abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n know_v you_o therefore_o that_o they_o which_o be_v of_o faith_n the_o same_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o for_o the_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v circumcise_v with_o the_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o rom._n 4.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o divers_a other_o place_n now_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o everlasting_a infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n and_o character_n of_o his_o true_a child_n on_o earth_n be_v that_o these_o antitype_n of_o abraham_n fleshly_a seed_n and_o circumcision_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o the_o type_n themselves_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o you_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o chief_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o epistle_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o what_o they_o former_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v now_o make_v out_o to_o believer_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n plead_v with_o they_o that_o now_o all_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o jew_n &_o gentile_n be_v break_v down_o eph._n 2.13_o 14._o and_o show_v that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n ga._n 5.6_o and_o so_o peter_n act._n 10.34_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a epistle_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_n to_o be_v fellow-heir_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o eph._n 3.6_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o prove_v it_o by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v abraham_n seed_n rom._n 4.15_o 16_o 17._o &_o rom._n 9.7_o 8._o gal._n 3.16_o 29._o and_o therefore_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v rom._n 8.17_o gal._n 3.29_o eph._n 3.6_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o uncircumcised_a but_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n rom._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o rom._n 4.9_o 10._o &_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o phil._n 3.3_o col._n 2.11_o from_o all_o which_o scripture_n and_o abundance_n more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v of_o like_a tendency_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o god_n people_n and_o church_n in_o abraham_n covenant_n continue_v the_o same_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o true_a unalterable_a and_o infallible_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n and_o mark_v of_o god_n child_n the_o swerve_v from_o which_o have_v lead_v into_o all_o those_o confusion_n and_o division_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o god_n church_n most_o particular_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n lay_v waste_n those_o old_a church_n bound_n and_o clip_v off_o god_n ancient_a sheep_n mark_n will_v confine_v the_o place_n of_o his_o flock_n to_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o own_o none_o to_o be_v his_o pasture_n sheep_n but_o such_o as_o will_v receive_v their_o by_o mark_n against_o who_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o take_v up_o that_o complaint_n laban_n son_n make_v against_o jacob_n gen._n 31.1_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o that_o be_v our_o father_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v our_o father_n have_v he_o get_v all_o this_o glory_n some_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n whole_o break_v down_o this_o hedge_n about_o god_n vineyard_n they_o will_v not_o somuch_a as_o admit_v of_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n of_o heart_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a type_n of_o circumcision_n and_o abraham_n seed_n as_o before_o to_o be_v the_o visible_a bind_v of_o god_n visible_a church_n and_o mark_v of_o visible_a saint_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v as_o we_o mind_v before_o will_v add_v some_o further_a uncertain_a disputable_a qualification_n of_o knowledge_n and_o suitable_a conversation_n but_o doubtless_o this_o unsound_a principle_n have_v antichrist_n set_v himself_o upon_o his_o throne_n by_o and_o lay_v waste_v the_o mountain_n of_o god_n by_o and_o tread_v under_o his_o foot_n the_o holy_a city_n by_o this_o have_v let_v in_o the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o wild_a beast_n out_o of_o the_o field_n to_o devour_v that_o it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o church_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o this_o principle_n with_o the_o prophet_n isay_n 64.10_o zion_n be_v a_o wilderness_n jerusalem_n a_o desolation_n and_o to_o plead_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n why_o have_v thou_o break_v down_o her_o hedge_n so_o that_o all_o they_o which_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n do_v pluck_v she_o the_o boar_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v waste_v it_o and_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n do_v devour_v it_o psal_n 80.12.13_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o antichrist_n if_o you_o do_v but_o observe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n decline_v state_n make_v his_o way_n into_o god_n church_n and_o usher_v all_o his_o train_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a doctrine_n by_o lay_v waste_n the_o church_n true_a fence_n and_o bound_n and_o by_o lay_v the_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o into_o a_o open_a field_n in_o which_o every_o unclean_a beast_n may_v make_v his_o den_n and_o pass_v through_o psal_n 80.12_o 13._o and_o as_o these_o ancient_a bound_n of_o god_n church_n be_v again_o discover_v and_o make_v up_o that_o our_o spiritual_a watchman_n may_v keep_v their_o guard_n upon_o the_o tower_n of_o these_o holy_a wall_n so_o shall_v the_o church_n purity_n and_o unity_n be_v recover_v but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o other_o christian_n that_o admit_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v a_o distinction_n nay_o the_o chief_a and_o main_a distinction_n betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o the_o world_n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v it_o to_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n but_o will_v add_v some_o other_o private_a mark_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n some_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o different_a understanding_n in_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n must_v be_v as_o a_o post_n of_o their_o own_o set_v up_o by_o god_n post_n as_o in_o ezek._n 43.8_o in_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o church_n now_o though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a as_o the_o former_a in_o regard_n it_o preserve_v holiness_n and_o visible_a grace_n as_o the_o main_a rule_n or_o bind_v yet_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o error_n be_v very_o sad_a for_o this_o be_v the_o apparent_a inlet_n of_o all_o those_o division_n and_o carnal_a contention_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o continue_v and_o increase_v the_o same_o at_o this_o day_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o shall_v more_o at_o large_a prove_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o jerusalem_n must_v not_o only_o be_v as_o a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n a_o holy_a city_n isa_n 52.1_o isa_n 1.26_o but_o as_o a_o city_n compact_v psal_n 122.3_o a_o city_n with_o wall_n psal_n 51.18_o lam._n 2.8_o 18._o cant._n 5.7_o now_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v both_o these_o extreme_n be_v to_o observe_v the_o bound_n and_o mark_n that_o god_n have_v set_v about_o his_o church_n to_o walk_v about_o zion_n and_o go_v round_o about_o she_o and_o tell_v the_o tower_n thereof_o mark_v you_o well_o her_o bulwark_n and_o consider_v her_o palace_n that_o you_o may_v tell_v it_o the_o generation_n follow_v the_o right_a observation_n and_o preserve_n of_o which_o will_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v comely_a as_o jerusalem_n cant._n 6.4_o god_n will_v then_o be_v know_v in_o her_o palace_n for_o a_o refuge_n psal_n 48.3_o we_o shall_v then_o behold_v how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o but_o for_o the_o first_o and_o worst_a
