repentance_n and_o faith_n here_o shall_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a hereafter_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o eternal_a glory_n with_o christ_n when_o all_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o everlasting_a judgement_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o endless_a torment_n six_o beside_o these_o necessary_a truth_n which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v every_o one_o a_o true_a brother_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n who_o do_v believe_v the_o same_o i_o say_v beside_o these_o fundamental_n they_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o public_a writing_n such_o namely_o as_o concern_v 1._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n 2._o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o man_n his_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n 4._o the_o restitution_n of_o man_n fall_n by_o christ_n 5._o christ_n person_n office_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o 6._o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 7._o the_o use_n of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o reward_n 8._o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 9_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o conversion_n 10._o the_o universal_a church_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n 11._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n 13._o the_o true_a and_o false_a ordinance_n 14._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o over_o and_o above_o necessary_a truth_n most_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a and_o expedient_a for_o edification_n be_v full_o express_v and_o by_o all_o assent_v unto_o so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v without_o all_o doubt_n very_o abundant_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a seven_o see_v the_o bare_a theory_n of_o truth_n dogmatical_o assent_v unto_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o makeup_v a_o brotherly_a unity_n between_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o subsistence_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o and_o relation_n unto_o he_o necessary_a to_o complete_a this_o union_n therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o complete_a a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a unity_n in_o our_o christian_a brotherhood_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o subsistence_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o manifest_v unto_o each_o other_o and_o hereunto_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v hearty_o agree_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v unto_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n embrace_v fiducial_o with_o their_o heart_n the_o fundamental_a and_o save_a truth_n of_o christianity_n make_v confession_n thereof_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o endeavour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o walk_v in_o holiness_n answerable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o love_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o god_n love_v we_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o our_o religious_a profession_n our_o religious_a profession_n be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o it_o be_v public_a and_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o relation_n towards_o other_o through_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o chief_a act_n thereof_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v single_a by_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o public_a the_o second_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v unite_v unto_o a_o congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o visible_a constitution_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o three_o be_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o mutual_a association_n the_o four_o be_v of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o these_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o the_o joint_a administration_n of_o their_o public_a charge_n if_o then_o in_o all_o these_o act_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o manage_v be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o same_o and_o not_o unknown_a but_o rather_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o both_o side_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o both_o side_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o therein_o as_o upon_o brethren_n and_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherhood_n one_o to_o another_o which_o be_v answerable_a unto_o this_o acknowledgement_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o unity_n and_o agreement_n in_o these_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o the_o duty_n be_v neglect_v than_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 4._o 16._o be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o death_n it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o plain_a luke_n 12._o 47._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n now_o that_o in_o these_o act_n of_o the_o profession_n the_o sundamentall_a rule_n oblige_v we_o unto_o holy_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v the_o same_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n sect._n i._o of_o single_a professor_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o professor_n such_o namely_o as_o we_o have_v already_o describe_v to_o be_v believer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n forenamed_a and_o to_o have_v that_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o body_n which_o have_v be_v former_o mention_v when_o i_o say_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o professor_n as_o single_a that_o be_v as_o stand_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o exempt_v they_o by_o this_o notion_n from_o either_o a_o visibilitie_n of_o their_o profession_n or_o a_o compliance_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o concur_v with_o other_o christian_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a not_o as_o if_o they_o may_v take_v up_o a_o single_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o profess_v christ_n by_o themselves_o alone_o which_o be_v neither_o common_a nor_o perceptible_a unto_o other_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v count_v single_a only_o as_o they_o be_v man_n not_o engage_v as_o yet_o unto_o any_o particular_a congregation_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o profess_o suppose_v then_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o all_o the_o man_n and_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n where_o he_o find_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o public_o profess_v by_o some_o and_o not_o at_o all_o know_v and_o profess_v by_o other_o the_o question_n may_v be_v concern_v he_o threefold_a 1._o whether_o he_o shall_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n yea_o or_o no_o 2._o how_o he_o shall_v manifest_v his_o profession_n viz._n whether_o yea_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o 3._o what_o the_o act_n of_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n be_v whereunto_o hâ—e_v shall_v join_v if_o hâ—e_v shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o other_o professor_n now_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o these_o three_o question_n i_o suppose_v that_o both_o side_n will_v full_o agree_v upon_o these_o rule_n as_o a_o directory_n for_o he_o to_o walk_v by_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o the_o first_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o 1._o although_o a_o man_n stand_v single_a and_o be_v not_o embody_v into_o any_o particular_a society_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o other_o professor_n that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v be_v aught_o to_o appear_v in_o public_a as_o a_o professor_n of_o christianity_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v these_o commandment_n matth._n 5._o 16._o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o shine_v you_o as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n ephes_n 5._o 7._o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n verse_n 10._o prove_v what_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o the_o lord_n verse_n 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o phil._n 1._o 27._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v
