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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n know_v life_n word_n 4,104 5 3.9680 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n unto_o we_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v any_o blame_n where_o we_o be_v find_v defective_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o strict_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v or_o whereof_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v capable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n until_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v it_o be_v our_o desire_n to_o manage_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o own_o light_n and_o apprehension_n without_o anger_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_a speak_v or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a in_o ourselves_o or_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o other_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o for_o the_o spiritual_a prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n for_o its_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o they_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v we_o not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o about_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v singular_o suit_v to_o the_o furtherance_n and_o preservation_n of_o union_n and_o due_a order_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v by_o any_o unto_o their_o renunciation_n but_o our_o main_a design_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o with_o they_o may_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bequeath_v unto_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o we_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o mention_v neither_o to_o boast_v of_o nor_o yet_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o but_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v our_o conviction_n concern_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o may_v there_o any_o sedate_n peaceable_a unprejudicate_a endeavour_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v for_o the_o allay_n of_o all_o occasional_a distemper_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o all_o difference_n among_o they_o who_o belong_v to_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o these_o nation_n not_o only_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o also_o agree_v and_o consent_n in_o all_o way_n and_o act_n of_o religious_a communion_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o manifest_v that_o no_o rigid_a adherence_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o conception_n of_o our_o own_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n allow_v a_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n no_o delight_n in_o singularity_n no_o prejudice_n against_o person_n or_o thing_n shall_v obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o own_v it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v and_o seek_v after_o peace_n unity_n consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o holy_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o those_o who_o by_o a_o regular_a profession_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v and_o will_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n renounce_v every_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o communion_n or_o direct_o or_o indirect_o be_v in_o its_o self_n obstructive_a of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o its_o outward_a profession_n as_o constitutive_a of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o denomination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a whereunto_o they_o all_o universal_o belong_v who_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o under_o the_o limitation_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o profession_n and_o thereby_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o evil_a and_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o in_o common_a use_n the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o on_o other_o account_v many_o who_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o profession_n that_o they_o make_v may_v just_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o world_n or_o of_o it_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n call_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o his_o time_n 25._o the_o world_n say_v he_o hate_v i_o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o thereby_o intend_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n beside_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n evince_v it_o he_o put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o testimony_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n concern_v their_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a hatred_n namely_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n 19_o be_v part_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n only_o now_o he_o thus_o term_v they_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o especial_o their_o ruler_n although_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n yet_o be_v not_o only_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n but_o also_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n in_o who_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o hence_o a_o general_n rule_n be_v establish_v that_o what_o profession_n soever_o any_o man_n do_v make_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o what_o church_n soever_o they_o do_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a in_o their_o life_n and_o persecuter_n of_o such_o as_o be_v better_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v real_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o will_v perish_v without_o repentance_n these_o be_v they_o who_o receive_v on_o they_o a_o form_n or_o delineation_n of_o godliness_n do_v yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o from_o who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o but_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o who_o in_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o infidel_n world_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v total_o reject_v or_o to_o who_o it_o be_v never_o tender_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o who_o throughout_o the_o world_n outward_o own_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o that_o love_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o they_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o be_v require_v of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n consist_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o this_o consideration_n that_o be_v as_o catholic_n and_o visible_o profess_v and_o in_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v require_v as_o the_o principle_n animate_v that_o communion_n and_o