of_o these_o two_o extreme_n which_o disowne_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v require_v in_o person_n in_o order_n to_o visible_a membership_n or_o church-state_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o that_o point_n it_o be_v already_o so_o large_o speak_v unto_o and_o full_o clear_v by_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o especial_o that_o late_a eminent_a discoverer_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n mr_n jo._n cotton_n in_o that_o little_a treatise_n of_o he_o beside_o several_a other_o entitle_v the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o press_v a_o unity_n of_o church-state_n with_o any_o that_o make_v not_o visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o main_a mark_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o church-membership_a but_o what_o union_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o godly_a of_o that_o judgement_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o opinion_n in_o its_o place_n and_o shall_v now_o chief_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o general_n position_n that_o all_o true_a believer_n congregat_v together_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o mix_a worship_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v one_o another_o as_o true_a church_n and_o saint_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n jo._n 11.52_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n rom._n 12.4_o 5._o sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n jo._n 10.16_o in_o observance_n of_o all_o those_o joint_a duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v rend_a or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o object_n the_o term_n of_o your_o position_n so_o general_o state_v may_v admit_v of_o several_a construction_n and_o thereby_o give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n though_o you_o shall_v prove_v it_o if_o not_o more_o particular_o explain_v answ_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o term_n in_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o will_v arise_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o for_o brevity_n sake_n shall_v pass_v they_o by_o here_o and_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o position_n with_o argument_n i_o shall_v chief_o draw_v from_o these_o seven_o general_a head_n follow_v first_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v visible_o manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n believer_n ought_v to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n second_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o son_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n and_o church_n on_o earth_n all_o his_o ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o from_o the_o evident_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o visible_a choice_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a inspiration_n of_o its_o quicken_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n believer_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o as_o such_o who_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o they_o to_o a_o mutual_a participation_n in_o the_o privilege_n gift_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n four_o from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o age_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o fellow-member_n with_o themselves_o in_o god_n visible_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o approve_v of_o and_o choose_v by_o all_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n five_o from_o the_o several_a simile_n and_o metaphor_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a interest_n in_o a_o union_n with_o one_o another_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o what_o unity_n be_v require_v and_o interest_n be_v give_v to_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n and_o under_o the_o same_o shepherd_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o same_o interest_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o union_n require_v in_o the_o several_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v so_o fit_o compare_v thereto_o and_o lively_o set_v out_o thereby_o six_o from_o the_o evident_a sad_a consequence_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n though_o their_o dividing_n and_o separating_n from_o one_o another_o and_o unite_n together_o upon_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n argue_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o destructive_a uncomfortable_a consequence_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o evil_n labour_v against_o and_o avoid_v seven_o from_o the_o evident_a and_o unspeakable_a good_a both_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n the_o union_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o gospel_n last_v principle_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o since_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o a_o bind_v and_o abide_v principle_n as_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n will_v so_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o unvaluable_a good_a thereof_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n by_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o next_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o visible_a grace_n itself_o now_o from_o the_o first_o head_n viz_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n i_o argue_v 1._o those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n 2._o believer_n ought_v to_o manifest_v their_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n but_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o visible_a believer_n and_o gration_n holy_a person_n to_o be_v his_o child_n therefore_o ought_v believer_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n 1._o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o since_o prejudice_v against_o truth_n do_v ofttimes_o put_v out_o all_o light_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o light_n of_o some_o scripture_n to_o the_o clear_n up_o this_o truth_n and_o first_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 23._o verse_n 8._o compare_v with_o the_o 9th_o say_v the_o word_n in_o verse_n 8._o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n which_o he_o prove_v in_o verse_n 9_o for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o