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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n day_n good_a lord_n 2,726 5 3.8026 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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who_o cause_n they_o plead_v we_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v from_o church_n communion_n with_o they_o by_o the_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o it_o which_o they_o will_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o distance_n between_o we_o that_o ensue_v hereon_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o not_o we_o for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v they_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v revenge_v their_o fault_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o a_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o edification_n do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n leave_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v observe_v his_o command_n and_o institution_n without_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v join_v in_o some_o society_n that_o in_o they_o we_o shall_v assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o they_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o look_v upon_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n make_v so_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o command_n these_o thing_n say_v some_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v with_o we_o if_o you_o will_v do_v no_o more_o and_o if_o you_o do_v they_o among_o yourselves_o you_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o severity_n which_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o will_v it_o may_v be_v be_v demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o authority_n we_o do_v assemble_v ourselves_o in_o church_n society_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o who_o give_v we_o this_o authority_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o so_o that_o with_o they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o of_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n nor_o do_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o unblamable_a division_n by_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v find_v there_o the_o guilt_n remain_v this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o it_o be_v fond_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v absolute_o want_v a_o warranty_n or_o authority_n to_o obey_v jesus_n christ_n to_o observe_v his_o command_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will._n his_o command_n in_o his_o word_n his_o promise_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o holy_a obedience_n the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v gracious_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n and_o authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o express_a compliance_n with_o his_o command_n and_o more_o they_o will_v not_o plead_v a_o power_n for_o where_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v his_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v no_o otherwise_o commit_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v obediential_o towards_o he_o and_o ministerial_o towards_o other_o and_o be_v church_n act_n consider_v more_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o obedidience_n that_o in_o they_o be_v perform_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v their_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v evident_a whence_o man_n may_v have_v authority_n for_o their_o performance_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v we_o direct_v in_o their_o order_n and_o manner_n beside_o the_o minister_n who_o go_v before_o the_o people_n in_o their_o assembly_n be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o work_n according_a unto_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o good_a way_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o who_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o in_o their_o practice_n these_o thing_n have_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n require_v of_o they_o and_o a_o account_n concern_v they_o will_v he_o call_v they_o unto_o at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o dispensation_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o necessity_n be_v thence_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o who_o shall_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o diligent_o every_o one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v out_o of_o question_n with_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o stewardship_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o herein_o be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o we_o do_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n for_o sinner_n that_o be_v wilful_a neglecter_n of_o his_o command_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v testify_v beforehand_o that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o again_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o alone_o who_o call_v they_o to_o this_o work_n can_v discharge_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o when_o man_n be_v invincible_o hinder_v as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v their_o suffering_n but_o not_o their_o sin_n otherwise_o none_o can_v absolve_v they_o from_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o debt_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n some_o indeed_o suppose_v or_o pretend_v to_o suppose_v that_o a_o prohibition_n give_v they_o by_o superior_n forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v though_o not_o by_o nor_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v discharge_v they_o from_o any_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o their_o duty_n it_o will_v do_v so_o no_o doubt_n have_v they_o receive_v no_o other_o command_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o from_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o and_o from_o those_o superior_n by_o who_o they_o be_v forbid_v but_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v so_o from_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a they_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o discharge_n nor_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n can_v they_o now_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n but_o by_o who_o be_v they_o thus_o forbid_v to_o preach_v it_o will_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n which_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o which_o original_o make_v itself_o a_o part_n in_o these_o difference_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o it_o will_v impose_v upon_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n nor_o will_v their_o prohibition_n who_o apparent_o thereby_o revenge_v their_o own_o quarrel_n influence_n the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o what_o will_n or_o may_v take_v place_n but_o what_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v or_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n they_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o preach_v that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o legal_a public_a meet_v place_n or_o church_n and_o these_o place_n be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v meet_v his_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o use_n shall_v be_v accept_v of_o or_o his_o prohibition_n observe_v or_o his_o penalty_n quiet_o undergo_v where_o a_o peaceable_a occasion_n be_v make_v use_n of_o contrary_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o other_o place_n minister_n be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o preach_v in_o they_o no_o such_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o assume_v or_o exercise_v only_o the_o manner_n of_o assembly_n for_o sacred_a worship_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o may_v assemble_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n for_o secular_a end_n or_o civil_a security_n and_o that_o under_o express_a penalty_n incur_v on_o a_o contrary_a practice_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v exempt_v by_o they_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n this_o they_o be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o do_v and_o other_o know_v the_o penalty_n from_o man_n under_o the_o danger_n whereof_o they_o must_v attend_v unto_o they_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o legal_a prohibition_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v extend_v be_v take_v from_o civil_a consideration_n alone_o namely_o of_o
