whereon ye have powred out so many tears prayers streams of blood and loud Appeals into the ears and heart of Heaven And dare to faint before the Answer come If ye dare to keep up or not cast out the Bone of contention and the Reproach upon the Wayes of God by suffering the world or Any without Remorse to brand it for Dissembling Delusion most Hideous Hypocrisie mear state-Policy and Basenesse by the occasions lately given them and will doe nothing for the Recovery of them Or if ye dare to be at Defiance with the Judgements of the Lord that are at hand And to contemn and be carelesse of Christ and his second coming and can venture the CURSE thereof so as not to be in a posture meet to receive him when he comes If ye dare to stand at a distance from one another and dare abandon conscience and the communion of Saints If ye dare deny the Power for the Forme or oppose it with the Forme And dare Answer to the most high God for all the injuries that shall befall SION or the People of God after this through the Divisions Rents and confusions and the Neglect of this great indubitable and indispensible Duty of UNITING Or if ye dare to take upon you and yours the guilt of all the sins of these times and the evills of all these Heart-burnings hatred Envies Malice Persecutions and oppositions the present Worke Truth and Saints of Christ meet with And dare slight quench resist or despight the Holy-Ghost having so little of the Fear of the true and dreadfull God and dreadfull day in your hearts or eyes O if you dare or can doe All these things and wilfully reject this Grace or this Errand unto you and from hence forward say Pray have me EXCVSED or I cannot come I have some other businesse Then then tremble and Fear before the Lord Least all the EVILLS that arise from the Neglect hereof doe lie at your doores And we doubt not but the voice of JEHOVAH or the Lord himselfe will ere long speak so Roaringly out of SION Joel 3. 16. and Rousingly by his DISPENSATIONS as will make your hearts to Ake and your ears to tingle your knees to tremble and joynts to smite and your tongues to say O WHAT WRETCHES what wretches were we that we durst have been so bold and resolved to resist yea persist in this Disobedience and Despight to so Great and Good a Worke and all this that we might loll on in our security and stupidity But on the Contrary If conscience be awakened understanding inlightned and by the word and otherwayes ye be convinced that this is your Work If your hearts be affected your Affections hereby whetted and your Spirits Moved with us at the Sobs sighes and groans of poor Sion whom no man layeth to heart as he ought If you have but Rags for her wounds Balsome for her sores Handkerchiefs for her tears Cordialls for her Faintings If ye have any Pantings of heart Longings of soul and Workings of spirit after Christ the Redemption of his people the Reigne of his Saints and the Service of his Kingdome If any love unto his Government and Dominion If any Power of Godlinesse If any purity of holinesse If any Separating from and feelingly mourning over the horrid Idols and Evils of these times If any fervent Desires and Well-wishes to Sion in the WHOLE and not to rend or pull her a peices in PARTIES Then we pray and beseech you to Awake Arise and Rouse up upon your feete in this Work without delay whether in Churches or out and let us rather choose to be buried together in Ashes then be as we are Else what can keepe out the Incursions of Enemies and the inundation of temptations Else what will stoppe up the force and Source of Last Pride Ambition Covetuousnesse and Sins that hath broken in so violently upon the CHURCHES Or what can stay the Spirit of Persecution or Oppression upon our Consciences from making us Absolute Slaves and moulding us up to the Will of MAN Or elfe hanging heading chopping and burning our Bodies to Ashes if we refuse What else can keepe out the crafty Combination that is made against us from destroying us Else what can keep the kernell in the shell the power of Religion in the Forme yea in all Formes and Brotherly love ALIVE amongst us but this And what else can represse and repell the USURPING POWER from entring a foot if not a head amongst us on purpose to keepe out the Power and Prerogative of Christ and how else shall we be raised out of that Deadnesse Flatnesse Emptinesse Coldnesse and miserable Slumbring most Professours are rock't into Else what can cure or comfort ZION if her members that have been so miserably racked a sunder be not put into JOYNT and order and EXERCISE again Else what course can be taken to suppresse that eager Growing and Greedy Spirit of devouring one another For Formes judgements or partiall Oppinions Else what can impede that dangerous progresse and promoting of parties and factions venting and ventilating their private and ambiguous thoughts whose Religion lies most in their Opinions and Parties and how can we avoid those Busie Disputers that lay out their time their strength their zeale their knowledge their heat and their Interest and their very hearts about doubtfull Disputations Rom. 14. 1. needlesse Questions that gender strifes 1 Tim. 2 23. 1 Tim. 6. 3. 5. to the distraction of soules disturbance of Saints decay of true grace and heavenly life Whiles the WHOLE BODY becomes distempered and disordered yea and languishing with such unnaturall heats or hecticke Feavers What course can be taken to Recover hundreds out of the Snares of Satan soule imprisonments of spirits of Formes and else what what will become of the deepest heart groanes And grave groanes Faith Prayers and Patience of the choicest Saints that ever the earth bore that have so passionately longed to see such a Day Else how is it possible to avoide those present Noises among Professours in and out of CHURCHES Of sonnding brasse and tinkling Cymballs Else what ah what can we expect but the continuance and and Increase of Confusions Darknesse Disorders Dispensations Misunderstandings and sufferings so as All that we look upon for helpe shall fayle us and for helpers and Deliverers shall prove miserable comforters at last not being able to helpe us or themselves but passing by us and leave us bleeding But in a word What else is or can be our Next worke for all at once for GOD for CHRIST for SAINTS for MEN for the WHOLE NATION and for the WHOLE CREATION Or what can we doe or capacity be in for any thing or indeed Deliverance expect before THIS for as 2 Cor. 10. 6 having in a readynesse to revenge all disobedience when your OBEDIENCE is fulfilled But let that be done FIRST and the Rest followes as the Consequent doth the Antecedent And by this meanes we shall have as
