without_o any_o great_a inlargement_n as_o intend_v chief_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o understanding_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o first_o assertion_n concern_v the_o law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n what_o it_o be_v and_o whereunto_o to_o hind_n we_o the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o some_o womb_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v child_n of_o god_n and_o true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o godly_a minister_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o womb_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o they_o be_v true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o first_o proposition_n express_v the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n shall_v be_v show_v from_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o second_o contain_v a_o application_n thereof_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v verify_v of_o they_o by_o a_o more_o special_a deduction_n of_o the_o particular_n express_v therein_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n be_v clear_o manifest_v be_v among_o many_o other_o these_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 23._o 8._o all_o you_o namely_o my_o disciple_n be_v brethren_n rom._n 8._o 29._o who_o he_o viz._n the_o father_n do_v foreknow_v be_v also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o heâ—_n may_v be_v the_o firstborne_v among_o many_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v make_v all_o brethren_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o jam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o viz._n the_o father_n beget_v we_o viz._n believer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n ergo_fw-la they_o all_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o beget_v of_o the_o same_o seed_n be_v brethren_n to_o each_o other_o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o viz._n christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o receive_v christ_n the_o same_o way_n be_v alike_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o like_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2._o 12._o i_o will_v declare_v say_v christ_n thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la if_o christ_n do_v own_o believer_n before_o god_n as_o his_o brethren_n shall_v they_o not_o own_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o spirit_n be_v bind_v to_o become_v one_o body_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v unite_v together_o as_o member_n one_o of_o another_o ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o if_o all_o these_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o and_o to_o all_o believer_n than_o all_o believer_n be_v unite_v unto_o each_o other_o by_o they_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o such_o that_o by_o their_o division_n give_v the_o world_n cause_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o body_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o spirit_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o hope_n nor_o one_o lord_n nor_o one_o faith_n nor_o one_o baptism_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o god_n but_o many_o gal._n 4._o 26._o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v free_a the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o we_o be_v of_o one_o father_n and_o mother_n then_o undeniable_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n ergo_fw-la such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o their_o fellowship_n to_o impart_v to_o each_o other_o matter_n of_o full_a joy_n by_o mutual_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n by_o mutual_a bowel_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o they_o must_v study_v unity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o love_n phil._n 3._o 16._o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v already_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n ergo_fw-la brethren_n though_o not_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v agree_v ephes_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long_a suffering_n for_o bear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_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 ergo_fw-la it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o call_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v to_o practice_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o the_o end_n that_o unity_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o such_o as_o mind_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n have_v therein_o renounce_v their_o call_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 22._o see_v you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o ergo_fw-la one_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v affectionate_o express_v our_o love_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o these_o place_n we_o see_v what_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n be_v among_o true_a christian_n and_o what_o the_o duty_n thereof_o be_v but_o if_o neither_o this_o law_n nor_o the_o duty_n thereof_o be_v at_o all_o regard_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o christian_n be_v it_o not_o either_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o that_o they_o indeed_o be_v not_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o needs_o will_v be_v count_v such_o be_v it_o not_o then_o before_o the_o world_n a_o testimony_n against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o among_o we_o what_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v viz._n the_o way_n of_o true_a love_n and_o peace_n therefore_o the_o great_a character_n of_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n serious_o in_o these_o time_n of_o universal_a strife_n wherein_o all_o pretend_v more_o than_o other_o unto_o christ_n namely_o this_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o himself_o joh._n 13._o 35._o hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o from_o whence_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o if_o you_o have_v no_o love_n one_o to_o another_o by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v we_o
repentance_n and_o faith_n here_o shall_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a hereafter_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o eternal_a glory_n with_o christ_n when_o all_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o everlasting_a judgement_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o endless_a torment_n six_o beside_o these_o necessary_a truth_n which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v every_o one_o a_o true_a brother_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n who_o do_v believe_v the_o same_o i_o say_v beside_o these_o fundamental_n they_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o public_a writing_n such_o namely_o as_o concern_v 1._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n 2._o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o man_n his_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n 4._o the_o restitution_n of_o man_n fall_n by_o christ_n 5._o christ_n person_n office_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o 6._o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 7._o the_o