last_o quite_o lose_v themselves_o and_o seldom_o return_v and_o if_o upon_o review_n and_o examination_n you_o find_v as_o doubtless_o you_o may_v that_o your_o separation_n which_o with_o the_o separation_n of_o other_o have_v bring_v forth_o such_o bitter_a fruit_n have_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v ground_n and_o be_v undertake_v without_o any_o just_a cause_n what_o work_n then_o will_v here_o be_v for_o repentance_n that_o ever_o you_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o such_o mischief_n as_o those_o beforementioned_a be_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o you_o that_o be_v leader_n to_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o your_o follower_n i_o can_v assure_v you_o it_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o no_o small_a humble_v to_o some_o when_o they_o have_v perceive_v the_o bad_a effect_n of_o such_o separation_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v their_o hand_n in_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o bad_a effect_n also_o first_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o serious_a review_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o first_o set_v out_o in_o it_o as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o come_v to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o as_o what_o i_o have_v herein_o do_v to_o help_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o your_o mistake_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o real_a service_n to_o you_o so_o i_o ought_v to_o presume_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v thereby_o any_o such_o benefit_n as_o be_v design_v they_o by_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v receive_v conviction_n and_o yet_o for_o their_o reputation_n sake_n among_o their_o party_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o reproach_n of_o inconstancy_n shall_v still_o persist_v in_o their_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o such_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o buy_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o price_n of_o liberty_n estate_n or_o life_n that_o be_v scare_v from_o a_o public_a own_n of_o it_o by_o the_o corrupt_a breath_n of_o such_o injudicious_a and_o heady_a person_n which_o can_v excuse_v they_o by_o answer_v for_o they_o to_o god_n to_o who_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o party_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n joh._n 12.42_o 43._o and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o
seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o because_o i_o know_v in_o part_n how_o strong_a a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o to_o be_v overcome_v but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o count_v a_o disparagement_n to_o any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a when_o as_o it_o be_v true_o dishonourable_a for_o any_o to_o carry_v it_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o he_o be_v when_o almost_o all_o know_n and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a true_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o retract_v his_o error_n when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v what_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o man_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n or_o to_o perfect_a that_o which_o be_v lack_v in_o their_o repentance_n which_o be_v not_o do_v without_o a_o change_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v few_o man_n that_o arrive_v at_o any_o great_a wisdom_n but_o have_v find_v occasion_n to_o alter_v their_o opinion_n in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v another_o principle_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o you_o and_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o though_o you_o differ_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o in_o this_o you_o be_v one_o this_o principle_n of_o separation_n consist_v in_o a_o opinion_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v communion_n with_o in_o church-fellowship_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n save_o call_v and_o save_o sanctify_v which_o you_o and_o they_o call_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o discretion_n this_o be_v a_o opinion_n and_o the_o practise_v upon_o it_o a_o thing_n plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a this_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n more_o the_o one_o be_v that_o herein_o you_o and_o they_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n wherein_o you_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v competent_a judge_n he_o that_o judge_v a_o man_n to_o have_v save_v grace_n or_o not_o to_o have_v it_o must_v pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o his_o outward_a action_n only_o and_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n only_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v usurp_v by_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o man_n with_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n to_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o state_n godward_o but_o we_o must_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o negative_a against_o man_n in_o the_o worse_a sense_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n except_o they_o have_v those_o black_a character_n on_o they_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o exclude_v they_o from_o have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v enumerate_v in_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o we_o may_v judge_v of_o man_n declare_v principle_n and_o action_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n to_o or_o rejection_n or_o