A REVIVING WORD FROM THE Quick and the Dead to the Scatter'd Dust of SION OR A Breathing of the Spirit of Life in a Few Dry Bones that begin to Rise and Rattle In and about this City of LONDON BY A Solemn DECLARATION FOR An IMMEDIATE UNITING of ALL SAINTS into ONE BODY upon the Growing Principles of Grace and Kingdome of our Lord Jesus in every Administration thereof SHEWING The Grounds of it Progresse in it Proposalls for it Motives to it And our yearning Invitation throughout the three Nations about this Pacificatory Primitive-like Enterprise To put us ALL as one Man into a Posture meet to Meet our Lord Jesus at his second coming in All the DEGREES and SERVICES thereof Hosea 6. 2 3. After two Dayes he will revive us in the third Day he will raise us up and We shall live in his sight Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord his going forth is prepared as Morning and he shall come to us as the rain as the latter and as the former Raine 2 Chron. 30. 12. Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them One Heart 2 Chron. 11. 16. And after them out of All the Tribes such as set their hearts to seek the Lord came to Jerusalem LONDON Printed for Giles Calvert at the Black-spread-Eagle near the West end of Pauls 1657. A DECLARATION FOR UNITING-WORK OR Severall Judgements of the People of God that are agreed with one heart and as one man in the KINGDOME-WORK and Witnesse of our Lord Jesus patiently and piously waiting for the full Redemption of Sion and coming of Christ in the Exercise of his KINGLY GOVERNMENT AFTER divers years Patience and Expectation with continued cries to the MOST HIGH for help and light we are made deeply and to our very soules sensible of the great Reproach upon Religion the Dispersion and scattering of Saints of all Formes as well as out up and down in their holes and corners in these Nations and of the great disorder thereby amongst them as well as of the great Advantage which the Enemies of Christ and of his Kingdome have had by the weaknesses distances diversity of tongues and divisions of the People of God at this day who notwithstanding are of one heart faith and spirit in the maine And this chiefly in an undue lifting up of persons principles or judgements in a magnifying of Formes and Apprehensions one against another and not in a consistency together and in a management of the things of Christ partially or by parties and Factions and not joyntly to the great offence of good men prejudice and reproach of the Principles Cause and Name of Christ and his Kingdome Wherefore after Solemn seeking of the face of God crying and inquiring into his mind by Christ to know what Israel hath to doe lamenting and resenting the sad estate of Sion with the present condition of hundreds in and about this City of of the dust of Sion hurried and huffed about with divers winds of doctrines judgements and temptations to their great endangering and decaying of the power of Godlinesse and Brotherly love We have been we hope by a sweet and Fatherly hand of grace or clear Sanctuary-light at last and as a Return of the word of God and prayers lead into this knowledge and practice now incumbing and lead up into some serious Resolution or full purpose of heart for an Uniting together who are scattered ones in and about this City of London in a Religious or Christian body in imitation of the primitive spirit Act. 1. 14. to cleave unto the Lord and one to another these dividing and back sliding times Acts 11. 23. in the matters of our Faith worship of our God Kingdome and Cause of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Nor are we as we think without weighty moving Arguments or pressing grounds as in our own soules arising from the Crosse of Christ who in his own flesh hath abolished the enmity even the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances Ephes. 2. 14 15 16. that he might reconcile all Jew and Gentile in one body having slaine the enmity so in the sight of all other sound Christians indulging us in and inducing them and all of us to this Primitive Gospel-practice or blessed work of Vniting and Consolidating throughout these Nations Some of which are as follow 1. The paralell of our present Condition these last three years with the dispersed Disciples in the three dayes of Christs sufferings Mark 14. 50. John 20. 10 Now what they did for the preservation of the Gospel and Religion in the Power purity and Spirituality thereof are we to doe But they Vnited or gathered together into one body out of their divers places and homes which the persecution had scattered them into for the preservation of the Gospell Luke 24. 33. John 20. 19. Acts 1. 4. that they did so is evident to all at the third day or time of the end That we must doe so is as clear a consequent whether it be the time of the end or no for this is a RULE to us in ordinary cases that which Saints have before done and the holy Spirit hath commended are we to doe that follow after in the like case besides Psal. 102 13 14. the Favouring of Sion begins by the gathering up of her Scattered and despised stones a poor scattered peeled people Isa. 51. 3. Saying This is ZION whom no man seeketh after Jer. 30. 17. 2. The GREAT PROMISE of the Father Luke 24. 49. Acts 1. 4. John 15. 26. Or The pouring out of the Spirit Joel 2. 28. which we waite for Now look in what Posture Christ put his Disciples for the pouring out of the holy Ghost in the first fruits are we his Disciples to wait in for the holy Ghost the latter fruits or the latter raine But in this way of Vniting Gathering and imbodying did he bid them waite for the First-fruits Mat. 28. 10 16. Luke 24. 49. Acts 1. 4. which accordingly they did Acts 1. 14 15. 2. 1 2. and so doe we Besides Ezek. 37. 7 8. the word of prophesie must FIRST gather and unite the dry bones bone to bone before they rise and this with substance sinews and nourishment then to them in that posture comes the great Promise of the Spirit Ezek. 37. 9. and life to set them on their feet v. 10. so v. 14. 17. and not before For should the Great Promise come before every one would desire it for himselfe and for the magnifying of his own FORME particular body Judgement or Division more then for the Publick work of Christ and of all sorts or then for maintaining the power of godlinesse and Vnity of the Spirit in the bond of peace amongst all men 3. The Great and constant expectations which we have of the opening of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony Rev. 15. 5. which hath been so long shut up in the purity
