one cannot understand another at this day but wherein every one may be edified and understood in his owne language Acts 2. 6. whether Jews or Gentiles Elamites Medes Parthians c. vers. 9. 10. 11. to his astonishment vers. 8. 12. every one in his own tongue so every one in his own way Judgement and Administration wherein one can well understand another in this Vnity besides at Babell Gen. 11. the confusion of tongues hindred the Building but at Jerusalem Acts 2. the Diversity of tongues helpt it like Joshuahs entrance into many Nations at once Josh. 10. 11. 20. 23. in dispersing the Gospel of the Kingdome at once into all Nations in their owne languages and so now by this UNITING into all Saints or sorts of the people of God in their owne Formes and Judgements at once this body consisting of all sorts of members in their owne joynts and places So that though there be Diversities yet but one spirit and differences of Administration yet the same Lord 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. to the 15. and every one in his gifts places and opperation to profit withall This is the Ministry that we waite for which will speake to every one in his own language and understanding by the power of the holy Ghost Acts. 15. 36. Let us goe againe and visit our brethren in every City where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they doe 18. For the exercise of Justice and Righteousnesse Lawes and Government amongst our selves in outward matters according to the word spirit and teaching of God and the power and lawes left by Christ to his Church and people 1 Cor. 6. 1. 2. Dare any of you having a matter against another goe to law before the unjust and not before the Saints Doe yee not know the Saints shall judge the world c. Now seeing we find so little Conscience or Justice from men of the world it concerns us to be the more carefull For Psal. 122. 3 4 5. In Jerusalem are the THRONES and thither the Tribes goe up 19. That we may be in a better way of Sympathizing and participating with one another in distresses and persecutions to comfort and communicate one to another freely 1 Cor. 12. 26. Rom. 12. 15. Heb. 13. 3. Joh. 3. 17 18. Heb. 13. 16. and that there be no lacke to any one member or Fellow Citizen of this Zion and that this be more like to the first patterne in the like cases then yet appeares amongst professours Acts 4. 34. Neither was there any amongst them that lacked for as many as were possessours of Lands sould them and brought the prices of the things that were sould 20. For that the Great increase Growing and Flowing in of the latter dayes is into such a WAY and state of Zion wherein all Saints are united Jer. 50. 4. 5. Come let us JOYNE our selves Isa. 2. 2. 54. 2. Enlarge the place of thy tents 49. 17. Make hast lift up thine eyes round about and behold how All GATHER together or unite or come to thee vers. 20 21. The place is too strait for me give me place that I may dwell who hath begotten me all these Isa. 60. 7. The flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee then vers. 8. Who are these that fly as a cloud and as doves to the windowes Thus was it at the first patterne Acts 2. 41. 47. 4. 4. 5. 14 15. And beleevers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and woemen But so long as Religion is rent into such parties Factions and confusion we can expect but little conversion to the Faith incouragement or coming in either of Jews or Gentiles to these disorders and Divisions on judging censuring excommunicating another for their different Measures of faith At which Abomination both Jewes Turkes and Gentiles have been amazed and astonished for they have been far more serious unanimous and devout in their superstitions and Idolatry yea lesse injurious and more charitable one to another 21. That there may be found amongst us more sincerity simplicity and singlenesse of heart one to another about the things of Christ Whereas now in these Divisions and breaches one Brother betraies another denyes and delivers up another and as the Prophet sayes Micah 7. 5. Trust ye not in a friend put ye not confidence in a guide but in this VNITING As Acts 2. 46. They dedicate their bread with gladnesse and SINGLENES OF HEART 22. That our motions sufferings actings and contendings for Christ may be joynt and with one consent Our joynt-groanings for the name of God making as it were but one sound Our conjunct tears but one stream conjunct desires but one prayer conjunct complaints but one Theam conjunct praising but one Melody conjunct gifts but one Ministry And thus we hope to have more joynt-prayers amongst the Saints whereas now one is praying up and Another down Joynt praising Joynt witnessing and joynt-feeling or bearing the lot of the whole Hebr. 10. 23 32 33 34. Jude 3. whereas now as some take off others lay on load upon the suffering ones Joynt holding up and maintaining the truth Joynt-refusing of Subjection with all Gospell opposition to persons and things under what names soever that are against the Lord Jesus and his Kingdome Yea a Joynt-standing up for and justifying of the Name Interest and Cause of Christ and his People from Calumnies and injuries with Joynt-acting and engaging as the Lord shall call us to it for the Truth Liberty and Priviledges purchased for us by the blood of Christ Gal. 5. 1. Zeph. 3. 9. That they may all call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one consent keeping up the most PUBLICK SPIRIT for Christ and his Kingdome in ONE and ALL Canticles 7. 1. The JOYNTS of thy thyghes are like JEWELLS the worke of the hands of a cunning workeman 23. Till then we neither understand one another at home nor are we understood abroad nor indeed doe we well understand our selves Now it is necessary as it was the Primitive practice for a Right understanding to be made and maintained in the WHOLE BODY and throughout the Nation amongst the Saints of the same Faith Hope Sufferings and Expectations with us And therefore in order to such a clear intelligence and correspondence with all the Saints and People of God in these Nations by Messengers Letters and such like wayes allowed in the word of God unto which we doe hereby Solemnly invite our Friends and Brethren from all parts for mutuall good we are in this Way Being very sensible of the great inconveniences and injuries which arise to the people of God and publick Cause of Christ the manifest stumblings offences and prejudices in the hearts of many precious ones the various subtleties and wayes of Sathan and of his Instruments to keep us unknown to and un-owned by each other and the Great