at_o least_o suspension_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n godward_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o scandalous_a as_o for_o which_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v that_o man_n to_o have_v no_o grace_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o the_o reason_n of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v signify_v already_o which_o be_v because_o we_o be_v incompetent_a judge_n in_o this_o at_o least_o unless_o they_o be_v monstrous_o wicked_a person_n the_o part_a difference_n between_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o common_a grace_n be_v so_o little_a and_o to_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n so_o undiscernible_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n that_o have_v who_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o that_o matter_n yea_o and_o of_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o those_o church_n privilege_n which_o according_a to_o your_o own_o tenant_n they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o have_v save_a grace_n and_o thus_o in_o go_v about_o to_o weed_n out_o the_o tare_n you_o will_v root_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o master_n mat._n 13.29_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v mat._n 7.1_o as_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o severe_a in_o judge_v other_o man_n word_n and_o action_n or_o intention_n so_o much_o less_o their_o state_n and_o stand_v before_o god_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v rom._n 14.4_o and_o again_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o jam._n 4.12_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n not_o outward_o but_o inward_o and_o who_o circumcision_n be_v not_o outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o his_o praise_n or_o approbation_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n decisive_o or_o determinate_o but_o of_o god_n only_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n than_o man_n shall_v not_o attempt_v it_o or_o undertake_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o that_o be_v one_o thing_n another_o which_o respect_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n chief_o be_v this_o that_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o principle_n aforesaid_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o refuse_v any_o adult_n person_n communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o baptism_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o be_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o and_o the_o proselyte_n stranger_n of_o old_a who_o be_v circumcise_a be_v by_o god_n appointment_n admit_v to_o the_o same_o church_n privilege_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v exo._n 12.49_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n though_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n yet_o refuse_v they_o church_n communion_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v if_o they_o have_v any_o strong_a suspicion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n although_o they_o never_o come_v under_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n which_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o unscriptural_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o in_o they_o who_o scruple_n some_o thing_n because_o not_o command_v in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v so_o that_o their_o foresay_a principle_n of_o separation_n in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o practice_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n render_v they_o inconsistent_a in_o their_o way_n and_o their_o way_n contradictious_a in_o itself_o there_o be_v further_a great_a inconvenience_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o attend_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o first_o they_o have_v hereby_o prepare_v a_o way_n to_o anabaptism_n and_o give_v occasion_n for_o many_o to_o take_v their_o way_n to_o that_o throughth_n eir_n congregation_n as_o take_v a_o degree_n towards_o it_o there_o for_o when_o some_o have_v perceive_v the_o interfering_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n in_o baptise_v person_n into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o particular_a church_n nor_o permit_v they_o communion_n with_o they_o therein_o when_o come_v to_o age_n notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o upon_o a_o new_a account_n of_o special_a grace_n they_o have_v be_v thereby_o draw_v to_o think_v the_o
to_o all_o community_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v any_o direction_n or_o command_n in_o particular_a that_o when_o that_o people_n shall_v choose_v they_o a_o king_n that_o he_o shall_v use_v his_o authority_n in_o cause_v both_o priest_n and_o people_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n his_o law_n any_o more_o than_o king_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o particular_a appoint_v and_o require_v to_o see_v that_o the_o christian_n under_o they_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o yet_o when_o hezekiah_n for_o instance_n to_o restore_v religion_n after_o a_o decay_n of_o it_o in_o his_o dominion_n command_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o with_o advice_n of_o the_o prince_n summon_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n to_o come_v and_o keep_v the_o passover_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o conclusion_n it_o be_v say_v thus_o of_o he_o thus_o do_v hezekiah_n throughout_o all_o judah_n and_o wrought_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o good_a and_o true_a before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o in_o every_o