duty_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o authority_n for_o it_o will_v be_v leave_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o be_v allow_v in_o case_n of_o a_o sudden_a emergency_n upon_o a_o offence_n take_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o any_o which_o be_v instruct_v beforehand_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o the_o allow_a exercise_n of_o it_o will_v yield_v no_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v extend_v the_o rule_n beyond_o the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o present_a current_a administration_n of_o church-discipline_n there_o be_v no_o great_a question_n to_o be_v make_v what_o entertainment_n he_o will_v meet_v withal_o for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o go_v out_o again_o and_o if_o instead_o of_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n any_o can_v content_v themselves_o to_o be_v informer_n of_o crime_n unto_o other_o we_o desire_v their_o pardon_n if_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o at_o present_a we_o be_v plead_v about_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o judge_v and_o take_v care_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o charge_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o hereof_o will_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o upon_o the_o neglect_n or_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n consequent_n of_o great_a moment_n do_v depend_v yea_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o it_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n into_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v but_o the_o power_n of_o exercise_v ministerial_a authority_n in_o a_o just_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v renounce_v in_o our_o conformity_n if_o we_o shall_v submit_v thereunto_o for_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o after_o we_o have_v conform_v we_o can_v pretend_v no_o excuse_n from_o what_o be_v enjoin_v we_o or_o forbid_v unto_o we_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o all_o be_v found_v in_o our_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o consent_n hence_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o omission_n must_v whole_o fall_v on_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undergo_v there_o be_v we_o know_v many_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o commit_n of_o this_o power_n and_o trust_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a congregation_n great_a inconvenience_n be_v pretend_v as_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfitness_n of_o most_o minister_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o a_o trust_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o arbitrariness_n and_o partiality_n which_o probable_o other_o will_v exercise_v therein_o the_o yoke_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v on_o the_o people_n thereby_o and_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v usual_o plead_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o insist_v on_o but_o 1._o this_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o some_o or_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o do_v he_o appoint_v nor_o be_v it_o meet_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o his_o own_o presumption_n intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o man_n habitation_n with_o their_o age_n and_o the_o like_a be_v of_o no_o consideration_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o every_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o ignorant_a wicked_a or_o profligate_v to_o impose_v himself_o on_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christian_a religion_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v principal_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o gather_v they_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v into_o that_o church-order_n and_o fellowship_n wherein_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n or_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o this_o course_n of_o proceed_v continue_v uninterrupted_a with_o some_o little_a variation_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o duty_n until_o corruption_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o still_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o in_o the_o papal_a church_n itself_o to_o this_o day_n particular_a confessor_n be_v esteem_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o meetness_n of_o their_o penitent_n for_o a_o admission_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n of_o their_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v now_o be_v esteem_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o succeed_v in_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o church-society_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o unheard_a of_o in_o antiquity_n that_o those_o who_o dispense_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o disposal_n as_o to_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n so_o it_o be_v as_o uncouth_a that_o those_o who_o now_o sustain_v the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n unto_o the_o several_a congregation_n attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v that_o ignorance_n and_o disability_n in_o minister_n as_o be_v pretend_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o accommodate_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o truth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o this_o work_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v great_a namely_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o unto_o all_o their_o hearer_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o no_o other_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v and_o such_o there_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n through_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o his_o supply_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o these_o know_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o study_v meditate_v pray_v ask_v counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o perhaps_o of_o more_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n than_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v want_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v direction_n from_o he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o other_o security_n of_o regular_a orderly_a and_o useful_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v we_o nor_o do_v we_o need_v for_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n will_v not_o fail_v the_o attain_n of_o his_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o also_o 4._o the_o judgement_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o complete_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a as_o be_v pretend_v they_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o or_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o he_o nor_o own_a by_o he_o what_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o it_o may_v stand_v until_o lawful_o recall_v
spirit_n which_o be_v save_o communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n alone_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n belong_v thereunto_o than_o in_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o church_n under_o heaven_n the_o charge_n therefore_o of_o some_o against_o we_o that_o we_o paganize_v the_o nation_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n from_o other_o concern_v the_o regular_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n worship_n be_v wondrous_a vain_a and_o ungrounded_a but_o we_o know_v that_o man_n use_v such_o severe_a expression_n and_o reflection_n out_o of_o a_o discompose_v habit_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o unto_o and_o not_o from_o a_o sedate_n judgement_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o hence_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o convince_v other_o of_o that_o whereof_o if_o they_o will_v put_v it_o unto_o a_o serious_a trial_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o 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whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v animate_v we_o do_v confess_v that_o because_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n liable_a to_o error_n mistake_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o they_o be_v all_o internal_o act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v all_o attend_v unto_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n according_a as_o they_o apprehend_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o concern_v it_o have_v all_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o same_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o be_v all_o equal_o unite_v unto_o their_o head_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o conception_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v many_o difference_n among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o moral_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o whilst_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o profession_n they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n under_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n with_o other_o circumstance_n whereinto_o they_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n absolute_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o but_o secure_v they_o all_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o forbearance_n with_o a_o charge_n of_o duty_n after_o a_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v up_o unto_o a_o perfect_a union_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o bless_a aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o those_o who_o