A REVIVING WORD FROM THE Quick and the Dead, to the scattered Dust of Zion: OR, A Breathing of the Spirit of Life, in a Few Dry Bones, that begin to Rise and Rattle, In and about this City of LONDON; BY A Solemn DECLARATION, FOR An IMMEDIATE UNITING of ALL SAINTS into ONE BODY, upon the Growing Principles of Grace, and kingdom of our Lord Jesus, in every Administration thereof.  
showing The Grounds of it, progress in it, proposals for it, Motives to it, And our yearning Invitation throughout the three Nations, about this Pacificatory Primitive-like Enterprise.  
To put us ALL (as one Man) into a Posture meet to Meet our Lord Jesus at his second coming, in All the DEGREES and SERVICES thereof.  Hosea 6. 2, 3. 
After two days he will revive us, in the third Day he will raise us up, and We shall live in his sight. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord; his going forth is prepared as Morning, and he shall come to us, as the rain, as the latter and as the former rain.  2 Chron. 30. 12. 
Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them One Heart.  2 Chron. 11. 16. 
And after them, out of All the Tribes, such as set their hearts to seek the Lord, came to Jerusalem  
LONDON: Printed for Giles Calvert, at the Black-spread-Eagle, near the West end of Paul's. 1657.   

A DECLARATION FOR UNITING-WORK.  
OR several Judgements of the People of God, that are agreed with one heart (and as one man) in the kingdom-work, and witness of our Lord Jesus, patiently (and piously) waiting for the full Redemption of Zion, and coming of Christ in the Exercise of his KINGLY GOVERNMENT.  
AFTER divers years' Patience and Expectation, (with continued cries to the MOST HIGH for help and light) we are made deeply (and to our very souls) sensible of the great Reproach upon Religion, the Dispersion and scattering of Saints (of all forms as well as out) up and down in their holes and corners in these Nations, and of the great disorder thereby amongst them: as well as of the great Advantage which the Enemies of Christ, and of his kingdom, have had by the weaknesses, distances, diversity of tongues, and divisions of the People of God, at this day, (who notwithstanding are of one heart, faith, and spirit, in the main.) And this chiefly, in an undue lifting up of persons, principles, or judgements; in a magnifying of forms, and Apprehensions, one against another, (and not in a consistency together;) and in a management of the things of Christ partially, (or by parties and Factions, and not jointly) to the great offence of good men, prejudice and reproach of the Principles, Cause, and Name of Christ, and his kingdom.  
Wherefore (after Solemn seeking of the face of God, crying and inquiring into his mind (by Christ) to know what Israel hath to do) lamenting and resenting the sad estate of Zion, with the present condition of hundreds (in and about this City) of of the dust of Zion, hurried and huffed about with divers winds of doctrines, judgements, and temptations, to their great endangering, and decaying of the power of godliness, and Brotherly love. We have been (we hope, by a sweet and Fatherly hand of grace, or clear Sanctuary-light, at last, and as a Return of the word of God and prayers) lead into this knowledge and practice, now incumbing; and lead up into some serious Resolution or full purpose of heart for an Uniting together (who are scattered ones) in and about this City of London, in a Religious or Christian body, in imitation of the primitive spirit, Act. 1. 14. (to cleave unto the Lord, and one to another these dividing and back sliding times, Acts 11. 23.) in the matters of our Faith, worship of our God, kingdom and Cause of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  
Nor are we (as we think) without weighty (moving) Arguments, or pressing grounds, (as in our own souls arising from the cross of Christ, who in his own flesh hath abolished the enmity, even the Law of Commandments, contained in Ordinances. Ephes. 2. 14, 15, 16. that he might reconcile all, Jew and Gentile, in one body, having slain the enmity) so in the sight of all other sound Christians indulging us in, and inducing them and all of us to this Primitive Gospel-practice, or blessed work of uniting and Consolidating throughout these Nations. Some of which are as follow.  

1. Ground, the parallel of our Present Scattering the last three years, with the Disciples the three days of Christ's sufferings, calls for the same practice from us.  1. The parallel of our present Condition (these last three years, with the dispersed Disciples in the three days, of Christ's sufferings, Mark 14. 50. John 20. 10) Now what they did for the preservation of the Gospel and Religion, in the Power, purity, and Spirituality thereof, are we to do: But they united (or gathered together into one body) out of their divers places and homes (which the persecution had scattered them into) for the preservation of the gospel, Luke 24. 33. John 20. 19 Acts 1. 4. (that they did so is evident to all at the third day, or time of the end:) That we must do so, is as clear a consequent, whether it be the time of the end or no; for this is a RULE to us in ordinary cases, that which Saints have before done, and the holy Spirit hath commended, are we to do, that follow after, in the like case: besides, Psal. 102 13, 14. the Favouring of Zion begins by the gathering up of her Scattered and despised stones, (a poor scattered, peeled people) Isa. 51. 3. Saying, This is ZION, whom no man seeketh after, Jer. 30. 17.  

2. Ground, is the Great Promise of the Spirit, at hand, for which Christ put his Disciples into this Posture or way of Uniting.  2. The GREAT PROMISE of the Father, Luke 24. 49. Acts 1. 4. John 15. 26. Or, The pouring out of the Spirit, Joel 2. 28. which we wait for. Now look in what Posture Christ put his Disciples for the pouring out of the holy Ghost (in the first fruits,) are we his Disciples to wait in for the holy Ghost (the latter fruits, or the latter rain.) But in this way of uniting, Gathering and embodying, did he bid them wait for the First-fruits, Mat. 28. 10, 16. Luke 24. 49. Acts 1. 4. (which accordingly they did, Acts 1. 14, 15. & 2. 1, 2. and so do we.) Besides, Ezek. 37. 7, 8. the word of prophecy must FIRST gather and unite the dry bones (bone to bone) before they rise, (and this with substance, sinews, and nourishment) then (to them in that posture) comes the great Promise of the Spirit, Ezek. 37. 9 and life to set them on their feet, v. 10. so v. 14. 17. and not before: For should the Great Promise 
The Reason of it.  come before, every one would desire it for himself, and for the magnifying of his own form, particular body, Judgement, or Division; more then for the public work of Christ, and of all sorts, or then for maintaining the power of godliness, and unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, amongst all men.  

3. The opening of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.  3. The Great and constant expectations which we have of the opening of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Rev. 15. 5. (which hath been so long shut up) in the purity, power, Spirit, life, and Excellency of worship, and of Ordinances, (as Hezekiah opened the doors of the Temple, 2 Chron. 29. 4, 7. and as it was in the Primitive times) by this blessed Way and work, at least (and at first) in some little degree, more than it hath been known since the Rise of the BEAST, Rev. 11. 1, 2, 6. Or since the Gentiles have trod the holy City under 
The typical Tabernacle of many in one: so is this.  foot, and the wildernessing of the woman, Rev. 12. 6. For, as the Tabernacle made of many united, looped and tacked together in one, Exod. 26. 6, 11. (as Judg. 21. 11. it is said, They were knit together as one man, having respect to the Tabernacleunion, called the Tabernacle of the witness, Acts 7. 44. and the Temple, 1 Sam. 1. 9 & 3. 3. Psal. 27. 4. & 138. 2.) was a type of this, (which is therefore called the Tabernacle of the 
Wherein is hid the Ark, the Manna.  Testimony.) So herein also (as it was there in the Figure) is hid the ARK, Rev. 11. 19▪ and the heavenly Manna, Rev. 2. 17. from the sight of men, till the time come for the holy Camp (Rev. 11. 2.) to set forward; and then is taken away 
And it comes to be opened, or the covering-veil to be taken off, when the Holy Camp arises.  the covering-veil, or the shutting up of the Tabernacle, as Exod. 40. 3. & 26. 14. which (upon moving forward to the land of Promise) was opened and uncovered, Numb. 4. 5. So must this Tabernacle of Saints (so united and knit as one man be opened) and the covering (or veil) spread over hitherto, Isa. 25. 7. be taken off, as they move to the things promised, in 
The Inner-Court opened, for the open Worship.  the last days. And as the inner Court, Ezek. 46. 1. was shut up the six days, but when the evening of the sixth day came and the SABBATH approached, it was to be set open, for the open and public worship, and Ordinances: So do we (with grounded persuasions) expect the opening of THIS inner-Court, Rev. 11. 1. hitherto shut up in this evening of the great sabbathism or REST, approaching in the New Jerusalem, Rev. 20. 21.  

4. Parity of Circumstances in the Witnesses death, Rise, and Ascending with our Lords; implies a Parity of Duty on us.  4. The Parity of the Order, and circumstances of the Witnesses sufferings (Rev. 11.) Rising, and Ascending; with our Lords suffering, Rise, and ascension: signifies to us, a Parity of duty upon the Disciples of Christ at this day with those of that day. The Witnesses bodies are said to lie in the street of that City, where our Lord was crucified; implying the parity, viz. slain by the highest sort of professors (who say they are Jews and are not, Rev. 2.) extant in the world, so was our Lord; Their bodies not put in graves, nor was our Lords in the earth, (but in a stone, a new tomb cut out of a Rock where never any man lay before,) of him it is said, After three days I will rise again, Mat. 27. 63. and of the Witnesses, Rev. 11. 11. All his lying dead were the Disciples dispersed (complaining) and scattered; so All the time of the witnesses, and many are now complaining▪ as Luke 24. 21. At his rising fear and terror fell on them that saw it, Mat. 28▪ 4. so at the witnesses, Rev. 11. 11. At his Resurrection (at the very first) Few saw it or would believe it, Luke 24. 37. (but rather were affrighted at it, Luke 24. 11, 41. being ignorant of the manner of his Rise, Joh. 20. 9 And so are we at the Witnesses Rise, Rev. 11. 13. which is (as we think) obvious to Few at the first step thereof.) But from that instant of time as the Disciples work was uniting and embodying, (before Jesus ascended in a cloud:) So do we from the parity apprehend it the Duty of the Disciples now, everywhere (that have been dispersed) before we shall see the witnesses ascended up in a cloud, i. e. more visibly to All, for then their enemies beheld them, Rev. 11. 12, 13. and the Earthquake came, and the REMNANT were affrighted and gave Glory to God.  

5. The Executing the judgement must be this way.  5. The Executing the vengeance upon BABYLON. The pouring out of the vial-work, or THIRD WOE, is out of this Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Rev. 15. 5, 8. & 16. 1. and not out of any One form, Judgement, or sort of men whatsoever: Hence, when the Judgement comes, All sorts of God's people are called to rejoice in it, whether Apostles, or Prophets, (as in the vengeance of them all,) Rev. 18. 20. though under different Administrations.  

6. The Constitution of the Primitive Church-state being but one Body of many forms, &c.  6. The Constitution of the Primitive Church-state (which was not in this or that form, but in the Power of godliness▪ and Christian Principles, making up one Body under different and many Gifts, Measures, Judgements, and Administrations, 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5, 11, 12, 13. 1 Cor. 10. 17. Rom. 14. 4, 5. without Names and Distinctions, as now are) calls upon us to this practice▪ And for that in the Primitive times we read but of 
Then one Church in a City.  one Church in a City (were it ever so large) as at Jerusalem, Antioch, Rome, coloss, Phillippi, &c. which was of great conduce to Love and unity; so Titus. 1. 5. And ordain Elders in every City, as I had appointed. For although at Jerusalem were many thousands, Acts 2. 41. & 4 4. (it is probable as many, as in all the particular Churches of London) yet they were not many Churches (as in this City, that occasion much the Divisions and breaches of Zion) but One; Not that we bind up our communion so strictly, for that is explained in answer to the second query; only we do humbly judge it would be better ONE in a City, than many, as now are.  

7. The present apostasy and Adulterating of Churches.  7. The Consideration of the present deflowering, Defilement, and Defection of many (if not most) of the Particular Congregations; for we see them (with sorrow of heart) so far corrupted from their first purity, deviated from their first principles, (of separating from all that is unclean, 2 Cor. 6. 17, 18. and of uniting upon their formerly professed, or INDEPENDENT, Principles) that in most parts round the Nation, they are become rather DEPENDENT upon them in power, Participant with them in apostasy, and Communicant (or consociate) with them in Sin, and with those very things persons, and principles, which they were once separated from, (as 
Their Teachers. Viz. Answer to 2d query. Their Members.  inconsistent with the Churches of Christ.) The TEACHERS of several of them, falling in with Parishes, tithes, Parish-Clergy, and Parish-worship. And the Members of them with the uncleannesses, evils, and abominations of the times; oftending, persecuting or casting out them that keep constant to their first principles and purity; being not only tainted, mixed, and infected, but Many of them so notoriously degenerated in the Essence, viz. Matter, form, End, Rule, or congregational 
spoiled in their essentials.  Principles, that we cannot (with comfort) walk with them, or keep our garments clean amongst them; The matter of some of them being gaolers, Persecutors, Opposers of the Truth, Notorious time-servers, or such as hold places, take profits from the sins of the times, that strengthen the hands of the wicked, that make the hearts of the righteous sad, self-seekers, covetous, Boasters, Hypocrites, Apostates, and such as we are bid to turn away from, 1 Tim. 4. and to have no Fellowship with, Eph. 5. 11. 2 Chron. 11. 16. Hos. 4. 15.  

8. The woeful shipwreck to the Drowning of Many, and Danger of All, that yet will keep upon their Planks or Pieces.  8. The fearful shipwreck of Faith and a good Conscience, 1 Tim. 1. 19 that hath been made amongst professors at this day; wherein since the SHIP hath been broken into pieces and Fitters, so Many have sunk, and been drowned in sins, and pleasures, and worldly lusts; and those that do as yet remain alive (are in very desperate danger of the like destiny) upon their several planks and pieces, (whether they be presbyterian, Independent, baptised, or others.) And therefore according to Acts 2. 40 Save yourselves from this untoward Generation: to save ourselves (as much as in us lies) from this great peril, wherein so many are fallen before our eyes; we rather get off from the several pieces (or our particular Forms) since this shipwreck, (wherein every one is Scrambling to get most for himself, and Few for the the public good of all,) and do go aboard upon this bottom, or ONE WAY of Christ, and 
Calls us to get aboard the one Ship.  SHIP, wherein is contained all the particular forms, and Judgements, the Safety and Liberty of them All. Knowing that if we be all united to save the SHIP (every ones cabin will be safe,) and in the preservation of the whole (or the power of godliness amongst all) is contained the good and safety of every individual and particular.  

9 The Great Divisions in the Churches, and forms, rents and Factions▪  9 The present Divisions, Factions and Distractions, in particular Congregations, and forms, (keeping up their rigidity as a partition-wall between Saints and Saints) do call aloud for this Vniting-work and way of Christ, (for the building up again of all these wast places, and breaches of Zion, Isa. 49. 17.) till which the things of Christ, are (and will be) carried on by Parties, Hurries and Factions, schisms, and confusions of tongues, (too much of Babylon;) some crying up Paul, and some Apollo, some Cephas, stopping the progress of the gospel, setting up particular Interests, (for the public) lifting 
Controversies and Oppositions.  up other Names for God's Name; hindering the sweetness of Saints Communion; and darkening the Excellency, and derogating from the Majesty and power of the truths of Christ, and his kingdom; eating out the power of godliness with controversies, and keeping under the growth thereof, with oppositions, and enmity (as it was of old) between Jew and Gentile, Circumcision and Uncircumcision; which Enmity now appears 
Envy and Enmity to one another expressed.  among professors (of different opinions) in their unkind carriages one to another, bitter speeches, and invective censures, nicknames, and provocations, ready to cast out one another, threatning, sl●ghting, betraying wronging, and devouring of one another, Which their Teachers have not discovered, so as to turn away their Captivity, Lam. 2. 14. But because this Jewish rigidity and enmity (Heightened and reared up in Ordinances, forms and Commandments) is so far abolished by the death of Christ, Eph. 2. 15, 16. that both Jew and Gentile (though ever so different in Judgement) must make up one body, (and did BOTH continue in one, and the same Church in Primitive times) 1 Cor. 12. 13. in the free Exercise of their own 
Reason why we dare not keep up such Enunity and divisions.  Faith and Light, Rom. 14. 4, 5. We dare not deny the death of Christ, and the benefit of his cross in this matter▪ by keeping up the enmity, grudging, or division amongst them that differ in their Judgements, or forms of worship; but rather (from the power and effect of it, in our own hearts) which hath slain not only the enmity against God, but (we hope of one against another) that our Love to one another may be the Love of God that dwelleth in us, 1 John 4. We do UNITE, as made ONE (by the cross) fellow-Citizens together, with all Saints, upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, fitly framed and growing up together, Eph. 2. 19, 20, 21. through the Spirit, that every one may be fully persuaded in his own mind, Rom. 14. 5. pressing after one and the same perfection, and whereto he hath already attained so to walk, Phil. 3. 15, 16. to keep in his own path, (without justling one another) Joel 2. 8. eating of his own bread, Isa. 4. 1. and sitting under his own vine, with quiet, comfort▪ and safety, Micah 4. 4. 5.  

10. The Combination of Enemies of All sorts.  10. The CONFEDERACY or Conspiracy of the Enemies of Christ and his people, which is very strong and twisted at this day, The Scales of Leviathan, are shut together as with a close seal; and if they be at variance amongst themselves, we see the present way of making them ONE, is by a cross and crafty complication of Interests (or joint-opposition of Christ and his kingdom.) HEROD and PILATE made Friends against Christ, Ephraim and Manasseth against Judah, REZIN and PEKAH, and Ephraim too, against Jerusalem; yea Gebal, Ammon, Amaleeke, and the Philistines, with them that dwell at Tyre, Prov. 1. 14. Come say they, cast in thy lot among us, and let us have ONE purse. And if they agree in opposing, it is time for us to agree in exposing, All we have and are for Christ and his People, Acts 4. 27. For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and people of Israel were gathered togethered together; then verse 32 The multitude of them that believed were of ONE HEART and of ONE soul, neither said any of them that ought th' things which he possessed was his own.  

