without_o any_o great_a inlargement_n as_o intend_v chief_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o understanding_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o first_o assertion_n concern_v the_o law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n what_o it_o be_v and_o whereunto_o to_o hind_n we_o the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o some_o womb_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v child_n of_o god_n and_o true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o godly_a minister_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o womb_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o they_o be_v true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o first_o proposition_n express_v the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n shall_v be_v show_v from_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o second_o contain_v a_o application_n thereof_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v verify_v of_o they_o by_o a_o more_o special_a deduction_n of_o the_o particular_n express_v therein_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n be_v clear_o manifest_v be_v among_o many_o other_o these_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 23._o 8._o all_o you_o namely_o my_o disciple_n be_v brethren_n rom._n 8._o 29._o who_o he_o viz._n the_o father_n do_v foreknow_v be_v also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o heâ—_n may_v be_v the_o firstborne_v among_o many_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v make_v all_o brethren_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o jam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o viz._n the_o father_n beget_v we_o viz._n believer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n ergo_fw-la they_o all_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o beget_v of_o the_o same_o seed_n be_v brethren_n to_o each_o other_o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o viz._n christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o receive_v christ_n the_o same_o way_n be_v alike_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o like_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2._o 12._o i_o will_v declare_v say_v christ_n thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la if_o christ_n do_v own_o believer_n before_o god_n as_o his_o brethren_n shall_v they_o not_o own_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o spirit_n be_v bind_v to_o become_v one_o body_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v unite_v together_o as_o member_n one_o of_o another_o ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o if_o all_o these_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o and_o to_o all_o believer_n than_o all_o believer_n be_v unite_v unto_o each_o other_o by_o they_o and_o woe_n be_v to_o such_o that_o by_o their_o division_n give_v the_o world_n cause_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o body_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o spirit_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o hope_n nor_o one_o lord_n nor_o one_o faith_n nor_o one_o baptism_n but_o many_o nor_o one_o god_n but_o many_o gal._n 4._o 26._o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v free_a the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o we_o be_v of_o one_o father_n and_o mother_n then_o undeniable_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n ergo_fw-la such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o their_o fellowship_n to_o impart_v to_o each_o other_o matter_n of_o full_a joy_n by_o mutual_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n by_o mutual_a bowel_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o they_o must_v study_v unity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o love_n phil._n 3._o 16._o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v already_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n ergo_fw-la brethren_n though_o not_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v agree_v ephes_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long_a suffering_n for_o bear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o call_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v to_o practice_v mutual_a forbearance_n to_o the_o end_n that_o unity_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o such_o as_o mind_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n have_v therein_o renounce_v their_o call_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 22._o see_v you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o ergo_fw-la one_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v affectionate_o express_v our_o love_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o these_o place_n we_o see_v what_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n be_v among_o true_a christian_n and_o what_o the_o duty_n thereof_o be_v but_o if_o neither_o this_o law_n nor_o the_o duty_n thereof_o be_v at_o all_o regard_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o christian_n be_v it_o not_o either_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o that_o they_o indeed_o be_v not_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o needs_o will_v be_v count_v such_o be_v it_o not_o then_o before_o the_o world_n a_o testimony_n against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o among_o we_o what_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v viz._n the_o way_n of_o true_a love_n and_o peace_n therefore_o the_o great_a character_n of_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n serious_o in_o these_o time_n of_o universal_a strife_n wherein_o all_o pretend_v more_o than_o other_o unto_o christ_n namely_o this_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o himself_o joh._n 13._o 35._o hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o from_o whence_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o if_o you_o have_v no_o love_n one_o to_o another_o by_o this_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v not_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v we_o
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
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