Lamb for Testimony aâ— a Resâ—lved People 9. To Give our Selves All up to the Lord and one Another in Christs and his Kingdomes Service for Readinesse as a Willing People 10. An Exact Life and Conversation amongst all for example as an Holy People 1 Motive to this Vniting is that it ever began the great Work of God In Aegypt In Babylon And in Jeruselem in the Apostles Days And in the last Days by the Spirit of Eliah 2 Motive the Call of Christ from the Grave 3 Motive is the Consent and Vote of all Saints alive Dead in this they all Vnite 4 Motive it is Christs Gathering-time that is upon us 5 Motive it is his Visiting time too The Communion of Saints is not in this or that Forme but such a Communion as holds in heaven and in earth as to the Spirit of it 6. Mot is the Deepes and Sea of knowledge c. by this meanes The benefit of the Deeps above the Shallowes The Promise of the Deeps 7 Motive to be All called by One Name and yet every one in his own PATH 8 Motive in this Way there is a NECESSARY USE of diverse and Different Members and B anches How this Body differs from others in the order of it 9 Motive the most excellent and Vsefull matter whether we ever see it or no! and as unworthy as we are must be found in this WAY at last 10 Motive The most Excellent Ministry that is to be till the second coming of Christ must arise this Way The flying Gospell The seaven Thunders The Trumpet of one piece 11 Motive is the Danger of Jacob to be utterly destroyed in this Nation How Eaten up 12. All Saints must to it at last 13. This will abide when other wayes sale 14 Motive Least the Anathema Maranatha our highest Curse which is the Curse of his second coming be upon the Disobedient 1 Query Ansn 1. Not a mixture but a thorough Separation 2. Not an overly Fellowship but a close and cleaving Aggregation upon Kingdom Principles 3. Not a Narrow rigid but a Large Comprehensive Spirit 4. Not a stating it in any one Forme but in the Power of Faith and Godlinesse 5. Not a disordering or displaceing but a due ordering and well placeing of different Saints in their proper Joyntts 6. Not a party growing but an Increase of of the WHOLE together 2 Query Answ. 1. We think it hath been we do own them that retain it in Purity 2. Yet not perfect but rising 3. And are for Communion with them Vnion of All and Embodying of scatte red ones 4. Yet we see them not so acording to the Primitive patterne 5. We deny not but they may be called the Temple also 6. We dare not but deny Communion with the Apostate Churches and with no others Answ. How this doth bear the Name from them Answer 1. We say not so nor are we so 2 One may be of two bodies 3. Of two lodies or Churches one by way of Admission as a proper Member and the other by way of Communion 4. The formall Consideration consists with a particular Body 1 Object 1 True Chuâ—ch hath a place for all Saints 2. And are not to be put by that they doe desire it 3. But have a spiritual Intelligence with all 4. In an invisible Way of communion also 2. Object â— Answer The Church-Communion of Gospel-institution admits all Saâ—nts Prophets Apostles Martyrs and â—ow 3 Object â— Answer Not our patterne as an universall but particular visible Church 2 A great mistake to think particular meetings are particular Churches Yet in what sense some will so interpret How they may be said to be Many and yet but ONE As Sion as a Body as a City as an Army as a Kingdome as a Heaven as a New Jerusalem 4 Object 1 Answer No more like an universall Church 2. Then every particular in primitive times 3. The nearer to it and to the Nature of it the better Others that must succeed must exceed upon this Principle 5 Object Ans. 1. Wisdome leftwith the Church for the Wel-being thereof 3. The Word of Prophecy is many in one 3. A plaine Pattern for it 1. Collectively altogether 2. Distributively or in severall places and meetings And then Organically as there is need A. 1. In their severall Meetings Ordinances 2. Those wherein One differs from another in the different Meetings 6 Object A. 1. One and the same Rule for the Church 2. Not as Apostles 3. But as Members and Ministers 7 Object Ans. 1. No injury to Churches 2. But to make up the Breaches 3. And to put all Formes into their right use and place 4. Not to rend but reforme and refine them 5. Who can be offended at this Object 8. Ans 1. A duty at all times 2. Signes of the Time of the End 3. If that Ground be not clear to thee yet manyare Object 9. Ans. 1. Breaches not so likely this Way wherein every one hath his right and Due 2. Not so soon in a Body Compacted well Coâ—â—â—â—ed as in a Bâ—dy paâ—â—â—fyed and made a Faction or a sâ—â—â— or but a pâ—â—ce of Communion of Saints 3. We are better able to crush and kill Divisions â— If breaches should arise yet the THING will stand and that rejoyces our hearts what â—â—â— become our Persoâ—s Object 10. Ans. 1. Vniformity not in Primitive times kept up and why Object 11. Ans. 1. The first patterne is before Act. 2. 41. 2. That relates to Converts this to Disciples 3. No primitive Church stated in One Form or judgment 4. All Churches gathered and govern'd by this Rule of Communion with all Saints and of liberty to all orderly and in their Places Object 12. Ans. 1. Take the fruites with the Tree and upon the Tree 2. Take your own Way So it be according to the Patterne and the Worke 3. It must be a Way sutable to every one for service and exercise 4. We cannot be expected to be so Perfect at day-breake as at Noon day 5. Yet have a care every one of you now you doe reject this Way An Expostulation Refuse the first step and lose the second All Objections we can meet with most easily Answer'd The Spirits Office is to enable us Our Way to it is most Clear To the Reader and his conscience The Invitaâ—ion to all the godly People in the three Natâ—ons The Exhortation grounded The wonderfull evils of these Times amongst Professours make us looke for little from some Who they are that will not accept this Call The benefit of them that accept this Call and Invitation with the First Our Cries and Prayers Our full purpose of Heart if the Lord helpe us The Conclusion To all our Brethren and Country men A Remembrance A Remembrance A Challenge On the contrary an Expostulation
power Spirit life and Excellency of worship and of Ordinances as Hezekiah opened the doors of the Temple 2 Chron. 29. 4 7. and as it was in the Primitive times by this blessed Way and Worke at least and at first in some little degree more then it hath been known since the Rise of the BEAST Rev. 11. 1 2 6. Or since the Gentiles have trod the holy City under foot and the wildernessing of the woman Rev. 12. 6. For as the Tabernacle made of many united looped and tacked together in one Exod. 26. 6 11. as Judg. 21. 11. it is said They were knit together as one man having respect to the Tabernacleunion called the Tabernacle of the witnesse Acts 7. 44. and the Temple 1 Sam. 1. 9. 3. 3. Psal. 27. 4. 138. 2. was a type of this which is therefore called the Tabernacle of the Testimony So herein also as it was there in the Figure is hid the ARK Rev. 11. 19 and the heavenly Manna Rev. 2. 17. from the sight of men till the time come for the holy Camp Rev. 11. 2. to set forward and then is taken away the Covering-veile or the shutting up of the Tabernacle as Exod. 40. 3. 26. 14. which upon moving forward to the land of Promise was opened and uncovered Numb. 4. 5. So must this Tabernacle of Saints so united and knit as one man be opened and the covering or veile spread over hitherto Isa. 25. 7. be taken off as they move to the things promised in the last days And as the inner Court Ezek. 46. 1. was shut up the six dayes but when the evening of the sixth day came and the SABBATH approached it was to be set open for the open and Publick worship and Ordinances So doe we with grounded perswasions expect the opening of THIS inner-Court Rev. 11. 1. hitherto shut up in this evening of the great SABBATHISME or REST approaching in the New Jerusalem Rev. 20. 21. 