catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
out_o of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o by_o desert_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o correct_v open_a and_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o lesser_a disorder_n for_o else_o if_o both_o be_v punish_v alike_o when_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o criminal_a or_o if_o lesser_a disorder_n shall_v be_v strict_o look_v after_o and_o severe_o punish_v and_o great_a connive_v at_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o government_n in_o man_n reverence_n and_o esteem_v and_o so_o weaken_v the_o fence_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o render_v communion_n with_o she_o less_o desirable_a by_o such_o as_o will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v unequal_o deal_v with_o by_o she_o but_o as_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o to_o unity_n in_o its_o communion_n so_o be_v obedience_n to_o such_o government_n without_o which_o government_n lose_v its_o end_n but_o when_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v equal_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o will_v consist_v with_o the_o due_a end_n of_o it_o then_o if_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o disobedient_a under_o it_o they_o will_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o sober_a man_n if_o fit_v course_n be_v take_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v government_n in_o the_o church_n will_v signify_v little_a thus_o much_o concern_v our_o inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o unity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n be_v necessary_a and_o why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o without_o fracture_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v this_o because_o its_o be_v such_o and_o so_o keep_v and_o maintain_v tend_v great_o to_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n and_o bigness_n of_o its_o body_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n for_o next_o to_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n the_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n among_o christian_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v general_o find_v in_o they_o will_v attract_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o like_n and_o love_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o lovely_a effect_n it_o produce_v in_o they_o man_n can_v hardly_o think_v otherwise_o than_o well_o of_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o they_o find_v man_n be_v make_v more_o peaceable_a and_o love_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o all_o good_a office_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o man_n than_o other_o be_v or_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v before_o they_o engage_v hearty_o and_o serious_o in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o concord_n and_o good_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n have_v so_o happy_a a_o tendency_n as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n &_o love_n of_o that_o same_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o reason_n why_o and_o for_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o union_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o thing_n their_o religien_n teach_v they_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o world_n will_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o neither_o pray_v i_o for_o these_o alone_a but_o for_o they_o also_o which_o shall_v believe_v on_o i_o through_o their_o word_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o have_v have_v its_o contrary_a effect_n for_o where_o have_v any_o such_o numerous_a addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v find_v from_o among_o the_o pagan_a world_n since_o the_o great_a division_n which_o have_v rise_v and_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n while_n catholic_n communion_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o considerable_a interruption_n nay_o have_v not_o the_o unreasonable_a division_n and_o fierce_a contention_n which_o have_v break_v out_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n especial_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o sceptic_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o more_o general_a flow_a of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v accomplish_v but_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o be_v until_o by_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o virtue_n they_o make_v a_o better_a representation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o they_o do_v at_o this_o day_n when_o god_n almighty_a turn_n to_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n than_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v they_o will_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v zeph._n 3.9_o not_o while_o they_o treat_v one_o another_o with_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a language_n which_o smell_n of_o wrath_n and_o disdain_n of_o envy_n spite_n and_o contempt_n not_o while_o by_o word_n they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o disgrace_v one_o another_o but_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o the_o good_a agreement_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n for_o where_o peace_n and_o good_a agreement_n be_v in_o the_o several_a office_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n there_o love_n be_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n which_o hold_v they_o fast_o together_o and_o love_n be_v a_o radical_a grace_n out_o of_o which_o other_o grace_n grow_v in_o so_o much_o that_o love_n be_v make_v the_o summary_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.8.10_o charity_n edifi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o like_a god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v set_v and_o on_o which_o it_o exercise_v itself_o it_o tend_v to_o build_v up_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a reason_n why_o a_o peaceable_a agreement_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v to_o increase_v the_o church_n in_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n viz._n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n delight_v to_o dwell_v where_o peace_n and_o love_n dwell_v and_o there_o to_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v enrich_v but_o without_o his_o supply_n influence_n and_o operation_n there_o be_v no_o thrive_n in_o grace_n and_o real_a goodness_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o where_o god_n take_v up_o his_o special_a residence_n he_o will_v adorn_v those_o live_a temple_n with_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a ornament_n and_o those_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o best_a sort_n of_o gift_n such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o
