she_o first_o love_n 2._o in_o smyrna_n divers_a profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v jew_n 19.20_o rev._n 2.4_o rev._n 2_o 9_o rev._n 2.14.15_o rev._n 2._o v._n 19.20_o and_o be_v even_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n 3._o in_o pergamus_n there_o be_v divers_a that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n teach_v to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o divers_a that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitane_n 4._o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n though_o the_o lord_n commend_v she_o for_o her_o charity_n faith_n patience_n as_o the_o other_o church_n yet_o she_o also_o suffer_v jezabel_n to_o seduce_v people_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n 5._o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n have_v only_o a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a 3.1.4_o rev._n 3.1.4_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n by_o spiritual_a fornication_n 6._o philadelphia_n also_o have_v some_o that_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n 3.8.9_o rev._n 3.8.9_o yet_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n so_o some_o render_v it_o however_o she_o have_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n 7._o laodicea_n a_o remarkable_a church_n for_o lukewarmnesse_n self_n conceitednesse_n yet_o poor_a miserable_a blind_a and_o naked_a 4._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n corrupt_v also_o 1._o they_o be_v even_o bewitch_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o work_n 3.12.7_o gal._n 3.12.7_o think_v salvation_n have_v be_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n a_o fundamental_a error_n for_o then_o christ_n die_v in_o vain_a 2._o they_o turn_v again_o to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n observe_v day_n month_n time_n and_o year_n in_o so_o much_o that_o for_o their_o superstition_n paul_n be_v afeard_a of_o they_o 10.11_o gal._n 3._o â—_o 10.11_o that_o though_o they_o profess_v christ_n yet_o his_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a bestow_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n none_o of_o these_o evil_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v call_v and_o account_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o ground_n before_o deliver_v in_o the_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o invisible_a church_n as_o these_o follow_v and_o such_o like_a 1._o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 2._o to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n 3._o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v these_o three_o especial_o and_o essential_o 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o visible_a profession_n to_o both_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v thus_o 13.26_o act_n 13.26_o 1._o if_o god_n will_v make_v a_o people_n to_o become_v his_o people_n or_o church_n he_o send_v his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o go_v say_v the_o lord_n christ_n 28.19_o mat._n 28.19_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n hence_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v concern_v the_o jew_n 4.22_o john_n 4.22_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v 13.26_o act_n 13.26_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v with_o they_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v send_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v 18.10_o act_n 18.10_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o believer_n paul_n also_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n at_o corinth_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v much_o people_n there_o to_o convert_v to_o he_o 2._o the_o lord_n add_v seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o such_o a_o people_n as_o baptism_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o as_o circumcision_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n 17.1_o gen._n 17.1_o so_o be_v baptism_n to_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o our_o lord_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n go_v teach_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o strengthen_v his_o people_n in_o his_o way_n in_o their_o grace_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 4.5_o act_n 2.47_o ch._n 4.5_o 3._o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o main_a mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v save_v make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v into_o a_o external_a covenant_n with_o believer_n not_o that_o all_o be_v save_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o none_o be_v exclude_v that_o will_v profess_v christ_n and_o such_o as_o be_v save_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v add_v doubtless_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o save_v for_o there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v not_o unsound_a member_n true_a if_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n than_o none_o be_v add_v but_o such_o as_o be_v save_v but_o very_a hypocrite_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o eunuch_n before_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church-fellowship_n make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o that_o both_o godly_a and_o hypocrite_n must_v make_v profession_n if_o they_o will_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n object_n do_v there_o not_o actual_a and_o inward_a obedience_n belong_v to_o a_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a profession_n answ_n yea_o to_o make_v man_n true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o outward_a profession_n be_v the_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n object_n if_o profession_n serve_v the_o turn_n than_o a_o true_a church_n may_v consist_v of_o hypocrite_n answer_n no_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o lord_n never_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o people_n but_o where_o he_o have_v his_o own_o number_n to_o call_v in_o therefore_o paul_n preach_v at_o corinth_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v much_o people_n there_o object_n but_o many_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v of_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o countenance_n member_n that_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o profess_v answ_n although_o there_o be_v such_o among_o our_o assembly_n yet_o they_o be_v member_n though_o unsound_a for_o 1._o they_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n man_n profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n 2._o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o admit_v and_o receive_v as_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o the_o most_o profane_a of_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n do_v verbal_o confess_v christ_n though_o their_o conversation_n deny_v he_o so_o that_o however_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o profession_n yet_o they_o do_v verbal_o confess_v obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o way_n of_o salvation_n but_o by_o christ_n nor_o worship_n no_o other_o god_n all_o the_o outside_n service_n they_o do_v be_v to_o the_o true_a god_n though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o perish_v there_o be_v many_o profane_a one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o in_o corinth_n yet_o true_a church_n and_o these_o most_o of_o they_o in_o their_o best_a temper_n and_o cool_a blood_n will_v speak_v well_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n though_o in_o heart_n they_o hate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o hypocrite_n while_o they_o indeed_o be_v guilty_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o hypocrisy_n by_o their_o thrust_a themselves_o into_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n claim_v interest_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n nay_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n into_o their_o mouth_n 50.16_o psal_n 50.16_o yet_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v 4._o though_o
inward_o and_o outward_o not_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o apparition_n dream_n and_o vision_n as_o former_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o grace_n appoint_v &_o ordain_v both_o for_o convert_v and_o build_v up_o to_o and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v the_o temple_n their_o sacrifice_n their_o sacrament_n the_o same_o god_n and_o the_o same_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v so_o we_o have_v our_o temple_n our_o altar_n our_o high_a priest_n 18.20_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o mat._n 28_o 19_o mat._n 18.20_o our_o sacrifice_n our_o sacrament_n all_o in_o a_o more_o substantial_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n they_o have_v the_o law_n we_o the_o gospel_n they_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n so_o we_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n so_o we_o upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 3.15_o act_n 19.18_o act_n 8._o â—7_n mark_v 16.16_o john_n 3.15_o they_o serve_v god_n under_o the_o law_n we_o under_o grace_n if_o god_n call_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o a_o visible_a and_o external_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o give_v they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n thereto_o as_o in_o england_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v i_o know_v nothing_o against_o it_o but_o that_o england_n may_v be_v as_o true_a a_o nationall_n church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o as_o lawful_o call_v and_o constitute_v though_o very_o corrupt_v in_o disciplinâ—â—â—d_a doctrine_n and_o member_n also_o the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n