for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n
unto_o the_o own_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o this_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o other_o sort_n who_o press_v conformity_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o other_o instance_n some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v so_o unto_o they_o and_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v judge_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a or_o expedient_a to_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n last_o all_o coincidency_n weigh_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o that_o other_o also_o that_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v conform_v themselves_o unto_o their_o order_n and_o practice_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o there_o be_v who_o because_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o joynt-practice_n require_v be_v not_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o any_o other_o to_o appoint_v they_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o expedient_a nor_o yet_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v lawful_a to_o observe_v they_o now_o whereas_o this_o case_n answer_v unto_o that_o before_o propose_v the_o determination_n thereof_o give_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v safe_o be_v apply_v unto_o this_o also_o what_o rule_n therefore_o do_v he_o give_v therein_o which_o he_o will_v have_v attend_v unto_o as_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o be_v it_o that_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o person_n provide_v they_o be_v the_o most_o or_o have_v the_o most_o power_n aught_o to_o impose_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o esteem_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a on_o those_o who_o judge_v they_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n only_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o he_o where_o indeed_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n he_o bind_v up_o the_o church_n precise_o unto_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n 23._o wherein_o a_o direct_a command_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v plead_v nor_o be_v pretend_v he_o absolute_o reject_v and_o condemn_v all_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o procedure_n but_o suppose_v that_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v and_o will_v be_v among_o christian_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n and_o scandal_n ought_v to_o be_v diligent_o avoid_v that_o censure_v judge_a and_o despising_n on_o the_o account_n of_o such_o difference_n be_v cast_v out_o that_o tenderness_n be_v use_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o nothing_o severe_o press_v on_o they_o that_o doubt_v and_o for_o their_o different_a apprehension_n and_o way_n they_o shall_v all_o walk_v in_o peace_n condescend_v unto_o and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o determine_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o impose_v on_o christian_n unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n than_o do_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o better_a it_o be_v and_o more_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o person_n and_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o different_a observation_n in_o sundry_a thing_n relate_v unto_o sacred_a worship_n wherein_o they_o can_v join_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o communicate_v together_o endeavour_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v enforce_v unto_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o christ_n enstamp_v on_o they_o according_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n give_v these_o direction_n and_o that_o suitable_o unto_o his_o intention_n in_o they_o for_o the_o dissent_v party_n agree_v in_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o constant_o meet_v in_o distinct_a assembly_n or_o church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o holy_a worship_n because_o of_o the_o different_a rite_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v and_o in_o this_o posture_n be_v peace_n and_o love_n continue_v among_o they_o until_o in_o process_n of_o time_n their_o difference_n through_o mutual_a forbearance_n be_v extinguish_v they_o coalesce_v into_o one_o church_n state_n and_o order_n and_o the_o former_a peace_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o distance_n be_v deem_v sufficient_a whilst_o thing_n be_v not_o measure_v nor_o regulate_v by_o secular_a interest_n or_o advantage_n but_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o present_a unhappiness_n that_o such_o a_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o particular_a church_n be_v mistake_v to_o have_v a_o ill_a aspect_n upon_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o power_n honour_n and_o revenue_n but_o as_o we_o apprehend_v there_o be_v as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v among_o we_o a_o plain_a mistake_n in_o this_o surmise_n so_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chief_a in_o our_o consultation_n about_o church_n affair_n it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o commit_v quiet_o the_o success_n and_o event_n of_o duty_n unto_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n four_o there_o be_v also_o a_o signal_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o in_o a_o instance_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o prevail_v very_o early_o among_o they_o about_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a passeover_n for_o the_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o most_o of_o they_o that_o the_o observance_n hereof_o be_v countenance_v if_o not_o render_v necessary_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o general_o believe_v that_o by_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o accommodate_v themselves_o unto_o their_o practice_n only_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o the_o precise_a time_n or_o day_n which_o they_o be_v to_o solemnize_v as_o the_o head_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o festival_n as_o every_o undue_a presumption_n have_v one_o lameness_n or_o other_o accompany_v it_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o which_o be_v square_a and_o steady_a some_o therefore_o plead_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o as_o it_o be_v strong_o assert_v and_o testify_v by_o multitude_n keep_v his_o easter_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n who_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v other_o not_o inferior_a unto_o they_o in_o number_n or_o authority_n oppose_v unto_o their_o time_n the_o