the_o daughter_n of_o their_o people_n now_o to_o such_o i_o have_v these_o follow_a direction_n to_o propose_v though_o you_o do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o time_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o estrange_v the_o heart_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o good_a people_n one_o from_o another_o yet_o to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o a_o controversy_n against_o controversy_n manage_v of_o it_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n which_o may_v so_o much_o tend_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o the_o endear_n and_o unite_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n one_o to_o another_o that_o may_v be_v worth_a your_o engage_v in_o if_o you_o observe_v what_o be_v say_v page_n 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o you_o will_v there_o see_v how_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n contend_v against_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n and_o labour_v to_o preserve_v union_n among_o saint_n as_o the_o main_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o you_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o own_o heart_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n near_o you_o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o mercy_n set_v special_a time_n apart_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o difficult_a and_o a_o great_a work_n and_o prayer_n have_v do_v many_o such_o all_o those_o late_a great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n in_o these_o nation_n which_o they_o be_v now_o so_o unable_a to_o agree_v about_o the_o divide_n of_o be_v all_o by_o many_o gracious_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o return_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o request_n with_o joels_n exhortation_n chap._n 2.17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v use_v a_o byword_n against_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n 2._o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o study_v and_o propagate_v this_o truth_n for_o among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o this_o day_n have_v produce_v i_o have_v find_v few_o though_o i_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v and_o seek_v for_o they_o of_o this_o subject_n and_o have_v i_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o long_o delay_v expectation_n i_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o have_v make_v a_o essay_n upon_o this_o work_n but_o i_o hope_v if_o it_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n it_o may_v serve_v to_o provoke_v some_o of_o you_o to_o lay_v your_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n lest_o such_o unskilful_a one_o as_o myself_o be_v shall_v spoil_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o bad_o manage_v it_o 3._o set_a upon_o some_o beginning_n in_o gospel-fellowship_n upon_o this_o gospel_n principle_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n will_v prosper_v and_o bless_v it_o against_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n as_o the_o house_n of_o david_n against_o saul_n it_o shall_v grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o the_o other_o weak_a and_o weak_a the_o lord_n seem_v to_o be_v withdraw_v his_o good_a spirit_n of_o his_o quicken_n sanctify_a comfort_a grace_n from_o the_o people_n with_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v most_o predominate_a even_o pour_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o divider_n what_o he_o threaten_v to_o backsliders_a prov._n 14.14_o even_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o be_v even_o weary_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_o sensible_a thereof_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 120.6_o my_o soul_n have_v long_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o hate_v peace_n unto_o who_o your_o foot_n will_v be_v beautiful_a that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n esay_n 52.7_o when_o they_o shall_v observe_v by_o your_o order_n and_o spiritual_a concord_n how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n as_o psal_n 133.1_o if_o you_o have_v already_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n labour_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o this_o precious_a truth_n which_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v it_o and_o make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a round_o about_o that_o you_o be_v in_o charity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o all_o the_o godly_a or_o visible_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o engage_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n at_o present_a then_o make_v know_v your_o judgement_n to_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n near_o unto_o you_o and_o press_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o together_o and_o to_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v enlighten_v they_o therein_o which_o when_o obtain_v proceed_v as_o before_o object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o promote_a of_o it_o among_o they_o may_v hazard_v a_o breach_n betwixt_o we_o or_o at_o least_o a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n show_n shall_v we_o then_o walk_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o duty_n answ_n either_o such_o a_o averseness_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o conscientious_a godly_a fear_n that_o some_o other_o truth_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v may_v be_v prejudice_v thereby_o otherwise_o from_o a_o contentious_a unruly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o sincere_a and_o savoury_a advice_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v over_o they_o if_o from_o the_o former_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o tenderness_n and_o christian_a patience_n aught_o to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o they_o and_o endeavour_n use_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o your_o main_a aim_n and_o intendment_n in_o promote_a this_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o all_o grievance_n of_o that_o hand_n come_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o a_o equal_a provision_n of_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n may_v be_v to_o all_o conscientious_o profess_v or_o practise_v any_o controvert_v point_n without_o the_o least_o discouragement_n or_o restraint_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o sober_a mind_n can_v desire_v if_o from_o the_o latter_a less_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o say_v paul_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o