i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o great_a or_o lesser_a voluntary_a association_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o seem_v very_o inconsiderable_a because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n then_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o necessity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a not_o but_o that_o they_o long_v for_o and_o pray_v for_o such_o king_n as_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o at_o last_o they_o obtain_v it_o in_o constantine_n a_o christian_a cesar_n who_o use_v that_o power_n of_o he_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o more_o commodious_a and_o orderly_o carry_v on_o the_o 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a_o christian_a nation_n a_o church_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v it_o a_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n style_v so_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o popery_n be_v before_o such_o reformation_n be_v make_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o much_o of_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v then_o own_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v indict_v we_o see_v style_v they_o so_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o then_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o own_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o same_o creed_n which_o the_o reform_a churches_n themselves_o use_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n style_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n when_o as_o under_o their_o reform_a state_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n like_a as_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n esteem_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n but_o as_o ethiopian_n unto_o he_o amos_n 9.7_o and_o tell_v they_o by_o another_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n hos_n 1.10_o for_o though_o they_o have_v his_o ordinance_n among_o they_o and_o boast_v of_o their_o temple-worship_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n jer._n 7._o they_o divide_v their_o worship_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o baal_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o
if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o communion_n 3._o catholic_n communion_n consist_v also_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n which_o christian_n give_v to_o and_o receive_v one_o from_o another_o couch_v in_o that_o one_o word_n fellowship_n in_o the_o description_n of_o catholic_n communion_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o our_o version_n be_v here_o translate_a fellowship_n be_v by_o the_o dutch_a in_o their_o version_n translate_v communion_n and_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n it_o signify_v both_o to_o communicate_v and_o to_o participate_v to_o distribute_v and_o to_o receive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n every_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o the_o which_o if_o due_o observe_v by_o all_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o thus_o communicate_v and_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o other_o will_v be_v receive_v back_o again_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o from_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o like_a succour_n service_n and_o assistance_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v as_o they_o themselves_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o serve_v every_o fellow-christian_a so_o according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o and_o this_o give_v and_o receive_v assistance_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v communicate_v with_o he_o phil._n 4.15_o if_o this_o catholic_n communion_n be_v but_o due_o maintain_v among_o all_o christian_n how_o like_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n will_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v even_o now_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o then_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o christian_n thus_o to_o exchange_v office_n of_o love_n with_o one_o another_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o if_o i_o be_o hereby_o bind_v to_o love_v every_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o so_o be_v every_o neighbout_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o love_v i_o as_o they_o love_v themselves_o and_o how_o delightful_a a_o commerce_n will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o hit_v on_o it_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o love_n in_o which_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n do_v consist_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o the_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o the_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a mind_v the_o visit_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a the_o relieve_v one_o another_o want_n the_o bear_n on_o another_o burden_n the_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o like_a together_o with_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o yield_n and_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o enjoy_v communion_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o it_o by_o draw_v on_o themselves_o deserve_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o those_o ordinance_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o little_a child_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o much_o brief_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n commumunion_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v preserve_v there_o be_v two_o bond_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 1_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v man_n heart_n together_o and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o affection_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n as_o as_o it_o be_v express_v col._n 2.2_o and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v one_o in_o communion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v act_v 4.32_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n charity_n we_o see_v be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o perfect_a state_n in_o her_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n by_o love_n make_v perfect_a in_o one_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o joh._n 17.23_o and_o the_o union_n in_o communion_n which_o be_v make_v by_o love_n be_v union_n in_o its_o perfection_n nothing_o unite_v christian_n so_o entire_o and_o firm_o as_o love_n do_v if_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v this_o love_n and_o union_n by_o love_n will_v last_v there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n in_o the_o oneness_n of_o communion_n until_o there_o be_v first_o a_o failure_n in_o love_n charity_n must_v needs_o unite_v and_o knit_v christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n forementioned_a do_v spring_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o by_o these_o christian_n take_v fast_o hold_v one_o of_o another_o charity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v communicative_a of_o the_o good_a it_o have_v and_o the_o good_a it_o can_v do_v and_o by_o that_o it_o do_v attract_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v charity_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o christian_n inner_a man_n by_o which_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o though_o absent_a love_n be_v of_o a_o win_a nature_n it_o gain_v upon_o other_o that_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n if_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v season_v a_o man_n speech_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o strong_a argument_n when_o