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act_n church_n communion_n perform_v 3,059 5 9.9633 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23658 Catholicism, or, Several enquiries touching visible church-membership, church-communion, the nature of schism, and the usefulness of natural constitutions for the furtherance of religion by W.A. Allen, William, d. 1686. 1683 (1683) Wing A1055; ESTC R502 134,503 424

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the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a will_v be_v thereby_o strengthen_v in_o their_o self-flattery_n and_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o touch_n their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o find_v the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o thus_o strengthen_v by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concur_v with_o they_o therein_o they_o will_v be_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n and_o in_o so_o much_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o rest_v secure_o in_o that_o unsafe_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o know_v or_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o many_o that_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v laodicean_n like_v less_o apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n before_o god_n than_o they_o that_o be_v true_o sincere_a how_o much_o less_o will_v they_o suspect_v it_o and_o how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o though_o false_a when_o they_o have_v the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o back_v they_o in_o it_o and_o that_o after_o inspection_n have_v be_v make_v into_o their_o life_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n approve_v of_o as_o the_o manner_n be_v of_o those_o that_o go_v that_o way_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o of_o this_o great_a inconvenience_n some_o of_o the_o new_a england_n divine_v grow_v sensible_a after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o that_o way_n a_o great_a while_n for_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_v apologetical_a preface_n pa._n 43_o 44._o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o these_o word_n indeed_o when_o man_n confound_v these_o two_o and_o do_v the_o visible_a church_n interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n 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please_v but_o overthrow_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o lust_v then_o enumerate_v their_o miscarriage_n and_o what_o befall_v they_o thereupon_o and_o further_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n happen_v to_o they_o for_o example_n or_o type_n to_o we_o and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v thereby_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v participate_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_n in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o like_a they_o may_v 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case_n will_v be_v still_o increase_v when_o that_o very_o little_a of_o true_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o some_o man_n be_v great_o obscure_v by_o the_o courseness_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n beside_o the_o prejudice_n which_o some_o good_a man_n have_v against_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n in_o opinion_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o discern_v true_a grace_n in_o some_o of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o good_a degree_n too_o this_o age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n and_o severity_n of_o many_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o of_o those_o in_o who_o god_n himself_o find_v save_v grace_n will_v be_v refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o if_o that_o opinion_n shall_v general_o obtain_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n 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good_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o what_o they_o desire_v and_o seek_v whereas_o the_o other_o tend_v to_o exasperate_v and_o provoke_v and_o to_o beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o a_o jealousy_n of_o their_o design_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v ease_n and_o relief_n in_o what_o be_v mattet_n of_o grievance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o which_o do_v that_o be_v no_o good_a way_n of_o obtain_v from_o they_o solomon_n wise_a advice_n be_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o ruler_n rise_v up_o against_o thou_o leave_v not_o thy_o place_n for_o yield_v pacifi_v great_a offence_n eccles_n 10.4_o query_n xiii_o wherein_o may_v catholic_n church_n communion_n consist_v and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o best_o preserve_v to_o clear_v our_o way_n in_o this_o inquiry_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o union_n 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that_o interest_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a by_o their_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v make_v by_o one_o baptism_n or_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n respect_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o catholic_n communion_n respect_v its_o well-being_n by_o its_o increase_n in_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o comfort_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o catholic_n church_n unity_n by_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v another_o which_o come_v by_o relation_n but_o this_o unity_n of_o communion_n slow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o relation_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a have_v thus_o brief_o consider_v how_o catholic_n communion_n differ_v from_o catholic_n union_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o wherein_n or_o in_o what_o catholic_n commumunion_n do_v consist_v and_o we_o may_v best_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o 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same_o worship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n this_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n act_v 1.14_o and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o penticost_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o when_o their_o number_n so_o increase_v that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o perform_v this_o public_a worship_n together_o in_o one_o place_n but_o in_o several_a distinct_a assembly_n call_v particular_a church_n yet_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n make_v their_o communion_n in_o it_o but_o one_o communion_n though_o perform_v in_o several_a assembly_n for_o although_o these_o assembly_n be_v never_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n