use_n of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o reward_n 8._o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 9_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o conversion_n 10._o the_o universal_a church_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n 11._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n 13._o the_o true_a and_o false_a ordinance_n 14._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o over_o and_o above_o necessary_a truth_n most_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a and_o expedient_a for_o edification_n be_v full_o express_v and_o by_o all_o assent_v unto_o so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v without_o all_o doubt_n very_o abundant_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a seven_o see_v the_o bare_a theory_n of_o truth_n dogmatical_o assent_v unto_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o makeup_v a_o brotherly_a unity_n between_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o subsistence_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o and_o relation_n unto_o he_o necessary_a to_o complete_a this_o union_n therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o complete_a a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a unity_n in_o our_o christian_a brotherhood_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o subsistence_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o manifest_v unto_o each_o other_o and_o hereunto_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v hearty_o agree_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v unto_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n embrace_v fiducial_o with_o their_o heart_n the_o fundamental_a and_o save_a truth_n of_o christianity_n make_v confession_n thereof_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o endeavour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o walk_v in_o holiness_n answerable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o love_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o god_n love_v we_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o our_o religious_a profession_n our_o religious_a profession_n be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o it_o be_v public_a and_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o relation_n towards_o other_o through_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o chief_a act_n thereof_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v single_a by_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o public_a the_o second_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v unite_v unto_o a_o congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o visible_a constitution_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o three_o be_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o mutual_a association_n the_o four_o be_v of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o these_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o the_o joint_a administration_n of_o their_o public_a charge_n if_o then_o in_o all_o these_o act_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o manage_v be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o same_o and_o not_o unknown_a but_o rather_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o both_o side_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o both_o side_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o therein_o as_o upon_o brethren_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherhood_n one_o to_o another_o which_o be_v answerable_a unto_o this_o acknowledgement_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o unity_n and_o agreement_n in_o these_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o the_o duty_n be_v neglect_v than_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 4._o 16._o be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o death_n it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o plain_a luke_n 12._o 47._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n now_o that_o in_o these_o act_n of_o the_o profession_n the_o sundamentall_a rule_n oblige_v we_o unto_o holy_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v the_o same_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n sect._n i._o of_o single_a professor_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o professor_n such_o namely_o as_o we_o have_v already_o describe_v to_o be_v believer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n forenamed_a and_o to_o have_v that_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o body_n which_o have_v be_v former_o mention_v when_o i_o say_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o professor_n as_o single_a that_o be_v as_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o exempt_v they_o by_o this_o notion_n from_o either_o a_o visibilitie_n of_o their_o profession_n or_o a_o compliance_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o concur_v with_o other_o christian_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a not_o as_o if_o they_o may_v take_v up_o a_o single_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o profess_v christ_n by_o themselves_o alone_o which_o be_v neither_o common_a nor_o perceptible_a unto_o other_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a only_o as_o they_o be_v man_n not_o engage_v as_o yet_o unto_o any_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o profess_o suppose_v then_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o all_o the_o man_n and_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n where_o he_o find_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o public_o profess_v by_o some_o and_o not_o at_o all_o know_v and_o profess_v by_o other_o the_o question_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o threefold_a 1._o whether_o he_o shall_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n yea_o or_o no_o 2._o how_o he_o shall_v manifest_v his_o profession_n viz._n whether_o yea_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o 3._o what_o the_o act_n of_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n be_v whereunto_o hâ—e_v shall_v join_v if_o hâ—e_v shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o other_o professor_n now_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o these_o three_o question_n i_o suppose_v that_o both_o side_n will_v full_o agree_v upon_o these_o rule_n as_o a_o directory_n for_o he_o to_o walk_v by_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o the_o first_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o 1._o although_o a_o man_n stand_v single_a and_o be_v not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o other_o professor_n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v be_v aught_o to_o appear_v in_o public_a as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v these_o commandment_n matth._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o shine_v you_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n ephes_n 5._o 7._o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n verse_n 10._o prove_v what_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o the_o lord_n verse_n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o phil._n 1._o 27._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v
concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n sect._n i._n what_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v wherein_o our_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v hitherto_o we_o have_v reflect_v upon_o that_o which_o do_v make_v the_o study_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o we_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n now_o we_o shall_v reflect_v also_o upon_o the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o generous_a disposition_n to_o be_v draw_v by_o mere_a necessity_n and_o fear_n unto_o a_o duty_n but_o to_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a therein_o be_v praise_v worthy_a and_o argue_v a_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a inclination_n therefore_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o work_v upon_o this_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_v to_o waken_v it_o in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v ingenuity_n and_o my_o aim_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o able_a to_o consider_v of_o their_o way_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n then_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o any_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n before_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o for_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o i_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v conscionable_a and_o to_o those_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v as_o to_o evidence_n unto_o they_o that_o a_o matter_n be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o do_v interest_n conscience_n into_o action_n now_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o offer_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o shall_v contract_v all_o which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o one_o assertion_n which_o have_v open_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o outward_a enemy_n or_o of_o 12_o act._n 20._o 28_o 29_o 30._o phil._n 1._o 27._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12_o inward_a breach_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o to_o study_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v whole_o necessary_a yet_o that_o for_o the_o true_a 1_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n 2_o of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a 3_o nothing_o more_o profitable_a 4_o nothing_o more_o commendable_a 5_o and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 6_o and_o the_o perfect_a 7_o of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o 8_o maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n 9_o and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o lay_v not_o this_o duty_n to_o heart_n but_o love_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o 10_o themselves_z and_o to_o maintain_v the_o principle_n 11_o of_o a_o singular_a distance_n from_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n will_v not_o be_v able_a in_o the_o end_n to_o approve_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v this_o assertion_n be_v somewhat_o large_a therefore_o to_o open_v the_o part_n thereof_o that_o my_o meaning_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o several_a head_n thereof_o thus_o 1_o that_o by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_v none_o but_o such_o person_n as_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o call_v to_o administer_v the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n be_v mean_v the_o work_n which_o in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o a_o office_n and_o such_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o gather_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o saint_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n over_o those_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o all_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v 3_o that_o when_o i_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v conscionable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o contract_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o conscience_n 4_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o do_v yield_v in_o its_o own_o kind_a some_o benefit_n to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o 5_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v commendable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v quality_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o embrace_v by_o all_o 6_o by_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o bare_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o brotherhood_n but_o a_o real_a conjunction_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n or_o at_o least_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n for_o as_o a_o master_n be_v a_o father_n to_o servant_n so_o fellow-servant_n be_v brethren_n in_o service_n 7_o by_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n i_o mean_v a_o constant_a follow_v of_o the_o duty_n thereof_o through_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o profess_a engagement_n oblige_v thereunto_o 8_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o i_o mean_v beside_o the_o general_a praise_n due_a to_o he_o for_o all_o his_o goodness_n a_o more_o special_a manifestation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o name_n in_o all_o his_o saint_n 9_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v advance_v i_o mean_v three_o thing_n 1_o the_o build_n of_o they_o up_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o they_o 23_o joh._n 17._o 22_o 23_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o one_o 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o with_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n they_o may_v be_v comfort_v unto_o 16._o ephes_n 3._o 16._o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n 2._o col._n 2._o 2._o 3_o the_o powerful_a propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o testimony_n thereunto_o to_o convict_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o the_o father_n and_o a_o mean_n to_o call_v in_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o 23._o john_n 17._o 23._o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n out_o of_o it_o 10._o by_o the_o stand_n and_o walk_v by_o one_o self_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o charge_n as_o if_o none_o may_v stand_v or_o walk_v in_o a_o distinct_a office_n wherein_o another_o have_v no_o right_a to_o intermeddle_v or_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o particular_a right_n belong_v to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o i_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n have_v within_o itself_o a_o right_n to_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o respect_n that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n but_o i_o mean_v the_o disjoint_v of_o man_n practice_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o distinct_a charge_n whereby_o as_o party_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o they_o set_v up_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o separation_n between_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n with_o themselves_o 11_o by_o the_o maintain_n of_o principle_n of_o a_o singular_a distance_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o plea_n for_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a association_n of_o professor_n as_o do_v make_v void_a the_o fit_a joint_v and_o compact_n of_o themselves_o together_o with_o other_o that_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a building_n may_v be_v fit_o frame_v together_o and_o grow_v unto_o
