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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n discipline_n doctrine_n 4,176 5 6.2312 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26897 Church concord containing I. a disswasive from unnecessary division and separation, and the real concord of the moderate independents with the Presbyterians, instanced in ten seeming differences, II. by Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1691 (1691) Wing B1223; ESTC R14982 99,086 94

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whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o make_v their_o adversary_n be_v think_v to_o be_v ignorant_a erroneous_a or_o bad_a and_o so_o to_o make_v one_o another_o seem_v less_o amiable_a to_o the_o ruin_n of_o love_n and_o the_o division_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o because_o love_n and_o unity_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o vehement_o press_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o division_n or_o schism_n so_o much_o forbid_v 16._o all_o these_o be_v sinful_a schismatical_a separation_n but_o in_o very_o different_a degree_n 1._o when_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o lesser_a error_n and_o the_o disclaim_n of_o some_o truth_n do_v cause_n man_n to_o separate_v 2._o when_o they_o slander_v a_o true_a ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n and_o so_o separate_v 3._o when_o they_o slander_v a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n 4._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o they_o accuse_v true_a worship_n to_o be_v idolatry_n or_o lawful_a worship_n to_o be_v unlawful_a 5._o when_o they_o false_o accuse_v the_o church_n faith_n worship_n or_o order_n to_o be_v defective_a and_o to_o want_v some_o necessary_a part_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o the_o protestant_n who_o take_v up_o with_o the_o scripture-religion_n alone_o 6._o when_o they_o accuse_v some_o tolerable_a fail_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v intolerable_a and_o such_o as_o make_v their_o communion_n unlawful_a 7._o when_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o just_a discipline_n which_o cross_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o because_o they_o hate_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o obedience_n 8._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o part_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o receive_v member_n or_o censure_v they_o or_o because_o they_o may_v not_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o invade_v the_o pastoral_n office_n 9_o when_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n make_v they_o separate_v through_o personal_a distaste_n at_o the_o pastor_n or_o any_o member_n for_o want_v of_o respect_n or_o honour_n or_o gain_v or_o upon_o suppose_a injury_n 10._o when_o the_o minor_a part_n separate_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o own_o will_n against_o the_o major_a part_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n or_o in_o other_o church-affair_n in_o which_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o acquiesce_v 11._o when_o they_o overvalue_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o doubtful_a opinion_n and_o their_o own_o indifferent_a mode_n or_o word_n of_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n or_o order_n so_o that_o they_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o separate_v to_o enjoy_v they_o 12._o when_o they_o expect_v that_o the_o pastor_n shall_v excommunicate_v or_o deny_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o they_o account_v unfit_a without_o any_o accusation_n and_o proof_n or_o true_a church-justice_n and_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n where_o such_o be_v receive_v as_o unlawful_a for_o themselves_o 13._o when_o they_o separate_v upon_o this_o false_a supposition_n that_o their_o presence_n make_v they_o guilty_a as_o consenter_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n error_n in_o the_o doctrine_n or_o method_n or_o word_n of_o his_o preach_v pray_v or_o other_o administration_n 14._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o the_o church_n will_v not_o forbear_v the_o sing_v of_o david_n psalm_n the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n or_o some_o other_o such_o part_n or_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n 15._o when_o they_o separate_v because_o they_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o lawful_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n translation_n metre_n tunes_n utensil_n or_o method_n which_o the_o church_n do_v use_v these_o all_o be_v unlawful_a separation_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n be_v when_o they_o separate_v to_o set_v up_o heretical_a doctrine_n and_o teacher_n or_o 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or_o omit_v any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v ordinary_o perform_v and_o which_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o omit_v 5._o when_o after_o due_a admonition_n the_o church_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n of_o contention_n and_o a_o school_n of_o malignity_n and_o revile_v the_o brethren_n and_o of_o destroy_a christian_a love_n to_o other_o or_o of_o promote_a schism_n to_o the_o intolerable_a wrong_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o other_o and_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o church_n of_o christ._n 6._o when_o after_o due_a admonition_n and_o patience_n the_o church_n so_o far_o renounce_v discipline_n as_o open_o to_o own_o and_o justify_v such_o wickedness_n or_o heinous_a sin_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o godliness_n 18._o and_o if_o the_o unsoundness_n badness_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o faultiness_n of_o the_o worship_n order_n or_o discipline_n be_v 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any_o unlawful_a promise_n or_o commit_v any_o other_o sin_n be_v sinful_o cast_v out_o or_o repulse_v by_o the_o imposer_n and_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n by_o deny_v to_o commit_v such_o impose_v sin_n and_o he_o that_o only_o remove_v from_o the_o place_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o pastor_n and_o church_n when_o they_o remove_v and_o do_v not_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o that_o adher_v to_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n adhere_v to_o a_o usurper_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v guilty_a of_o schism_n for_o such_o avoid_n of_o schism_n 20._o the_o principal_a care_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o schism_n and_o for_o maintain_v unity_n and_o love_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o first_o work_n must_v be_v to_o preserve_v this_o love_n and_o unity_n in_o their_o particular_a church_n to_o prevent_v withdraw_v into_o separate_a church_n
christian_a nature_n and_o unbeseeming_a a_o sensible_a member_n of_o christ._n with_o what_o heart_n do_v such_o divide_v brethren_n read_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v all_o one_o end_v one_o hope_n one_o law_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o we_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o baptismal_a coveant_v with_o god_n eph._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o we_o all_o therefore_o must_v we_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n v._n 3._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o 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and_o say_v that_o offence_n must_v be_v and_o heresy_n must_v arise_v that_o the_o approve_a may_v be_v manifest_v and_o that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v to_o perdition_n for_o sin_n be_v sin_n and_o misery_n for_o all_o this_o they_o may_v on_o those_o ground_n as_o well_o let_v physician_n have_v leave_v to_o give_v man_n poison_n or_o any_o m●n_z to_o set_v our_o town_n on_o fire_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v against_o god_n decree_n it_o be_v as_o true_a among_o the_o indian_n and_o turk_n that_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v deceive_v to_o perdition_n and_o that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o as_o here_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v all_o christian_n will_v lament_v the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n of_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n and_o pray_v and_o endeavour_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v their_o recovery_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v fetch_v no_o such_o conclusion_n from_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v hinder_v from_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v hallow_v his_o kingdom_n come_v and_o his_o will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n such_o as_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o dig_v pit_n for_o the_o blind_a and_o cast_v such_o stumble_a block_n in_o their_o way_n and_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o tempter_n and_o enemy_n of_o soul_n in_o hinder_v they_o from_o salvation_n and_o what_o can_v we_o to_o hinder_v they_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o way_n of_o god_n into_o doubt_n or_o contempt_n among_o they_o 9_o our_o division_n make_v we_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n to_o be_v our_o adversary_n reproach_n and_o his_o name_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o among_o they_o through_o