4. The Parity of the Order and circumstances of the Witnesses sufferings Rev. 11. Rising and Ascending with our Lords suffering Rise and Ascention signifies to us a Parity of duty upon the Disciples of Christ at this day with those of that day The Witnesses bodies are said to lie in the street of that City where our Lord was crucified implying the parity viz. slaine by the highest sort of Professours who say they are Jewes and are not Rev. 2. extant in the world so was our Lord Their bodies not put in graves nor was our Lords in the earth but in a stone a new tomb cut out of a Rock where never any man lay before of him it is said After three dayes I will rise againe Mat. 27. 63. and of the Witnesses Rev. 11. 11. All his lying dead were the Disciples dispersed complaining and scattered so All the time of the witnesses and many are now complaining as Luke 24. 21. At his rising fear and terrour fell on them that saw it Mat. 28 4. so at the witnesses Rev. 11. 11. At his Resurrection at the very first Few saw it or would belive it Luke 24. 37. but rather were affrighted at it Luke 24. 11 41. being ignorant of the manner of his Rise Joh. 20. 9. And so are we at the Witnesses Rise Rev. 11. 13. which is as we think obvious to Few at the first step thereof But from that instant of time as the Disciples work was uniting and embodying before Jesus ascended in a cloud So doe we from the parity apprehend it the Duty of the Disciples now every where that have been dispersed before we shall see the witnesses ascended up in a cloud i. e. more visibly to All for then their enemies beheld them Rev. 11. 12 13. and the Earthquake came and the REMNANT were affrighted and gave Glory to God 5. The Executing the vengeance upon BABYLON The pouring out of the Vial-worke or THIRD WOE is out of this Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony Rev. 15. 5 8. 16. 1. and not out of any One Forme Judgement or sort of men whatsoever Hence when the Judgement comes All sorts of Gods people are called to rejoyce in it whether Apostles or Prophets as in the vengeance of them all Rev. 18. 20. though under different Administrations 6. The Constitution of the Primitive Church-state which was not in this or that Forme but in the Power of godlinesse and Christian Principles making up one Body under different and many Gifts Measures Judgements and Administrations 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 11 12 13. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Rom. 14. 4 5. without Names and Distinctions as now are calls upon us to this practice And for that in the Primitive times we read but of one Church in a City were it ever so large as at Jerusalem Antioch Rome Colosse Phillippi c. which was of great conduce to Love and Vnity so Titus 1. 5. And ordaine Elders in every City as I had appointed For although at Jerusalem were many thousands Acts 2. 41. 4 4. it is probable as many as in all the particular Churches of London yet they were not many Churches as in this City that occasion much the Divisions and breaches of Sion but One Not that we bind up our communion so strictly for that is explained in answer to the second query onely we doe humbly judge it would be better ONE in a City then many as now are 7. The Consideration of the present Deflouring Defilement and Defection of many if not most of the Particular Congregations for we see them with sorrow of heart so far corrupted from their first purity deviated from their first principles of separating from all that is unclean 2 Cor. 6. 17 18. and of uniting upon their formerly professed or INDEPENDENT Principles that in most parts round the Nation they are become rather DEPENDENT upon them in power Participant with them in Apostacy and Communicant or consociate with them in Sin and with those very things persons and principles which they were once separated from as inconsistent with the Churches of Christ The TEACHERS of severall of them falling in with Parishes Tythes Parish-Clergy and Parish-worship And the Members of them with the uncleannesses evills and abominations of the times oftending persecuting or casting out them that keep constant to their first principles and purity being not onely tainted mixed and infected but Many of them so notoriously degenerated in the Essence viz. Matter Forme End Rule or Congregationall Principles that we cannot with comfort walk with them or keep our garments clean amongst them The matter of some of them being Goalers Persecutors Opposers of the Truth Notorious time-servers or such as hold places take profits from the sins of the times that strengthen the hands of the wicked that make the hearts of the righteous sad self-seekers covetous Boasters Hypocrites Apostates and such as we are bid to turn away from 1 Tim. 4. and to have
no Fellowship with Eph. 5. 11. 2 Chron. 11. 16. Hos. 4. 15. 8. The Fearfull shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience 1 Tim. 1. 19. that hath been made amongst Professours at this day wherein since the SHIP hath been broken into pieces and Fitters so Many have sunk and been drowned in sins and pleasures and worldly lusts and those that doe as yet remaine alive are in very desperate danger of the like destiny upon their severall planks and peeces whether they be Presbiterian Independent Baptized or others And therefore according to Acts 2. 40 Save your selves from this untoward Generation to save our selves as much as in us lies from this great perill wherein so many are fallen before our eyes we rather get off from the severall pieces or our particular Forms since this shipwracke wherein every one is Scrambling to get most for himselfe and Few for the the publick good of all and doe goe aboard upon this bottome or ONE WAY of Christ and SHIP wherein is contained all the particular Formes and Judgements the Safety and Liberty of them All Knowing that if we be all united to save the SHIP every ones Cabbin will be safe and in the preservation of the whole or the power of Godlinesse amongst all is contained the good and safety of every individuall and particular 9. The present Divisions Factions and Distractions in particular Congregations and Formes keeping up their rigidity as a partition-wall between Saints and Saints doe call aloud for this Vniting-work and way of Christ for the building up again of all these wast places and breaches of Syon Isa. 49. 17. till which the things of Christ are and will be carried on by Parties Hurries and Factions Schismes and confusions of tongues too much of Babylon some crying up Paul and some Apollo some Cephas stopping the progresse of the Gospell setting up particular Interests for the Publick lifting up other Names for Gods Name hindring the sweetnesse of Saints Communion and darkning the Excellency and derogating from the Majesty and power of the truths of Christ and his Kingdome eating out the power of Godlinesse with controversies and keeping under the growth thereof with oppositions and enmity as it was of old between Jew and Gentile Circumcision and Uncircumcision which Enmity now appears among Professours of different opinions in their unkind carriages one to another bitter speeches and invective censures nick-names and provocations ready to cast out one another threatning slâ—ghting betraying wronging and devouring of one another Which their Teachers have not discovered so as to turne away their Captivity Lam. 2. 