Principles Formes and Practices Whereof are the Patriarchs and All the holy Men of old Peter Paul James John Policarpe Ignatius Justin Martir Chrysostome Wickliffe Waldus Luther and Zuinglius Calvin Oecolampadius and Corolostadius Beza Bullinger and Pareus Tindall Lambert Frith and Bilney Bradford Hooper Ridley Rogers Latimer Philpot and Alice Driver Hawks and Taylor Baines and Glover Brightman Cartwright Ames and Ainsworth Preston Perkins Brown and Sibs with Fenner Hooker Cotten Archer Burroughs Bolton and myriads more of Saints besides of all their severall Sorts of Judgements making up the Church of the First-borne Whereof we would bear an Image as near as may be as the Daughter that is like the Mother Zech. 9. 9. O Daughter of Jerusalem Zeph. 3. 14. Mica 4. 8. Gal. 4. 26 Now this Church shuts out none of the Saints though differing but sets them in in their proper places and that after the first Institution which is not of members of one or two kind or Forme onely but of MANY as 1 Cor. 10 17. The Blood of the New Testament was shed for MANY as his one Collective body And thus Eph. 4. 4 5. There is ONE BODY one Spirit one Hope c. Besides the Promise of restoring the Foundation of Many Generations Isa. 58. 12. is not upon this or that Forme but the New-Jerusalem-Foundation Rev. 21. 14 19 20. Eph. 2 20 21 whereon All are built whether Patriarchs Prophets Apostles or Christians of all sorts making up the Whole Church And after this Constitution are we in this Body and Vniting-worke large enough to receive not onely all Sorts of Saints alive but dead of all ages were they now alive as Heb. 12. 22 23. But ye are come to the Spirits of just men made perfect yea the Holy Angels too as our Sweet Associates in the Spirit of our Communion or rather Assistants and Ministring Spirits Heb. 1. 14. 12. 22. But ye are come unto Mount Sion and to an innumerable Company of Angels As EZRA wrote long since of the Last dayes saying Vnto whom I will give for Leaders Abraham Isaac and Jacob Amos Hosea Micab Joel Obadiah Nahum Habakkah Zephany Haggai Zachary and Malachy Which if true agrees with Rev. 11. 11. The SPIRIT of LIFE at the Rise of the two Witnesses which shall set them and Us upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles and so into the same Spirit 13. For a Greater Increase and Grouth of Grace Eph. 2. 21. which is much killed and cooled by these Divisions to strengthen the Things that remaine and are ready to die Rev. 3. and more mutually to discharge our obligations each to other and to All Saints in this City compact Psal. 122. 1 2. of Watching Admonishing Prophecying and Assisting one another Mat. 18. 15. 1 Thes. 5. 14. 4. 18. 2 Thes. 3. 15. c. Seeing the Sweetest best and Spiritualest Nourishment comes in at the JOYNTS of the Body so as the VINE John 15. is nourished by the joynts too and the best Flowers doe grow out of joynts Hence if any be OUT OF JOYNT ye which are Spiriturall RESTORE or put into joynt again Gal. 6. 2. Eph. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19. From whence all the BODY by JOYNTS and bands having nourishment ministred and knit together increaseth with the Increase of God and in this sence was it Acts 4. 33. That great GRACE was upon them All For this we are deeply sensible of in these Dividing times and Party Professions and Religions now up that we are apter to set a work each others Corruption and private spirit then grace or the Publick Spirit Wherefore as the labouring Bees doe bring all into ONE HIVE we hope it shall appear that the Manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY ONE of us of what judgement soever TO PROFIT withall in this one Body that is to bring every one into one Bank or Stock of Grace for the Publick and common grouth or Good of All 1 Cor. 12. 7. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Eph. 4. 7. Therefore to every one of us is given GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ 14. For a more Primitivelike-Love Concord and Indearednesse one to another then what we see amongst Professours as Acts 1. 14. 4. 32. 1 Thes 4. 9. And that to All Saints Col. 1. 4. Not onely ready to lay down our Lives with the Brethren but for the Brethren after the Will of God and Witnesse of Jesus 1 John 3. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 22. O it is Admirable to read but more to receive that Love which was among the Primitive Saints without respect to Judgements or Persons how often they ventur'd their Lives one for Another Like EPAPHRODITVS Phil. 2. 30. Who for the WORK of Christ was nigh VNTO DEATH not REGARDING HIS LIFE to supply YOVR LACK So Col. 1. 24. In my Sufferings FOR YOV And Phil. 1. 7 14. yea Rom. 16. 6. Who have for MY LIFE laid down their OWN NECKS Gal. 4. 15. Ye would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them me Yea how would they run to the Racks and Theaters and worst of Tortures if they heard but of any Brother ingaged for his Life Owning one another Justifying Visiting Rejoycing in and embracing one Another in the midst of the most horrid and exquisite Sufferings to the Admiration of HEATHENS Amazement of TIRANTS and mutuall encouragement of ONE ANOTHER Insomuch as those that saw them would wonder and say Ah see how Dearly they Love one another as the Jewes said of Christ John 11. 36. Behold how he loved him Nothing being able to quench such Love not Famine Plague nor Sword to keep them asunder as the Histories shew Much like our English-woman-Martir in Q Maries dayes that rejoyet at her heart to have her Foot in the same Hole of the Stocks where PHILPOT was before her Now untill this UNITING be we must look for Little of this Love but grieving discontent biting beating of one another and devouring rather One Party opposing Appearing against nick naming exasperating and exploding the other And thus it will and must be unlesse by this Blessed Worke there be an END put through the Crosse of Christ and his power to the Enmity and Discord which causes this Wherefore Phil. 2. 1 2. Let nothing be done through Strife or Vaine-glory 15. That more Amiablenesse and Beuty may appear in the Saints in Zion and in the Principles of the Kingdome by a Collective Body of Beauty then now does among the Dispersed DVST and STONES among them that are not fully separate from the mixture them that lie in HOLES or in HEAPS among the Durt for so her Beauty lies in the Dust Lam. 2. 14 15. but the Promise is of making her the Praise and BEAUTY of the Whole earth Isa. 62. 7. Psal. 50. 2. 48. 2. of giving her BEAUTY for Ashes Isa. 52. 1. 61. 3. and of making her Renown to goe forth among the Heathen