for_o conversion_n as_o paul_n do_v to_o the_o athenian_n and_o to_o the_o blasphemous_a jew_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o external_a communion_n with_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n ans_fw-fr the_o word_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o external_a profession_n for_o their_o sound_a conversion_n unto_o god_n from_o particular_a sin_n and_o build_v forward_o in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v no_o communion_n with_o heathen_n nor_o infidel_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a society_n but_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v in_o by_o baptism_n and_o not_o cast_v out_o by_o public_a censure_n the_o word_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o member_n and_o not_o as_o unto_o bare_a hearer_n and_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v member_n of_o the_o external_a covenant_n to_o use_v one_o ordinance_n and_o not_o another_o be_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n not_o the_o bare_a tender_a of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o give_v of_o it_o to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v with_o a_o people_n be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o the_o sacrament_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o believer_n so_o their_o presence_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n to_o defile_v the_o word_n also_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o wicked_a defile_v not_o the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o worthy_a believe_a communicant_a neither_o the_o word_n to_o the_o prepare_a and_o sincere_a hearer_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o participate_v in_o mix_a assembly_n object_n if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o declare_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o visible_a profession_n thereunto_o of_o obedience_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n ans_fw-fr in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o true_o teach_v the_o ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o dispense_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o the_o preach_n of_o some_o one_o truth_n or_o other_o that_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n when_o fundamental_a point_n upon_o which_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n depend_v be_v erroneous_o maintain_v and_o that_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o maintain_v universal_o fundamental_a error_n quite_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christ_n you_o may_v call_v such_o a_o church_n if_o you_o will_v yea_o a_o true_a church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o antichrist_n for_o consider_v 1._o they_o permit_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n but_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n chap._n 1_o cor._n 14._o the_o whole_a chap._n that_o people_n can_v understand_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2._o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v private_a man_n lay_v man_n so_o much_o as_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v absolute_o against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o lord_n christ_n say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o 17.11_o john_n 5.39_o act_n 17.11_o and_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o see_v the_o man_n of_o berea_n commend_v by_o saint_n paul_n for_o that_o the_o pope_n prohibit_v upon_o pain_n of_o inquisition_n 3._o they_o preach_v and_o press_v their_o own_o tenet_n the_o pope_n decree_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o command_n of_o god_n place_v more_o infallibility_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o pope_n a_o sinful_a mortal_a man_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 4._o they_o be_v corrupt_v in_o such_o fundamental_o both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n 3.25.27_o 2_o cor_fw-la 5.14_o eph._n 2.1_o luk._n 17.10_o mat._n 15.30_o hosea_n 4.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o mat._n 9.3.4_o 5_o 6._o esa_n 42.1_o mat._n 24.22.24_o luke_n 18.7_o rom._n 9.11.11.15_o heb._n 7.25_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o heb._n 12.24_o heb._n 24._o mark_v 5.36_o rom._n 3.25.27_o yea_o very_a contradiction_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n of_o merit_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n maintain_v also_o lawful_a ignorance_n nay_o commend_v it_o for_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o perish_v they_o hold_v also_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o pope_n canon_n must_v be_v add_v they_o also_o hold_v and_o maintain_v confession_n of_o sin_n to_o priest_n that_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a priest_n have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n they_o can_v sell_v pardon_n for_o money_n they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o predestination_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o full_o hold_v out_o they_o maintain_v prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a eccles_n 11.3_o luke_n 16.22.27_o psal_n 49.8_o 9_o they_o make_v more_o intercessor_n and_o mediator_n beside_o christ_n who_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n of_o our_o peace_n they_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o work_n of_o super-erogation_a merit_n etc._n etc._n they_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o command_n of_o god_n ordain_v seven_o sacrament_n five_o more_o than_o christ_n ordain_v 6.33_o esa_n 42.8_o col._n 2_o 1â—_n rev._n 19_o â—_o act_n 10.25_o 26._o judg._n 13_o 15_o 16._o mat._n 4_o 10._o luk._n 22.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o john_n 6.33_o they_o also_o turn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o idol_n mass_n and_o maintain_v that_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v quite_o against_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n john_n 6.53.54_o 55_o 56_o 57_o 58._o john_n 6.63_o john_n 16.7_o the_o 17.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 10.16.17_o 1_o cor._n 11.26_o john_n 6.47_o 48_o 50._o 2_o cor._n 10.14_o matth._n 24.23_o and_o 26.11_o mark_v 16.19_o luke_n 24.2_o 3._o john_n 16.28_o phil._n 3.20_o heb._n 8.1_o and_o 10.12_o beside_o these_o and_o other_o fundamental_a error_n as_o the_o palpable_a idolatry_n etc._n etc._n many_o other_o of_o less_o concernment_n as_o their_o feast_n day_n fast_a day_n doctrine_n of_o single_a life_n to_o the_o clergy_n dispensation_n to_o sin_n
a_o true_a man_n and_o have_v a_o palsy_n hand_n 30._o rom._n 12.4_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 6.15_o ephes_n 5_o 30._o or_o a_o rot_a finger_n and_o the_o way_n to_o preserve_v life_n be_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o dead_a rot_a member_n not_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o sound_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o of_o that_o other_o opinion_n i_o shall_v as_o the_o proverb_n say_v count_v he_o a_o good_a chirurgeon_n but_o a_o very_a bad_a physician_n 25._o mat._n 13.24_o 25._o five_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v cockle_n as_o well_o as_o corn_n tare_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n and_o though_o some_o hold_v that_o this_o parable_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o by_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o may_v as_o right_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o shall_v consist_v of_o tare_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o take_v it_o which_o way_n you_o will_v see_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o wheat_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o have_v the_o tare_n meddle_v withal_o till_o harvest_n not_o that_o i_o will_v so_o apply_v it_o as_o that_o profane_a man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v deal_v withal_o but_o to_o this_o purpose_n to_o let_v man_n know_v the_o way_n to_o preserve_v a_o church_n be_v not_o by_o pluck_v up_o the_o godly_a or_o the_o wheat_n but_o rather_o to_o root_v out_o the_o tare_n the_o weed_n the_o ungodly_a and_o let_v the_o good_a corn_n stand_v and_o grow_v till_o harvest_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o god_n barn_n six_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o wedding_n feast_n to_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v bring_v his_o wedding_n garment_n when_o in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n the_o king_n come_v in_o he_o never_o reprove_v they_o that_o satâ—_n at_o table_n that_o have_v on_o these_o wedding_n garment_n but_o he_o that_o have_v none_o take_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o out_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o shut_v from_o the_o table_n because_o they_o sit_v with_o he_o that_o have_v not_o on_o his_o garment_n nor_o reprove_v for_o it_o he_o sin_v and_o he_o only_o suffer_v so_o consequent_o the_o believe_v prepare_v communicant_a shall_v not_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o unbelieved_a and_o impenitent_a but_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o their_o presence_n at_o the_o sacrament_n can_v hinder_v the_o godly_a from_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n spiritual_o by_o faith_n so_o they_o can_v no_o way_n hinder_v the_o believer_n from_o life_n and_o salvation_n 6.54_o joh._n 6.54_o by_o this_o their_o spiritual_a feed_n upon_o christ_n whosoever_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n ten_o it_o will_v appear_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o our_o visible_a and_o public_a a_o sembly_n because_o the_o lord_n continue_v his_o presence_n among_o we_o let_v no_o man_n be_v more_o holy_a than_o