11. They must be Distinct & Conjunct above any others.  11. For that as they must be a Particular and a Distinct People from others, Numb. 23. 9 Prov. 14. 7. So a Peculiar and Conjunct People (with themselves) that are after the first pattern, and fit for Christ's kingdom service: Like Nehemiah 9 2. The seed of Israel who separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, Nehem. 10. 28. and then ver. 29. they cleave to one another. So Chap. 13. 3. and Acts 19 9 persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God, but when divers were hardened and spoke evil of that WAY, he departed from them and SEPARATED the Disciples. A visible and pure segregation and aggregation going hand in hand to make up the form of this COLLECTIVE 
Every one in in his proper place.  Body; every particular, member, judgement, and measure, being put into its proper place, seat, and joint, in the body, 1 Cor. 12. 11, 12, 14, 20. for service.  

12. Every particular Church, must bear the Image of the Whole, which consists of all sorts in ONE.  12. For that every particular Church is to bear (by institution) the IMAGE (and parts) of the whole Church of Christ (and therein hath all the privileges of it.) Now the whole Church consists not of this or that sort, or size of Saints, or of those of this or that form, this or that judgement, but of all sorts of Saints, of all judgements, and under all Administrations; this is called the Church of the First-born, Heb. 12. 23. (the Mount Zion) ver. 22. Which the Hebrews were come up unto in their Communion; not in any one form or Judgement (whither Presbyterian, Independent, Baptist, &c.) for they are the Churches of the latter-horn rather. But the firstborn comprehends Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Prophets, Apostles, and Saints in All Ages, of all Judgements, Principles, forms and Practices. Whereof are the Patriarchs, and All the holy Men of old; [Peter, Paul, James, John, Policarpe, Ignatius, Justin martyr, Chrysostom, Wickliff, Waldus, Luther and Zuinglius, Calvin, Oecolampadius and Corolostadius, Beza, Bullinger and Pareus, Tindall, Lambert, Frith and Bilney, Bradford, Hooper, Ridley, Rogers, Latimer, Philpot and Alice Driver, Hawks and Taylor, Baines and Glover, Brightman, Cartwright, Ames and Ainsworth, Preston, Perkins, Brown and Sibs, with Fenner, Hooker, Cotten, Archer, Burroughs, Bolton,] and myriads more of Saints besides, of all their several Sorts of Judgements, making up the Church of the firstborn. Whereof we would bear an Image as near as may be, (as the Daughter that is like the Mother, Zech. 9 9 O Daughter of Jerusalem, Zeph. 3. 14. Mica 4. 8. Gal. 4. 26) Now this Church shuts out none of the Saints (though differing) but sets them in, in their proper places; and that after the first Institution, which is not of members of one (or two) kind or form only, but of MANY, as 1 Cor. 10▪ 17. The Blood of the New Testament was shed for MANY, as his one Collective body. And thus Eph. 4. 4, 5. There is ONE BODY one Spirit, one Hope, &c.  
Besides the Promise of restoring the Foundation of Many Generations, Isa. 58. 12. is not upon this or that form, but the New-Jerusalem-Foundation, Rev. 21. 14, 19 20. Eph. 2, 20, 21, whereon All are built, whether Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, or Christians (of all sorts) making up the Whole Church. And after this Constitution are we in this Body and uniting-work, large enough to receive, not only all Sorts of Saints alive, but dead (of all ages) were they now alive: as Heb. 12. 22, 23. But ye are come to the Spirits of just men made perfect; yea the Holy Angels too, as our Sweet Associates (in the Spirit of our Communion) or rather Assistants and ministering Spirits, Heb. 1. 14. & 12. 22. But ye are come unto Mount Zion, and to an innumerable Company of Angels. As EZRA wrote long since of the Last days, saying, unto whom, I will give for Leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Amos, Hosea, Micab, Joel, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkah, Zephany, Haggai, Zachary, and Malachy; Which if true, agrees with Rev. 11. 11. The SPIRIT of LIFE at the Rise of the two Witnesses, which shall set them and Us upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, and so into the same Spirit.  

13. Greater growth of Grace & spiritual Nourishment.  13. For a Greater Increase and growth of Grace, Eph. 2. 21. (which is much killed and cooled by these Divisions) to strengthen the Things that remain and are ready to die, Rev. 3. and more mutually to discharge our obligations each to other, and to All Saints, in this City compact, Psal. 122. 1, 2. of Watching, Admonishing, prophesying, and Assisting one another, Mat. 18. 15. 1 Thes. 5. 14. & 4. 18. 2 Thes. 3. 15. &c. Seeing the Sweetest, best, and Spiritualest Nourishment comes in at the joints of the Body, so as the VINE (John 15.) is nourished by the joints too, and the best Flowers do grow out of joints: Hence if any be OUT OF joint, ye which are spiritual RESTORE (or put into joint again) Gal. 6. 2. & Eph. 4. 16. Col. 2. 19 From whence all the BODY by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the Increase of God,) and in this sense, was it, Acts 4. 33. That great GRACE was upon them All. For this we are deeply sensible of, in these Dividing times (and Party Professions and Religions now up) that we are apter to set a work each others' Corruption and private spirit, than grace or the public Spirit. Wherefore as the labouring Bees, do bring all into ONE HIVE; we hope it shall appear that the Manifestation of the Spirit is given to EVERY ONE (of us, of what judgement soever) TO PROFIT withal, in this one Body; that is, to bring every one into one Bank or Stock of Grace, for the public and common growth or Good of All. 1 Cor. 12. 7. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Eph. 4. 7. Therefore to every one of us is given GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  

14. For more Love, Concord and endearedness.  14. For a more Primitivelike-Love, Concord and endearedness one to another▪ then what we see amongst professors, as Acts 1. 14. & 4. 32. 1 Thes 4. 9 And that to All Saints, Col. 1. 4. Not only ready to lay down our Lives with the Brethren, but for the Brethren, after the Will of God, and witness of Jesus, 1 John 3. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 22. O it is Admirable▪ to read (but more to receive) that Love which was among the Primitive Saints (without respect to Judgements or Persons) how often they ventured their Lives one for Another; Like epaphroditus, Phil. 2. 30. Who for the WORK of Christ was nigh unto DEATH, not REGARDING HIS LIFE to supply your LACK. So Col. 1. 24. In my Sufferings FOR you. And Phil. 1. 7, 14. yea Rom. 16. 6. Who have for MY LIFE laid down their OWN NECKS. Gal. 4. 15. Ye would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them me. Yea how would they run to the Racks and Theaters, and worst of Tortures, if they heard but of any Brother engaged for his Life. Owning one another, Justifying, Visiting, rejoicing in, and embracing one Another, in the midst of the most horrid and exquisite Sufferings, to the Admiration of HEATHENS! Amazement of tyrants! and mutual encouragement of ONE ANOTHER; Insomuch as those that saw them, would wonder! and say, Ah, see how Dearly they Love one another! as the Jews said of Christ, John 11. 36. Behold how he loved him! Nothing being able to quench such Love, not Famine, Plague, nor Sword, to keep them asunder, (as the Histories show:) Much like our english-woman-martyr in Q Mary's days, that rejoyet at her heart to have her Foot in the same Hole of the Stocks where PHILPOT was before her. Now until this UNITING be, we must look for Little of this Love, but grieving, discontent, biting, beating of one another, and devouring rather! One Party opposing, Appearing against, nick naming, exasperating, and exploding the other! And thus it will, and must be, unless by this Blessed work there be an END put (through the cross of Christ and his power) to the Enmity, and Discord, which causes this. Wherefore Phil. 2. 1, 2. Let nothing be done through Strife, or vainglory.  

15. For a more collective Beauty of Zion.  15. That more amiableness and beauty may appear in the Saints in Zion; and in the Principles of the kingdom (by a Collective Body of Beauty) then now does among the Dispersed dust and STONES, among them that are not fully separate from the mixture, them that lie in HOLES, or in HEAPS among the dirt, (for so her Beauty lies in the Dust) Lam. 2. 14, 15. but the Promise is of making her the Praise and BEAUTY of the Whole earth, Isa. 62. 7. Psal. 50. 2. & 48. 2. of giving her BEAUTY for Ashes, Isa. 52. 1. & 61. 3. and of making her Renown to go forth among the Heathen or Nations, Zeph. 3. 19, ●0. Such a Beauty and Renown as appeared in the Primitive times, when they were thus united and embodied; as Acts 2. 47. Praising God, and having Favour with all People; yea Acts 5. 13. and the People magnified, or honoured them. But now as the MAN OF SIN rose up, and the woman's flight into the wilderness, viz. by Divisions, and Dispersions, they lost it again, and so their 
How this beauty came to be lost.  BEAUTY hath lay in the Dust (cut into very shreds) to this day (wherein we do so abound with diversities, and perversities, that by reason thereof we are not able to express, what a Wound hath been given to the very name of Christ, and Religion, what persecutions occasioned to the truth? O how the IGNORANT have been hardened! the Impudent heightend! and apostasy headed! Jew, Turk and Papist, and Atheist confirmed! the poor Friends of Zion confounded, and several fallen into delusions, and become a scorn to all our Enemies at home and abroad! So how FEW have been Converted to the Faith! wherein they see so little loveliness, unity, order, or harmony, amongst professors, to invite them into it! but when United (Numb. 24. 5.) Oh how goodly are thy Tents O Jacob, and thy Tabernacles O Israel! so Psal. 84. 1. And as Cant. 6. 9, 10. My Dove my undefiled is one, the only ONE, the 
And how it is to be restored.  choice one, (Saints united) and then follows, The Daughters saw her and blessed her (all sorts spoke well of her) yea the Queens and Concubines (Churches true and false, Sarah's and Hagars) all praise her, saying, Who is this that looketh forth as the morning, (after a Dark night, being about to rise again into public, that all may see and praise her) fair as the Moon, clear as the Sun, terrible as an army with banners? Then they all begin to see and admire her beauty, but not before; for than they see variety in unity, viz. the beauty of different Saints, all sorts of Circumstances, Excellencies, Ordinances, Graces, Opinions, and many bright and shining lights (rightly placed in the body) making up one beauty and glory in Zion! And then the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and Kings to the brightness of thy rising, Isa. 60. 3. when we shall see the woman thus clothed with the Sun, and crowned with her twelve stars, again Rev. 12. 1.  

16. For a clearer and more exquisite and inspired Knowledge of Christ, and the times and of the things that are to be done, about which we are now at so great a loss.  16. For a clearer and more certain Knowledge of the things of Christ, and his kingdom (Than now we have,) and this will be by a Collective body of all the dispersed fragments or various lights into ONE, till which we are in a Maze, and at a loss, and know not one step forward, or which way to go, or what will be, or when the Witnesses rise, or the END comes, or the ANCIENT OF day's fits, and the like: About which we are at so great a loss, and Maze, (which is like not only to continue but increase) until we come to this Primitive work of uniting and embodying, as they did. For till then, Luke 24. 11. the reports of Christ risen, seemed but idle tales to the Apostles themselves, and though they had heard, yet they understood not how he must rise, John 20. 9 and till then their eyes were held that they should not know him if they saw him, Luke 24. 16. and some of them began to stagger and faint too about the time, for all it was come, and they knew it not, but were astonished, v. 22. (that is, as much as to say, we know not what to do, nor what to believe, nor what to say, we are at such a loss,) and Peter himself was in a Maze about it, Luke 24. 12. (so long as they continued Scattered, John 20. 10) and poor Mary that sought him with tears, turned from him, and could not believe this could be HE, John 20. 15, 16. whom she sought, (but the gardener;) and Thomas was so pitifully plunged (by his absence from them, when they first began to Gather into ONE, John 20 24, 25) that he resolved he would not believe (let them say what they would) without he saw the visible signs to his senses (in the way which he proposed to himself) and so was almost quite lost, v. 29. This pitiful confusion were they in, until they fell upon this blessed work; which our Lord first put them upon (before he show himself risen amongst them, or came at them, Mat. 20. 10, 16. John 20. 18, 19) and yet some doubted! Mat. 28. 17. some were affrighted! Luke 24. 37. some gazed! and were stupefied! some fainted! some opposed! and all were confused! troubled! and in the dark! what to think of it! Luke 24. 38. until they were IN THIS WAY, and than the Matter became clear, the Lord appeared to be risen amongst them, and opened their understandings, Luke 24. 45. in the things of Christ, his kingdom, and about the time of the end; which they were so confused, and mistaken about, before.  

17. For that Another as a more Apostle-like and Primitive Ministry (in the power of the holy Ghost,) is to be sent abroad in these last days.  17. For the sending out another manner of Ministry, into the world (with the seed of the kingdom, as they come to be endued with power from on high) than what they now have (of or after the manner of the Nations) viz. more Comprehensive, holy, spiritual, faithful, feeling, enlarged, enlightened, Locomotive, and quickened with the power and authority of the Lord, for Conversion, Conviction, Confirmation, and all the purposes of Christ, and his kingdom (as they were sent out at First, or after the first pattern, John 20. 22. Acts 1. 4. & 13. 2. 2 Cor. 8. 18, 23.) 1 Thes. 3. 1, 2. A more Noble, blessed, courageous, and Apostle-like Ministry; or like them in the Ephesians 4. 11, 12. for injointing of the Saints: Therefore, Rev. 14. 1, 2. we read of this mustering, rallying, or uniting upon Mount Zion FIRST; and than John saw the Everlasting gospel FLY, v. 6. or spread abroad; that is, according to the first Commission, which was to every Nation, in Rev. 14. 6. (as it was in Mat. 28. 19 to all Nations) and Mark 16. 15. Preach the Gospel to every Creature. So Mat. 24. 4. This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness. So Acts 1. 8. But you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be WITNESSES, John 15. 27. Now as in the First-fruits, Acts 2. 3, 4. the way might seem strange (and too much like Babylon) or confusion of tongues, (as Gen. 11. 19 and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad:) So now upon the revival of this work, (and in the latter-fruits) some may think (it is like) as strange a confusion of tongues (or Judgements, and several forms) as Babylon, and yet (as Acts 2. 1.) All be with one accord in one place: but they shall see (we hope) it is not confusion of tongues (as Babel was, Gen. 11. 1.) but a diversity of tongues in one body (as Jerusalem was) Acts 2 Not that they 
Difference betwixt the Confusion of Tongues at Babylon and the diversity of Tongues at Jerusalem.  may not understand one another (as Gen. 11. which confusion (or Babylon) is kept up by the Divisions about forms, and Judgements, wherein one cannot understand another at this day) but wherein every one may be edified, and understood in his own language, Acts 2. 6. (whether Jews, or Gentiles, Elamites, Medes, Parthians, &c. vers. 9 10. 11.) to his astonishment, vers. 8. 12. every one in his own tongue, so every one in his own way▪ Judgement, and Administration, wherein one can well understand another in this unity, besides at Babel, Gen. 11. the confusion of tongues hindered the Building, but at Jerusalem, Acts 2. the Diversity of tongues helped it (like Joshuah's entrance into many Nations at once, Josh. 10. 11. 20. 23.) in dispersing the Gospel of the kingdom at once into all Nations in their own languages; and so now (by this UNITING) into all Saints (or sorts of the people of God) in their own forms, and Judgements at once; this body consisting of all sorts of members, in their own joints, and places. So that though there be Diversities yet but one spirit, and differences of Administration, yet the same Lord, 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. to the 15. and every one, in his gifts, places, and operation, to profit withal. This is the Ministry that we wait for, which will speak to every one in his own language, and understanding, by the power of the holy Ghost, Acts. 15. 36. Let us go again and visit our brethren in every City, where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.  

18. For the Exercise of Righteous▪ & Justice.  18. For the exercise of Justice, and righteousness, laws, and Government amongst ourselves (in outward matters) according to the word, spirit, and teaching of God; and the power and laws left by Christ to his Church and people, 1 Cor. 6. 1. 2. Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust? and not before the Saints? Do ye not know the Saints shall judge the world? &c. Now seeing we find so little Conscience, or Justice, from men of the world, it concerns us to be the more careful. For, Psal. 122. 3, 4, 5. In Jerusalem are the THRONES and thither the Tribes go up.  

19 For better providing, and caring one for Another in all Cases.  19 That we may be in a better way of sympathising, and participating with one another, in distresses and persecutions; to comfort and communicate one to another freely, 1 Cor. 12. 26. Rom. 12. 15. Heb. 13. 3. Joh. 3. 17, 18. Heb. 13. 16. and that there be no lack to any one member, or Fellow Citizen of this Zion; and that this be more like to the first pattern (in the like cases) then yet appears amongst professors, Acts 4. 34. Neither was there any amongst them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of Lands, sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold.  