by_o way_n of_o force_n will_v drive_v they_o into_o any_o other_o union_n or_o agreement_n than_o their_o own_o light_n and_o duty_n will_v lead_v they_o into_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o oppose_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o they_o and_o his_o rule_n over_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o division_n and_o schism_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n among_o themselves_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o darkness_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n 3._o and_o in_o such_o case_n mutual_a judge_n and_o despising_n be_v apt_a to_o ensue_v and_o that_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o that_o common_a faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o such_o cross_n entangle_v wheel_n be_v there_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o all_o of_o they_o real_o value_v and_o esteem_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v incomparable_o above_o those_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o their_o valuation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o union_n and_o agreement_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a whereas_o their_o difference_n be_v usual_o influence_v by_o carnal_a and_o secular_a consideration_n which_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o sensible_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o poor_a mortal_n but_o so_o far_o as_o their_o division_n and_o difference_n be_v unto_o they_o unavoidable_a the_o remedy_n of_o far_a evil_n proceed_v from_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o frequent_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v love_n meckness_n forbearance_n bowel_n of_o compassion_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v with_o a_o true_a understanding_n and_o due_a valuation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o common_a hope_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o without_o they_o our_o unavoidable_a difference_n will_v occasion_v and_o this_o excellent_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o a_o rejection_n of_o evil_a surmise_n and_o a_o watchfulness_n over_o ourselves_o against_o irregular_a judge_n and_o censure_v of_o other_o together_o with_o a_o peaceable_a walk_n in_o consent_n and_o unity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o propose_v unto_o we_o therein_o that_o they_o must_v have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o carnal_a interest_n or_o some_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n on_o their_o mind_n into_o who_o understanding_n the_o light_n of_o it_o do_v not_o shine_v with_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n that_o the_o son_n or_o child_n of_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o shall_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o various_a apprehension_n of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unavoidable_o attend_v their_o frail_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n yea_o or_o of_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n ensue_v thereon_o proceed_v from_o corrupt_a and_o not_o thorough_o mortify_v affection_n be_v warrant_v to_o hate_v judge_n despise_v or_o contemn_v one_o another_o much_o more_o to_o strive_v by_o external_a force_n to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v as_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o mahomet_n and_o not_o in_o jesus_n christ._n whatever_o share_n therefore_o we_o be_v force_v to_o bare_a in_o difference_n with_o or_o division_n from_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v any_o who_o declare_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o so_o to_o be_v by_o a_o visible_a and_o regular_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v
since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o know_v no_o place_n nor_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n have_v be_v preach_v with_o more_o diligence_n power_n and_o evidence_n for_o conviction_n nor_o where_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a success_n or_o acceptation_n those_o therefore_o who_o perish_v among_o we_o do_v not_o do_v so_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o a_o right_a belief_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o for_o their_o own_o personal_a infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n public_o admit_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n as_o shall_v direct_o or_o absolute_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n encourage_v in_o a_o state_n or_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o deprive_v of_o due_a advantage_n to_o far_a their_o spiritual_a good_a or_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n in_o religion_n neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o tend_v to_o their_o own_o edification_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o eternal_a ruin_n be_v great_o incumbent_a on_o themselves_o to_o consider_v unto_o this_o catholic_n church_n we_o owe_v all_o christian_a love_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o both_o towards_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o particular_a member_n as_o we_o have_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o it_o this_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o notion_n under_o consideration_n for_o any_o failure_n herein_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o charge_v by_o any_o person_n of_o modesty_n or_o sobriety_n the_o reflection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a by_o some_o on_o the_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v or_o own_v do_v fall_n as_o severe_o on_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o least_o until_o within_o a_o few_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o they_o do_v on_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o own_o any_o especial_a concernment_n in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v public_o discountenance_v by_o other_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n eternal_a decree_n justification_n by_o faith_n the_o loss_n of_o original_a grace_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n that_o we_o say_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n public_o teach_v and_o own_v among_o we_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n will_v receive_v any_o great_a damage_n by_o the_o impotent_a assault_n of_o some_o few_o especial_o consider_v their_o mannagement_n of_o those_o assault_n by_o tale_n rail_v and_o ralliery_a to_o the_o last_a reproach_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o providence_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o particular_a church_n these_o at_o present_a be_v of_o many_o sort_n or_o be_v esteem_v so_o to_o be_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v sundry_a solemn_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v observe_v joint_o by_o his_o disciple_n unto_o his_o honour_n and_o their_o edification_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o such_o society_n community_n or_o assembly_n of_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v due_o perform_v but_o in_o and_o by_o such_o society_n so_o some_o of_o they_o do_v either_o express_v the_o union_n love_n and_o common_a hope_n that_o be_v among_o they_o or_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o king_n ruler_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n all_o person_n belong_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a society_n and_o become_v as_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o several_a fold_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o great_a shepherd_n and_o the_o respective_a conduct_n of_o those_o employ_v under_o he_o and_o this_o conjunction_n of_o professor_n in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o sacred_a worship_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o institution_n for_o their_o edification_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o accident_n or_o mere_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o common_a providence_n but_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n in_o they_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n by_o some_o this_o duty_n be_v more_o express_o attend_v unto_o than_o by_o other_o and_o by_o some_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v for_o neither_o antecedent_o nor_o consequential_o unto_o such_o their_o conjunction_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o nor_o what_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n they_o go_v in_o these_o thing_n with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v confound_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o these_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o walk_v irregular_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_n or_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o will_v they_o in_o their_o least_o secular_a concernment_n behave_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o regardlesness_n ot_fw-mi negligence_n for_o however_o their_o lot_n previous_o unto_o their_o own_o choice_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o place_n