heb._n 2.11_o for_o both_o he_o that_o sanctifi_v and_o they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v all_o of_o one_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n from_o which_o scripture_n i_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o all_o saint_n for_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o imperfection_n and_o uncomliness_n unsutatable_a to_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o course_n of_o life_n because_o himself_o as_o head_n and_o they_o as_o member_n be_v all_o of_o one_o father_n that_o since_o his_o father_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o all_o as_o son_n verse_n 10._o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o then_o all_o as_o brethren_n verse_n 11._o now_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o fellow_n brethren_n who_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o like_a infirmity_n jam._n 5.17_o who_o do_v all_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v be_v more_o high-minded_a in_o this_o case_n and_o soon_o ashamed_a of_o their_o brethren_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n than_o their_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o bear_n with_o he_o he_o bear_v all_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o the_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o they_o heb._n 12.2_o thereby_o set_v they_o a_o pattern_n to_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o each_o other_o infirmity_n for_o so_o argue_v paul_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v
much_o controversy_n as_o the_o former_a for_o say_v some_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o scandalous_a conversation_n be_v of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n and_o if_o so_o than_o many_o papist_n nay_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n for_o abundance_n of_o all_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandal_n in_o their_o life_n and_o do_v walk_v very_o unblamable_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n blameless_a the_o pharise_n make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o therefore_o sure_a a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a moral_a conversation_n but_o if_o all_o person_n of_o the_o several_a persuasion_n walk_v by_o these_o rule_n that_o admit_v of_o so_o much_o variousness_n and_o uncertainty_n be_v put_v to_o give_v their_o several_a meaning_n in_o these_o qualification_n they_o will_v leave_v the_o enquir_a after_o truth_n at_o a_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o they_o find_v he_o but_o sure_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a case_n at_o so_o evident_a a_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o to_o spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o different_a opinion_n in_o this_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o light_n the_o infallible_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v afford_v we_o therein_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o jo._n 10.14_o and_o be_v know_v of_o his_o col._n 1.10_o so_o have_v he_o leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n a_o rule_n of_o know_v one_o another_o from_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 4.3_o but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o and_o since_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n put_v a_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o seed_n gen._n 3.15_o there_o have_v be_v visible_a mark_n and_o rule_n of_o distinction_n to_o know_v they_o by_o after_o abel_n death_n we_o read_v nothing_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o god_n visible_a worship_n upon_o earth_n until_o the_o day_n of_o seth_n who_o be_v give_v in_o stead_n of_o abel_n who_o cain_n slay_v and_o after_o his_o posterity_n begin_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v after_o enoch_n be_v bear_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 24.25_o 26._o in_o who_o seed_n the_o church_n of_o god_n continue_v until_o the_o flood_n at_o which_o time_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n pollute_v themselves_o and_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a seed_n by_o mix_v themselves_o in_o marriage_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v at_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v great_o provoke_v and_o say_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o flesh_n gen._n 6.2.3_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v again_o revive_v in_o shem_n gen._n 9.26_o 27._o in_o who_o line_n the_o visible_a church_n continue_v until_o abraham_n time_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n again_o renew_v his_o covenant_n and_o make_v another_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o two_o seed_n gen._n 12.2_o 3._o who_o again_o reform_v and_o revive_v the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n gen._n 12.7.8_o gen._n 13.4_o after_o which_o god_n do_v at_o several_a time_n not_o only_o renew_v his_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o genesis_n do_v declare_v more_o full_o than_o before_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n for_o as_o before_o he_o usual_o say_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o keep_v with_o thou_o he_o here_o say_v my_o covenant_n thou_o shall_v keep_v with_o i_o verse_n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o you_o shall_v circumcise_v the_o flesh_n of_o your_o foreskin_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o he_o that_o be_v eight_o day_n old_a shall_v be_v circumcise_v among_o you_o every_o man_n child_n in_o your_o generation_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thy_o seed_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o he_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o thy_o money_n must_v needs_o be_v circumcise_v and_o my_o covenant_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o flesh_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n in_o which_o word_n the_o lord_n do_v ordain_v and_o establish_v a_o new_a pale_a or_o bind_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v never_o again_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o abraham_n seed_n and_o circumcision_n in_o the_o type_n or_o in_o the_o antitype_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n shall_v ever_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o true_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n militant_a which_o covenant_n we_o find_v be_v renew_v again_o to_o isaac_n gen._n 26.