) Consider, that this was not writ for a few members to withdraw
from the church, but for the church to withdraw from disorderly
members.
(2.) Consider, that if any offended members, upon pretence of
error, either in doctrine or practice, should by this text become
judges (as well as parties) of the grounds and lawfulness of their
separation; then it will follow, that half a score notorious
heretics, or scandalous livers (when they have walked so as they
forsee the church are ready to deal with them, and withdraw from
them), shall anticipate the church, and pretend somewhat against
them, of which themselves must be judges, and so withdraw from the
church, pretending either heresy or disorder; and so condemn the
church, to prevent the disgrace of being condemned by the church.
How needful then is it, that men of peaceable dispositions, and not
of froward and fractious and dividing spirits, be chosen to rule the
church of God, for fear lest the whole church be leavened and soured
by them!
4. As there must be care used in choosing men to rule the church of
God, so there must be a consideration had, that there are many
things darkly laid down in scripture; this will temper our spirits,
and make us live in peace and unity the more firmly in things in
which we agree; this will help us to bear one another's burdens, and
so fulfil the law of Christ, inasmuch as all things necessary to
salvation and church communion are plainly laid down in scripture.
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