one cannot understand another at this day but wherein every one may be edified and understood in his owne language Acts 2. 6. whether Jews or Gentiles Elamites Medes Parthians c. vers. 9. 10. 11. to his astonishment vers. 8. 12. every one in his own tongue so every one in his own way Judgement and Administration wherein one can well understand another in this Vnity besides at Babell Gen. 11. the confusion of tongues hindred the Building but at Jerusalem Acts 2. the Diversity of tongues helpt it like Joshuahs entrance into many Nations at once Josh. 10. 11. 20. 23. in dispersing the Gospel of the Kingdome at once into all Nations in their owne languages and so now by this UNITING into all Saints or sorts of the people of God in their owne Formes and Judgements at once this body consisting of all sorts of members in their owne joynts and places So that though there be Diversities yet but one spirit and differences of Administration yet the same Lord 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. to the 15. and every one in his gifts places and opperation to profit withall This is the Ministry that we waite for which will speake to every one in his own language and understanding by the power of the holy Ghost Acts. 15. 36. Let us goe againe and visit our brethren in every City where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they doe 18. For the exercise of Justice and Righteousnesse Lawes and Government amongst our selves in outward matters according to the word spirit and teaching of God and the power and lawes left by Christ to his Church and people 1 Cor. 6. 1. 2. Dare any of you having a matter against another goe to law before the unjust and not before the Saints Doe yee not know the Saints shall judge the world c. Now seeing we find so little Conscience or Justice from men of the world it concerns us to be the more carefull For Psal. 122. 3 4 5. In Jerusalem are the THRONES and thither the Tribes goe up 19. That we may be in a better way of Sympathizing and participating with one another in distresses and persecutions to comfort and communicate one to another freely 1 Cor. 12. 26. Rom. 12. 15. Heb. 13. 3. Joh. 3. 17 18. Heb. 13. 16. and that there be no lacke to any one member or Fellow Citizen of this Zion and that this be more like to the first patterne in the like cases then yet appeares amongst professours Acts 4. 34. Neither was there any amongst them that lacked for as many as were possessours of Lands sould them and brought the prices of the things that were sould 20. For that the Great increase Growing and Flowing in of the latter dayes is into such a WAY and state of Zion wherein all Saints are united Jer. 50. 4. 5. Come let us JOYNE our selves Isa. 2. 2. 54. 2. Enlarge the place of thy tents 49. 17. Make hast lift up thine eyes round about and behold how All GATHER together or unite or come to thee vers. 20 21. The place is too strait for me give me place that I may dwell who hath begotten me all these Isa. 60. 7. The flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee then vers. 8. Who are these that fly as a cloud and as doves to the windowes Thus was it at the first patterne Acts 2. 41. 47. 4. 4. 5. 14 15. And beleevers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and woemen But so long as Religion is rent into such parties Factions and confusion we can expect but little conversion to the Faith incouragement or coming in either of Jews or Gentiles to these disorders and Divisions on judging censuring excommunicating another for their different Measures of faith At which Abomination both Jewes Turkes and Gentiles have been amazed and astonished for they have been far more serious unanimous and devout in their superstitions and Idolatry yea lesse injurious and more charitable one to another 21. That there may be found amongst us more sincerity simplicity and singlenesse of heart one to another about the things of Christ Whereas now in these Divisions and breaches one Brother betraies another denyes and delivers up another and as the Prophet sayes Micah 7. 5. Trust ye not in a friend put ye not confidence in a guide but in this VNITING As Acts 2. 46. They dedicate their bread with gladnesse and SINGLENES OF HEART 22. That our motions sufferings actings and contendings for Christ may be joynt and with one consent Our joynt-groanings for the name of God making as it were but one sound Our conjunct tears but one stream conjunct desires but one prayer conjunct complaints but one Theam conjunct praising but one Melody conjunct gifts but one Ministry And thus we hope to have more joynt-prayers amongst the Saints whereas now one is praying up and Another down Joynt praising Joynt witnessing and joynt-feeling or bearing the lot of the whole Hebr. 10. 23 32 33 34. Jude 3. whereas now as some take off others lay on load upon the suffering ones Joynt holding up and maintaining the truth Joynt-refusing of Subjection with all Gospell opposition to persons and things under what names soever that are against the Lord Jesus and his Kingdome Yea a Joynt-standing up for and justifying of the Name Interest and Cause of Christ and his People from Calumnies and injuries with Joynt-acting and engaging as the Lord shall call us to it for the Truth Liberty and Priviledges purchased for us by the blood of Christ Gal. 5. 1. Zeph. 3. 9. That they may all call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one consent keeping up the most PUBLICK SPIRIT for Christ and his Kingdome in ONE and ALL Canticles 7. 1. The JOYNTS of thy thyghes are like JEWELLS the worke of the hands of a cunning workeman 23. Till then we neither understand one another at home nor are we understood abroad nor indeed doe we well understand our selves Now it is necessary as it was the Primitive practice for a Right understanding to be made and maintained in the WHOLE BODY and throughout the Nation amongst the Saints of the same Faith Hope Sufferings and Expectations with us And therefore in order to such a clear intelligence and correspondence with all the Saints and People of God in these Nations by Messengers Letters and such like wayes allowed in the word of God unto which we doe hereby Solemnly invite our Friends and Brethren from all parts for mutuall good we are in this Way Being very sensible of the great inconveniences and injuries which arise to the people of God and publick Cause of Christ the manifest stumblings offences and prejudices in the hearts of many precious ones the various subtleties and wayes of Sathan and of his Instruments to keep us unknown to and un-owned by each other and the Great