render_v it_o acceptable_a mutual_a love_n with_o its_o occasional_a exercise_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o common_a profession_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o open_o reject_v the_o principal_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o deny_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o use_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n as_o also_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n and_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o know_a community_n of_o these_o professor_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o own_o so_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n concern_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o hereon_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o real_o belong_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n election_n who_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v unto_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v maintain_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n or_o among_o any_o people_n among_o who_o there_o be_v none_o who_o he_o have_v design_v to_o bring_v
will_v that_o answer_v our_o duty_n or_o give_v we_o peace_n in_o our_o latter_a end_n shall_v we_o profess_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v what_o we_o desire_v shall_v we_o then_o escape_v the_o severe_a censure_n as_o of_o person_n incline_v to_o schism_n and_o division_n yea_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v look_v on_o this_o as_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n that_o any_o can_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o presb._n and_o in_o report_v the_o memorial_n of_o former_a time_n some_o of_o they_o have_v charge_v all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n that_o have_v befall_v their_o church_n to_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n of_o this_o principle_n endeavour_v reformation_n according_a unto_o model_n of_o their_o own_o without_o separation_n and_o can_v we_o conscientious_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o especial_o under_o present_a jealousy_n and_o exasperation_n escape_v the_o same_o condemnation_n that_o other_o before_o we_o have_v undergo_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o some_o which_o may_v teach_v they_o that_o their_o measure_n be_v not_o authentic_a and_o they_o may_v learn_v moderation_n towards_o they_o who_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o security_n they_o meet_v withal_o from_o those_o that_o do_v out_o go_v they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o which_o alone_o seem_v to_o remain_v proceed_v yet_o far_o and_o make_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n concern_v the_o constitution_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o come_v over_o unto_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o its_o ruler_n thereon_o yea_o this_o be_v that_o say_v some_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o and_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o our_o difference_n and_o division_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o any_o thing_n or_o way_n right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a will_v promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o appear_v so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o season_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o that_o will_v make_v such_o agreement_n durable_a or_o useful_a and_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o inquiry_n mere_o after_o peace_n but_o after_o peace_n with_o truth_n yea_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o disquisition_n after_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o and_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o exclude_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o provide_v only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o at_o present_a lay_v a_o prohibition_n on_o our_o conscience_n against_o the_o compliance_n propose_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v neither_o will_v we_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v we_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o few_o only_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o in_o many_o that_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n own_v among_o we_o upon_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n nor_o that_o consent_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o it_o that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o submit_v unto_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o invite_v any_o dissentor_n to_o a_o through_o conformity_n unto_o it_o that_o there_o be_v daily_a inroad_n make_v upon_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o control_v from_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a conservator_n of_o it_o until_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a yet_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v waste_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v and_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o own_o that_o we_o can_v conform_v to_o armianism_n socinianism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o with_o what_o new_a or_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v blend_v and_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a person_n when_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n we_o shall_v know_v the_o better_a how_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v wave_v all_o such_o consideration_n and_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o will_v this_o give_v we_o a_o universal_o pleadable_a acquitment_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o want_n of_o love_n schism_n and_o division_n we_o shall_v indeed_o possible_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o a_o few_o cry_v out_o sectary_n fanatic_n schismatic_n church-dividers_a but_o withal_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o great_a and_o at_o present_a thrive_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o suppose_a crime_n and_o sure_o enough_o we_o be_v that_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o real_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v amongst_o christian_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v yield_v we_o no_o solid_a relief_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o schism_n and_o this_o sufficient_o manifest_v how_o little_a indeed_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o steam_n of_o interest_n and_o party_n it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_a that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o real_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n we_o suffer_v under_o nor_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o pursue_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o what_o one_o