in_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v or_o to_o rectify_v the_o distemper_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v say_v in_o this_o case_n what_o christ_n say_v in_o another_o with_o man_n this_o be_v 26._o matth._n 19_o 26._o impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a therefore_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a both_o to_o prevent_v and_o rectify_v such_o excess_n of_o passion_n two_o way_n first_o by_o waken_n our_o conscience_n effectual_o towards_o himself_o in_o mind_v distemper_n the_o remedy_n of_o these_o distemper_n we_o of_o the_o end_n and_o way_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o christ_n by_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v mind_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o to_o glorify_v his_o father_n in_o his_o ministry_n second_o by_o set_v a_o spiritual_a edge_n upon_o our_o affection_n towards_o man_n not_o to_o consider_v they_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o brethren_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o thing_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n and_o make_v the_o positive_a rule_n thereof_o bear_v the_o only_a sway_n in_o all_o our_o resolution_n for_o by_o these_o principle_n and_o by_o these_o alone_a we_o shall_v be_v enable_v both_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o trouble_n which_o otherwise_o will_v fall_v upon_o we_o for_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a matter_n of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o also_o to_o cause_v all_o outward_a concernment_n fall_v flat_a before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherhood_n but_o without_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o every_o little_a trifle_n will_v make_v we_o fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o because_o these_o principle_n and_o duty_n have_v be_v and_o be_v disrespect_a in_o our_o work_n of_o reformation_n among_o those_o that_o undeniable_o be_v brethren_n therefore_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o observe_v by_o the_o wicked_a to_o discredit_v our_o proceed_n be_v multiply_v to_o the_o sad_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o be_v godly_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n imaginable_a as_o i_o conceive_v relate_v to_o conscience_n fit_a to_o remove_v they_o and_o to_o heal_v the_o breach_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o but_o this_o to_o manifest_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o conscionable_a in_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o relation_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o one_o towards_o another_o be_v a_o brotherly_a unity_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v so_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o by_o his_o commandment_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o obligatory_a that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v the_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v find_v a_o transgressor_n but_o even_o inexcusable_a and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o have_v lay_v to_o heart_n this_o subject_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n and_o forbearance_n that_o if_o god_n permit_v it_o may_v clear_o though_o brief_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n that_o seem_v whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o for_o my_o scope_n be_v only_o to_o name_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o their_o agreement_n to_o show_v how_o full_a &_o satisfactory_a it_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n to_o settle_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a brotherhood_n between_o they_o offer_v this_o that_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v a_o scruple_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v assert_v concern_v this_o matter_n in_o brief_a that_o a_o large_a deduction_n and_o demonstration_n in_o due_a time_n shall_v be_v make_v thereof_o to_o the_o end_n that_o such_o who_o heighten_v matter_n of_o strife_n among_o brethren_n that_o multiply_v controversy_n unadvised_o for_o small_a matter_n and_o that_o walk_v by_o divide_v principle_n rather_o then_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o shape_v their_o course_n otherwise_o then_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v lest_o happy_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o that_o contentiousnesse_n and_o disobedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n whereunto_o the_o apostle_n have_v sad_o threaten_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rom._n cap._n 2._o v._n 8_o 9_o from_o which_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o grant_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o deliverance_n and_o the_o effectual_a evidence_n thereof_o in_o a_o conversation_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o blameless_a in_o love_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o particular_a term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v attain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o both_o side_n be_v full_o convict_v of_o each_o other_o orthodoxy_n in_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o contain_v not_o only_o the_o substance_n and_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n but_o also_o all_o profitable_a matter_n unto_o edification_n therefore_o i_o shall_v assert_v the_o fullness_n and_o satisfactorinesse_n of_o this_o unity_n brief_o in_o a_o few_o proposition_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o do_v contain_v much_o more_o as_o to_o the_o agreement_n in_o doctrinal_n and_o no_o less_o as_o to_o the_o agreement_n in_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n then_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o a_o brotherly_a unity_n first_o then_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n outward_o give_v both_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o believer_n be_v clear_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n and_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o all_o good_a work_n second_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o in_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o interpretation_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o undoubted_a analogy_n that_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o right_a analysis_n that_o be_v the_o resolution_n or_o division_n of_o the_o context_n of_o the_o same_o place_n three_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o all_o believe_v unanimous_o that_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o bear_a witness_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o live_a god_n of_o who_o the_o true_a knowledge_n be_v life_n eternal_a four_o they_o all_o agree_v to_o profess_v and_o teach_v that_o we_o have_v hope_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o faith_n only_o in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o messiah_n promise_v to_o the_o father_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n from_o eternity_n be_v in_o time_n make_v flesh_n a_o true_a man_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n except_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o become_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o suffer_v our_o punishment_n and_o pay_v the_o ransom_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n and_o do_v still_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n five_o they_o all_o agree_v full_o in_o this_o that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o that_o now_o there_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n among_o man_n a_o true_a church_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n that_o unto_o this_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o perpetual_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o protection_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v in_o and_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o covenant_n the_o life_n of_o