20 For that the great Increa e and flowing in of others, is into this Way.  20. For that the Great increase, Growing and Flowing in of the latter days, is into such a WAY, and state of Zion; (wherein all Saints are united) Jer. 50. 4. 5. Come let us join ourselves. Isa. 2. 2. & 54. 2. Enlarge the place of thy tents; & 49. 17. Make haste, lift up thine eyes round about, and behold how All GATHER together (or unite) or come to thee, vers. 20, 21. The place is too straight for me, give me place that I may dwell; who hath begotten me all these? & Isa. 60. 7. The flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee (Than vers. 8.) Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as doves to the windows. Thus was it at the first pattern. Acts 2. 41. 47. & 4. 4. & 5. 14, 15. And believers were the more added to the 
Till then look not for any Considerable Conversion of Jews, or Gentiles.  Lord, multitudes both of men and women. But so long as Religion is rent into such parties, Factions, and confusion, we can expect but little conversion to the Faith, encouragement, or coming in, either of Jews, or Gentiles, to these disorders, and Divisions, on judging, censuring, excommunicating, another, (for their different Measures of faith:) At which Abomination both Jews, Turks and Gentiles, have been amazed and astonished, for they have been far more serious, unanimous and devout in their superstitions and Idolatry, yea less injurious, and more charitable, one to another.  

21. Sincerity, & singleness of heart▪  21. That there may be found amongst us more sincerity, simplicity and singleness of heart one to another about the things of Christ. Whereas now in these Divisions and breaches, one Brother betrays another, denies and delivers up another; and, as the Prophet says, Micah 7. 5. Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide; but in this uniting, As Acts 2. 46. They dedicate their bread with gladness and singleness OF HEART.  

22. That we may be more joint in all the things of God.  22. That our motions, sufferings, actings, and contendings for Christ, may be joint and with one consent! Our joint-groanings for the name of God, making (as it were) but one sound! Our conjunct tears but one stream, conjunct desires but one prayer, conjunct complaints but one theme, conjunct praising but one Melody, conjunct gifts but one Ministry! And thus we hope to have more joint-prayers amongst the Saints, (whereas now one is praying up, and Another down) joint▪ praising, joint witnessing, and joint-feeling, or bearing the lot of the whole! Hebr. 10. 23, 32, 33, 34. Jude 3. (whereas now, as some take off, others lay on load upon the suffering ones) joint▪ holding up, and maintaining the truth; joint-refusing of Subjection (with all gospel▪ opposition) to persons and things (under what names soever) that are against the Lord Jesus and his kingdom! Yea a joint-standing up for, and justifying of the Name, Interest, and Cause of Christ, and his People, from Calumnies and injuries, with joint-acting and engaging (as the Lord shall call us to it) for the Truth, Liberty and privileges! purchased for us by the blood of Christ, Gal. 5. 1. Zeph. 3. 9 That they may all call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him with one consent; keeping up the most public SPIRIT for Christ and his kingdom, in ONE and ALL, Canticles 7. 1. The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.  

23. For a Right understanding round the Nation.  23. Till than we neither understand one another at home, nor are we understood abroad; nor indeed do we well understand ourselves. Now it is necessary (as it was the Primitive practice) for a Right understanding to be made and maintained in the WHOLE BODY, and throughout the Nation amongst the Saints of the same Faith, Hope, Sufferings, and Expectations with us. And therefore in order to such a clear intelligence and correspondence with all the Saints, and People of God in these Nations, (by Messengers, Letters, and such like ways allowed in the word of God, unto which we do hereby Solemnly invite our Friends and Brethren from all parts for mutual good,) we are in this Way. Being very sensible of the great inconveniences, and injuries, which arise to the people of God▪ and public Cause of Christ; the manifest stumblings, offences, and prejudices, in the hearts of many precious ones; the various subtleties and ways of Satan, and of his Instruments to keep us unknown to, and unowned by each other, and the Great advantages which he hath to increase Divisions, and foment Jealousies; with the Reports which are made, and Reproaches which are cast upon us and the Principles of Christ's kingdom; the temptations, and faintness, of some of our dear Friends; the backwardness of persons, and yet forwardness of Parties ready to spring up, (and cause a farther suffering to the Name of God and Christ;) and all these in the absence, and (much) through the Defect of this Primitive practice of Loving INTELLIGENCE, mutual quickening, and unanimous understanding, undertaking, and moving (as ONE MAN) in the matters of Christ and his kingdom, (that concern all alike▪) And for want of a due knowledge of, and faithful inquiry after, the welfare, growth, establishment, and estate, of one another, round the Nations, were it as far as from Jerusalem round about unto Illyricum, Rom. 15. 19 For (after the first pattern) we should be continually sending out or receiving in, 2 Cor. 8. 23. They are the MESSENGERS of the Churches, ver. 19 Chosen to travel with us, Phil. 2. 25, 30. My Brother and companion in labours, and fellow soldier, but your Messenger, Acts 15. 26. To send unto you men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus. Verse 41. And he went through Syria and Silicia, confirming the Churches. Acts 16 5. And so were the Churches established in the Faith, and increased in number daily.  

24. For the Glorifying that God whose Name hath Suffered so.  24. And as the ultimate; the very deep sense (which is as a dagger in our very hearts!) to hear how the Lord is dishonoured, Christ contemned, his kingdom rejected, his Spirit wounded and blasphemed, and Zion crumbled into Dust, and much more suffering (Than we say) in the highest and weightiest matters of Religion, since the vast breaches of Zion, hath put us (after earnest crying and inquiring) upon this practice of uniting (though we be poor unworthy creatures.) For that the name of our God is dear unto us (the Lord knows) and we would fain be (at least) in a way that might more glorify the Lord and his Christ, than we can be, or do by these sad Divisions and confusions: Not forgetting the honour which his Name hath had formerly (when the Saints were united, and in all Ages) when united in sufferings (as under the Heathen and Popish powers) when united in Testimony; As the Separates and Puritans, against the Prelates and their Hierarchy, when united in Service and Actings (as in the late Wars) without so much as the Least stumbling or offending one another about their Different Forms or Judgements; O how sweetly united were they in the Work of Christ, and of his People at that Day! then might be said, Behold! how good and Pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together and unity! Psal. 133. 1. What a Beauty and Glory was then upon the Name of God yea, how was he glorified in the eyes of All the Nations! and of All the Enemies of his People! (as Rom. 15. 6. That ye may with one Mind and one Mouth glorify God) So, Psal. 50. 2. Out of Zion, the Perfection of Beauty, God hath shined! So, Isa. 60. 1, 2. Arise! Shine! for thy Light is come! and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee! that is, upon the Saints so united: Whereas whiles Divided, the Name of God is Divided, rent, and torn apieces, divers ways, and in sundry Manners; to the Exceeding great Reproach of Religion, Injury of Christ, Decay of Grace, and Dishonour of that most Holy Name.  
These are some of those GROUNDS which we go Upon, and are Moved by (with a Holy Fear as before the Lord) to make a Deliberate and Sober progress, into so Serious, public, and Necessary a Work as this is. Now as we humbly think this is no longer to be Delayed, so not rashly to be undertaken, (by Any, that have a True sense of Many, Most, or of All the aforesaid Incentives;) Nor can we do the one or the other without Sin or Guilt: In the sense whereof we do so heartily Commend it (in the Name and Spirit of the Living God) to the Christian Concurrence, Love, Care▪ Practise and encouragement of the most cordial Saints (that are sincere) Friends of Zion, or our Dearly Beloved Brethren scattered abroad in the several Cities and Counties of the three Nations, that we All (alike) Deny ourselves, and so Move with a Sweet, Large, Indulging, Comprehensive Spirit of Grace, of Love, and of a Sound Mind, in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus, for the keeping in the quickening spirit, the Growing Light, the Christian correspondence, and Primitive practices (with the Power of godliness, and of Religion, pure and undefiled) amongst the people of God, of their several forms and Differing Apprehensions; Wherefore in a trembling awe, and sense before God of their sins, that have offended him by delaying; Denying, Excusing, and putting of a Present Duty (and that public) on the ONE HAND. Luke 14. 18. 24. Hag. 1. 2. 4. 2 King. 12. 6 7. (a great sin of this day, Mat. 24. 48. 2 Pet. 3. 3.) So on the other hand of them, (and that especially) that have provoked him, by sudden, rash and imprepared falling upon it, Eccles. 5. 1. (as at Perez▪ Uzzah. 1 Chron. 13. 10, 12, and Beth▪ shemech, 1 Sam. 6. 19 &c.) do we go Softly (as it is said, 1 King. 21. 27.) and fairly! Waiting (before we are fully fixed) to hear what any one hath to say against This; or what better EXPEDIENT than this (that we may close with) may be found for the UNITITING of All Saints (as ONE MAN) for the Countenancing, encouraging, and Carrying on the Interest and Cause of our Christ, in his KINGLY GOVERNMENT amongst us. Now conceiving it is the Saints work to fetch home THIS ARK into its placed prepared of God, i. e. the Temple opened, (Rev. 11. 19 And there was seen in his Temple the ARK of his Testament, &c.) in order unto it, they must be prepared, gathered, united, Sanctified, and put in order, that go about it, (1 Chr. 15. 1, 2, 3, 12, 13. sanctify yourselves, ye and your Brethren, that ye bring up the Ark of the Lord God unto the place that I have prepared for it;) which we hope to see as a Fruit of the third, of the seventh, in solemnity set apart; And (as 2 Chron. 30. 18, 19 The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek the Lord God of his Fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the Purification of the Sanctuary.  
But that we may hide nothing from them that inquire after our progress in this Matter, that say as Cant. 1. 7. For why should I be as one that turneth aside by the Flecks' of thy Companies, and as Cant. 6. 1. That we may seek him with thee, (as Nehemiah, Chap. 2. 18. said, than I told them of the hand of my God which was good, so Ezra. 7. 9 & 8. 18.) We shall inform them of the proposals, Assented to by this Particular Body, not being bound up to the letter of them, but in the sense, waiting upon Jehovah-Elohim (the Lord our Light) for more Light and enlargement, from his holy Influences upon us (and others) as the Effect of this hopeful Essay, which we (in this way) are in a Capacity to drink up as greedily as the Earth drinketh in the rain.  
The proposals for Propagating the great Work of uniting (in and about this City of London) which we are stirred up unto, by the Word and Spirit of God, by the Call of Christ, and of his Servants; by many most pregnant and special Grounds to it; Reasons for it; and Benefits by it, (both unto the Lord our Jesus, to ourselves, and others) as unto the Present work, and Duty Incumbent upon us; being so convinced in our Faith and Consciences.  

1. That the Scattered ones be gathered into ONE BODY.  1. THAT the SCATTERED ONES (the Disciples of Christ, who keep their garments Clean, Rev. 3. 4. and Close, Rev. 16. 15. from defiling at this day, who wait with us for the kingdom and second coming of our Lord Jesus, and are of the same Faith, and hope with us, Eph. 4. 4. Satisfied in each other upon the account of godliness, and in Close walking with God; though now dispersed in and about this City) be all UNITED and Gathered together into ONE BODY.  

2. Gathered and governed as a Religious Body, after the first pattern (for the Rule of it)  2 That this ONE BODY be knit together as a Religious Body upon Principles of Grace, and of the kingdom of Christ; Gathered and Governed in a Gospel (or Christian) Order, after the pattern in Acts 1. 14, 15 the Primitive Constitution, Titus 1. 5.) and the Promise of Restitution, Acts 15. 15. Rev. 15. 5. Isa. 58. 12. and 60. 15. &c. (and of opening of the TABERNACLE of the Testimony into the Primitive purity of Worship) Waiting for the pouring out of the Spirit, and Contending together for the truth with ONE ACCORD, as one man, Jude 3.  

3. Kingdome-Saints of All Judgements (for Matter.)  3. That this Body for MATTER consists of such (as we can judge faithful followers of the Lamb, Rev. 14. 1. & 17. 15.) Called and Chosen; Cleaving to the Cause of Christ, and controversy now up against the BEAST and his Followers (though otherwise they be of different forms, Judgements, and Apprehensions) 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5. & 12 13, 14. Rom. 14. 2. Phil. 3. 16. weak and strong, bond and free, more or less honourable, Ver. 22, 23, 24. Holding fast the bond of peace in the unity of the SPIRIT, without any schism, rent, or divisions in this Body, Eph. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 12. 13. 25.  

4. Upon the Principles. wherein ALL are ONE (for form.)  4. That this Body (not sat down or Consolidated in any One form, or Judgement what ever (wherein one Saint may (or do) differ from another) do sit down and knit together in the POWER OF godliness, 1 Tim. 6. 3. (or life, grace, and light of all forms, and Judgements) upon the account of the new-creature-oneness in Christ Jesus, Gal. 6. 15. 2. Cor. 5. 17. and upon such Principles wherein we all Agree as ONE MAN and of one Mind, for Christ, his kingdom-work, in every Administration of his kingdom, and for the Leavening of the whole Lump, 1 Pet. 3. 8. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Rom. 15. 5.  

5. With free and equal Exercise of their several & different Judgements, in their several & different Meetings (for Order) Distributively.  5. That the Members and Particular branches of this ONE BODY, have the Free, Full, and entire Exercise, of their different Judgements, and practices in their own particular, and different Congregations (or Meetings) of those judgements▪ with as great freedom of their Ordinances (wherein one differeth from another) as any particular Church now hath, (Only holding together as Branches of this one Body, or PHILADELPHIAN CHURCH of Christ, in All Ordinances wherein All Agree) keeping their places without the Least molesting or offending one another, or the Peace & Unity of the Church about different matters; meddling with those things (in the main Body) as are without controversy, to the edifying of the whole, and according to the Principles and Points wherein we are all Agreed as ONE MAN, Acts 2. 46, 47. Rom. 14. 1. 1 Cor. 1. 10. & 11. 17, 18. 2. Tim. 2. 16. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 5. Titus 3. 9 Eph. 4. 29. And if any PARTICULAR church's (or Members of them, as such) upon those Principles and Points, do join with us that we ho●d our Communion with them, without the least entrenchment upon or injury to them in their privileges or Power, which they Exercise (as Churches) in their own Bodies, in Any or all the Ordinances of Christ, or affairs of their own Bodies. Isa. 65 10. Zech. 2. 11. Acts 15. 32. & 6. 5. Gal. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 16. 11. Rev. 1. 4. 11. 20. & 22. 16.  

6. A WEEKLY Meeting of the WHOLE (for Edifying) Collectively.  6. That there be a Weekly Church-meeting of this whole UNITED BODY, for praying, prophesying, preparing and provoking one another, waiting for the coming down of the holy Spirit, the great things that shall shortly come to pass, and the second Appearance of our Lord Jesus, with all the things that concern the day of Christ upon us, Heb. 10. 24, 25 Acts 14. 27. Mat. 3. 16. And for the Edifying of All (in the things we are united upon.) Gathering in of Sinners and dispersed ones, (or the dust OF ZION,) Psal. 102. 13, 14. Maintaining a correspondency, and Clear Intelligence, with the Kingdome-Saints in the Nations, Isa. 14. 32. (as they did in Primitive times by Letters and Messengers, Acts 15 22. Phil. 2. 19 25. 1 Cor. 16. 3. and all the like ways that we can agree in) to carry on the KINGDOM-WORK and Government of Christ amongst us.  

7. The New commandment of Brotherly Love, & indeareduesse in this Body (for Law, as the lamb's People.)  7. That there be a most endeared and Affectionate Love to one another, (like that which Christ bare to his Church) Joh. 13. 34, 35, & 15. 12. Eph. 5. 2. 1 Thes. 4. 9 1 John 2. & 4. 21. Rom. 12. 10. & 13. 8. called Love unfeigned, 1 Pet 1. 22. and without dissimulation, Rom. 12. 9 Avoiding diligently all Causes and Causers of Division in this body, Rom. 16. 17, 18. Mat. 24 23. Acts 20. 29, 30, 31. Rev. 2. 14, 15, 16. and keeping carefully and constantly this BLESSED UNITY and LOVE, both in the PARTICULAR and in the general, Phil. 2. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 14. 19 1 Cor. 6. 5. Acts 4. 32. Mutually and Tenderly bearing with each others Failings and Infirmities; with meekness, patience, pity, piety, and sweet brotherly Assistance; not upbraiding, censuring, nor provoking of one another, Ep. 4. 32. Ro. 14. 13▪ & 15. 1. Gal. 6. 1. Col. 3. 12, 13, 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16.  

8. A joint-contending, and standing up with the Lamb; (for Testimony a● a Res●lved People.)  8. An earnest joint-refusing and joint-contending in all lawful and just ways (by doing or suffering) for the Truth, Faith, Purity, Power of godliness, Light, Life, Liberty, privileges, and kingdom of Christ Jesus, Jude 3. Heb. 12. 3, 4. Gal. 5. 1. 1 Cor. 7. 23. 1 Pet. 3. 15. Every one cheerfully and unanimously undergoing the LOT OF THIS BODY, in Adversity, and Prosperity, Heb. 10. 23. to the end, Acts 12. 5. 7. Mat. 13. 20, 21. And a Tender sympathising or participiating one with another in all estates, trials, and conditions, (except sin,) and not to DRAW BACK upon any Occasion or Temptation whatsoever▪ (the Lord helping us,) 1 John 2. 19, 20. 2 Tim. 4 10. 16 1 Cor 19 26. Rom. 12. 15. Gal. 6. 2. Acts 20. 35. Heb. 13. 3.  