a_o 21._o ephes_n 2._o 21._o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o body_n by_o god_n and_o the_o ministerial_a work_n be_v appoint_v to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o col._n 3._o 15._o ephes_n 4._o 13._o unity_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n if_o therefore_o any_o plea_n be_v take_v up_o for_o a_o singular_a distance_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o disjoint_v principle_n this_o will_v not_o suit_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o that_o by_o the_o compact_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o there_o may_v be_v a_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n to_o 16._o ephes_n 4._o 16._o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o build_n of_o itself_o up_o in_o love_n what_o principle_n then_o soever_o do_v overthrow_v this_o compact_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o and_o by_o every_o part_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o member_n if_o then_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o plea_n for_o it_o and_o for_o the_o particular_a right_n of_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v make_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o our_o division_n and_o distraction_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o kind_n it_o must_v be_v qualify_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a communion_n and_o the_o plea_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n be_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v indeed_o call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o we_o 14._o gal._n 5._o 13_o 14._o must_v neither_o use_v liberty_n nor_o plead_v for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v give_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o we_o be_v command_v by_o love_n to_o serve_v one_o another_o because_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o this_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o if_o this_o law_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o we_o 9_o rom._n 13._o 9_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v what_o ever_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o principle_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o plea_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o theoreticall_a uphold_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o will_v save_v we_o but_o the_o do_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n woe_n be_v then_o unto_o we_o if_o by_o our_o dispute_n for_o that_o which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n satan_n do_v ensnare_v we_o and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o singular_a distance_n do_v so_o far_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o to_o make_v we_o his_o instrument_n to_o divide_v and_o disjoint_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o professor_n that_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o visible_a conjunction_n of_o the_o member_n be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o thought_n and_o aim_n of_o common_a professor_n all_o society_n may_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n and_o all_o relation_n to_o common_a duty_n make_v void_a according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o fancy_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o saint_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o degree_n above_o his_o neighbour_n that_o so_o by_o our_o singular_a distance_n through_o strife_n for_o selfe-interest_n scandal_n may_v be_v multiply_v and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n blaspheme_v in_o the_o world_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v so_o fit_a or_o more_o necessary_a and_o useful_a then_o to_o maintain_v this_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a concurrence_n of_o spiritual_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n which_o god_n as_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o king_n of_o saint_n do_v require_v in_o his_o child_n and_o office-bearer_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n be_v his_o house_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o it_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n thereof_o depend_v unanimous_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o childen_a and_o servant_n and_o that_o in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n they_o stand_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o not_o by_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o transact_v from_o which_o they_o may_v exclude_v one_o way_n or_o other_o whosoever_o they_o please_v but_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n which_o be_v his_o love_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n and_o as_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o body_n be_v but_o servant_n to_o the_o head_n in_o the_o whole_a &_o to_o to_o each_o other_o for_o the_o head_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a although_o then_o every_o member_n have_v a_o faculty_n of_o life_n and_o a_o right_a through_o that_o faculty_n to_o act_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o the_o work_n of_o its_o own_o office_n and_o have_v immediate_o from_o the_o head_n its_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o any_o particular_a fellow-member_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o faculty_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o right_n every_o member_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o head_n to_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o unity_n thereof_o and_o not_o to_o stand_v or_o act_v by_o itself_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o head_n though_o head_n and_o over_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o foot_n though_o but_o foot_n and_o under_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o but_o even_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o most_o unseemly_a member_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n towards_o the_o whole_a for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o alone_o be_v make_v to_o depend_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o apply_v practical_o without_o dispute_v to_o particular_a matter_n now_o in_o dispute_n and_o if_o our_o brain_n be_v less_o and_o our_o conscience_n more_o exercise_v in_o look_v herein_o to_o that_o which_o be_v without_o all_o dispute_n the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o nicety_n though_o we_o may_v confer_v about_o they_o of_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o right_a to_o power_n and_o government_n and_o with_o the_o national_a debate_n of_o the_o priority_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o of_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n upon_o which_o rock_n our_o affection_n be_v now_o split_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o necessary_a communion_n correspondency_n and_o concurrence_n be_v neglect_v among_o we_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o