except_o they_o be_v in_o be_v orderly_a way_n dismiss_v by_o these_o with_o who_o they_o be_v associate_v 2_o that_o no_o member_n come_v from_o another_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v in_o brotherly_a communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o become_v a_o distinct_a member_n of_o our_o society_n till_o the_o church_n from_o which_o he_o come_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o purpose_n to_o associate_v with_o we_o 3_o that_o none_o who_o be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o that_o neighbourhood_n or_o association_n which_o be_v call_v a_o parish_n though_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n in_o that_o way_n shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a congregation_n until_o the_o officer_n thereof_o have_v inquire_v concern_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o say_a neighbourhood_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n near_o unto_o his_o habitation_n to_o who_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o relation_n or_o which_o may_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o way_n and_o profession_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a mystery_n and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o manifold_a division_n do_v lie_v in_o this_o outward_a circumstantial_a manner_n of_o the_o association_n of_o member_n into_o a_o congregation_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v partly_o because_o man_n natural_o seâ—k_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o humour_n of_o their_o own_o then_o to_o edify_v other_o partly_o because_o the_o true_a use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o relation_n wherein_o all_o true_a professor_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n be_v either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o mind_v in_o comparison_n of_o some_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o own_o coin_n to_o ourselves_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o which_o we_o use_v to_o lay_v more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o the_o fundamental_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o till_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a spirit_n discover_v and_o work_v out_o this_o self_n please_v humour_n we_o can_v hope_v for_o peace_n and_o unity_n almost_o in_o any_o thing_n although_o our_o agreement_n be_v never_o so_o fundamental_a in_o all_o thing_n sect._n iu._n of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o several_a congregation_n and_o their_o association_n the_o officer_n of_o every_o congregation_n be_v under_o a_o twofold_a relation_n of_o unity_n to_o each_o other_o first_o as_o they_o be_v professor_n second_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n that_o be_v special_o entrust_v with_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o profession_n as_o they_o be_v professor_n they_o be_v near_o in_o brotherhood_n then_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n for_o their_o profession_n do_v give_v they_o a_o immediate_a interest_n into_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o but_o their_o office_n do_v give_v they_o no_o interest_n either_o in_o he_o or_o in_o each_o other_o further_o than_o they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o profession_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o except_o they_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v associate_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o it_o follow_v also_o further_o that_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n all_o the_o other_o relation_n which_o be_v ministerial_a must_v yield_v and_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o so_o that_o all_o the_o bond_n which_o may_v settle_v their_o association_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v intend_v no_o further_o than_o they_o serve_v to_o advance_v and_o confirm_v the_o brotherhood_n and_o association_n which_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o any_o combination_n of_o minister_n be_v frame_v otherwise_o or_o to_o any_o other_o end_n then_o to_o strengthen_v the_o fundamental_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o holiness_n and_o love_n it_o will_v beget_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o papacy_n because_o the_o root_n of_o the_o papal_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aim_n of_o a_o association_n of_o church_n officer_n subordinate_v the_o profession_n to_o their_o place_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o truth_n to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o other_o for_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v that_o all_o the_o superstitious_a device_n and_o politic_a practice_n of_o popery_n to_o blind_a man_n and_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n resolve_v themselves_o at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n and_o aim_n of_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o christianity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o spring_v original_o from_o hence_o see_v every_o thing_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v from_o all_o which_o i_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o association_n of_o church-officer_n or_o of_o any_o other_o public_a officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o who_o subordinate_a not_o themselves_o and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o each_o other_o by_o their_o office_n and_o by_o their_o association_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n to_o exalt_v the_o unity_n thereof_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v see_v above_o all_o therein_o but_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o association_n of_o christian_n subordinate_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o place_n above_o other_o be_v papal_a and_o antichristian_a let_v then_o all_o party_n look_v to_o their_o aim_n in_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o presbyterial_a association_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v settle_v upon_o episcopal_a or_o erastian_n principle_n and_o let_v all_o magistrate_n look_v to_o their_o interest_n and_o way_n of_o prosecute_a the_o same_o by_o their_o association_n whither_o they_o he_o democraticall_a aristocratical_a parliamentary_a or_o monarchical_a whatsoever_o their_o character_n frame_n or_o model_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o circumstantial_o which_o be_v all_o that_o ordinary_o man_n as_o man_n look_v after_o let_v i_o say_v all_o these_o officer_n of_o each_o kind_n or_o such_o as_o out_o of_o the_o mix_a multitude_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o do_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o profit_n and_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o combination_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n i_o say_v again_o let_v all_o these_o look_v well_o to_o it_o every_o one_o in_o his_o particular_a association_n if_o their_o whole_a aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o society_n be_v not_o to_o subordinate_a themselves_o and_o their_o combination_n and_o confederacy_n to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o