the_o very_a ground_n of_o the_o question_n be_v go_v indeed_o here_o be_v practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n but_o not_o profession_n contrary_a to_o profession_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n may_v consist_v with_o profession_n for_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n though_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n profess_v and_o so_o the_o profession_n appear_v counterfeit_a i_o crave_v leave_n to_o ask_v once_o more_o whether_o faith_n here_o be_v take_v objectiuè_fw-la or_o subjectiuè_fw-la if_o objectiuè_fw-la for_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v believe_v then_o it_o may_v still_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o outward_a own_n of_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o conversation_n contrary_a thereunto_o then_o why_o may_v not_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v contrary_a either_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o yet_o profess_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v assignable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o sensu_fw-la formali_fw-la vel_fw-la subjectivo_fw-la and_o that_o a_o wicked_a conversation_n declare_v that_o the_o professor_n do_v not_o believe_v as_o he_o profess_v and_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v therefore_o as_o a_o counterfeit_n once_o more_o i_o demand_v whether_o this_o faith_n profess_v be_v consider_v as_o save_v or_o as_o common_a if_o as_o save_v than_o mr._n will_v his_o cause_n be_v yield_v who_o be_v now_o oppose_v reverend_a master_n baxter_n with_o this_o assertion_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v formal_o because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o unregeneracy_n but_o material_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n if_o as_o common_a or_o as_o other_o historical_a or_o dogmatical_a then_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o those_o who_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o real_a common_a or_o historical_a faith_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o i_o deny_v the_o hypothesis_n that_o all_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o real_a common_a faith_n that_o common_a faith_n be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o true_a common_a faith_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o life_n be_v two_o proposition_n as_o little_o doubt_v by_o most_o divine_n as_o much_o confirm_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o treatise_n follow_v sunt_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la coetu_fw-la viz._n ecclesiae_fw-la visibilis_fw-la multi_fw-la electi_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la non_fw-la sancti_fw-la sed_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la verâ_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la consentientes_fw-la phil._n melanct._n part_n sept._n p._n 33._o other_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o think_v that_o such_o scandalous_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n that_o will_v come_v to_o religion_n thereby_o and_o because_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n scandal_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o church_n thus_o draw_v a_o blot_n and_o disparagement_n upon_o herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v her_o bosom_n to_o any_o vile_a unclean_a unreformed_a person_n and_o true_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o those_o already_o within_o cause_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o why_o ought_v she_o not_o to_o have_v the_o like_a care_n touch_v those_o she_o be_v about_o to_o let_v in_o or_o why_o shall_v those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o community_n that_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v present_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o communion_n but_o i_o presume_v this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o from_o the_o premise_n it_o seem_v at_o least_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o respect_n unto_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n she_o be_v about_o to_o admit_v into_o communion_n though_o i_o donbt_v not_o to_o assert_v with_o our_o brethren_n n._n e._n and_o reverend_a master_n baxter_n that_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o this_o save_a condition_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o expect_v without_o any_o far_a positive_a proof_n of_o conversion_n 4._o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v requisite_a to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o previledge_n thereof_o before_o god_n though_o no_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o give_v visible_a interest_n before_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o trite_a distinction_n of_o right_n here_o coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o ecclâ—sia_n for_o the_o church_n judgement_n of_o man_n right_n must_v pass_v with_o her_o administration_n upon_o visible_a or_o appear_a sign_n by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o god_n upon_o real_a for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v real_o a_o church_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o invisible_a though_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o profession_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o design_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o new_a castle_n be_v yet_o god_n know_v his_o wickedness_n and_o count_v he_o a_o dog_n eat_v the_o child_n bread_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n deceive_v by_o his_o falseness_n but_o not_o err_v because_o profession_n be_v her_o only_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o be_v more_o require_v beside_o profession_n to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o 343._o multi_fw-la enim_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la renaâ—i_fw-la vel_fw-la hypocritae_fw-la consentientes_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la &_o ritibus_fw-la extcrnis_fw-la sen_fw-la est_fw-la coetus_fw-la consentientium_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la habens_fw-la multa_fw-la membra_fw-la mortua_fw-la sen_fw-la non_fw-la regeneratos_fw-la maâ—_n 7._o 21._o mat._n 13._o 24._o par_fw-fr in_o urs_n cat_n 343._o have_v at_o large_a answer_v in_o the_o treatise_n that_o in_o adult_a person_n about_o to_o be_v admit_v a_o real_a actual_a and_o not_o feign_a consent_n but_o in_o person_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o now_o at_o the_o adult_n estate_n a_o non-dissent_n a_o not_o dissent_v from_o or_o a_o not_o reject_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o least_o for_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o way_n either_o negative_o or_o positive_o consentientes_fw-la too_o true_a doctrine_n as_o melancton_n before_o as_o well_o as_o outward_a professor_n of_o it_o 4._o yet_o i_o must_v still_o hold_v my_o main_a proposition_n till_o i_o see_v more_o reason_n to_o let_v it_o go_v that_o unregenerate_a person_n once_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o unregeneracy_n or_o their_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n real_o or_o true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o by_o heresy_n schism_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o both_o apostasy_n or_o at_o least_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o church-censure_n what_o reason_n what_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n i_o show_v for_o it_o and_o what_o absurdity_n i_o allege_v against_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o your_o censure_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o treatise_n only_o that_o it_o may_v pass_v here_o a_o little_a the_o more_o free_o i_o can_v but_o add_v the_o remembrance_n of_o one_o or_o two_o late_a most_o eminent_a and_o full_a testimony_n mr._n hooker_n of_o new_a england_n say_v 36._o survey_v of_o church_n discipline_n p._n 36._o that_o external_o those_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o church_n who_o express_v their_o repentance_n with_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n engage_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o present_a that_o sound_a work_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o may_v be_v never_o shall_v have_v it_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o master_n norton_n also_o a_o minister_n of_o n._n e._n to_o this_o very_a question_n whether_o truth_n 3._o against_o apol._n p._n 3._o of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o visible_a church-membership_a answer_v one_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o external_a or_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o real_a inward_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o that_o