the_o quality_n of_o their_o offence_n he_o that_o have_v a_o conscience_n to_o subscribe_v to_o all_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o contradict_v they_o by_o his_o heresy_n may_v do_v so_o by_o any_o form_n that_o you_o can_v impose_v on_o he_o that_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o fitness_n to_o be_v so_o impose_v we_o must_v not_o make_v new_a law_n every_o time_n the_o old_a one_o be_v misinterpret_v or_o break_v our_o great_a danger_n in_o england_n be_v of_o popery_n above_o any_o thing_n except_o impiety_n itself_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o upshot_n of_o all_o the_o papist_n arguing_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n and_o church_n before_o luther_n which_o by_o their_o exposition_n be_v where_o be_v your_o thirty_o nine_o article_n or_o your_o assembly_n confession_n or_o any_o church_n that_o successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n hold_v they_o this_o be_v their_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o let_v we_o own_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o express_v our_o belief_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n without_o distort_v it_o to_o look_v towards_o any_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a sense_n and_o than_o we_o may_v easy_o tell_v a_o papist_n where_o our_o religion_n and_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n yea_o the_o simple_a woman_n that_o understand_v but_o what_o christianity_n be_v may_v thus_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o these_o learned_a adversary_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o give_v away_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n and_o withal_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n wherein_o a_o protestant_n differ_v from_o a_o papist_n and_o that_o wherein_o we_o unanimous_o oppose_v they_o ii_o if_o we_o will_v avoid_v separation_n we_o must_v keep_v up_o holy_a discipline_n and_o not_o leave_v the_o church_n so_o pollute_v by_o the_o abundance_n of_o impenitent_a impious_a person_n as_o may_v frighten_v tender_a conscience_n from_o we_o discipline_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o must_v be_v faithful_o practise_v we_o must_v not_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o unjust_a rigour_n to_o please_v any_o man_n nor_o to_o avoid_v their_o offence_n but_o we_o must_v cast_v out_o those_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o rather_o lest_o those_o withdraw_v that_o shall_v be_v in_o and_o herein_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o set_v godly_a people_n a-work_o upon_o their_o own_o duty_n in_o a_o love_a humble_a admonish_a of_o offender_n that_o we_o may_v convince_v they_o how_o sinful_a a_o course_n it_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o on_o the_o term_n and_o by_o the_o degree_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o to_o run_v away_o from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n iii_o to_o this_o end_n that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o discipline_n the_o duty_n of_o confirmation_n must_v be_v so_o far_o restore_v and_o faithful_o practise_v that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n of_o adult_n member_n for_o the_o communion_n proper_a to_o such_o till_o they_o have_v make_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o renew_v their_o baptismal_a covenant_n consent_v to_o the_o state_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n member_n if_o they_o be_v state_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o discipline_n can_v be_v exercise_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o a_o treatise_n for_o confirmation_n iu._n last_o if_o we_o will_v prevent_v antichurche_n and_o separation_n minister_n must_v be_v studious_a that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o confound_v gainsayer_n and_o then_o they_o must_v be_v holy_a harmless_a humble_a self-denying_a charitable_a manifest_v tender_a love_n to_o all_o that_o they_o deal_v with_o prudent_a and_o very_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a think_v no_o cost_n or_o pain_n too_o great_a for_o their_o so_o great_a end_n because_o we_o have_v neglect_v these_o four_o necessary_a thing_n separation_n have_v afflict_v we_o chap._n iii_o difference_n i._n the_o three_o part_n of_o my_o task_n be_v to_z state_z the_o controversy_n that_o occasion_n our_o present_a division_n in_o england_n there_o be_v beside_o intolerable_a heretic_n as_o seeker_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n but_o three_o party_n that_o i_o remember_v that_o trouble_n we_o much_o with_o unjust_a separation_n and_o antichurche_n the_o first_o be_v that_o new_a prelatical_a party_n that_o unchurch_n our_o church_n and_o nullify_v our_o ministry_n and_o ministerial_a performance_n and_o draw_v into_o private_a meeting_n suppose_v that_o only_a layman_n or_o schismatic_n with_o who_o they_o must_v not_o communicate_v because_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o english_a prelate_n have_v possession_n of_o the_o public_a church_n to_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o my_o disputation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o shall_v say_v nothing_o here_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o separatist_n be_v those_o call_v anabaptist_n that_o deny_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v unbaptise_v to_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o agreement_n the_o difference_n be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v the_o three_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o of_o old_a be_v peculiar_o name_v separatist_n together_o with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o call_v congregational_a or_o independent_o who_o withdraw_v upon_o some_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o discipline_n which_o difference_n it_o shall_v now_o be_v my_o work_n to_o state_n and_o because_o i_o will_v be_v brief_a i_o will_v annex_v the_o accommodation_n to_o the_o difference_n i._o the_o first_o point_n of_o difference_n which_o i_o think_v be_v no_o difference_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o that_o indeed_o make_v almost_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v about_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o church_n member_n that_o this_o make_v almost_o all_o our_o difference_n except_o what_o disowned_a neglect_n of_o discipline_n and_o other_o such_o fault_n among_o we_o occasion_n be_v know_v to_o we_o by_o experience_n who_o hear_v the_o member_n of_o the_o private_a church_n allege_v this_o as_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o difference_n for_o our_o accusation_n and_o their_o own_o justification_n that_o we_o take_v those_o for_o godly_a that_o they_o take_v not_o for_o such_o that_o doctrinal_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o party_n but_o what_o be_v between_o the_o person_n in_o the_o same_o party_n be_v in_o their_o word_n apparent_a the_o independent_o say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n the_o presbyterian_o deny_v it_o not_o the_o presbyterian_o say_v that_o sincerity_n or_o real_a sanctity_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o visible_a church_n member_n the_o independent_o say_v so_o to_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o else_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v not_o be_v visible_a nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n because_o we_o know_v not_o their_o sincerity_n or_o real_a holiness_n master_n norton_n resp._n ad_fw-la apollon_n p._n 7._o 11_o 12._o thus_o full_o open_v their_o mind_n that_o all_o and_o only_o those_o competentes_fw-la that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d believer_n and_o walk_v orderly_o be_v the_o next_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o ecclesiastical_o believer_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o towards_o who_o whether_o they_o be_v positive_o faithful_a or_o not_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o common_a church_n duty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a to_o this_o he_o take_v these_o four_o thing_n necessary_a 1._o a_o confession_n of_o the_o fundamental_o and_o other_o point_n of_o etc._n religion_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o avoid_v sacrament_n a_o scandalous_a life_n 2._o such_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o experimental_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o conversion_n though_o it_o may_v be_v counterfeit_a 3._o a_o conversation_n dignoscere_fw-la not_o scandalous_a 4._o a_o testify_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o government_n table_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o but_o what_o the_o presbyterian_o consent_v to_o with_o these_o explication_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v be_v allow_v 1._o that_o this_o exclude_v not_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n from_o be_v infant_n member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o these_o qualification_n in_o their_o person_n 2._o that_o if_o infant_n member_n grow_v up_o and_o claim_v a_o place_n among_o the_o adult_n it_o will_v ementitam_fw-la then_o be_v meet_a that_o
shall_v further_o evince_v when_o i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o mr._n norton_n word_n english_v pag._n 156_o 157_o etc._n etc._n cap._n 16._o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o adjoyn_v himself_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n or_o in_o which_o some_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n without_o due_a reformation_n or_o when_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o sacrament_n that_o give_v no_o evident_a sign_n or_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n hold_v forth_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n he_o be_v not_o therefore_o involve_v in_o guilt_n and_o defile_v with_o the_o impurity_n of_o other_o nor_o must_v he_o therefore_o depart_v that_o be_v separate_z from_o such_o a_o church_n schism_n be_v a_o unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v always_o a_o great_a sin_n this_o he_o prove_v pag._n 158_o etc._n etc._n 1._o in_o case_n of_o inculpable_a want_n of_o ordinance_n 2._o of_o culpable_a want_n by_o negligence_n 3._o of_o culpable_a want_n by_o refusal_n of_o god_n ordinance_n say_v he_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n ordinance_n can_v not_o be_v enjoy_v for_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n reject_v not_o only_a john_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o they_o matth._n 21._o 25._o the_o scribe_n reject_v john_n baptism_n mark_v 11._o 27._o 31._o and_o yet_o the_o scribe_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 23._o 2_o 3._o the_o hear_n of_o who_o such_o as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o place_n import_v a_o