sort_n require_v of_o we_o anonother_n will_v instant_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v not_o influence_v by_o custom_n prejudices_fw-la and_o secular_a advantage_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o to_o seek_v in_o sincerity_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o approve_v of_o our_o heart_n unto_o the_o search_n of_o they_o in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o our_o own_o especial_a duty_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o will_v neither_o deceive_v we_o nor_o fail_v we_o and_o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o we_o shall_v now_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o follow_v truth_n with_o peace_n chap._n ii_o commendation_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n their_o proper_a object_n with_o their_o geniral_n rule_n and_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n allow_v not_o salvation_n unto_o any_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o outward_a worship_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o discourse_n may_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n and_o thereon_o we_o may_v easy_o enlarge_v as_o also_o abound_v in_o a_o collection_n of_o testimony_n confirm_v our_o assertion_n but_o the_o old_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o who_o ever_o be_v they_o discommend_v evidence_v a_o labour_n therein_o to_o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a we_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v who_o from_o the_o condition_n whereunto_o at_o present_a we_o be_v drive_v and_o necessitate_v do_v suppose_v that_o we_o value_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possible_o by_o such_o as_o have_v accommodate_v their_o name_n and_o notion_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o who_o point_n their_o plea_n about_o they_o and_o their_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n but_o as_o for_o a_o real_a valuation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v not_o willing_o be_v find_v to_o come_v behind_o any_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o
since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o know_v no_o place_n nor_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n have_v be_v preach_v with_o more_o diligence_n power_n and_o evidence_n for_o conviction_n nor_o where_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a success_n or_o acceptation_n those_o therefore_o who_o perish_v among_o we_o do_v not_o do_v so_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o a_o right_a belief_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o for_o their_o own_o personal_a infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n public_o admit_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n as_o shall_v direct_o or_o absolute_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n encourage_v in_o a_o state_n or_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o deprive_v of_o due_a advantage_n to_o far_a their_o spiritual_a good_a or_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n in_o religion_n neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o tend_v to_o their_o own_o edification_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o eternal_a ruin_n be_v great_o incumbent_a on_o themselves_o to_o consider_v unto_o this_o catholic_n church_n we_o owe_v all_o christian_a love_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o both_o towards_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o particular_a member_n as_o we_o have_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o it_o this_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o notion_n under_o consideration_n for_o any_o failure_n herein_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o charge_v by_o any_o person_n of_o modesty_n or_o sobriety_n the_o reflection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a by_o some_o on_o the_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v or_o own_v do_v fall_n as_o severe_o on_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o least_o until_o within_o a_o few_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o they_o do_v on_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o own_o any_o especial_a concernment_n in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v public_o discountenance_v by_o other_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n eternal_a decree_n justification_n by_o faith_n the_o loss_n of_o original_a grace_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n that_o we_o say_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n public_o teach_v and_o own_v among_o we_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n will_v receive_v any_o great_a damage_n by_o the_o impotent_a assault_n of_o some_o few_o especial_o consider_v their_o mannagement_n of_o those_o assault_n by_o tale_n rail_v and_o ralliery_a to_o the_o last_a reproach_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o providence_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o particular_a church_n these_o at_o present_a be_v of_o many_o sort_n or_o be_v esteem_v so_o to_o be_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v sundry_a solemn_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v observe_v joint_o by_o his_o disciple_n unto_o his_o honour_n and_o their_o edification_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o such_o society_n community_n or_o assembly_n of_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v due_o perform_v but_o in_o and_o by_o such_o society_n so_o some_o of_o they_o do_v either_o express_v the_o union_n love_n and_o common_a hope_n that_o be_v among_o they_o or_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o king_n ruler_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n all_o person_n belong_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a society_n and_o become_v as_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o several_a fold_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o great_a shepherd_n and_o the_o respective_a conduct_n of_o those_o employ_v under_o he_o and_o this_o conjunction_n of_o professor_n in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o sacred_a worship_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o institution_n for_o their_o edification_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o accident_n or_o mere_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o common_a providence_n but_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n in_o they_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n by_o some_o this_o duty_n be_v more_o express_o attend_v unto_o than_o by_o other_o and_o by_o some_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v for_o neither_o antecedent_o nor_o consequential_o unto_o such_o their_o conjunction_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o nor_o