14. But because this Jewish rigidity and enmity heightned and reared up in Ordinances Formes and Commandments is so far abolished by the death of Christ Eph. 2. 15 16. that both Jew and Gentile though ever so different in Judgement must make up one body and did BOTH continue in one and the same Church in Primitive times 1 Cor. 12. 13. in the free Exercise of their own Faith and Light Rom. 14. 4 5. We dare not deny the death of Christ and the benefit of his Crosse in this matter by keeping up the enmity grudging or division amongst them that differ in their Judgements or Formes of worship but rather from the power and effect of it in our own hearts which hath slaine not onely the enmity against God but we hope of one against another that our Love to one another may be the Love of God that dwelleth in us 1 John 4. We doe UNITE as made ONE by the Crosse fellow-Citizens together with all Saints upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets fitly framed and growing up together Eph. 2. 19 20 21. through the Spirit that every one may be fully perswaded in his own mind Rom. 14. 5. pressing after one and the same perfection and whereto he hath already attained so to walk Phil. 3. 15 16. to keep in his own path without justling one another Joel 2. 8. eating of his own bread Isa. 4. 1. and sitting under his own vine with quiet comfort and safety Micah 4. 4. 5. 10. The CONFEDERACY or Conspiracy of the Enemies of Christ and his people which is very strong and twisted at this day The Scales of Leviathan are shut together as with a close SEALE and if they be at variance amongst themselves we see the present way of making them ONE is by a Crosse and crafty complication of Interests or joynt-opposition of Christ and his Kingdome HEROD and PILATE made Friends against Christ Ephraim and Manasseth against Judah REZIN and PEKAH and Ephraim too against Jerusalem yea Gebal Ammon Amaleeke and the Philistines with them that dwell at Tyre Prov. 1. 14. Come say they cast in thy lot among us and let us have ONE purse And if they agree in opposing it is time for us to agree in exposing All we have and are for Christ and his People Acts 4. 27. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anoynted both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and people of Israel were gathered together'd together then verse 32 The MVLTITVDE of them that believed were of ONE HEART and of ONE SOVLE neither said any of them that ought th things which he posessed was his own 11. For that as they must be a Particular and a Distinct People from others Numb. 23. 9. Prov. 14. 7. So a Peculiar and Conjunct People with themselves that are after the first pattern and fit for Christs Kingdome service Like Nehemiah 9. 2. The seed of Israel who separated themselves from all strangers and stood and confessed their sins Nehem. 10. 28. and then ver. 29. they CLAVE to one another So Chap. 13. 3. and Acts 19. 9. Perswading the things concerning the Kingdome of God but when divers were hardned and spake evill of that WAY he departed from them and SEPARATED the Disciples A visible and pure segregation and aggregation going hand in hand to make up the Forme of this COLLECTIVE Body every particular member judgement and measure being put into its proper place seat and Joynt in the body 1 Cor. 12. 11 12 14 20. for service 12. For that every particular Church is to bear by institution the IMAGE and parts of the whole Church of Christ and therein hath all the priviledges of it Now the whole Church consists not of this or that sort or size of Saints or of those of this or that Forme this or that judgement but of all sorts of Saints of all judgements and under all Administrations this is called the Church of the First-born Heb. 12. 23. the Mount Sion ver. 22. Which the Hebrewes were come up unto in their Communion not in any one Forme or Judgement whither Presbiterian Independent Baptist c. for they are the Churches of the Latter-horne rather But the First-borne comprehends Abraham Isaac Jacob Prophets Apostles and Saints in All Ages of all Judgements
advantages which he hath to increase Divisions and foment Jealousies with the Reports which are made and Reproaches which are cast upon us and the Principles of Christs Kingdome the temptations and faintnesse of some of our dear Friends the backwardnesse of persons and yet forwardnesse of Parties ready to spring up and cause a farther suffering to the Name of God and Christ and all these in the absence and much through the Defect of this Primitive Practise of Loving INTELLIGENCE mutuall quickning and unanimous understanding undertaking and moving as ONE MAN in the matters of Christ and his Kingdome that concerne all alike And for want of a due knowledge of and faithfull inquiry after the welfare growth establishment and estate of one another round the Nations were it as far as from Jerusalem round about unto Illyricum Rom. 15. 19. For after the first pattern we should be continually sending out or receiving in 2 Cor. 8. 23. They are the MESSENGERS of the Churches ver. 19. Chosen to travell with us Phil. 2. 25 30. My Brother and companion in labours and fellow Souldier but your Messenger Acts 15. 26. To send unto you men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Verse 41. And he went through Syria and Silicia confirming the Churches Acts 16 5. And so were the Churches established in the Faith and increased in number daily 24. And as the ultimate the very deep sence which is as a dagger in our very hearts to hear how the Lord is dishonored Christ contemned his Kingdome rejected his Spirit wounded and blasphemed and Sion crumbled into Dust and much more suffering then we say in the highest and weightiest matters of Religion since the vast breaches of Sion hath put us after earnest crying and inquiring upon this practice of Vniting though we be poor unworthy creatures For that the name of our God is dear unto us the Lord knows and we would faine be at least in a way that might more glorifie the Lord and his Christ then we can be or doe by these sad Divisions and confusions Not forgetting the honour which his Name hath had formerly when the Saints were Vnited and in all Ages when united in sufferings as under the Heathen and Popish powers when united in Testimony As the Separates and Puritans against the Prelates and their Hierarchy when united in Service and Actings as in the late Wars without so much as the Least stumbling or offending one another about their Different Forms or Judgements O how sweetly Vnited were they in the Work of Christ and of his People at that Day then might be said Behold how good and Pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together and Vnity Psal. 133. 1. What a Beauty and Glory was then upon the Name of God! yea how was he glorifyed in the eyes of All the Nations and of All the Enemies of his People as Rom. 15. 6. That ye may with one Mind and one Mouth Glorifie God! So Psal. 50. 2. Out of SION the Perfection of Beauty God hath shined So Isa. 60. 