alone_o shall_v last_v eternal_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o break_v to_o piece_n without_o all_o remedy_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n can_v fail_v isa_n 8_o 9_o 10._o which_o say_v associate_n yourselves_o you_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v your_o self_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o nought_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v for_o god_n be_v with_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n do_v provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o bid_v the_o people_n thereof_o a_o defiance_n that_o though_o they_o join_v all_o in_o one_o and_o gird_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n be_v bring_v to_o full_a maturity_n yet_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o effect_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n in_o their_o association_n and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n because_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o their_o association_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v blow_n upon_o all_o the_o design_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o god_n for_o wherein_o man_n be_v not_o subordinate_a they_o be_v opposite_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v strong_a than_o his_o opposite_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v provide_v for_o their_o safety_n with_o confederacy_n strength_n and_o counsel_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o question_n be_v make_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n
leave_v almost_o either_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o redress_v the_o injury_n of_o this_o kind_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a all_o this_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a stagger_v the_o weak_a glad_v the_o adversary_n open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o profaneness_n and_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n at_o which_o atheist_n and_o papist_n triumph_n and_o exult_v with_o joy_n expect_v in_o the_o end_n that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o all_o protestant_n he_o that_o can_v see_v these_o evil_n to_o rise_v original_o from_o the_o misbehaviour_n of_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o their_o difference_n be_v whole_o blind_a he_o that_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n thereof_o be_v senseless_a and_o he_o that_o can_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o be_v harden_v in_o sinfulned_a now_o because_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n reach_v unto_o all_o the_o professor_n in_o some_o sort_n alike_o therefore_o every_o one_o though_o chief_o the_o minister_n as_o chief_a of_o the_o professor_n shall_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o contribute_v their_o whole_a strength_n towards_o the_o speedy_a removal_n thereof_o but_o beside_o these_o common_a evil_n there_o be_v in_o this_o neglect_n whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v most_o of_o all_o guilty_a something_o which_o do_v more_o especial_o reflect_v and_o that_o just_o upon_o themselves_o ministry_n more_o especial_o upon_o the_o ministry_n more_o than_o other_o and_o from_o they_o upon_o their_o ministerial_a function_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v void_a the_o authority_n and_o whole_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o ordinary_a vocation_n for_o although_o personal_a fault_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o vocation_n &_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o function_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o all_o man_n to_o make_v a_o consequence_n from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v even_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o profession_n to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o as_o it_o may_v not_o suffer_v any_o disesteem_v for_o their_o sake_n for_o speak_v of_o servant_n profess_v christianity_n to_o titus_n and_o to_o 10._o tit._n 2._o 10._o timothy_n he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o show_v all_o good_a fidelity_n unto_o their_o master_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n in_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 6._o all_o thing_n and_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v through_o their_o misbehaviour_n if_o then_o christianity_n itself_o will_v suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v discredit_v by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o take_v the_o name_n thereof_o upon_o they_o how_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v discredit_v by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o profession_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v uphold_v in_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n if_o those_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n thereof_o be_v commit_v dishonour_v their_o administration_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v think_v to_o honour_v their_o administration_n if_o they_o walk_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o opposite_a unto_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n than_o this_o very_a neglect_n of_o duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v at_o this_o time_n find_v guilty_a for_o the_o end_n use_v and_o effect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n be_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n to_o perfect_a the_o saint_n and_o to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 13._o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n but_o this_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v make_v void_a and_o this_o end_n frustrate_v as_o long_o as_o the_o minister_n maintain_v no_o brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o stand_v at_o their_o distance_n and_o be_v single_a by_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o familiarity_n of_o concurrence_n about_o their_o master_n work_n even_o although_o he_o have_v therein_o strict_o command_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v for_o how_o can_v they_o reform_v other_o that_o be_v not_o reform_v themselves_o how_o can_v they_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o perfect_v the_o saint_n so_o long_o as_o they_o seek_v not_o one_o another_o perfection_n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n within_o themselves_o divide_o how_o can_v they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v able_a joint_o to_o build_v up_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o in_o that_o work_n maintain_v no_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o reference_n unto_o his_o body_n but_o rather_o set_v themselves_o to_o make_v up_o every_o one_o a_o separate_a body_n for_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v all_o unto_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n through_o love_n who_o imperfection_n in_o love_n be_v such_o that_o they_o do_v value_v no_o common_a relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o service_n further_o than_o these_o seâ—_n up_o some_o private_a interest_n nor_o do_v mind_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v either_o commembership_n or_o ministerial_a fellowship_n or_o true_a gospel-work-acquaintance_n with_o any_o that_o be_v not_o either_o settle_v in_o the_o circumstantial_a course_n of_o their_o way_n or_o willing_a to_o come_v up_o unto_o they_o therein_o we_o see_v then_o upon_o these_o ground_n that_o except_o this_o neglect_n of_o duty_n be_v reform_v and_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n without_o humane_a aim_n be_v hearty_o entertain_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v entrust_v the_o effect_n thereof_o will_v never_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o satan_n as_o hitherto_o he_o have_v do_v since_o they_o be_v divide_v will_v continual_o