or_o society_n they_o will_v make_v a_o after-judgment_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n either_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o station_n or_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o but_o a_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n regulate_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v by_o many_o deny_v and_o by_o most_o neglect_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mere_a effect_n of_o their_o political_a distribution_n by_o civil_a law_n aim_v principal_o at_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o civil_a distribution_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o assembly_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n institute_v and_o appoint_v such_o society_n they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a disadvantage_n unto_o true_a church-communion_n and_o love_n the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a and_o hence_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o next_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n great_a peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n for_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v and_o plant_v alike_o according_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n all_o regulate_v and_o order_v by_o the_o same_o common_a rule_n man_n have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o after-age_n and_o which_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o noisome_a foolish_a fantastical_a opinion_n vent_v by_o impostor_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n abhor_v but_o on_o various_a occasion_n and_o by_o sundry_a degree_n there_o come_v to_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o these_o particular_a church_n appoint_v for_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
be_v ordain_v or_o for_o which_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o what_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n what_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligent_a labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctaine_n be_v require_v unto_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n where_o it_o be_v omit_v or_o neglect_v where_o it_o be_v careless_o attend_v unto_o where_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o act_v more_o like_a hireling_n than_o true_a shepherd_n where_o they_o want_v skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o declare_v from_o it_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n or_o diligence_n to_o be_v urgent_a continual_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o there_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v ruin_v and_o utter_o lose_v and_o where_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o thought_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v exercise_v withal_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o church_n will_v in_o vain_a or_o at_o least_o unjust_o expect_v that_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v abide_v in_o their_o particular_a communion_n when_o they_o can_v or_o do_v not_o provide_v food_n for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n unless_o all_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n be_v equal_o asleep_a in_o security_n division_n among_o they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n ensue_v will_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o starve_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o have_v sinful_o destroy_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v there_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o duty_n of_o love_n that_o require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v the_o sole_a immediate_a end_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n be_v their_o own_o edification_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o can_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o abide_v there_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v where_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o cast_v aside_o this_o may_v become_v such_o as_o know_v not_o their_o duty_n nor_o care_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o perish_v in_o and_o for_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o they_o which_o in_o such_o case_n shall_v provide_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v and_o severe_o treat_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o riotous_a person_n who_o sport_n themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n but_o with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o they_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o dread_n of_o their_o own_o account_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n will_v forcible_o shut_v up_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v short_a of_o all_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o every_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o such_o church_n make_v with_o a_o design_n of_o join_v unto_o those_o where_o the_o word_n be_v dispense_v with_o more_o diligence_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o and_o it_o will_v better_o become_v such_o church_n to_o return_v industrious_o unto_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n whereby_o this_o occasion_n of_o division_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o to_o attempt_v their_o own_o justification_n by_o the_o severe_a prosecution_n of_o such_o as_o depart_v from_o they_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o improve_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v the_o know_v and_o open_a duty_n of_o church_n in_o their_o guide_n or_o minister_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v the_o growth_n of_o light_n knowledge_n godliness_n strictness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o conversation_n in_o those_o member_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o may_v be_v find_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n such_o be_v they_o to_o own_o encourage_v and_o make_v their_o companion_n and_o endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o they_o for_o unless_o man_n in_o their_o ordinary_a and_o common_a conversation_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n do_v uniform_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o offence_n upto_o other_o and_o of_o reproach_n to_o themselves_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o instead_o of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v beat_v their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o drunken_a but_o by_o all_o way_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o conversation_n and_o herein_o what_o wisdom_n patience_n diligence_n love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n be_v require_v they_o alone_o know_v and_o they_o full_a well_o know_v who_o for_o any_o season_n have_v in_o their_o place_n conscientious_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o labour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v therein_o and_o the_o trouble_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o by_o contrary_a act_n to_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a nor_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v encourage_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o their_o peril_n the_o heart_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n fear_n god_n thrive_a in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v together_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n &_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o there_o ought_v their_o affection_n to_o be_v most_o intense_a for_o as_o such_o person_n be_v the_o crown_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o guide_n and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o do_v know_v or_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o what_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o to_o honour_n and_o pay_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o teacher_n how_o much_o on_o all_o account_n they_o owe_v unto_o they_o whereby_o their_o mutual_a love_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o practise_v then_o be_v they_o both_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o effectual_a unto_o their_o proper_a end_n but_o where_o thing_n in_o church_n through_o their_o negligence_n or_o corruption_n or_o that_o of_o their_o guide_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v what_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o those_o who_o be_v forward_a in_o profession_n who_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o own_v among_o they_o who_o have_v apparent_o attain_v a_o growth_n in_o spirituol_n light_a and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_o cherish_v and_o regard_v from_o be_v love_v like_v or_o associate_v withal_o as_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v be_v mark_v observe_v reproach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o every_o slight_a provocation_n put_v even_o to_o outward_a trouble_n whilst_o man_n of_o worldly_a and_o profane_a conversation_n ignorant_a perhaps_o riotous_a and_o debauch_a shall_v be_v the_o delight_n and_o companion_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o ruler_n it_o can_v be_v that_o