the_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v no_o more_o hinder_v their_o communion_n from_o be_v 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the_o spiritual_a benefit_n communicate_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o assist_v in_o common_a in_o the_o worship_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o church_n render_v he_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o transcendent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o return_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o the_o more_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o in_o their_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o more_o they_o honour_v he_o and_o the_o more_o they_o please_v he_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o he_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o agreement_n but_o of_o two_o of_o they_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v have_v his_o promise_n of_o grant_v it_o mat._n 18.19_o what_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o
it_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o use_v it_o in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n lest_o we_o seem_v to_o sympolize_v with_o they_o therein_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o several_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o 1._o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o require_v by_o any_o cannon_n or_o constitution_n of_o they_o dr._n john_n burges_n of_o great_a note_n in_o his_o time_n in_o his_o treatise_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v or_o in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n chap._n 21._o pag._n 67._o and_o pag._n 479._o of_o his_o rejoynder_n as_o he_o be_v recite_v for_o i_o have_v not_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n with_o we_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n communicate_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n but_o with_o the_o papist_n the_o pope_n when_o himself_o perform_v the_o office_n receive_v sit_v as_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n the_o mass_n priest_n receive_v stand_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o confirmation_n of_o all_o which_o he_o cite_v several_a author_n he_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o people_n receive_v kneel_v and_o say_v that_o the_o priest_n do_v so_o too_o until_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n beget_v the_o canon_n for_o his_o stand_n but_o he_o deny_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o receive_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n any_o rite_n of_o or_o for_o adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n itself_o and_o say_v never_o any_o pope_n enjon_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o direction_n in_o the_o mass_n for_o it_o the_o reverend_a dr._n stilliigfleet_n have_v assert_v much_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o his_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n pag._n 15._o 2._o how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o kneel_v have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o bad_a purpose_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o do_v not_o make_v the_o use_n of_o it_o unlawful_a when_o separate_v from_o that_o abuse_n kneel_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o use_n of_o kneel_v unlawful_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n 3._o our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v in_o compliance_n with_o public_a order_n and_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o appearance_n or_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n of_o bread-worship_n because_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v our_o kneel_v therein_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o rubric_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n of_o communion_n that_o no_o adoration_n be_v thereby_o intend_a or_o aught_o to_o the_o do_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n or_o to_o any_o corporal_a presence_n of_o christ_n natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o be_v intend_v and_o mean_v for_o a_o signification_n and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benesit_n of_o christ_n therein_o give_v by_o this_o we_o see_v all_o appearance_n and_o suspicion_n of_o require_v kneel_v in_o order_n to_o any_o bread-worship_n be_v quite_o take_v away_o 4._o stand_v be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v mark_v xi_o 25._o and_o yet_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o that_o reason_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n stand_v and_o if_o its_o be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n than_o the_o adoration_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o that_o gesture_n neither_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n 5._o kneel_v its_o be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v the_o use_n of_o it_o unlawful_a in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o fit_a and_o convenient_a for_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o high_o become_v we_o inward_o to_o adore_v our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o his_o wonderful_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o and_o for_o give_v his_o flesh_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o can_v be_v incongruous_a or_o unfit_a to_o express_v and_o signify_v this_o internal_a act_n of_o adoration_n by_o another_o that_o be_v external_a for_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v he_o both_o in_o our_o body_n and_o our_o spirit_n and_o now_o i_o think_v no_o man_n atho_fw-mi understand_v and_o consider_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o kneel_v in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o content_n or_o the_o head_n of_o enquiry_n query_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a pag._n 3_o query_n ii_o what_o be_v it_o which_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n 6._o query_n iii_o what_o may_v that_o be_v by_o which_o people_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n 9_o query_n iu._n how_o and_o when_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n enter_v into_o by_o which_o people_n be_v external_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o visible_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n 13_o query_n v._n how_o can_v infant_n become_v visible_a church-member_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n since_o they_o seem_v natural_o uncapable_a of_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n 19_o query_n vi_o whether_o in_o the_o baptise_n of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n 38_o query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_a say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o