conjunction_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o compare_v a_o church_n that_o tolerate_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o church_n reject_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o temporary_a rejection_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n many_o deny_v and_o deride_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o corruption_n be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o that_o church_n the_o apostle_n do_v neither_o present_o forbid_v union_n with_o the_o church_n nor_o command_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v tolerate_v at_o least_o there_o be_v such_o as_o judge_v that_o beside_o faith_n moral_a and_o ceremonial_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o other_o doctrine_n he_o call_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 6._o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o not_o to_o have_v grant_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v yet_o lawful_a to_o be_v a_o member_n in_o a_o galatian_a much_o more_o in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n to_o present_a separation_n but_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o their_o station_n yet_o expect_v a_o reformation_n and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o same_o hope_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n adjoyn_v himself_o either_o to_o the_o galatian_a church_n or_o that_o at_o corinth_n even_o in_o that_o time_n of_o their_o defection_n especial_o if_o a_o opportunity_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v shut_v up_o 2._o we_o say_v that_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o adjoyn_v himself_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o some_o corruption_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v tolerate_v without_o due_a reformation_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v a_o whore_v judg._n 8._o 27._o after_o the_o ephod_n set_v up_o by_o gideon_n be_v a_o tolerate_a corruption_n of_o worship_n the_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n from_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n till_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n be_v a_o tolerate_a corruption_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o passover_n to_o the_o follow_a next_o sabbath_n lest_o they_o shall_v feast_v on_o two_o day_n together_o which_o translation_n appear_v in_o the_o paschal_n observation_n by_o christ_n different_a from_o the_o jew_n observation_n the_o wrong_a ministry_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v such_o a_o corruption_n for_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o public_a teach_v moses_n law_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n be_v by_o god_n institution_n ordinary_o proper_a to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n yet_o christ_n command_v to_o hear_v they_o but_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n gal._n 4._o 21._o 10._o &_o 5._o 2._o but_o all_o these_o be_v corruption_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n tolerate_v without_o due_a reformation_n and_o who_o in_o those_o time_n do_v judge_v either_o the_o church_n union_n to_o be_v not-lawful_a or_o non-separation_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o one_o bear_v witness_v the_o pious_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o to_o the_o other_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a remain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o compare_v the_o corruption_n in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n with_o corruption_n in_o public_a worship_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o repeat_v the_o argument_n forecited_a add_v p._n 161._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o adjoyn_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n by_o adjoin_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n we_o adjoyn_v not_o ourselves_o to_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o church_n a_o believer_n join_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n not_o pure_a special_o when_o he_o can_v enjoy_v a_o pure_a sin_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n exempt_v not_o a_o believer_n from_o duty_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v without_o sin_n or_o grievous_a incommodity_n as_o some_o corruption_n of_o the_o communicant_n must_v not_o drive_v away_o from_o the_o supper_n a_o believer_n prepare_v worthy_o to_o eat_v so_o neither_o must_v some_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n drive_v away_o the_o faithful_a from_o union_n with_o that_o church_n 3._o believer_n may_v join_v themselves_o lawful_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o hold_v forth_o no_o evident_a sign_n or_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n but_o show_v in_o many_o thing_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o whatever_o other_o do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o member_n at_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o one_o can_v deprive_v another_o brother_n that_o communicate_v not_o in_o his_o sin_n of_o his_o benefit_n much_o less_o absolve_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n 3._o if_o try_v ourselves_o and_o come_v worthy_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o do_v in_o our_o place_n endeavour_v by_o lawful_a mean_n that_o the_o old_a leaven_n may_v be_v purge_v out_o and_o we_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n the_o communion_n be_v not_o defile_v by_o other_o man_n come_v unworthy_o though_o our_o comfort_n be_v diminish_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o worship_n woman_n speak_v that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n many_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a most_o corrupt_a in_o manner_n when_o beside_o fornication_n sect_n and_o many_o other_o vice_n some_o also_o show_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n whence_o strife_n before_o heathen_a judge_n about_o corporal_a thing_n yet_o the_o apostle_n command_v not_o the_o prepare_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o supper_n but_o he_o correct_v the_o abuse_n about_o the_o supper_n command_v every_o man_n to_o examine_v himself_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v so_o he_o proceed_v to_o other_o proof_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v by_o priest_n that_o be_v stark_o naught_o and_o very_o many_o arrant_a knave_n be_v present_a and_o yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n go_v into_o the_o same_o temple_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o use_v the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o the_o desperate_a
ungodliness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n nor_o the_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n life_n can_v drive_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o holy_a thing_n and_o why_o because_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o apostle_n well_o know_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o defile_v with_o the_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a if_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a thing_n next_o he_o prove_v the_o four_o branch_n that_o he_o that_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n do_v not_o therefore_o sin_n nor_o be_v defile_v with_o other_o man_n impurity_n p._n 163_o 164._o then_o p._n 164_o 165._o he_o pr●…_n the_o 5_o branch_n that_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n must_v not_o therefore_o depart_v that_o i●s_v separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o under_o this_o danger_n of_o guilt_n but_o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o recite_v all_o it_o be_v not_o man_n of_o such_o principle●_n and_o practice_n as_o these_o that_o we_o account_v separatist_n what_o do_v presbyterian_o say_v more_o than_o this_o eminent_a independent_a brother_n in_o a_o write_n purposely_o write_v in_o latin_a by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o in_o new_a england_n to_o vindicate_v their_o church_n against_o apollonius_n and_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o mr._n t._n goodwin_n mr._n p._n nye_n and_o mr._n s._n simpson_n yet_o lest_o any_o think_v he_o too_o loose_a i_o will_v add_v his_o last_o leaf_n of_o rule_n how_o in_o a_o less_o pure_a church_n communion_n must_v be_v continue_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n answ._n 1._o we_o must_v still_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v according_a to_o our_o place_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v purifi_v according_a to_o christ_n mind_n not_o without_o seasonable_a and_o due_a warning_n the_o church_n of_o its_o defect_n the_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v lament_v with_o holy_a sigh_n and_o sorrow_n in_o no_o way_n approve_v but_o prudent_o and_o patient_o tolerate_v defect_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o c●n_v neither_o cure_v nor_o depart_v from_o without_o a_o great_a evil._n when_o singular_a evil_n can_v be_v cure_v without_o a_o great_a public_a evil_n that_o must_v be_v bear_v which_o can_v be_v amend_v in_o the_o church_n reformation_n this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v observe_v paraeus_n in_o matth._n 13._o that_o those_o that_o press_v for_o too_o much_o exactness_n or_o strictness_n do_v more_o hurt_v the_o church_n than_o profit_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o communion_n so_o love_v peace_n that_o he_o command_v communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n though_o impure_a and_o so_o love_a truth_n that_o he_o forbid_v impurity_n in_o every_o church_n we_o reject_v the_o separatist_n that_o distinguish_v not_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n be_v a_o grievous_a crime_n we_o reject_v the_o formalist_n not_o sufficient_o distinguish_v a_o church_n from_o no_o church_n not_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a what_o be_v this_o but_o confusion_n confusion_n and_o schism_n be_v the_o scylla_n and_o charybdis_n peace_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o jachin_n and_o boaz_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n the_o