work_n which_o he_o begin_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o commandment_n to_o seek_v his_o god_n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o prosper_v 2_o chro._n 31.20_o 21._o and_o if_o this_o and_o the_o like_a in_o other_o good_a king_n be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v then_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v displease_v to_o he_o when_o king_n now_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 13.4_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a in_o thing_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a he_o be_v not_o out_o of_o his_o way_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o well_o please_v to_o god_n for_o abraham_n to_o command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o great_a household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n himself_o applaud_v he_o for_o it_o gen._n 18.19_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o he_o for_o king_n to_o command_v their_o subject_n to_o do_v likewise_o it_o be_v no_o small_a blessing_n that_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o say_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n their_o nurse_v mother_n and_o it_o will_v be_v great_a ingratitude_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o they_o use_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o protect_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o in_o make_v provision_n as_o nurse_n father_n for_o their_o spiritual_a nourishment_n isa_n 49._o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o the_o high_a power_n concern_v themselves_o in_o due_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n in_o their_o dominion_n the_o more_o usual_o it_o flourish_v as_o we_o see_v not_o only_o by_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n but_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v general_o the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o place_n as_o have_v be_v most_o neglect_v in_o the_o public_a provision_n i_o will_v advise_v those_o among_o you_o who_o be_v most_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o j._n o._n in_o some_o sheet_n entitle_v two_o question_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o one_o about_o tithe_n propose_v and_o resolve_v who_o word_n i_o know_v they_o will_v more_o regard_n than_o another_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o exert_v his_o power_n legislative_a and_o executive_a for_o the_o supportment_n preservation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forbid_v coerce_a or_o restrain_v such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o which_o be_v manage_v under_o ten_o head_n of_o argument_n the_o affirmative_a say_v he_o of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o question_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o from_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n 3._o from_o god_n institution_n in_o and_o by_o law_n positive_a upon_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n of_o 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church_n in_o their_o dominion_n but_o have_v leave_v they_o all_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o suppose_v again_o that_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v think_v fit_a to_o have_v prescribe_v the_o same_o form_n for_o all_o the_o parish_n church_n which_o now_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o high_a power_n in_o this_o nation_n or_o some_o other_o as_o dissatisfactory_a to_o some_o nay_o to_o go_v low_a suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o be_v under_o any_o such_o general_a ecclesiastical_a power_n nor_o rule_v over_o the_o whole_a neither_o but_o each_o particular_a congregation_n have_v be_v under_o its_o own_o government_n only_o and_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o roll_a prevail_a or_o major_a part_n in_o one_o or_o more_o such_o independent_a congregation_n shall_v have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v such_o 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the_o title_n of_o psal_n 102._o be_v this_o a_o prayer_n for_o the_o afflict_a when_o he_o be_v overwhelm_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o complaint_n before_o the_o lord_n the_o title_n of_o psal_n 90._o be_v this_o a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o 72._o psalm_n end_v thus_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n be_v end_v hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n 2_o chron._n 29_o 30._o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o or_o whether_o long_o or_o short_a or_o whether_o in_o our_o public_a devotion_n one_o or_o two_o or_o more_o shall_v be_v use_v or_o whether_o all_o shall_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o or_o part_n by_o the_o people_n also_o we_o do_v not_o count_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_n 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our_o liturgical_a form_n of_o administration_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v or_o a_o better_a way_n pitch_v upon_o if_o the_o high_a power_n over_o we_o think_v it_o fit_a if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o you_o may_v lawful_o separate_v it_o be_v not_o its_o be_v less_o useful_a or_o less_o desirable_a to_o you_o than_o it_o may_v be_v make_v that_o will_v bear_v you_o out_o in_o your_o separation_n so_o long_o as_o you_o shall_v do_v nothing_o in_o itself_o sinful_a in_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o question_n be_v not_o at_o all_o whether_o this_o or_o another_o way_n be_v most_o eligible_a be_v you_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v without_o danger_n of_o make_v any_o schism_n but_o