such_o church_n shall_v long_o continue_v in_o peace_n nor_o be_v that_o peace_n wherein_o they_o continue_v much_o to_o be_v value_v a_o agreement_n in_o such_o way_n and_o practice_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n and_o holiness_n than_o church_n order_n or_o concord_n and_o when_o man_n once_o find_v themselves_o hate_v and_o it_o may_v be_v persecute_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n as_o they_o believe_v but_o because_o they_o labour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o profession_n to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v they_o can_v hardly_o avoid_v the_o entertainment_n of_o severe_a thought_n concern_v they_o from_o who_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o expect_v other_o usage_n as_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o more_o peaceable_a encouragement_n and_o edification_n four_o hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o gospel_n discipline_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v indeed_o by_o some_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o rule_n or_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n but_o this_o doubt_n must_v respect_v such_o outward_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v but_o not_o prove_v necessary_a for_o whether_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v some_o to_o rule_n and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v whether_o he_o have_v prescribe_v law_n or_o rule_n whereby_o the_o one_o shall_v govern_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v whether_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_v of_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n can_v well_o be_v call_v into_o controversy_n by_o such_o as_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o what_o nature_n or_o kind_n these_o governor_n or_o ruler_n be_v to_o be_v what_o be_v their_o office_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v invest_v therewith_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n how_o they_o 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church_n as_o visible_a be_v a_o society_n gather_v and_o erect_v to_o express_v and_o declare_v the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o do_v no_o church_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o world_n the_o preservation_n therefore_o of_o holiness_n in_o they_o whereof_o the_o discipline_n mention_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n be_v as_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v also_o express_o ordain_v that_o in_o case_n offence_n shall_v arise_v in_o and_o among_o his_o church_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v compose_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o his_o own_o law_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o in_o sinful_a miscarriage_n cause_v offence_n or_o scandal_n there_o be_v a_o regular_a proceed_n according_a unto_o a_o especial_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offendor_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o in_o other_o case_n have_v fall_v by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n shall_v be_v restore_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o more_o particular_n that_o the_o whole_a flock_n be_v continual_o watch_v over_o exhort_v warn_v instruct_v comfort_v as_o the_o necessity_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o do_v require_v now_o suppose_v these_o and_o the_o like_a law_n rule_n and_o direction_n to_o be_v give_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v warranty_n for_o their_o execution_n unto_o man_n prudent_a for_o the_o order_n of_o affair_n according_a to_o their_o necessary_a circumstance_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o we_o judge_v that_o a_o complete_a rule_n or_o government_n be_v erect_v thereby_o in_o the_o church_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o every_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o direct_v unto_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o any_o duty_n enjoin_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o church_n to_o expect_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o their_o communion_n see_v itself_o neglect_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o they_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a in_o the_o sacred_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n do_v neither_o defile_v the_o administration_n themselves_o nor_o render_v they_o unuseful_a unto_o those_o who_o be_v right_o interest_v in_o they_o and_o due_o prepare_v for_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o no_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v forsake_v nor_o its_o communion_n withdraw_v from_o mere_o on_o that_o account_n many_o of_o old_a and_o of_o late_o have_v plead_v nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o this_o sole_o of_o its_o self_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n but_o when_o a_o church_n shall_v tolerate_v in_o its_o communion_n not_o only_o evil_a man_n but_o their_o evil_n and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o use_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o other_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v leaven_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v obstruct_v beyond_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o to_o submit_v unto_o and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o neither_o will_v thing_n have_v any_o better_a success_n where_o the_o discipline_n degenerate_v into_o a_o outward_a forcible_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n the_o thing_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n such_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o he_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n wherefore_o charity_n pity_n compassion_n condescension_n meekness_n and_o forbearance_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n which_o be_v so_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o exercise_v this_o care_n and_o duty_n for_o he_o in_o the_o church_n to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n or_o to_o commit_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o unto_o such_o person_n as_o whereby_o or_o by_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v represent_v as_o furious_a captious_a proud_a covetous_a oppressive_a be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o some_o while_n they_o boast_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o example_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o grace_n do_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n make_v unco_n the_o world_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o a_o account_n of_o this_o degeneracy_n be_v give_v so_o distinct_o by_o peitro_n suave_fw-la the_o author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n lib._n 4_o ad_fw-la ann._n 1551._o that_o we_o think_v it_o not_o unmeet_a to_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o say_v therefore_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n he_o leave_v also_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a this_o principal_a precept_n to_o love_v one_o another_o charge_v they_o to_o make_v peace_n between_o those_o that_o dissent_v and_o for_o the_o last_o remedy_n give_v the_o care_n thereof_o to_o the_o
as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n in_o or_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n we_o dispute_v not_o now_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n or_o thing_n in_o themselves_o nor_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v or_o no_o by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o conviction_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v or_o censure_v they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v observe_v our_o enquiry_n be_v sole_o about_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o duty_n and_o what_o concern_v they_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o question_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n whether_o such_o thing_n or_o observance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a may_v be_v so_o make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o make_v and_o impose_v on_o other_o shall_v be_v justify_v in_o their_o so_o do_v and_o that_o if_o any_o difference_n division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v thereon_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o they_o must_v necessary_o fall_v on_o those_o who_o refuse_v submission_n to_o they_o or_o to_o admit_v of_o they_o as_o such_o that_o the_o condition_n propose_v unto_o we_o and_o impose_v on_o we_o indispensible_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o instance_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o matter_n what_o place_n the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o do_v hold_n or_o be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v about_o their_o warranty_n to_o be_v make_v condition_n of_o church-communion_n now_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v set_v his_o disciple_n at_o liberty_n from_o accept_v of_o such_o term_n