obtain_n of_o which_o must_v be_v endeavour_v under_o he_o and_o implore_v and_o expect_v from_o he_o who_o be_v peace_n way_n and_o truth_n alone_o able_a among_o so_o many_o and_o alas_o too_o hot_a contention_n and_o differ_v opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a to_o reach_v we_o the_o mete-wand_n and_o direct_v his_o servant_n into_o concord_n and_o into_o the_o perfect_a measure_n of_o the_o temple_n altar_n and_o worshipper_n preserve_v we_o man_n brethren_n search_v after_o truth_n in_o love_n both_o from_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o confusion_n and_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o separation_n so_o far_o mr._n norton_n and_o so_o end_v his_o book_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o nearness_n of_o both_o party_n and_o easiness_n of_o reconciliation_n as_o to_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o among_o they_o own_v by_o either_o party_n that_o shall_v hinder_v a_o love_a consociation_n correspondency_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n and_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o division_n emulation_n and_o contention_n have_v long_o cause_v among_o we_o nothing_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o least_o man_n mind_n be_v further_a distant_a than_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o charity_n do_v not_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o agree_v in_o communion_n as_o far_o as_o their_o profess_a principle_n will_v permit_v they_o but_o though_o experience_n make_v this_o undeniable_a yet_o their_o piety_n and_o their_o profession_n do_v put_v we_o in_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v such_o habitual_a principle_n of_o charity_n as_o better_a encouragement_n and_o opportunity_n will_v undoubted_o revive_v to_o our_o reconciliation_n the_o congregational_a man_n profess_v their_o desire_n of_o reconciliation_n read_v but_o mr._n cotton_n preface_n to_o mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n norton_n epistle_n to_o apollonius_n but_o especial_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o moderate_a man_n as_o mr._n firmin_n and_o divers_a that_o of_o late_a hence_o associate_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o their_o readiness_n for_o peace_n and_o if_o many_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o peaceable_a and_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o readiness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o peace_n beside_o the_o many_o motion_n that_o they_o have_v make_v and_o the_o join_n of_o some_o in_o association_n with_o their_o brethren_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v but_o the_o affectionate_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v of_o their_o desire_n of_o reconcilement_n both_o with_o the_o congregational_a and_o moderate_a episcopal_a party_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o their_o ius_n divinum_fw-la minist_n 1._o concern_v they_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n they_o say_v that_o this_o disagreement_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o any_o christian_a accord_n with_o they_o in_o affection_n that_o we_o can_v willing_o write_v upon_o our_o study_n door_n that_o motto_n which_o mr._n jeremiah_n burroughes_n who_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n do_v ambitious_o endeavour_v after_o union_n among_o brethren_n as_o some_o of_o we_o can_v testify_v persuade_v all_o scholar_n unto_o opinionum_fw-la varietas_fw-la &_o opinantium_fw-la unitas_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v any_o sincere_a motion_n as_o we_o have_v also_o former_o declare_v in_o cur_n print_a vindication_n that_o shall_v further_o a_o happy_a accommodation_n between_o we_o then_o speak_v of_o the_o godly_a moderate_a episcopal_a man_n they_o add_v though_o herein_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o yet_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o this_o difference_n shall_v hinder_v a_o happy_a union_n between_o they_o and_o we_o nay_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o will_v never_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v be_v well_o with_o england_n till_o there_o be_v a_o union_n endeavour_v and_o effect_v between_o all_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o doctrine_n though_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o some_o circumstance_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v strange_o make_v way_n for_o this_o long_o desire_a union_n by_o the_o bitter_a woeful_a and_o unutterable_a fruit_n of_o our_o division_n which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o ministry_n but_o even_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n read_v there_o the_o rest_n you_o see_v then_o that_o we_o be_v all_o resolve_v for_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o and_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o you_o see_v how_o small_a a_o matter_n will_v do_v it_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v do_v already_o except_o the_o actual_a execution_n of_o our_o doctrinal_a agreement_n what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o that_o we_o be_v up_o and_o do_v and_o practice_n as_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o magistrate_n and_o especial_o the_o protector_n and_o parliament_n now_o assemble_v that_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n and_o from_o who_o it_o be_v common_o expect_v do_v call_v they_o to_o the_o work_n and_o help_v to_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n and_o further_o they_o by_o the_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n the_o sum_n of_o our_o agreement_n reduce_v to_o practice_n 1._o we_o be_v agree_v that_o adult_n church_n member_n must_v be_v such_o as_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o of_o holy_a resolve_a obedience_n or_o such_o as_o personal_o own_o and_o accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o
such_o as_o expect_v the_o very_a syllable_n of_o the_o assertion_n in_o the_o proof_n therefore_o for_o brevity_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o better_a way_n ●●_o this_o time_n to_o offer_v here_o a_o full_a sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o assertion_n which_o shall_v be_v question_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v sober_o demand_v it_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n richard_n baxter_n acton_n nou._n 2d_o 1688._o q._n see_v you_o have_v oft_o affirm_v public_o that_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n among_o christian_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v if_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o practice_v they_o be_v not_o the_o hindrance_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o answer_v these_o question_n follow_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 2._o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n personal_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o neighbour_n church_n may_v hold_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n i._o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v consider_v as_o spiritual_a or_o as_o visible_a as_o spiritual_a it_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o true_a spiritual_a or_o regenerate_v believer_n as_o head_v by_o jesus_n christ._n as_o visible_a it_o be_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o baptise_a or_o professor_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o head_v by_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o according_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o christian_n 2._o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o answer_v that_o catholic_n visible_a communion_n consist_v 1._o fundamental_o in_o be_v all_o baptise_a or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o be_v join_v to_o the_o same_o head_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o universal_a body_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v in_o that_o covenant_n and_o not_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o profession_n or_o any_o essential_a part_n thereof_o 2._o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o receive_v their_o testimony_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o least_o the_o foresay_a essential_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o more_o as_o we_o understand_v and_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n or_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o and_o also_o that_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o state_v ordinary_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o disciple_n and_o baptise_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n and_o that_o we_o profess_v our_o willingness_n to_o join_v in_o christian_a assembly_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o minister_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o further_a our_o own_o and_o other_o salvation_n if_o we_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o do_v according_o ii_o q._n 1._o we_o speak_v only_o of_o visible_a christian_n in_o this_o second_o question_n also_o of_o church_n communion_n 2._o a_fw-la particular_a church_n signify_v either_o 1._o a_o community_n of_o christian_n agree_v to_o live_v under_o pastoral_n guidance_n before_o they_o have_v a_o pastor_n or_o have_v practise_v that_o agreement_n this_o be_v not_o the_o church_n here_o mean●_n 2._o or_o a_o political_a society_n of_o christian_a pastor_n and_o people_n profess_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n exercise_n of_o these_o relation_n as_o such_o in_o the_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n in_o each_o other_o the_o end_v difference_n it_o from_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o from_o the_o association_n of_o many_o church_n for_o communion_n by_o delegate_n the_o necessary_a term_n of_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v these_o 1._o the_o pastor_n whether_o one_o or_o more_o must_v have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o his_o office_n 1._o as_o to_o his_o qualification_n that_o be_v 1._o that_o he_o understand_v at_o least_o the_o essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o church_n communion_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o in_o some_o competent_a degree_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o for_o god_n honour_n the_o church_n good_a and_o man_n salvation_n 2._o as_o to_o his_o call_n that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v undertake_v this_o office_n which_o be_v ordinary_o do_v 1._o by_o the_o ordination_n that_o be_v the_o approbation_n and_o investiture_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n 2._o and_o in_o this_o case_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o people_n consent_n all_o this_o in_o truth_n be_v needful_a before_o god_n and_o in_o appearance_n and_o profession_n before_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o people_n must_v be_v baptise_a person_n sacramental_o engage_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o such_o as_o have_v not_o profess_o desert_v that_o covenant_n by_o apostasy_n nor_o be_v prove_v before_o a_o lawful_a judicature_n to_o be_v deserter_n of_o any_o essential_a part_n thereof_o whether_o open_o profess_v covenant_n may_v not_o serve_v without_o baptism_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n where_o baptism_n can_v be_v have_v be_v a_o case_n so_o extraordinary_a that_o we_o need_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o it_o 3._o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o yet_o have_v opportunity_n at_o full_a age_n do_v make_v no_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nor_o own_o his_o baptismal_a covenant_n open_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n be_v to_o be_v number_v with_o deserter_n 4._o though_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o open_a profession_n be_v usual_o best_a where_o it_o may_v be_v ●ad_v yet_o a_o profession_n less_o explicit_a may_v serve_v to_o the_o be_v of_o church-member_n such_o as_o be_v their_o actual_a join_n with_o those_o church_n who_o purposely_o assemble_v to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n 5._o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o signification_n of_o consent_n to_o their_o particular_a church-relation_n either_o more_o express_v and_o plain_a or_o at_o least_o by_o such_o action_n which_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o signify_v it_o as_o ordinary_a join_v in_o church-worship_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o necessary_a guidance_n of_o the_o pastor_n 6._o he_o that_o thus_o consent_v to_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o that_o church_n be_v a_o member_n though_o he_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o membership_n or_o presence_n of_o many_o particular_a member_n thereof_o because_o they_o be_v but_o integral_a and_o not_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o but_o if_o a_o usual_a mixture_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o heretic_n or_o stranger_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o any_o other_o confound_a cause_n do_v give_v the_o pastor_n sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v all_o or_o part_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o express_a signification_n of_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o relation_n to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n they_o that_o causeless_o refuse_v such_o signification_n do_v seem_v to_o deny_v their_o consent_n and_o allow_v the_o pastor_n and_o church_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o according_o 8._o the_o office_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o teach_v and_o intercede_v and_o rule_v office_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o mouth_n and_o guide_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o prudent_a and_o cautelous_a use_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o work_n and_o end_n for_o which_o these_o church_n must_v profess_o assemble_v especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v separate_v to_o these_o holy_a uses_n 9_o the_o general_a command_n in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o all_o be_v do_v to_o edification_n decent_o and_o
to_o which_o end_n their_o first_o care_n must_v be_v to_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n by_o corrupt_v of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n to_o any_o to_o withdraw_v and_o not_o to_o impose_v any_o unnecessary_a thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o communion_n but_o to_o unite_v in_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o give_v liberty_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a a_o mean_v approve_v in_o all_o age_n by_o peacemaker_n and_o to_o guide_v the_o church_n by_o the_o paternal_a government_n of_o reason_n and_o love_n and_o not_o by_o tyranny_n to_o make_v themselves_o hateful_a and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o preach_v love_n and_o concord_n that_o the_o people_n may_v know_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o faction_n and_o division_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o factiousness_n and_o contentiousness_n themselves_o and_o their_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o labour_n after_o a_o laudable_a if_o they_o can_v reach_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o ability_n in_o teach_v and_o exemplariness_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o charitable_a life_n that_o they_o may_v win_v the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o may_v give_v they_o no_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o soul_n require_v they_o to_o seek_v for_o better_a help_n but_o if_o differ_v though_o tolerable_a opinion_n do_v so_o possess_v any_o of_o the_o people_n mind_n that_o no_o mean_n can_v satisfy_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o their_o presence_n will_v be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o their_o absence_n or_o if_o the_o pastor_n or_o church_n be_v so_o overrigid_a as_o not_o to_o tolerate_v their_o dissent_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o permit_v they_o to_o worship_n in_o other_o assembly_n though_o their_o withdraw_n may_v not_o be_v justifiable_a and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v maintain_v with_o they_o as_o with_o neighbour_n church_n though_o perhaps_o weak_a and_o faulty_a which_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o the_o next_o question_n q._n 3._o what_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o neighbour_n church_n may_v hold_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o a._n what_o these_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o question_n be_v be_v show_v before_o the_o communion_n in_o question_n consist_v 1._o in_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n 2._o in_o the_o same_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o necessary_a part_n 3._o in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n 4._o in_o a_o profess_a estimation_n of_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n and_o as_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 5._o and_o in_o a_o profess_a love_n to_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 6._o and_o in_o such_o communion_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o the_o term_n therefore_o and_o mean_n must_v be_v these_o follow_v 1._o they_o must_v public_o profess_v the_o same_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o essential_a part_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o continue_v our_o consent_n to_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n renounce_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n particular_o profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o to_o desire_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n believe_v also_o the_o sacred_a canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o take_v they_o for_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o our_o divine_a belief_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o we_o renounce_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v know_v they_o all_o heresy_n error_n and_o practice_n contrary_a hereto_o this_o be_v all_o the_o profession_n that_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o person_n in_o order_n to_o the_o catholic_n communion_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o or_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n beside_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n relation_n or_o of_o neighbour_n church_n for_o their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o except_o when_o any_o scandal_n oblige_v we_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v suspect_v heresy_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o just_a purgation_n or_o repentance_n and_o the_o require_v of_o large_a unnecessary_a profession_n have_v be_v the_o grand_a engine_n of_o church_n division_n through_o many_o generation_n 2._o yet_o as_o there_o be_v christian_n of_o divers_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v church_n also_o as_o different_a and_o though_o we_o must_v own_v they_o all_o as_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v such_o indeed_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o judge_v they_o equal_o sound_v or_o pure_a but_o must_v disow_v the_o gross_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n which_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o must_v special_o honour_v those_o that_o be_v more_o faithful_a pure_a and_o entire_a 3._o no_o one_o particular_a single_a church_n must_v claim_v or_o usurp_v a_o right_n of_o dominion_n or_o government_n over_o other_o church_n as_o give_v they_o by_o god_n see_v that_o all_o such_o true_a church_n be_v as_o city_n or_o corporation_n in_o one_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o one_o king_n but_o be_v none_o of_o they_o rightful_a ruler_n of_o the_o rest_n nor_o must_v any_o man_n of_o their_o own_o head_n set_v up_o such_o form_n of_o government_n as_o of_o humane_a right_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o secular_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o as_o spiritual_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n commit_v to_o his_o minister_n