example_n of_o peter_n who_o they_o affirm_v on_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a for_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v to_o have_v observe_v his_o easter_n at_o another_o time_n and_o according_a unto_o a_o different_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a how_o the_o contest_v hereabout_o trouble_v the_o church_n both_o of_o europe_n and_o asia_n who_o certain_o have_v thing_n more_o material_a to_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o about_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o at_o length_n prevail_v over_o the_o other_o and_o obtain_v a_o kind_n of_o catholicism_n against_o that_o which_o be_v countenance_v only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n as_o that_o church_n be_v always_o wondrous_a happy_a in_o reduce_v other_o church_n unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o its_o sentiment_n as_o seldom_o want_v desire_n or_o skill_n dexterous_o to_o improve_v its_o manifold_a advantage_n now_o this_o be_v that_o easter_n to_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o not_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o hereon_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n be_v confident_a that_o the_o truth_n be_v on_o his_o side_n namely_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n resolve_v to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o he_o see_v not_o how_o there_o can_v be_v either_o union_n peace_n or_o uniformity_n among_o they_o he_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o he_o
can_v hence_o be_v take_v for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v neither_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n but_o weak_a and_o fallible_a as_o ourselves_o to_o compose_v entire_a liturgy_n and_o impose_v the_o necessary_a use_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o be_v obtain_v unto_o such_o imposition_n from_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n liturgy_n themselves_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o after-age_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n for_o those_o which_o pretend_v unto_o apostolical_a antiquity_n have_v long_o since_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o feign_a nor_o be_v there_o scarce_o any_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a and_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o so_o they_o be_v no_o tolerable_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o use_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o such_o other_o take_v up_o as_o be_v of_o a_o most_o uncertain_a original_a the_o first_o condition_n therefore_o of_o communion_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o unscriptural_a which_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a argument_n but_o also_o destitute_a of_o any_o ancient_a example_n or_o usuage_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o this_o if_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o if_o we_o attend_v not_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o refuse_v communion_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o also_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o some_o be_v so_o not_o only_o for_o refuse_v compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o in_o general_a but_o for_o not_o observe_v every_o particular_a direction_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o might_n be_v manifest_v in_o instance_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n if_o therefore_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v among_o we_o on_o this_o account_n that_o some_o indispensible_o require_v a_o assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o liturgy_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o complete_a church-communion_n or_o a_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o the_o whole_a religious_a worship_n thereby_o perform_v and_o therein_o prescribe_v which_o other_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o as_o such_o and_o thereon_o forbear_v the_o communion_n propose_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v and_o we_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o what_o any_o may_v do_v among_o themselves_o judge_v it_o meet_v for_o their_o edification_n nor_o of_o what_o a_o civil_a law_n may_v constitute_v with_o respect_n unto_o public_a place_n employment_n and_o preferment_n but_o only_o where_o lie_v the_o lin_v and_o evil_a that_o attend_v division_n arise_v on_o these_o imposition_n and_o which_o by_o their_o removal_n will_v be_v take_v away_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o this_o disorder_n in_o that_o not_o only_o all_o man_n be_v refuse_v communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o these_o term_n of_o it_o but_o also_o they_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o expose_v unto_o severe_a penalty_n if_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o though_o express_o contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o canonical_a submission_n unto_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o in_o their_o hand_n by_o who_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o acquiescency_n therein_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o who_o these_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o administration_n we_o shall_v not_o repeat_v as_o unwilling_a to_o give_v offence_n unto_o any_o we_o can_v but_o know_v how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n these_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o what_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o thereon_o neither_o dare_v we_o give_v another_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n than_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o who_o require_v our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o their_o design_n nor_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unwarrantable_a and_o on_o their_o rule_n as_o inconvenient_a so_o as_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conformity_n they_o intend_v as_o whereby_o we_o do_v virtual_o at_o least_o declare_v our_o approbation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o our_o acquiescency_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o put_v in_o any_o exception_n nor_o discharge_v our_o conscience_n by_o a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o dissent_v from_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o can_v submit_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v cordial_o and_o sincere_o approve_v the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o church-discipline_n thereby_o for_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o as_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o