1 2. Arise Shine for thy Light is come and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee that is upon the Saints so Vnited Whereas whiles Divided the Name of God is Divided rent and torne apieces divers wayes and in sundry Manners to the Exceeding great Reproach of Religion Injury of Christ Decay of Grace and Dishonour of that most Holy Name These are some of those GROUNDS which we goe Upon and are Moved by with a Holy Fear as before the Lord to make a Deliberate and Sober Progresse into so Serious Publick and Necessary a Work as this is Now as we humbly think this is no longer to be Delayed so not rashly to be Vndertaken by Any that have a True Sence of Many Most or of All the aforesaid Incentives Nor can we doe the one or the other without Sin or Guilt In the Sence whereof we doe so heartily Commend it in the Name and Spirit of the Living God to the Christian Concurrence Love Care Practise and Incouragement of the most Cordiall Saints that are sincere Friends of Sion or our Dearly Beloved Brethren Scatter'd abroad in the Severall Cities and Counties of the three Nations that we All alike Deny our selves and so Move with a Sweet Large Indulging Comprehensive Spirit of Grace of Love and of a Sound Mind in the Kingdome of our Lord Jesus for the keeping in the quickning spirit the Growing Light the Christian correspondence and Primitive practises with the Power of Godlinesse and of Religion pure and undefiled amongst the people of God of their severall Formes and Differing Apprehensions Wherefore in a trembling awe and sence before God of their sins that have offended him by delaying Denying Excusing and putting of a Present Duty and that Publick on the ONE HAND Luke 14. 18. 24. Hag. 1. 2. 4. 2 King 12. 6 7. a great sin of this day Mat. 24. 48. 2 Pet. 3. 3. So on the other hand of them and that especially that have provoked him by sudden rash and imprepared falling upon it Eccles. 5. 1. as at Perez Vzzah 1 Chron. 13. 10 12 and Beth shemech 1 Sam. 6. 19. c. doe we Goe Softly as it is said 1 King 21. 27. and fairely Waiting before we are fully fixt to hear what any one hath to say against This or what better EXPEDIENT Then this that we may close with may be found for the UNITITING of All Saints as ONE MAN for the Countenancing Incouraging and Carrying on the Interest and Cause of our Christ in his KINGLY GOVERNMENT amongst us Now conceiving it is the Saints work to fetch home THIS ARK into its placed prepared of God i. e. the Temple opened Rev. 11. 19. And there was seen in his Temple the ARK of his Testament c. in order unto it they must be prepared gathered Vnited Sanctified and put in order that goe about it 1 Chr. 15. 1 2 3 12 13. Sanctifie your selves ye and your Brethren that ye bring up the Ark of the Lord God unto the place that I have prepared for it which we hope to see as a Fruit of the third of the seventh in solemnity set apart And as 2 Chron. 30. 18 19. The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek the Lord God of his Fathers though he be not cleansed according to the Purification of the Sanctuary But that we may hide nothing from them that inquire after our Progresse in this Matter that say as Cant. 1. 7. For why should I be as one that turneth aside by the Flecks of thy Companies and as Cant. 6. 1. That we may seek him with thee as Nehemiah Chap. 2. 18. said Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good so Ezra 7. 9. 8. 18. We shall informe them of the Proposalls Assented to by this Particular Body not being bound up to the letter of them but in the sence waiting
10. 29. 2. 3. our great Law being Love to all Saints Besides to this End doth our Lord come againe that he may perfect this kind of Communion John 14. 3. Epi. 1. 10. 2 Thes. 2. 1. That those who have wept and watcht pray'd and walkt together in Life and Grace may sing triumph rejoyce and reigne together in Life and Glory Those that have kept together in the Danger may continue together in the Deliverance but unto the Scribes and Pharises Luke 13. â—8 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth when ye shall see Abraham Isaac and Jacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome i. e. that Kingdome which comprehends all Saints and you your selves THRVST OVT for v. 29. They shall come from the East West North and South and shall sit down in this Kingdome Wherefore up O ye WISE VIRGINS all at once that waite for the Coming of the Bridegroom get up and be ready trim your Lamps fill your Vessells hear the dismall cry of Midnight he comes he comes hasts hasts like a Roe ore these Mountains of Bether or Division to Gather All into ONE out of their Wildernesse-holes and Differences occasion'd by externall observations and Formes Wherefore up AWAKE Awake Awake and put on Strength O Sion in these Three Nations for the Day doth break and the shadows flee and the Primitive Community is coming forth to be reduced and revived Therefore up O Wise ones Mat. 25. 7. whiles the Foolish are gone to buy in mercenary wayes that we may be All in one ready to enter into the Marriage v. 10. even so AMEN Thus farre for Motives In the Next place to leave out nothing that we know of that may carry Conviction or Light to our Friends in the Nation we shall Answer the Most Considerable Queries and Objections that we can meet with 1. Query WHat doe ye mean by Gospel-order or Temple-state after the first pattern Answ. We have before expressed that in the Grounds but to be more particular both in the Negative and Positive we answer 1. Not a known Mixture but a more thorough Separation from all false wayes worships persons and things that pollute 2 Cor. 6. 16 17. Eph. 5. 11. Acts 2. 40. Save your selves from this untoward Generation The Work of Cleansing the SANCTUARY being a Work of Degrees Ezek. 43. 20 23. 44. 7 8 9 10 11. Dan. 8. 14. Zech. 14. 21. 2. Not an idle carelesse overly Communion no more then an uncomfortable distance or disjunction one from another but a most accurate close aggregating Uniting and Cleaving of those so Separated and of the Dispersed ones to the Lord and one to another upon the Principles of Grace and Kingdome of our Lord Jesus in All the ADMINISTRATIONS and Parts thereof with a full and constant Purpose of heart and participation of Ordinances Rom. 14. 4 5. 1 Cor. 12. 4 5 6. 7 13 27. Eph. 2. 21 22. Acts 9. 26 11. 23. 3. Not a narrow censuring rigid beggerly but a large Loving growing and comprehensive Spirit of Christ and his Kingdome to actuate us from him alone as our Head expatiating and putting forth its selfe after the first Pattern both to Jew and Gentile Bond and Free Rich and Poor Strong and Weak yea to Saints and to All men and to All creatures in their kind and proportion 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. 9. 19 20 21 22. I am made ALL THINGS to ALL MEN that I might by ALL MEANS save some 4. Not a magnifying Imposing or stating the Church in any ONE FORME opinion or observation but a faithfull keeping to and constant crying up of the power of godlinesse grace and Onenesse of Christ Jesus with Religion pure and undefiled with brotherly love and the principles of the Kingdome amongst Saints of all Formes and Judgements 1 Cor. 7. 19. Gal. 5. 6. Col. 3. 11. Rom. 14 5 6 7. 5. Not a disordering keeping or putting out of Different Saints or members but such a Communion of Saints as keeps up a Due Order wise and well-location and use of all Sorts of members in the Body and in thier proper joynts and places for service and Imployment 1 Cor. 12. 21 22. 