the_o great_a question_n to_o which_o you_o must_v bring_v yourselves_o be_v which_o be_v most_o eligible_a whether_o to_o do_v that_o which_o comparative_o you_o think_v be_v inconvenient_a less_o profitable_a less_o useful_a but_o yet_o 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schism_n must_v needs_o pollute_v it_o and_o make_v it_o far_o more_o impure_a than_o parochial_a communion_n can_v upon_o any_o reasonable_a account_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v you_o can_v say_v parochial_a communion_n be_v at_o all_o impure_a because_o a_o man_n do_v not_o defile_v himself_o with_o sin_n in_o make_v his_o way_n to_o it_o or_o have_v his_o share_n in_o it_o as_o they_o do_v that_o make_v their_o way_n to_o you_o through_o a_o sinful_a schism_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o cause_n to_o scruple_n communion_n in_o your_o assembly_n under_o your_o circumstance_n than_o communion_n in_o our_o parish_n congregation_n nor_o do_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o reason_n whereof_o some_o be_v admit_v perhaps_o to_o parochial_a communion_n that_o shall_v be_v debar_v it_o make_v the_o communion_n impure_a to_o they_o who_o can_v help_v it_o a_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o then_o he_o may_v eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n his_o examine_v another_o case_n be_v not_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n but_o what_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n and_o be_v dead_a have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o yet_o those_o few_o hold_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o church_n without_o defile_v their_o own_o revel_v 3.4_o you_o may_v if_o you_o please_v exercise_v that_o discipline_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v private_a person_n to_o use_v towards_o scandalous_a church-member_n that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o they_o or_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o familiar_a voluntary_a and_o unnecessary_a conversation_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o but_o this_o be_v no_o bar_n against_o do_v your_o duty_n in_o come_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o in_o communicate_v with_o other_o there_o who_o have_v not_o so_o defile_v themselves_o as_o 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of_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n by_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o religion_n by_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o your_o case_n and_o that_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v vast_o different_a in_o another_o respect_n the_o doubt_v of_o some_o christian_a jew_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v some_o meat_n which_o the_o christian_a gentile_n do_v eat_v without_o scruple_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n touch_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o which_o the_o eat_n of_o those_o meat_n be_v once_o express_o forbid_v so_o that_o your_o case_n be_v no_o way_n parallel_v with_o they_o there_o handle_v by_o the_o
and_o those_o who_o have_v since_o abet_v this_o doctrine_n that_o assert_v nothing_o to_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v when_o they_o extend_v it_o far_o than_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n have_v corrupt_v or_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o great_a part_n and_o they_o have_v thereby_o hide_v from_o the_o people_n eye_n the_o liberty_n leave_v they_o by_o christ_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o endless_a scruple_n and_o hurry_v they_o into_o unlawful_a schism_n if_o those_o former_o or_o more_o late_o who_o desire_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o administration_n use_v in_o our_o church_n have_v not_o run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o assert_v thing_n unlawful_a which_o by_o all_o their_o medium_n they_o can_v never_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o have_v peaceable_o and_o modest_o pursue_v their_o desire_n from_o time_n to_o 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as_o to_o all_o worthy_a end_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o influence_n upon_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o compose_n of_o people_n distract_a mind_n the_o reduce_n of_o the_o erroneous_a the_o frustration_n of_o the_o design_n of_o adversary_n and_o the_o restore_a christian_a liberty_n to_o its_o right_a use_n for_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o man_n than_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n best_o when_o they_o can_v and_o do_v act_n in_o way_n though_o but_o only_o lawful_a when_o the_o common_a good_a of_o christian_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o main_a in_o the_o world_n call_v for_o it_o though_o otherwise_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v not_o please_v to_o themselves_o and_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n and_o so_o he_o exhort_v other_o to_o do_v when_o he_o say_v give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 33._o and_o again_o let_v no_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o but_o every_o man_n another_o wealth_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o again_o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o please_v ourselves_o let_v every_o one_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n for_o christ_n also_o please_v not_o himself_o etc._n etc._n ro._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o again_o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2.4_o and_o again_o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n 1_o cor._n 9.22_o 23._o