churhe_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o so_o to_o titus_n there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v titus_n 1.10_o 11._o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n vers_fw-la 13._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o chapter_n 2.15_o when_o christian_n contain_v not_o themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o sober_a gracious_a spirit_n whether_o the_o matter_n they_o strive_v about_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n their_o pride_n passion_n unruliness_n ought_v to_o be_v reprove_v but_o if_o in_o case_n they_o all_o shall_v agree_v to_o dissent_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v retain_v their_o former_a rule_n of_o separation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o other_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v themselves_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o but_o the_o rather_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o most_o need_v your_o help_n for_o christian_n much_o more_o minister_n shall_v not_o somuch_o consider_v where_o they_o may_v walk_v to_o enjoy_v most_o comfort_n and_o christian_a liberty_n etc._n etc._n but_o rather_o where_o they_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o weak_a disease_v of_o his_o people_n for_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o though_o i_o do_v judge_v you_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o all_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a affection_n towards_o they_o yet_o not_o herein_o with_o peter_n gal._n 2.12_o 13._o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o they_o but_o yourselves_o withal_o likeminded_a to_o manifest_v your_o charity_n towards_o and_o desire_v of_o fellowship_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o as_o your_o occasion_n give_v you_o opportunity_n to_o evidence_n your_o principle_n by_o your_o practice_n object_n but_o in_o case_n the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o walk_v shall_v be_v so_o offend_v as_o
strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o chrst_n jesus_n in_o who_o i_o rest_v your_o friend_n and_o brother_n in_o the_o unity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n r._n lawrence_z the_o content_n truth_n seldom_o find_v in_o extreme_n p._n 1._o searcher_n after_o truth_n must_v suspect_v danger_n of_o err_v on_o each_o hand_n p._n 1._o 2._o as_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v open_v too_o wide_a so_o it_o may_v be_v shut_v too_o close_o p._n 2._o that_o since_o god_n have_v have_v a_o church_n on_o earth_n its_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o unity_n in_o its_o self_n have_v be_v require_v by_o he_o as_o a_o equal_a duty_n p._n 3._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n justify_v separation_n p._n 4._o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n and_o suitable_a conversation_n be_v to_o intricate_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a bound_n of_o god_n visible_a church_n p._n 5_o 6_o the_o lord_n have_v always_o preserve_v to_o his_o church_n a_o visible_a undisputable_a bind_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o world_n p._n 6._o 7_o 8._o circumcision_n and_o abraham_n seed_n in_o the_o type_n and_o antitype_n be_v foreordain_v &_o establish_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a and_o everlasting_a bound_n of_o god_n visible_a church_n on_o earth_n p._n 8_o 9_o it_o continue_v so_o unquestionable_a until_o christ_n come_v who_o only_o change_v the_o type_n for_o the_o antitype_n p._n 9_o 10._o believer_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o antitype_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o type_n serve_v for_o under_o the_o law_n p._n 10_o 11._o the_o antitype_n of_o circumcision_n and_o abraham_n seed_n be_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n p._n 11._o which_o paul_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o visible_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n and_o mark_v of_o god_n child_n to_o rome_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n p._n 11_o 12._o antichrist_n set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n by_o lay_v waste_n these_o gospel_n bound_n and_o christian_n open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o division_n and_o confusion_n by_o not_o repair_v they_o p._n 13._o 14._o god_n church_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o city_n of_o righteousness_n but_o a_o city_n with_o wall_n p._n 15._o all_o church_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o own_o one_o another_o as_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow_n member_n of_o his_o body_n p._n 16._o seven_o general_n head_n from_o whence_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o duty_n of_o saint_n union_n as_o such_o be_v draw_v p._n 17_o 18._o 1._o from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o father_n p._n 19_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n believer_n ought_v to_o admit_v and_o choose_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n p_o 9_o christ_n and_o all_o saint_n have_v but_o one_o father_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o infirmity_n p._n 20._o 21._o 2._o general_n head_n be_v from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o son_n p._n 22._o christ_n a_o perfect_a emblem_n of_o union_n in_o his_o person_n p._n 22._o christ_n have_v no_o helper_n in_o his_o work_n nor_o no_o partner_n in_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n that_o god_n design_n of_o union_n in_o he_o may_v be_v visible_a p._n 22._o christ_n chief_a design_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n be_v a_o work_n of_o union_n p._n 23._o christ_n walk_v by_o unite_n principle_n press_a unite_n duty_n and_o commend_a unite_n grace_n most_o to_o his_o people_n p._n 23_o 24._o christ_n own_v all_o visible_a gracious_a person_n to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o ought_v all_o saint_n to_o own_v they_o so_o p._n 25._o the_o 3_o sort_n of_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 26._o the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n to_o choose_v church-member_n by_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n p._n 27._o the_o sanctify_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n p._n 27._o no_o believer_n without_o some_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n choice_n p._n 28._o prove_v that_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o spirit_n instate_v a_o believer_n in_o all_o gospel_n relation_n and_o privilege_n both_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n p._n 29._o the_o 4_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o argument_n be_v draw_v be_v from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n p._n 30._o they_o make_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n their_o choice_n p._n 30._o they_o lay_v more_o weight_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o church_n union_n then_o upon_o most_o other_o duty_n and_o mercy_n p._n 31._o paul_n lay_v more_o to_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v more_o to_o preserve_v the_o church_n union_n than_o all_o other_o error_n to_o reform_v p._n 32_o 33_o 34._o the_o argument_n for_o saint_n union_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 35._o the_o 5_o general_a head_n from_o whence_o argument_n be_v take_v be_v from_o the_o several_a metaphor_n and_o similitude_n the_o church_n be_v compare_v unto_o in_o scripture_n p._n 35._o 1._o from_o that_o of_o