of_o communion_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v give_v or_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n to_o constitute_v such_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o indispensible_o to_o impose_v they_o upon_o all_o that_o enjoy_v it_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o concern_v therein_o for_o first_o the_o rule_n of_o communion_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o church_n be_v invariable_o establish_v and_o fix_v by_o himself_o his_o commission_n direction_n and_o command_n give_v out_o unto_o the_o first_o planter_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o contain_v a_o oblige_a rule_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o throughout_o all_o generation_n have_v so_o establish_v the_o bound_n limit_n and_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o attempt_v their_o removal_n or_o alteration_n 20._o go_v you_o say_v he_o to_o they_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n all_o the_o comfort_n and_o use_v of_o church-assembly_n and_o communion_n depend_v alone_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o thence_o do_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o they_o proceed_v and_o thence_o do_v the_o efficacy_n of_o what_o they_o do_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n arise_v and_o flow_v now_o that_o any_o one_o may_v thus_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o church_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v be_v require_v of_o he_o but_o that_o through_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o baptism_n be_v make_v a_o profess_a disciple_n he_o do_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v this_o have_v he_o establish_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o communion_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o church_n in_o all_o generation_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o do_v relate_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n 1._o which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grant_n and_o privilege_n purchase_v for_o they_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a and_o maintain_v we_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o reply_v that_o among_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n thereof_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v even_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o guide_n of_o it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o guide_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o only_o what_o he_o have_v command_v for_o the_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o be_v give_v unto_o those_o guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o what_o the_o disciple_n be_v to_o observe_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n and_o be_v a_o command_n include_v herein_o of_o obey_v the_o command_n or_o appointment_n of_o church-guide_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n annex_v thereunto_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o all_o his_o own_o power_n and_o place_v they_o in_o his_o throne_n so_o we_o have_v be_v all_o oblige_a to_o follow_v they_o whither_o ever_o they_o have_v carry_v or_o lead_v we_o although_o it_o be_v to_o hell_n itself_o as_o some_o of_o the_o canonist_n on_o this_o principle_n have_v speak_v concern_v the_o pope_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n fix_v both_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o whereas_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v nothing_o in_o and_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v himself_o command_v then_o indeed_o be_v their_o authority_n little_a worth_n yea_o upon_o the_o matter_n none_o at_o all_o for_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o fix_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v that_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o their_o whole_a authority_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o text_n unto_o teach_v of_o man_n to_o observe_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o do_v with_o authority_n but_o under_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o those_o who_o think_v not_o this_o power_n sufficient_a for_o they_o must_v seek_v it_o elsewhere_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v allow_v no_o more_o in_o his_o church_n to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o evident_a we_o may_v consider_v that_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o trial_n in_o the_o case_n as_o now_o state_v before_o we_o and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n which_o some_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o determination_n hereof_o be_v their_o liberty_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o duty_n declare_v to_o abide_v therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o the_o condescend_v practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o good_a season_n that_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a see_v none_o have_v then_o endeavour_v the_o introduction_n of_o any_o of_o that_o nature_n but_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o many_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o extend_v beyond_o what_o be_v eminent_o include_v in_o that_o case_n herein_o therefore_o be_v there_o a_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o church_n in_o follow_a age_n and_o that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n beforementioned_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o force_n in_o
who_o make_v that_o refusal_n other_o groundless_a accusation_n and_o charge_n we_o value_v not_o for_o this_o be_v but_o man_n day_n the_o judgement_n whereof_o we_o neither_o stand_v nor_o fall_v unto_o yea_o we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o peaceableness_n and_o sobriety_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o such_o imposition_n and_o unto_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v make_v his_o church_n and_o disciple_n free_a and_o if_o once_o thing_n be_v come_v unto_o that_o state_n that_o man_n will_v assign_v no_o other_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o will_v quick_o appear_v where_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o division_n will_v remain_v if_o any_o such_o division_n will_v yet_o remain_v but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o make_v the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o some_o man_n fallible_a even_o as_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedidience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v expect_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o we_o say_v with_o heart_n in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a and_o pain_v to_o see_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n tear_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o lust_n passion_n and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n can_v we_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o rupture_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n provide_v it_o may_v have_v a_o consistency_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v unto_o he_o as_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o will_v real_o contribute_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o we_o shall_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o faithfulness_n give_v up_o our_o best_a endeavour_n therein_o and_o where_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v bear_v with_o patience_n those_o disdainful_a reproach_n which_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n blow_v up_o by_o a_o confluence_n of_o secular_a perish_a advantage_n prompt_v they_o to_o pour_v out_o upon_o we_o for_o our_o noncompliance_n with_o their_o imposition_n second_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v consent_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o sundry_a duty_n which_o be_v make_v so_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n hinder_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n by_o other_o we_o have_v somewhat_o to_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o excuse_n but_o if_o we_o ourselves_o voluntary_o consent_n to_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o they_o we_o can_v avoid_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o worst_a way_n whereby_o such_o a_o consent_n may_v be_v express_v be_v by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n with_o other_o as_o though_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o bargain_n with_o other_o man_n what_o duty_n we_o will_v observe_v a●d_v what_o we_o will_v omit_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o in_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o be_v to_o give_v this_o consent_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v by_o compact_a and_o agreement_n which_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o pretence_n of_o excuse_n in_o our_o omission_n it_o be_v no_o time_n afterward_o to_o plead_v that_o we_o will_v discharge_v such_o duty_n be_v we_o not_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v we_o have_v ourselves_o antecedent_o and_o voluntary_o renounce_v a_o concern_n