and_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v follow_v he_o both_o in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n you_o must_v certain_o alter_v your_o course_n for_o i_o can_v imagine_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_a st._n paul_n deny_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o thing_n not_o otherwise_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v so_o likewise_o rather_o than_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v or_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o charity_n be_v thrust_v out_o and_o rather_o than_o jew_n or_o gentile_n without_o or_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v scandalize_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v this_o i_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o your_o circumstance_n but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v yield_v to_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n not_o sinful_a in_o itself_o and_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o as_o you_o need_v to_o do_v to_o have_v prevent_v or_o remove_v such_o manifold_a and_o intolerable_a evil_n as_o schism_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o you_o may_v and_o do_v perhaps_o think_v that_o if_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n be_v at_o least_o in_o great_a part_n leave_v so_o much_o undetermined_a and_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v this_o or_o that_o as_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v as_o i_o have_v assert_v they_o be_v then_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v restrain_v from_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o you_o apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o best_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v this_o liberty_n be_v use_v when_o other_o man_n good_a or_o hurt_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o my_o forbear_n to_o use_v this_o liberty_n will_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a and_o my_o use_n of_o it_o to_o a_o public_a hurt_n which_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n before_o we_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o act_v like_o such_o a_o christian_a as_o st._n paul_n be_v if_o under_o these_o circumstance_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o out_o of_o they_o i_o may_v free_o use_v st._n paul_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o 1_o cor._n 6.12_o and_o 10.23_o his_o meaning_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v that_o though_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v in_o themselves_o simple_o consider_v lawful_a and_o such_o as_o to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o affection_n also_o yet_o he_o resolve_v this_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o but_o will_v hold_v and_o keep_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n one_o way_n or_o another_o according_a as_o it_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o or_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a or_o to_o forbear_v to_o use_v it_o when_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o contrary_n now_o i_o have_v represent_v to_o you_o before_o in_o part_n how_o many_o great_a and_o lamentable_a the_o evil_n be_v which_o be_v bring_v on_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n by_o your_o assume_v the_o liberty_n you_o use_v under_o the_o present_a circumstance_n in_o which_o you_o be_v and_o therefore_o methinks_v if_o you_o can_v but_o tell_v how_o to_o reconcile_v yourselves_o unto_o st._n paul_n mind_n and_o resolution_n you_o shall_v quick_o and_o without_o any_o great_a hesitation_n desist_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o your_o present_a proceed_n and_o return_v to_o parochial_a communion_n i_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v more_o advantage_v than_o damnify_v in_o the_o total_a account_n by_o your_o divide_n or_o that_o it_o will_v at_o all_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o general_a account_n of_o profit_n and_o loss_n in_o case_n it_o never_o have_v be_v begin_v since_o the_o reformation_n if_o you_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v myself_o herein_o to_o differ_v from_o you_o unless_o you_o estimate_v man_n religiousness_n by_o their_o zeal_n for_o and_o against_o outward_a mode_n and_o form_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o for_o and_o against_o party_n upon_o account_n of_o those_o form_n and_o opinion_n and_o not_o by_o their_o sober_a and_o serious_a piety_n modesty_n humility_n fidelity_n justice_n and_o charity_n together_o with_o their_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n by_o which_o i_o measure_v man_n religiousness_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o such_o among_o you_o as_o be_v in_o a_o like_a capacity_n with_o myself_o in_o point_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o this_o nature_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o religion_n have_v lose_v ground_n among_o we_o upon_o the_o