god_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v continue_v and_o the_o visible_a sign_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n make_v the_o mean_v effectual_a to_o convert_v and_o build_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v praise_v we_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n daily_o of_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o separate_v they_o themselves_o that_o do_v separate_v do_v confess_v they_o have_v their_o conversion_n in_o our_o assembly_n and_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n though_o some_o of_o they_o evade_v it_o and_o say_v not_o by_o the_o mean_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o by_o read_v and_o private_a conference_n and_o the_o like_a but_o we_o have_v daily_o sufficient_a and_o good_a testimony_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n continue_v in_o our_o public_a assembly_n i_o hope_v every_o godly_a heart_n among_o we_o have_v large_a testimony_n of_o the_o daily_a heat_n life_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v find_v in_o they_o we_o find_v that_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o 42_o of_o isaiah_n and_o the_o 16._o verse_n fulfil_v to_o we_o and_o so_o isaiah_n 29.18_o where_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o people_n under_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v bring_v the_o blind_a by_o a_o way_n they_o know_v not_o that_o he_o will_v make_v darkness_n light_a before_o they_o and_o crooked_a thing_n straight_o so_o in_o that_o 29._o chapter_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v see_v out_o of_o obscurity_n and_o out_o of_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n and_o true_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o many_o hundred_o who_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o and_o have_v many_o of_o they_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o dear_a blood_n who_o doubtless_o be_v now_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o their_o suffering_n for_o the_o name_n profession_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n none_o of_o all_o which_o martyr_n do_v ever_o account_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n idolatrous_a or_o antichristian_a or_o till_o it_o do_v whole_o apostate_n and_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v it_o be_v in_o king_n edward_n time_n 9.25.32_o john_n 9.25.32_o what_o better_a witness_n can_v there_o be_v than_o experience_n or_o how_o be_v the_o tree_n know_v but_o by_o its_o fruit_n this_o persuade_v the_o blind_a man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n even_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o he_o sure_o say_v he_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o once_o be_v blind_a and_o i_o now_o see_v as_o i_o hope_v many_o of_o we_o in_o our_o assembly_n can_v say_v who_o eye_n the_o lord_n have_v open_v and_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v change_v let_v the_o separation_n rail_v upon_o our_o ordinance_n minister_n and_o assembly_n as_o much_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o labour_n to_o seduce_v man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v the_o blind_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v i_o say_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v to_o reproach_v we_o we_o may_v true_o say_v once_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o we_o now_o see_v and_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o lord_n have_v open_v our_o eye_n by_o this_o contemptible_a mean_n and_o as_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n prayer_n the_o clay_n and_o spittle_n become_v effectual_a so_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o poor_a saint_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n become_v effectual_a both_o to_o convert_v and_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o work_n saint_n james_n say_v faith_n be_v make_v manifest_a or_o perfect_a jam._n 2.22_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o work_n which_o i_o do_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o as_o the_o miracle_n and_o great_a work_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n so_o the_o many_o year_n large_a and_o plenteous_a fruit_n reap_v by_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o gainsayer_n that_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o for_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n they_o will_v become_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a 11._o if_o a_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o separate_v and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a where_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n more_o full_o clear_o true_o and_o powerful_o preach_v than_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n and_o in_o many_o place_n the_o sacrament_n as_o due_o and_o reverent_o administer_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v as_o few_o false-hearted_a professor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v the_o proportion_n as_o in_o the_o most_o exact_a assembly_n of_o separation_n by_o professor_n be_v mean_v not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o external_a communion_n but_o such_o as_o seem_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n to_o perform_v godliness_n and_o of_o these_o for_o uprightness_n they_o may_v set_v forth_o to_o most_o exact_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n of_o separation_n 12._o consider_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o
etc._n etc._n that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o of_o antichrist_n it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o that_o church_n which_o general_o maintain_v fundamental_a error_n against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o word_n the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o essence_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o and_z more_o may_v be_v be_v true_o affirm_v therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n object_n there_o be_v other_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o true_a discipline_n answ_n yea_o both_o these_o be_v necessary_a in_o a_o church_n and_o we_o also_o imply_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o teach_v and_o as_o for_o a_o true_a discipline_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o church_n not_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o be_v defective_a this_o way_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v great_a corruption_n in_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o a_o man_n though_o he_o have_v some_o infirmity_n or_o imbecility_n in_o his_o body_n in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o member_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v yet_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v a_o real_a man_n as_o in_o case_n of_o the_o palsy_n and_o the_o like_a debility_n this_o we_o know_v that_o no_o true_a church_n can_v be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n either_o in_o the_o internal_a or_o external_a frame_n thereof_o do_v as_o all_o true_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v do_v for_o if_o not_o any_o one_o man_n much_o less_o a_o whole_a congregation_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o account_v the_o church_n to_o be_v his_o when_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o internal_o of_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n sure_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o rash_o that_o he_o will_v decline_v and_o disclaim_v it_o for_o outward_a defect_n where_o the_o fundamental_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v object_n the_o stand_a and_o call_v of_o our_o minister_n as_o they_o stand_v by_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o lawful_a minister_n answ_n it_o will_v be_v something_o difficult_a i_o think_v for_o those_o that_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n to_o prove_v either_o their_o proposition_n or_o conclusion_n to_o be_v truth_n but_o in_o answer_n hereof_o i_o say_v thus_o much_o 9.49_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 15_o gal._n 1.9_o luke_n 9.49_o 1._o if_o they_o preach_v the_o lord_n christ_n and_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n 2._o if_o they_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o conversation_n 1.15.18_o phil._n 1.15.18_o 3._o if_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o ministerial_a qualification_n let_v their_o call_n standing_z and_o preach_v be_v allow_v by_o bishop_n or_o not_o they_o be_v no_o whit_n the_o more_o unlawful_a in_o their_o stand_n or_o practice_v 29._o maâ—k_n 9.38_o 39_o 40._o num._n 11.28_o 29._o so_o eldad_n and_o meldad_o they_o prophesy_v and_o moses_n allow_v they_o and_o desire_v all_o god_n people_n be_v prophet_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o true_o we_o shall_v not_o envy_v though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n furnish_v with_o ministerial_a gift_n whether_o allow_v by_o bishop_n or_o not_o 2._o as_o bishop_n be_v minister_n they_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o so_o may_v have_v a_o vote_n i_o conceive_v though_o with_o subjection_n in_o elect_v and_o ordain_v preach_v minister_n as_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v man_n able_a to_o judge_v of_o man_n learning_n part_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n 14.32_o 1_o cor._n 14.32_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o that_o exorbitant_a power_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a magistrate_n or_o their_o usurp_a authority_n exercise_v over_o the_o life_n liberty_n estate_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n their_o great_a intermeddle_v