17. For if the whole were of one forme were an eye where were the hearing Or were an eare where were the smelling c. Ephes. 4. 16. from whom the body fitly JOYNED together 6. Not a Party-growing but a comely and kindly increase with the increases of God! of the WHOLE together and a dayly fetching in of sweet Sutable nourishment to the WHOLE BODY by the Joynts Col. 2. 19. Ephes. 4. 16. this we mean by Gospel-order after the 1. Patterne Qu 2. Whether do ye think that the Gospel or Temple-state hath not yet been found amongst us If NOT we must declare against the best of the Churches doctrinally and practically but if SO then how can this beare away the name after the 1 pattern Answ 1 Although we need not reflect to what hath been but to what IS obvious yet we dare not deny but that we heartily honour and owne those separate Churches that retain their first PRINCIPLES in purity grace power and holiness that are in the Vnity Love sound Doctrine Discipline and communion of the Saints Yet 2. We never thought them to be Perfect but growing up to Perfection and so a getting out of the Wildernesse by Degrees now this is one Degree and growth further as we suppose and so more up unto the primitive State viz. uniting and orderly placeing of all sorts of Saints in one Body So That 3. We doe not call for a separation from such Churches as retaine the purity of their matter Forme and Principles of Communion but rather for a COMMUNION and an ASSOCIATION with them in the severall Cities and Counties of these NATIONS and for an UNITING or embodying of the scattered persecuted and dispersed or disjoyned ones in and about this CITY in a word to chast Churches for communion and growth up into a purer state To Choice Members for union and growth into a more excellent publick spirit To scattered ones for embodying out of the present evils into the approaching GOOD so that UNITY in things Necessary LIBERTY in thing Unnecessary CHARITY Godlinesse Sincerity in things Different and Indifferent we desire to see 4. For all this and albeit we deny not but the Gospel and Temple hath been found amongst us in more purity and light then in other places yet we must professe we cannot see it So according to the primitive pattern or Church of the first-born to state a Church in any one single forme opinion or Judgement whatsoever whether Indep Presb Bapt or any other as in the comprehensive power of faith and New Testament godlinesse in all their Formes knowing that Saints of all these and severall other Formes may be and are true members of the Church of Christ 5.
As a Particular member by it selfe considered may be and is called the Temple of the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6. 15. 19. without the injury to the Body whereof he is a part which in another sense or collectively is called the TEMPLE 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Cor. 3. 16. So may a particular body sat down in this or that Judgement and yet in another sense and we humbly think with much more sutablenesse does this particular Church or Collective body stated as before expressed beare the name of the Temple too Rev. 11. 1 2. Cor. 6. 16 17. or Gospel-Order after the first pattern 1 Cor. 12. 13. 17. Phil. 3. 15. Rom. 14. 14 5. 12. 45. Now the reason of this Analogy is because this holds a most excellent consistency Symmetry Harmony need and Vsefulnesse of every particular body of this or that forme as well as a particular Church does or ought to doe with every particular member of that body whether of this or that Judgement keeping up a necessary serviceablenesse to the Lord and one another in All and in every one in their proper joynts and places which is most like to the Primitive state and is a Constitution more after the Institution of the Gospell then a sitting down in any one Forme This is no other then the House of God! said Jacob Gen. 28. 17. which is that why where he saw the Ladder and some goe up and some goe down and some one way and some another and the Lord a top of all at the Head of all and all serving him their severall wayes as 1 Cor. 12. 5. There be Differences of administrations and yet but One Lord In this heavenly harmony and melody if we might but find it of different members and motions O how sweet would be the Vision 6. Lastly but as for those particular Churches so called that are corrupted have lost their Forme and Matter that are let loose and doe let their members range in the World and the Lusts thereof that persecute or oppose the Truth Cast out or kill the life and Grace of the sound Members not admitting Communion with Different Saints nor keeping up of Brotherly love that are thus gangrened both in Substance and Circumstances so defiled so deformed and degenerated we doe not we dare not hold Communion with or own them for the Faithfull Spouse after the first pattern Now these are they and no other that we doe doctrinally and practically declare against and withdraw from So that by this Time we trust every one can answer himselfe in the second part of the QUERY viz. How this doth bear the Name from the Rest viz. that are Apostatized 1. In the Truth of that which they have but the Name and Title of 2. In the Spirit and Life of that which they keep up but the Forme and Letter of 3. In the Harmony of the diffring Members and Meetings in their own joynts and places in that New-Jerusalem-like Order of Communion with all Saints which they have either rejected or else were never well acquainted with For as we believe All were not rightly constituted Churches that were called so or went by that Name So we deny not but this or that particular Church or some that once we might have owned may foulely Fall Fade Decay and die as we durst not hold Communion with and yet we not question but a true Temple-state may be found amongst us too growing up towards perfection Besides in the End and Rule we may be said to bear that NAME from them without reflecting upon those Churches that maintain the Purity of Matter and Forme Rule and End Extent and Priviledges of the Kingdome of Christ whom we with all our hearts doe own and are ONE with in Spirit and Communion Qu 3. But can any be said to be ONE CHVRCH or Gospel-Body and yet more then One or how can any be members of two Bodies and doth not this way you are in looke too like an VNIVERSAL-CHVRCH and smell of that straine for you have many meetings and so many Bodies Answ. Here be many Queries in one which in order we answer 1. We doe not say nor can any that we are more then ONE though ONE that hath many Members and so meetings as occasion requires 1 Cor. 12. 13. 27. but more fully to that presently 2. One may be a member of two Bodies in a two sold consideration very well as a member of a Naturall Body may be also a member of a Politicall-Body and of a Polit may be also of a Religious Body yea and so of two Religious Bodies in a twofold consideration as a member of a Particular Church is also member of the universal and may also be a member of a BODY united upon Kingdome-Principles and services or on other matters But 3. This was very frequent and in Constant practice in the Primitive times to be of One Church as a member by union and of another by Communion and so Paul had communion with all Churches and at Corinth 1 Cor. 5 4 5. and yet a member admitted of the Church at Jerusalem Thus may members of other Churches be also members of this Body and walk with this in Communion and yet hold their places too in their own particular bodies As a member of a mans body holds its place there and yet as a member of all mankind hath a Publick motion too as well as a Particular 4. That there be no mistake in the FORMAL PART of this Vniting-Worke we have declared our selves to be but one Particular Body after the 1 Pattern at Jerusalem and holding a Communion with all Saints in order Jew or Gentile bond or free of this or that opinion that understandingly desire it Object 1. But visible Saint ship and visible Church-state are not All one and many may be Saints or memberrs of Christs mysticall body that are not joyned to any visible Church Acts 5. 