upon Jehovah-Elohim the Lord our Light for more Light and inlargement from his holy Influences upon us and others as the Effect of this hopefull Essay which we in this way are in a Capacity to drink up as greedily as the Earth drinketh in the Raine The Proposalls for Propagating the great Work of Vniting in and about this City of London which we are stirred up unto by the Word and Spirit of God by the Call of Christ and of his Servants by many most pregnant and speciall Grounds to it Reasons for it and Benefits by it both unto the Lord our Jesus to our selves and others as unto the Present Worke and Duty Incumbent upon us being so convinced in our Faith and Consciences 1. THAT the SCATTERED ONES the Disciples of Christ who keep their garments Clean Rev. 3. 4. and Close Rev. 16. 15. from defiling at this day who wait with us for the Kingdome and second coming of our Lord Jesus and are of the same Faith and hope with us Eph. 4. 4. Satisfied in each other upon the account of Godlinesse and in Close walking with God though now dispersed in and about this City be all UNITED and Gathered together into ONE BODY 2 That this ONE BODY be knit together as a Religious Body upon Principles of Grace and of the Kingdome of Christ Gathered and Governed in a Gospel or Christian Order after the pattern in Acts 1. 14 15 the Primitive Constitution Titus 1. 5. and the Promise of Restitution Acts 15. 15. Rev. 15. 5. Isa. 58. 12. and 60. 15. c. and of opening of the TABERNACLE of the Testimony into the Primitive purity of Worship Waiting for the pouring out of the Spirit and Contending together for the truth with ONE ACCORD as one man Jude 3. 3. That this Body for MATTER consists of such as we can judge faithfull followers of the Lamb Rev. 14. 1. 17. 15. Called and Chosen Cleaving to the Cause of Christ and Controversie now up against the BEAST and his Followers though otherwise they be of different Formes Judgements and Apprehensions 1 Cor. 12. 4 5. 12 13 14. Rom. 14. 2. Phil. 3. 16. Weake and strong bond and free more or lesse honourable Ver. 22 23 24. Holding fast the bond of peace in the unity of the SPIRIT without any Schisme rent or divisions in this Body Eph. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 12. 13. 25. 4. That this Body not sat downe or Consolidated in any One Forme or Judgement what ever wherein one Saint may or doe differ from another doe sit down and knit together iu the POWER OF GODLINES 1 Tim. 6. 3. or life grace and light of all Formes and Judgements upon the account of the New-Creature-onenesse in Christ Jesus Gal. 6. 15. 2. Cor. 5. 17. and upon such Principles wherein we all Agree as ONE MAN and of one Mind for Christ his Kingdome-worke in every Administration of his Kingdome and for the Leavening of the whole Lump 1 Pet. 3. 8. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Rom. 15. 5. 5. That the Members and Particular branches of this ONE BODY have the Free Full and Intire Exercise of their different Judgements and practises in their own particular and different Congregations or Meetings of those Judgments with as great Freedome of their Ordinances wherein one differeth from another as any particular Church now hath onely holding together as Branches of this one Body or PHILADELPHIAN CHURCH of Christ in All Ordinances wherein All Agree keeping their places without the Least molesting or offending one another or the Peace Unity of the Church about different matters medling with those things in the maine Body as are without Controversie to the edifying of the whole and according to the Principles and Points wherein we are all Agreed as ONE MAN Acts 2. 46 47. Rom. 14. 1. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 11. 17 18. 2. Tim. 2. 16. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 5. Titus 3. 9. Eph. 4. 29. And if any PARTICULAR CHURCHES or Members of them as such upon those Principles and Points doe joyne with us that we hoâ—d our Communion with them without the least intrenchment upon or injury to them in their Priviledges or Power which they Exercise as Churches in their own Bodies in Any or all the Ordinances of Christ or Affaires of their own Bodies Isa. 65 10. Zech. 2. 11. Acts 15. 32. 6. 5. Gal. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 16. 11. Rev. 1. 4. 11. 20. 22. 16. 6. That there be a Weekly Church-meeting of this whole UNITED BODY for praying Prophecying preparing and provoking one another waiting for the coming down of the holy Spirit the great things that shall shortly come to passe and the second Appearance of our Lord Jesus with all the things that concern the day of Christ upon us Heb. 10. 24 25 Acts 14. 27. Mat. 3. 16. And for the Edifying of All in the things we are united upon Gathering in of Sinners and dispersed ones or the DVST OF ZION Psal. 102. 13 14. Maintaining a Correspondencie and Clear Intelligence with the Kingdome-Saints in the Nations Isa. 14. 32. as they did in Primitive times by Letters and Messengers Acts 15 22. Phil. 2. 19. 25. 1 Cor. 16. 3. and all the like ways that we can agree in to carry on the KINGDOM-WORK and Government of Christ amongst us 7. That there be a most Indeared and Affectionate Love to one another like that which Christ bare to his Church Joh. 13. 34 35 15. 12. Eph. 5. 2. 1 Thes. 4. 9 1 John 2. 4. 21. Rom. 12. 10. 13. 8. called Love unfained 1 Pet 1. 22. and without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. Avoiding diligently all Causes and Causers of Division in this body Rom. 16. 17 18. Mat. 24 23. Acts 20. 29 30 31. Rev. 2. 14 15 16. and keeping carefully and constantly this BLESSED UNITY and LOVE both in the PARTICULAR and in the GENERALL Phil. 2. 1 2 3. Rom. 14. 19. 1 Cor. 6. 5. Acts 4. 32. Mutually and Tenderly bearing with each others Failings and Infirmities with meeknesse patience pitty piety and sweet brotherly Assistance not upbraiding censuring nor provoking of one another Ep. 4. 32. Ro. 14. 13 15. 1. Gal. 6. 1. Col. 3. 12 13 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16. 8. An earnest JOYNT-STRIVING and Joynt-Contending in all Lawfull and just wayes by doing or suffering for the Truth Faith Purity Power of Godlinesse Light Life Liberty Priviledges and Kingdome of Christ Jesus Jude 3. Heb. 12. 3 4. Gal. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 7. 23. 1 Pet. 3. 15. Every one chearfully and unanimously undergoing the LOT OF THIS BODY in Adversity and Prosperity Heb. 10. 23. to the end Acts 12. 5. 7. Mat. 13. 20 21. And a Tender Sympathizing or participiating one with another in all estates tryalls and conditions except sin and not to DRAW BACK upon any Occasion or Temptation whatsoever the Lord helping us 1 John 2. 19 20. 2 Tim. 4 10. 16 1 Cor 19. 26.