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o rom._n 9.7_o gal._n 4.28_o hebr._n 11.1_o and_o after_o that_o to_o jacob_n gen._n 28.13_o 14_o 15._o from_o who_o time_n this_o covenant_n of_o distinction_n be_v usual_o repeat_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n exod._n 2.24_o leu._n 26.42_o and_o that_o for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n 1_o chron._n 16.16_o 17._o compare_v with_o the_o thirty_o four_o verse_n which_o rule_n of_o church-membership_a or_o visible_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n continue_v in_o the_o type_n unquestionable_a until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n luke_n 1.59_o &_o 2.21_o and_o therefore_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o john_n think_v they_o make_v a_o good_a plea_n to_o christ_n verse_n 33._o we_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o verse_n 39_o abraham_n be_v our_o father_n which_o our_o saviour_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a verse_n 37._o i_o know_v that_o you_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o this_o privilege_n paul_n plead_v rom._n 11.1_o have_v god_n cast_v away_o his_o people_n god_n forbid_v for_o i_o also_o be_o a_o israelite_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o against_o those_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o be_v they_o hebrew_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o israelites_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o be_o i_o by_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o controversy_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o stand_v unalterable_a bound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n until_o christ_n come_v who_o do_v not_o at_o all_o disannul_v this_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o distinguish_a covenant_n nor_o alter_v the_o least_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o fulfil_v it_o that_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o law_n in_o general_n may_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.17_o 18._o and_o so_o paul_n argue_v rom._n 3.31_o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v we_o establish_v the_o law_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o seek_v for_o another_o rule_n to_o know_v god_n church_n and_o people_n by_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o legal_a rule_n gospelize_v that_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n be_v type_n of_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o must_v we_o inquire_v for_o and_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o antitype_n now_o which_o the_o type_n then_o serve_v for_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o flesh_n type_v out_o to_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o spirit_n the_o carnal_a seed_n under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n under_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 4.11_o to_o the_o end_n rom._n 9.10_o first_o verse_n so_o gal._n 3.14_o to_o to_o the_o end_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o
the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o fell_a upon_o i_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o special_a duty_n to_o all_o saint_n see_v further_o eph._n 4.6_o 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o 2_o 13._o mal._n 2.10_o john_n 4.21_o 23._o john_n 6.45_o 2._o for_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n none_o can_v deny_v that_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o scripture_n consider_v the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n 3.1_o 2._o compare_v with_o verse_n 10._o galat._n 3.26_o 27._o isaiah_n 62.12_o deut._n 28.9_o isa_n 13.3_o act._n 20.32_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o place_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o read_v a_o chapter_n that_o afford_v no_o evidence_n to_o this_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o conclude_v this_o argument_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o full_o clear_v i_o may_v draw_v from_o this_o head_n many_o more_o argument_n of_o equal_a strength_n as_o from_o the_o father_n visible_a covenant_n with_o special_a promise_n unto_o the_o saint_n positive_a precept_n for_o this_o union_n of_o saint_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o visible_a grace_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n meditation_n to_o enlarge_v and_o come_v to_o the_o second_o head_n 2._o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n with_o the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o god_n the_o son_n who_o as_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o his_o people_n so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n of_o this_o glorious_a state_n of_o gospel_n union_n he_o become_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holy_a union_n by_o unite_n the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n in_o his_o own_o person_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o saint_n must_v all_o be_v make_v one_o in_o in_o the_o mystical_a union_n jo._n 17.21_o 22._o which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v perfect_v until_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v imitate_v and_o press_v after_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o god_n the_o father_n will_v have_v but_o one_o son_n to_o be_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n mark_v 1.11_o luke_n 7.37_o he_o must_v have_v no_o equal_a col._n 1.18_o nor_o no_o partner_n nor_o help_v in_o his_o work_n isaiah_n 63.3.5_o he_o must_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n alone_o of_o the_o people_n there_o must_v be_v none_o with_o he_o and_o so_o saint_n must_v have_v but_o one_o saviour_n act_v 4.12_o one_o redeemer_n revel_v 5.9_o one_o mediator_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o one_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o one_o husband_n 1_o corinth_n 11.2_o one_o chief_a shepherd_n john_n 10.16_o one_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n heb._n 2.10_o all_o which_o lively_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o unity_n of_o