believer_n be_v god_n child_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o family_n the_o householder_n of_o faith_n p._n 36_o 37._o 2._o from_o that_o of_o the_o membership_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o relation_n be_v inconsistent_a without_o union_n p._n 38_o 39_o the_o 6_o general_a head_n be_v from_o the_o sad_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a division_n p_o 40._o division_n be_v usual_o the_o forerunner_n of_o destruction_n the_o former_a prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o latter_a p._n 40._o direction_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o heart_n search_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_v of_o saint_n division_n p._n 41_o 42_o 43._o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n sometime_o employ_v our_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o our_o corruption_n to_o divide_v by_o p_o 42._o knowledge_n and_o zeal_n much_o imployod_n at_o this_o day_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n in_o divide_v work_n p_o 42._o 43._o the_o sad_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o division_n p._n 44._o 1._o they_o have_v obstruct_v and_o hinder_v reformation_n p._n 44._o 2_o they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o we_o that_o overflow_a flood_n of_o error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n which_o many_o professor_n among_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o p._n 45._o and_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o will_v make_v that_o disease_n uncurable_a p._n 46._o they_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o great_a decay_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o p._n 46._o they_o have_v render_v the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o godliness_n contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o formalist_n and_o the_o carnal_a multitude_n p._n 47._o 5._o they_o have_v render_v the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o unacceptable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o authority_n and_o several_a person_n in_o eminent_a place_n p._n 48_o 49._o 6._o they_o have_v bring_v scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o the_o glorious_a cause_n of_o god_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o have_v stain_v the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o people_n that_o have_v once_o stain_v the_o pride_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 50_o 51._o they_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o many_o eminent_a worthy_a instrument_n from_o their_o public_a station_n &_o thereby_o make_v way_n for_o other_o no_o way_n spirit_v nor_o principled_a for_o the_o place_n they_o stand_v in_o p._n 52._o 8._o they_o furnish_v wicked_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n with_o plausible_a excuse_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o oppress_a persecute_v principle_n p._n 53._o 9_o it_o be_v from_o this_o spirit_n of_o division_n so_o many_o eminent_a gracious_a person_n in_o authority_n be_v disable_v from_o do_v that_o good_a in_o their_o place_n they_o have_v otherways_o a_o opportunity_n for_o p._n 53_o 54._o the_o argument_n for_o union_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 55._o the_o 7_o general_n head_n from_o whence_o argument_n for_o saint_n union_n be_v draw_v be_v from_o the_o evident_a and_o great_a good_a it_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o to_o god_n church_n p._n 55._o 56._o 1._o unity_n will_v renew_v its_o strength_n and_o make_v it_o terrible_a to_o its_o enemy_n p._n 56._o 57_o 2._o unity_n will_v
much_o controversy_n as_o the_o former_a for_o say_v some_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o scandalous_a conversation_n be_v of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n and_o if_o so_o than_o many_o papist_n nay_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n for_o abundance_n of_o all_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandal_n in_o their_o life_n and_o do_v walk_v very_o unblamable_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n blameless_a the_o pharise_n make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n and_o therefore_o sure_a a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a moral_a conversation_n but_o if_o all_o person_n of_o the_o several_a persuasion_n walk_v by_o these_o rule_n that_o admit_v of_o so_o much_o variousness_n and_o uncertainty_n be_v put_v to_o give_v their_o several_a meaning_n in_o these_o qualification_n they_o will_v leave_v the_o enquir_a after_o truth_n at_o a_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o they_o find_v he_o but_o sure_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a case_n at_o so_o evident_a a_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o to_o spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o different_a opinion_n in_o this_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o light_n the_o infallible_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v afford_v we_o therein_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o jo._n 10.14_o and_o be_v know_v of_o his_o col._n 1.10_o so_o have_v he_o leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n a_o rule_n of_o know_v one_o another_o from_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 4.3_o but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o and_o since_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n put_v a_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o seed_n gen._n 3.15_o there_o have_v be_v visible_a mark_n and_o rule_n of_o distinction_n to_o know_v they_o by_o after_o abel_n death_n we_o read_v nothing_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o god_n visible_a worship_n upon_o earth_n until_o the_o day_n of_o seth_n who_o be_v give_v in_o stead_n of_o abel_n who_o cain_n slay_v and_o after_o his_o posterity_n begin_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v after_o enoch_n be_v bear_v then_o begin_v man_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 24.25_o 26._o in_o who_o seed_n the_o church_n of_o god_n continue_v until_o the_o flood_n at_o which_o time_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n pollute_v themselves_o and_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a seed_n by_o mix_v themselves_o in_o marriage_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v at_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v great_o provoke_v and_o say_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o flesh_n gen._n 6.2.3_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o holy_a seed_n be_v again_o revive_v in_o shem_n gen._n 9.26_o 27._o in_o who_o line_n the_o visible_a church_n continue_v until_o abraham_n time_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n again_o renew_v his_o covenant_n and_o make_v another_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o two_o seed_n gen._n 12.2_o 3._o who_o again_o reform_v and_o revive_v the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n gen._n 12.7.8_o gen._n 13.4_o after_o which_o god_n do_v at_o several_a time_n not_o only_o renew_v his_o covenant_n of_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o genesis_n do_v declare_v more_o full_o than_o before_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n for_o as_o before_o he_o usual_o say_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o keep_v with_o thou_o he_o here_o say_v my_o covenant_n thou_o shall_v keep_v with_o i_o verse_n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n