not_o deceive_v ourselves_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a dogmatic_a know_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o will_v approve_v we_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n there_o must_v be_v a_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o and_o this_o practice_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o for_o herein_o we_o shall_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v dear_a 2._o ephes_n 5_o 1_o 2._o child_n and_o follower_n of_o god_n because_o the_o new_a commandment_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o john_n 13._o 34._o be_v this_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o and_o john_n his_o belove_a disciple_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o john_n 3._o 14._o from_o whence_o he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o place_n infer_v this_o consequence_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n abide_v in_o death_n let_v therefore_o no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n none_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o truth_n but_o he_o that_o love_v the_o brethren_n if_o then_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v to_o esteem_v one_o another_o true_o brethren_n because_o full_o unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o one_o towards_o another_o as_o it_o become_v the_o brethren_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o each_o other_o in_o christ_n if_o i_o say_v we_o can_v make_v these_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o undoubted_a duty_n than_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o mind_n not_o at_o all_o this_o distinguish_a duty_n but_o continue_v to_o walk_v offensive_o in_o strife_n with_o every_o one_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n will_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v void_a of_o truth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v sincere_a will_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o show_v themselves_o zealous_a in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o all_o those_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n no_o less_o themselves_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o second_o assertion_n concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n in_o general_n by_o unity_n we_o mean_v the_o concurrence_n of_o man_n judgement_n affection_n and_o action_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n by_o forbearance_n we_o mean_v the_o refrain_v from_o uncharitable_a and_o unkindly_a affection_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o another_o in_o some_o thing_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o he_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o act_v about_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o term_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o determine_v the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o he_o owe_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n as_o then_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o unity_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n according_a to_o that_o of_o abraham_n unto_o letoy_n let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o for_o we_o 8._o gen._n 13._o 8._o be_v brethren_n so_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o forbearance_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o some_o unity_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o unity_n at_o all_o if_o ever_o the_o disunit_a party_n come_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o one_o another_o there_o no_o forbearance_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v some_o unity_n because_o there_o also_o will_v be_v some_o concurrence_n therefore_o there_o will_v needs_o follow_v thereupon_o some_o restraint_n of_o strife_n which_o be_v a_o forbearance_n for_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o then_o thing_n whole_o opposite_a can_v possible_o agree_v to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o their_o opposition_n do_v lie_v when_o they_o be_v be_v to_o act_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n no_o more_o than_o thing_n agree_v can_v intend_v to_o oppose_v and_o destroy_v each_o other_o in_o that_o wherein_o their_o agreement_n do_v lie_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o man_n spirit_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o opposition_n and_o agreement_n when_o either_o of_o these_o be_v fundamental_a for_o as_o in_o case_n of_o opposition_n the_o apostle_n do_v argue_v thus_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o balial_a so_o in_o case_n of_o agreement_n he_o argue_v in_o like_a manner_n thus_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 21._o 26._o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o again_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o so_o then_o all_o forbearance_n from_o strife_n and_o opposition_n must_v proceed_v from_o the_o presupposal_n of_o some_o unity_n and_o where_o no_o unity_n be_v presuppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o forbearance_n therefore_o before_o we_o can_v speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o forbearance_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o term_n of_o our_o agreement_n to_o see_v how_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a these_o will_v be_v find_v chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n by_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v why_o not_o regard_v and_o wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v regard_v the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o make_v enquiry_n at_o this_o time_n be_v this_o whether_o yea_o or_o no_o the_o term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v count_v orthodox_n and_o godly_a have_v already_o attain_v be_v not_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v brethren_n if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o term_n of_o their_o unity_n be_v such_o than_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o as_o it_o become_v brethren_n which_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o many_o be_v very_o slight_o or_o not_o at_o all_o perform_v now_o to_o resolve_v the_o question_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o which_o make_v man_n full_o and_o satisfactory_o brethren_n in_o christ_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o true_o find_v in_o they_o although_o by_o many_o of_o they_o not_o at_o all_o regard_v we_o shall_v