what_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n they_o go_v in_o these_o thing_n with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v confound_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o these_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o walk_v irregular_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_n or_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o will_v they_o in_o their_o least_o secular_a concernment_n behave_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o regardlesness_n ot_fw-mi negligence_n for_o however_o their_o lot_n previous_o unto_o their_o own_o choice_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o place_n or_o society_n they_o will_v make_v a_o after-judgment_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n either_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o station_n or_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o but_o a_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n regulate_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v by_o many_o deny_v and_o by_o most_o neglect_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mere_a effect_n of_o their_o political_a distribution_n by_o civil_a law_n aim_v principal_o at_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o civil_a distribution_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o assembly_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n institute_v and_o appoint_v such_o society_n they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a disadvantage_n unto_o true_a church-communion_n and_o love_n the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a and_o hence_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o next_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n great_a peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n for_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v and_o plant_v alike_o according_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n all_o regulate_v and_o order_v by_o the_o same_o common_a rule_n man_n have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o after-age_n and_o which_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o noisome_a foolish_a fantastical_a opinion_n vent_v by_o impostor_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n abhor_v but_o on_o various_a occasion_n and_o by_o sundry_a degree_n there_o come_v to_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o these_o particular_a church_n appoint_v for_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o
building_n and_o unsafe_a unto_o its_o self_n or_o like_o a_o dead_a mortify_v part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o neither_o receive_v any_o vital_a influence_n from_o the_o head_n nor_o administer_v nourishment_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o church_n union_n and_o division_n with_o what_o be_v plead_v about_o their_o nature_n and_o cause_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o consideration_n have_v thereof_o yea_o those_o thing_n be_v principal_o insist_v on_o for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o one_o atd_v the_o according_a of_o the_o other_o which_o cast_v a_o neglect_n yea_o a_o contempt_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v the_o romanist_n who_o make_v the_o great_a outcry_n about_o church_n union_n and_o who_o make_v the_o great_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v but_o hereunto_o they_o contend_v express_o on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v spiritual_o and_o save_o unite_v unto_o christ._n other_o also_o place_v it_o in_o various_a instance_n of_o conformity_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_v of_o man_n which_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v they_o be_v wondrous_a cold_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o this_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o where_o any_o one_o be_v interest_v in_o this_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n he_o may_v demand_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v unless_o in_o case_n of_o some_o present_a offence_n or_o scandal_n and_o those_o by_o who_o such_o person_n be_v reject_v from_o communion_n to_o be_v hold_v on_o gospel_n term_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n not_o entrench_v on_o this_o foundation_n do_v exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o this_o be_v want_v man_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o term_n or_o condition_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o obtain_n of_o church-communion_n thereon_o will_v be_v of_o little_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n second_o unto_o this_o foundation_n of_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n for_o and_o unto_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o there_o be_v require_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o lord_n so_o also_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n unto_o believer_n and_o this_o arise_v from_o and_o follow_v the_o other_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v thereunto_o and_o however_o by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n they_o may_v fall_v in_o it_o or_o from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n as_o do_v peter_n yet_o through_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o recover_v now_o unto_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o a_o precise_a and_o express_a professio_fw-la 1_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o we_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o a_o consent_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v of_o the_o number_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o fundamental_a truth_n who_o express_a acknowledgement_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o other_o as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v their_o own_o necessity_n all_o conduce_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o we_o live_v unto_o god_n second_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o duty_n 5._o every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v 15_o do_v follow_v peace_n and_o love_n with_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v than_o he_o be_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n do_v never_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o precise_a conception_n of_o all_o reveal_v object_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o mean_n of_o revelation_n will_v allow_v such_o a_o unity_n to_o be_v moral_o possible_a and_o the_o figment_n of_o supply_v this_o variety_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o herein_o faith_n be_v consider_v as_o profess_v and_o no_o man_n can_v make_v profession_n of_o what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v therefore_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o joint_a belief_n of_o necessary_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v