therefore_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o you_o shall_v circumcise_v the_o flesh_n of_o your_o foreskin_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o he_o that_o be_v eight_o day_n old_a shall_v be_v circumcise_v among_o you_o every_o man_n child_n in_o your_o generation_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n which_o be_v not_o of_o thy_o seed_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o he_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o thy_o money_n must_v needs_o be_v circumcise_v and_o my_o covenant_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o flesh_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n in_o which_o word_n the_o lord_n do_v ordain_v and_o establish_v a_o new_a pale_a or_o bind_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v never_o again_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o abraham_n seed_n and_o circumcision_n in_o the_o type_n or_o in_o the_o antitype_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n shall_v ever_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o true_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n militant_a which_o covenant_n we_o find_v be_v renew_v again_o to_o isaac_n gen._n 26.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o rom._n 9.7_o gal._n 4.28_o hebr._n 11.1_o and_o after_o that_o to_o jacob_n gen._n 28.13_o 14_o 15._o from_o who_o time_n this_o covenant_n of_o distinction_n be_v usual_o repeat_v to_o be_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n exod._n 2.24_o leu._n 26.42_o and_o that_o for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n 1_o chron._n 16.16_o 17._o compare_v with_o the_o thirty_o four_o verse_n which_o rule_n of_o church-membership_a or_o visible_a bind_v of_o god_n church_n continue_v in_o the_o type_n unquestionable_a until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n luke_n 1.59_o &_o 2.21_o and_o therefore_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o john_n think_v they_o make_v a_o good_a plea_n to_o christ_n verse_n 33._o we_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o verse_n 39_o abraham_n be_v our_o father_n which_o our_o saviour_n admit_v to_o be_v true_a verse_n 37._o i_o know_v that_o you_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o this_o privilege_n paul_n plead_v rom._n 11.1_o have_v god_n cast_v away_o his_o people_n god_n forbid_v for_o i_o also_o be_o a_o israelite_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o against_o those_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o be_v they_o hebrew_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o israelites_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n so_o be_o i_o by_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o controversy_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o stand_v unalterable_a bound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n until_o christ_n come_v who_o do_v not_o at_o all_o disannul_v this_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v a_o distinguish_a covenant_n nor_o alter_v the_o least_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o fulfil_v it_o that_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o law_n in_o general_n may_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.17_o 18._o and_o so_o paul_n argue_v rom._n 3.31_o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v we_o establish_v the_o law_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o seek_v for_o another_o rule_n to_o know_v god_n church_n and_o people_n by_o under_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o legal_a rule_n gospelize_v that_o what_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n be_v type_n of_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o must_v we_o inquire_v for_o and_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o antitype_n now_o which_o the_o type_n then_o serve_v for_o now_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o flesh_n type_v out_o to_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o spirit_n the_o carnal_a seed_n under_o the_o law_n be_v the_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n under_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 4.11_o to_o the_o end_n rom._n 9.10_o first_o verse_n so_o gal._n 3.14_o to_o to_o the_o end_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o
minister_n p._n 140_o errata_fw-la page_n 7_o l._n 1._o r_o john_n 17.3_o p._n 17._o l._n 8._o r._n which_o p._n 26._o l._n 24._o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 44._o l._n 12._o for_o care_n r._n core_n p._n 60._o l._n 19_o r._n unseasonable_a p._n 66._o l._n 21._o r._n quote_v p._n 32._o 33._o 34._o p._n 72._o last_o line_n for_o peace_n r._n place_n p._n 85._o l._n 16._o r._n p._n 68_o p._n 98._o l._n 8._o r._n afliction_n p._n 101._o l._n 10._o for_o time_n r._n kind_n p._n 104._o l._n 11._o r._n as_o it_o be_v p._n 116._o l._n 11._o r._n p._n 30._o 31._o 32._o 33._o 34._o 35_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o for_o which_o r._n such_o gospel-separation_n separate_v from_o its_o abuse_n wherein_o be_v assert_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o moral_a philosophy_n that_o virtue_n be_v usua_o find_v in_o medium_n and_o vice_n in_o extreme_n so_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o divine_a truth_n be_v find_v in_o medium_n &_o error_n in_o extreme_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wind_n nor_o in_o the_o earthquake_n nor_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o in_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n 1_o king_n 19.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o straightway_o psal_n 5.8_o isai_n 40.3_o 4._o and_o 42_o 1â—_n matth._n 3.3_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o crooked_a way_n of_o error_n psal_n 125.5_o prov._n 2.15_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o strait-path_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n must_v take_v heed_n they_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o left_a deut._n 5.32_o josh_n â—_o 7_o 2_o king_n 22.2_o prov._n 4_o 27._o jsai_n 30.21_o all_o which_o scripture_n evidence_n to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n of_o both_o hand_n which_o many_o christian_n not_o due_o consider_v have_v run_v into_o sad_a extreme_n like_o those_o people_n amos_n mention_n that_o flee_v from_o a_o lion_n and_o a_o bear_n have_v meet_v they_o amos_n 5.19_o and_o as_o this_o sad_a evil_n of_o extremity_n have_v have_v its_o influence_n over_o most_o controversal_a point_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o rigid_a stickler_n for_o they_o so_o in_o especial_a manner_n have_v it_o produce_v sad_a effect_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n wherein_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n several_a profess_v christ_n not_o due_o weigh_v the_o bound_n the_o lord_n have_v set_v in_o distinguish_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n too_o wide_o so_o many_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o separate_v the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n do_v shut_v the_o door_n too_o close_o and_o reject_v those_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o keep_v such_o sheep_n out_o of_o christ_n fold_n as_o have_v his_o own_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o just_a even_o they_o both_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n pro._n 17_o 15._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v out_o in_o this_o weighty_a case_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o church-separation_n from_o the_o world_n &_o shall_v therein_o occasional_o discuss_v the_o several_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o extreme_n of_o either_o hand_n be_v stumble_v in_o that_o betwixt_o both_o the_o straight_a and_o narrow_a yet_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a path_n of_o purity_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o truth_n i_o plead_v for_o may_v be_v as_o well_o discern_v as_o the_o error_n plead_v against_o i_o shall_v state_n these_o two_o general_a position_n first_o that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n wherein_o god_n have_v have_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n a_o duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o such_o his_o church_n and_o people_n to_o separate_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n for_o proof_n read_v exod._n 19.6_o compare_v with_o 1_o king_n 8.53_o so_o ezra_n 10.11_o and_o 6.21_o exod._n 23.16_o leu._n 20.