9 To Give ourselves (& All) up to the Lord, and one Another in Christ's and his kingdom's Service, for (readiness as a Willing People)  9 In the affairs of Christ, his kingdom, this Body (his People and the Nations) freely to give up ourselves to the Lord, and his Christ, and one to another, (according to God's word, the father's will, and the SONS work, and the HOLY SPIRITS working, quickening and enabling of us) Freely and cheerfully to Communicate in things spiritual and temporal, 1 John 3. 17, 18. 1 Cor. 16. 1, 2. 2 Cor. 9 5, 6. Rom. 12. 13. Heb. 13. 16. 1 Tim 6. 17. Gal. 6 10. Jude 20. 1 Cor. 12. 9 and condescending to the meanest service, we may be called to, or put upon, (agreeing with our Faith, Light, and Consciences, for the use of Christ, and this whole Body, James 2 1, 2, 3. Mat. 20. 26. Rom. 12. 16. John 13. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  

10. An Exact Life and Conversation amongst all (for example as an Holy People.)  10. An Exact and Exemplary Conversation, in all MANNER OF holiness, Humility, and Grace, to the powerful Conviction of them WITHOUT, as well as profit and comfort of them WITHIN, Psal. 24. 3. Mat. 5. 16. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Tit. 2. 11, 12. Eph. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. 1 Pet. 2. 12. with vigilant Care over one another, Heb. 3. 12, 13 & 12. 15, 17. Col. 4. 6. Mat. 18. 15, 16, 17. 1 Thes. 5. 14. Rom. 5 15. until we be APPARENTLY a People dwelling ALONE, not wicked nor mixed among the Nations, Numb. 23. 9 John 15. 19 2 Cor. 6. 14, 15 Eph▪ 5. 11. Hos. 4. 15 Rev. 14. 7. &c.  
Note, that the 5 Prop: nor any other be interpreted as making this one Body many, but ONE particular Church, having many Meetings upon different matters and occasions, and at allowed times, for accommodating themselves, and holding Communion with the Philadelphian Churches And besides all that hath been said (set in our hearts!) to promote this so Blessed and Necessary a Work of Uniting among Christians, whether in this (or any other way) that will answer the End thereof, upon the Kingly account of Christ! We cannot but acquaint you with some of our and your present MOTIVES unto it, desiring the Lord to make them as irresistible and powerful by his Spirit on your hearts, as they are on ours.  

1 Motive to this uniting, is that it ever began the great Work of God.  1. THat the greatest Advance which the Scriptures mention of the Name or kingdom of God in the world hath ever been begun by this WORK OF UNITING first; (and this that is to be, in the last days, is not only foretold to begin so, in the express and plain Letter, or Prophecy both of the old and New Testament, but of the type, as of Egypt and Babylon.) The First Work which Moses set afoot (after his leaving Tharoahs' Court) was this of UNITING, Acts 7. 25, 26. For he supposed his Brethren would have understood how that 
In Egypt.  God by his hand would deliver them, but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them, as they strove, and would have set them at ONE again! saying, Sirs! ye are Brethren! And this before the plagues came upon Egypt. So before the VIALS be poured out upon mystical Egypt, Rev. 11. 8. we must be UNITED, and Brethren forbear striving! This was the First work upon proclaiming Liberty from Babylon, 
In Babylon.  for those who were of one heart, Ezra 2. Zerubbabell and the Remnant, so Hag. 1. 14 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabell, and the spirit of Joshua, and the spirit of all the Remnant together, and they came and did work, as Zech. 3. 8. Hear now! O Joshua! thou and thy Fellows, and then follows, I will bring forth my Servant the BRANCH: This was the FIRST WORK (viz UNITING and gatherin into ONE) 
And in Jeruselem, in the Apostles Days.  that our Lord Jesus and his Apostles put the first planting of the Gospel upon, Acts 1. 4. 8. 14, 15. whence arose that SEED that hath since sowed the whole Christian world, (so called) and so must it be before the flying Gospel, Rev. 14. 8. or Gospel of the kingdom be preached throughout the habitable world, Mat. 24. 14. And so it is foretold to be the great and First work that the Spirit of Eliah (which goes before the great and notable day of the Lord, or coming of Christ!) doth put us upon, viz. UNITING, Mal. 4. 6. And he shall turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children, and the hearts of the Children to 
And in the last Days by the Spirit of Eliah.  their Fathers! and then RESTORING of all things as at First follows, Mat. 17. 11. Elias truly shall First come to restore all things. Wherefore if Moses, Zerubbabell, Christ and his Apostles, or the Spirit of Eliah, if they be may heard (and their Examples had in esteem) amongst us, this is an undeniable duty now upon us; the First work, and the first step that we can take to purpose out of Egyt, Babylon, and the earthly Jerusalem, into the real Advance of the great work of God, name, and kingdom of Christ on earth.  

2 Motive, the Call of Christ from the Grave.  2. Besides consider hereto, the Call of Christ, (as it was to his Dispersed ones at his Resurrection) of a Risen Christ! behold he is risen! though you see him not! it is the Lord, said John to Peter, Job. 21. 7. and he leapt into the Sea to him. Isa. 60. 1. The Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is RISEN, (after a death, and a sore one) after the three days! of a CHRIST who died for the Collective body! and is Risen to the Collective Body! (the blood of the New Testament shed for MANY, not for this or that form, or sort only) but for the MANY (united into one Body) calls aloud to this Practice and kind of Communion! So that if there be any consolation in Christ! any bowels! any mercies! any true sense of that Love which was (in him to us) stronger than Death! and which many waters could not quench! and raised him from the Grave! Let us hear him (as Risen from the Dead! whose First word from thence, is, go quickly! and tell them I AM risen! And bid them (that is together) come and meet me, Mat. 28. and there they shall see me! Oh then! what sayest thou? canst thou hear him call so! and not come? Doth he not now say? (as Cant. 2. 10, 13.) Rise up! (my Love) my fair one and come away! again vers. 14. and yet again vers. 13. Ob let me see thee! vers. 10. and Cant. 4. 8. Come with me from Lebanon, (my sister my spouse) with me from Lebanon! &c. And can we find in our hard hearts to stay behind, or not to stir now! God forbid.  

3 Motive is the Consent and Vote of all Saints alive & Dead, in this they all unite.  3. Add hereto the consent and concurrence of all Saints in all ages, who have lived and an died in the Faith and hope of this! that All Saints should be gathered INTO ONE in the Dispensation of the fullness of times, Eph▪ 1. 10. and of the new Jerusalem and kingdom state, (that consists of such a Collective Body) Rev. 21. Should Paul, Peter, James, John, Apostles, Prophets or Saints, from Abraham to this day, Arise from the dead, the whole Classes of them would call us into this UNITING, wherein they all hold as one Communion of Saints, under diversities of gifts! administrations! and operations, 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5. and Eph. 4. 14. CHRIST gave Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, and all for this work, for the injointing OF THE SAINTS! the work of the Ministry, and the Edifying of the WHOLE BODY▪ So that this IN JOYNTING-WORK must needs be the VOTE and NOTE of them All.  

4 Motive, it is Christ's Gathering-time that is upon us.  4. Consider also, That the Last Time is Christ's GATHERING-TIME, the gathering and making up his jewels, Mal. 3. 17. Psal. 50. 5. Gather my Saints together unto me! those that have made a COVENANT with me by Sacrifice! Christ's harvest-time too! Mat. 13. 30, 39 is his gathering-time! and so John 12. 52. But that ye also should gather together INTO ONE the children of God, which are scattered abroad. This is the work of Christ: Now not to fall in with this Work of Christ when it is a foot, is most dangerous, and lamentable; as our Saviour says, Luke 13. 34. O Jerusalem! Jerusalem! how often would I have gathered you together, as a HEN doth GATHER her Chickens (i. e. into one brood) and ye would not? And then follows ver. 35. Behold your house is left unto you desolate! (or forsaken after this!) so Mat. 12. 30. He that GATHERETH NOT with mescattereth (i. e. doth mischief, and keeps up Divisions!) and is against me.  

5 Motive, it is his Visiting time too.  5. Besides it is Christ's VISITING time too; The dayspring from on high hath visited us, Luke 1. 7, 8. 1. 28. Psalm 65▪ 9 Cant. 6. 11. then when united, vers. 9 follows vers. 11. I went down into the Garden of Nuts, to see the fruits of the valleys, and to see whether the vines flourished, and the Pomegranates budded! So that when Christ comes to visit, he expects young and old, the tender Grapes, and green Figs; Cant. 2 13. as well the grown ones; the budding ones, as well as others; ALTOGETHER. Fathers, young men, and children! I John 2. So Zach. 8 3, 4. Old men with their staves, boys and girls in the streets. All inhabitants together, this Visiting time; Which is after a long Absence of this spirit, and power from on high! and according to his solemn promise; and engagements; knocking at every one's door; inquiring into every one's state; examining, proving, and trying every one's principle; profession, and form at this day. As if he should say, Abraham where art thou? Isaac where art thou? ah Lord, say they! not in the Presbyterian form, nor in the independent, nor of the baptised, &c. but in the unity OF 
The Communion of Saints is, not in this or that form; but such a Communion as holds in heaven, and in earth, as to the Spirit of it.  THE SPIRIT, in the Communion of all SAINTS; in the assembly of the First borne; in the unity, Psal. 133. 1. 2. Wherein it is so good to see Brethren dwell together; and from whence indeed springs the pure anointing (whereof Aaron's was a type!) that will reach to the very out skirt, and where the Lord's blessing rests, and the dews fall, (in the greatest drought upon poor hearts scattered into their several forms and ways) there are we; there are the SPIRITS of all the righteous and holy men of old, in that communion may the Saints on earth find us the Saints in Heaven also, but if their Communion be in this or that form only, than we who were not of this or that form with them are shut out, and kept out from their Communion, and this is not the communion OF SAINTS which Christ hath promised to appear most with (at his visiting time, which is now upon us,) and therefore most dangerous to omit this duty, as Luke 19 44. They shall not leave thee one stone upon another, because thou knewest not the time of thy VISITATION, 1 Peter 2. 12. glorify God in the day of VISITATION.  

6. Mot, is the deeps and Sea of knowledge, &c. by this means.  6. By this means the SAINTS will live and launch into the DEEPS, that have hitherto been trifling in the shallows, and empty things: In the deeps of grace! in the Deeps of love! Faith, hope! Ephes. 3. 18. in the deeps of knowledge, and heavenly-wisdom, Rom. 11. 33. When the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea, Hab. 2. 14. now this is by a conjunction, Collection, and an inflowing of all waters into ONE (as Gen. 1. 9) this makes the OCEAN, whereas hitherto we have been but in 
The benefit of the Deeps above the shallows.  little rivulets and shallows, like the Disciples Luke 5. 2. mending their nets; but when Christ came, he said, vers 4. launch out into the DEEPS, Simon, and then let down your nets, which when they did, they caught a Multitude at once, whereas before they were toiling and moiling, (night, and day,) and caught nothing; Now our Saviour told Peter, he would make him a Fisher of men; and signified by this that he must get out of the Little waters, and launch into the DEEPS! which when he did, (at Jerusalem in this uniting-work, Acts 1.) we find Acts 2. 41. he let down the Net (of the Gospel) and caught 3000 at one draught; now so long as he was upon the shallows he caught nothing, for until they were in this way we read not of many Converts, (nor shall we find it in the shallows of our forms, or diversities kept up!) but in the DEEPS, where all run into ONE, one Faith, one Hope, one 
The Promise of the Deeps.  Life, one Light, &c. For there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad Rivers, and deep streams, Isa. 33. 21. In this way, we shall have (of any other) the upper springs, and the nether springs, Joshua 15. 19 Psal. 87. 7. As the springs of water to a thirsty Land, Isa. 35. 7. and 49. 10. and the deep THINGS of God, 1 Cor. 2. 10.  

7 Motive, to be All called by One Name, and yet every one in his own PATH.  7. Hereby we come (like the Primitive Saints and Churches!) to be All called by ONE NAME and not by many names, (as of Lollards, Hugonites▪ Brownists, Separates, Presbyterians, Independents, Anabaptists, and such like nicknames) which the Primitive-times never heard of, Nor, by the Names of their Teachers, or forms, or persons, as they are now called, but all by the NAME OF CHRIST, and him ONLY, Acts 11. 26. Isa. 4. 1: In that day seven women shall take hold of ONE MAN, saying we will eat our OWN bread and wear our OWN apparel, only let us be called by THY NAME to take away our REPROACH! (Then) In that DAY, shall the BRANCH be glorious. This will take away the Reproach that is upon us, of Formality, Pride, barrenness, rigidity, self-seeking, and indeed divers ways. So Zech. 8. 23. Ten men of all Languages shall take hold of the skirts of him that is a JEW. Rom. 2. 21. Saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.  

8 Motive, in this Way there is a NECESSARY USE of diverse and Different Members and B anches. How this Body differs from others in the order of it.  8. Besides it is the WAY wherein there is a NECESSARY USE and PLACE of all sorts of Saints, to exercise their genuine Gifts, in their proper joints, 1 Cor. 12. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. as in Hosea 10. 11. Ephraim shall ride; Judah shall plow; and Jacob shall break the clods. Every one hath his several employment; and his several Place of what Judgement so ever; As it was in Jacob's LADDER, some up, and some down; So that, That which disagrees with other kinds of bodies, best agrees with this; For we see a Necessity, a harmony, and a serviceableness too, of All sorts of Saints, and of all the differences of Administrations, 1 Cor. 12. 5. in this Body, so as that we could be no more without the Presbyterian Saint (in order) then without the Independent, nor the Independent, then without the Seekers (in order and unity) nor without the seeking, and (inward) waiting Saint, then without the baptised, &c. Knowing that ALL SORTS have their Places or joints in the body, and are Necessary to some work, or other, and unto the perfection of this ONE BODY.  

9 Motive, the most excellent and useful matter, (whether we ever see it or no! and as unworthy as we are) must be found in this WAY at last.  9 Consider the most EXCELLENT MATTER of the Latter house of the Lord (whose glory is to exceed the former!) Hag. 2. 9 is reserved for this Way, or state of the Church in the latter days, Mal. 3. 17. I will make up my JEWELS, Cant. 7. 1. Thy joints are JEWELS, Isa. 54. 7. With great mercies will I GATHER thee, (as Ezek. 34. 22, 23) Oh thou afflicted! tossed with tempests, vers. 11, 12. I will lay thy STONES with fair colours! thy foundations with Saphires! I will make thy windows of agates, thy gates of carbwncles; and all thy borders of pleasant STONES, &c. Thus Rev. 21. 17. made of the most precious stones, in the breastplate, Exodus 28. 15. full of hidden virtues, and varieties in harmony.  

10 Motive, The most Excellent Ministry (that is, to be till the second coming of Christ,) must arise this Way.  10. So the Running, Locomotive and more Apostle-like MINISTRY, or the flying Gospel, that is, coming forth, must (as we conceive) arise in this manner, viz. from Saints so united, and rallied upon Mount-Zion, Rev. 14. 1. and then ver. 6. I saw an Angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel, to preach to EVERY NATION, Tongue and Kindred i. e. with a Commission, like to that given to the Apostles, Mark 16. 15. Mat. 28. 19 Then and thence, the 
The flying gospel.  seven THUNDERS sealed up to the time of the end, will begin there, Oracles to rattle and break open (with the little 
The seven Thunders.  stone; or Thunder bolt; (Rev. 10. 4. 7. as appeareth in the 17 Gr: Yea, then and thence will the TRUMPET blow, which is made of ONE PIECE, and of the WHOLE PIECE 
The Trumpet of one piece.  too, (as Numb. 10. 2.) before which the Camp cannot move; (the Cherubims are also of one piece.) When the Disciples were in this Way, (Acts 1. 15. The number of whose names were about 120.) how quickly did the number of Labourers increase! Yea upon Luther's resolute promotion of Reformation (when the good people United!) how many Seeds men of a sudden rose, and supplied the rooms of them that were Sacrificed in the Flames! Yea when the Puritans united! And do we think that the Lord will not now arise! in a rousing Ministry! and Harvest men, at this Day! and raise some up in the room of them that have apostatised.  

11 Motive, is the Danger of Jacob, to be utterly destroyed in this Nation.  11. Consider, the Infinite Danger and Damage of Jacob through these Divisions and Crumblings of Zion! for Jer. 10. 25. They have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and made his habitation Desolate! Eaten him up by Violence! Zeph. 3. 3. Dan. 7. 19 Breaking their very bones! Jer. 10. 17. Micah 3. 3. Who eat up the flesh of my People, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces for the POT. So also, they have eaten him up by cankring! and corrupting of Professors! by Temptations! 
How Eaten up.  Preferments! or Time-serving Doctrines! 2 Tim. 2. 17. Their word doth eat as doth a Gangrene. O how is the praying wrestling, and prevailing Spirit eaten up! the power and life of godliness eaten up! the excellency and sweetness of Jacob eaten up! through Divisions! Animosities! and Devourings of One Another! Jer. 50. 7. All that found them, have Devoured them. Therefore Amos 7. 2. By whom shall Jacob arise! for he is small! small indeed! and weak indeed! Now as the Ivy is so weak of its self, that it is ready to lay hold upon any thing that it can run up by, or that comes next! are those that seek more the Magnifying of their own Particular form or external Observation, than Union with Christ! Communion with all Saints! or Interest of the Faith and public Cause, by this uniting.  

12. All Saints must to it at last.  12. Furthermore, we may consider, that as All Saints do in a Manner own it, so All Saints must for the Matter fall to it at last, before Great be the day of Jezreel! Hos. 1. 11. Eph. 1. 10. and if so be we cannot be won to it, we must be whiped to it, as Ridley and Hooper were! as one said, why we shall meet where Luther and Zuinglius are well agreed, and if we cannot be entreated, we may be necessitated to it at last. Gal. 2. 7. 9 so Jer. 50. 4. In those days the Children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going weeping: They shall ask the Way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, let us join ourselves! &c. and this must be before the ruin of Babylon, v. 9, 10. Joseph and his Brethren must together again, and then we shall see a better day.  