account_n of_o our_o division_n so_o as_o it_o never_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v begin_v beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v of_o expose_v our_o posterity_n to_o lose_v the_o substance_n by_o our_o contend_v for_o circumstance_n and_o beside_o the_o temptation_n we_o have_v thereby_o put_v upon_o man_n to_o call_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n into_o question_n and_o thereupon_o to_o give_v reins_o to_o their_o lust_n more_o than_o ever_o before_o since_o the_o reformation_n be_v first_o make_v i_o pray_v god_n so_o to_o bind_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v be_v awaken_v thereby_o out_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o dream_n into_o which_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o good_a people_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v fall_v there_o be_v nothing_o hardly_o in_o christianity_n more_o evident_a than_o that_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o of_o great_a circumstance_n to_o substance_n conveniency_n to_o necessary_n a_o less_o convenience_n to_o a_o great_a a_o great_a inconveniency_n to_o a_o less_o duty_n only_o by_o positive_a institution_n to_o those_o which_o be_v moral_o or_o natural_o such_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o other_o scripture_n 7._o hos_fw-la 6.6_o mat._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o beside_o those_o now_o touch_v on_o about_o christian_a liberty_n and_o i_o think_v nothing_o give_v a_o more_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o this_o than_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v among_o we_o or_o the_o thing_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v because_o by_o this_o you_o make_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n to_o truckle_n and_o yield_v to_o those_o that_o be_v less_o circumstance_n to_o substance_n matter_n necessary_a to_o those_o of_o conveniency_n a_o great_a convenience_n to_o a_o less_o and_o so_o on_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o light_n of_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o your_o conscience_n whether_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o have_v god_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n administer_v in_o your_o way_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o what_o depend_v upon_o they_o whether_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o general_a both_o of_o those_o which_o adhere_v to_o you_o and_o of_o those_o which_o do_v not_o be_v advantage_v by_o your_o way_n of_o administration_n above_o what_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o than_o they_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n that_o be_v make_v about_o that_o difference_n whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o honour_v abroad_o in_o other_o nation_n among_o christian_n and_o infidel_n by_o the_o one_o than_o hurt_n by_o the_o other_o whether_o the_o protestant_a cause_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o gain_v more_o by_o the_o one_o than_o it_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o other_o and_o whether_o more_o secure_v to_o posterity_n by_o the_o one_o than_o endanger_v by_o the_o other_o whether_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v more_o suppress_v by_o the_o one_o than_o propagate_v by_o the_o other_o and_o last_o whether_o charity_n humility_n and_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n wherein_o the_o substance_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n consist_v be_v farther_v in_o your_o way_n above_o what_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o than_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o schism_n and_o separation_n now_o if_o the_o affair_n and_o concern_v of_o religion_n among_o man_n do_v in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_n lose_v more_o by_o your_o schism_n than_o they_o get_v by_o have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o your_o way_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o doubtless_o they_o do_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v too_o manifest_a to_o be_v deny_v then_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o certain_o guilty_a of_o make_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o of_o less_o as_o ever_o the_o pharisee_n be_v of_o pass_v over_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o content_v themselves_o that_o they_o tithe_v mint_n anise_v and_o cummin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o proportion_n of_o value_n in_o your_o way_n of_o external_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o make_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v put_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o depend_v thereon_o for_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o lay_v any_o such_o injunction_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v one_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o right_a substance_n of_o worship_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o common_a language_n as_o it_o do_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n nor_o give_v any_o such_o caution_n against_o any_o external_a form_n of_o administration_n except_o that_o which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o it_o do_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o many_o consequent_a ill_a effect_n thereof_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o utility_n in_o your_o way_n of_o administration_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o make_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v put_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o presume_v there_o be_v no_o sober_a serious_a christian_a among_o you_o will_v say_v that_o your_o way_n of_o administration_n make_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o christian_n but_o that_o there_o be_v heretofore_o and_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a as_o any_o among_o you_o i_o know_v nothing_o therein_o to_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o be_v as_o holy_a and_o as_o good_a as_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v it_o be_v the_o difference_n in_o man_n more_a or_o less_o attendance_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n that_o make_v they_o better_o or_o worse_a christian_n and_o not_o their_o use_v different_a undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o your_o way_n of_o administration_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n hold_v no_o such_o proportion_n of_o value_n or_o utility_n as_o make_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v bring_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o for_o you_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o competition_n therewith_o nay_o to_o prefer_v it_o above_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o depend_v thereon_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a you_o do_v be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o unaccountable_a and_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o that_o vein_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v above_o i_o know_v you_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o bad_a a_o thing_n in_o we_o to_o put_v undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n into_o competition_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o say_v it_o be_v then_o it_o can_v be_v good_a in_o they_o who_o by_o impose_v such_o thing_n upon_o we_o as_o condition_n of_o communion_n do_v put_v they_o into_o competition_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n also_o which_o be_v divide_v upon_o that_o account_n there_o be_v i_o grant_v little_a question_n but_o that_o the_o impose_v of_o nothing_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v general_o free_a from_o exception_n be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o the_o use_n of_o some_o indifferent_a circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v doubtless_o think_v as_o convenient_a for_o the_o bring_v people_n to_o church_n then_o as_o ever_o a_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o usage_n not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o they_o to_o christianity_n think_v convenient_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o church_n then_o and_o though_o you_o think_v the_o case_n be_v so_o alter_v since_o the_o reformation_n as_o that_o what_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o use_n then_o to_o wit_v the_o bring_v folk_n to_o church_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o disuse_a and_o lay_v aside_o now_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n yet_o
if_o this_o thought_n have_v not_o hitherto_o take_v place_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o power_n above_o we_o or_o suppose_v they_o shall_v be_v under_o a_o mistake_n in_o think_v otherwise_o do_v you_o think_v that_o their_o prefer_v undetermined_a circumstance_n before_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o you_o deem_v matter_n of_o just_a complaint_n in_o they_o will_v at_o all_o justify_v you_o in_o do_v the_o like_a i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v not_o but_o great_o aggravate_v your_o fault_n for_o wherein_o thou_o judge_v another_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o that_o judge_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n rom._n 2.1_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o inequality_n &_o disproportion_n that_o be_v between_o some_o undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n will_v as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v have_v prevail_v before_o now_o to_o have_v obtain_v some_o ease_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o conscientious_o scrupulous_a but_o withal_o peaceable_a and_o as_o scrupulous_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o they_o be_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o i_o say_v this_o probable_o will_v have_v obtain_v ere_o now_o have_v not_o your_o carry_a thing_n with_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n of_o opposition_n obstruct_v it_o and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o you_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o ease_v you_o and_o i_o be_o very_o full_a of_o confidence_n that_o that_o very_a consideration_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v will_v yet_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o give_v you_o ease_n if_o you_o will_v but_o abate_v your_o open_a opposition_n and_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o great_a part_n of_o you_o can_v do_v without_o offend_v your_o conscience_n for_o if_o you_o can_v but_o yet_o be_v prevail_v withal_o thus_o to_o do_v who_o be_v so_o hard-hearted_a and_o so_o regardless_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o depend_v thereon_o as_o will_v not_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n seek_v your_o ease_n but_o if_o you_o can_v be_v prevail_v withal_o i_o can_v easy_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o i_o dread_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o time_n be_v when_o it_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o many_o of_o you_o that_o private_a and_o personal_a application_n by_o you_o that_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o people_n of_o your_o respective_a parish_n from_o house_n to_o house_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n for_o their_o profit_v in_o religion_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o some_o of_o you_o have_v think_v you_o do_v more_o good_a that_o way_n than_o by_o your_o public_a ministration_n and_o that_o in_o great_a parish_n especial_o more_o minister_n than_o one_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o and_o the_o public_a work_n yea_o you_o think_v this_o so_o profitable_a and_o so_o necessary_a as_o that_o the_o minister_n in_o several_a county_n as_o of_o worcester_n essex_n cumberland_n westmoreland_n etc._n etc._n do_v enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n to_o engage_v in_o