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o so_o neh._n 9_o 2._o and_o 13.3_o rom._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v also_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o equal_a duty_n from_o his_o church_n and_o people_n so_o separate_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o deut._n 5.1.3_o and_o 18.6_o and_o 1_o king_n 8.55.62_o 1_o chron._n 13.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o 28.21_o and_o 2_o chron._n 30.1_o and_o 35.3_o ezra_n 10.5_o psal_n 31.23_o 24._o in_o which_o scripture_n consider_v the_o word_n all_z israel_n and_o alice_n saint_n and_o so_o eph._n 4._o to_o the_o 14._o cant._n 6.9_o psal_n 133._o hosea_n 10_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.3_o and_o 11.18_o but_o these_o two_o position_n thus_o general_o state_v i_o judge_v will_v be_v agree_v unto_o by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o scripture_n quote_v and_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o the_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o first_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o note_n if_o the_o first_o position_n be_v true_a than_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o separation_n be_v rather_o about_o the_o manner_n or_o extent_n then_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o separate_a people_n from_o the_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o deny_v therefore_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o a_o right_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n wherein_o some_o will_v have_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n call_v the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a catholic_a church_n and_o only_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n pagan_n &c._n &c._n to_o be_v the_o world_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o most_o vehement_a against_o separation_n among_o the_o reform_a church_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o extent_n if_o they_o shall_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o those_o brand_n of_o separatist_n and_o schismatic_n cast_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o papist_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o then_o assent_v that_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v lawful_a from_o a_o people_n make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o say_v other_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o conversation_n thereto_o there_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o the_o term_n of_o this_o qualification_n will_v admit_v of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o their_o explanation_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n as_o before_o for_o first_o some_o will_v interpret_v that_o term_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o bare_a ability_n through_o education_n to_o answer_v to_o question_n give_v they_o in_o a_o catechism_n which_o a_o child_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v usual_o more_o capable_a of_o and_o expert_a in_o than_o person_n of_o grow_v year_n which_o if_o that_o be_v admit_v than_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n heb._n 6.1_o with_o all_o other_o gospel_n qualification_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n may_v be_v spare_v as_o to_o church_n fellowship_n on_o earth_n but_o as_o various_a as_o man_n opinion_n be_v in_o the_o several_a point_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n in_o controversy_n so_o various_a be_v their_o explanation_n of_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n each_o make_v those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o in_o and_o separate_v upon_o part_n of_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o church-member_n the_o discuss_n of_o all_o which_o will_v take_v a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o then_o for_o the_o other_o term_n of_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o as_o
of_o these_o two_o extreme_n which_o disowne_v visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v require_v in_o person_n in_o order_n to_o visible_a membership_n or_o church-state_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o that_o point_n it_o be_v already_o so_o large_o speak_v unto_o and_o full_o clear_v by_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o especial_o that_o late_a eminent_a discoverer_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o infallible_a bound_n of_o god_n true_a church_n mr_n jo._n cotton_n in_o that_o little_a treatise_n of_o he_o beside_o several_a other_o entitle_v the_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n for_o i_o be_o far_o from_o press_v a_o unity_n of_o church-state_n with_o any_o that_o make_v not_o visible_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o main_a mark_n of_o visible_a faith_n and_o church-membership_a but_o what_o union_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v with_o the_o godly_a of_o that_o judgement_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o opinion_n in_o its_o place_n and_o shall_v now_o chief_o insist_v upon_o the_o second_o general_n position_n that_o all_o true_a believer_n congregat_v together_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o mix_a worship_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o own_o and_o esteem_v one_o another_o as_o true_a church_n and_o saint_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n jo._n 11.52_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n rom._n 12.4_o 5._o sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n jo._n 10.16_o in_o observance_n of_o all_o those_o joint_a duty_n require_v by_o the_o lord_n at_o their_o hand_n without_o divide_v rend_a or_o separate_n from_o one_o another_o object_n the_o term_n of_o your_o position_n so_o general_o state_v may_v admit_v of_o several_a construction_n and_o thereby_o give_v little_a light_n to_o the_o case_n in_o controversy_n though_o you_o shall_v prove_v it_o if_o not_o more_o particular_o explain_v answ_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o term_n in_o answer_n to_o several_a objection_n that_o will_v arise_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o for_o brevity_n sake_n shall_v pass_v they_o by_o here_o and_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o position_n with_o argument_n i_o shall_v chief_o draw_v from_o these_o seven_o general_a head_n follow_v first_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v visible_o manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n believer_n