prevail_v against_o they_o all_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o unto_o final_a destruction_n and_o irrecoverable_a desolation_n this_o then_o be_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o to_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n be_v that_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o by_o all_o shall_v be_v apprehend_v but_o chief_o by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o they_o in_o do_v their_o principal_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o study_v unity_n in_o the_o truth_n in_o christianity_n may_v uphold_v the_o holy_a profession_n and_o thereby_o intend_v their_o mutual_a preservation_n for_o without_o all_o doubt_n their_o very_a be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n if_o they_o take_v not_o this_o course_n will_v be_v very_o short_o in_o a_o most_o desperate_a condition_n because_o as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o apparent_a that_o hitherto_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o disunion_n about_o matter_n extrafundamentall_a have_v make_v satan_n and_o their_o enemy_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o so_o it_o be_v unity_n the_o application_n to_o exhort_v to_o unity_n clear_o manifest_a that_o hence_o forth_o nothing_o but_o their_o mutual_a union_n will_v be_v effectual_a to_o maintain_v what_o they_o yet_o hold_v or_o restore_v what_o they_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o stand_n in_o the_o profession_n he_o then_o that_o do_v decline_v to_o concur_v in_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n with_o those_o that_o offer_v and_o sue_v for_o the_o same_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v convict_v of_o this_o danger_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v upon_o our_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ruin_n that_o befall_v unto_o these_o church_n of_o all_o the_o confusion_n that_o from_o thence_o arise_v unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o all_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o want_n of_o order_n in_o his_o house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n which_o this_o nation_n be_v either_o now_o asperse_v withal_o abroad_o among_o their_o neighbour_n or_o will_v in_o after_o age_n cleave_v unto_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o love_n to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o there_o be_v any_o zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o against_o damnable_a heresy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a hatred_n due_a to_o blasphemy_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o profaneness_n and_o licentiousness_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v erect_v and_o settle_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n
among_o we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v enter_v into_o solemn_a protestation_n vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o stand_v unite_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o common-reformation_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o union_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v to_o truth_n zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christian_a covenant_n i_o may_v adjure_v such_o as_o pretend_v thereunto_o to_o show_v themselves_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o for_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n preservation_n that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n without_o blame_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v maintain_v by_o any_o without_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n now_o this_o practice_n among_o miinister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o a_o conscionable_a concurrence_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o that_o aim_n wherein_o the_o all_o relate_v unto_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n for_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o can_v have_v no_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o he_o nor_o can_v it_o relate_v otherwise_o unto_o he_o then_o by_o fulfil_v his_o will_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n and_o if_o this_o aim_v be_v lose_v in_o any_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v their_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a their_o performance_n be_v not_o acceptable_a nor_o will_v their_o endeavour_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o because_o many_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o aim_v sincere_o at_o this_o who_o either_o delight_n to_o stand_v whole_o by_o themselves_o and_o give_v way_n to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n or_o think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o stand_v whole_o associate_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o trust_v more_o thereunto_o then_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o serviceablenesse_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o of_o both_o side_n that_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n and_o from_o their_o undertake_n the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o go_v along_o and_o conduct_v to_o guide_v they_o all_o their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v nothing_o which_o be_v undertake_v do_v prosper_v the_o service_n of_o christ_n house_n be_v not_o advance_v the_o steward_n thereof_o be_v either_o divide_v by_o themselves_o or_o scatter_v by_o other_o and_o general_o they_o be_v as_o man_n without_o a_o heart_n afraid_a one_o of_o another_o and_o through_o these_o their_o breach_n a_o whole_a deluge_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o a_o full_a current_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a wicked_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n have_v overwhelm_v and_o almost_o drown_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o very_a floodgate_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o be_v open_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o suffer_v satan_n thus_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o and_o to_o make_v this_o breach_n upon_o the_o leader_n for_o their_o ministry_n a_o doubt_n answer_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n fail_v in_o the_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o think_v as_o some_o do_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fail_v in_o this_o our_o age_n at_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a church_n nor_o ministry_n any_o more_o among_o we_o or_o any_o where_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n do_v once_o institute_v by_o his_o apostle_n a_o new_a mission_n must_v be_v expect_v and_o a_o new_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o i_o believe_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v 19_o rom._n 3._o 4._o matth._n 24._o 3â—_n matth._n 16._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o away_o but_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o now_o christ_n upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n say_v distinct_o unto_o his_o disciple_n three_o thing_n which_o be_v these_o 1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v confession_n which_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o church_n 3_o and_o last_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n whatever_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loosen_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n these_o promise_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o church_n which_o be_v build_v thereupon_o nor_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v fail_v so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n do_v last_o forwhat_o although_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v their_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n make_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v liar_n