visible_a in_o other_o and_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o difference_n arise_v 41_o query_n viii_o whether_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a then_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a 53_o query_n ix_o whether_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a 123_o query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_o and_z and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a 173_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o 207_o query_n xii_o whether_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a emercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v 225_o query_n xiii_o wherein_o may_v catholick-church_n communion_n consist_v and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o best_o preserve_v 265_o query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n 300_o query_n xv._o suppose_v thing_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a and_o communion_n to_o be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o our_o former_a inquiry_n yet_o how_o do_v they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church-division_n 349_o errata_fw-la the_o run_v title_n of_o the_o book_n mistake_v pag._n 22._o l._n 23._o deal_n since_o p._n 31._o l._n 1._o after_o all_o add_v these_o p._n 39_o l._n 27._o for_o proper_o r._n property_n p._n 48._o l._n 5._o f._n who_o r._n when_o l._n 25._o deal_n also_o p._n 54._o l._n 15._o f._n man_v r._n mens_fw-la p._n 57_o l._n 16._o f._n man_n r._n man_n p._n 61._o l._n 12._o f._n take_v r._n break_v p._n 62._o l._n 2._o f._n in_o r._n on_o p._n 118._o l._n 8._o f._n qualify_v r._n qaalified_a p._n 195._o l._n 2._o f._n bein_z r._n being_z p._n 335._o l._n 19_o f._n rule_n r._n cure_n catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n etc._n etc._n notion_n narrow_a than_o those_o which_o will_v hold_v scripture-measure_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o
that_o have_v aggravate_v their_o crime_n in_o not_o observe_v the_o covenant_n consent_v to_o by_o their_o forefather_n unless_o they_o their_o posterity_n have_v be_v oblige_v by_o their_o forefather_n consent_v to_o it_o three_o god_n call_v those_o child_n of_o idolatrous_a jew_n his_o child_n who_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n and_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v unto_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o &_o 23.37_o and_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v they_o so_o but_o by_o be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n though_o now_o they_o have_v violate_v it_o and_o by_o be_v far_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n circumcise_n they_o it_o seem_v that_o covenant_n which_o have_v oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o be_v god_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o likewise_o and_o much_o more_o be_v they_o thus_o oblige_v when_o their_o parent_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o though_o such_o parent_n have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant_n interest_n in_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o by_o that_o by_o which_o they_o do_v so_o make_v void_a god_n covenant_n right_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o he_o to_o be_v he_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o some_o man_n when_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o bad_a as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o king_n 15.3_o 2_o king_n 16.2_o 2_o chron._n 28.5_o &_o 36.5.12_o four_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o circumcise_a their_o child_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o not_o the_o child_n themselves_o and_o yet_o these_o child_n be_v as_o firm_o oblige_v by_o it_o when_o grow_v to_o be_v man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v then_o circumcise_a themselves_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 5.3_o and_o if_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o circumcise_n they_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n on_o their_o part_n whenever_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o god_n part_n until_o they_o deve_v themselves_o of_o it_o by_o their_o actual_a and_o wilful_a transgress_v the_o covenant_n in_o not_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o correspondence_n to_o his_o promise_n of_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n account_n little_a child_n which_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o design_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o favourable_a construction_n repute_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o that_o service_n while_o but_o little_a child_n which_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v until_o they_o be_v past_o their_o childhood_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o one_o case_n and_o by_o purity_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o under_o like_a circumstance_n the_o child_n of_o the_o koathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o they_o be_v design_v and_o devote_v for_o it_o by_o their_o parent_n then_o though_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v that_o service_n until_o they_o attain_v unto_o more_o year_n numb_a 3.27_o 28._o these_o be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o koathite_n in_o the_o number_n of_o all_o the_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o parent_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o contrary_a event_n in_o their_o child_n if_o they_o do_v not_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o when_o they_o shall_v their_o child_n be_v repute_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o their_o parent_n proper_o be_v so_o by_o neglect_v to_o fulfil_v the_o term_n of_o it_o on_o their_o child_n behalf_n the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o little_a child_n of_o proselyte_n also_o make_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n by_o their_o father_n take_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o by_o enter_v their_o male-children_n with_o themselves_o into_o it_o by_o circumcision_n exod._n 12.48_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v to_o that_o end_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o the_o child_n ought_v then_o to_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v capable_a to_o have_v do_v so_o and_o which_o in_o duty_n they_o ought_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o they_o before_o parent_n as_o parent_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o their_o child_n and_o so_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o that_o what_o they_o oblige_v they_o to_o by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n will_n and_o command_v in_o their_o minority_n