mix_v with_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n a_o tongue_n of_o love_n be_v solomon_n tongue_n of_o health_n it_o will_v heal_v wound_n when_o another_o tongue_n do_v but_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v st._n paul_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o do_v all_o their_o thing_n with_o charity_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n upon_o they_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cure_v the_o division_n into_o which_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v again_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n among_o other_o it_o keep_v christian_n from_o fly_v asunder_o and_o divide_v in_o their_o communion_n which_o many_o time_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o very_o small_a matter_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o evil_a mind_n that_o will_v aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o seek_v out_o matter_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o but_o charity_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o spy_v fault_n or_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n nor_o to_o aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n nor_o to_o harbour_v jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n out_o of_o which_o breach_n be_v wont_a to_o grow_v but_o it_o will_v overlook_a man_n weakness_n mistake_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a mind_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o love_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o extenuate_a circumstance_n in_o the_o
case_n much_o rather_o than_o those_o which_o tend_v to_o aggravate_v a_o matter_n charity_n think_v not_o evil_a be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v charitable_a man_n have_v hold_v of_o other_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o fly_v out_o unless_o of_o very_o bad_a mind_n and_o ill_a temper_n the_o truth_n be_v charity_n be_v that_o to_o catholic_n communion_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o that_o preserve_v it_o in_o a_o healthful_a condition_n but_o so_o far_o as_o charity_n be_v want_v in_o communion_n so_o far_o that_o communion_n be_v sickly_a and_o languish_a and_o void_a of_o its_o true_a spirit_n and_o life_n 2._o the_o other_o bond_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v up_o together_o in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_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 so_o that_o we_o see_v peace_n be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v keep_v now_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o practice_n which_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o observe_v in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n and_o love_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n use_v the_o same_o worship_n and_o have_v the_o same_o love_n to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v when_o st._n paul_n beseech_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o ready_o understand_v his_o exhortation_n to_o refer_v to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o christianity_n the_o like_a we_o have_v in_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o save_o that_o love_n be_v there_o particular_o instance_a in_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o 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 and_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 the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v communion_n or_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v we_o see_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o preserve_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n now_o this_o peace_n consist_v chief_o in_o christian_n avoid_v difference_n among_o themselves_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o if_o difference_n do_v arise_v than_o this_o peace_n consist_v in_o such_o gentleness_n moderation_n and_o calmness_n of_o behaviour_n in_o christian_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o by_o reason_n whereof_o their_o christian_a converse_n be_v not_o interrupt_v nor_o their_o communion_n disturb_v their_o difference_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n about_o lesser_a thing_n not_o essential_a to_o communion_n especial_o concern_v such_o circumstantial_a matter_n as_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a in_o scripture_n except_o only_o by_o general_a rule_n for_o consider_v that_o more_o christian_n be_v weak_a than_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o less_o spiritual_a both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o more_o unmortified_a in_o self-will_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n among_o christian_n but_o yet_o if_o the_o great_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o slight_a and_o despise_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o prejudice_n of_o education_n nor_o violent_o oppose_v they_o but_o patient_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o wise_o insinuate_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n those_o thing_n which_o may_v help_v they_o and_o by_o condescension_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o they_o for_o their_o good_a so_o far_o as_o innocent_o they_o can_v peace_n may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o differ_v in_o many_o thing_n not_o but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v when_o the_o best_a man_n have_v do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o for_o this_o will_v fall_v out_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v those_o among_o christian_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v unmortified_a but_o i_o be_o show_v how_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o mind_n and_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n and_o that_o they_o may_v converse_v very_o love_o together_o where_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o passion_n do_v not_o prevail_v notwithstanding_o such_o difference_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a carriage_n of_o good_a man_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o if_o not_o present_o to_o reconcile_v they_o in_o opinion_n yet_o to_o charm_v they_o into_o a_o peaceable_a demeanour_n if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n of_o ill_a temper_n god_n himself_o make_v allowance_n unto_o man_n that_o differ_v conscientious_o about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o not_o out_o of_o affectation_n though_o they_o err_v in_o judgement_n so_o long_o as_o their_o error_n proceed_v not_o from_o a_o corrupt_a will_n or_o pride_n of_o mind_n rom._n 14._o and_o good_a man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n will_v do_v so_o too_o and_o such_o difference_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n in_o religion_n that_o break_v peace_n destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o man_n unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o pride_n envy_n and_o ill_a will_n which_o take_v the_o advantage_n thence_o to_o vent_v themselves_o against_o one_o another_o in_o irregular_a practice_n from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o brawling_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n jam._n 4.1_o though_o christian_n then_o may_v differ_v in_o