with_o secular_a and_o temporal_a affair_n and_o jurisdiction_n this_o though_o it_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o this_o make_v not_o their_o calling_n to_o the_o ministry_n unlawful_a or_o they_o uncapable_a of_o elect_v or_o ordination_n no_o more_o than_o the_o abuse_n of_o any_o calling_n make_v the_o call_n unlawful_a though_o man_n by_o abuse_n may_v make_v themselves_o unfit_a and_o uncapable_a of_o their_o lawful_a calling_n we_o must_v therefore_o condemn_v they_o in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o unjust_a but_o the_o appoint_v minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o lawful_a action_n and_o not_o derogate_a from_o their_o function_n as_o i_o conceive_v and_o indeed_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v little_a or_o no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o this_o have_v they_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o and_o appoint_v such_o over_o and_o in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v godly_a learned_a and_o painful_a and_o conscionable_a in_o their_o place_n such_o who_o be_v call_v by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o approve_v of_o by_o they_o examp._n if_o there_o be_v a_o order_n from_o bishop_n that_o none_o may_v pray_v in_o his_o family_n without_o order_n from_o they_o will_v this_o order_n from_o they_o make_v our_o pray_n in_o our_o family_n unlawful_a no_o sure_o neither_o do_v their_o give_a order_n to_o minister_n make_v their_o ministry_n unlawful_a as_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v and_o preach_v without_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o their_o consent_n 3._o know_v the_o principal_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v from_o god_n for_o if_o man_n be_v right_o qualify_v and_o gift_v for_o the_o ministry_n that_o they_o be_v enable_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n out_o of_o his_o word_n to_o his_o people_n and_o preach_v sound_a doctrine_n approve_v of_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n yea_o or_o no_o 4.1_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o this_o make_v man_n lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o approve_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o disallow_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o that_o god_n people_n shall_v especial_o look_v after_o and_o less_o trouble_n and_o puzzle_v themselves_o about_o their_o stand_n or_o not_o stand_v by_o bishop_n i_o know_v if_o i_o shall_v ask_v such_o man_n as_o account_v such_o minister_n antichristian_a and_o their_o calling_n unlawful_a whether_o the_o bishop_n disallow_v or_o disapprove_v of_o one_o right_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n will_v make_v he_o uncapable_a and_o unlawful_a to_o preach_v they_o will_v answer_v as_o i_o do_v myself_o certain_o not_o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o as_o their_o disapprove_v of_o a_o man_n make_v he_o not_o unlawful_a if_o he_o be_v qualify_v much_o less_o their_o allow_v or_o approve_v of_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o great_a caller_n and_o sender_n and_o if_o he_o send_v man_n to_o preach_v or_o call_v man_n 9.38.39_o maâ—_n 9.38.39_o who_o shall_v contradict_v it_o our_o duty_n therefore_o be_v to_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n to_o send_v painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n object_n our_o bishop_n have_v place_v over_o we_o profane_a idle_a and_o wicked_a man_n not_o fit_a to_o take_v charge_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o many_o as_o ignorant_a as_o profane_v answ_n for_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unable_a and_o idle_a these_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o suffer_v it_o as_o for_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a liver_n they_o also_o be_v sinful_o thrust_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o preach_v well_o and_o true_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o ministry_n the_o viciousnesse_n of_o their_o life_n make_v they_o not_o altogether_o unlawful_a in_o their_o stand_n though_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o prejudice_n which_o we_o receive_v against_o their_o practice_n though_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o this_o be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o arise_v of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n to_o decline_v and_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o wholesome_a truth_n though_o deliver_v by_o sinful_a man_n 3._o mat._n 15_o 5._o mat._n 16_o 6._o &_o 26.65_o isay_n 57_o â—_o ezek._n 34_o 3._o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o before_o be_v ignorant_a unlearned_a blind_a
one_o godly_a man_n of_o this_o soul_n nourishment_n it_o be_v true_a our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v cast_v not_o pearl_n before_o swine_n nor_o holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n 7.6_o matth_n 7.6_o that_o be_v speak_v as_o well_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o and_o more_o proper_o christian_a exhortation_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n be_v there_o mean_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n lest_o they_o turn_v again_o and_o all_o to_o rend_v you_o or_o lest_o they_o spurn_v at_o and_o reject_v your_o reproof_n admonition_n and_o you_o also_o this_o also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n reject_v he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n 3.10_o tit._n 3.10_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonisâ—ion_n both_o place_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o if_o wicked_a man_n will_v with_o patience_n and_o meekness_n receive_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o christian_a admonition_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o resist_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o uncapable_a of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o which_o i_o infer_v from_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o sacrament_n more_o than_o to_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n second_o that_o though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n nor_o pearl_n to_o swine_n yet_o holy_a person_n &_o those_o to_o who_o such_o precious_a mercy_n belong_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v they_o &_o although_o the_o first_o inference_n shall_v be_v deny_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o that_o place_n of_o matthew_n to_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v deny_v the_o latter_a 28._o 1_o cor._n 11.24_o 25_o 26._o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11.26_o matth._n 26.26_o 27_o 28._o 3_o consider_v the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o so_o also_o we_o have_v a_o apostolic_a injunction_n for_o it_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o this_o cup_n also_o consider_v the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o this_o cup_n you_o show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v &_o so_o also_o drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n concern_v the_o bread_n he_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n etc._n etc._n four_o we_o have_v the_o example_n as_o of_o all_o god_n people_n in_o all_o age_n partake_v in_o mix_a assembly_n so_o of_o god_n priest_n and_o minister_n in_o all_o time_n yea_o in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n yea_o also_o in_o our_o own_o congregation_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n have_v be_v receive_v in_o mix_a assembly_n as_o have_v be_v already_o large_o prove_v and_o if_o god_n people_n have_v receive_v it_o in_o mix_a assembly_n by_o consequence_n god_n priest_n and_o minister_n have_v deliver_v it_o in_o mix_a assembly_n indeed_o god_n blame_v the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n for_o admit_v people_n uncircumcised_a to_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o never_o for_o give_v holy_a thing_n to_o holy_a person_n or_o to_o any_o that_o be_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o they_o though_o doubtless_o many_o of_o they_o be_v vicious_a in_o their_o life_n saint_n paul_n do_v not_o say_v if_o the_o incestuous_a person_n or_o those_o drunkard_n or_o schismatic_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o they_o shall_v cease_v the_o public_a administration_n no_o not_o a_o word_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n in_o our_o power_n to_o purge_v abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o especial_o out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n let_v every_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n five_o godly_a minister_n give_v occasion_n to_o carnal_a man_n to_o despise_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n while_o they_o see_v even_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o forward_o that_o way_n different_a in_o their_o practice_n some_o desist_v the_o administration_n some_o continue_v it_o see_v say_v they_o what_o manner_n of_o reformation_n these_o man_n will_v have_v they_o differ_v so_o among_o themselves_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v so_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o scandal_n the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o their_o division_n among_o themselves_o and_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n six_o as_o it_o be_v better_a for_o god_n sheep_n to_o feed_v upon_o pasture_n where_o some_o weed_n grow_v rather_o than_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o food_n so_o it_o be_v better_a for_o god_n shepherd_n to_o suffer_v some_o weed_n to_o grow_v in_o the_o sheep_n pasture_n if_o they_o can_v prevent_v it_o then_o to_o starve_v their_o flock_n yea_o and_o