Selected quad for the lemma: act_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
act_n church_n communion_n occasional_a 2,728 5 15.2643 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53701 A guide to church-fellowship and order according to the gospel-institution wherein these following particulars are distinctly handled, I. The necessity of believers to joyn themselves in church-order, II. The subject matter of the church, III. The continuation of a church-state, and of the administration of evangelical ordinances of worship, briefly vindicated, IV. What sort of churches the disciples of Christ may and ought to joyn themselves unto as unto entire communion / by ... John Owen ... Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1692 (1692) Wing O760; ESTC R38177 32,962 84

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flagitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v believe_v own_a and_o profess_v without_o controversy_n and_o those_o not_o bear_v withal_o by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v or_o oppose_v without_o this_o a_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v general_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v a_o church_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o wrangling_n and_o contention_n about_o fundamental_a or_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o choice_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o these_o thing_n subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o great_o impede_fw-la their_o edification_n and_o although_o both_o among_o distinct_a church_n and_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n mutual_a forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o variety_n in_o apprehension_n in_o some_o doctrine_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o the_o incursion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v into_o sundry_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o last_o and_o present_a age_n of_o novel_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n with_o difference_n division_n and_o endless_a dispute_n which_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o have_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o constant_a total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o absolute_o unto_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o wherein_o there_o be_v incurable_a dissension_n about_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v public_o avow_v countenance_n or_o approve_v of_o doctrine_n contrary_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o first_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o the_o divine_a worship_n institute_v or_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v diligent_o observe_v without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereunto_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o unto_o all_o external_a occasional_a incidency_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n do_v unmake_v they_o from_o be_v rational_a ●_z or_o refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o give_v they_o a_o improvement_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o they_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o but_o if_o man_n if_o church_n will_v make_v addition_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o require_v their_o observance_n in_o their_o communion_n on_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o be_v so_o by_o they_o appoint_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n to_o join_v in_o total_a absolute_a communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n he_o may_v be_v induce_v on_o various_a consideration_n to_o judge_v that_o something_o of_o that_o nature_n at_o some_o season_n may_v not_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a unto_o he_o which_o therefore_o he_o will_v bear_v with_o or_o comply_v withal_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n or_o command_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o or_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o hereby_o too_o much_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o believer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o shall_v thereon_o make_v severe_a declamation_n about_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n which_o will_v ensue_v i_o desire_v they_o will_v remember_v the_o principle_n i_o proceed_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o such_o sacred_a machine_n as_o some_o suppose_v erect_v and_o act_v for_o the_o outward_a interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o only_o mean_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o a_o divine_a warranty_n justify_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o a_o express_a command_n make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o only_a law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v faithful_a both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n ●ath_v institute_v and_o command_v but_o have_v no_o such_o warranty_n or_o command_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o if_o by_o the_o same_o ●reath_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n they_o be_v command_v and_o oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v both_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o s●●e_z penalty_n of_o their_o omission_n no_o man_n can_v be_v divine_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o such_o term_n 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n so_o to_o be_v join_v with_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a thereunto_o what_o these_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v and_o because_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v so_o eminent_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o in_o the_o join_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o any_o such_o communion_n and_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o size_n it_o will_v be_v incurable_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a or_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o gift_n grace_n or_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v insufficient_a unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v account_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o edification_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o that_o communion_n and_o that_o alone_a wherein_o due_a edification_n
can_v be_v obtain_v wherefore_o a_o ministry_n enable_v by_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o engage_v by_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o labour_v constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o increase_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n be_v require_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o a_o believer_n may_v conscientious_o join_v himself_o unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o let_v man_n cry_v out_o schism_n and_o faction_n whilst_o they_o please_v jesus_n christ_n will_v acquit_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o accept_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o allow_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o to_o act_v according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v they_o will_v be_v continual_o pa●ting_v from_o on_o church_n unto_o another_o until_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v mere_a and_o best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v herein_o may_v possible_o keep_v ●p_v some_o church_n but_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v all_o religion_n 2._o that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o this_o liberty_n be_v deny_v unto_o profess_v christians_n yet_o do_v indeed_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o far_o as_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o churchman_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o be_v it_o ●ot_n in_o whether_o of_o these_o church_n edification_n may_v be_v best_a obtain_v if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ball_n between_o we_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v now_o herein_o do_v all_o the_o writer_n and_o preacher_n of_o both_o party_n give_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n unto_o the_o people_n w●y_a edification_n be_v better_a to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o one_o church_n than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o do_v they_o not_o require_v of_o they_o to_o form_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o act_v according_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o do_v but_o make_v a_o fourish_n and_o act_v a_o part_n like_o player_n on_o a_o stage_n without_o any_o determinate_a design_n 3._o all_o christian_n actual_o do_v so_o they_o do_v judge_n for_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v brutish_a they_o do_v act_n according_a unto_o that_o judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o suppose_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n that_o man_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o act_v every_o one_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v a_o imagination_n of_o man_n who_o think_v but_o little_a of_o what_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o say_v or_o write_v even_o those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o follow_v in_o the_o h●rd_a resolve_v not_o to_o inquire_v into_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v it_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v by_o protestant_n that_o private_a christian_n have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n the_o term_n be_v invent_v to_o grant_v they_o some_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o blind_a obedience_n require_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o withal_o to_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o superior_a judgement_n it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o o●hers_n but_o if_o by_o discretion_n they_o mean_v the_o best_a of_o man_n understanding_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v exercise_v i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v inform_v what_o other_o judgement_n than_o this_o of_o discretion_n in_o and_o ●bout_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v or_o exercise_v but_o to_o allow_v man_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o not_o to_o grant_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v accond_v unto_o that_o judgement_n be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o act_v not_o discreet_o at_o least_o not_o according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n 5._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n without_o which_o neither_o can_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n be_v observe_v nor_o the_o end_n of_o they_o attain_v the_o neglect_n the_o loss_n the_o abuse_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a profession_n of_o it_o into_o confusion_n hereon_o have_v the_o fervency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o true_a evangelical_n mutual_a love_n be_v abate_v yea_o utter_o lose_v for_o that_o love_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o never_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o among_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o new_a commandment_n the_o continuation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v find_v and_o this_o have_v ensue_v on_o the_o neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n in_o church_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o it_o into_o a_o worldly_a domination_n for_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o preservation_n guidance_n and_o act_v of_o this_o love_n that_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principal_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n be_v also_o lose_v hereby_o most_o man_n be_v rather_o ready_a to_o say_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n than_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o comply_v with_o the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o by_o this_o mean_n likewise_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o communion_n lose_v and_o those_o receive_v principal_a member_n of_o church_n who_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o they_o wherefore_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o choice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v ourselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o constant_a complete_a communion_n and_o in_o who_o communion_n we_o will_v abide_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o consist_v in_o voluntary_a free_a act_n of_o obedience_n with_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v they_o to_o be_v thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v unto_o and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v or_o on_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v no_o other_o guidance_n in_o they_o but_o outward_a circumstance_n fr●m_v the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o inhabit_v i_o will_v have_v no_o contest_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o also_o that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o church_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v whereon_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o who_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v most_o suit_v unto_o his_o edification_n advertisement_n for_o your_o further_a carry_v on_o of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v another_o book_n doctor_n owen_n live_v to_o finish_v and_o leave_v it_o as_o his_o last_o legacy_n to_o the_o church_n entitle_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n
observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o ●_z the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_v unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptize_v child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church_n duty_n or_o enjoy_v church-priviledge_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a corsent_a thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8._o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o wa●_n the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o d●ys_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o preclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v
the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n a●d_v work_v be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_n we_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church-state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurous_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o