though_o one_o eminent_a minister_n may_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v many_o other_o and_o have_v some_o care_n of_o many_o church_n contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o order_n settle_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o all_o universal_o necessary_o church_n government_n and_o infallible_o guide_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o may_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o such_o invent_a policy_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o make_v their_o forge_a head_n pope_n or_o council_n a_o constitutive_a essential_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o seign_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o be_v schismatic_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o subject_n 4._o but_o love_n and_o concord_n and_o peace_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o the_o equal_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n see_v it_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o beauty_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o help_v of_o the_o life_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o part_n therefore_o such_o correspondency_n must_v be_v maintain_v among_o they_o as_o tend_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o each_o other_o and_o to_o a_o just_a furtherance_n of_o these_o happy_a end_n and_o as_o in_o particular_a church_n the_o determination_n of_o useful_a circumstance_n according_a to_o god_n general_a rule_n be_v no_o sinful_a addition_n to_o god_n word_n or_o ordinance_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o here_o to_o be_v so_o judge_v if_o magistrate_n by_o law_n or_o church_n by_o consent_n do_v determine_v of_o useful_a undetermined_a circumstance_n for_o the_o order_n of_o these_o correspondency_n and_o prevent_v contention_n faction_n and_o division_n 5._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o these_o correspondency_n be_v messenger_n and_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o letter_n testimonial_a or_o certificate_n if_o one_o church_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o upon_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n or_o scandalous_a practice_n they_o may_v by_o messenger_n admonish_v they_o and_o these_o may_v by_o messenger_n make_v their_o purgation_n or_o confession_n as_o also_o if_o they_o desire_v advice_n or_o help_n from_o one_o another_o but_o if_o in_o common_a and_o weighty_a case_n there_o be_v need_n of_o more_o common_a and_o judicious_a consultation_n or_o signification_n of_o consent_n and_o concord_n synod_n be_v the_o mean_n thereto_o and_o if_o one_o member_n travel_v into_o other_o part_n or_o remove_v his_o dwell_n or_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o suspicious_a time_n and_o case_n communicatory_a letter_n and_o certificate_n be_v the_o mean_n that_o heretic_n and_o deceiver_n abuse_v not_o the_o church_n 6._o whether_o these_o synod_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o certain_a state_v time_n or_o various_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o whether_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o precedent_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v mutable_a or_o fix_v and_o of_o how_o many_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v compose_v and_o how_o oft_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v sit_v with_o such_o like_a be_v circumstance_n leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n
under_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christ._n but_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v so_o ordinary_a and_o great_a that_o in_o sound_n and_o peaceable_a country_n where_o heresy_n or_o church-tyranny_n do_v not_o turn_v they_o against_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o where_o state-iealousy_n cause_v not_o ruler_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o statedness_n and_o frequency_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o very_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o contrary_a case_n it_o may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a 7._o though_o no_o one_o of_o these_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o council_n nor_o many_o conjunct_a be_v by_o divine_a right_o the_o proper_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o one_o another_o their_o canon_n be_v agreement_n for_o union_n rather_o than_o the_o law_n of_o superior_a governor_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o by_o their_o assemble_v lose_v their_o govern_n power_n over_o their_o several_a flock_n but_o meet_v to_o exercise_v it_o with_o the_o great_a consideration_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o their_o lawful_a determination_n and_o agreement_n may_v be_v true_o obligatory_a to_o their_o several_a flock_n 8._o the_o largeness_n of_o these_o council_n shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n as_o the_o scandal_n heresy_n schism_n or_o contention_n do_v require_v but_o to_o make_v proper_a universal_a council_n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a supreme_a govern_v lawgiver_n to_o a_o body_n politic_a call_v the_o universal_a church_n be_v a_o device_n of_o those_o who_o will_v do_v christ_n work_n in_o their_o own_o mistake_v way_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n will_v desperate_o divide_v corrupt_a and_o injure_v it_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o christ_n universal_a law_n be_v sufficient_a with_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o circumstantial_a determination_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v pernicious_a if_o not_o impossible_a the_o many_o thousand_o mile_n distance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o paucity_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o presence_n in_o many_o church_n the_o many_o year_n that_o must_v be_v spend_v in_o travel_n the_o opposition_n of_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n prince_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v or_o through_o who_o country_n they_o must_v travel_v the_o war_n and_o jealousy_n of_o prince_n the_o probability_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o able_a pastor_n in_o such_o a_o voyage_n they_o be_v usual_o age_a man_n and_o weak_a their_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o unintelligibleness_n to_o one_o another_o their_o long_a continuance_n in_o such_o council_n their_o incapacity_n to_o meet_v and_o hear_v together_o in_o any_o one_o room_n the_o probability_n that_o the_o numerousness_n of_o the_o near_a bishop_n and_o paucity_n of_o the_o remote_a will_v make_v a_o faction_n go_v for_o the_o council_n the_o improbability_n that_o ever_o they_o will_v return_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o decree_n the_o unsatisfiedness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o decree_n when_o a_o thousand_o or_o a_o hundred_o pastor_n who_o choose_v one_o single_a delegate_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o will_v speak_v their_o sense_n or_o not_o with_o many_o such_o reason_n make_v it_o as_o pernicious_a as_o unnecessary_a nor_o have_v the_o christian_a church_n ever_o have_v such_o council_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o as_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v no_o power_n to_o summon_v the_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o other_o prince_n so_o the_o record_a suffrage_n of_o all_o the_o council_n certify_v we_o that_o they_o be_v none_o such_o but_o the_o subject_n only_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v such_o with_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a number_n of_o some_o adjacent_a bishop_n and_o that_o but_o very_o seldom_o so_o that_o those_o council_n be_v universal_a only_o as_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o but_o very_o rare_o if_o ever_o but_o never_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n 9_o if_o a_o plurality_n of_o heretic_n schismatic_n or_o ungodly_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n shall_v by_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o council_n oppress_v the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n the_o sound_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n must_v hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o not_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o flock_n in_o obedience_n to_o such_o council_n 10._o if_o any_o church_n or_o pastor_n be_v accuse_v or_o defame_v to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n of_o any_o heresy_n schism_n scandal_n or_o injury_n either_o to_o any_o person_n of_o that_o church_n or_o to_o any_o neighbour_n church_n or_o person_n the_o general_a precept_n of_o christian_a charity_n concord_n humility_n submission_n etc._n etc._n do_v oblige_v such_o accuse_a person_n to_o tender_a to_o their_o offend_a brethren_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v many_o church_n due_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o hear_v their_o reason_n and_o admonition_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o amend_v if_o they_o have_v err_v and_o in_o lawful_a thing_n to_o yield_v to_o other_o for_o peace_n and_o concord_n and_o to_o avoid_v offence_n where_o great_a accident_n make_v it_o not_o then_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v 11._o if_o any_o pastor_n or_o neighbour_n church_n remain_v impenitent_a under_o such_o prove_a heresy_n impiety_n or_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o godliness_n the_o synod_n or_o neighbour_n church_n after_o due_a admonition_n and_o pationce_n shall_v open_o disow_v their_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a communion_n shall_v also_o disclaim_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o shall_v send_v to_o the_o innocent_a part_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o save_v themselves_o by_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n or_o to_o forsake_v such_o heretical_a and_o impenitent_a pastor_n and_o shall_v motion_n they_o to_o better_a pastor_n and_o send_v some_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o they_o be_v accept_v but_o none_o