13. This will abide when other ways sale.  13. Another Motive might be the Stability and Duration of this State (whatsoever become of this Body, or our persons!) This Foundation (in Christ) will stand, until his coming down in the Glory of his Father! of himself! and of his holy Angels! Isa. 33. 20. Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet Habitation, a Tabernacle that shall not be TAKEN DOWN, not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, Isa. 60. 15. with 58. 12. called the Foundation of Many Generations, which no other Foundation can be (whether of the Presbyterian, Indep: Baptist, or any other form) but this, whereon Jew and Greek, Bond, and Free, are all one in Christ, Gal. 3. 28. And this the People of God have built upon in All Ages and Generations, 1 Cor. 3. 11. Eph. 2. 20. Christ himself being the chief-corner-stone, (which cornerstone is to unite those that stand like Two walls, at a distance) in whom All the Building fitly framed groweth up. Yea upon this Foundation must the New Jerusalem stand, viz. the Foundation of the ap and Prophets, Rev. 21. 14, 19 and there are the twelve gates to let in Saints of all sides. Wherefore, let us consider now from this Day and upward, even from the Day that the Foundation of the Lord's Temple is laid! Consider it; Hag. 2. 18.  

14 Motive, lest the Anathema Maranatha our highest Curse (which is the Curse of his second coming) be upon the Disobedient.  14. Lastly, Let us seriously perpend the nearness and Approach of Christ second coming, which being so hard by will render our Disobedience (at this day!) the more unexcusable and culpable, yea liable and open to the Anathema Maranatha, or CURSE of his second coming, 2 Thes. 1. 8. Mal. 4. 6. which (we conceive) as far transcends the CURSE of his first Coming upon the Disobedient Jews (who would not be gathered or united, though he clockt for them as a Hen for Chickens!) as that CURSE did the Curse of Disobedience to Moses and his Law, Heb. 10. 29. & 2. 3. (our great Law being Love to all Saints!) Besides, to this End doth our Lord come again that he may perfect this kind of Communion, John 14. 3. Epi. 1. 10. 2 Thes. 2. 1. That those who have wept and watched, prayed and walked together in Life and Grace, may sing, triumph, rejoice and reign together in Life and Glory! Those that have kept together in the Danger! may continue together in the Deliverance! but unto the Scribes and Pharises, Luke 13. ●8 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth; when ye shall see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the Prophets in the kingdom, (i. e. that kingdom which comprehends all Saints!) and you yourselves thrust out: for v. 29. They shall come from the East, West, North and South, and shall sit down in this kingdom. Wherefore up O ye WISE VIRGINS (all at once!) that wait for the Coming of the Bridegroom! get up! and be ready! trim your Lamps! fill your vessels! hear the dismal cry of Midnight! he comes! he comes! hasts! hasts! like a Roe o'er these Mountains of Bether! or Division! to Gather All into ONE out of their Wildernesse-holes! and Differences, occasioned by external observations and forms! Wherefore, up! AWAKE! Awake! Awake! and put on Strength O Zion! in these Three Nations! for the Day doth break! and the shadows flee! and the Primitive Community is coming forth to be reduced! and revived! Therefore up O Wise ones, Mat. 25. 7. (whiles the Foolish are gone to buy in mercenary ways!) that we may be (All in one) ready to enter into the Marriage! v. 10. even so AMEN! Thus far for Motives.  
In the Next place, (to leave out nothing that we know of, that may carry Conviction or Light to our Friends in the Nation) we shall Answer the Most Considerable Queries and Objections that we can meet with.  

1 Query.  1. Query. WHat do ye mean by Gospel-order, or Temple-state, after the first pattern?  
Answ. We have before expressed that in the Grounds, but to be more particular, both in the Negative and Positive, we answer;  

Ansn: 1. Not a mixture, but a thorough Separation.  1. Not a known Mixture, but a more thorough Separation from all false ways, worships, persons and things that pollute, 2 Cor. 6. 16, 17. Eph. 5. 11. Acts 2. 40. Save yourselves from this untoward Generation! The Work of Cleansing the SANCTUARY being a Work of Degrees, Ezek. 43. 20, 23. & 44. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Dan. 8. 14. Zech. 14. 21.  

2. Not an overly Fellowship, but a close and cleaving Aggregation, upon Kingdom Principles.  2. Not an idle, careless, overly Communion, no more than an uncomfortable distance or disjunction one from another, but a most accurate, close aggregating, Uniting and Cleaving of those so Separated (and of the Dispersed ones) to the Lord! and one to another! upon the Principles of Grace, and kingdom of our Lord Jesus, in All the ADMINISTRATIONS and Parts thereof, with a full and constant Purpose of heart, and participation of Ordinances, Rom. 14. 4, 5. 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5, 6. 7, 13, 27. Eph. 2. 21, 22. Acts 9 26 & 11. 23.  

3. Not a Narrow rigid, but a Large Comprehensive Spirit.  3. Not a narrow censuring, rigid, beggarly, but a large Loving, growing, and comprehensive Spirit of Christ and his kingdom, to actuate us from him alone (as our Head) expatiating and putting forth its self (after the first Pattern) both to Jew and Gentile, Bond and Free, Rich and Poor, Strong and Weak, yea to Saints, and to All men, and to All creatures in their kind, and proportion, 1 Cor. 10. 32, 33. & 9 19, 20, 21, 22. I am made ALL THINGS to ALL MEN that I might by ALL MEANS save some.  

4. Not a stating it in any one form, but in the Power of Faith and godliness  4. Not a magnifying, Imposing or stating the Church in any ONE form, opinion, or observation▪ but a faithful keeping to, and constant crying up of, the power of godliness, grace, and oneness of Christ Jesus, with Religion pure and undefiled with brotherly love and the principles of the kingdom, amongst Saints of all forms, and Judgements, 1 Cor. 7. 19 Gal. 5. 6. Col. 3. 11. Rom. 14 5, 6, 7.  

5. Not a disordering, or displacing but a due ordering and well placing of different Saints in their proper Joyntts.  5. Not a disordering, keeping or putting out of Different Saints, or members, but such a Communion of Saints as keeps up a Due Order, wise, and well-location and use of all Sorts of members in the Body, and in their proper joints, and places, for service and employment, 1 Cor. 12. 21, 22. 17. For if the whole (were of one form) were an eye, where were the hearing? Or were an ear, where were the smelling? &c. Ephes. 4. 16. from whom the body fitly joined together.  

6. Not a party growing but an Increase of of the WHOLE together.  6. Not a Party-growing, but a comely, and kindly increase (with the increases of God) of the WHOLE together; and a daily fetching in of sweet, suitable nourishment to the WHOLE BODY by the joints, Col. 2. 19 Ephes. 4. 16. this we mean by Gospel-order after the 1. pattern.  
Qu: 2. Whether do ye think that the Gospel or Temple-state 
2 Query.  hath not yet been found amongst us? If NOT, we must declare against the best of the Churches (doctrinally and practically) but if SO, then; how can this bear away the name, after the 1 pattern?  

Answ. 1. We think it hath been; & we do own them that retain it in Purity.  Answ: 1 Although we need not reflect to what hath been but to what IS obvious, yet we dare not deny but that we heartily honour, and own those separate Churches, that retain their first PRINCIPLES in purity, grace, power, and holiness, that are in the unity, Love, sound Doctrine, Discipline, and communion of the Saints; Yet  

2. Yet not perfect but rising.  2. We never thought them to be Perfect, but growing up to Perfection, and so a getting out of the wilderness by Degrees, now this is one Degree and growth, further (as we suppose) and so more up unto the primitive State, viz. uniting, and orderly placing of all sorts of Saints, in one Body, So That,  
3. We do not call for a separation, from such Churches 
3. And are for Communion with them. union of All, and Embodying of scatte red ones.  as retain the purity of their matter, form, and Principles of Communion, but rather for a COMMUNION and an ASSOCIATION with them in the several Cities and Counties of these NATIONS and for an UNITING (or embodying) of the scattered, persecuted, and dispersed, or disjoined ones in and about this CITY; in a word, to chaste Churches for communion and growth up into a purer state! To Choice Members for union and growth into a more excellent public spirit! To scattered ones for embodying out of the present evils, & into the approaching GOOD, so that UNITY in things Necessary! LIBERTY in thing Unnecessary! CHARITY, godliness, & Sincerity, in things Different and Indifferent we desire to see.  

4. Yet we see them not so according to the Primitive pattern.  4. For all this, and albeit we deny not but the Gospel and Temple hath been found amongst us in more purity and light then in other places; yet we must profess we cannot see it, So according to the primitive pattern (or Church of the first-born!) to state a Church in any one single form; opinion! or Judgement whatsoever (whether Indep: Presb: Bapt: or any other!) as in the comprehensive, power of faith, and New Testament, godliness in all their forms, knowing that Saints of all these, and several other forms, may be (and are) true members of the Church of Christ!  

5. We deny not but they may be called the Temple also.  5. As a Particular member (by itself considered) may be and is called the Temple of the holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 6. 15. 19 without the injury to the Body whereof he is a part, which in another sense (or collectively) is called the TEMPLE, 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Cor. 3. 16. So may a particular body sat down in this, or that Judgement, and yet in another sense, and (we humbly think) with much more suitableness does this particular Church or Collective body, (stated, as before expressed) bear the name of the Temple too, Rev. 11. 1, 2. Cor. 6. 16, 17. or Gospel-Order, after the first pattern, 1 Cor. 12. 13. 17. Phil. 3. 15. Rom. 14. 14, 5. & 12. 45. Now the reason of this Analogy is, because this holds a most excellent consistency, Symmetry, Harmony, need and usefulness of every particular body of this or that form; as well as a particular Church, does (or aught to do) with every particular member (of that body) whether of this, or that Judgement, keeping up a necessary serviceableness to the Lord and one another in All! (and in every one) in their proper joints and places; which is most like to the Primitive state; and is a Constitution more after the Institution of the gospel, than a sitting down in any one form. This is no other than the House of God (said Jacob) Gen. 28. 17. which is that? why where he saw the Ladder, and some go up and some go down, and some one way and some another! and the Lord a top of all, at the Head of all! and all serving him their several ways; as 1 Cor. 12. 5. There be Differences of administrations, and yet but One Lord: In this heavenly harmony and melody (if we might but find it) of different members and motions, O how sweet would be the Vision!  

6. We dare not but deny Communion with the Apostate Churches and with no others.  6. Lastly, but as for those particular Churches (so called) that are corrupted, have lost their form and Matter! that are let loose, and do let their members range in the World and the Lusts thereof! that persecute or oppose the Truth! Cast out or kill the life and Grace of the sound Members! (not admitting Communion with Different Saints, nor keeping up of Brotherly love!) that are thus gangrened both in Substance and Circumstances! so defiled! so deformed and degenerated! we do not! we dare not hold Communion with! or own them for the faithful Spouse after the first pattern. Now these are they, and no other, that we do (doctrinally and practically) declare against, and withdraw from.  
So that by this Time (we trust) every one can answer himself in the second part of the QUERY, viz. How this doth bear the Name from the Rest, (viz. that are apostatised.) 
Answ. How this doth bear the Name from them.  1. In the Truth of that which they have but the Name and Title of. 2. In the Spirit and Life of that, which they keep up but the form and Letter of. 3. In the Harmony of the differing Members and Meetings in their own joints and places; (in that New-Jerusalem-like Order of Communion with all Saints, which they have either rejected, or else were never well acquainted with) For as we believe All were not rightly constituted Churches, that were called so, or went by that Name; So we deny not but this or that particular Church (or some) that once we might have owned, may foully Fall, Fade, Decay and die, as we durst not hold Communion with; and yet we not question but a true Temple-state may be found amongst us too, growing up towards perfection. Besides, in the End and Rule, we may be said to bear that NAME from them, without reflecting upon those Churches that maintain the Purity of Matter, and form, Rule and End, Extent and privileges of the kingdom of Christ, whom we (with all our hearts) do own and are ONE with in Spirit and Communion.  
Qu: 3. But can any be said, to be ONE church (or Gospel-Body) and yet more than One! or how can any be members of two Bodies? and doth not this way you are in look too like an universal-church? and smell of that strain? for you have many meetings and so many Bodies.  
Answ. Here be many Queries in one, which in order we answer; 
Answer 1. We say not so, nor are we so.   
1. We do not say (nor can any) that we are more than ONE, though ONE that hath many Members (and so meetings as occasion requires) 1 Cor. 12. 13. 27. but more fully to that presently.  

2▪ One may be of two bodies.  2. One may be a member of two Bodies in a two sold consideration very well; as a member of a natural Body may be also a member of a political-body; and of a Polit: may be also of a Religious Body; yea, and so of two Religious Bodies, in a twofold consideration, as a member of a Particular Church, (is also member of the universal) and may also be a member of a BODY, united upon Kingdome-Principles, and services, or on other matters; But,  

3. Of two lodies, or Churches▪ one by way of Admission as a proper Member, and the other by way of Communion.  3. This was very frequent, and in Constant practice in the Primitive times, to be of One Church, (as a member) by union, and of another by Communion; and so Paul, had communion with all Churches and at Corinth, 1 Cor. 5▪ 4, 5. and yet a member admitted of the Church at Jerusalem, Thus may members of other Churches, be also members of this Body, and walk with this in Communion, and yet hold their places too, in their own particular bodies; As a member of a man's body, holds its place there, and yet as a member of all mankind, hath a public motion too, as well as a Particular.  

4. The formal Consideration consists with a particular Body.  4. That there be no mistake in the FORMAL PART of this uniting-work! we have declared ourselves to be but one Particular Body, after the 1 Pattern at Jerusalem, and holding a Communion with all Saints (in order) Jew or Gentile, bond, or free, of this or that opinion, that understandingly desire it.  

1 Object.  Object: 1. But visible Saint ship, and visible Church-state are not All one! and many may be Saints or memberrs of Christ's mystical body, that are not joined to any visible Church! Acts 5. 13, 14.  

1 True Chu●ch hath a place for all Saints.  Answ. 1. We grant they are not one in state, and yet the true Chu●ch-state is the C●mmunion of Saints, and (according to the institution!) hath joints and places, for all sorts of Saints received, Rom. 14. whole Chapt: and 12. 4, 5. 1 Cor. 12.  

2. And are not to be put by that they do desire it.  2. We confess also that some may be Saints that are not of any Particular Church, nor desire it; but the Query is, whether any Saints enlightened, of good life, and seeking Communion with us are to be put by.  

3. But have a spiritual Intelligence with all.  3. We are to be such a Body as holds a Communion and good intelligence, even with them also, in the Spirit, yea, and in some cases, (so far, as can be consistent with the power of godliness, and wherein we agree, &c.) more visibly too, Luke 10. 1. Acts 5. 13, 14. for the public good; Yea,  

4. In an invisible Way of communion also.  4. Our Communion (spiritually) is to be so large, as Comprehends Saints in an Invisible Way and in the Power, as well as in a Visible Way and in the form, being all Members of the mystery of godliness, which is, without controversy.  

2. Object.  Object: 2. But the mystical Church (consisting of the elect in Christ, Angels and men, alive and dead, borne, and unborn, &c.) cannot be properly ●alled Church-state, instituted by Christ, in the Gospel; being constituted from Eternity, in God's Decree! &c.  

● Answer. The Church-Communion of Gospel-institution, admits all Sa●nts, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and ●ow?  Answ. Yet the visible Church, in Communion with them! with Angels! and Spirits of just men made perfect (i. e. in a most sweet, secret, and invisible way!) is of Gospel institution. Heb. 12. 22, 23. Ephes, 2. 19, 20, 21. and this is all that we affirm, that our Communion must be of such a Nature and comprehensiveness of Spirit, as should not only admit an oneness with them in Spirit, but a walking with them on earth (were they all alive amongst us!) under their diverse Administrations, forms gifts, and apprehensions.  

3 Object.  Object: 3. Some hold that the Church at Jerusalem was made up of many particular Churches, and this you make your pattern.  