saint_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v divide_v 1._o corinth_n 1.13_o neither_o in_o his_o headship_n nor_o in_o his_o member_n but_o they_o must_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o union_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v both_o head_n and_o body_n as_o if_o not_o only_o the_o glory_n but_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n depend_v on_o unity_n and_o so_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o for_o we_o be_v chief_o a_o work_n of_o union_n and_o reconciliation_n col._n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o to_o break_v down_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a ephes_n 2.14_o 16._o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o ephes_n 1.10_o and_o so_o we_o find_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n walk_v by_o principle_n of_o union_n command_v those_o duty_n and_o commend_v those_o grace_n most_o which_o be_v the_o unite_n duty_n and_o grace_n the_o first_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v on_o earth_n be_v in_o these_o word_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o on_o earth_n peace_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n 2.14_o himself_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n isa_n 9.6_o 7._o heb._n 7.2_o his_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n rom._n 10.15_o ephes_n 5.16_o his_o people_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o peace_n luke_n 10.6_o his_o way_n be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n luke_n 1.79_o and_o as_o peace_n so_o love_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o cardinal_n grace_n a_o new_a commandment_n give_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o john_n 13.34_o and_o so_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n mercifulness_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v all_o unite_n grace_n and_o by_o our_o lord_n commend_v unto_o we_o above_o all_o grace_n they_o be_v conditional_a grace_n unto_o which_o promise_n be_v annex_v above_o all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n put_v on_o charity_n in_o the_o description_n of_o which_o grace_n all_o these_o be_v contain_v 1_o cor._n 13._o from_o all_o which_o and_o indeed_o from_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o argue_v that_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v most_o lively_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o our_o pattern_n and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o our_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v most_o upon_o our_o heart_n to_o imitate_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o unite_n the_o saint_n to_o one_o another_o next_o to_o that_o of_o unite_n they_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n hold_v forth_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o we_o and_o require_v by_o he_o of_o we_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o saint_n with_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v most_o upon_o our_o heart_n next_o unto_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n object_n but_o say_v some_o we_o do_v admit_v all_o christ_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o his_o worship_n but_o the_o doubt_n lie_v who_o we_o shall_v own_v as_o his_o member_n answ_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n own_v as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n here_o on_o earth_n ought_v all_o to_o own_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n own_v all_o true_a believer_n or_o visible_a gracious_a person_n to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n on_o earth_n ergo_fw-la all_o such_o aught_o so_o to_o own_o one_o another_o 2._o answ_n those_o for_o who_o christ_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o john_n 17.11_o aught_o to_o walk_v in_o union_n one_o with_o another_o but_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o father_n have_v then_o visible_o give_v he_o verses_z 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o doctrine_n verse_n 20_o 21._o for_o who_o he_o pray_v ergo_fw-la all_o such_o aught_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o union_n we_o may_v draw_v argument_n of_o union_n from_o all_o the_o metaphorical_a relation_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o christ_n to_o stand_v in_o to_o his_o people_n as_o a_o head_n col._n 1.18_o a_o husband_n isai_n 54.5_o a_o king_n revel_v 15.3_o a_o shepherd_n psal_n 23.1_o a_o root_n rom._n 11.17_o 18._o the_o very_a essence_n of_o which_o relation_n consist_v in_o union_n and_o the_o main_a end_n of_o they_o in_o scripture_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o necessariness_n of_o union_n in_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n hut_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o under_o another_o head_n arg._n 3._o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o it_o fill_v all_o thing_n eph._n 4.10_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n verse_n 3_o 4._o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o fill_v christ_n the_o head_n with_o all_o fullness_n col._n 1.19_o and_o 2.9_o fill_v all_o his_o member_n out_o of_o the_o same_o fullness_n eph._n 1.23_o they_o all_o receive_v out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n john_n 1.16_o and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o fill_v whole_a christ_n head_n and_o member_n be_v