that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v true_a for_o he_o have_v conclude_v all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o therefore_o in_o his_o say_n he_o shall_v be_v justifify_v and_o when_o he_o be_v judge_v overcome_v we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o unrighteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o that_o although_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n shall_v utter_o fail_v he_o and_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v his_o church_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n and_o never_o recall_v the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o church_n but_o 21._o isa_n 59_o 21._o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n believe_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v open_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o church_n existent_a and_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v existent_a there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o confident_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o see_v there_o be_v society_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v here_o existent_a and_o know_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fail_n in_o particular_a duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v guilty_a that_o yet_o god_n promise_v for_o the_o main_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o church_n second_o i_o may_v infer_v this_o also_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v get_v both_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n and_o against_o their_o administration_n therein_o whereby_o he_o do_v blast_v they_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v void_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o than_o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a that_o the_o builder_n themselves_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o want_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o by_o their_o division_n to_o give_v such_o a_o advantage_n unto_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a visible_o to_o pull_v down_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o yet_o
they_o may_v lay_v the_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o weigh_v it_o considerate_o that_o god_n may_v persuade_v their_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o excellency_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o 133._o psal_n where_o first_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o proposition_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o invite_v we_o to_o contemplate_v and_o observe_v the_o same_o with_o admiration_n in_o the_o twofold_a property_n thereof_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o pleasantness_n which_o be_v in_o it_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n verse_n 1._o then_o second_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n he_o do_v show_v wherein_o that_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v consist_v and_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v the_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o do_v bring_v with_o it_o to_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n in_o great_a plenty_n the_o blessing_n be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o bodily_a the_o first_o in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o spiritual_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a anoint_v it_o be_v like_o the_o ointment_n who_o excellency_n be_v 1._o in_o their_o worth_n the_o precious_a ointment_n 2._o in_o their_o use_n and_o application_n which_o be_v to_o consecrate_v and_o make_v man_n priest_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o virtue_n confer_v upon_o their_o principal_a faculty_n upon_o the_o head_n the_o beard_n aaron_n beard_n 3._o in_o their_o abundance_n and_o fruitful_a proceed_n from_o the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o inferior_a part_n it_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n go_v down_o upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n verse_n 2._o the_o bodily_a blessing_n bestow_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o both_o far_o from_o the_o church_n and_o near_o unto_o the_o same_o as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n a_o hill_n and_o land_n far_o from_o jerusalem_n near_o jordan_n and_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n verse_n 3._o all_o this_o goodness_n and_o pleasantness_n do_v accompany_v brotherly_a unity_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n to_o be_v there_o viz._n where_o unity_n be_v and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v be_v even_o life_n for_o evermore_o verse_n 3._o and_o consequent_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o if_o of_o life_n eternal_a then_o of_o temporal_a also_o for_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o matth._n 6._o 33._o now_o from_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o inference_n only_o that_o if_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o we_o may_v denounce_v the_o contrary_a threaten_n unto_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o not_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v contentious_a 9_o rom._n 2._o 8_o 9_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o of_o unity_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v love_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 25._o where_o the_o same_o care_n of_o member_n one_o for_o another_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n and_o consequent_o why_o unity_n be_v preserve_v for_o where_o that_o love_a care_n be_v not_o unity_n be_v not_o but_o a_o rent_n will_v be_v as_o we_o may_v daily_o perceive_v in_o our_o doleful_a estate_n therefore_o all_o the_o excellency_n that_o belong_v to_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v first_o and_o original_o to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o charity_n but_o then_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o excellency_n which_o be_v more_o immediate_o attribute_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n reckon_v up_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 7._o compare_v with_o verse_n 12_o 13._o of_o chap._n 12._o he_o come_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o exhort_v the_o saint_n to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o unto_o this_o duty_n he_o promise_v to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o excellent_a which_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o in_o the_o follow_v 13_o chapter_n he_o begin_v to_o describe_v from_o whence_o this_o inference_n do_v offer_v itself_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o love_n so_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o description_n of_o this_o way_n do_v show_v a_o threefold_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o love_n the_o first_o be_v that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n or_o good_a work_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o our_o own_o salvation_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o all_o virtue_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o three_o be_v that_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o only_a durable_a and_o last_a unto_o eternity_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o doctrine_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o forego_n proposition_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o chap._n 12._o will_v produce_v this_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o love_n that_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o gift_n nor_o good_a work_n be_v useful_a unto_o any_o and_o by_o which_o all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o last_v unto_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o charity_n be_v that_o virtue_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o