this_o work_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o with_o intent_n as_o i_o suppose_v to_o excite_v other_o to_o do_v so_o likewise_o this_o consider_v if_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n be_v and_o be_v your_o great_a design_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o judge_v it_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v i_o can_v but_o think_v i_o confess_v that_o you_o be_v somewhat_o unhappy_a and_o the_o nation_n too_o in_o that_o you_o do_v not_o think_v of_o and_o undertake_v this_o method_n of_o employ_v your_o talent_n rather_o than_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v when_o necessity_n in_o some_o sort_n put_v you_o upon_o it_o and_o wherein_o you_o may_v have_v be_v so_o great_o serviceable_a and_o that_o not_o only_o without_o offend_v against_o the_o public_a law_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o your_o great_a honour_n and_o high_a acceptation_n with_o good_a man_n and_o if_o those_o who_o now_o support_v you_o in_o point_n of_o livelihood_n in_o the_o way_n you_o be_v in_o will_v not_o or_o will_v not_o do_v the_o same_o or_o more_o in_o that_o other_o way_n not_o to_o say_v what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o many_o other_o who_o do_v not_o like_o the_o way_n you_o be_v in_o they_o will_v give_v a_o shrewd_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o not_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o somewhat_o else_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o that_o kind_n undoubted_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o you_o can_v but_o know_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o that_o mighty_a moment_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o all_o kindly_a religiousness_n in_o yourselves_o and_o the_o people_n and_o the_o contrary_a so_o certain_a to_o produce_v contrary_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o worthy_a of_o you_o to_o do_v what_o possible_o you_o can_v to_o stop_v the_o one_o and_o to_o procure_v the_o other_o though_o it_o shall_v cost_v you_o some_o considerable_a self-denial_n to_o do_v it_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o excellent_a advice_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n 69._o pa._n 69._o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o a_o time_n when_o sad_a division_n and_o contention_n prevail_v among_o they_o as_o they_o do_v now_o among_o we_o he_o therefore_o say_v he_o that_o be_v strong_a merciful_a full_a of_o charity_n among_o you_o let_v he_o say_v if_o it_o be_v for_o i_o that_o sedition_n contention_n and_o division_n arise_v i_o will_v depart_v i_o will_v be_v go_v whither_o you_o will_v i_o will_v do_v what_o the_o people_n command_v i_o so_o be_v it_o that_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n may_v live_v in_o peace_n with_o those_o presbyter_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v this_o say_v he_o will_v win_v himself_o much_o honour_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o place_n will_v glad_o receive_v he_o let_v i_o say_v to_o you_o upon_o this_o occasion_n as_o st._n paul_n also_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o same_o church_n chap._n 14.36_o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o you_o only_o or_o from_o you_o only_o do_v you_o think_v that_o religion_n in_o the_o nation_n depend_v so_o much_o upon_o your_o public_a labour_n as_o that_o it_o will_v sink_v if_o you_o do_v not_o thereby_o uphold_v it_o methinks_v you_o shall_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o you_o shall_v and_o if_o not_o then_o either_o clemens_n romanus_n be_v out_o in_o his_o forementioned_a advice_n or_o else_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o your_o present_a practice_n as_o differ_v much_o from_o it_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o before_o i_o conclude_v i_o find_v by_o some_o of_o your_o print_a paper_n as_o well_o as_o by_o personal_a discourse_n that_o it_o run_v much_o in_o your_o mind_n that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o be_v indulge_v a_o liberty_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o the_o separate_a way_n in_o which_o you_o now_o act_n it_o will_v free_v you_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n which_o i_o apprehend_v under_o your_o favour_n to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o your_o practice_n herein_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o indulgence_n will_v be_v a_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n of_o church_n communion_n all_o the_o christian_n then_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o do_v still_o associate_v together_o in_o church_n communion_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v reside_v and_o according_o the_o church_n receive_v their_o denomination_n of_o be_v the_o church_n at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o civil_a bound_n and_o i_o have_v show_v also_o that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o for_o any_o in_o these_o church_n while_o they_o do_v reside_v upon_o the_o place_n to_o have_v rend_v themselves_o off_o from_o communion_n with_o those_o and_o to_o have_v set_v up_o for_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o place_n otherwise_o than_o what_o be_v do_v with_o consent_n when_o their_o number_n make_v it_o convenient_a to_o meet_v in_o distinct_a assembly_n or_o shall_v have_v go_v and_o have_v unite_v themselves_o with_o a_o church_n in_o another_o place_n as_o disow_v communion_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o go_v off_o when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o do_v so_o or_o of_o sin_v will_v have_v be_v a_o downright_a schism_n and_o seem_v to_o