but_o one_o spirit_n so_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o this_o own_o spirit_n and_o tendency_n of_o its_o operation_n be_v unity_n eph._n 4.3_o and_o next_o to_o that_o betwixt_o head_n and_o member_n christ_n and_o saint_n it_o drive_v on_o the_o design_n of_o the_o saint_n union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o truth_n eph._n 4.13_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v divide_v nor_o deceive_v but_o must_v speak_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o person_n heb._n 13.8_o man_n may_v have_v different_a apprehension_n and_o understanding_n and_o from_o the_o variety_n in_o they_o may_v put_v a_o various_a interpretation_n upon_o the_o spirit_n teach_v 1_o cor._n 12.3_o but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n remain_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n it_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n jo._n 16.13_o and_o though_o this_o variety_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n operation_n in_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n and_o direct_v the_o judgement_n from_o the_o variety_n which_o be_v in_o the_o capacity_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o more_o certain_a property_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n and_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o such_o variety_n for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n of_o degree_n yet_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o those_o thing_n bear_v a_o divine_a stamp_n that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n eph._n 5.9_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o complexion_n in_o all_o saint_n from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n saint_n can_v walk_v by_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o gospel_n brethren_n or_o church-member_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n to_o choose_v where_o it_o have_v choose_v before_o they_o but_o the_o visible_a tract_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n be_v its_o manifest_v its_o indwel_n through_o its_o operation_n in_o carry_v the_o soul_n out_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therefore_o the_o visible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o person_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n for_o believer_n to_o make_v their_o choice_n by_o object_n but_o may_v some_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o spirit_n operation_n and_o thereby_o its_o choice_n in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o delusion_n as_o this_o be_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o new_o reign_v have_v transform_v itself_o to_o so_o near_o a_o likeness_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n answ_n whatsoever_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o visible_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n act_v 11.17_o but_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v clear_o testify_v to_o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n gal._n 5.22.23_o therefore_o such_o person_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o qualify_v aught_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o own_a by_o believer_n as_o such_o of_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o choice_n for_o what_o may_v be_v further_o object_v against_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o various_a understanding_n and_o different_a mind_n of_o several_a visible_a gracious_a person_n and_o from_o the_o gross_a error_n hold_v by_o several_a person_n seem_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o such_o general_a objection_n as_o will_v include_v many_o of_o those_o particular_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o every_o argument_n i_o may_v add_v many_o argument_n more_o draw_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n but_o let_v all_o that_o long_a for_o the_o union_n of_o saint_n first_o resolve_v to_o make_v the_o spirit_n choice_n they_o and_o then_o they_o shall_v hardly_o read_v a_o scripture_n but_o will_v afford_v they_o some_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o a_o child_n nor_o our_o chief_a shepherd_n a_o sheep_n that_o be_v visible_o such_o but_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n on_o they_o either_o less_o or_o more_o visible_a 2_o cor._n 1.22_o eph._n 1.13_o &_o 4.30_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o one_o argument_n more_o and_o leave_v the_o remain_n to_o the_o reader_n meditation_n that_o qualification_n or_o state_n which_o give_v we_o free_a access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n eph._n 2.18_o &_o 1.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v his_o adopt_a son_n rom._n 8.15_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v annex_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o preitious_a promise_n 2_o peter_n 1.4_o wherein_o he_o seek_v and_o desire_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o joh._n 4.23_o by_o which_o we_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o same_o body_n of_o which_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n 1_o col._n 12._o heir_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n james_n 2.5_o or_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.11_o 14._o and_o partaker_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n in_o heaven_n col._n 1.27_o &_o 3.4_o nay_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o shall_v be_v their_o state_n in_o glory_n john_n 17.23_o 24_o eph_n 4.13_o when_o all_o other_o qualification_n and_o additional_a rule_n of_o distinction_n shall_v cease_v 1_o cor._n 13.8_o 10._o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o qualification_n for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n to_o own_o and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n by_o but_o the_o qualification_n that_o give_v we_o right_o unto_o &_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o former_a particular_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o a_o spiritual_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o srcipture_n annex_v with_o abundance_n more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v do_v sufficient_o evidence_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n for_o god_n church_n and_o people_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o church-member_n and_o gospel_n brethren_n by_o the_o four_o general_n head_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v argue_v be_v the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n who_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o person_n as_o god_n church_n and_o people_n be_v record_v for_o our_o example_n in_o scripture_n who_o in_o their_o several_a generation_n and_o age_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o make_v this_o duty_n of_o preserve_v the_o church_n union_n and_o peace_n within_o itself_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a duty_n unto_o which_o most_o other_z duty_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n must_v give_v place_n unto_o and_o they_o do_v always_o make_v the_o declare_v visible_a choice_n of_o god_n their_o choice_n for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o his_o visible_a covenant_n with_o a_o especial_a