minor_a or_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v good_a concern_v charity_n in_o the_o three_o several_a part_n thereof_o foremention_v first_o then_o that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n and_o outward_a good_a work_n be_v useful_a the_o apostle_n do_v make_v out_o in_o many_o particular_n for_o he_o first_o mention_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n suppose_v a_o man_n can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v charity_n he_o be_v to_o his_o auditory_a but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbale_n verse_n 1._o afterward_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n of_o understand_v all_o mystery_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o all_o faith_n to_o do_v miracle_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o virtue_n neither_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o ver._n 2._o then_o concern_v good_a work_n he_o suppose_v the_o large_a and_o most_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n even_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n all_o these_o work_n will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o verse_n 3._o charity_n then_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o these_o gift_n and_o be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o all_o second_o that_o by_o charity_n all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n declare_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o virtue_n which_o make_v we_o perfect_a for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n in_o action_n and_o about_o thing_n they_o all_o proceed_v from_o charity_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n if_o other_o be_v cross_a and_o froward_a it_o teach_v long-suffering_a if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o teach_v kindness_n if_o they_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n it_o do_v not_o envy_v their_o condition_n if_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o find_v some_o excellency_n or_o eminency_n in_o our_o own_o condition_n which_o other_o have_v not_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o vaunt_v thereof_o towards_o other_o nor_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o thereby_o within_o
perfection_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o john_n 17._o 21_o 22_o 23._o compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n than_o the_o main_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o end_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v prosecute_v must_v needs_o be_v their_o great_a guilt_n whence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o to_o maintain_v no_o communion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o with_o another_o be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a fault_n because_o most_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o administration_n so_o theâ—_n if_o to_o maintain_v spiritual_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n fundamental_a and_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o engagement_n unto_o a_o concurrence_n and_o the_o lawful_a way_n of_o spiritual_a correspondency_n be_v also_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o must_v be_v entertain_v because_o without_o these_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v nor_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v to_o any_o visible_a perfection_n but_o rather_o visible_o dissolve_v thus_o then_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a scripturall_a truth_n that_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o such_o as_o neglect_v it_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o christianity_n sect_n iv_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o infallible_a example_n in_o the_o ministry_n although_o the_o mediatory_a action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o imitable_a nor_o be_v they_o perform_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o any_o for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o his_o relation_n unto_o we_o as_o 11._o heb._n 2._o 11._o our_o brother_n sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o converse_n among_o man_n be_v such_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o duty_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o god_n or_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o dutiful_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o either_o a_o example_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v or_o a_o precept_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v and_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v practice_v for_o in_o this_o he_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n because_o he_o go_v before_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o he_o before_o all_o other_o but_o also_o none_o further_a than_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o chief_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o love_n unity_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o weak_a do_v allege_v his_o practice_n as_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o thus_o 1_o john_n 3._o 16._o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n ephes_n 5._o 1_o 2._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o coloss_n 3._o 13._o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o gal._n 6._o 2._o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 1._o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_n yourselves_o likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2._o have_v use_v many_o strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o unity_n verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o strife_n and_o division_n vers_fw-la 3._o than_o vers_n 4_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o mutual_a care_n of_o one_o another_o whereunto_o as_o a_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o christ_n example_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o motive_n verse_n 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o father_n john_n 17._o 22._o the_o glory_n which_o thâ—u_n give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v bâ—e_v one_o even_o as_o we_o be_v one_o by_o glory_n i_o understand_v here_o grace_n as_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v as_o concern_v christ_n practice_n in_o his_o ministry_n to_o avoid_v breach_n and_o contention_n between_o he_o and_o other_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o isa_n 42._o 2_o 3._o and_o matth._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thus_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n bear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flâ—x_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n and_o concern_v his_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o unity_n with_o himself_o and_o with_o god_n the_o apostle_n do_v set_v it_o forth_o as_o a_o example_n to_o be_v imitate_v rom._n 15._o verse_n 2_o 3._o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v further_o apply_v to_o our_o practice_n vers_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o explain_v in_o show_v what_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v verse_n 8_o 9_o now_o i_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v glorify_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o may_v clear_o understand_v that_o by_o christ_n ministerial_a behaviour_n which_o be_v without_o strife_n free_a from_o all_o clamour_n and_o dispute_n and_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n both_o circumcise_a and_o uncircumcised_a unto_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v without_o partiality_n to_o endeavour_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n glory_n unto_o all_o and_o oblige_v in_o our_o ministry_n not_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o ourselves_o to_o satisfy_v our_o own_o desire_n and_o enjoy_v