2 28 The Old and New Covenant. Chap. 3 r of novelty, (at that time pofieft with amazement by reafon of the miracles, under great prefent convictions, through Peters powerful Scripture - applications)and upon twentyother accounts iwhich might be but fits, flaíhings, or prefent workings , yet all that were to be faved were added. All the maids that were 1 brought to 4ha(s eras and offered for purification, Either 2. 3, i 4. were not made Q;ieens, but none was Qleen that was not I thus offered and purified. If it be Paid, they are within (as ma- i ny paffages from feverall hands would feem to imply, as well concerning fuch that are refufed, as thofe that do refufe , the modefty of many is fuck, that they are loth to unchurch all but 111 themfelves ) then they are heires dale fame promife with them- I i(elves and all the `ffentials of a Church of God are with I thofe, that in this way of Communion are none of theirs, and ' confequently their Covenant or feparate way is not of ne- ceffity to Church- confiitution., whether it be at all accord - ing to Scripture - pattern, reds farther to be enquired and de- bated. Ì Fourthly, Men by providence feared among thole that are thus in Covenant by a vifible profefíion, and joyning in Ordinances as before, muft much rather make it their bufineffe to reform and redrefle abufes, that are found in the refpedive Societies on.' which they are can, then by any means withdraw and feparate from them We finde frequent advice in Scripture ofconfdering ' one other, provok ng to lave and to good work!, Hebrewes 10.24., of exhortation one of another, Hebr. 3. t 3 of comforting of the nfelves together, edif! ing one another, i,Thef, 5,1 i. of Warning them that are unruly, and comforting the feeble minded, fupporting the weak,'! a.Thef. 5 i 4. of converting inners from the error of their wayes, 7am.5.20. (This argues a well ordered zeal forGod, and-hatred of fin, bowels, of compaflìon towards a brother :)we finde their praifetha.t have followed this Cour-.ce1, i The(. 5.1r. we read of feparation from wayes of fin,aud lleíhly defilements,2 Cor.6.17. lyameJ i. 27. :but we read not of feparation from Church-com- munion, and fellowfhp in Ordinances given thus in charge, nor in this way approved, nor any prefidents to go before us.' in it;we real{ an heavy brand laid upon it, hide 19 7- hefe be they. vsho feparate themfilves, fenfnall, not having the Spirit ; yet feting things may be fo- carried. in focieties that bear the name of Chrií : Reformation. of abufes in Churches is much rather the work of hri4lians in È Charcbes, then feparation frorn:G bur0h-.
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