grace_n unto_o they_o own_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n member_n in_o his_o church_n exclude_v none_o of_o they_o nor_o admit_v no_o other_o which_o point_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o true_a church-bound_n that_o until_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o instance_n at_o least_o out_o of_o god_n word_n of_o a_o person_n or_o person_n visible_a which_o in_o those_o church-bound_n before_o mention_v viz._n abraham_n seed_n &_o circumcision_n in_o the_o type_n &_o antitype_n be_v keep_v out_o or_o not_o esteem_v one_o of_o god_n church_n not_o scandalous_a or_o unexcommunicate_v i_o shall_v for_o bear_v further_o speak_v to_o that_o and_o shall_v chief_o from_o this_o head_n insist_v to_o observe_v the_o weight_n that_o the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v lay_v upon_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n when_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o jacob_n family_n how_o careful_a be_v joseph_n to_o preserve_v union_n among_o his_o brethren_n though_o they_o have_v little_o deserve_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n yet_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a charge_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o be_v see_v that_o you_o fall_v not_o out_o by_o the_o way_n gen._n 4.5.24_o so_o moses_n reprove_v his_o brethren_n the_o hebrew_n for_o strive_v one_o with_o another_o exod._n 2.13_o in_o in_o these_o word_n as_o stephen_n quote_v it_o act_n 7.26_o sir_n you_o be_v brethren_n why_o do_v you_o wrong_v one_o another_o so_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a search_n of_o heart_n judge_n 5.15_o 16._o so_o david_n behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o
doctrine_n and_o holy_a example_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o withal_o press_v they_o to_o unity_n and_o warn_v they_o against_o their_o division_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o error_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o those_o scripture_n quote_v from_o whence_o i_o argue_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a penman_n of_o scripture_n who_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o controversy_n without_o mistake_n do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n sake_n permit_v person_n hold_v and_o maintain_v many_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o own_o they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n while_o they_o manifest_v visible_a sanctity_n in_o the_o main_a and_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v not_o receive_v those_o error_n by_o tradition_n and_o education_n from_o christian_a ancestor_n or_o teacher_n then_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o they_o all_o god_n people_n now_o be_v themselves_o fallible_a in_o judgement_n and_o exceed_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n even_o the_o able_a and_o gracious_a of_o they_o and_o especial_o consider_v the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v but_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n of_o gospel_n light_n and_o knowledge_n out_o of_o a_o long_a dark_a night_n of_o antichristian_a error_n and_o pollution_n through_o which_o many_o of_o themselves_o not_o long_o since_o be_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o several_a gospel_n truth_n in_o which_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n have_v since_o more_o full_o inform_v they_o to_o walk_v towards_o one_o another_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n put_v in_o practice_n that_o rule_n of_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.2_o and_o thereby_o 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 verse_n 3_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v so_o walk_v in_o like_a case_n when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n therefore_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v now_o object_n 2._o then_o you_o be_v for_o the_o permit_v of_o all_o error_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o must_v not_o separate_v from_o error_n of_o this_o nature_n what_o shall_v we_o separate_v from_o answ_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a discrimination_n by_o name_n of_o all_o error_n or_o to_o determine_v the_o degree_n of_o any_o particular_a error_n that_o shall_v render_v the_o erroneous_a person_n incommunicable_a be_v too_o hard_a a_o task_n for_o i_o to_o undertake_v i_o shall_v only_o propose_v some_o general_a rule_n and_o case_n which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o countenance_n and_o shall_v submit_v they_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o judicious_a christian_n first_o that_o church_n and_o believer_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v from_o and_o deny_v communion_n with_o all_o such_o who_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o second_o from_o such_o who_o though_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n by_o hold_v regeneration_n and_o visible_a grace_n to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o visible_a member_n of_o gospel_n church_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a in_o judgement_n that_o their_o error_n be_v first_o contrary_a to_o godliness_n or_o second_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n or_o three_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n doctrine_n of_o salvation_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o for_o the_o first_o by_o person_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o who_o though_o profess_v of_o and_o practise_v the_o true_a external_a act_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o they_o may_v be_v general_o profess_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o sound_a christian_n yet_o in_o their_o declare_a principle_n and_o conversation_n disow_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o express_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o jo_n 3.3_o with_o all_o other_o visible_a sign_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n as_o hebr._n 6.1_o to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n for_o gospel-fellowship_n which_o may_v be_v discern_v either_o by_o their_o palpable_a ignorance_n as_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3.4_o or_o otherwise_o by_o their_o apparent_a enmity_n to_o or_o scorn_v