as_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o sheep_n to_o feed_v among_o goat_n rather_o than_o starve_v so_o it_o be_v better_a the_o shepherd_n shall_v suffer_v goat_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o sheep_n pasture_n though_o it_o shall_v poison_v they_o then_o for_o the_o sheep_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o it_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o reform_v it_o 7._o consider_v there_o be_v neither_o command_n in_o scripture_n nor_o example_n of_o any_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n or_o minister_n or_o pastor_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o such_o ground_n do_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a ordinance_n especial_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v express_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o enjoin_v god_n people_n to_o frequent_v and_o if_o god_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o ordinance_n or_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o they_o from_o any_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o ought_v the_o minister_n who_o by_o their_o absence_n give_v a_o cessation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n deprive_v god_n people_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o use_v of_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v as_o i_o say_v principal_o ordain_v object_n god_n minister_n do_v but_o desist_v the_o administration_n a_o while_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o enlargement_n that_o power_n may_v be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o to_o have_v a_o people_n congregat_v according_o to_o god_n answ_n we_o all_o aught_o to_o labour_n and_o endeavour_v this_o way_n both_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o lawful_a mean_n to_o forward_a this_o work_n of_o reformation_n but_o i_o know_v no_o warrant_n any_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o any_o such_o ground_n to_o deny_v either_o god_n people_n or_o themselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n they_o may_v as_o well_o desist_v all_o other_o public_a administration_n upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o ground_n suppose_v divers_a honest_a man_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o place_n where_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o company_n of_o ungodly_a man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o keeper_n appoint_v to_o look_v to_o they_o to_o give_v they_o that_o by_o which_o their_o life_n and_o comfort_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v what_o will_v we_o think_v of_o that_o keeper_n that_o will_v refuse_v to_o administer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o health_n till_o they_o come_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o have_v their_o table_n spread_v in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o family_n out_o of_o such_o wicked_a company_n not_o know_v when_o the_o time_n of_o their_o confinement_n will_v end_v sure_o we_o will_v conclude_v he_o a_o ignorant_a or_o idle_a fellow_n that_o will_v rather_o suffer_v they_o to_o starve_v in_o keep_v their_o allowance_n from_o they_o then_o give_v it_o they_o in_o a_o untoward_a way_n or_o among_o thief_n and_o robber_n and_o as_o foolish_a will_v they_o be_v find_v that_o upon_o such_o ground_n refuse_v to_o receive_v their_o nourishment_n even_o so_o though_o god_n people_n be_v constrain_v either_o to_o partake_v with_o wicked_a man_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o i_o hold_v it_o a_o very_a weak_a argument_n that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n shall_v debar_v they_o of_o it_o sure_o the_o necessity_n god_n people_n have_v of_o it_o the_o right_n they_o have_v
to_o it_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o apostolical_a injunction_n infer_v it_o together_o with_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o former_a age_n praise_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o prevailant_n with_o minister_n to_o continue_v the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o then_o the_o unavoidable_a presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o desi_n of_o this_o great_a ordinance_n certain_o the_o lord_n rather_o expect_v man_n shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o mean_n in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n endeavour_v to_o observe_v and_o perform_v these_o duty_n in_o as_o holy_a a_o manner_n as_o they_o can_v till_o he_o open_v a_o door_n of_o enlargement_n rather_o than_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o such_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n three_o i_o now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o public_a assembly_n have_v already_o sufficient_o speak_v to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v in_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n notwithstanding_o their_o corruption_n in_o and_o about_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o first_o consider_v we_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o disorderly_a corinthian_n sin_v in_o despise_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o 11.22_o 1_o cor._n 11.22_o their_o abusive_a thrust_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o they_o do_v also_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v as_o deep_o guilty_a second_o by_o separate_v ourselves_o we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o hereby_o we_o do_v that_o hurt_n to_o ourselves_o that_o wicked_a man_n presence_n with_o we_o can_v never_o do_v three_o by_o depart_v and_o set_v up_o way_n of_o our_o own_o we_o become_v guilty_a of_o perform_v our_o invention_n before_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o with_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n offer_v strange_a fire_n which_o we_o know_v the_o lord_n punish_v from_o heaven_n with_o fire_n four_o we_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o temptation_n for_o certain_o if_o god_n people_n be_v but_o a_o while_o absent_a from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o prayer_n the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n either_o accidental_o by_o business_n or_o voluntary_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o god_n people_n what_o abundance_n of_o deadness_n and_o coldness_n overspread_v their_o heart_n how_o be_v they_o disable_v for_o duty_n public_a or_o private_a how_o unable_a to_o resist_v temptation_n to_o wrestle_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o wicked_a heart_n and_o true_o if_o we_o be_v foil_v by_o sin_n or_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o voluntary_a depart_n from_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n blame_v ourselves_o herein_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o themselves_o this_o way_n whether_o it_o be_v thus_o yea_o or_o no._n five_o we_o hereby_o deny_v our_o soul_n of_o their_o necessary_a food_n and_o nourishment_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n much_o more_o to_o neglect_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n six_o we_o hereby_o lie_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o weak_a christian_n who_o be_v doubtful_a because_o of_o our_o departure_n seven_o we_o open_v the_o mouth_n not_o only_o of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o civil_a honest_a man_n who_o make_v this_o the_o great_a thunderbolt_n to_o shoot_v at_o our_o religion_n and_o profession_n even_o the_o division_n diversity_n of_o opinion_n several_a sect_n that_o be_v among_o such_o as_o profess_v religion_n and_o this_o keep_v many_o off_o from_o come_v on_o to_o a_o religious_a way_n of_o life_n the_o lord_n of_o peace_n settle_v peace_n among_o we_o and_o make_v we_o all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mind_n according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n eight_o we_o do_v by_o our_o separation_n scandal_n the_o ordinance_n and_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n for_o either_o the_o ordinance_n must_v be_v idolatrous_a and_o the_o assembly_n idolater_n and_o antichristian_a as_o the_o separation_n of_o necessity_n must_v call_v they_o and_o do_v or_o else_o they_o know_v their_o separation_n be_v unlawful_a and_o herein_o i_o fear_v the_o devil_n have_v a_o main_a stroke_n by_o nourish_v in_o man_n such_o opinion_n as_o i_o former_o say_v while_o he_o appear_v in_o their_o estimation_n a_o angel_n of_o light_n for_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a rent_n he_o make_v in_o the_o church_n than_o any_o other_o can_v be_v for_o he_o divide_v now_o not_o papist_n from_o protestant_n nor_o profane_a person_n from_o holy_a which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o public_a assembly_n but_o he_o now_o divide_v and_o sow_n discord_n and_o dissension_n between_o the_o godly_a themselves_o i_o pray_v god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o discern_v and_o avoid_v his_o subtlety_n certain_o if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n 5.9_o 1_o tim._n 5.9_o how_o much_o more_o careful_a aught_o we_o to_o be_v to_o have_v very_o strong_a proof_n and_o argument_n to_o make_v good_a a_o accusation_n yea_o such_o a_o foul_a one_o as_o this_o be_v against_o a_o whole_a church_n or_o congregation_n some_o of_o who_o our_o own_o heart_n tell_v we_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n people_n and_o true_o so_o account_v nay_o the_o scandal_n rest_v not_o only_o upon_o god_n people_n but_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n also_o for_o all_o that_o separate_v must_v account_v they_o idolater_n else_o their_o separation_n be_v unlawful_a nine_o it_o will_v appear_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o such_o assembly_n as_o we_o be_v