Rom. 12. 15. Gal. 6. 2. Acts 20. 35. Heb. 13. 3. 9. In the AFFAIRES of Christ his Kingdome this Body his People and the Nations freely to give up our selves to the Lord and his Christ and one to another according to Gods word the FATHERS will and the SONS worke and the HOLY SPIRITS working quickning and Inabling of us Freely and Chearfully to Communicate in things Spirituall and Temporall 1 John 3. 17 18. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2. 2 Cor. 9. 5 6. Rom. 12. 13. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Tim 6. 17. Gal. 6 10. Jude 20. 1 Cor. 12. 9. and condescending to the meanest service we may be called to or put upon agreeing with our Faith Light and Consciences for the Vse of Christ and this whole Body James 2 1 2 3. Mat. 20. 26. Rom. 12. 16. John 13. 12 13 14 15 16. 10. An Exact and Exemplary Conversation in all MANNER OF HOLINES Humility and Grace to the powerfull Conviction of them WITHOUT as well as profit and comfort of them WITHIN Psal. 24. 3. Mat. 5. 16. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Tit. 2. 11 12. Eph. 4. 21 22 23 24. 1 Pet. 2. 12. with vigilant Care over one another Heb. 3. 12 13 12. 15 17. Col. 4. 6. Mat. 18. 15 16 17. 1 Thes. 5. 14. Rom. 5 15. untill we be APPARENTLY a People dwelling ALONE not wicked nor mixed among the Nations Numb. 23. 9. John 15. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 14 15 Eph 5. 11. Hos. 4. 15 Rev. 14. 7. c. Note that the 5 Prop nor any other be interpreted as making this one Body many but ONE particular Church having many Meetings upon different matters and occasions and at allowed times for accomodating themselves and holding Communion with the Philadelphian Churches And besides all that hath been said set in our hearts to promote this so Blessed and Necessary a Work of Uniting among Christians whether in this or any other way that will answer the End thereof upon the Kingly account of Christ We cannot but acquaint you with some of our and your present MOTIVES unto it desiring the Lord to make them as irresistable and powerfull by his Spirit on your hearts as they are on ours 1. THat the greatest Advance which the Scriptures mention of the Name or Kingdome of God in the world hath ever been begun by this WORK OF UNITING first and this that is to be in the last dayes is not onely foretold to begin so in the expresse and plaine Letter or Prophecy both of the old and New Testament but of the type as of Egypt and Babylon The First Work which Moses set afoot after his leaving Tharoahs Court was this of UNITING Acts 7. 25 26. For he supposed his Brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them but they understood not And the next day he shewed himselfe unto them as they strove and would have set them at ONE againe saying Sirs ye are Brethren And this before the plagues came upon Egypt So before the VIALS be poured out upon mysticall Egypt Rev. 11. 8. we must be UNITED and Brethren forbear striving This was the First work upon proclaiming Liberty from Babylon for those who were of one heart Ezra 2. Zerubbabell and the Remnant so Hag. 1. 14 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabell and the spirit of Joshua and the spirit of all the Remnant together and they came and did worke as Zech. 3. 8. Hear now O Joshua thou and thy Fellows and then follows I will bring forth my Servant the BRANCH This was the FIRST WORK viz UNITING and gatherin into ONE that our Lord Jesus and his Apostles put the first planting of the Gospel upon Acts 1. 4. 8. 14 15. whence arose that SEED that hath since sowed the whole Christian world so called and so must it be before the flying Gospel Rev. 14. 8. or Gospel of the Kingdome be preached throughout the habitable world Mat. 24. 14. And so it is foretold to be the great and First work that the Spirit of Eliah which goes before the great and notable day of the Lord or coming of Christ doth put us upon viz. UNITING Mal. 4. 6. And he shall turne the hearts of the Fathers to the Children and the hearts of the Children to their Fathers and then RESTORING of all things as at First follows Mat. 17. 11. Elias truly shall First come to restore all things Wherefore if Moses Zerubbabell Christ and his Apostles or the Spirit of Eliah if they be may heard and their Examples had in esteem amongst us this is an undeniable duty now upon us the First worke and the first step that we can take to purpose out of Egyt Babylon and the earthly Jerusalem into the reall Advance of the great work of God name and Kingdome of Christ on earth 2. Besides consider hereto the Call of Christ as it was to his Dispersed ones at his Resurrection of a Risen Christ behold he is risen though you see him not it is the Lord said John to Peter Job 21. 7. and he leapt into the Sea to him Isa. 60. 1. The Light is come and the glory of the Lord is RISEN after a death and a sore one after the three days of a CHRIST who dyed for the Collective body and is Risen to the Collective Body the blood of the New Testament shed for MANY not for this or that Forme or sort onely but for the MANY united into one Body calls aloud to this Practice and kind of Communion So that if there be any consolation in Christ any Bowells any mercies any true sence of that Love which was in him to us stronger then Death and which many waters could not quench and raised him from the Grave Let us hear him as Risen from the Dead whose First word from thence is Goe quickly and tell them I AM RISSEN And bid them that is together come and meet me Mat. 28. and there they shall see me Oh then what sayest thou canst thou hear him call so and not come Doth he not now say as Cant. 2. 10 13. Rise up my Love my faire one and come away againe vers. 14. and yet againe vers. 13. Ob let me see thee vers. 10. and Cant. 4. 8. Come with me from Lebanon my sister my spouse with me from Lebanon c. And can we find in our hard hearts to stay behind or not to stir now God forbid 3. Add hereto the consent and concurrence of all Saints in all ages who have lived and and dyed in the Faith and hope of this that All Saints should be gathered INTO ONE in the Dispensation of the fulness of times Eph 1. 10. and of the new Jerusalem and Kingdome state that consists of such a Collective Body Rev. 21. Should Paul Peter James John Apostles Prophets or Saints from Abraham to this day Arise from the dead the whole Classes of them would call us into this UNITING