they_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o nor_o countermand_v by_o god_n as_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o than_o their_o parent_n have_v this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a as_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o have_v found_v his_o own_o institution_n upon_o it_o of_o oblige_v little_a child_n by_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n if_o a_o man_n by_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n oblige_v his_o son_n and_o heir_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a thing_n among_o man_n for_o such_o a_o child_n to_o esteem_v himself_o not_o oblige_v thereby_o to_o do_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n or_o testament_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v it_o say_v s._n paul_n gal._n 3.15_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a child_n become_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n both_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o under_o it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o other_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christian-parent_n have_v as_o great_a a_o propriety_n in_o and_o as_o much_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o parent_n have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n on_o their_o behalf_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o benefit_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o child_n now_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n for_o their_o benefit_n than_o it_o be_v then_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n be_v of_o as_o much_o force_n to_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o now_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n by_o do_v that_o for_o they_o in_o their_o minority_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o benefit_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v heretofore_o all_o thing_n be_v suppose_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o parent_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o capacity_n to_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n to_o god_n in_o covenant_n now_o by_o what_o they_o may_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n in_o their_o minority_n as_o ever_o parent_n be_v heretofore_o they_o may_v dedicate_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n by_o baptism_n now_o as_o well_o as_o parent_n can_v by_o circumcision_n heretofore_o and_o baptism_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v the_o baptise_a in_o covenant_n with_o
whether_o in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o to_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o somewhat_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o whether_o likewise_o such_o answer_n from_o the_o parent_n shall_v not_o be_v expect_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o demand_n and_o further_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o infant_n can_v be_v so_o well_o or_o so_o direct_o and_o proper_o oblige_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n by_o what_o sponsor_n which_o be_v not_o their_o parent_n then_o do_v to_o oblige_v they_o as_o they_o may_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n themselves_o may_v do_v to_o that_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposal_n or_o question_n be_v this_o if_o the_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n which_o parent_n oblige_v they_o to_o in_o their_o baptism_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o parent_n proper_o in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o as_o be_v suppose_v it_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v then_o they_o can_v be_v so_o proper_o oblige_v by_o what_o other_o sponsor_n do_v in_o their_o behalf_n at_o their_o baptism_n which_o have_v no_o such_o property_n in_o they_o or_o authority_n over_o they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o parent_n be_v not_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n when_o yet_o sponsor_n act_v in_o the_o parent_n stead_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o cause_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o what_o the_o sponsor_n act_v be_v by_o the_o parent_n procurement_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v interpretative_o their_o act_n but_o yet_o parent_n immediate_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n act_v the_o part_n of_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n seem_v more_o proper_a and_o better_a to_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n sponsor_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a in_o case_n parent_n of_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v dead_a as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n from_o which_o perhaps_o that_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n there_o be_v other_o case_n in_o which_o sponsor_n or_o pro-parent_n may_v be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o hardly_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v parent_n from_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o submission_n to_o those_o of_o better_a judgement_n and_o more_o authority_n have_v only_o offer_v they_o to_o consideration_n query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_n say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o visible_a in_o other_o and_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o difference_n arise_v this_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n and_o from_o the_o different_a union_n between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o his_o member_n which_o be_v cause_v thereby_o by_o invisible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v those_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o man_n abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o serious_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o holy_a live_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v everlasting_a misery_n and_o become_v eternal_o happy_a by_o visible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v external_a and_o visible_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n such_o as_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o other_o act_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o in_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o in_o sobriety_n of_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n self_n now_o by_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n foremention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v external_a the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n be_v so_o perform_v that_o by_o it_o a_o man_n be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v invisible_o one_o with_o he_o but_o visible_a christianity_n