of_o gracious_a qualification_n in_o other_o by_o deride_v the_o godly_a as_o holy_a brethren_n and_o sister_n or_o by_o the_o scorn_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n now_o such_o though_o they_o may_v profess_v the_o form_n do_v visible_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n from_o who_o we_o have_v a_o express_a rule_n to_o withdraw_v 2_o tim._n 3.5_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o from_o such_o doubtless_o the_o apostle_n press_v the_o corinthian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o â—â—aked_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o commmunion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concerd_a have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o infidel_n and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2._o second_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o be_v from_o person_n hold_v opinion_n or_o live_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o godliness_n i_o mean_v such_o opinion_n as_o tend_v to_o a_o deny_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o life_n in_o his_o reveal_v communicable_a quality_n manifest_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n heb._n 1.3_o and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n concern_v which_o paul_n to_o timothy_n give_v a_o express_a command_n 1_o tim_n 6.3_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o withdraw_v thyself_o and_o further_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o 1_o verse_n but_o thou_o oh_o man_n of_o god_n fly_v these_o thing_n and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o same_o apostle_n to_o titus_n make_v this_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n titus_n 1.1_o paul_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n so_o in_o titus_n 2.11_o 12_o verse_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o by_o well_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o those_o three_o short_a epistle_n you_o may_v plain_o observe_v what_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v by_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n in_o all_o person_n of_o what_o state_n of_o condition_n soever_o as_o in_o people_n towards_o magistrate_n 1_o tim_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o titus_n 3.1_o in_o minister_n in_o their_o place_n chap._n 3._o chap._n 4.6.12_o vers_fw-la 2_o tim._n 2.15.24_o chap._n 4.2_o titus_n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o in_o private_a christian_n towards_o their_o minister_n chap._n 5.1_o 17_o 18_o 19_o in_o servant_n towards_o master_n chap._n 6.1_o 2._o titus_n 2.9.10_o in_o rich_a towards_o the_o poor_a chapter_n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n in_o age_a man_n titus_n 2_o 2._o in_o age_a woman_n titus_n 2_o 3_o 4._o in_o young_a woman_n titus_n 2.4_o 5._o in_o young_a man_n vers_fw-la 6._o teach_v we_o by_o all_o those_o scripture_n with_o all_o other_o of_o like_a tendency_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o then_o be_v opinion_n to_o be_v esteem_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n when_o they_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n and_o to_o slight_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o and_o fill_v the_o head_n and_o mind_n of_o christian_n with_o loose_a
as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o in_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o such_o person_n dissent_v or_o oppose_v for_o that_o may_v much_o aggravate_v or_o extenuate_v their_o evil_n and_o thereby_o much_o differ_v the_o rule_n of_o your_o walk_n towards_o they_o for_o if_o such_o opposition_n or_o dissent_n proceed_v from_o that_o common_a principle_n and_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o contempt_n which_o general_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a people_n walk_v in_o against_o holy_a qualification_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n press_v after_o by_o the_o godly_a then_o to_o walk_v towards_o they_o as_o person_n hold_v only_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o but_o if_o such_o dissent_n or_o opposition_n proceed_v from_o a_o conscientious_a mind_n charitable_o dispose_v towards_o the_o godly_a thus_o walk_v only_o differ_v in_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o church-membership_a than_o such_o a_o conscientious_a dissent_n and_o charitable_a mind_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n require_v a_o suitable_a deportment_n on_o the_o other_o then_o though_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o own_v they_o nor_o join_v with_o they_o in_o a_o union_n of_o church-state_n in_o regard_n their_o principle_n and_o practice_n may_v waste_v the_o visible_a bound_n of_o christ_n church_n viz._n regeneration_n and_o sanctify_a faith_n yet_o to_o walk_v towards_o they_o with_o all_o christian_a tenderness_n and_o charitable_a respect_n own_v what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o reject_v what_o be_v evil_a that_o though_o you_o can_v own_v they_o in_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v as_o true_a gospel_n church_n in_o regard_n the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o walk_v open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o material_a pollution_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v not_o live_v stone_n yet_o you_o may_v own_v their_o person_n while_o in_o that_o state_n as_o gospel_n brethren_n and_o perform_v towards_o they_o all_o duty_n of_o gospel_n brotherhood_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a as_o particular_a christian_n to_o receive_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o such_o of_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v by_o his_o providence_n call_v &_o by_o his_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a gift_n qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n they_o make_v it_o their_o main_a business_n to_o convert_v soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o press_v their_o hearer_n to_o sanctification_n and_o godly_a life_n they_o ought_v doubtless_o to_o be_v high_o esteem_v for_o their_o work_n saâ—â—_n and_o to_o be_v frequent_o pray_v for_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o utterance_n that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o mouth_n bold_o to_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o eph._n 