with_o respect_n unto_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o difference_n may_v arise_v yet_o be_v not_o this_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o christian_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o fundamental_o or_o confine_v their_o scripture_n inquiry_n unto_o they_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n 12._o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o into_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v 16._o yea_o to_o inquire_v with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o advantage_n with_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o light_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o 17._o into_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 11._o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o instructor_n of_o other_o by_o who_o this_o be_v neglect_v who_o take_v up_o with_o a_o superficiary_a knowledge_n of_o general_a principle_n and_o those_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v a_o coincidence_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v but_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o over_o who_o they_o usurp_v a_o charge_n and_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o title_n and_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n that_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o explain_v confirm_v and_o vindicate_v any_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v wherein_o other_o differ_v from_o we_o provide_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v do_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n yea_o our_o so_o do_v be_v one_o principal_a mean_n of_o minister_a nourishment_n unto_o the_o body_n whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v increase_v as_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o this_o what_o contending_n fight_n destruction_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n upon_o variety_n of_o judgement_n about_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n three_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n that_o whereby_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o and_o which_o render_v all_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o this_o unity_n useful_a unto_o they_o and_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n before_o so_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v a_o actual_a influence_n into_o gospel_n unity_n among_o christian_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n for_o first_o it_o work_v effectual_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o contribution_n of_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o help_v of_o obedience_n unto_o other_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o in_o who_o this_o love_n dwell_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n call_v and_o opportunity_n which_o make_v up_o his_o measure_n will_v communicate_v the_o spiritual_a supply_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o other_o by_o instruction_n exhortation_n consolation_n and_o example_n unto_o their_o edification_n this_o he_o will_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o love_n namely_o to_o testify_v a_o joint_a relation_n unto_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o all_o and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o supply_n of_o life_n
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
utter_o cease_v and_o become_v disuse_v hence_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n begin_v to_o converse_v together_o as_o man_n only_o or_o at_o the_o best_a civil_a neighbour_n and_o if_o at_o all_o as_o christian_n yet_o not_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o especial_a relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n 20._o wherein_o their_o usefulness_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o organical_a body_n be_v require_v hence_o some_o person_n look_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o intolerable_a and_o not_o only_o obstructive_a of_o their_o edification_n but_o destructive_a unto_o all_o real_o useful_a church-communion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o themselves_o not_o that_o we_o approve_v of_o every_o departure_n or_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n where_o thing_n continue_v under_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o occasion_v many_o so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o there_o may_v sometime_o be_v just_a cause_n hereof_o and_o person_n in_o so_o do_v may_v manage_v what_o they_o do_v according_a unto_o scripture-rule_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o may_v rash_o and_o precipitately_a without_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o in_o such_o undertake_n be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o no_o circumstance_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o unblamable_a separation_n and_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o general_a cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o will_v not_o much_o cleave_v unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n and_o maintain_v be_v worth_a your_o enquiry_n for_o so_o do_v it_o befall_v our_o humane_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o by_o various_a pretence_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o those_o be_v oftentimes_o high_o guilty_a themselves_o of_o those_o miscarriage_n who_o chief_a satisfaction_n and_o glory_n consist_v in_o charge_v they_o on_o other_o however_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o absolute_o justify_v any_o in_o a_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n where_o unto_o they_o do_v relate_v yet_o they_o render_v the_o matter_n so_o high_o questionable_a and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o burdensome_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o as_o that_o division_n will_v thereon_o undoubted_o ensue_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o to_o design_n and_o contrive_v the_o reduction_n of_o all_o unto_o outward_a unity_n and_o concord_n by_o force_v they_o who_o on_o such_o occasion_n have_v dissent_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n without_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o occasion_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n which_o have_v give_v cause_n thereunto_o be_v severe_a if_o not_o unjust_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v these_o and_o the_o like_a stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o will_v we_o hope_v be_v a_o full_a return_n unto_o gospel-unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n of_o man_n do_v interpose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o increase_n and_o heighten_v of_o those_o division_n who_o spring_n and_o occasion_n lie_v elsewhere_o when_o none_o of_o these_o provocation_n be_v give_v