The moderator

This example of Christ in his Ministry made the Apostle Paul become all things unto all men that he might gain some and partake of the Gospel with every one, as he himself doth set forth his own practise, to exhort us to follow it, 1 Cor. 9. vers. 19. till 24. Now if Christ and the Apostles did thus behave themselves with indifferency, and apply themselves without respect of persons by their Ministry unto all, that were any way capable of the outward means of edification (though great sinners otherwise) how can the practise of a Separation, or of a Semiseparation be warranted, and that even from those, who in respect of their profession cannot be denied to be our brethren? Should we dare to put upon matters that are merely circumstantial, and upon things no where expressly enjoined, but rather taken up by our selves, more weight then upon all these fundamental duties of Christianity, and upon the undeniable practise of Christ and his Apostles in the work of their Ministry? If we do make our selves, and our own ways the measure of all perfection, surely we become perfect Idols to, and Idolaters of our selves in ⟨p. 102⟩Gods worship. For if in the outward means of worshipping and drawing near to God in public, though his own ordinances be observed as he hath appointed them, as to the outward man, (for to the inward fellowship he himself alone doth admit whomsoever he pleaseth) yet if then we love to set our selves at a distance from others; or reject others from being partakers with us of the ordinances, either because we count them in holiness inferior to us, or because we are not satisfied concerning their sincerity, or because they come not up to join in opinion with us, concerning all the circumstantials of our way. If I say for these, or such like causes, we stand aloof in the common profession; and think that God is no where to be found but in our way and society; do we not Idolize our selves? do we not make our selves the only rule of all perfection, and say in our hearts, Stand thou by thy self, come not near, for I am holier then thou. And what¹ can be imagined more opposite to the love, humility and condescension of Christ and his Apostles in the way of their Ministry?

This example of Christ in his Ministery made the Apostle Paul become all things unto all men that hee might gaine some and partake of the Gospel with every one, as hee himselfe doth set forth his owne practise, to exhort us to follow it,