opinion_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n so_o as_o that_o peace_n be_v not_o break_v by_o any_o irregular_a or_o troublesome_a behaviour_n their_o communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o fellowship_n or_o mutual_a love_n can_v suffer_v much_o by_o such_o difference_n for_o peace_n and_o charity_n support_v each_o other_o and_o propagate_v each_o other_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v very_o well_o therefore_o couple_v they_o together_o in_o his_o exhortation_n col._n 3.14_o 15._o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n the_o peace_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n be_v peaceable_a live_n one_o with_o another_o 3._o beside_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o peaceable_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o the_o government_n in_o it_o both_o which_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o christian_n unanimity_n in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o which_o moderation_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o namely_o that_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n therein_o be_v make_v as_o easy_a as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o public_a edification_n and_o comely_a order_n for_o when_o they_o be_v so_o man_n will_v have_v no_o tolerable_a pretence_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n therein_o but_o otherwise_o some_o
the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.11_o while_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v so_o do_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o unpeaceable_o contend_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n perhaps_o do_v neither_o esteem_n or_o disesteem_a man_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a blessing_n especial_o and_o as_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n enlivens_fw-la it_o with_o natural_a life_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o several_a member_n perform_v their_o several_a function_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o even_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v animate_v it_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o do_v so_o influence_n and_o actuate_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o all_o perform_v their_o several_a christian_a office_n proper_a to_o each_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o this_o vital_a power_n of_o act_v spiritual_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o each_o of_o the_o member_n as_o they_o be_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o as_o one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o this_o conveyance_n to_o another_o and_o each_o enable_v to_o contribute_v its_o part_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o col._n 2.19_o where_o st._n paul_n mention_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n say_v from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n of_o the_o body_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n we_o see_v as_o have_v obtain_v it_o by_o his_o mediation_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a office-work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v the_o benesit_n obtain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o work_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 16.14_o and_o this_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n as_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o union_n one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o a_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n or_o member_n must_v needs_o obstruct_v this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o parallel_a place_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_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 supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v make_v we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o and_o also_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v be_v so_o compact_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n depend_v upon_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o assistance_n and_o how_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o presence_n depend_v upon_o the_o peaceable_a agreement_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v and_o if_o so_o then_o unpeaceableness_n discord_n and_o strife_n contention_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n in_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o special_a presence_n and_o divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v thrive_v and_o increase_v in_o true_a goodness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o will_v rather_o decline_v and_o go_v backward_o though_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v so_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n which_o will_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v so_o with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o live_v in_o peace_n though_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v indeed_o dispense_v gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v common_a to_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a such_o as_o these_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o christian_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o disorder_n and_o unpeaceable_a division_n but_o as_o for_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o constitute_v man_n true_o good_a such_o as_o love_v joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n and_o meekness_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o have_v of_o these_o and_o man_n be_v of_o a_o unpeaceable_a temper_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n be_v i_o fear_v inconsistent_a for_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o though_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n chap._n 1_o 5._o yet_o in_o chap._n 3.1_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o because_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a say_v he_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n that_o be_v as_o other_o man_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o talk_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o walk_n and_o live_v be_v but_o as_o they_o while_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n be_v find_v with_o they_o for_o these_o be_v of_o those_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o those_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o these_o scripture_n measure_n it_o will_v make_v they_o on_o all_o hand_n one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o another_o to_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o find_v themselves_o but_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o sad_a time_n wherein_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v without_o delay_n repent_v and_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n and_o religious_a so_o long_o as_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o be_v and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o christian_n unity_n in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o