say_v then_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v assert_v if_o such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n be_v what_o the_o term_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o same_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o then_o they_o have_v attain_v already_o unto_o that_o unity_n which_o be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v brethren_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v thus_o be_v 〈…〉_o ten_o that_o they_o have_v this_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o these_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o their_o religious_a profession_n therefore_o the_o unity_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o to_o be_v brethren_n to_o these_o three_o head_n then_o the_o particular_a term_n of_o their_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v viz._n 1._o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n beget_v they_o to_o himself_o 2._o to_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religious_a walk_n that_o if_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o the_o unity_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v be_v find_v full_o satisfactory_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o mutual_a acknowledgement_n of_o brotherhood_n then_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o may_v not_o any_o long_o be_v hold_v
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
the_o glory_n of_o god_n now_o christ_n receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n by_o a_o great_a condescension_n unto_o our_o weakness_n study_v not_o to_o please_v himself_o but_o we_o to_o our_o good_a therefore_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o yield_v unto_o each_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o than_o some_o condescension_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o requisite_a compare_v with_o this_o that_o which_o be_v further_o to_o this_o purpose_n deliver_v concern_v christ_n phil._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o and_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o to_o press_v further_o the_o point_n which_o in_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v let_v we_o consider_v the_o precept_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12._o 16._o and_o his_o own_o practice_n which_o he_o set_v before_o we_o elsewhere_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o a_o example_n of_o that_o rule_n the_o precept_n be_v this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o â—â—wards_n another_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o mâ—n_z of_o low_a estate_n or_o to_o mean_a thing_n be_v not_o wise_a in_o your_o own_o conoâ—its_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v like_o mind_a towards_o each_o other_o in_o love_n and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o perform_v this_o take_v heed_n to_o your_o thought_n that_o you_o neither_o affect_v high_a matter_n wherein_o natural_o man_n use_v to_o please_v themselves_o nor_o that_o you_o be_v in_o love_n with_o your_o own_o wisdom_n but_o study_n rather_o to_o make_v your_o mind_n pliable_a and_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o condescend_v to_o man_n and_o matter_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a for_o except_v you_o all_o resolve_n upon_o this_o you_o can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o so_o than_o we_o see_v that_o some_o condescension_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o whole_o requisite_a to_o maintain_v love_n and_o unity_n and_o resist_v pride_n and_o self-love_n whence_o strife_n and_o confusion_n do_v proceed_v answerable_a unto_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o apostle_n own_o practice_n mention_v 1_o cor._n 9_o for_o our_o imitation_n for_o there_o from_o the_o first_o verse_n till_o the_o 19_o he_o show_v that_o although_o he_o have_v a_o full_a right_a to_o take_v maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o his_o service_n do_v to_o they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o condescend_v rather_o for_o their_o weakness_n sake_n to_o make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o charge_n unto_o they_o lest_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o abuse_v his_o power_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o then_o to_o prevent_v a_o inconveniency_n he_o do_v condescend_v to_o quit_v his_o right_n to_o a_o benefit_n and_o a_o conveniency_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v lawful_o enjoy_v but_o then_o from_o vers_n 19_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o another_o kind_n of_o condescension_n wherein_o he_o do_v exercise_v himself_o and_o which_o he_o relate_v that_o he_o may_v therein_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o which_o be_v this_o that_o although_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n yeâ—_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o servant_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o verse_n 19_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n verse_n 20._o to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n â—â—_o without_o law_n though_o he_o be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n verse_n 21._o to_o the_o weak_a he_o become_v as_o weak_a and_o he_o make_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o hâ—â—_n may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o verse_n 22._o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o for_o his_o own_o good_a also_o in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o every_o one_o in_o every_o condition_n verse_n 23._o second_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v himself_o in_o a_o fit_a temper_n of_o spirit_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o call_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o prize_n and_o so_o to_o fight_v as_o not_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o air_n verse_n 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o three_o that_o he_o may_v be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o body_n lest_o if_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n he_o may_v be_v sound_n himself_o a_o reprobate_n after_o all_o his_o pain_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o other_o verse_n 27._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v