● Answer. Not our pattern as an universal but particular visible Church.  Answ. Not in that sense, nor do we hold so; but we hold the Church at Jerusalem, was but one particular Church; having diverse sorts of Members and Meetings (at some times) and so it is our pattern, and not as an universal visible Church, for that we deny, (the universal Church being partly visible, and partly invisible, comprehending all times, places, and sorts! in heaven and earth.)  
Answ: 2. It is a great mistake to think the particular meetings of this Body are particular Churches; for any one Church 
2 A great mistake to think particular meetings are particular Churches.  may have at some times, several meetings, about several matters, as Acts 12. 5. 12. 17. & 20. 20. Gal. 2. 2, 3. and yet be but one particular Church: So it is here. Notwithstanding, in another consideration it seems (to some) with as good Analogy, and Property of speech, consonancy, and consistency of truth, and Rule, as now any Particular Church what ever may be called One (and yet the members in particular, or the families be many) may the meetings too be many! and it be said, The Church that is at their house, Rom. 16. 5. 1 Cor. 16. 19 Col. 4. 15. and the Church which is (which meets) at his house So Phile. 2. So those of Caesar's household; (yet in this sense that we speak, they were but members of the Church! So those that met in Mary's house, Act. 12. 5. 12. yet were but members of the Church at Jerusalem. Now the reason is because two or three together in Christ's name! or the faithful of some one Family! or a meeting of brethren may be called a Church in one respect, and not 
Yet in what sense some will so interpret.  (as they stand related) in another! Phil. 4. 22. and thus may we be said, to be but ONE COLLECTIVELY, and yet MORE than One, (if every meeting must be so interpreted) DISTRIBUTIVELY, wherein one may differ (and be in his joint) from Another, Though for our parts we cannot Understand it so, as of many, but of one BODY, as 1 Cor. 12. 25. but now are they MANY, (and many sort of) members yet but ONE BODY! As Zion may have many Gates, 
How they may be said to be Many, and yet but ONE.  wherein might be several Assemblies as of one sort that sat in one gate, and another sort in Another!) and yet be but ONE Zion Psal. 84. 2. As the BODY hath many joints, members Arteries, sinews veins, (wherein every one Member (from joint to joint) may be looked upon as distinct, and yet as conjunct, or a member of the WHOLE,) yet makes but one BODY! Rom. 12. 4. As a CITY Psal. 122. 3, 4. & 46. 4. hath 
As Zion, as a Body, as a City, as an Army,  many houses, Trades, Streets, Corporations, and Societies (wherein every one in its own bounds may be called (in a sense) a Body; yet makes but one City compact. As an Army with 
as a kingdom.  Banners, Cant 6. 4. 10. (wherein every Company Regiment, 
as a Heaven.  Colour, Brigade, and Wing, is as it were an Army by itself,) yet makes but one in all; as a kingdom, Joh 18. 36. Heb. 12. 
as a New Jerusalem.  28. Mat. 21. 43. may have many Families, Cities, Villages, Shires, Countries, &c. wherein every one (by its self) may be said to be a little kingdom, and yet are all but one kingdom. And as Heaven, Mal. 13. 11. 24. 31. wherein every firmament, Element, Planet, Star, and Constellation, make up but one Heaven, So is it with a true Church of Christ, which is called a Body, a City, an Army, a kingdom, and a Heaven (in Scripture!) So the new Jerusalem. Rev. 21. 14. may be said to have twelve Foundations, and in them the name of the twelve Apostles, and the Lamb (every particular member of different sat, vers. 19, 20. as the Jasper, and sapphire, and Calcedony, &c. to be upon his own, and proper Foundation, wherein one differ from another, as Paul from Peter, &c.) and yet in another sense, All have but one foundation, 1 Gor. 3. 11. For other foundation can none lay then that which is, Jesus Christ. So that if any do understand us distributively, as of MANY, (because of our several meetings, members or branches) yet they must conclude us (collectively) All to be but ONE BODY or Church, at last.  

4 Object.  Object: 4. But then; you are like an universal visible Church.  

1 Answer. No more like an universal Church.  Answ: 1. No; no more than every particular Church was in the Primitive times, who had their many meetings and different members, as well as we.  

2. Then every particular in primitive times.  2. There is no such Church as we know of, as universal VISIBLE; But  
3. That there is an universal Church we believe; and that every particular Church of Christ should be as like to the universal 
3. The nearer to it, and to the Nature of it the better.  in Integrals and Parts, as the Child is like the Parent, or the Daughter the Mother, we also believe; and therefore the nearer and liker we are to the universal Church: (or mother of us All; (Gal. 4. 26.) in Spirit; grace, and communion with All Saints, visible and invisible, the more thank●full are we to the Lord, whose workmanship we are in Christ Jesus: And yet we are but a poor despised Dust! a particular visible Church (that would fain look like the choice one of her Mother▪ Cant. 6. 9) far short▪ yet pressing after a more likeness indeed to the universal! (consisting of All Saints, Jew and Gentile, past, present, and to come!) and more of the Nature and Spirit 
Others that must succeed must exceed upon this Principle.  of the New Jerusalem! But we believe, that others are to follow after us, and (in this Principle too!) preferred before us, whose shoes we are not worthy to untie! We know not what Influences and Tendencies this may have thereto.  

5 Object.  Obj. 5. But we fear you have no pattern from the Primitive times, for such different and sundry Meetings (besides the public of the whole together,) were that clear we could be satisfied.  

Ans. 1. Wisdom leftwith the Church for the well-being thereof.  Answ. 1. If there had not been left us a plain and direct Example for it, (as we find in some circumstances) yet God hath left his wisdom with the Church, Eph. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 2. 7. (a wisdom that is from above, James 3. 17.) in such Cases as tend to keep up good order! Edifying and Discipline in the Body! Rom. 14. 19 1 Cor. 14. 26. and in Matters that touch not the Being, but only the Well being of it, to further that! Now this ordering of the several meetings, meddles not with the Being, but the Well-being of the Body! The BEING of it lies in a Communion with all Saints, but the WELL-BEING of it in the Well-ordering of them in their several Places and joints, fit for service! Now the manner or WAY mentioned in the PROPOSALS, we are not bound to, any further than consists with the Being and Well being of this Body! for Order and use. Besides,  

3. The Word of Prophecy is many in one.  2. A sure Word of Prophecy we shall do well to take heed unto; Now this is the word of Prophecy, that all be Gathered into ONE, yea Isa. 60. 7 & 65. 10. And Sharon shall be a a Fold of Flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down in, for my People that have sought me. Many Flocks, (which particular flocks have governance) and yet but ONE FOLD; Many herds (who have feedings and meetings by themselves too) and yet All make but ONE PEOPLE! this is plain: But,  

3. A plain Pattern for it.  3. To be yet more plain and clear, and to satisfy you fully that desire it; we have very express Warrant, precedent and Example, for this practice, from the word of God, and Primitive Churches, viz. for Meeting. 1. Collectively. 2. Distributively. And in both Organically, as occasion calls for it.  

1. Collectively, altogether  First, Collectively, (we think none question) in the Church at Jerusalem, Acts 2. 46. They continuing daily with one Accord in the Temple. So in the Church of Corinth, 1 Cor. 14. 23. If therefore the whole Church be come together in some place. cha. 11. 20. When ye come together therefore into One Place! so other Churches. Nor do they question but they were organical in those Meetings, wherein they were of one heart and one mind, Acts 4. 32. though they were some 1000ds that so met, ver. 4, 5.  

2. Distributively, or in several places and meetings.  Secondly, Distributively; that they so met is as plain, Acts 2. 46. and from house to house! (which were distributive meetings, for one house could not hold so many 1000, as were of the Church, viz. 5000 or 8000, or more.) Thus Acts 12. 12. appears the whole Church did not meet in Mary's house, but many of them were there, and others of them at another house, (it is like at James') v. 17. go show these things to James and to the Brethren, (that is, of them that were not at Mary's house!) Besides, v. 17. he left them and went into another place. Thus it is evident enough, that their meetings were in many places, and yet but one Church, v. 5. So at Rome those that met in Caesar's Palace, Phil. 1. 13. & 4. 22. and the rest that met in the City, Rom. 1. 7. were all but one Church. Now as there is a Primitive Practice of joining in ONE, (in the Matters wherein they were of one Accord, Acts 1. 14 & 2. 46. & 4. 32. 1 Cor. 14. 23.) So of having divers and several meetings too, and them also organically, as Acts 20. 20 I have taught you publicly (or when All together) or from house to house; or more Privately in their divers and several meetings too at some times, and yet the same Body.  

And then Organically as there is need.  For in Primitive times, every such Body had divers Ministers, Eph. 4. 11, 12. Pastors, Teachers, Deacons, and gifted Brethren, 1 Cor. 14. [whereof the ablest speakers were most Public● (or in the whole Collective Body) and others more in their private meetings] and of divers Judgements, as in the Church of Jerusalem, Gal. 2. where, because of them of the Circumcision (so rigid!) Paul had his private meetings, (v▪ 2. privately or severally) and some of the chief of the Church did oppose him, Divisions grew, Conferences increased, but at last were thus decided, by sorting and putting all into their own and proper places! v. 7, 8, 9 viz. Those Ministers that were for Circumcision, to administer to them of that judgement! and those that were for uncircumcision, to administer to them of their judgement! And yet all held together as Members of that one Body (or of the Church at Jerusalem!) in their proper Judgements! joints! and places! So v. 9 When James, Cephas, and John, perceived the grace was given me, (that I was the Lords as well as they, and that by my Ministry God did much good, v. 8. as well as by theirs) they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles (to them of our particular persuasions!) and They went unto the Circumcision (to them of theirs;) and thus the controversy is ended. For All keep together in Love, (when All are kept & countenanced in their proper places and administrations) and so every particular branch (as well as member) may be said (in its own joint) to be organical, by concurrence, appointment, and Consent of the Whole.  
Q1. But did they partake of Church-Ordinances in any such distributive Meetings? for that of praying, Acts 12. it is a common Christian Duty.  

A. 1. In their several Meetings Ordinances.  Ans. Yea, prophesying, Praying, holy Conferences, &c. are Church-ordinances, and these they did partake of in such Meetings, Acts 20. 20. & 12. 5, 12. Gal. 2. 2. And it is evident, (though Prayer be a common Christian Duty) yet in Acts 12. 12. it is mentioned as a Church▪ ordinance, verse 5. But,  

2. Those wherein One differs from another, in the different Meetings.  2. We put a Difference between these Ordinances of Christ wherein we are all ONE, and those wherein we are not all One, but differ one from another in our persuasions. Now those wherein we are All ONE, (or are of one accord, Acts 2. 46. & 1. 14, 15, &c.) we grant we must partake together in the whole Body; but Different Ordinances in the D fferent Meetings (as it was of old, between Circumcision and uncircumcision, Observation and Non-observation of days) Rom. 14. 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 18, 19 let them do (what they do) as to the Lord, and v. 22. have their Faith to Themselves, without offending others, in their own joints or places of those judgements. Thus Acts 16. 3. Paul circumcised Timothy because of the Jews that were there. i. e. because this was their judgement that there met, it was done amongst those of that Way; and he would not have done it at Corinth amongst the Gentiles: thus he became Jew to the Jew, and Gentile to the Gentile.  
Now all that we plead for in this WAY, is but the Liberty which Christ hath purchased for us, Gal. 5. 1. that one be not bound up to another in his Different judgement, nor the whole offended or disturbed, but that he may have the free Exercise of it in his Different joint and place of the Body; as they plainly had in the Primitive times, from whence we have our Pattern, both for Collective and Distributive Meetings.  

6 Object.  Obj. 6. Yea, but we cannot do as the Apostles did, nor have we the same Rule?  

A. 1. One and the same Rule for the Church.  Ans. 1. But we have the same Rule which the Churches had, and are to be found in the like practices, now this was their Rule, Gal. 6. 15, 16. Neither Circumcision nor Vncircumsion but the New-Creature, and as many as walk according to this Rule, Peace be on them; and by this Rule they denied Controversies, and stated affairs, Gal. 2. 7, 8, 9 to the Liberty of all Saints.  

2. Not as Apostles.  2. Under the Consideration of Apostles, men so immediately inspired, and guided by an infallible Spirit, for the first Planting of the Gospel in All Nations: we have them not our Examples, nor the same Rule to walk by, as Acts 15. 28. 25. it seemeth good to the holy Ghost and to us; nor dare we pretend to it, our Rule being more ordinary, and revealed to us in the holy Scriptures! and from the practice of all Primitive Churches. But,  

3. But as Members and Ministers.  3. As Members and Ministers (or Servants of the Church) under that Consideration, we and they have All but one and the same Rule for practice, and that which they so did are we to do likewise, 1 Cor. 4. 16, 17. & 11. 1. Phil. 3. 17. 1 Thes. 1. 6. & 2. 14. 2 Thes. 3. 9 but under that consideration were they in this kind of Communion of Saints, giving this christian Liberty to Jew and Gentile (one and another) of different judgements, in matters doubtful and Disputable, wherein one Saint might differ from another, and yet hold together in the BODY orderly, in due and proper places and joints, Rom. 14. 1 Cor. 12. 27, 28, 29. So Phil. 3. 16. nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same Rule, let us mind the same things. Brethren! be ye followers together of me! (in this) and mark them which walk as ye have us for an Example! Now in this comprehensive Communion we have them for Example, and that not as Apostles, but as Members of the Body and Ministers of the Church.  
Having cleared our way through these Objections, some perhaps may say;  

7 Object.  Ob. 7. We hear indeed of a design to rend and destroy Churches of Christ, that some have.  

Ans. 1. No injury to Churches.  Ans. 1. We are none of them, nor doth this offer the least injury to any of the true Churches of Christ, such as keep up the Communion of Saints with purity.  

2. But to make up the Breaches.  2. We are so far from Breaking them, that our Work is to make up the Breaches of Zion, and more to Unite them in the true Principles of Separation, (from false worships and ways of Sin) and in the things of Christ's kingdom.  

3. And to put all forms into their right use and place.  3. We do acknowledge them (though now so many of them are settled on their Lees, and riveted in their forms!) to have been honourable in their Day and Times; as the Presbit: (against the prelate) and so was the Indep: and so hath been the Baptist: but it seems to as now that there is no Honour in setting up one form against another, (or of one truth against another, or of one gift against another, or one grace against another, or one person or one party against another,) nor yet conducible to the service of Christ at this Day! but all Saints to be in a consistency together. This seems more after the mind of God; Whereby we do no more destroy them that are sound in Faith under what form soever, than the Gospel doth destroy Law; which doth not destroy, but perfect it, and put 
4. Not to rend, but reform, and refine them.  it into its right place, and use, and Spirit.  
4. This is not to rend, but reform and refine them, or to fetch them out more pure from defilement, and Sin.  

5. Who can be offended at this.  5. If we offend Any, it must be either those that are Degenerated; or those that take offence without cause; or else those that are imprisoned, and bound up in their own private Spirits, and forms. For what is it we are about? but to let us out of bondage (Gal. 2. 4.) into the true liberty of the Spirit, and into the due (and proper) exercise of the form, or judgement, for the public Good, as well as for our own Private.  

Object: 8.  Object: 8. Such as think it the time, may fall to this work, but we do not think it the TIME OF THE END, nor the OPENING OF THE TEMPLE! &c.  

Ans 1. A duty at all times.  Answ: 1. If it be not so; yet this of uniting, Communion withal Saints, and brotherly love, is our bounden duty, at all times, and never more need to be Practised then now.  

2. Signs of the Time of the End.  2. And yet there be more Arguments for it then against it! and the signs of those times (or of the time of the end) are apparent to All, that are judicious, and observe!  

3. If that Ground, be not clear to thee, yet manyare.  3. But if all the GROUNDS we have given be not clear to ALL, (for we expect it not!) yet all may be to some, and some to All; yea, so many to every one, as will leave him without excuse when Christ comes, that now clocks into union, Love, and Harmony amongst all Saints, as a Hen clucks her Chickens.  

Object: 9  Object: 9 We doubt you will have breaches and Divisions too in that uniting Body, as well as in others!  

Ans. 1. Breaches not so likely this Way, wherein every one hath his right and Due.  Answ: 1. It is not so likely, as among those that are embodied in any One form! Because (to keep up their uniformity!) they must be strict and rigid; which frets the Members! and wounds the most spiritual of them! And many times this Causes Parties, and so Breaches, in the Body. Besides (through there Defect of this Rule!) they cannot admit Different judgements to have their Places, and freedom of exercise, (which they conceive, is there Right, and Due!) but this we do! being not bound up to any one Particular form. So that it is narrowness and Rigidity which causes contention and Breaches; and not this sweet, equal, brotherly, and primitive-like latitude, or Christian Liberty, given to all Saints, in their proper places, where they are profitable and most edifying Because without this, they (justly) think that injury is done them, but with this, there is None, for All are well-pleased with their own Places, and joints.  

2. Not so soon in a Body, Compacted well Co●●●●ed as in a B●dy pa●●●fyed and made a Faction, or a s●●● or but a p●●ce of Communion of Saints.  2. Not so soon when we are orderly and duly compacted together (and put into place,) as when a Body is divided, or (indeed) of its self, but a party; a faction, a piece▪ or a form, of Saints communion. As Psal. 122. 3. Jerusalem is a City COMPACT, then ver. 8. For my brethren's and companions sake will I now say, Peace be within thy Walls! that is to say, when so united, and compacted, because Parties, and Factions, cause the Breaches, and not such a compacting, as this is, Eph. 2. 21. & 4. 4. wherein we have the Bond of peace.  

3. We are better able to crush and kill Divisions.  3. If so be Divisions should arise (as they did in the primitive times.) 1 Cor. 1. 10. & 11. 18. we shall be in much better Capacity,, and have more help to deal with them this way, (as they did in the Primitive times. Rom. 16. 17, 18. & 14. 19 Ephes. 4. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 16, &c.) that they may never rise up unto a BREACH.  

●. If breaches should arise yet the THING will stand and that rejoices our hearts, what ●●● become our Perso●s.  But if they should rise up to a BREACH (which may be possible!) yet of this we ate well assured and resolved, that the Thing will stand, viz. the uniting of the Saints (of what judgement soever!) will never be dissolved or broken. Nor do we in the least, doubt of a Comfortable Product of this present overture, above what we (or others) may at first see, who break the ice (or make the first Essay) to so great and good a WORK. And indeed we may be more in the Dark, and liable to exceptions it must be expected, (as the first entrance!) as to the MANNER and SPIRIT of it! (with us poor Worms! and shrubs!) than those that are to FOLLOW AFTER US! But however, and what ere become of our Persons, or of this Body, (so we may but see the THING, we hope, we shall rejoice; or be satisfied; As (Paul says in another case) Phil. 1. 18. What then? Notwithstanding every Way!— I therein do rejoice! yea, and will rejoice!  

Object. 10.  Object: 10. Some think it would be better in an uniformity!  