alone_o be_v but_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a by_o this_o much_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n membership_n lie_v and_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v arise_v now_o that_o the_o internal_a christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o internal_a change_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o apprehension_n inclination_n motion_n and_o operation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o various_a object_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v produce_v or_o obtain_v a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a union_n of_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o this_o internal_a renovation_n of_o soul_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o union_n with_o god_n by_o adhesion_n for_o by_o it_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o be_v join_v to_o he_o he_o that_o be_v join_v or_o he_o that_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v render_v by_o both_o word_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o for_o a_o man_n firm_o and_o resolve_o to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n in_o worship_v love_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o in_o place_v his_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o his_o only_a god_n and_o saviour_n come_v what_o will_v which_o be_v his_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a union_n with_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o this_o internal_a renovation_n work_v a_o invisible_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o which_o participation_n man_n be_v moral_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o they_o be_v thereby_o renew_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n or_o one_o in_o spirit_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n or_o of_o one_o spirit_n for_o so_o far_o as_o such_o a_o one_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o renovation_n he_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o god_n judge_v and_o love_n and_o hate_v and_o design_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v 3._o by_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n man_n come_v to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o which_o their_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v complete_v the_o holy_a spirit_n first_o prepare_v they_o as_o live_a temple_n or_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o by_o renew_v they_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n and_o then_o come_v and_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o afford_v they_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n and_o assistance_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n dwell_v both_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o they_o the_o union_n between_o they_o become_v more_o intimous_a and_o more_o entire_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o as_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o make_v so_o much_o by_o their_o contiguity_n or_o close_o join_v as_o by_o be_v all_o animate_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n so_o it_o be_v
in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o in_o point_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a may_v yet_o in_o some_o sort_n real_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v touch_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n yea_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o suffering_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o these_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v and_o undissemble_o profess_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o profess_a infidel_n do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
hunger_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n one_o be_v hungry_a another_o be_v drink_v despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o which_o have_v not_o these_o also_o be_v such_o unworthy_a act_n as_o christian_n by_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a now_o all_o these_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o right_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v either_o as_o not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o as_o not_o be_v due_o affect_v with_o what_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o for_o remedy_n for_o time_n to_o come_v he_o put_v they_o upon_o examine_v themselves_o concern_v the_o apprehension_n the_o sense_n and_o affection_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v touch_v those_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o external_a act_n of_o unworthy_a communicate_v proceed_v from_o their_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n by_o examination_n find_v themselves_o in_o a_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n to_o answer_v our_o lord_n end_n in_o this_o his_o institution_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n in_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v communicant_n of_o it_o for_o man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n worthy_o or_o unworthy_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o thereby_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o remember_v our_o bless_a saviour_n query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_v and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o well-becoming_a the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o such_o as_o render_v it_o high_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o man_n as_o 1._o because_o it_o tend_v more_o abundant_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o invisible_a church_n member_n than_o it_o will_v if_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a or_o worthy_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o that_o it_o have_v this_o tendency_n need_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v have_v of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o convert_v man_n above_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o other_o way_n experience_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v that_o abundant_a more_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o man_n have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o out_o of_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v than_o before_o more_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o be_v in_o it_o than_o have_v be_v make_v so_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o how_o rare_o have_v any_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n while_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o miracle_n cease_v how_o seldom_o do_v we_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o jew_n or_o profess_a infidel_n become_v