ought_v to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n second_o from_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o son_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n and_o church_n on_o earth_n all_o his_o ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o from_o the_o evident_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n have_v manifest_v its_o visible_a choice_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a inspiration_n of_o its_o quicken_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n believer_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o approve_v of_o as_o such_o who_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n with_o they_o to_o a_o mutual_a participation_n in_o the_o privilege_n gift_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n four_o from_o the_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o age_n prove_v that_o such_o as_o the_o infallible_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o fellow-member_n with_o themselves_o in_o god_n visible_a church_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o approve_v of_o and_o choose_v by_o all_o his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n five_o from_o the_o several_a simile_n and_o metaphor_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a interest_n in_o a_o union_n with_o one_o another_o be_v hold_v forth_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o what_o unity_n be_v require_v and_o interest_n be_v give_v to_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n sheep_n of_o the_o same_o fold_n and_o under_o the_o same_o shepherd_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o same_o interest_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o union_n require_v in_o the_o several_a member_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v so_o fit_o compare_v thereto_o and_o lively_o set_v out_o thereby_o six_o from_o the_o evident_a sad_a consequence_n that_o attend_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n though_o their_o dividing_n and_o separating_n from_o one_o another_o and_o unite_n together_o upon_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n argue_v from_o thence_o that_o such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o destructive_a uncomfortable_a consequence_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o evil_n labour_v against_o and_o avoid_v seven_o from_o the_o evident_a and_o unspeakable_a good_a both_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n the_o union_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o gospel_n last_v principle_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o since_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n upon_o such_o a_o bind_v and_o abide_v principle_n as_o this_o of_o visible_a grace_n will_v so_o exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o unvaluable_a good_a thereof_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o above_o all_o thing_n by_o every_o true_a member_n thereof_o next_o to_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o visible_a grace_n itself_o now_o from_o the_o first_o head_n viz_o the_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n i_o argue_v 1._o those_o who_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o visible_a choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v his_o child_n 2._o believer_n ought_v to_o manifest_v their_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n but_o the_o father_n have_v manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o visible_a believer_n and_o gration_n holy_a person_n to_o be_v his_o child_n therefore_o ought_v believer_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o to_o be_v their_o brethren_n 1._o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o since_o prejudice_v against_o truth_n do_v ofttimes_o put_v out_o all_o light_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o light_n of_o some_o scripture_n to_o the_o clear_n up_o this_o truth_n and_o first_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 23._o verse_n 8._o compare_v with_o the_o 9th_o say_v the_o word_n in_o verse_n 8._o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n which_o he_o prove_v in_o verse_n 9_o for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o heb._n 2.11_o for_o both_o he_o that_o sanctifi_v and_o they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v all_o of_o one_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n from_o which_o scripture_n i_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o all_o saint_n for_o brethren_n though_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o abundance_n of_o imperfection_n and_o uncomliness_n unsutatable_a to_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o course_n of_o life_n because_o himself_o as_o head_n and_o they_o as_o member_n be_v all_o of_o one_o father_n that_o since_o his_o father_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o all_o as_o son_n verse_n 10._o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o then_o all_o as_o brethren_n verse_n 11._o now_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o fellow_n brethren_n who_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o like_a infirmity_n jam._n 5.17_o who_o do_v all_o see_v but_o in_o part_n and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v be_v more_o high-minded_a in_o this_o case_n and_o soon_o ashamed_a of_o their_o brethren_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n than_o their_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o bear_n with_o he_o he_o bear_v all_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o the_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o shame_n of_o they_o heb._n 12.2_o thereby_o set_v they_o a_o pattern_n to_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o each_o other_o infirmity_n for_o so_o argue_v paul_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v
of_o they_o that_o afflict_v thou_o shall_v come_v bend_v to_o thou_o and_o all_o they_o that_o despise_v thou_o shall_v bow_v themselves_o down_o at_o the_o sole_n of_o thy_o foot_n and_o they_o shall_v call_v thou_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o zion_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n verse_n 14._o that_o whereas_o in_o thy_o divide_a disunited_a state_n thou_o have_v be_v forsake_v and_o haâ—ed_v so_o that_o no_o man_n go_v through_o thou_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o eternal_a excellency_n a_o joy_n of_o many_o generation_n verse_n 15._o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o its_o unity_n 5._o the_o renew_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v abundant_o tend_v to_o renew_v its_o joy_n and_o comfort_n the_o ransom_v of_o the_o lord_n shall_v then_o return_v and_o come_v to_o zion_n with_o song_n and_o everlasting_a joy_n upon_o their_o head_n they_o shall_v obtain_v joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v flee_v away_o isa_n 35.10_o compare_v with_o the_o 8._o and_o 9_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n unity_n so_o psal_n 48.1_o let_v mount_n zion_n rejoice_v let_v the_o daughter_n of_o judah_n be_v glad_a etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o the_o 12._o and_o 13._o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o unity_n if_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v such_o great_a search_n of_o heart_n sure_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o must_v flow_v in_o great_a comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o say_v david_n who_o have_v great_a