they_o 11._o yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o professor_n themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o difference_n and_o schism_n 3_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a fruit_n and_o effect_n from_o the_o like_a principle_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n now_o the_o occasion_n of_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v more_o temptation_n unto_o they_o great_a direction_n against_o they_o less_o evident_a and_o powerful_a and_o all_o sense_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n through_o its_o abuse_n and_o maladministration_n be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o ruin_v yet_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unmortified_a affection_n as_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n nor_o be_v they_o perfect_o sanctify_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n one_o at_o another_o and_o thereon_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o temerarious_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n thereon_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o worship_n unto_o other_o all_o such_o way_n and_o course_n be_v against_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o union_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o we_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v here_o declare_v but_o that_o it_o fall_v frequent_o under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o hand_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o meet_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n of_o reproof_n only_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o those_o by_o who_o such_o reproof_n be_v manage_v will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o give_v advantage_n of_o retortion_n or_o self-justification_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v by_o they_o but_o this_o they_o do_v avoidable_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v or_o disallow_v in_o what_o complye_v with_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o perverse_a and_o in_o what_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o sincere_a and_o on_o this_o foundation_n whilst_o they_o reprove_v censure_v rash-judging_a and_o reproach_v of_o other_o with_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n irregular_a practice_n in_o church_n worship_n or_o any_o other_o concern_v of_o religion_n backbiting_a easiness_n in_o take_v up_o false_a report_n with_o the_o like_a evil_n as_o they_o deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v rebuke_v those_o reprove_v by_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o see_v the_o guilt_n of_o many_o of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o themselves_o in_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n thing_n gendor_n unto_o far_a strife_n whilst_o every_o party_n be_v conscious_a unto_o their_o own_o sincerity_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o present_a light_n which_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n they_o can_v take_v of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o impeach_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o causeless_o traduce_v and_o condemn_v this_o evil_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o by_o all_o that_o love_n unity_n truth_n holiness_n or_o peace_n and_o see_v there_o be_v rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unmeet_a to_o call_v over_o some_o of_o they_o one_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o import_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o study_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n 11._o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a who_o will_v harm_v man_n who_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o busy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o attempt_n to_o do_v they_o evil_n what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o be_v trouble_v thereat_o duty_n and_o innocency_n will_v give_v peace_n to_o a_o worthy_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o storm_n and_o whatever_o may_v befall_v it_o now_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v or_o can_v they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n to_o seek_v his_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n deny_v this_o unto_o any_o man_n and_o you_o put_v yourself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o more_o miserable_a than_o a_o beast_n and_o this_o which_o no_o man_n can_v forbid_v no_o man_n can_v otherwise_o do_v than_o according_a to_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o attend_v to_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o concern_v of_o other_o nor_o disturb_v they_o in_o what_o be_v they_o but_o be_v carry_v on_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o with_o a_o evidence_n in_o what_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o our_o own_o personal_a duty_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o all_o cause_n of_o offence_n will_v be_v take_v away_o for_o if_o any_o will_v yet_o be_v offend_v
as_o yet_o open_o to_o oppose_v such_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o and_o about_o religious_a concern_v that_o be_v among_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n have_v they_o be_v foment_v and_o increase_v heighten_v they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n and_o as_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o sinful_a fail_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o no_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n of_o person_n will_v give_v a_o full_a relief_n nor_o free_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o division_n until_o the_o principle_n and_o way_n which_o occasion_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n chap._n v._n ground_n and_o reason_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v brief_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o that_o present_a want_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v complain_v of_o by_o many_o we_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a account_n concern_v our_o inconformity_n unto_o and_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o do_v in_o sundry_a thing_n dissent_v from_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o a_o joint_a practice_n with_o other_o in_o they_o it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o hereon_o there_o do_v ensue_v a_o appearance_n of_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o according_a as_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o in_o this_o distance_n and_o difference_n the_o dissent_n unto_o compliance_n be_v on_o our_o part_n there_o be_v a_o semblance_n of_o a_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o your_o communion_n and_o this_o we_o know_v expose_v we_o in_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o