real_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n though_o they_o live_v among_o christian_n and_o where_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v any_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o as_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o multitude_n of_o conversion_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n convert_v many_o so_o as_o of_o bad_a to_o make_v they_o real_o holy_a and_o good_a before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o their_o call_v be_v extraordinary_a so_o be_v their_o ministry_n by_o which_o those_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v attest_v to_o come_v from_o heaven_n by_o multitude_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o marvellous_a gift_n and_o therefore_o those_o conversion_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o extraordinary_a conversion_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o thing_n extraordinary_o do_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o have_v the_o like_a do_v in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o under_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o unreasonableness_n as_o those_o we_o call_v seeker_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o can_v find_v as_o they_o think_v no_o true_a church_n extant_a or_o visible_a because_o not_o call_v by_o man_n qualify_v with_o like_a extraordinary_a gift_n as_o those_o or_o many_o of_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v by_o who_o churches_n be_v then_o gather_v and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n convert_v those_o who_o they_o do_v convert_v be_v extraordinary_a it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v succeed_v in_o their_o undertake_n as_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v they_o from_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o forefather_n unto_o a_o new_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o great_o different_a from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v especial_o from_o that_o of_o paganism_n from_o which_o most_o of_o their_o conversion_n probable_o be_v make_v but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n gather_v our_o saviour_n a_o church_n all_o over_o the_o know_a world_n and_o settle_v particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a as_o the_o event_n show_v that_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o convert_v man_n shall_v be_v continue_v for_o when_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_v man_n way_n be_v make_v for_o convert_v they_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n then_o that_o which_o be_v extratraordinary_a cease_v like_a as_o the_o give_v the_o israelite_n manna_n from_o heaven_n cease_v when_o they_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v supply_v with_o food_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o there_o have_v be_v but_o few_o conversion_n make_v in_o those_o without_o the_o church_n but_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o those_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o though_o god_n be_v please_v i_o doubt_v not_o to_o plant_v true_a save_v grace_n in_o some_o in_o their_o early_a day_n by_o the_o benefit_n of_o godly_a education_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o other_o who_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o more_o than_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n if_o so_o much_o find_v in_o they_o when_o grow_v up_o but_o among_o these_o there_o be_v many_o who_o in_o time_n be_v bring_v on_o or_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o under_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v by_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o man_n this_o be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n since_o that_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a cease_v and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n almost_o all_o the_o conversion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n to_o a_o save_a christian_a faith_n and_o to_o a_o faithful_a practice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o person_n baptize_v and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a because_o wrought_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o i_o have_v show_v yet_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v effectual_a at_o last_o be_v but_o only_a beginning_n and_o preparatory_a to_o a_o second_o and_o thorough_a conversion_n of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v carry_v quite_o through_o and_o make_v effectual_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n after_o
house_n be_v do_v by_o their_o confederation_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o cement_n by_o which_o the_o christian_n be_v unite_v and_o combine_v in_o one_o particular_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v ephes_n 2._o but_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n but_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bethynia_n as_o appear_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o no_o one_o sure_o can_v think_v that_o these_o christian_n thus_o scatter_v and_o at_o this_o distance_n can_v become_v one_o particular_a church_n by_o such_o a_o mutual_a confederation_n as_o these_o hold_v necessary_a for_o the_o form_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o not_o it_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o somewhat_o else_o than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n covenant_n as_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n think_v to_o find_v here_o by_o which_o christian_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v build_v up_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o that_o doubtless_o must_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n become_v one_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o sen_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.6_o house_n in_o these_o place_n can_v signify_v less_o than_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n who_o be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v all_o these_o christian_n become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o by_o be_v join_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o thereby_o to_o one_o another_o among_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o be_v worship_v as_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o by_o this_o they_o all_o become_v one_o body_n which_o be_v but_o another_o metaphor_n under_o which_o to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o make_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o qualify_v they_o for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o that_o be_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o to_o make_v any_o other_o covenant_n