in_o such_o forbid_a duty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v honest_o conform_v but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o declare_a resolution_n to_o accept_v of_o all_o the_o term_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o with_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o under_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v that_o we_o look_v on_o conformity_n and_o what_o other_o apprehend_v thereby_o or_o understand_v therein_o who_o seem_v to_o press_v man_n to_o conform_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v we_o know_v not_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o omission_n of_o know_a duty_n inseparable_o accompany_v our_o conformity_n that_o thereby_o we_o solemn_o consent_v unto_o this_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o refuse_v because_o without_o sin_n in_o the_o voluntary_a neglect_n and_o omission_n of_o duty_n we_o can_v comply_v with_o it_o which_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n in_o we_o nor_o what_o may_v in_o any_o way_n render_v we_o unblamable_a the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v no_o such_o law_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v bind_v constant_o to_o neglect_v any_o know_a duty_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o himself_o for_o their_o sake_n nor_o do_v his_o institution_n interfere_v that_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o one_o shall_v exclude_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o another_o neither_o do_v he_o by_o his_o command_n bring_v any_o one_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a or_o of_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n however_o therefore_o we_o value_v church-peace_n and_o union_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v it_o by_o a_o abrenunciation_n of_o any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o will_v a_o agreement_n procure_v on_o such_o term_n be_v of_o any_o use_n unto_o we_o or_o of_o advantage_n to_o the_o church_n its_o self_n wherefore_o that_o compliance_n in_o church_n communion_n which_o will_v be_v obstructive_a of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n be_v not_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n enjoin_v we_o and_o therefore_o its_o omission_n can_v be_v culpable_a in_o we_o but_o it_o will_v its_o self_n be_v our_o sin_n especial_o will_v it_o be_v thus_o where_o the_o duty_n so_o to_o be_v omit_v be_v such_o as_o be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a office_n wherein_o we_o be_v peculiar_o require_v to_o be_v faithful_a it_o remain_v therefore_o only_o that_o we_o declare_v wherein_o we_o shall_v by_o conformity_n engage_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o some_o few_o instance_n 1_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a immediate_a care_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o he_o be_v overseer_n commit_v unto_o he_o that_o no_o part_n hereof_o which_o belong_v unto_o their_o edification_n be_v exempt_v from_o he_o 28._o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o account_n which_o will_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o 5._o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n for_o as_o minister_n be_v call_v overseer_n ruler_n 5._o guide_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a so_o be_v they_o command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 17._o a_o discharge_n of_o all_o which_o must_v come_v into_o their_o account_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n relate_v to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o a_o exemption_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o their_o office_n or_o care_n if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v let_v the_o place_n be_v produce_v wherein_o such_o a_o exemption_n be_v make_v or_o any_o instance_n of_o it_o among_o the_o first_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v for_o hitherto_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v attempt_v that_o we_o know_v of_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o conclude_v from_o the_o plea_n that_o some_o be_v appoint_v unto_o a_o superior_a degree_n above_o other_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o his_o flock_n commit_v unto_o he_o although_o he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o of_o his_o discharge_n thereof_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o to_o to_o teach_v instruct_v and_o preach_v to_o their_o flock_n but_o to_o go_v before_o they_o also_o in_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spiritual_a discipline_n appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o ministerial_a teach_n and_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n for_o these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o allusion_n and_o its_o application_n be_v obvious_a and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o any_o they_o be_v usurper_n if_o they_o
make_v for_o they_o and_o allow_v unto_o they_o in_o due_a season_n so_o also_o to_o keep_v off_o those_o from_o partake_v in_o they_o who_o without_o his_o master_n order_n and_o warrant_n will_v intrude_v themselves_o into_o his_o family_n and_o unjust_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n consist_v and_o the_o same_o be_v require_v in_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o household_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o the_o provision_n that_o he_o have_v make_v for_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v undeniable_o part_n of_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n or_o minister_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o many_o of_o they_o we_o must_v solemn_o renounce_v a_o concernment_n in_o upon_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o conformity_n in_o matter_n and_o manner_n require_v of_o we_o neither_o be_v these_o duty_n such_o as_o be_v of_o light_a importance_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o any_o detriment_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o edification_n be_v great_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o who_o mind_n a_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v countenance_v by_o their_o attendance_n unto_o some_o outward_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o order_n have_v scarce_o consider_v he_o aright_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v some_o therefore_o of_o these_o duty_n we_o shall_v instance_n in_o first_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o consider_v aright_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o obtain_v a_o right_a thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o its_o holy_a ordinance_n take_v care_n they_o must_v that_o none_o who_o have_v that_o right_o grant_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v discourage_v or_o exclude_v nor_o any_o altogether_o unworthy_a admit_v and_o hereunto_o as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sincere_a and_o save_a be_v require_v to_o neglect_v a_o enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o prostitute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n and_o to_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o under_o its_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o the_o right_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v internal_a grace_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o all_o outward_a administration_n be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o on_o the_o part_n of_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v if_o they_o be_v open_o and_o visible_o unworthy_a what_o do_v we_o thereby_o but_o what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o destroy_v their_o soul_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o harden_v and_o impenitency_n in_o sin_n will_v be_v hazard_v thereby_o for_o whereas_o they_o have_v grant_v unto_o they_o the_o most_o solemn_a pledge_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o approbation_n of_o their_o state_n towards_o god_n that_o the_o church_n be_v authorize_v to_o give_v what_o reason_n have_v they_o to_o think_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o secure_a or_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n ●ressing_v they_o to_o look_v after_o a_o change_n and_o relinquishment_n of_o it_o for_o although_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_v ordinance_n do_v not_o absolute_o set_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n unto_o every_o individual_a person_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o do_v absolute_o do_v so_o to_o the_o profession_n which_o they_o make_v they_o witness_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n his_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o therewithal_o of_o all_o person_n according_a to_o their_o real_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v of_o it_o but_o those_o who_o in_o no_o considerable_a instance_n do_v answer_v this_o profession_n can_v obtain_v nothing_o unto_o themselves_o but_o a_o occasion_n of_o harden_v and_o render_v they_o secure_a in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n for_o tell_v man_n whilst_o you_o please_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n