make_v this_o not_o only_o a_o duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a but_o in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n even_o so_o far_o that_o without_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o gain_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o the_o gospel_n noâ—_n partake_v full_o of_o the_o gospel_n himself_o nor_o â—ee_n in_o a_o temper_n so_o to_o run_v and_o strive_v as_o to_o gain_v his_o incorruptible_a crown_n before_o other_o nor_o at_o last_o escape_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v a_o castaway_n although_o he_o have_v painful_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o other_o from_o all_o which_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o study_n of_o condescension_n chief_o in_o a_o minister_n with_o who_o i_o be_o now_o deal_v be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o very_a great_a importance_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n not_o only_o to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o practice_n but_o to_o seek_v out_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o our_o conversation_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v order_v aright_o for_o see_v in_o every_o duty_n there_o be_v some_o rule_n and_o in_o this_o of_o condescension_n because_o none_o do_v set_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o look_v into_o see_v also_o none_o ought_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o presume_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n unto_o other_o but_o all_o shall_v rather_o in_o all_o humility_n search_v after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o hold_v forth_o in_o simplicity_n that_o which_o god_n do_v teach_v they_o and_o they_o find_v profitable_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o therefore_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o unto_o this_o search_n and_o offer_v that_o which_o we_o suppose_v neither_o side_n will_v except_v against_o and_o yet_o may_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a directory_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o condescension_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o a_o forbearance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o division_n we_o shall_v say_v then_o that_o to_o find_v out_o without_o difficulty_n the_o rule_n of_o condescension_n towards_o a_o forbearance_n three_o thing_n shall_v be_v reflect_v upon_o 1_o that_o wherein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o yield_v 2_o that_o wherein_o there_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a yield_v 3_o that_o which_o may_v draw_v forth_o and_o oblige_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o yield_v concern_v the_o first_o there_o can_v be_v nor_o condescension_n propose_v which_o shall_v oblige_v any_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n for_o no_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v to_o profess_v any_o untruth_n or_o transact_v to_o relinquish_v his_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v esteem_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o right_n i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v condescend_v to_o relinquish_v his_o opinion_n or_o his_o challenge_n of_o a_o right_a to_o a_o privilege_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o right_n can_v edify_v no_o man_n but_o disedifie_v both_o ourselves_o and_o other_o if_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o profess_o give_v up_o a_o man_n may_v dispense_v with_o a_o truth_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n or_o at_o all_o time_n because_o they_o can_v bear_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o seasonable_a for_o edification_n to_o speak_v all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o christ_n example_n john_n 16._o 12._o and_o the_o apostle_n practice_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o rule_n matth._n 7._o 6._o and_o rom._n 14._o 1._o and_o concern_v a_o point_n of_o right_a a_o man_n may_v dispense_v with_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v 1_o cor._n 9_o but_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o yield_v himself_o oblige_v to_o deny_v any_o truth_n or_o not_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v oppose_v
their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o transgression_n for_o if_o the_o very_a vocation_n wherewith_o all_o the_o professor_n 3._o ephe._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v unto_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o far_o more_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o minister_n to_o intend_v before_o other_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n in_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v compact_v in_o their_o station_n to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o chief_a joint_n of_o these_o member_n be_v more_o especial_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o compact_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n but_o how_o far_o they_o be_v not_o only_o distant_a from_o this_o conjunction_n but_o have_v even_o a_o aversion_n unto_o it_o i_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o mention_v the_o thing_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n nor_o shall_v i_o search_v at_o who_o door_n the_o fault_n do_v principal_o lie_v whether_o here_o or_o there_o for_o i_o know_v that_o every_o one_o will_v justify_v his_o own_o proceed_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v free_o say_v and_o i_o say_v it_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v without_o offence_n to_o either_o side_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o affection_n and_o of_o endeavour_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o very_a fundamental_o thereof_o and_o guilt_n the_o sinful_a misery_n follow_v upon_o this_o guilt_n when_o we_o all_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o fight_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o life_n that_o i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o animositie_n prevail_v and_o so_o small_a a_o sense_n of_o christianity_n in_o common_a duty_n and_o of_o imminent_a danger_n find_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o move_v any_o to_o compassionate_v one_o another_o calamity_n far_o less_o to_o draw_v