beside_o this_o so_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n as_o to_o make_v this_o of_o god_n own_o appointment_n insufficient_a for_o that_o end_n be_v a_o great_a impeachment_n of_o it_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o abetter_n of_o it_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o countenance_v if_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o essential_a to_o its_o be_v and_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o god_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v or_o require_v it_o so_o long_v it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o with_o a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n a_o piece_n of_o vain_a worship_n condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 15.9_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o add_v to_o god_n word_n or_o a_o say_n he_o say_v when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o in_o part_n a_o make_v void_a the_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v establish_v their_o own_o tradition_n for_o whereas_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o opinion_n deny_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o other_o confederate_v in_o its_o room_n 3._o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o unchurch_a of_o all_o those_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o unite_v by_o church_n covenant_v for_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o none_o be_v real_o church_n without_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v of_o other_o thing_n now_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o confederate_a be_v a_o great_a thing_n indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o year_n it_o be_v since_o such_o covenant_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o how_o inconsiderable_a a_o number_n of_o congregation_n it_o have_v be_v use_v since_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o very_a venturous_a and_o dare_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o enquiry_n touch_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o thus_o 1._o it_o consist_v partly_o in_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v one_o town_n from_o another_o or_o one_o great_a neighbourhood_n from_o another_o and_o that_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o habitation_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v as_o well_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a for_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o peaceable_a government_n as_o it_o be_v for_o civil_a and_o do_v as_o well_o accommodate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o without_o this_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a government_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v impracticable_a even_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o universal_a empire_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o that_o at_o rome_n from_o that_o at_o corinth_n and_o that_o at_o ephesus_n from_o that_o at_o philippi_n yea_o that_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi from_o that_o at_o corinth_n which_o yet_o border_v upon_o corinth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o indeed_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o church_n and_o church_n by_o vicinity_n of_o neighbourhood_n and_o cohabitation_n do_v best_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o particular_a church_n association_n such_o as_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o all_o christian_a office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o friendship_n but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o constitute_v christian_n dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o particular_a christian_a church_n though_o by_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o be_v as_o fit_a matter_n qualify_v for_o it_o but_o 2._o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v such_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n in_o local_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n consist_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v the_o place_n over_o they_o one_o or_o more_o church-officer_n to_o minister_v to_o they_o therein_o by_o which_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o where_o they_o assemble_v for_o worship_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o like_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o other_o church-officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o by_o such_o their_o joint_a local_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n administer_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o pastor_n they_o be_v unite_v with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o as_o one_o worship_v congregation_n by_o which_o union_n also_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n as_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v from_o they_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a churchway_n do_v indeed_o hold_v particular_a church_n as_o such_o to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o church-officer_n over_o they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o inquiry_n concern_v church_n do_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prove_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o church_n officer_n he_o quote_v act_n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o this_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o by_o and_o by_o but_o shall_v first_o examine_v and_o try_v what_o be_v in_o the_o assertion_n itself_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v will_v be_v find_v full_a of_o mistake_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v find_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o
of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o such_o a_o ministry_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o proper_o be_v a_o church_n without_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n st._n paul_n mention_n ephes_n 4.11.12_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o join_v they_o together_o or_o for_o the_o make_v they_o up_o or_o for_o the_o compact_n or_o knit_v they_o together_o for_o thus_o various_o be_v that_o word_n render_v by_o expositor_n but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o knit_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o their_o several_a public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o edification_n and_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v so_o call_v from_o several_a christian_n assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n their_o union_n wherein_o be_v make_v by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n in_o his_o ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n