of_o reformation_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o vnholiness_n you_o confirm_v unto_o they_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o pledge_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o he_o they_o will_v not_o much_o regard_n your_o other_o exhortation_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o conformity_n worth_n that_o we_o contend_v about_o ten_o thousand_o time_n over_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o adninistration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o life_n of_o they_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n lose_v the_o word_n still_o declare_v that_o without_o regeneration_n without_o save_a faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o adninistration_n of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n there_o be_v a_o abatement_n make_v of_o this_o rigorous_a determination_n and_o man_n have_v their_o salvation_n assure_v unto_o they_o without_o a_o credible_a profession_n yea_o or_o a_o pretence_n of_o these_o qualification_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o who_o live_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o believe_v the_o one_o nor_o much_o regard_n the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o church_n itself_o as_o to_o its_o purity_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o communion_n be_v dammage_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o careful_a inspection_n into_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o ignorance_n worldliness_n and_o profaneness_n will_v spread_v themselves_o as_o a_o leprosy_n over_o such_o a_o church_n whence_o their_o communion_n will_v be_v of_o very_o little_a use_n and_o advantage_n unto_o believer_n and_o hereby_o do_v church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o expression_n of_o the_o purity_n holiness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n become_v the_o principal_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o his_o dishonour_n in_o the_o world_n 27._o and_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v that_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o unto_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n will_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o love_n and_o death_n if_o he_o measure_v they_o by_o what_o appear_v in_o church_n under_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o this_o neglect_n nor_o do_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o state_n without_o reformation_n sufficient_o consider_v the_o representation_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n make_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n some_o of_o which_o be_v overtake_v with_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o therein_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n as_o to_o what_o kind_n of_o proceed_n particular_a church_n be_v to_o expect_v from_o he_o in_o all_o generation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a amazement_n that_o any_o church_n dare_v approve_v and_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o impurity_n and_o defection_n as_o be_v evident_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o those_o primitive_a pattern_n do_v man_n think_v he_o be_v change_v or_o that_o he_o will_v approve_v in_o they_o what_o he_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o other_o or_o do_v they_o suppose_v he_o mind_v these_o thing_n no_o more_o and_o because_o he_o be_v unseen_a that_o he_o see_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v all_o find_v at_o length_n that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o as_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n now_o this_o duty_n by_o conformity_n we_o renounce_v a_o concernment_n in_o so_o as_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n whence_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a consequent_n thereof_o before_o mention_v must_v fall_v on_o we_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n
shall_v always_o walk_v blameless_a according_a unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n of_o obedience_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o other_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v so_o bless_v in_o this_o world_n that_o all_o who_o belong_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v constant_o and_o perpetual_o inoffensive_a this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o it_o do_v so_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o old_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o otherwise_o to_o be_v expect_v among_o we_o on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o who_o be_v even_o press_v with_o the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v obtain_v a_o admission_n into_o church_n society_n by_o the_o strict_a rule_n that_o any_o can_v proceed_v upon_o therein_o and_o these_o after_o they_o have_v know_v and_o profess_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n may_v and_o often_o do_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o fall_v again_o into_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n many_o good_a man_n and_o real_o sincere_a believer_n may_v through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v surprise_v into_o fault_n and_o sin_n scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o offensive_a to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v no_o relief_n in_o and_o for_o his_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 7._o no_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v clear_v themselves_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o such_o impiety_n 6._o or_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o who_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o 11._o as_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o this_o communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v 18._o no_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v put_v forth_o from_o among_o they_o the_o old_a leaven_n which_o will_v otherwise_o infect_v the_o whole_a 2._o no_o way_n to_o discharge_v themselves_o and_o their_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v impenitent_a in_o their_o sin_n no_o mean_n for_o the_o awaken_n conviction_n humiliation_n and_o recovery_n of_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v no_o way_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n with_o the_o sentence_n that_o he_o denounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o they_o that_o be_v impenitent_a if_o he_o have_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o church_n in_o this_o world_n can_v possible_o be_v preserve_v from_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n nor_o can_v they_o by_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a communiou_n be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o he_o can_v be_v please_v with_o they_o or_o continue_v to_o walk_v among_o they_o for_o let_v man_n please_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o will_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o where_o person_n obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o wicked_a and_o who_o life_n be_v whole_o discrepant_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v suffer_v to_o abide_v without_o control_n but_o if_o he_o have_v make_v the_o provision_n inquire_v after_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v both_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v grant_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o these_o end_n his_o command_n to_o exercise_v it_o with_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n with_o the_o rule_v give_v they_o to_o proceed_v by_o with_o the_o know_a end_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o holiness_n be_v all_o open_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o must_v then_o be_v inquire_v unto_o who_o this_o trust_n be_v first_o commit_v and_o of_o who_o these_o duty_n be_v principal_o require_v for_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n how_o they_o may_v regular_o attend_v unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o offence_n among_o they_o they_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o and_o direct_v as_o that_o set_v aside_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o rule_n herein_o by_o the_o extreme_o force_v and_o unproveable_a exception_n of_o some_o interest_v person_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o mat._n 18._o v._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o a_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n herein_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o due_a order_n to_o provide_v for_o if_o they_o be_v abridge_v hereof_o and_o deprive_v thereby_o of_o so_o great_a a_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n as_o also_o of_o the_o usefulness_n require_v in_o they_o towards_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oppression_n that_o they_o suffer_v under_o and_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_o neglect_v by_o they_o 17._o not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o other_o man_n sin_n also_o lie_v upon_o they_o 15._o 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