know_a excellency_n commendablenesse_n and_o usefulnes_n thereof_o therefore_o my_o purpose_n be_v to_o set_v before_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v life_n the_o loveliness_n of_o this_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v but_o put_v forth_o our_o hand_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n and_o not_o feed_v upon_o the_o theory_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n concern_v particular_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a whereof_o the_o fruit_n do_v work_v nothing_o but_o death_n and_o enmity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o between_o man_n and_o man_n nothing_o but_o strife_n and_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o pride_n wherewith_o our_o knowledge_n do_v puff_n we_o up_o to_o appear_v somewhat_o more_o than_o other_o in_o all_o our_o undertake_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o unity_n and_o of_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o charity_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v himself_o of_o purpose_n to_o commend_v unity_n and_o charity_n unto_o we_o which_o now_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o in_o two_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o section_n to_o represent_v only_o the_o head_n thereof_o in_o brief_a unto_o such_o as_o be_v conscionable_a that_o by_o themselves_o
to_o follow_v it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o vers_fw-la 19_o till_o 24._o now_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o behave_v themselves_o with_o indifferency_n and_o apply_v themselves_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n by_o their_o ministry_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n capable_a of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o edification_n though_o great_a sinner_n otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o separation_n or_o of_o a_o semiseparation_n be_v warrant_v and_o that_o even_o from_o those_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o profession_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v our_o brethren_n shall_v we_o dare_v to_o put_v upon_o matter_n that_o be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o upon_o thing_n no_o where_o express_o enjoin_v but_o rather_o take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o these_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n if_o we_o do_v make_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o perfection_n sure_o we_o become_v perfect_a idol_n to_o and_o idolater_n of_o ourselves_o in_o god_n worship_n for_o if_o in_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o worship_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a though_o his_o own_o ordinance_n be_v observe_v as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o to_o the_o inward_a fellowship_n he_o himself_o alone_o do_v admit_v whosoever_o he_o please_v yet_o if_o then_o we_o love_v to_o set_v ourselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o or_o reject_v other_o from_o be_v partaker_n with_o we_o of_o the_o ordinance_n either_o because_o we_o count_v they_o in_o holiness_n inferior_a to_o we_o or_o because_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v their_o sincerity_n or_o because_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o join_v in_o opinion_n with_o we_o concern_v all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o way_n if_o i_o say_v for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a cause_n we_o stand_v aloof_o in_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o our_o way_n and_o society_n do_v we_o not_o idolise_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o make_v ourselves_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n stand_v thou_o by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o what_o 5._o isa_n 65._o 5._o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o love_n humility_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o ministry_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o snare_n let_v we_o count_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o draw_v sinner_n unto_o god_n not_o by_o a_o distance_n but_o by_o a_o condescension_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o weakness_n as_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o the_o primitive_a minister_n maintain_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ministerial_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v tend_v to_o these_o four_o end_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n second_o to_o build_v up_o and_o confirm_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v therein_o three_o to_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v settle_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n four_o and_o last_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n all_o which_o aim_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o and_o which_o they_o then_o use_v must_v not_o now_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o can_v be_v set_v afoot_o first_o we_o find_v then_o that_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n some_o go_v forth_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o bring_v they_o forward_o on_o their_o journey_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n be_v a_o work_n of_o holy_a communion_n commend_v in_o gajus_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n as_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v and_o the_o ground_n why_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v it_o be_v that_o all_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o practice_n than_o be_v still_o to_o 8._o 3_o john_n 6._o 7_o 8._o be_v follow_v by_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v necessary_a second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n in_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o care_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n correspond_v with_o those_o that_o do_v convert_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o act_n 8._o 14._o where_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v to_o samaria_n two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o some_o be_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o antioch_n they_o send_v barnabas_n and_o he_o go_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n act_v 11._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o three_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n and_o the_o decision_n of_o doubt_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v cast_v in_o among_o the_o professor_n to_o trouble_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6._o 7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v
the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o 10._o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12._o 26._o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 21._o and_o 6._o 1._o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5._o 13._o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6._o 2._o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5._o 14._o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a 12._o ephes_n 6._o 12._o matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o 16._o jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16._o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20._o 21._o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o