Ans. 1. uniformity not in Primitive times kept up and why?  Answ It is true the Papists, Rhemists, erastian's, Episcopalians & Presbyterians have thought so, and some others; but to that we need to say no more than that the Churches thought it not so, in the Primitive times; and therefore all practised otherwise as Corinth, Rome, Antioch, Galatia, &c. maintaining this harmony and unity of Jew, and Gentile, Circumcision, and uncircumcision, Observers, and Non-Observers of days, &c. Besides this way of uniformity rose up into practice about Victor's time (Bishop of Rome!) as is well known; & yet even than it was opposed, and witnessed against by Irenaeus, and other good men, as opening the Way to the Man of Sin, and inconsistent with the Primitive practice! Moreover, Experience hath long proved a Spirit of Persecution, to live in the Heart of uniformity and Rigidity of that kind. Nay to say somewhat more, Those eminent men, Luther, Calvin▪ and others, that have in their Degrees (and days) exceeded the Rest of Professors! yet when they (or others) have come to set up their Degrees for a Standard to other succeeding Growing Christians, it hath proved a Persecution, and drawn blood. Furthermore, the Vniformists are apt to cry up (and so contend for!) the form itself in stead of the Power, magnifying the form above the Name and Work of Christ! And by this means also, a Proud, prelatic (or Imperious) Spirit, gets heart and head over others! And as the ultimate, the main Work of Salvation (at sometimes,) of Sanctification (at other times,) and of the Generation (almost at all times, as to most spiritual and New-Testament Actings! or Services!) and so the Cause of Christ comes to be neglected, and at last undervalued for the lifting up of the form or Opinion; yea the Name of God for that Name▪ as we see too too many sad symptoms of at this Day. So that we need not say more in this Matter; only this, that it is not possible to be the well-ordered Body (after the first Pattern) and yet but one form, (or the form of one Member or branch!) 1 Cor. 12. 17, 18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30.  

Object: 11.  Obj. 11. But it seems to some of us (that are of the baptised Judgement) that the first Pattern was in our Way! Acts 2. 41. They gladly received the Word and were baptised, and the same day were added to the Church.  

Ans. 1. The first pattern is before, Act. 2. 41.  Answ: 1. The first pattern is before that, viz. In Acts 1. 14, 15. where the 120 were in one Body, waiting for the Holy Ghost, which came down, Acts 2. 1, 2▪ now this is our pattern in our uniting and waiting for the same Promise.  

2. That relates to Converts, this to Disciples.  2. That in Act. 2. 41 hath relation to Converts, not to Christians already Converted, sanctified▪ Persecuted, and dispersed up and down for the faith and truth which they have received (long since!) and so growing up into, and therefore that is no Rule to us in this work, which consists of different Subjects, and Matter, viz. Disciples, or persons converted, and grounded (we hope) in the faith.  

3. No primitive Church stated in One Form or judgement.  3. Nor can it appear that any Primitive Church was planted in any one form, judgement! or opinion! and as for this Church, at Jerusalem; this in Acts 2. 41. could not be the way of their first embodying, (or uniting!) for they were the Church embodied! (and so our pattern) before that; in Acts 1. 15. and it appeareth to us (among others) upon these 3 Grounds mentioned in that 1 Chapt. first, for the holy Ghost, ver. 5. Secondly, for knowledge and power, of the witness of Jesus! ver. 8. and seed of the kingdom, to sow the Nations! Thirdly, for Instruction, in the second coming of Christ, ver. 11. All which are our grounds also; not a word of baptism (or any other judgement) being mentioned in that Chapt: as the formal part or Way of their uniting  

4. All Churches gathered and governed by this Rule of Communion with all Saints and of liberty to all (orderly and in their Places.  4. Sure none will deny, but the Church at Jerusalem, and the Churches at Corinth, Rome, Galatia, &c. were gathered, and governed by one, and the same Rule; but in the Churches of Corinth, Rome, Galatia, Antioch, &c. were the members gathered of Jews and Gentiles, 1 Cor. 9 10. Rom. 10. 12. Gal. 2. 14. & 3. 18. Acts 15. Circumcised, and uncircumcised, and of different judgements, Rom. 14. 1. 4, 5. Gal. 2. 12. & 5, 6. 11. 1 Cor. 7. 19 and accordingly governed with their due liberty in the Body, 1 Cor. 12. Rom. 12. & 14. Gal. 2. 9 and so it appears to be at Jerusalem, yea those that were for the Circumcision and against the uncircumcision, which some think to be baptizme, by Collating, 1 Cor. 1. 13, 14. with Gal. 2. 7.) were so high and violent, Gal. 2. 2. 3. & 6. 12. that they could not be all (in this or any one Way or form, gathered or governed at Jerusalem, no more than at Corinth, Antioch, or in other Churches, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, and of diverse judgements.  

Object: 12.  Object: 12. We like the fruits very well, but not this work, at least not this WAY (which ye are in) of uniting!  

Ans. 1. Take the fruits with the Tree, and upon the Tree.  Answ. 1. The first part of the objection is to commend the fruits, but to condemn the Tree, that brings them forth in their season, now to have those fruits fresh, green, and in their Sap or sweetness, is upon the TREE, Cant. 2. 3. I sat under the shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste, So may we gather the fruits as they grow amongst us, and as the old wither or wast away, will the New come forth.  

2. Take your own Way, So it be according to the pattern and the work.  2. Take what WAY ye will so it be not of man's devising▪ & so ye keep to the WORK, that is to say UNITING WORK, which must be in such a Way as will indulge, and give free liberty to all sorts of Saints, in their differing forms and judgements, otherwise it is not an UNITING. Now we would gladly learn a more excellent Way (and more up to the Primitivepatterne!) than this; if any find it! For we are not limited but to the thing its self, viz. an uniting of All Saints, with equal Liberty, Love, endearedness, and Indulgence.  

3. It must be a Way suitable to every one for service, and exercise.  3. It must be a way that will put all the Differing Saints into their sntable and proper places of service and Exercise: one without grieving, molesting, opposing, oppressng, or offending another; and if the Lord do give us (or others) more light in this Matter, we would gladly receive it. For,  

4. We cannot be expected to be so Perfect at daybreak, as at Noon day.  4. We must confess (as before) that being but upon the daybreak and Dawning of this business, those that begin it must needs be short of them that are to succeed upon this Principle; and this but (in a sense) a sign of the Day-opening, or antecedanean to somewhat of more Life, Loveliness, and Lustre, that others may be raised up into. Yet it is our Duty, and done with integrity, and we doubt not but will be of great use for this season, and have a singular Testimony from Heaven. Wherefore,  

5. Yet have a care every one of you, now you do reject this Way!  5. Have a care we beseech you, (in the Fear and Dread of the Heart searching God) and be well-advised! lest ye reject your Work (yea your present Work!) with the WAY! Consider well! with what Spirit do ye reject it! is there not prejudice, or envy at Persons in it? (for so John's Desciples did envy Christ's, and did not the Pharises so too? As the Cardinal said of Reformation, The Thing is good, but that Luther a 
An Expostulation.  rascal friar should be the Man to put it upon us, this is intolerable.) Or is there not offence at eminent ones holding off? (as John 7. 48, 49. Have any of the chief ones followed him? only this Ignorant people. So 1 Cor. 1. 26. For ye see your calling Brethren! how not many wise, not many noble, &c. So Acts 28. 22. It is everywhere spoken against?) Or do ye not decline the thing itself, to delay and put that off? and so pretend offence at the Way of it. Or have ye (in truth) found out a more Excellent Way unto it? then Declare it! or else take heed how you reject this, for God will not be Mocked. Luke 14. 18. They all with one consent began to make Excuse! I pray (Says the first) have me Excused! v. 29. and have me Excused! They have good words! Excuse us to our Lord! we like the Thing (he invites us too) very well! and we are for it! and are Friends! but yet we must be Excused. Wherefore if it be our Duty to unite, what mean we to dally or delay? They that have refused the first step, have not had the honour 
Refuse the first step, and lose the second.  (or the happiness) of the next: As the Scribes and Pharises that would not go with John, could not go with Jesus! And if it be only because thou waitest for a better Way! possibly it may be revealed to this poor! praying! enquiring Body! as well and as soon as unto Others! (be we ever so unlikely in your eyes!) and this we know, that we are (in this matter!) one step nearer to it, than they that omit this (their) known Duty! (and thereby the great Commandment of Love.) Besides, as John's Disciples were one step nearer to Christ and his Call, than the Jews were; so they heard; and had the first call to the next step who had taken that, John 1. 37, 38, 39, 40. And therefore we dare not omit our present Work (or first step!) but rather take it in the Way to the Next, and to that which is more Noble. Wherefore if thou darest to put off this, in pretence thou hast a better Way; let us see thee then, at this Work in thy Way or thou sinnest yet the more: and so we leave it to thy conscience!  

All Objections we can meet with, most easily answered.  There is not one Objection more or Query (that we can hear of) material, unless it be that the angels (and our Lord himself! bid Mary call the Brethren together, Mat. 28. Joh. 20. but to that we say, We are not now under the Ministry of angels, but a more sure Word of Prophecy! 2 Pet. 1. 19 and a more Excellent Ministry, Heb. 8. 6. Nor have we need of an angel to tell us that which the word and Spirit of God, with the clear Practice of All the Primitive Saints do put us upon, Luke 16. 31. If they hear not the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the Dead! And yet to this we have the common call from the Saints Dead, as well as Alive.  

The Spirits Office is to enable us.  The Spirit which calls, is Christ's viceroy, represents his Person! supplies his Place! offers his Power! and is sent us in his stead until he comes; he is his Pleny-Potentiary to help and enable us as effectually in this matter, as if our Lord in his own person were present with us. And thus, the voice that said to Jairus his Daughter Arise, and to Lazarus Come forth! we hope, we have heard and felt, (in the Spirit and divine Nature of it!) inviting, quickening, and raising us (as from the Dead!) to this Duty. Yea, he that saith, Who is he that darkneth counsel without Knowledge? Job 38. 2. hath said unto us, go thorough, go thorough, prepare your Way, cast ye up, cast up the high way, Gather out the stones, lift ye up a Standard, Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed it to the End of the World, &c. Isa. 62. 10, 11, 12. Cant. 3. 10. Isa. 40. 3. which End of the world is now upon us.  

Our Way to it, is most Clear.  And thus (in our poor measure!) having cleared (or rather the Lord for us) by a Light above us, sweetly lead us (as by the hand) through these Objections, (we hope to the Satisfaction and contentment of many an honest heart!) which Satan would have laid, to have stumbled the Weak and blocked up the Way. Now what remains? (brethren!) what remains? but that every one who is of a willing heart! and Separate from the Defilements of these days! do without Delay in their several Cities and Countries set upon this WORK! and present his Offering (be it but a little goats-hair!) to this Tabernacle-service, (Exod. 35. 21, 26. And All the Women whose heart stirred them up spun Goatshaire. v. 29. Every man and every Woman whose heart made them willing to bring for ALL MANNER OF WORK, not for one sort of Work only.) Wherefore stop here a little, (Reader!) to Remember 
To the Reader and his conscience.  or Revise what hath been said upon this Subject! Read them over again, and yet again! and than say, Are they Truths or no? Are they Arguments or not? Do the Motives move? Are the Grounds good any of them? What sayest thou? Is it Duty to UNITE or not? and is't not of flat Necessity? If thou sayst NO! Certainly thou contradictest thine own conscience, but if YEA! then weigh but our words, with the same Affections and Yearnings of bowels over the Blood! Wounds! Shreds! and death's! and Dust of poor (Unpitied) Zion, (which some think incurable!) that they are SENT OUT unto you! (though some of them may be deemed Weak! some Dubious! Unseasonable and Unacceptable it may be; yet) sure we are, so much hath been said (and might be) to the Proof, Profit, Verity, Excellency, Expectation, Promise, privileges, Nature, Nobility, and Necessity of this Work (at this juncture of time too!) as may leave you (and others) that will reject it, one Day speechless and pale for it! when they shall find it was neither wisdom nor Grace! Comfort nor counsel! Conscience nor kindness! (to Christ nor his Saints!) no nor yet Good manners, to draw back or Demur upon such a SOLEMN INVITATION as this is, (for the Gathering the Scattered, Uniting the Divided, and endearing the united, &c.) from the Quick and the Dead!   

THE INVITATION.  

The Invita●ion to all the godly People in the three Nat●ons.  WHerefore, If there be (yet) left alive any true Grace in the hearts of professors, any true sense of the cross, Death, and Blood of Christ! or of the Cries, Blood, Ashes, Bones, and murders of the Martyrs! Any Smart in the heart for Zion's Deaths, Dangers, Gashes and Wounds given her by her Enemies New and Old in these Nations! Also by the Great Divisions, Rents, Controversies, Envyings, and Heart burnings amongst BRETHREN of the same Faith, Hope, and Principles of Grace and kingdom of our Lord Jesus! If (as the Apostle saith in this matter, Phil. 2. 1, 2.) there be with you anyconsolation in Christ, any comfort of Love (left▪) if any Fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and Mercies! If your souls be sensibly touched with the Dishonour of God, and Christ! with the Death of his Cause! the Dispersion of his Saints! the Case of the Jews! and the Promise of the Gentiles; and if ye have not sinned and consumed away all the Fear of God, and Feeling of his heavy Hand upon us! but that yet there is a Longing in you after these Things, and a hungering (with hearty and pure affections) after the Day of Christ! and HIM alone to be Exalted, and his NAME above every Name. If it wound you to the Quick (and your heart be melted down with tears and sighs) to hear so KILLING Cutting Blasphemies, as are (every day) cast upon the Pure SPIRIT of God, kingdom PRINCIPLES and professors of our Lord Jesus! And if ye unfeignedly (without Courtly compliments) do desire to be faithful to God, to Christ, to his Spirit, his Truth, his Testimony, his Kingly Interest, and kingdom SEERVICE! in such a dismal Day of Rebuke, Blasphemy, Division, and apostasy as this is! or would be undefiled and freed from the snares and evils of these Adulterate times! If any Value be had of Oaths or engagements! of Tears, Blood, and Prayers! or the Promises, privileges, and practices of the gospel! and if any true endeavour and sincerity be left to Act for, and find out the Light, the Liberty of the GOSPEL OF THE kingdom, and a clear PATH for every one without offence to one another (and with a sweet contentment, Peace, Union, Love and good Order) to walk in, after ALL these Confusions, Combustions, thick darknesses, and loss upon us.  

The Exhortation grounded.  O then let us without fail, or further let, hindrance, or Excuse, for one Moment, UNITE as ONE MAN, in All our Quarters and Habitations of these three Nations. And (as we shall be able to give up our Accounts with comfort at the Coming of our KING JESUS to perfect this his Blessed work (begun by his Word and Spirit) 2 Thes. 2. 1. at the GREAT GATHERING TOGETHER of All) Let us gladly accept this INVITATION of uniting, and Reviving PHILADELPHIA, (of what form and judgement soever we be) and take the very Next opportunity unto it: Knowing how Amiable, Desirable, and indeed Practicable it is now (through grace) made amongst us, and as it were THE MATTER pointed at by the Finger of God himself unto us, in and by All these trying, tearing, and Mount-Perazim Dispensations, (which we have been Exercised under of late years, Isa. 28. 21.) Seeing not only so much Comfort, and Christian Benefit to All; But even our Ability, Stability, liveliness, Patience in tribulation, conquest over temptations, vigour of love, quickening Spirit, and power of Grace and godliness, readiness of Obedience, union of affections, Resolution and joint-motion of Actions, for Christ and his kingdom; yea and the very BEING of the Churches of Christ, and Religion itself seems so much to depend upon it.  

The wonderful evils of these Times amongst professors make us look for little from some.  Notwithstanding all that hath been said; When we consider what the Day is, that we live in! how full of unbelief! Ignorance, Impudence! apostasy! Contention! covetousness! and Persecution of the power and Purity of godliness! self-seeking! and all the sins of the LAST TIMES mentioned, 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. & 1 Tims 4 12. 2 Pet. 2. 12. of which our Saviour hath foretold us, Mat. 24. we must confess then, We must expect as little fruit or effect from some, (and those it may be Eminent professors too) as if we spoke to, and poured our tears and prayers upon Posts, Pillars! Stones, LUMPS of earth! Bars of Iron! Rocks and Flints! or at best bruit Beasts! For as Luke. 18. 8. nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? That is, say some when he comes with his Recovering Grace, and Spirit, (when the times of Restitution begin! and of Refreshing first enter in; Acts 3. 19 21. that is, at the time of the END!) when he comes with a recovering and a Restoring of us, into the FIRST STATE, that he put HIS Saints into! and with the DISCOVERIES, and tenders of a more excellent WAY, and Communion of Saints, than we are in! Shall he then find FAITH amongst men! to believe him? to receive him at that day? Will it then be said again? (as at the first) John 1. 11, 12. He came unto his own, and his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he the Right or 
Who they are that will not accept this Call!  privilege. There be Many sorts that will not receive him, in this tender of Recovering grace; As the Proud; 1 Cor. 1. 26. So the Ignorant! John 20. 9, 10. the self-wise; the disputer of this world; the striver about words and vain questions; the worldly and self-seeking, professors; Hag. 12. 4. and the times-servers; and the envious man, Acts 13. 4, 5. the Magnifyer of forms, or persons▪ one above, and against another: the unbeliever and diffident; the fearful and amazed, or that are absolutely at a loss; the heart that is full of any Lust to be satisfied! With the pride of life! and of gifts! and parts! and the self-justifier! and exalter! the men that are given up to strong delusions; and to believe lies! and those that have somewhat else to set up instead! (or else an Invention, to put aside this:) All these will keep off from (if not oppose) this hopeful and blessed work, of UNITING, And we do expect it harder, to reduce one Erroneous and riveted, then to reformed (or convert) an open sinner! but as one says, If one should defer his studies of any Art, or Science, till the writers (and professors thereof did fully and unitedly consent! If one should vow, not to come at London, till All the clocks do strike together! (so If one should stay from this Duty till All that seem and say they are agreed about it!) he may stay long enough and never come to it at last.  