As a Particular member by it selfe considered may be and is called the Temple of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6. 15. 19. without the injury to the Body whereof he is a part which in another sense or collectively is called the TEMPLE 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Cor. 3. 16. So may a particular body sat down in this or that Judgement and yet in another sense and we humbly think with much more sutablenesse does this particular Church or Collective body stated as before expressed beare the name of the Temple too Rev. 11. 1 2. Cor. 6. 16 17. or Gospel-Order after the first pattern 1 Cor. 12. 13. 17. Phil. 3. 15. Rom. 14. 14 5. 12. 45. Now the reason of this Analogy is because this holds a most excellent consistency Symmetry Harmony need and Vsefulnesse of every particular body of this or that forme as well as a particular Church does or ought to doe with every particular member of that body whether of this or that Judgement keeping up a necessary serviceablenesse to the Lord and one another in All and in every one in their proper joynts and places which is most like to the Primitive state and is a Constitution more after the Institution of the Gospell then a sitting down in any one Forme This is no other then the House of God! said Jacob Gen. 28. 17. which is that why where he saw the Ladder and some goe up and some goe down and some one way and some another and the Lord a top of all at the Head of all and all serving him their severall wayes as 1 Cor. 12. 5. There be Differences of administrations and yet but One Lord In this heavenly harmony and melody if we might but find it of different members and motions O how sweet would be the Vision 6. Lastly but as for those particular Churches so called that are corrupted have lost their Forme and Matter that are let loose and doe let their members range in the World and the Lusts thereof that persecute or oppose the Truth Cast out or kill the life and Grace of the sound Members not admitting Communion with Different Saints nor keeping up of Brotherly love that are thus gangrened both in Substance and Circumstances so defiled so deformed and degenerated we doe not we dare not hold Communion with or own them for the Faithfull Spouse after the first pattern Now these are they and no other that we doe doctrinally and practically declare against and withdraw from So that by this Time we trust every one can answer himselfe in the second part of the QUERY viz. How this doth bear the Name from the Rest viz. that are Apostatized 1. In the Truth of that which they have but the Name and Title of 2. In the Spirit and Life of that which they keep up but the Forme and Letter of 3. In the Harmony of the diffring Members and Meetings in their own joynts and places in that New-Jerusalem-like Order of Communion with all Saints which they have either rejected or else were never well acquainted with For as we believe All were not rightly constituted Churches that were called so or went by that Name So we deny not but this or that particular Church or some that once we might have owned may foulely Fall Fade Decay and die as we durst not hold Communion with and yet we not question but a true Temple-state may be found amongst us too growing up towards perfection Besides in the End and Rule we may be said to bear that NAME from them without reflecting upon those Churches that maintain the Purity of Matter and Forme Rule and End Extent and Priviledges of the Kingdome of Christ whom we with all our hearts doe own and are ONE with in Spirit and Communion Qu 3. But can any be said to be ONE CHVRCH or Gospel-Body and yet more then One or how can any be members of two Bodies and doth not this way you are in looke too like an VNIVERSAL-CHVRCH and smell of that straine for you have many meetings and so many Bodies Answ. Here be many Queries in one which in order we answer 1. We doe not say nor can any that we are more then ONE though ONE that hath many Members and so meetings as occasion requires 1 Cor. 12. 13. 27. but more fully to that presently 2. One may be a member of two Bodies in a two sold consideration very well as a member of a Naturall Body may be also a member of a Politicall-Body and of a Polit may be also of a Religious Body yea and so of two Religious Bodies in a twofold consideration as a member of a Particular Church is also member of the universal and may also be a member of a BODY united upon Kingdome-Principles and services or on other matters But 3. This was very frequent and in Constant practice in the Primitive times to be of One Church as a member by union and of another by Communion and so Paul had communion with all Churches and at Corinth 1 Cor. 5 4 5. and yet a member admitted of the Church at Jerusalem Thus may members of other Churches be also members of this Body and walk with this in Communion and yet hold their places too in their own particular bodies As a member of a mans body holds its place there and yet as a member of all mankind hath a Publick motion too as well as a Particular 4. That there be no mistake in the FORMAL PART of this Vniting-Worke we have declared our selves to be but one Particular Body after the 1 Pattern at Jerusalem and holding a Communion with all Saints in order Jew or Gentile bond or free of this or that opinion that understandingly desire it Object 1. But visible Saint ship and visible Church-state are not All one and many may be Saints or memberrs of Christs mysticall body that are not joyned to any visible Church Acts 5. 13 14. Answ 1. We grant they are not one in state and yet the true Chuâ—ch-state is the Câ—mmunion of Saints and according to the institution hath joynts and places for all sorts of Saints received Rom. 14. whole Chapt and 12. 4 5. 1 Cor. 12. 2. We confesse also that some may be Saints that are not of any Particular Church nor desire it but the Query is whether any Saints inlightned of good life and seeking Communion with us are to be put by 3. We are to be such a Body as holds a Communion and good intelligence even with them also in the Spirit yea and in some cases so far as can be consistent with the power of godlinesse and wherein wee agree c. more visibly too Luke 10. 1. Acts 5. 13 14. for the publick good Yea 4. Our Communion spiritually is to be so large as Comprehends Saints in an Invisible Way and in the Power as well as in a Visible Way and in the Forme being all Members