separately_z each_o from_o other_o without_o any_o care_n to_o maintain_v good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o cross_v one_o another_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o draw_v sheep_n one_o from_o another_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o the_o joint_a care_n of_o his_o flock_n i_o find_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n 8_o cant._n 1._o 7_o 8_o which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o christ_n do_v seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o it_o be_v afraid_a to_o turn_v aside_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o come_v to_o he_o it_o be_v bid_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o flock_n under_o many_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n companion_n do_v perplex_v the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o aside_o from_o he_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o shepherd_n that_o be_v unite_v be_v the_o way_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v three_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n do_v whole_o necessitate_v they_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n because_o not_o only_o these_o duty_n in_o themselves_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o work_n but_o what_o ever_o else_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o charge_n whether_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o man_n except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n first_o then_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o very_a work_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v aâ—med_v at_o in_o their_o profession_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v allege_v second_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n without_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o ibid._n verse_n 16._o moreover_o he_o that_o do_v not_o all_o his_o work_n in_o love_n as_o he_o be_v command_v 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o transgress_v the_o whole_a law_n by_o the_o unlovely_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n because_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o so_o the_o want_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v please_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 7_o 8._o and_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o love_n so_o it_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o man_n for_o if_o god_n bless_v it_o not_o how_o can_v it_o prosper_v towards_o they_o and_o how_o can_v he_o bless_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o and_o what_o i_o say_v of_o love_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o unity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o love_n inseparable_a from_o it_o in_o christ_n aim_n john_n 37._o 23._o and_o equal_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 1._o ephes_n 4._o 1._o till_o 7._o phil._n 2._o 2._o whence_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o must_v thus_o be_v qualify_v to_o find_v acceptance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v more_o distinct_o upon_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v perceive_v more_o clear_o the_o intrinsical_a coherence_n which_o be_v find_v between_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o ministerial_a administration_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o administration_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n whereunto_o the_o sacrament_n the_o 4_o act_n 6._o 4_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n be_v subordinate_a that_o therein_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o saint_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a substance_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4._o 4._o ephes_n 4._o from_o verse_n 11._o till_o 17._o where_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o 11._o verse_n 11._o office_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n both_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n their_o work_n be_v the_o same_o towards_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n namely_o this_o 1._o to_o be_v serviceable_a 12._o verse_n 12._o in_o perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o in_o build_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n thereof_o unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o verse_n 13._o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o aim_v at_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shoot_v not_o at_o the_o mark_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o second_o their_o service_n be_v to_o preserve_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o 14._o verse_n 14._o professor_n of_o christianity_n from_o that_o unsettlement_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n by_o the_o different_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o their_o sleight_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o if_o the_o true_a minister_n have_v do_v their_o work_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unity_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o deceiver_n of_o these_o time_n will_v never_o have_v prevail_v so_o as_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o but_o because_o this_o have_v not_o be_v intend_v therefore_o they_o have_v get_v all_o the_o advantage_n that_o they_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o both_o against_o we_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n three_o their_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o 15._o verse_n 15._o knowledge_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o seducer_n but_o to_o endeavour_v their_o growth_n in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o who_o be_v their_o head_n christ_n by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o love_n four_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n their_o work_n be_v to_o compact_v they_o 16._o verse_n 16._o and_o join_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n to_o build_v up_o themselves_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n be_v able_a to_o supply_v unto_o another_o whence_o we_o may_v most_o evident_o perceive_v that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o their_o work_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n to_o perfect_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o this_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o unsettlement_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o grow_v up_o within_o themselves_o by_o the_o love_a communication_n of_o their_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o as_o concern_v the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v to_o intend_v for_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n to_o uphold_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n that_o it_o 1._o tit._n 1._o 1._o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o 14._o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n jealous_a of_o good_a work_n now_o to_o hold_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n require_v in_o all_o professor_n and_o therefore_o most_o of_o all_o in_o