where_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v so_o plentiful_o teach_v the_o sacrament_n so_o due_o administer_v such_o a_o visible_a profession_n make_v to_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n among_o we_o by_o these_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n first_o to_o a_o vine_n i_o be_o the_o vine_n say_v the_o lord_n christ_n and_o you_o be_v the_o branch_n john_n 15.5_o now_o in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a fruitless_a branch_n or_o more_o what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v what_o cut_v off_o the_o live_a branch_n nay_o 2_o john_n 15_o 2_o cut_v off_o the_o dead_a branch_n that_o the_o live_a may_v thrive_v the_o better_a every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o say_v the_o lord_n christ_n meaning_n god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o husbandman_n and_o every_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n he_o purge_v that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n 3.9_o mat._n 20.1_o esa_fw-la 5.1_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o second_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v god_n vineyard_n god_n husbandry_n the_o lord_n he_o preserve_v the_o vine_n the_o young_a tree_n the_o flower_n the_o profitable_a herb_n but_o he_o take_v away_o and_o root_n up_o the_o dead_a branch_n weed_n and_o such_o like_a and_o sure_o we_o will_v count_v he_o a_o mad_a vine-dresser_n or_o gardener_n that_o because_o of_o some_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n or_o some_o weed_n in_o the_o garden_n shall_v think_v to_o make_v the_o vine_n fruitful_a by_o cut_v off_o the_o live_a fruitful_a branch_n and_o the_o garden_n to_o prosper_v by_o pluck_v up_o the_o herb_n and_o flower_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v a_o vine_n a_o husbandry_n a_o garden_n but_o never_o a_o way_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o true_o the_o next_o way_n to_o give_v a_o nullity_n to_o a_o church_n be_v for_o every_o godly_a man_n if_o they_o dare_v to_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o strip_v it_o of_o its_o ordinance_n and_o member_n but_o the_o way_n to_o preserve_v it_o be_v to_o purge_v it_o by_o cast_v out_o the_o abusive_a not_o by_o depart_v from_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o ask_v i_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o those_o dead_a branch_n be_v not_o cut_v off_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v that_o 3.9_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o three_o compare_v to_o a_o building_n in_o building_n we_o know_v man_n use_v to_o cast_v away_o refuse_v rot_a timber_n and_o rubbish_n but_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sound_n and_o serviceable_a material_n or_o else_o they_o will_v make_v but_o a_o foolish_a building_n four_o to_o a_o body_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n be_v head_n now_o we_o know_v a_o man_n may_v be_v
grace_n continue_v in_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n object_n we_o that_o separate_v do_v not_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n but_o we_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v they_o with_o more_o purity_n answ_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n this_o way_n but_o let_v no_o man_n be_v more_o holy_a than_o god_n command_v he_o nor_o do_v unlawful_a action_n that_o a_o good_a end_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o it_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o where_o scriptuâ—e_o allow_v of_o or_o command_v any_o such_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n for_o any_o such_o end_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v silent_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o place_n point_v out_o god_n people_n to_o separate_v from_o heathen_n public_a idolater_n and_o idolatrous_a worshipper_n but_o never_o do_v i_o read_v that_o one_o jew_n separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o jew_n nor_o one_o christian_a warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n which_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n and_o themselves_o admit_v member_n by_o baptism_n into_o the_o visible_a assembly_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v rip_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o god_n people_n for_o any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n especial_o not_o fundamental_a 10.23_o 1_o tim_n 2.1.2_o deut._n 17.18_o josu_n 3.6_o and_o 6.6_o 1_o king_n 2.35_o 2_o king_n 18.4_o 1_o chron._n 13.12_o &_o 15_o 1.11.12.16_o 2_o chron._n 8.14_o &_o 17.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o 19.18_o mat._n 22.21_o rom._n 13.1_o 2._o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o mat._n 10.23_o or_o though_o it_o be_v fundamental_a if_o not_o the_o error_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o give_v no_o warrant_n to_o separate_v for_o i_o do_v not_o account_v the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n who_o be_v corrupt_v in_o some_o tenant_n as_o that_o of_o arminius_n pelagius_n socinus_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o many_o hundred_o for_o one_o disclaim_v these_o error_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n they_o have_v no_o calling_n to_o create_v a_o church_n to_o themselves_o without_o consent_n of_o authority_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n both_o as_o i_o conceive_v to_o establish_v and_o reform_v religion_n and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v do_v it_o according_a to_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v active_o if_o he_o derogate_v than_o we_o must_v obey_v passive_o if_o the_o magistrate_n command_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n i_o conceive_v to_o obey_v but_o if_o he_o command_v i_o to_o go_v to_o mass_n i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v but_o not_o resist_v obey_v passive_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o i_o subject_n to_o better_a judgement_n yet_o i_o hold_v it_o also_o lawful_a to_o fly_v rather_o than_o resist_v or_o suffer_v but_o this_o fly_n i_o account_n be_v passive_a also_o four_o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v something_o of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o tâ—e_v maintain_v of_o these_o error_n of_o separation_n matter_n deut._n 33.28_o from_o the_o matter_n first_o numb_a 2.34_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o pitch_v by_o their_o standard_n and_o so_o they_o set_v forward_o every_o one_o after_o their_o family_n according_a to_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o relation_n this_o have_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n or_o how_o to_o conclude_v a_o separation_n lawful_a from_o hence_o and_o though_o the_o israelite_n do_v observe_v god_n direction_n in_o their_o journey_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a enough_o in_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o the_o other_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o if_o they_o will_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o christian_n shall_v undertake_v nothing_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o they_o have_v command_v from_o god_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n or_o otherwise_o than_o i_o conclude_v they_o must_v not_o separate_v because_o god_n never_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n but_o i_o will_v cease_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o to_o those_o place_n of_o less_o concernment_n only_o quote_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v peruse_v they_o himself_o and_o speak_v to_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o strength_n ibidem_fw-la deut._n 7.6_o 7._o â—_o ibidem_fw-la second_o levit._fw-la 20.26_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v holy_a unto_o i_o for_o i_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_o holy_a and_o have_v sever_v you_o from_o other_o people_n answ_n this_o be_v far_o from_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o command_n to_o israel_n to_o be_v holy_a because_o god_n their_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o have_v sever_v they_o from_o other_o heathen_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n what_o warrant_v this_o give_v one_o jew_n to_o separate_v from_o another_o or_o one_o godly_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o public_a assembly_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o know_v not_o our_o saviour_n christ_n â—â—yes_v the_o same_o command_n upon_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o upon_o we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n out_o of_o the_o world_n do_v this_o give_v they_o warrant_v to_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o the_o common_a sinful_a course_n custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v fellowship_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n three_o ezra_n 9.2_o the_o israelite_n be_v blame_v for_o a_o sinful_a mingle_v themselves_o which_o be_v the_o holy_a seed_n with_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o heathen_a nation_n that_o worship_v idol_n and_o false_a god_n sun_n moon_n planet_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n prohibit_v viz._n marry_v with_o they_o this_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n it_o be_v quote_v for_o if_o we_o worship_v idol_n or_o our_o ordinance_n be_v idolatrous_a in_o their_o institution_n than_o it_o be_v to_o some_o purpose_n john_n 15.19_o because_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o answ_n all_o god_n people_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v hate_v by_o the_o world_n do_v this_o give_v any_o liberty_n to_o decline_v the_o ordinance_n four_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o 