misrepresent_v that_o method_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o my_o inquiry_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v wrong_a measure_n and_o unless_o very_o much_o mistake_v their_o communion_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n if_o take_v altogether_o and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v must_v needs_o be_v far_o more_o impure_a than_o the_o parochial_a communion_n they_o have_v withdraw_v from_o there_o be_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o well_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a and_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o run_v into_o the_o one_o by_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a reformation_n be_v through_o mistake_v zeal_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o a_o extreme_a on_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o into_o one_o on_o the_o left_a and_o in_o fly_v from_o babylon_n to_o run_v beyond_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n of_o do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n by_o over_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v by_o under-doing_a and_o both_o extreme_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v the_o new_a england_n minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_n former_o mention_v do_v say_v we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straiten_v and_o narrow_n the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n in_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v pareus_n on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o they_o which_o be_v for_o too_o much_o straitness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n the_o church_n so_o much_o they_o p._n 45._o thus_o the_o mistake_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n of_o old_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a communion_n as_o be_v think_v or_o pretend_v put_v they_o upon_o separate_v from_o other_o orthodox_n christian_n which_o prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n imaginable_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o their_o undertake_a reformation_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o high_a and_o lamentable_o scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o agree_v as_o we_o be_v now_o and_o differ_v most_o about_o disciplinary_a point_n as_o they_o do_v then_o such_o a_o strictness_n in_o church_n reformation_n as_o do_v so_o narrow_a and_o lessen_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o size_n of_o the_o invisible_a be_v many_o way_n hurtful_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o contrary_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v and_o lessen_v the_o great_a work_n of_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o the_o church_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o spread_a and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v good_a man_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o foment_n division_n contention_n feud_n envy_n strife_n and_o undue_a censuring_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o sickly_a state_n and_o such_o as_o threaten_v her_o spiritual_a life_n beside_o the_o encouragement_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o plot_n and_o attempt_v against_o we_o and_o thus_o over_n be_v indeed_o undo_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o a_o discourse_n against_o overmuch_o strictness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v strict_a towards_o himself_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o his_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a towards_o other_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o christian_a professor_n a_o man_n can_v well_o be_v too_o strict_a in_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n word_n and_o way_n in_o govern_v his_o appetite_n thought_n and_o passion_n tongue_n and_o action_n nor_o do_v this_o kind_n of_o strictness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o purity_n of_o communicant_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o no_o carnal_a christian_n have_v any_o share_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o or_o rather_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a attention_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v good_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o the_o worse_o nor_o do_v fare_v the_o worse_o for_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o less_o avail_n good_a man_n that_o with_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o mind_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o though_o unregenerate_a man_n participate_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o when_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n capital_a offender_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o less_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a by_o such_o man_n share_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o shame_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o that_o dishonour_n which_o otherwise_o will_v stick_v upon_o it_o for_o tolerate_v such_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o and_o partly_o also_o for_o admonition_n to_o other_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o taint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v less_o wary_a by_o their_o ill_a example_n and_o familiar_a converse_n but_o otherwise_o bad_a man_n share_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o good_a man_n in_o grace_n or_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a bad_a man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a by_o their_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o as_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n for_o capital_a crime_n though_o not_o regenerate_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n be_v once_o receive_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o their_o conversion_n i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n no_o good_a man_n shall_v envy_v or_o grudge_v they_o this_o benefit_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o conversion_n and_o they_o especial_o shall_v not_o who_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o general_a communion_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n therein_o afford_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v man_n in_o model_v this_o new_a church_n way_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o many_o other_o for_o their_o congregation_n at_o the_o first_o and_o long_o after_o consist_v scarce_o of_o any_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v before_o their_o incorporate_n and_o associate_a in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o therein_o enjoy_v make_v such_o as_o they_o then_o be_v they_o may_v without_o doubt_n have_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o growth_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v afterward_o and_o i_o think_v much_o more_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o diligent_o and_o careful_o improve_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o they_o have_v acquire_v what_o they_o have_v then_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o those_o who_o with_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o mind_n attend_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o as_o well_o when_o unregenerate_a man_n share_v in_o they_o as_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o great_a piety_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o