any_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o stand_v unite_v for_o each_o other_o conservation_n that_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o do_v true_o mourn_v and_o not_o rejoice_v rather_o at_o his_o opposite_n party_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o rejoice_v at_o iniquity_n where_o be_v he_o that_o do_v 6._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 6._o seek_v to_o heal_v breach_n upon_o common_a principle_n and_o without_o a_o particular_a interest_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v 5._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 5._o not_o seek_v itself_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v blow_v a_o retreat_n from_o the_o battle_n and_o seek_v for_o a_o cessation_n from_o needless_a and_o injurious_a controversy_n who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v endeavour_v a_o through_o and_o unprejudicate_v reconciliation_n and_o who_o dare_v own_o a_o treaty_n for_o mutual_a condescension_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v cast_v off_o or_o fall_v upon_o by_o his_o brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o we_o be_v serious_o exhort_v even_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o let_v our_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o that_o we_o be_v 18._o phil._n 4._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 22._o rom._n 12._o 18._o express_o command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n our_o duty_n to_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o every_o one_o for_o their_o edification_n sake_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o still_o justify_v ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o all_o these_o rule_n no_o sure_o for_o to_o cover_v or_o to_o excuse_v this_o fault_n will_v aggravate_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o to_o discover_v or_o condemn_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v pardon_n for_o it_o but_o to_o reform_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v that_o only_a which_o in_o this_o case_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v forsake_v let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o resolve_v effectual_o upon_o a_o course_n of_o reformation_n our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n be_v this_o breach_n of_o christian_a unity_n the_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v carnal_a self-seeking_a disorderly_a controversy_n and_o the_o want_n of_o true_a brotherly_a inclination_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a bond_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brotherhood_n take_v up_o among_o we_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o cause_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v self-deniall_n from_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v nor_o let_v our_o voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o 20._o matth._n 12._o 19_o 20._o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v one_o another_o to_o exhort_v 24._o heb._n 10._o 24._o and_o provoke_v each_o other_o unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n now_o to_o move_v we_o effectual_o hereunto_o next_o unto_o the_o express_a and_o know_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v before_o all_o other_o the_o great_a of_o inducement_n i_o know_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o powerful_a with_o we_o than_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o doleful_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n genâ—rall_n the_o doleful_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n as_o punishment_n of_o the_o sin_n upon_o all_o in_o genâ—rall_n and_o distemper_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o distance_n for_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n the_o inward_a substance_n of_o the_o profession_n be_v not_o regard_v whilst_o we_o contend_v for_o circumstantial_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o go_v about_o our_o work_n the_o main_a of_o the_o work_n be_v lest_o undo_v and_o whilst_o for_o temporal_a jealousy_n about_o small_a matter_n brethren_n uphold_v no_o spiritual_a correspondency_n satan_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n have_v get_v this_o advantage_n against_o we_o that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v become_v doubtful_a unto_o very_o many_o and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o comfort_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n unto_o all_o and_o if_o we_o will_v observe_v particular_n we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o among_o other_o thing_n by_o this_o way_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n he_o have_v prevail_v chief_o in_o this_o that_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o orderly_a ministry_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o oppose_v most_o universal_o for_o to_o abolish_v the_o work_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o about_o which_o under_o several_a pretence_n all_o his_o agent_n on_o all_o hand_n be_v most_o earnest_o employ_v and_o by_o their_o mean_n all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o order_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n be_v already_o unsettle_a and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o state_n be_v almost_o quite_o overthrow_v for_o by_o and_o upon_o some_o principle_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o new_a light_n it_o be_v free_a for_o every_o one_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n without_o control_n or_o give_v account_n thereof_o unto_o any_o this_o licentious_a freedom_n do_v lead_v they_o that_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o their_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o rail_v of_o bitterness_n of_o envy_n of_o contradiction_n and_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o oppose_v and_o censure_v other_o do_v increase_v strife_n and_o hatred_n and_o multiply_v scandal_n infinite_o all_o which_o bring_v forth_o the_o woe_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o for_o to_o rail_v and_o calumniate_v without_o shame_n be_v become_v the_o very_a trade_n of_o many_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_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
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