13 14. Answ 1. We grant they are not one in state and yet the true Chuâ—ch-state is the Câ—mmunion of Saints and according to the institution hath joynts and places for all sorts of Saints received Rom. 14. whole Chapt and 12. 4 5. 1 Cor. 12. 2. We confesse also that some may be Saints that are not of any Particular Church nor desire it but the Query is whether any Saints inlightned of good life and seeking Communion with us are to be put by 3. We are to be such a Body as holds a Communion and good intelligence even with them also in the Spirit yea and in some cases so far as can be consistent with the power of godlinesse and wherein wee agree c. more visibly too Luke 10. 1. Acts 5. 13 14. for the publick good Yea 4. Our Communion spiritually is to be so large as Comprehends Saints in an Invisible Way and in the Power as well as in a Visible Way and in the Forme being all Members
practices now this was their Rule Gal. 6. 15 16. Neither Circumcision nor Vncircumsion but the New-Creature and as many as walk according to this Rule Peace be on them and by this Rule they denyed Controversies and stated affaires Gal. 2. 7 8 9. to the Liberty of all Saints 2. Under the Consideration of Apostles men so immediately inspired and guided by an infallible Spirit for the first Planting of the Gospel in All Nations we have them not our Examples nor the same Rule to walk by as Acts 15. 28. 25. it seemeth good to the holy Ghost and to us nor dare we pretend to it our Rule being more ordinary and revealed to us in the holy Scriptures and from the practise of all Primitive Churches But 3. As Members and Ministers or Servants of the Church under that Consideration we and they have All but one and the same Rule for practice and that which they so did are we to do likewise 1 Cor. 4. 16 17. 11. 1. Phil. 3. 17. 1 Thes. 1. 6. 2. 14. 2 Thes. 3. 9. but under that consideration were they in this kind of Communion of Saints giving this christian Liberty to Jew and Gentile one and another of different judgements in matters doubtfull and Disputable wherein one Saint might differ from another and yet hold together in the BODY orderly in due and proper places and joynts Rom. 14. 1 Cor. 12. 27 28 29. So Phil. 3. 16. Neverthelesse whereto we have already attained let us walk by the same Rule let us mind the same things Brethren be ye followers together of me in this and mark them which walk as ye have us for an Example Now in this comprehensive Communion we have them for Example and that not as Apostles but as Members of the Body and Ministers of the Church Having cleared our way thorough these Objections some perhaps may say Ob. 7. We hear indeed of a Designe to rend and destroy Churches of Christ that some have Ans. 1. We are none of them nor doth this offer the least injury to any of the true Churches of Christ such as keep up the Communion of Saints with purity 2. We are so far from Breaking them that our Work is to make up the Breaches of Sion and more to Unite them in the true Principles of Separation from false worships and wayes of Sin and in the things of Christs Kingdome 3. We doe acknowledge them though now so many of them are setled on their Lees and rivited in their Formes to have been honourable in their Day and Times as the Presbit against the Prelat and so was the Indep and so hath been the Baptist but it seems to as now that there is no Honour in setting up one Forme against another or of one truth against another or of one gift against another or one grace against another or one person or one party against another nor yet conduceable to the service of Christ at this Day but all Saints to be in a consistency together This seems more after the mind of God Whereby we doe no more destroy them that are sound in Faith under what Forme soever then the Gospel doth destroy Law which doth not destroy but perfect it and put it into it's right place and use and Spirit 4. This is not to rend but reforme and refine them or to fetch them out more pure from defilement and Sin 5. If we offend Any it must be either those that are Degenerated or those that take offence without cause or else those that are imprisoned and bound up in their own private Spirits and Formes For what is it we are about but to let us out of bondage Gal. 2. 4. into the true liberty of the Spirit and into the due and proper exercise of the Forme or judgement for the Publick Good as well as for our own Private Object 8. Such as think it the time may fall to this worke but we doe not think it the TIME OF THE END nor the OPENING OF THE TEMPLE c. Answ 1. If it be not so yet this of Vniting Communion withall Saints and brotherly love is our bounden duty at all times and never more need to be Practised then now 2. And yet there be more Arguments for it then against it and the Signes of those times or of the time of the end are apparent to All that are judicious and observe 3. But if all the GROUNDS we have given be not clear to ALL for we expect it not yet all may be to some and some to All yea so many to every one as will leave him without excuse when Christ comes that now clocks into Vnion Love and Harmony amongst all Saints as a Hen clocks her Chickens Object 9. We doubt you will have breaches and Divisions too in that Vniting Body as well as in others Answ 1. It is not so likely as among those that are embodyed in any One forme Because to keepe up their Vniformity they must be strict and rigid which frets the Members and wounds the most spirituall of them And many times this Causes Parties and so Breaches in the Body Besides through there Defect of this Rule they cannot admit Different judgements to have their Places and Freedome of exercise which they conceive is there Right and Due but this we doe being not bound up to any one Particular Forme So that it is Narrownesse and Rigidity which causes contention and Breaches and not this sweete equall brotherly and primitive-like latitude or Christian Liberty given to all Saints in their proper places where they are profitable and most edifying Because without this they justly think that injury is done them but with this there is None for All are well-pleased with their own Places and joynts 2. Not so soone when we are orderly and duely compacted together and put into place as when a Body is divided or indeed of it's selfe but a party a faction a piece or a forme of Saints communion As Psal. 122. 3. Jerusalem is a City COMPACT then ver. 8. For my brethrens and companions sake will I now say Peace be within thy Walls that is to say when so Vnited and compacted because Parties and Factions cause the Breaches and not such a compacting as this is Eph. 2. 21. 4. 4. wherein we have the Bond of peace 3. If so be Divisions should arise as they did in the primitive times 1 Cor. 1. 10. 11. 18. we shall be in much better Capacity and have more help to deale with them this way as they did in the Primitive times Rom. 16. 17 18. 14. 19. Ephes. 4. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 16 c. that they may never rise up unto a BREACH But if they should rise up to a BREACH which may be possible yet of this we ate well assured and resolved that the Thing will stand viz. the Vniting