of_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a infirmity_n or_o fail_n 12._o a_o true_o ordain_v minister_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v or_o accept_v by_o a_o church_n for_o the_o present_a time_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o guide_v they_o in_o public_a worship_n and_o sacramental_a communion_n in_o the_o sickness_n or_o absence_n of_o their_o state_v pastor_n or_o in_o a_o vacancy_n aught_o to_o assist_v they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o administration_n and_o when_o a_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o pastor_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o desire_v the_o faithful_a neighbour_n pastor_n to_o assist_v they_o for_o supply_v especial_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o part_n of_o pastoral_a sufficiency_n which_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o try_v themselves_o and_o to_o ordain_v by_o approbation_n and_o solemn_a investiture_n such_o a_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o they_o consent_v to_o if_o he_o be_v not_o before_o ordain_v or_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o by_o prayer_n to_o desire_n god_n to_o bless_v he_o in_o that_o special_a charge_n q._n 4._o what_o be_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o several_a kingdom_n a._n this_o need_v no_o more_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a answer_n but_o this_o 1._o that_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o main_n must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o civil_a government_n 2._o but_o they_o must_v not_o busy_v themselves_o needless_o with_o the_o distant_a and_o unknown_a case_n and_o business_n of_o other_o nor_o 3_o must_v they_o violate_v the_o lawful_a restraint_n of_o their_o civil_a governor_n nor_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n privilege_n or_o interest_n 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o practice_n of_o other_o church_n they_o shall_v send_v to_o they_o for_o satisfaction_n and_o those_o church_n shall_v send_v they_o the_o forementioned_a confession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o either_o purge_v themselves_o from_o the_o crime_n of_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v or_o confess_v they_o and_o forsake_v they_o but_o when_o the_o pastor_n which_o in_o several_a country_n have_v drink_v in_o differ_v opinion_n shall_v expect_v that_o all_o other_o shall_v speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o all_o controvert_v point_n of_o tolerable_a difference_n and_o by_o their_o odious_a imagine_a consequence_n shall_v slander_v other_o church_n or_o pastor_n as_o hold_v that_o which_o they_o disclaim_v or_o as_o deny_v that_o which_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n they_o profess_v as_o their_o very_a religion_n and_o by_o their_o passion_n unskilfulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n shall_v make_v all_o difference_n though_o
but_o in_o word_n or_o very_o narrow_a seem_v more_o material_a wide_a and_o dangerous_a than_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v hereupon_o proclaim_v their_o brethren_n to_o be_v heretical_a or_o blasphemous_a and_o use_v to_o revile_v they_o and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o will_v silence_v the_o pastor_n if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n these_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v powerful_o militate_v for_o the_o devil_n against_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o pernicious_a incendiary_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n q._n 5._o what_o be_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n answ._n i_o shall_v say_v more_o as_o to_o their_o power_n than_o as_o to_o their_o duty_n because_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v endure_v or_o how_o that_o counsel_n will_v be_v take_v or_o follow_v which_o be_v not_o desire_v it_o more_o concern_v we_o to_o consider_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n to_o they_o 1._o all_o the_o force_a power_n about_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a whether_o by_o corporal_a penalty_n or_o force_a mulct_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n beside_o what_o parent_n and_o master_n may_v do_v and_o if_o any_o pastor_n use_v it_o it_o must_v be_v as_o magistrate_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o sword_n be_v so_o unseemly_a in_o a_o pastor_n hand_n and_o so_o ill_o take_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o adverse_a to_o the_o persuasive_a love_a government_n which_o he_o must_v exercise_v and_o have_v ever_o be_v of_o such_o unhappy_a effect_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o prince_n will_v keep_v their_o sword_n from_o the_o clergy_n to_o themselves_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o such_o officer_n as_o have_v not_o so_o much_o other_o work_n to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o abuse_v it_o 2._o if_o any_o pastor_n will_v declare_v that_o prince_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v man_n mere_o as_o excommunicate_v by_o they_o without_o any_o trial_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o themselves_o or_o officer_n and_o will_v excommunicate_v magistrate_n for_o not_o imprison_v banish_v or_o burn_v or_o otherwise_o afflict_v those_o who_o the_o clergy_n have_v excommunicate_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o use_v much_o more_o if_o any_o will_v teach_v and_o declare_v that_o excommunicate_a king_n be_v no_o king_n yea_o though_o a_o foreigner_n that_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o excommunicate_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v kill_v as_o tyrant_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o their_o dominion_n see_v the_o council_n at_o lateran_n under_o innocent_a 3d._n can._n 3._o and_o the_o council_n at_o rome_n under_o gregor_n 7._o if_o such_o be_v subject_n they_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n if_o they_o be_v foreigner_n they_o be_v open_v declare_v enemy_n 3._o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o king_n and_o other_o magistrate_n be_v from_o god_n and_o their_o lawful_a command_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o to_o avoid_v their_o punishment_n only_o 4._o their_o office_n be_v to_o promote_v obedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o law_n by_o make_v subordinate_a law_n of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil-doer_n and_o a_o praise_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 5._o the_o clergy_n as_o well_o as_o other_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o king_n and_o magistrate_n nor_o be_v it_o tolerable_a doctrine_n which_o will_v exempt_v their_o person_n or_o estate_n except_o it_o be_v by_o the_o king_n consent_n 6._o prince_n must_v not_o only_o promote_v natural_a obedience_n to_o the_o true_a god_n but_o also_o the_o special_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o mean_n which_o be_v suitable_a thereunto_o 7._o prince_n may_v make_v law_n forbid_v the_o publication_n of_o all_o pernicious_a damn_v doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n and_o of_o all_o great_a and_o notable_a crime_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o may_v correct_v the_o offender_n by_o convenient_a penalty_n with_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n 8._o if_o heretical_a covetous_a or_o lazy_a pastor_n corrupt_a god_n word_n and_o worship_n notorious_o or_o neglect_v their_o certain_a duty_n to_o the_o betray_n or_o endanger_v of_o the_o flock_n or_o be_v person_n uncapable_a of_o the_o office_n the_o magistrate_n may_v drive_v they_o on_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o moderate_o and_o prudent_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o may_v forbid_v the_o uncapable_a to_o exercise_v that_o office_n 9_o such_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o order_n of_o assembly_n before_o instance_a as_o be_v fit_a for_o common_a determination_n and_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v such_o who_o determination_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n office_n may_v on_o moderate_a term_n and_o by_o religious_a advice_n be_v determine_v of_o by_o magistrate_n and_o all_o their_o lawful_a determination_n must_v be_v obey_v 10._o there_o need_v not_o the_o device_n of_o pope_n or_o patriarch_n to_o call_v council_n or_o to_o keep_v peace_n among_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o magistrate_n must_v do_v it_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o office_n every_o sovereign_n may_v call_v such_o pastor_n unto_o council_n as_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o several_a prince_n by_o agreement_n may_v call_v their_o respective_a subject_n together_o when_o there_o be_v cause_n and_o proper_a universal_a council_n as_o be_v show_v be_v thing_n which_o never_o be_v know_v nor_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a necessity_n which_o must_v warrant_v the_o pastor_n of_o several_a kingdom_n to_o hold_v council_n together_o when_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o their_o king_n prince_n also_o may_v correct_v church-tyrant_n and_o usurper_n and_o destroyer_n of_o faith_n or_o piety_n or_o peace_n they_o ought_v to_o restrain_v such_o pastor_n as_o will_v raise_v sedition_n or_o rebellion_n or_o persecution_n of_o the_o innocent_a or_o that_o pretend_v religion_n for_o the_o open_a and_o obstinate_a revile_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v unquiet_a firebrand_n to_o kindle_v dissension_n and_o destroy_v man_n love_n to_o one_o another_o or_o arbitrary_o to_o oppress_v the_o flock_n 11._o when_o any_o question_n who_o must_v be_v judge_n in_o case_n of_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o idolatry_n as_o divulge_v or_o practise_v the_o true_a answer_n be_v obvious_a and_o easy_a 1._o in_o regard_n of_o public_a ecclesiastical_a judgement_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o public_a civil_a judgement_n in_o order_n to_o corporal_a forcible_a punishment_n or_o impunity_n as_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n the_o magistrate_n be_v the_o only_a