our_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o we_o pretend_v unto_o for_o private_a content_n but_o rather_o to_o please_v other_o to_o their_o edification_n although_o we_o shall_v suffer_v reproach_n for_o their_o sake_n for_o thus_o christ_n be_v reproach_v by_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o their_o own_o holiness_n for_o converse_v and_o eat_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n matth._n 9_o verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o &_o chap._n 11._o 19_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o please_v other_o and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n christ_n converse_v do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o samaritan_n with_o who_o other_o jew_n have_v no_o deal_n john_n 4._o 9_o till_o vers_fw-la 43._o nor_o be_v it_o without_o a_o mystery_n that_o at_o his_o death_n he_o be_v crucify_v between_o two_o malefactor_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o say_v and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n mark_v 15._o 27_o 28._o for_o by_o god_n and_o by_o himself_o just_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o he_o and_o by_o sinner_n unjust_o he_o be_v number_v in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n one_o of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a to_o save_v they_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n make_v the_o apostle_n paul_n become_v all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v some_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o every_o one_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v set_v forth_o his_o own_o practice_n to_o exhort_v we_o
to_o follow_v it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o vers_fw-la 19_o till_o 24._o now_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o behave_v themselves_o with_o indifferency_n and_o apply_v themselves_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n by_o their_o ministry_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n capable_a of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o edification_n though_o great_a sinner_n otherwise_o how_o can_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o separation_n or_o of_o a_o semiseparation_n be_v warrant_v and_o that_o even_o from_o those_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o profession_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v our_o brethren_n shall_v we_o dare_v to_o put_v upon_o matter_n that_o be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o upon_o thing_n no_o where_o express_o enjoin_v but_o rather_o take_v up_o by_o ourselves_o more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o these_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n if_o we_o do_v make_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o perfection_n sure_o we_o become_v perfect_a idol_n to_o and_o idolater_n of_o ourselves_o in_o god_n worship_n for_o if_o in_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o worship_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o public_a though_o his_o own_o ordinance_n be_v observe_v as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o to_o the_o inward_a fellowship_n he_o himself_o alone_o do_v admit_v whosoever_o he_o please_v yet_o if_o then_o we_o love_v to_o set_v ourselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o or_o reject_v other_o from_o be_v partaker_n with_o we_o of_o the_o ordinance_n either_o because_o we_o count_v they_o in_o holiness_n inferior_a to_o we_o or_o because_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v their_o sincerity_n or_o because_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o join_v in_o opinion_n with_o we_o concern_v all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o way_n if_o i_o say_v for_o these_o or_o such_o like_a cause_n we_o stand_v aloof_o in_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o our_o way_n and_o society_n do_v we_o not_o idolise_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o make_v ourselves_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n stand_v thou_o by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o what_o 5._o isa_n 65._o 5._o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o love_n humility_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o ministry_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o snare_n let_v we_o count_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o draw_v sinner_n unto_o god_n not_o by_o a_o distance_n but_o by_o a_o condescension_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o weakness_n as_o for_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n which_o the_o primitive_a minister_n maintain_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ministerial_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v tend_v to_o these_o four_o end_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n second_o to_o build_v up_o and_o confirm_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v therein_o three_o to_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v settle_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n four_o and_o last_o to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n all_o which_o aim_n be_v still_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o therefore_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o and_o which_o they_o then_o use_v must_v not_o now_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o can_v be_v set_v afoot_o first_o we_o find_v then_o that_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n some_o go_v forth_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o bring_v they_o forward_o on_o their_o journey_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n be_v a_o work_n of_o holy_a communion_n commend_v in_o gajus_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n as_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v and_o the_o ground_n why_o all_o aught_o to_o intend_v it_o be_v that_o all_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o practice_n than_o be_v still_o to_o 8._o 3_o john_n 6._o 7_o 8._o be_v follow_v by_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n so_o long_o as_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v necessary_a second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o convert_n in_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o care_n of_o neighbour_n minister_n correspond_v with_o those_o that_o do_v convert_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o act_n 8._o 14._o where_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v to_o samaria_n two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o some_o be_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o antioch_n they_o send_v barnabas_n and_o he_o go_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n act_v 11._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o three_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o seducer_n and_o the_o decision_n of_o doubt_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v cast_v in_o among_o the_o professor_n to_o trouble_v they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6._o 7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v
the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o 10._o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12._o 26._o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 21._o and_o 6._o 1._o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5._o 13._o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6._o 2._o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13._o 35._o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5._o 14._o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a 12._o ephes_n 6._o 12._o matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o 16._o jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16._o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20._o 21._o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o