Free Full and Naturall an Accesse to the things we seek for as our hearts can desire But now we leave you oh Brethren and friends of Sion of ALL SORTS and the CALL to you from a poore shrub or BURNING BUSH to betake our selves upon our bended knees again and againe And to beg of God for you who shall engage or PERSWADE JAPHETH to dwell in the tents of Shem that Canaan may be his servant to give you the GRACE to make an immediate ESSAY upon this Duty as Psal. 48. 12 13. Walke about Zion round about her tell the Towers thereof marke ye well her Bulwarks Consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation that Followes Leaving with you these Sobs and Tears of Sion who hath layn so long in Brine and Blood The 27. day of the 7 month 1657. AGREED to by this BODY UNITED and WAITING as at Jerusalem that according to Acts 1. 15. An hundred and twenty of our Names be Subscribed and Sent out with a SOLEMN INVITATION to this UNITING WORK throughout the three Nations in the NAME of our LORD JESVS who is Coming and of the REST of this BODY UNITED in and about this City of London Who have thorough Grace made some little ENTRANCE into so Great so Hopefull and so Necessary a WORK that we may be put together into a better Capacity for his COMING and KINGDOME in every ADMINISTRATION thereof Even so Amen Isa. 49. 17. Thy Children shall make hast Then Thy Destroyers and them that layd thee wast shall goe forth of thee EDward Edmonds Robert Clark Nicholas Middleton Thomas Broughton Richard Jones Henry Chomley John Whight Thomas Dowsde Richard Tyler John Tyrrel John Allen James Mallery James Frances Walter Harding James Lowd Jon Merrals S Mast William Russel Frances Good John Turner Walter Rand. James Wilkins John Ward Solomon Webster R. Brimsal George Johnson Edward Broomer Thomas Ardree Henry Hedges Edw Graves Edmund Wood Robert Wingreen John Jealous J. Nessonby Richard Smith Thomas Atwood M Pace John Wandall Daniel Rand. Samuel Gossener John King Evan Hewes Edward Glayes Miles Cottis E. Burges Gregory Kirby John Rayment Robert Rogers Gilbert Lockington M. Stowers Thomas Crundal John Thaire Joseph West Thomas Coates S. Freeland Miles Coates John Robon Christopher Craile K. Johnson Edward Squire James Grippe John Thomson John Rogers Clement Plomsted H White Thomas More Nathaniel Bunch Henry Martin Anthony Aires Matthew Grigson A Curtis Thomas Ambler John Crump Richard Bird John Massie Francis Goram Thomas Moreton John Clement William Elwood S. Green S. Rowley Robert Simmons James Gressam Robert Knight S. Lockinton William Chandler John Babycome E. Chambers George Hancock James Doeman Simon Smith A. Prichard John Gardner Joseph Jefferies Edward Hewson Joseph Graves John Bingel E. Sparks Edward Hart. Francis Simson Francis Crane E. Grippe Richard Groeme Francis Moon E. Thurland S. Frances John Crony E. Webster Richard Hodges Michael Dunwell John Ireland E. Rookesby Thomas Taylor H. Pirkins John Loveday Robert Massie A. Rawlings Edward Bowman Walter Simmons Jonathan Renolds c. Acts 1. 15. The number of Names together were about 120. SInce this hath been in the Presse with some Delay we have from Severall Parts in the East South and North of this NATION been already and unexpectedly sent unto to Incourage and Provoke us in this WORK and WAY according to the PROPOSALLS and We should gladly hear from Others There be Errata's which the Reader may easily recover and Correct in his own Understanding as p. 59. l. 21. r. desired to see l. 30. r. orderly joyned p. 60. l. 38. r. Vncomfortable c. FINIS 1. Ground the Paralell of our Present Scattering the last three years with the Disciples the three days of Christs sufferings calls for the same Practise from us 2. Ground is the Great Promise of the Spirit at hand for which Christ put his Disciples into this Posture or way of Uniting The Reason of it 3. The opening of the Tabernacle of the Testimony The Typicall Tabernacle of many in one so is this Wherein is hid the Ark the Manna And it comes to be opened or the Covering-Veile to be taken off when the Holy Camp arises The Inner-Court opened for the open Worship 4. Parity of Circumstances in the Witnesses death Rise and Ascending with our Lords implies a Parity of Duty on us 5. The Executing the judgement must be this way 6. The Constitution of the Primitive Church-state being but one Body of many Formes c. Then one Church in a City 7. The present Apostacy and Adulterating of Churches Their Teachers Viz. Answer to 2d query Their Members Spoyled in their Essentialls 8. The Woefull Shipwrack to the Drowning of Many and Danger of All that yet will keep upon their Planks or Pieces Calls us to get aboard the one Ship 9. The Great Divisions in the Churches and Formes rents and Factions Controversies and Oppositions Envy and Enmity to one another expressed Reason why we dare not keep up such Enunity and divisions 10. The Combination of Enemies of All sorts 11. They must be Distinct Conjunct above any others Every one in in his proper place 12. Every particular Church must bear the Image of the Whole which consists of all sorts in ONE 13. Greater Grouth of Grace Spirituall Nourishment 14. For more Love Concord and indearednesse 15. For a more collective Beauty of Sion How this beauty came to be lost And how it is to be restored 16. For a clearer and more exquisite and inspired Knowledge of Christ and the times and of the things that are to be don about which we are now at so great a losse 17. For that Another as a more Apostle-like and Primitive Ministry in the power of the holy Ghost is to be sent abroad in these last Dayes Difference betwixt the Confusion of Tongues at Babylon and the Diversitie of Tongues at Jerusalem 18. For the Exercise of Righteous Justice 19. For better providing and caring one for Another in all Cases 20 For that the great Increa e and flowing in of others is into this Way Till then look not for any Considerable Conversion of Jewes or Gentiles 21. Sincerity Singlenesse of heart 22. That we may be more joynt in all the things of God 23. For a Right Vnderstanding round the Nation 24. For the Glorifying that God whose Name hath Suffered so 1. That the Scattered ones be gathered into ONE BODY 2. Gathered and Govern'd as a Religious Body after the first Patterne for the Rule of it 3. Kingdome-Saints of All Judgements for Matter 4. Upon the Principles wherein ALL are ONE for Forme 5. With free and equal Exercise of their severall different Judgements in their severall different Meetings for Order Distributively 6. A WEEKLY Meeting of the WHOLE for Edifying Collectively 7. The New Commandement of Brotherly Love indeareduesse in this Body for Law as the Lambs People 8. A Joynt-contending and standing up with the