6.19_o and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n to_o be_v as_o much_o prize_v and_o thanks_o to_o be_v as_o due_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o success_n of_o those_o in_o gospel_n order_n herein_o christ_n set_v we_o a_o example_n mark_v 9.39_o show_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n verse_n 40._o and_o so_o paul_n though_o some_o preach_v christ_n of_o envy_n and_o contention_n phil._n 1.15.16_o yet_o say_v he_o what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o do_v therein_o rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v therein_o verse_n 18._o so_o that_o i_o do_v judge_n though_o there_o can_v be_v a_o union_n of_o church_n state_n with_o such_o yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o tender_a and_o charitable_a deportment_n towards_o such_o as_o visible_a saint_n and_o gospel_n brethren_n object_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v be_v exclude_v among_o the_o number_n of_o common_a professor_n that_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v in_o they_o that_o evidence_n a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o true_a conversion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o profane_v scandalous_a person_n nor_o despiser_n nor_o railer_n at_o godliness_n but_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o desirous_a to_o be_v further_o inform_v in_o the_o power_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o how_o ought_v we_o to_o walk_v towards_o such_o must_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o idolater_n or_o heathen_n because_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a convert_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n answ_n as_o i_o do_v judge_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o saint_n where_o it_o have_v its_o kindly_a work_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o humble_a &_o lay_v low_a saint_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o make_v they_o vile_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n so_o it_o do_v as_o natural_o tend_v to_o work_v in_o they_o a_o tender_a heart_n and_o charitable_a affection_n towards_o all_o other_o in_o who_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v find_v rather_o direct_v they_o to_o err_v in_o matter_n in_o the_o least_o doubtful_a in_o charity_n then_o in_o severity_n for_o that_o great_a gospel_n grace_n of_o charity_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n above_o all_o other_o grace_n unto_o 1_o cor._n 13._o be_v only_o then_o useful_a when_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a for_o where_o certain_a evidence_n of_o thing_n be_v there_o need_v not_o charity_n to_o chancellorize_v for_o than_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v which_o be_v defective_a and_o subject_a to_o err_v in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o lord_n have_v provide_v charity_n to_o be_v chancellor_n in_o the_o conscience_n who_o business_n be_v when_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o rule_n tend_v to_o oppress_v to_o moderate_v and_o prefer_v mercy_n and_o equity_n before_o severity_n and_o exactness_n of_o rule_n therefore_o wherein_o the_o case_n may_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n doubtful_a charity_n must_v then_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o visible_a evidence_n at_o least_o to_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n on_o the_o severe_a hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o answer_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o esteem_v they_o either_o heathen_n or_o idolater_n but_o christian_n though_o their_o condition_n be_v much_o more_o doubtful_a than_o the_o qualification_n in_o your_o objection_n state_n they_o to_o be_v for_o i_o do_v judge_v a_o sense_n of_o ignorance_n with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n after_o further_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v if_o not_o sign_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n yet_o evident_a sign_n of_o spiritual_a pang_n that_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o aught_o instead_o of_o be_v so_o vilify_v and_o slight_v to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o church_n care_n and_o watch_v who_o be_v in_o that_o case_n to_o perform_v the_o part_n of_o a_o compassionate_a tender_a and_o spiritual_a midwife_n by_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o encourage_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v such_o soul_n lest_o there_o shall_v want_v strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o yet_o not_o administer_v the_o seal_n until_o there_o be_v evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o first_o god_n must_v subscribe_v the_o evidence_n you_o must_v be_v able_a to_o read_v his_o hand_n in_o a_o visible_a work_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o ought_v to_o apply_v his_o seal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n agreement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul._n but_o doubtless_o not_o only_a in_o these_o case_n but_o towards_o all_o profess_v christianity_n god_n people_n ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n and_o avoid_v all_o provoke_a and_o harsh_a carriage_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n that_o shall_v tend_v to_o the_o harden_v and_o incense_a of_o they_o against_o the_o precious_a way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n their_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n paul_n fear_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o case_n exhort_v the_o collossian_o to_o walk_v in_o wisdom_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o that_o their_o speech_n shall_v be_v always_o with_o grace_n season_v with_o salt_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o answer_v every_o man_n chap._n 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v your_o own_o business_n etc._n etc._n that_o you_o may_v walk_v honesty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o etc._n etc._n 1_o thes_n 4.11.12_o but_o if_o christian_n be_v more_o exercise_v in_o consider_v the_o riches_n and_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o their_o poor_a soul_n and_o of_o their_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o part_n thereof_o if_o they_o will_v more_o look_v unto_o the_o rock_n