if_o we_o acquiesce_v not_o therein_o but_o express_v a_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o we_o do_v it_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o conform_v now_o this_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v also_o unscriptural_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a to_o be_v make_v so_o this_o be_v by_o many_o now_o plain_o acknowledge_v for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o government_n determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o now_o in_o force_n among_o we_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a and_o on_o that_o ground_n a_o lawful_a government_n they_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v and_o lawful_a to_o be_v exercise_v and_o so_o also_o by_o other_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o we_o have_v now_o sundry_a time_n declare_v that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a question_n we_o inquire_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o or_o on_o what_o account_v it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v submit_v unto_o or_o wherein_o but_o we_o say_v the_o profess_a acknowledge_v of_o it_o with_o submission_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o give_v we_o liberty_n to_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v it_o without_o prejudice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o may_v we_o refuse_v this_o condition_n as_o unscrptural_a for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o conformity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n require_v but_o express_o as_o be_v say_v a_o approbation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o in_o religious_a thing_n our_o practice_n declare_v a_o cordial_a approbation_n as_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o profession_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sincere_a some_o again_o make_v some_o plea_n that_o bishop_n and_o some_o government_n by_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o a_o submission_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v just_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o we_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v but_o that_o whatever_o be_v so_o appoint_v may_v be_v so_o require_v although_o we_o believe_v that_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o rigid_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o if_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v dubious_a to_o some_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v or_o no._n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v a_o admittance_n of_o this_o plea_n give_v we_o any_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o church_n bishop_n with_o a_o preeminence_n above_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v so_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o concession_n bear_v a_o application_n to_o the_o present_a question_n so_o as_o to_o afford_v we_o any_o relief_n for_o the_o grant_n of_o thing_n so_o dubious_a and_o questionable_a can_v never_o give_v they_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o firmitude_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o warrant_v the_o make_n of_o they_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o
will_v that_o answer_v our_o duty_n or_o give_v we_o peace_n in_o our_o latter_a end_n shall_v we_o profess_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v what_o we_o desire_v shall_v we_o then_o escape_v the_o severe_a censure_n as_o of_o person_n incline_v to_o schism_n and_o division_n yea_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v look_v on_o this_o as_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n that_o any_o can_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o presb._n and_o in_o report_v the_o memorial_n of_o former_a time_n some_o of_o they_o have_v charge_v all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n that_o have_v befall_v their_o church_n to_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n of_o this_o principle_n endeavour_v reformation_n according_a unto_o model_n of_o their_o own_o without_o separation_n and_o can_v we_o conscientious_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o especial_o under_o present_a jealousy_n and_o exasperation_n escape_v the_o same_o condemnation_n that_o other_o before_o we_o have_v undergo_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o some_o which_o may_v teach_v they_o that_o their_o measure_n be_v not_o authentic_a and_o they_o may_v learn_v moderation_n towards_o they_o who_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o security_n they_o meet_v withal_o from_o those_o that_o do_v out_o go_v they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o which_o alone_o seem_v to_o remain_v proceed_v yet_o far_o and_o make_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n concern_v the_o constitution_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o come_v over_o unto_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o its_o ruler_n thereon_o yea_o this_o be_v that_o say_v some_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o and_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o our_o difference_n and_o division_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o any_o thing_n or_o way_n right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a will_v promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o appear_v so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o season_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o that_o will_v make_v such_o agreement_n durable_a or_o useful_a and_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o inquiry_n mere_o after_o peace_n but_o after_o peace_n with_o truth_n yea_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o disquisition_n after_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o and_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o exclude_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o provide_v only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o at_o present_a lay_v a_o prohibition_n on_o our_o conscience_n against_o the_o compliance_n propose_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v neither_o will_v we_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v we_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o few_o only_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o in_o many_o that_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n own_v among_o we_o upon_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n nor_o that_o consent_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o it_o that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o submit_v unto_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o