10._o but_o you_o be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o choose_a generation_n answ_n this_o text_n have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n to_o stranger_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n who_o be_v convert_v and_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o a_o sacramental_a communion_n or_o church_n fellowship_n only_o intimate_v all_o believer_n be_v choose_v and_o peculiar_a to_o god_n which_o we_o deny_v not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o prophanor_n in_o the_o world_n five_o 2_o chro._n 23.19_o jehojada_n appoint_a porter_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o none_o that_o be_v unclean_a shall_v enter_v in_o answ_n put_v case_n that_o leviticall_a cleansing_n and_o purification_n be_v not_o now_o out_o of_o date_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o if_o he_o have_v set_v porter_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o clean_a from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o of_o some_o unclean_a among_o they_o that_o be_v already_o enter_v in_o it_o have_v be_v something_o though_o but_o a_o little_a to_o this_o purpose_n by_o reason_n many_o thing_n and_o many_o man_n at_o some_o time_n be_v then_o account_v unclean_a that_o now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v unclean_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o touch_v a_o dead_a carcase_n or_o have_v a_o issue_n of_o seed_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v clean_a under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v then_o unclean_a six_o ezekiel_n 44.9_o no_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n or_o in_o flesh_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n answ_n though_o no_o stranger_n shall_v enter_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n by_o circumcision_n be_v also_o admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o as_o vicious_a and_o profane_a as_o have_v former_o be_v prove_v as_o any_o in_o our_o assembly_n can_v be_v &_o
drink_n etc._n etc._n worship_v of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n what_o colour_n man_n may_v here_o have_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o as_o for_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a ordinance_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v we_o shall_v resist_v the_o lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n set_v over_o we_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 2.13_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v one_o scripture_n across_o another_o for_o saint_n peter_n exhort_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n then_o by_o humane_a ordinance_n be_v such_o here_o mean_v as_o be_v heathenish_a and_o jewish_a that_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o can_v not_o now_o be_v consistent_a in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o be_v of_o christ_n not_o such_o ordinance_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v sacrament_n and_o prayer_n these_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o humane_a ordinance_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o corruption_n in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o 15._o matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_z lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o there_o be_v here_o to_o maintain_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o god_n people_n and_o worship_n i_o know_v not_o if_o christ_n have_v leave_v any_o such_o command_n with_o his_o disciple_n sure_o it_o will_v be_v find_v extant_a in_o scripture_n especial_o a_o point_n of_o so_o high_a concernment_n 1_o pet._n 1.22_o 23._o 1_o tim._n 2.1.13_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o purpose_n beside_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o those_o that_o attend_v his_o ordinance_n such_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n in_o they_o follow_v 16._o rom._n 12.5_o for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n hence_o the_o separation_n conclude_v that_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n and_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v saint_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a appearance_n answ_n 1._o i_o answer_v all_o that_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n whether_o godly_a or_o profane_a may_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o same_o visible_a body_n by_o a_o external_a covenant_n be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n though_o their_o life_n be_v unanswerable_a second_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v here_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n he_o speak_v of_o that_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n not_o of_o the_o visible_a and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o believer_n because_o it_o be_v unpossible_a for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o a_o profane_a person_n and_o doubtless_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n among_o they_o yet_o say_v he_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n three_o admit_v he_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v such_o as_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o profane_a person_n among_o you_o separate_z or_o cut_v yourselves_o from_o the_o body_n 17._o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n the_o apostle_n here_o also_o show_v that_o oneness_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n that_o all_o believer_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o true_a bread_n of_o life_n and_o the_o true_a head_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n this_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a therefore_o already_o speak_v unto_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v not_o willing_o to_o eat_v with_o such_o a_o one_o or_o to_o have_v any_o voluntary_a familiarity_n with_o he_o this_o place_n have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o sacrament_n object_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o eat_v common_a bread_n with_o he_o much_o less_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o sacrament_n answ_n it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o have_v familiarity_n or_o common_a society_n with_o he_o or_o not_o but_o not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o eat_v or_o not_o to_o eat_v with_o he_o at_o the_o sacrament_n if_o the_o church_n be_v remiss_a in_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o case_n the_o apostle_n prescribe_v in_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o chapter_n therefore_o put_v away_o from_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n he_o say_v not_o if_o the_o church_n be_v remiss_a and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o put_v away_o come_v not_o to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o text_n bear_v no_o such_o weight_n that_o way_n but_o that_o in_o discharge_n of_o my_o duty_n i_o ought_v to_o frequent_v the_o ordinance_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o cast_v he_o out_o but_o of_o this_o heretofore_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o this_o text_n and_o that_o of_o revelation_n 18.4_o be_v the_o two_o masterpiece_n of_o all_o their_o scripture_n i_o will_v speak_v first_o to_o that_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o where_o we_o must_v consider_v first_o who_o be_v to_o separate_v second_o from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v three_o what_o be_v the_o unclean_a thing_n there_o not_o to_o be_v touch_v first_o they_o that_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v the_o believe_a corinthian_n man_n convert_v from_o heathenish_a and_o idolatrous_a custom_n and_o service_n to_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n second_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o infidel_n man_n destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o man_n void_a of_o faith_n man_n not_o profess_v christ_n palpable_a idolater_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n or_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o beliall_a the_o believer_n with_o the_o infidel_n or_o what_o agree-hath_a the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n three_o the_o unclean_a thing_n from_o which_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v their_o idol_n and_o profane_a sacrifice_n and_o true_o if_o in_o the_o visible_a face_n of_o our_o assembly_n christ_n be_v not_o profess_v his_o ordinance_n dispense_v if_o the_o ordinance_n be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o institution_n and_o heathenish_a god_n be_v worship_v by_o we_o it_o be_v indeed_o good_a reason_n for_o all_o god_n people_n all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o separate_v but_o that_o this_o place_n tolerate_v any_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o minister_v in_o assembly_n profess_v christ_n and_o where_o be_v many_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o find_v no_o warrant_n for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o corrupt_a member_n exercise_v in_o and_o about_o they_o the_o ordinance_n remain_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o profane_a man_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o they_o eli'_v son_n be_v wicked_a but_o the_o ordinance_n keep_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o use_n to_o god_n people_n that_o come_v due_o prepare_v to_o they_o if_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o separation_n can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v any_o one_o place_n to_o countenance_n or_o warrant_v a_o separation_n from_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n own_o institution_n notwithstanding_o the_o evil_a manage_n of_o they_o and_o corrupt_a man_n employ_v about_o they_o than_o they_o say_v something_o but_o because_o scripture_n command_v god_n people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_n which_o worship_v false_a god_n as_o the_o sun_n moon_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o observe_v idolatrous_a custom_n and_o practice_n in_o ordinance_n invent_v of_o their_o own_o brain_n not_o institute_v by_o christ_n this_o