necessitate_v we_o unto_o self-defence_n as_o though_o the_o only_a matter_n in_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o evil_a or_o no._n for_o that_o advantage_n have_v all_o church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o fix_v term_n of_o communion_n right_a or_o wrong_n just_a or_o unequal_a the_o difference_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o they_o will_v try_v out_o on_o no_o other_o term_n but_o only_o whether_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o not_o thus_o they_o make_v themselves_o actor_n ofttimes_o in_o this_o cause_n who_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o injury_n and_o a_o trial_n be_v make_v mere_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v causeless_o put_v upon_o their_o purgation_n and_o defence_n yea_o with_o many_o a_o kind_n of_o possession_n and_o multitude_n do_v render_v dissenter_n unquestionable_o schismatical_a so_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o unreasonable_a confidence_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v so_o deal_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reform_v a_o open_a schism_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v sufficient_o fix_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o on_o the_o reform_a by_o confidence_n and_o clamour_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o prepossession_n yet_o as_o if_o they_o they_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a themselves_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o other_o enquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o call_v the_o truth_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o other_o party_n into_o question_n it_o be_v our_o present_a condition_n to_o lie_v under_o this_o charge_n from_o many_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v we_o think_v guilty_a thereof_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o culpable_a secession_n make_v by_o we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n or_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o appear_a schism_n that_o be_v among_o we_o can_v due_o or_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o we_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v make_v to_o appear_v what_o be_v our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o church-state_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o we_o hope_v they_o be_v such_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o impartial_a we_o shall_v be_v relieve_v from_o those_o clamorous_a accusation_n which_o be_v without_o number_n or_o measure_n by_o some_o cast_n upon_o we_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n and_o their_o cause_n from_o among_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o sincerity_n herein_o in_o the_o least_o take_v off_o or_o rend_v from_o we_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a endeavour_n of_o some_o to_o rake_v up_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o shall_v those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v to_o imitate_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o use_v for_o the_o restauration_n of_o unity_n and_o agreement_n unto_o christian_n when_o lose_v or_o endanger_v we_o shall_v not_o decline_v the_o contribution_n of_o any_o assistance_n by_o counsel_n or_o fraternal_a compliance_n which_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o withal_o but_o whilst_o some_o who_o advantage_n render_v they_o considerable_a in_o these_o matter_n seem_v to_o entertain_v no_o other_o thought_n concern_v we_o but_o what_o issue_n in_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o principal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o be_v quiet_o to_o approve_v our_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n we_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n principle_n and_o practice_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o for_o man_n we_o hope_v so_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o as_o that_o none_o may_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o any_o disorder_n vnpeaceableness_n or_o other_o evil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o we_o be_v either_o the_o cause_n or_o culpable_a occasion_n of_o those_o inconvenience_n and_o trouble_n which_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o unto_o by_o their_o endeavour_n for_o our_o disturbance_n impoverish_v and_o ruin_n let_v none_o imagine_v but_o that_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o evil_n and_o evil_a consequent_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o charity_n we_o know_v how_o much_o the_o great_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v impede_v thereby_o as_o also_o what_o prejudice_n arise_v thence_o against_o the_o truth_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v with_o what_o temptation_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o the_o occasion_v of_o many_o sinful_a miscarriage_n in_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v hereon_o ensue_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a unto_o ourselves_o of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o what_o we_o do_v or_o in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o do_v by_o our_o not_o do_v of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o attend_v and_o wherein_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o where_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o circumstance_v as_o that_o duty_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o unity_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o progress_n towards_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v object_v unto_o we_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v be_v our_o nonconformity_n or_o our_o forbearance_n of_o actual_a personal_a communion_n with_o the_o present_a church-constitution_n in_o the_o modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o its_o worship_n hence_o the_o schism_n complain_v of_o do_v ensue_v unless_o this_o communion_n be_v total_a constant_a without_o endeavour_n of_o any_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n we_o can_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n hereof_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v elsewhere_o for_o first_o all_z the_o condition_n of_o absolute_a and_o complete_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o especial_o as_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v vnscriptural_a such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v neither_o warrant_n mention_n nor_o intimate_v especial_o not_o under_o any_o such_o consideration_n