experience_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o division_n among_o god_n people_n the_o sense_n he_o have_v thereof_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 133._o how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o live_v together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o the_o precious_a ointment_n upon_o the_o head_n that_o run_v down_o upon_o the_o beard_n even_o aaron_n beard_n that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n and_o as_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n etc._n etc._n he_o can_v not_o think_v of_o thing_n excellent_a enough_o to_o compare_v the_o sweetness_n and_o comfortableness_n of_o union_n unto_o i_o may_v further_o proceed_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a prosperity_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n both_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o reader_n enlargement_n and_o close_o up_o this_o head_n with_o this_o follow_a argument_n that_o that_o mercy_n which_o will_v prepare_v the_o way_n for_o and_o bring_v in_o with_o it_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o precious_a mercy_n must_v needs_o be_v itself_o a_o glorious_a mercy_n and_o of_o all_o other_o mercy_n inferior_a to_o it_o to_o be_v labour_v after_o and_o pray_v for_o but_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o saint_n union_n as_o before_o therefore_o it_o ought_v of_o all_o mercy_n inferior_a to_o it_o to_o be_v pray_v and_o labour_v for_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_v of_o such_o objection_n as_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o or_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v make_v against_o the_o several_a foremention_v head_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o they_o which_o i_o have_v defer_v for_o this_o place_n rather_o than_o to_o annex_v they_o to_o the_o head_n or_o argument_n they_o may_v most_o proper_o oppose_v in_o regard_n several_a of_o they_o be_v so_o general_a that_o they_o will_v include_v the_o several_a particular_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o each_o part_n thereby_o avoid_v prolixity_n now_o the_o person_n from_o who_o the_o ensue_a objection_n may_v be_v expect_v must_v be_v either_o from_o such_o as_o do_v err_v in_o the_o extreme_a against_o my_o first_o proposition_n in_o not_o approve_v of_o a_o separation_n betwixt_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n or_o visible_o gracious_a and_o visible_o ungracious_a person_n or_o otherwise_o from_o such_o as_o do_v err_v in_o the_o extreme_a against_o my_o second_o general_a position_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o religious_a worship_n and_o service_n without_o separate_a or_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o which_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v include_v the_o contrary-minded_n to_o this_o truth_n in_o both_o extreme_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o avoid_v all_o name_n of_o distinction_n that_o may_v be_v offensive_a earnest_o wish_v that_o those_o nickname_n of_o division_n among_o saint_n may_v be_v like_o those_o name_n of_o baalim_n hos_fw-la 2.17_o take_v out_o of_o our_o mouth_n that_o the_o old_a good_a name_n of_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n or_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a may_v be_v again_o revive_v i_o shall_v state_n the_o objection_n in_o a_o general_a way_n leave_v the_o reader_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o be_v his_o own_o and_o consider_v the_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o to_o himself_o according_o for_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v be_v several_a objection_n that_o will_v be_v joint_o make_v by_o person_n of_o several_a persuasion_n and_o from_o several_a principle_n which_o to_o answer_v to_o distinct_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o multiply_v many_o word_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n object_n 1._o we_o do_v admit_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o holy_a gracious_a person_n to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o they_o which_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o and_o be_v poison_v with_o error_n and_o delusion_n with_o which_o they_o will_v infect_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n thâ—se_a we_o only_o reject_v and_o speak_v against_o as_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n answ_n such_o as_o the_o error_n and_o delusion_n may_v be_v your_o rejection_n may_v be_v just_a but_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n so_o reject_v and_o stigmatise_v with_o nickname_n by_o you_o be_v not_o of_o that_o sort_n but_o general_o hold_v the_o foundation_n point_v of_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n with_o you_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o thing_n very_o controversal_a now_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v believer_n taint_v with_o divers_a error_n of_o a_o dangerous_a nature_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o reject_v as_o incommunicable_a nor_o reproach_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n though_o several_a of_o they_o err_v in_o point_n of_o great_a weight_n as_o deny_v justification_n by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o chief_a scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o erroneousness_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o doctrine_n with_o which_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o ephesian_n colossian_n and_o philippian_n be_v also_o taint_v which_o error_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o those_o christian_n i_o judge_v be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a tendency_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o controversy_n christian_n in_o these_o day_n usual_o separate_v upon_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n there_o be_v several_a delude_v with_o philosophical_a error_n and_o heathenish_a opinion_n and_o custom_n as_o worship_v of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.8_o compare_v with_o the_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o verse_n and_o further_o what_o sad_a error_n and_o schism_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n infect_v with_o there_o be_v contention_n strife_n and_o vain_a jangle_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.3_o 4._o contradiction_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o minister_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o even_o of_o paul_n himself_o who_o god_n have_v use_v as_o the_o instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n 1_o cor._n 11.12_o 2_o cor._n 10.1_o 10._o give_v to_o vexatious_a law_n suit_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o the_o heathen_a chap._n 6._o verse_n 1_o 2._o and_o abuse_v of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o brethren_n chapter_n 8._o error_n in_o the_o administration_n and_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n even_o to_o the_o profane_v that_o holy_a ordinance_n chap._n 11._o yet_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o he_o write_v against_o these_o great_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n give_v not_o a_o word_n of_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o sound_a to_o separate_v from_o those_o corrupt_a nor_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o esteem_v they_o as_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n but_o labour_n by_o sound_a