4.15_o whilst_o god_n people_n by_o a_o even_a and_o peaceable_o walk_v follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o by_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 4.3_o ephe._n 4.3_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o their_o godly_a conversation_n encourage_v other_o to_o come_v in_o and_o now_o in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v have_v declare_v my_o own_o judgement_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o carry_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o lay_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v give_v i_o further_o light_n though_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o too_o many_o doubtful_a disputation_n my_o time_n nor_o ability_n afford_v it_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v our_o heart_n what_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o how_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o well_o please_v before_o he_o to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o postscript_n among_o many_o friendly_a solicitation_n i_o have_v for_o the_o publish_n this_o treatise_n i_o meet_v with_o one_o who_o i_o make_v acquaint_v with_o my_o intention_n that_o think_v it_o not_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n by_o reason_n as_o be_v conceive_v it_o will_v give_v some_o advantage_n to_o our_o wicked_a malignant_n to_o cherish_v in_o themselves_o their_o evil_a thought_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o their_o division_n by_o reason_n this_o book_n also_o in_o diverse_a place_n of_o it_o reprehend_v the_o like_a misdemeanour_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o papist_n and_o our_o profane_a one_o so_o much_o cast_v in_o the_o face_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o true_o before_o i_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o press_n i_o debate_v the_o business_n with_o myself_o whether_o the_o premise_n consider_v i_o ought_v rather_o in_o conscience_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n or_o to_o conceal_v it_o for_o this_o suppose_a disadvantage_n and_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o scruple_n from_o their_o tender_a conscience_n i_o think_v good_a brief_o to_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o inforce_v the_o birth_n of_o that_o which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n first_o i_o consider_v many_o have_v labour_v with_o i_o to_o have_v it_o make_v public_a and_o but_o one_o only_a that_o object_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o time_n present_v be_v think_v not_o convenient_a second_o i_o consider_v the_o full_a of_o distraction_n the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v the_o more_o need_n be_v there_o to_o hasten_v forth_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o be_v three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o far_o more_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o satisfy_a the_o conscience_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o settle_v the_o division_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o evil_a construction_n of_o the_o wicked_a foâ—rthly_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v know_v herein_o either_o to_o papist_n or_o malignant_n that_o they_o can_v take_v the_o least_o advantage_n but_o what_o they_o already_o know_v they_o know_v too_o well_o by_o our_o rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v divide_v whether_o any_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v the_o unity_n thereof_o yea_o or_o no_o sure_o wâ—e_v shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o make_v peace_n between_o neighbour_n though_o some_o other_o do_v thereby_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o neglect_v to_o endeavour_v the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n although_o even_o hereby_o some_o man_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o distraction_n in_o it_o five_o the_o best_a way_n to_o convince_v the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o side_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n although_o the_o profane_v wretch_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v speak_v the_o same_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o the_o devil_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v deny_v he_o six_o man_n of_o profane_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n never_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o book_n of_o divinity_n especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o sell_v but_o state_n matter_n i_o dare_v presume_v where_o there_o be_v one_o malignant_a buy_v this_o book_n to_o abuse_v it_o twenty_o honest_a man_n will_v buy_v it_o for_o their_o benefit_n seven_o the_o neglect_n of_o treat_v upon_o this_o and_o the_o like_a subject_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n there_o not_o be_v one_o of_o a_o hundred_o that_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o public_a or_o private_a by_o word_n or_o write_v this_o way_n and_o if_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n there_o will_v consequent_o be_v more_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o less_o ground_n of_o scandal_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v the_o effect_n must_v needs_o cease_v eight_o if_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v silent_a this_o way_n it_o will_v be_v a_o tacit_n justification_n of_o the_o preposterous_a proceed_n of_o they_o that_o make_v such_o disturbance_n in_o public_a assembly_n which_o no_o honest_a man_n dare_v do_v nine_o whatsoever_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n there_o be_v that_o concern_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o church_n welfare_n to_o be_v declare_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v for_o some_o seem_a disadvantage_n 10._o if_o we_o must_v write_v nor_o speak_v no_o truth_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v carp_v at_o and_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o true_o many_o precious_a truth_n will_v lie_v in_o obscurity_n as_o that_o of_o free_a grace_n of_o predestination_n and_o many_o other_o of_o like_a concernment_n nay_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o general_n how_o the_o stand_v so_o much_o for_o a_o reformation_n have_v cause_v many_o malignant_n to_o spend_v their_o wit_n wealth_n time_n and_o strength_n to_o oppose_v it_o 11._o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o encouragement_n in_o all_o the_o book_n to_o countenance_v wicked_a man_n in_o their_o sinful_a approach_v the_o lord_n table_n although_o god_n people_n may_v warrantable_o participate_v notwithstanding_o 12._o if_o christian_n will_v rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o lawful_a power_n perfect_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o great_a forward_v to_o the_o work_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n 13._o so_o long_o as_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v continue_v and_o especial_o if_o countenance_v by_o silence_n it_o give_v the_o enemy_n cause_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o way_n far_o more_o than_o such_o endeavour_n for_o peace_n as_o this_o be_v or_o any_o way_n can_v do_v 14._o the_o worst_a they_o can_v say_v or_o see_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v this_o they_o say_v and_o see_v too_o apparent_a the_o more_o need_n of_o a_o speedy_a reconciliation_n 15._o if_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n give_v advantage_n to_o papist_n and_o malignant_n to_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n how_o much_o more_o those_o hundred_o that_o maintain_v a_o separation_n and_o so_o occasion_n division_n 16._o if_o this_o book_n maintain_v malignant_a tenet_n so_o do_v the_o author_n and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o do_v and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o scandal_n at_o all_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v conceive_v the_o work_n of_o a_o malignant_a but_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n if_o it_o have_v jacob_n voice_n why_o it_o shall_v have_v esave_n garment_n put_v upon_o it_o it_o may_v peradventure_o meet_v with_o the_o like_a entertainment_n from_o some_o particular_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n do_v in_o their_o course_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o bird_n that_o love_v not_o the_o sun_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o beast_n that_o will_v bark_v at_o the_o moon_n yet_o the_o planet_n themselves_o of_o admirable_a use_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n even_o so_o some_o one_o or_o other_o may_v be_v offend_v hereat_o that_o be_v no_o true_a friend_n to_o light_n truth_n or_o peace_n but_o i_o be_o comfort_v in_o this_o what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v well_o bottom_v upon_o god_n word_n intend_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a of_o this_o that_o while_o wicked_a man_n like_o serpent_n suck_v poison_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a grape_n god_n people_n like_o the_o bee_n will_v draw_v bony_a out_o of_o this_o bramble_n berry_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o have_v publish_v it_o the_o lord_n make_v it_o successful_a finis_fw-la