duty_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o authority_n for_o it_o will_v be_v leave_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o be_v allow_v in_o case_n of_o a_o sudden_a emergency_n upon_o a_o offence_n take_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o any_o which_o be_v instruct_v beforehand_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o the_o allow_a exercise_n of_o it_o will_v yield_v no_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v extend_v the_o rule_n beyond_o the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o present_a current_a administration_n of_o church-discipline_n there_o be_v no_o great_a question_n to_o be_v make_v what_o entertainment_n he_o will_v meet_v withal_o for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o go_v out_o again_o and_o if_o instead_o of_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n any_o can_v content_v themselves_o to_o be_v informer_n of_o crime_n unto_o other_o we_o desire_v their_o pardon_n if_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o at_o present_a we_o be_v plead_v about_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o judge_v and_o take_v care_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o charge_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o hereof_o will_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o upon_o the_o neglect_n or_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n consequent_n of_o great_a moment_n do_v depend_v yea_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o it_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n into_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v but_o the_o power_n of_o exercise_v ministerial_a authority_n in_o a_o just_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v renounce_v in_o our_o conformity_n if_o we_o shall_v submit_v thereunto_o for_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o after_o we_o have_v conform_v we_o can_v pretend_v no_o excuse_n from_o what_o be_v enjoin_v we_o or_o forbid_v unto_o we_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o all_o be_v found_v in_o our_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o consent_n hence_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o omission_n must_v whole_o fall_v on_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undergo_v there_o be_v we_o know_v many_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o commit_n of_o this_o power_n and_o trust_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a congregation_n great_a inconvenience_n be_v pretend_v as_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfitness_n of_o most_o minister_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o a_o trust_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o arbitrariness_n and_o partiality_n which_o probable_o other_o will_v exercise_v therein_o the_o yoke_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v on_o the_o people_n thereby_o and_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v usual_o plead_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o insist_v on_o but_o 1._o this_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o some_o or_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o do_v he_o appoint_v nor_o be_v it_o meet_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o his_o own_o presumption_n intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o man_n habitation_n with_o their_o age_n and_o the_o like_a be_v of_o no_o consideration_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o every_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o ignorant_a wicked_a or_o profligate_v to_o impose_v himself_o on_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christian_a religion_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v principal_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o gather_v they_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v into_o that_o church-order_n and_o fellowship_n wherein_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n or_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o this_o course_n of_o proceed_v continue_v uninterrupted_a with_o some_o little_a variation_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o duty_n until_o corruption_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o still_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o in_o the_o papal_a church_n itself_o to_o this_o day_n particular_a confessor_n be_v esteem_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o meetness_n of_o their_o penitent_n for_o a_o admission_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n of_o their_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v now_o be_v esteem_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o succeed_v in_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o church-society_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o unheard_a of_o in_o antiquity_n that_o those_o who_o dispense_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o disposal_n as_o to_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n so_o it_o be_v as_o uncouth_a that_o those_o who_o now_o sustain_v the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n unto_o the_o several_a congregation_n attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v that_o ignorance_n and_o disability_n in_o minister_n as_o be_v pretend_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o accommodate_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o truth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o this_o work_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v great_a namely_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o unto_o all_o their_o hearer_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o no_o other_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v and_o such_o there_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n through_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o his_o supply_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o these_o know_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o study_v meditate_v pray_v ask_v counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o perhaps_o of_o more_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n than_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v want_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v direction_n from_o he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o other_o security_n of_o regular_a orderly_a and_o useful_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v we_o nor_o do_v we_o need_v for_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n will_v not_o fail_v the_o attain_n of_o his_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o also_o 4._o the_o judgement_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o complete_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a as_o be_v pretend_v they_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o or_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o he_o nor_o own_a by_o he_o what_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o it_o may_v stand_v until_o lawful_o recall_v
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n