invite_v any_o dissentor_n to_o a_o through_o conformity_n unto_o it_o that_o there_o be_v daily_a inroad_n make_v upon_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o control_v from_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a conservator_n of_o it_o until_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a yet_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v waste_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v and_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o own_o that_o we_o can_v conform_v to_o armianism_n socinianism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o with_o what_o new_a or_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v blend_v and_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a person_n when_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n we_o shall_v know_v the_o better_a how_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v wave_v all_o such_o consideration_n and_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o will_v this_o give_v we_o a_o universal_o pleadable_a acquitment_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o want_n of_o love_n schism_n and_o division_n we_o shall_v indeed_o possible_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o a_o few_o cry_v out_o sectary_n fanatic_n schismatic_n church-dividers_a but_o withal_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o great_a and_o at_o present_a thrive_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o suppose_a crime_n and_o sure_o enough_o we_o be_v that_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o real_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v amongst_o christian_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v yield_v we_o no_o solid_a relief_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o schism_n and_o this_o sufficient_o manifest_v how_o little_a indeed_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o steam_n of_o interest_n and_o party_n it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_a that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o real_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n we_o suffer_v under_o nor_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o pursue_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o what_o one_o sort_n require_v of_o we_o anonother_n will_v instant_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v not_o influence_v by_o custom_n prejudices_fw-la and_o secular_a advantage_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o to_o seek_v in_o sincerity_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o approve_v of_o our_o heart_n unto_o the_o search_n of_o they_o in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o our_o own_o especial_a duty_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o will_v neither_o deceive_v we_o nor_o fail_v we_o and_o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o we_o shall_v now_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o follow_v truth_n with_o peace_n chap._n ii_o commendation_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n their_o proper_a object_n with_o their_o geniral_n rule_n and_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n allow_v not_o salvation_n unto_o any_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o outward_a worship_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o discourse_n may_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n and_o thereon_o we_o may_v easy_o enlarge_v as_o also_o abound_v in_o a_o collection_n of_o testimony_n confirm_v our_o assertion_n but_o the_o old_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o who_o ever_o be_v they_o discommend_v evidence_v a_o labour_n therein_o to_o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a we_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v who_o from_o the_o condition_n whereunto_o at_o present_a we_o be_v drive_v and_o necessitate_v do_v suppose_v that_o we_o value_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possible_o by_o such_o as_o have_v accommodate_v their_o name_n and_o notion_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o who_o point_n their_o plea_n about_o they_o and_o their_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n but_o as_o for_o a_o real_a valuation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v not_o willing_o be_v find_v to_o come_v behind_o any_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
intestine_a difference_n and_o schism_n do_v but_o reproach_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a in_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o rectify_v all_o those_o abuse_n and_o remove_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o they_o be_v invent_v and_o do_v introduce_v in_o a_o thousand_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n only_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o that_o owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o original_a which_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o as_o a_o occasion_n of_o much_o disorder_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o of_o great_a division_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o it_o be_v know_v none_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o plain_a story_n of_o their_o preach_v the_o success_n which_o they_o have_v therein_o and_o their_o proceed_n to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n thereon_o put_v this_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sober_a contradiction_n none_o will_v say_v that_o they_o gather_v church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o be_v whilst_o they_o continue_v such_o nor_o of_o open_a sinner_n continue_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n a_o evidence_n therefore_o and_o confession_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o first_o church_n neither_o will_v we_o ever_o contend_v with_o such_o importune_a prejudices_fw-la as_o under_o any_o pretence_n capable_a of_o a_o wrangle_a countenance_n shall_v set_v up_o against_o this_o evidence_n hence_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v look_v on_o as_o person_n real_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o effectual_o convert_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o such_o be_v they_o salute_v and_o treat_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o we_o say_v they_o be_v look_v on_o and_o own_v and_o as_o such_o upon_o their_o confession_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o look_v on_o they_o and_o own_v they_o though_o absolute_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n some_o among_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o some_o prove_a apostate_n but_o this_o profession_n of_o