public_a judge_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o that_o private_a judgement_n of_o discern_v by_o which_o every_o rational_a person_n must_v know_v his_o own_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o discern_v when_o and_o how_o far_o to_o obey_v man_n without_o disobey_v god_n every_o such_o rational_a person_n be_v a_o judge_n that_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o christ_n always_o the_o final_a judge_n 12._o yet_o may_v not_o the_o magistrate_n invade_v the_o pastoral_n office_n itself_o nor_o ordain_v or_o degrade_v minister●_n in_o that_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o church-guide_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o exercise_v the_o proper_a power_n of_o the_o church_n key_n which_o christ_n commit_v to_o church_n officer_n by_o such_o excommunication_n or_o absolution_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o power_n nor_o may_v they_o hinder_v the_o ●astors_n from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o their_o office_n in_o matter_n or_o manner_n nor_o forbid_v the_o necessary_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o all_o or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v it_o with_o studious_a diligence_n as_o patron_n of_o the_o church_n 13._o but_o if_o they_o shall_v forbid_v we_o the_o necessary_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n or_o necessary_a assemble_v for_o god_n public_a worship_n as_o we_o must_v not_o account_v those_o season_n and_o circumstance_n necessary_a which_o be_v unnecessary_a so_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o we_o must_v not_o desert_n till_o we_o be_v disable_v to_o perform_v it_o see_v it_o be_v great_a sacrilege_n if_o we_o alienate_v a_o person_n consecrate_v to_o god_n in_o so_o sacred_a a_o office_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v alienate_v conseorate_v good_n
of_o a_o further_a agreement_n with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v their_o ejecter_n they_o have_v agree_v to_o take_v no_o member_n out_o of_o any_o of_o your_o true_a pastoral_n consent_v church_n without_o a_o just_a hear_n and_o satisfactory_a reason_n to_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o take_v not_o all_o your_o parishioner_n even_o atheist_n papist_n and_o infidel_n for_o your_o church_n member_n no●_n yet_o all_o your_o auditor_n and_o catechuman_n but_o only_o your_o communicant_n and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o nonconformist_n church_n than_o of_o none_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o cite_v you_o the_o canon_n of_o a_o council_n decree_a that_o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n convert_v not_o any_o heathen_n or_o unbeliever_n and_o another_o convert_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o flock_n that_o do_v convert_v they_o in_o my_o hist._n of_o council_n will_v they_o but_o first_o admit_v the_o exclude_v to_o public_a lecture_n where_o the_o incumbent_n consent_v it_o will_v prepare_v the_o way_n for_o further_a concord_n the_o great_a reconciler_n will_v in_o due_a time_n reconcile_v and_o close_o unite_v his_o own_o amen_n apr._n 11._o 1691._o ri._n baxter_n to_o the_o unite_a protestant_a nonconformist_n in_o london_n though_o i_o be_v by_o the_o confinement_n of_o decrepit_a age_n and_o pain_n hinder_v from_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o form_n or_o contract_n of_o your_o agreement_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o signify_v my_o sense_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o by_o the_o publication_n of_o my_o old_a endeavour_n of_o that_o kind_a to_o promote_v the_o execution_n i_o great_o rejoice_v in_o your_o very_a attempt_n that_o god_n excit_v you_o to_o a_o practical_a desire_n of_o speedy_a heal_v our_o pernicious_a shameful_a strife_n much_o more_o that_o you_o have_v so_o skilful_o make_v the_o present_a plaster_n for_o the_o wound_n no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n so_o well_o but_o it_o may_v be_v better_o do_v you_o must_v look_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v assault_v by_o cavil_v and_o reproach_n those_o that_o these_o thirty_o year_n have_v deny_v you_o brotherly_o communion_n with_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a you_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o union_n among_o yourselves_o and_o the_o potent_a schismatic_n that_o to_o divert_v the_o infamy_n from_o themselves_o have_v stigmatise_v you_o with_o their_o own_o name_n will_v be_v loath_a that_o your_o concord_n shall_v confute_v they_o while_o you_o offer_v your_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o what_o they_o make_v necessary_a term_n of_o ministration_n and_o communion_n will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o obey_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o no_o less_o than_o deliberate_a covenant_v perjury_n or_o lie_v and_o renunciation_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o church-corruption_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o kingdom_n self-defence_n they_o must_v stretch_v their_o wit_n and_o gift_n of_o tongue_n to_o make_v all_o this_o seem_v but_o a_o melancholy_n or_o feign_a fear_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o you_o refuse_v as_o they_o call_v i_o antiepiscopal_a and_o against_o the_o church_n because_o i_o will_v have_v more_o bishop_n over_o a_o thousand_o or_o many_o hundred_o church_n than_o one_o and_o will_v have_v as_o many_o hand_n to_o do_v the_o work_n at_o least_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v more_o church_n in_o a_o diocese_n than_o one_o and_o will_v have_v incumbent_n to_o be_v pastor_n and_o rector_n but_o dream_v man_n that_o build_v city_n or_o travel_v in_o their_o sleep_n can_v build_v more_o or_o go_v further_o in_o a_o hour_n special_o if_o they_o lie_v soft_a in_o a_o university_n or_o a_o great_a man_n house_n than_o a_o wake_a man_n can_v do_v in_o a_o year_n or_o in_o his_o life_n my_o own_o judgement_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o church_n constitution_n i_o have_v oft_o publish_v and_o you_o may_v see_v it_o in_o lascitius_fw-la and_o commenius_n book_n of_o the_o bohemian_a waldenses_n church-government_n brethren_n i_o hope_v you_o fix_v not_o your_o bound_n of_o pacification_n in_o the_o word_n or_o limit_n of_o this_o form_n of_o concord_n with_o a_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la either_o when_o i_o be_o dead_a the_o public_a church_n door_n will_v be_v unlock_v to_o your_o lawful_a communion_n or_o not_o if_o yea_o it_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n that_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v my_o publish_v my_o old_a reason_n against_o unnecessary_a antichurche_n or_o militant_a contentious_a gather_n but_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o much_o mercy_n for_o this_o land_n but_o that_o the_o door_n be_v lock_v up_o against_o desire_a concord_n or_o venient_fw-la romani_fw-la our_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n man_n will_v prevail_v to_o deliver_v up_o the_o land_n to_o a_o pretend_a universal_a foreign_a power_n and_o make_v all_o 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of_o teacher_n or_o people_n and_o that_o you_o will_v study_v mr._n meade_n reason_n against_o division_n well_o and_o seasonable_o urge_v i_o bid_v you_o farewell_o your_o quondam_a fellow-labourer_n ri._n baxter_n london_n april_n 23._o 1691._o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._n the_o necessity_n of_o concord_n and_o mischief_n of_o unnecessary_a separation_n manifest_v in_o twenty_o of_o the_o ill_a effect_n pag._n 1._o ch._n ii_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n hereof_o p._n 13._o ch._n iii_o the_o first_o difference_n with_o the_o independent_o reconcile_v viz._n of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o church_n member_n p._n 15._o ch._n iu._n the_o second_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o a_o church_n covenant_n p._n 19_o ch._n v._o the_o three_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n p._n 21._o ch._n vi_o the_o four_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o their_o choose_a pastor_n p._n 23._o ch._n vii_o the_o five_o difference_n reconcile_v of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o right_a to_o govern_v and_o censure_n p._n 25._o ch._n viii_o the_o six_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o other_o church_n for_o that_o time_n be_v call_v to_o it_o p._n 32._o ch._n ix_o the_o seven_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v all_o government_n and_o church_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o subjection_n to_o synod_n or_o any_o other_o clergy_n governor_n as_o over_o they_o p._n 33._o ch._n x._o the_o eight_o difference_n reconcile_v whether_o layman_n may_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n or_o as_o send_v to_o gather_v church_n p._n 38._o ch._n xi_o the_o nine_o difference_n reconcile_v 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love_n and_o unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n be_v press_v as_o much_o as_o any_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o man._n certain_o these_o great_a obligation_n be_v such_o as_o small_a matter_n can_v dispense_v with_o and_o wonderful_a it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o that_o abhor_v the_o pope_n dispense_n with_o oath_n and_o promise_n and_o subject_n duty_n and_o with_o some_o of_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n can_v yet_o without_o remor●e_n of_o conscience_n so_o easy_o so_o long_o so_o confident_o dispense_v with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o man_n even_o with_o charity_n itself_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o charity_n he_o that_o must_v owe_v nothing_o else_o must_v owe_v love_n rom._n 13._o 8._o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n verse_n 10._o every_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v brief_o fulfil_v in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o verse_n 9_o yea_o he_o love_v not_o god_n that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n 1_o john_n 4_o 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