Lamb for Testimony aâ— a Resâ—lved People 9. To Give our Selves All up to the Lord and one Another in Christs and his Kingdomes Service for Readinesse as a Willing People 10. An Exact Life and Conversation amongst all for example as an Holy People 1 Motive to this Vniting is that it ever began the great Work of God In Aegypt In Babylon And in Jeruselem in the Apostles Days And in the last Days by the Spirit of Eliah 2 Motive the Call of Christ from the Grave 3 Motive is the Consent and Vote of all Saints alive Dead in this they all Vnite 4 Motive it is Christs Gathering-time that is upon us 5 Motive it is his Visiting time too The Communion of Saints is not in this or that Forme but such a Communion as holds in heaven and in earth as to the Spirit of it 6. Mot is the Deepes and Sea of knowledge c. by this meanes The benefit of the Deeps above the Shallowes The Promise of the Deeps 7 Motive to be All called by One Name and yet every one in his own PATH 8 Motive in this Way there is a NECESSARY USE of diverse and Different Members and B anches How this Body differs from others in the order of it 9 Motive the most excellent and Vsefull matter whether we ever see it or no! and as unworthy as we are must be found in this WAY at last 10 Motive The most Excellent Ministry that is to be till the second coming of Christ must arise this Way The flying Gospell The seaven Thunders The Trumpet of one piece 11 Motive is the Danger of Jacob to be utterly destroyed in this Nation How Eaten up 12. All Saints must to it at last 13. This will abide when other wayes sale 14 Motive Least the Anathema Maranatha our highest Curse which is the Curse of his second coming be upon the Disobedient 1 Query Ansn 1. Not a mixture but a thorough Separation 2. Not an overly Fellowship but a close and cleaving Aggregation upon Kingdom Principles 3. Not a Narrow rigid but a Large Comprehensive Spirit 4. Not a stating it in any one Forme but in the Power of Faith and Godlinesse 5. Not a disordering or displaceing but a due ordering and well placeing of different Saints in their proper Joyntts 6. Not a party growing but an Increase of of the WHOLE together 2 Query Answ. 1. We think it hath been we do own them that retain it in Purity 2. Yet not perfect but rising 3. And are for Communion with them Vnion of All and Embodying of scatte red ones 4. Yet we see them not so acording to the Primitive patterne 5. We deny not but they may be called the Temple also 6. We dare not but deny Communion with the Apostate Churches and with no others Answ. How this doth bear the Name from them Answer 1. We say not so nor are we so 2 One may be of two bodies 3. Of two lodies or Churches one by way of Admission as a proper Member and the other by way of Communion 4. The formall Consideration consists with a particular Body 1 Object 1 True Chuâ—ch hath a place for all Saints 2. And are not to be put by that they doe desire it 3. But have a spiritual Intelligence with all 4. In an invisible Way of communion also 2. Object â— Answer The Church-Communion of Gospel-institution admits all Saâ—nts Prophets Apostles Martyrs and â—ow 3 Object â— Answer Not our patterne as an universall but particular visible Church 2 A great mistake to think particular meetings are particular Churches Yet in what sense some will so interpret How they may be said to be Many and yet but ONE As Sion as a Body as a City as an Army as a Kingdome as a Heaven as a New Jerusalem 4 Object 1 Answer No more like an universall Church 2. Then every particular in primitive times 3. The nearer to it and to the Nature of it the better Others that must succeed must exceed upon this Principle 5 Object Ans. 1. Wisdome leftwith the Church for the Wel-being thereof 3. The Word of Prophecy is many in one 3. A plaine Pattern for it 1. Collectively altogether 2. Distributively or in severall places and meetings And then Organically as there is need A. 1. In their severall Meetings Ordinances 2. Those wherein One differs from another in the different Meetings 6 Object A. 1. One and the same Rule for the Church 2. Not as Apostles 3. But as Members and Ministers 7 Object Ans. 1. No injury to Churches 2. But to make up the Breaches 3. And to put all Formes into their right use and place 4. Not to rend but reforme and refine them 5. Who can be offended at this Object 8. Ans 1. A duty at all times 2. Signes of the Time of the End 3. If that Ground be not clear to thee yet manyare Object 9. Ans. 1. Breaches not so likely this Way wherein every one hath his right and Due 2. Not so soon in a Body Compacted well Coâ—â—â—â—ed as in a Bâ—dy paâ—â—â—fyed and made a Faction or a sâ—â—â— or but a pâ—â—ce of Communion of Saints 3. We are better able to crush and kill Divisions â— If breaches should arise yet the THING will stand and that rejoyces our hearts what â—â—â— become our Persoâ—s Object 10. Ans. 1. Vniformity not in Primitive times kept up and why Object 11. Ans. 1. The first patterne is before Act. 2. 41. 2. That relates to Converts this to Disciples 3. No primitive Church stated in One Form or judgment 4. All Churches gathered and govern'd by this Rule of Communion with all Saints and of liberty to all orderly and in their Places Object 12. Ans. 1. Take the fruites with the Tree and upon the Tree 2. Take your own Way So it be according to the Patterne and the Worke 3. It must be a Way sutable to every one for service and exercise 4. We cannot be expected to be so Perfect at day-breake as at Noon day 5. Yet have a care every one of you now you doe reject this Way An Expostulation Refuse the first step and lose the second All Objections we can meet with most easily Answer'd The Spirits Office is to enable us Our Way to it is most Clear To the Reader and his conscience The Invitaâ—ion to all the godly People in the three Natâ—ons The Exhortation grounded The wonderfull evils of these Times amongst Professours make us looke for little from some Who they are that will not accept this Call The benefit of them that accept this Call and Invitation with the First Our Cries and Prayers Our full purpose of Heart if the Lord helpe us The Conclusion To all our Brethren and Country men A Remembrance A Remembrance A Challenge On the contrary an Expostulation