conversion_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o mutual_a acknowledgement_n of_o each_o other_o as_o so_o convert_v unto_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o and_o although_o this_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preserve_v all_o the_o first_o church_n absolute_o free_a from_o schism_n and_o division_n yet_o be_v it_o the_o most_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o that_o infection_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o reduction_n of_o unity_n after_o that_o by_o the_o violent_a interposition_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o temptation_n it_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o a_o season_n afterward_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o many_o more_o take_v on_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v not_o such_o eminent_a and_o visible_a conversion_n unto_o god_n as_o most_o of_o those_o have_v who_o be_v change_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o person_n unfit_a and_o unqualify_v for_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o be_v member_n of_o church_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o order_n and_o disreputation_n of_o their_o holy_a conversation_n they_o be_v for_o some_o good_a season_n keep_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o expectant_n and_o call_v catechuman_n or_o person_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o this_o state_n they_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o trial_n be_v make_v of_o their_o faith_n holiness_n and_o constancy_n before_o their_o admission_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n peace_n and_o order_n provide_v for_o especial_o be_v they_o so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o severe_a discipline_n which_o be_v then_o exercise_v towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n press_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v admit_v on_o much_o easy_a term_n than_o those_o before_o mention_v whole_a nation_n come_v to_o claim_v successive_o the_o privilege_n of_o church-membership_n without_o any_o personal_a duty_n perform_v or_o profession_n make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n on_o their_o part_n and_o so_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o many_o place_n to_o this_o day_n man_n general_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o far_o about_o a_o title_n to_o church-membership_n and_o privilege_n but_o rest_n in_o the_o prepossession_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o their_o own_o nativity_n in_o such_o or_o such_o place_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v own_v or_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o credible_a as_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n it_o be_v certain_a for_o the_o most_o part_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o any_o nor_o perform_v by_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o ill_o consult_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o outward_a formal_a representation_n of_o thing_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o internal_a grace_n and_o no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n owe_v itself_o unto_o this_o corrupt_a principle_n for_o whereas_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o power_n internal_a and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o grace_n have_v outward_a representation_n of_o they_o which_o from_o their_o relation_n unto_o what_o they_o represent_v be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o they_o many_o take_v up_o with_o and_o rest_n in_o these_o external_a thing_n as_o though_o christianity_n consist_v in_o they_o although_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n where_o the_o quicken_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o internal_a grace_n be_v want_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o church-order_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v far_o away_o man_n come_v together_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-assembly_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v admit_v but_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n with_o no_o other_o heart_n nor_o design_n but_o on_o and_o with_o what_o they_o partake_v in_o any_o civil_a society_n or_o joint_o engage_v in_o any_o other_o worldly_a concern_v and_o this_o fundamental_a error_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o many_o church_n be_v the_o occasion_n as_o of_o other_o evil_n so_o in_o particular_a of_o division_n among_o profess_a christian_n hence_o original_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n accommodate_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o such_o person_n as_o understand_v little_a or_o be_v little_a sensible_a of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spiritual_a discipline_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o thereby_o at_o last_o degenerate_v into_o the_o outward_a way_n of_o force_n and_o power_n before_o describe_v for_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v rule_v and_o instead_o of_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a temper_n and_o condition_n where_o unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n be_v suit_v there_o be_v invent_v a_o way_n of_o government_n accommodate_v unto_o that_o state_n whereinto_o they_o be_v lapse_v which_o those_o concern_v find_v to_o be_v the_o far_o easy_a work_n of_o the_o two_o hence_o do_v sincere_a mutual_a love_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v among_o church-member_n see_v they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o tolerable_a persuasion_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o profession_n in_o each_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v it_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o to_o provoke_v it_o unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n hence_o do_v private_a spiritual_a communion_n fail_v among_o they_o the_o most_o be_v stranger_n unto_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o yea_o despise_v and_o contemn_v it_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o its_o exercise_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o useful_a church-communion_n and_o where_o public_a communion_n be_v only_o attend_v unto_o with_o a_o neglect_n hereof_o it_o will_v quick_o wither_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o on_o this_o occasion_n do_v all_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n exhortation_n and_o admonition_n proceed_v from_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n of_o each_o other_o condition_n so_o frequent_o recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n