The benefit of them that accept this Call! and Invitation with the First!  Therefore for those dear and precious ones that do with the FIRST, begin to rattle by this Word of Prophecy!) Ezek. 37. Bone to bone, and sinew to sinew! (and are gathering strength together with us in this work! that stagger not at the promise through unbeleese (no more than Abraham, did, Rom. 4. 18, 19, Who considered not this body, now DEAD, when he was about a hundred years old nor yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: Not considering (so as to stagger) the deadness of others, nor as yet of our own hearts (knowing he is faithful that hath promised, Heb. 10. 24. and therefore holding fast without WAVERING!) These, these shall drink of the brooks that are in the WAY, Psal. 110. 7. and butter and honey shall they eat. Isa. 7. 22. (the Emannell Food, vers. 15.) that they may know how to choose the good and refuse the evil, Yea, and (as Mat. 13. 15, 16, 17. When Others ears are dull of hearing, their eyes closed, and hearts grown gross (and foggy with the flesh! shall it be said,) But blessed are your eyes for they see▪ and your ears for they hear! Verily! I say unto you, many Prophets, and righteous men have delivered to see those things, which ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them.  

Our Cries, and Prayers.  Wherefore our strong cries, and struggling prayers, to the God of the Primitive Saints and Churches! are for YOU! and your spiritual growth (with All the increasings of God) that ye may be out of your several heaps, and forms so full of confusion! (whither Presbyterean Independent, baptised, Sabbat.. Seekers or others▪ that are Saints by calling (and hold the foundation with us and would be orderly jointed) gathered: knit, & jointed. And All the whole building FITLY FRAMED, and growing up together, into ONE TEMPLE! and one Tabernacle, ONE Vine, ONE kingdom, and City COMPACT, An habitation for the Lord through the Spirit, Ephes. 2. 21, 22 ifit were but to make the ways of godliness, more Amiable, desirable! delectable! profitable! safe! and sweet unto us so UNITED! But if after all this, others can find in their (hard) hearts to stand off from us; and withstand so hopeful, and so noble, and so necessary! an ENTRANCE! so holy, so sweet! and so good, a MOTION! so powerful, and so yearning an INVITATION! from 
Our full purpose of Heart; if, the Lord help us.  Christ and his Spirit!) Zion, and Saints; ALIVE, and DEAD! or so natural, and indeed unavoidable a Duty, as this is! We must leave it at their door, from this Day, forward! (with All the Evils that shall ensue from the neglect hereof;) and them (Also) to that Day of Christ! that (in despite of all opposers) shall perfect this work! and raise up all the crumbs, shreds, and dust of Zion into ONE! and yet for our parts (blessing our God, for opening our eyes, and helping us hitherto, to make an Essay we are (we hope in his grace;) Resolved, as bound in duty (and clearly satisfied every one of us) and as God shall enable us to proceed▪ and wait upon him in this way; (for the Great promise and the Great coming!) as confirmed in the Faith, and confident in the Lord, and assured (in his might and grace) that he will own us eminently and visibly in, as in his own way, and Will▪ as in the present WORK for Christ; and his kingdom (which consists of all these subjects!) to the praise of that rich grace that hath brought us together. And if Any do question it (or say with Nathaniel, John 1. 46.) Can any good come out of Nazareth? we need say no more but COME and SEE!  

The Conclusion, To all our Brethren, and Country men.  But to conclude this SOLEMN CALL, to all the Scattered ones in the three Nations, in so humble, loving, and endeared faithfulness to you (Our Brethren, and countrymen) having stammered out a Few of our thoughts of heart!) What can We SAY or SIGH more in this this Matter? but leave our tears, prayers, and invitations (unto it) at your Feet, that the Lord who hath chosen Jerusalem; would affect and move your hearts, to welcome it, that comes unto you in the Name of the Lord! Luke 19 38.  

A Remembrance.  OREMEMBER how much the NAME of God, and the very BEING of Religion, is in danger and concerned in these Divisions! Remember the cross and wounds of Christ, which are set afresh bleeding, by these Divisions, and Dispersions, Remember the Comfortable state of poor Zion! Sick at the very heart! and ready to die; Oh Remember! what a Name ye once have had in this Nation, for profession and the Power of godliness! and now how it stinks, and what a SHAME ye are, in all the world! a scorn and a by word! a hissing and Astonishment even to very Heathens!  

A Remembrance▪  O Remember! not only how sew are converted, but ah! alas! how many are confirmed; in their wicked and false ways till this UNITING be) even to the Papists; Turks, Atheists, and profane ones! by the Abominations of professors in England! what a HEAD, and HEART, this last and lamentable apostasy hath hereby; and what! O what! guilt of blood is brought upon these Nations! Remember besides the Confusion of Tongues; and Cup of Babylon, which is given most to drink of! And whereby so many are foxed and enchanted that they do they know not what! And what mercenary (Devilish) and politic principles are assumed by professors and Preachers at this day! and what Persecution and Oppressions are upon Consciences! O Remember! how the Churches are some of them defiled! Growth of grace hindered; Worship polluted! the fences of Separation pulled np! the tender grapes spoiled! Members, and Teachers rent, and torn from us! and imprisoned at pleasure! And yet Remember, whilst there is life there is hope! and O how wonderfully God hath appeared, Prayers have been answered? Brethren delivered? Religion revived! promises and engagements performed? the kingdom of Christ exilted! and poor sinking Zion saved, and God known to be their God even in the midst OF HIS PEOPLE, when they were thus UNITED!  

A Challenge▪  But now, If so be your Consciences be seared! your senses stopped! your Foreheads brazened! and your hearts hardened! that nothing will move you, (neither in heaven nor on earth, neither the LIVE, nor the GRAVE! if you care not what become of the Great name of God the Cause of Christ! his Gospel, his kingdom▪ his Spirit, his Churches, his Servants, his word and Ordinances in the purity of them! If you think it not matter to see your brethren's blood in the streets, and their bodies broiling and frying at the stake (Again) and think that Savour is the best, and that smoke the sweetest! If ye dare stand still, and look on the other side, (Obad. 7. 11, 12.) in this day of strong, and TWISTED CONFEDERACY, and of casting Lots upon Jerusalem, and of violence done to Jacob! and of your brethren's calamity, without Remorse or Moving. If ye dare to crucify Christ afresh, and tread his BLOOD under foot, to cast out his kingdom from amongst you, and kill the hopes and expectations, ye have had (and we yet have) of HIS DAY, and reign! If ye dare to quit the Ground, whereon ye have poured out so many tears, prayers, streams of blood, and loud Appeals, into the ears and heart of Heaven! And dare to faint before the Answer come! If ye dare to keep up (or not cast out) the Bone of contention, and the Reproach upon the ways of God, by suffering the world or Any (without Remorse) to brand it for Dissembling, Delusion, most Hideous hypocrisy, mear state-Policy, and baseness (by the occasions lately given them) and will do nothing for the Recovery of them! Or if ye dare to be at Defiance with the Judgements of the Lord, that are at hand. And to contemn (and be careless of) Christ, and his second coming, and can venture the CURSE thereof, so as not to be in a posture meet to receive him when he comes! If ye dare to stand at a distance from one another, and dare abandon conscience, and the communion of Saints! If ye dare deny the Power for the form, or oppose it with the form! And dare Answer to the most high God, for all the injuries that shall befall Zion, or the People of God after this! through the Divisions, Rents, and confusions, and the Neglect of this great (indubitable) and indispensable Duty of UNITING! Or if ye dare to take upon you and yours, the guilt of all the sins of these times, and the evils of all these heartburnings, hatred, Envies, Malice, Persecutions, and oppositions, the present work, Truth, and Saints of Christ meet with! And dare slight, quench, resist, or despite the Holy-Ghost, having so little of the Fear of the true and dreadful God, and dreadful day, in your hearts, or eyes! O if you dare or can do All these things, and wilfully reject this Grace, or this Errand unto you, and from hence forward say, Pray, have me excused, or I cannot come! I have some other business! Then, then tremble and Fear before the Lord, lest all the evils (that arise from the Neglect hereof) do lie at your doors▪ And we doubt not but the voice of JEHOVAH (or the Lord) himself will ere long speak so Roaringly out of Zion, Joel 3. 16. and Rousingly by his DISPENSATIONS! as will make your hearts to Ake! and your ears to tingle, your knees to tremble! and joints to smite! and your tongues to say, O WHAT WRETCHES! what wretches were we! that we durst have been so bold, and resolved to resist! yea persist in this Disobedience! and despite to so Great and Good a work! and all this that we might loll on in our security, and stupidity!  

On the contrary, an Expostulation.  But on the Contrary; If conscience be awakened, understanding enlightened, and by the word (and otherways) ye be convinced, that this is your Work. If your hearts be affected, your Affections hereby whetted, and your Spirits Moved, (with us) at the Sobs, sighs and groans, of poor Zion, (whom no man layeth to heart as he ought!) If you have but Rags for her wounds, balsam for her sores, Handkerchiefs for her tears, cordials for her Faintings! If ye have any Pantings of heart, Longings of soul, and Workings of spirit, after Christ, the Redemption of his people, the reign of his Saints, and the Service of his kingdom! If any love unto his Government and Dominion! If any Power of godliness! If any purity of holiness! If any Separating from, and feelingly mourning over the horrid Idols and Evils of these times! If any fervent Desires, and Well-wishes to Zion in the WHOLE! and not to rend, or pull her a pieces in PARTIES! Then we pray and beseech you to Awake! Arise! and Rouse up upon your feet in this Work without delay! (whether in Churches or out;) and let us rather choose to be buried together in Ashes, then be as we are! Else what can keep out the Incursions of Enemies and the inundation of temptations, Else what will stop up the force! and Source of Last! Pride, Ambition; covetousness, and Sins that hath broken in so violently upon the church's! Or what can stay the Spirit of Persecution; or Oppression upon our Consciences! from making us Absolute Slaves; and moulding us up to the Will of MAN. Or else hanging, heading, chopping, and burning our Bodies to Ashes if we refuse;) What else can keep out the crafty Combination that is made against us, from destroying us! Else what can keep the kernel in the shell, (the power of Religion in the form (yea in all forms) and Brotherly love ALIVE, amongst us but this! And what else can repress and repel the USURPING POWER from entering a foot (if not a head) amongst us: on purpose to keep out the Power, and Prerogative of Christ, and how else shall we be raised out of that deadness, flatness, emptiness, coldness, and miserable slumbering most professors are rocked into! Else what can cure, or comfort ZION! if her members that have been so miserably racked asunder, be not put into joint and order and EXERCISE again! Else what course can be taken to suppress that eager? Growing, and Greedy Spirit of devouring one another; For forms, judgements, or partial opinions! Else what can impede that dangerous progress, and promoting of parties, and factions, venting, and ventilating, their private and ambiguous thoughts? (whose Religion lies most in their Opinions and Parties) and how can we avoid those busy Disputers? that lay out their time? their strength? their zeal? their knowledge? their heat? and their Interest? and their very hearts, about doubtful Disputations, Rom. 14. 1. needless Questions that gender strifes, 1 Tim. 2▪ 23. 1 Tim. 6. 3. 5. to the distraction of souls? disturbance of Saints? decay of true grace? and heavenly life, Whiles the WHOLE BODY becomes distempered, and disordered; yea, and languishing with such unnatural heats; or hectic fevers? What course can be taken to Recover hundreds out of the Snares of Satan? soul imprisonments of spirits, of forms? and else what! what will become of the deepest heart groans, And grave groans! Faith, Prayers, and Patience of the choicest▪ Saints that ever the earth bore! that have so (passionately!) longed to see such a Day! Else how is it possible to avoid those present Noises among professors (in and out of CHURCHES, Of sonnding brass, and tinkling cymbals? Else what? ah what can we expect but the continuance and and Increase of Confusions? darkness? Disorders? Dispensations? Misunderstandings? and sufferings? so as All that we look upon, for help shall fail us! and for helpers, and Deliverers shall prove miserable comforters at last? not being able to help us, or themselves but passing by us, and leave us bleeding? But in a word! What else is, or can, be our Next work (for all at once) for GOD! for CHRIST! for SAINTS for MEN, for the WHOLE NATION! and for the WHOLE CREATION? Or what can we do, or capacity be in for any thing? or (indeed) Deliverance expect before THIS? for as 2 Cor. 10. 6 having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your OBEDIENCE is fulfilled. But let that be done FIRST and the Rest follows, as the Consequent doth the Antecedent. And by this means, we shall have as Free! Full! and natural an access to the things we seek for! as our hearts can desire!  
But now we leave you (oh Brethren and friends of Zion of ALL SORTS!) and the CALL to you (from a poor shrub, or BURNING BUSH! to betake ourselves upon our bended knees, again, and again! And to beg of God for you, who shall engage or persuade JAPHETH to dwell in the tents of Shem, that Canaan may be his servant) to give (you the GRACE, to make an immediate ESSAY upon this Duty, as Psal. 48. 12, 13. walk about Zion round about her, tell the Towers thereof, mark ye well her Bulwarks, Consider her Palaces that ye may tell it to the Generation that follows.  
Leaving with you these Sobs! and Tears! of Zion! who hath lain so long in Brine and Blood!   

The 27. day of the 7 month, 1657.  
AGREED to by this BODY UNITED, (and WAITING as at Jerusalem) that according to Acts 1. 15. An hundred and twenty of our Names be Subscribed, and Sent out with a SOLEMN INVITATION to this UNITING WORK, throughout the three Nations, in the NAME of our LORD Jesus (who is Coming!) and of the REST of this BODY UNITED, in and about this City of London. Who have (Through Grace!) made some little ENTRANCE into so Great! so hopeful! and so Necessary a WORK! that we may be put (together) into a better Capacity for his COMING, and kingdom, in every ADMINISTRATION thereof. Even so, Amen.  Isa. 49. 17. Thy Children shall make haste! (Then) Thy Destroyers and them that laid thee wast shall go forth of thee. 


EDward edmond's.  
Robert Clark.  
Nicholas Middleton.  
Thomas Broughton.  
Richard Jones.  
Henry Chomley.  
John white.  
Thomas Dowsde.  
Richard Tyler.  
John Tyrrel.  
John Allen.  
James Mallery.  
James Frances.  
Walter Harding.  
James Lowd.  
Jon: Merrals.  
S: Mast.  
William Russel.  
Frances Good.  
John Turner.  
Walter Rand.  
James Wilkins.  
John Ward.  
Solomon Webster.  
R. Brimsal.  
George Johnson.  
Edward Broomer.  
Thomas Ardree.  
Henry Hedges.  
Edw: Graves.  
Edmund Wood.  
Robert Wingreen.  
John Jealous.  
J. Nessonby.  
Richard Smith.  
Thomas Atwood.  
M: Pace.  
John Wandall.  
Daniel Rand.  
Samuel Gossener.  
John King.  
Evan Hewes.  
Edward Glayes.  
Miles Cottiss.  
E. Burges.  
Gregory Kirby.  
John raiment.  
Robert Rogers.  
Gilbert Lockington.  
M. Stowers.  
Thomas Crundal.  
John Thaire.  
Joseph West.  
Thomas Coates.  
S. Freeland.  
Miles Coates.  
John Robon.  
Christopher Craile.  
K. Johnson.  
Edward Squire.  
James Grippe.  
John Thomson.  
John Rogers.  
Clement Plomsted.  
H: White.  
Thomas More.  
Nathaniel Bunch.  
Henry Martin.  
Anthony airs.  
Matthew Grigson.  
A: Curtis.  
Thomas Ambler.  
John Crump.  
Richard Bird.  
John massy.  
Francis Goram.  
Thomas Moreton.  
John Clement.  
William Elwood.  
S. Green.  
S. Rowley.  
Robert Simmons.  
James Gressam.  
Robert Knight.  
S. Lockinton.  
William Chandler.  
John Babycome.  
E. Chambers.  
George Hancock.  
James Doeman.  
Simon Smith.  
A. Prichard.  
John Gardner.  
Joseph Jefferies.  
Edward Hewson.  
Joseph Graves.  
John Bingel.  
E. Sparks.  
Edward Hart.  
Francis Simson.  
Francis Crane.  
E. Grippe.  
Richard Groeme.  
Francis Moon.  
E. Thurland.  
S. Frances.  
John Crony.  
E. Webster.  
Richard Hodges.  
Michael Dunwell.  
John Ireland.  
E. Rookesby.  
Thomas Taylor.  
H. Pirkins.  
John Loveday.  
Robert massy.  
A. Rawlings.  
Edward Bowman.  
Walter Simmons.  
Jonathan Renolds, &c.    Acts 1. 15. The number of Names together were about 120.  

SInce this hath been in the press (with some Delay,) we have from several Parts in the East, South, and North of this NATION, been already (and unexpectedly!) sent unto, to encourage and Provoke us in this WORK and WAY, according to the proposals; and We should gladly hear from Others.   

There be erratas which the Reader may easily recover and Correct in his own Understanding, as p. 59 l. 21. r. desired to see, l. 30. r. orderly joined, p. 60. l. 38. r. uncomfortable, &c.  
FINIS.