scholastical_a divine_a reverend_a master_n norton_n of_o new_a england_n these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v the_o argument_n hence_o be_v this_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n so_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ._n what_o have_v be_v say_v have_v put_v this_o out_o of_o doubt_n but_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o minor_a here_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v questionable_a be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o distinguish_v of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o visible_a world_n be_v the_o world_n of_o infidel_n and_o such_o as_o open_o detest_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o invisible_a world_n be_v the_o world_n of_o ungodly_a which_o be_v as_o tare_n amid_o the_o what_o of_o the_o godly_a can_v be_v discern_v by_o man_n the_o first_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o invisible_a out_o of_o the_o visible_a world_n the_o visible_a church_n be_v call_v and_o out_o of_o the_o invisible_a world_n the_o invisible_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o save_v be_v call_v again_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v as_o true_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a world_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o such_o as_o live_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o save_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a do_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v this_o and_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o call_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n effectual_o in_o that_o it_o be_v real_o separate_v supra_fw-la vocatio_fw-la communis_fw-la ab_fw-la infide_v litate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la evocat_fw-la trel_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la from_o and_o stand_v in_o distinction_n and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o infidel_n pagan_n turk_n and_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o society_n and_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o call_v of_o god_n his_o lot_n and_o portion_n and_o peculiar_a people_n all_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o master_n baxter_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o be_v please_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n chap._n vi_o arg._n from_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o first_o as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n hitherto_o of_o the_o quid_fw-la nominis_fw-la proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o quid_fw-la rei_fw-la and_o to_o seek_v for_o that_o thing_n and_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o name_n we_o have_v find_v do_v import_v i_o shall_v put_v myself_o and_o reader_n into_o the_o way_n of_o this_o search_n by_o a_o offer_n of_o this_o general_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v real_a cause_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o the_o church_n to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n i_o think_v the_o major_n will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o any_o see_v whatsoever_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o same_o first_o in_o its_o cause_n habet_fw-la quicquid_fw-la est_fw-la in_o effectu_fw-la prae_fw-la existit_fw-la in_o causis_fw-la causatum_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la causa_fw-la suum_fw-la esse_fw-la habet_fw-la yea_o the_o very_a definition_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o result_n or_o that_o which_o have_v its_o very_a self_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o depend_v by_o its_o cause_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v effectum_fw-la or_o a_o thing_n do_v or_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v by_o it_o cause_n and_o causalum_fw-la that_o be_v a_o thing_n cause_v that_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v suarâ—z_n causalitas_fw-la sive_fw-la causatio_fw-la est_fw-la influxus_fw-la ille_fw-la seu_fw-la concursus_fw-la quo_fw-la unaquaequc_fw-la causa_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la actu_fw-la influit_fw-la in_o effectum_fw-la suarâ—z_n no_o more_o a_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o have_v from_o its_o cause_n or_o as_o it_o be_v cause_v and_o causality_n or_o causation_n which_o be_v but_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o influx_n or_o concurrence_n whereby_o every_o cause_n in_o its_o own_o kind_n do_v actual_o flow_v into_o the_o effect_n the_o minor_a only_o than_o rest_v upon_o proof_n viz._n that_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o have_v its_o true_a and_o real_a cause_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n which_o i_o shall_v labour_v to_o maintain_v by_o a_o particular_a induction_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o order_n the_o efficient_a the_o end_n the_o matter_n and_o form_n thereof_o here_o now_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v joint_o inquire_v after_o first_o what_o these_o cause_n be_v second_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v real_a cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n let_v we_o first_o then_o begin_v to_o consider_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n thus_o namely_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o effect_n it_o work_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n 1._o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v principal_a instrumental_a the_o principal_a efficient_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v secundum_fw-la efficient_a efficient_a constitutionem_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la the_o principal_a efficient_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n 29._o rom._n 2._o 29._o in_o the_o administration_n or_o ordination_n of_o it_o be_v christ_n thus_o god_n 18._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 11_o col._n 1._o 18._o be_v proper_o the_o author_n and_o christ_n be_v proper_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o its_o constitution_n 15_o act_n 2._o 41_o 2_o pet._n 2_o 23_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 15_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o can_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n this_o distribution_n need_v no_o proof_n see_v it_o be_v general_o allow_v 2._o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o our_o task_n and_o examine_v whether_o these_o efficient_a cause_n may_v not_o be_v consider_v to_o have_v a_o real_a influence_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o include_v save_v grace_n as_o for_o the_o instrument_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v particular_o thereupon_o partly_o because_o the_o instrument_n be_v but_o subordinate_a to_o its_o principal_a efficient_a in_o the_o same_o operation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o work_n of_o principal_a efficient_a be_v real_a so_o be_v doubtless_o the_o same_o work_n relate_v to_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o and_o partly_o because_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o instrumental_a cause_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v reserve_v to_o be_v large_o handle_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o cur_n church_n in_o england_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o discourse_n therefore_o we_o have_v but_o two_o thing_n here_o before_o we_o whether_o god_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o the_o author_n or_o christ_n to_o be_v true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n and_o of_o these_o in_o order_n i_o shall_v humble_o signify_v my_o opinion_n by_o form_v the_o same_o into_o argument_n the_o argument_n from_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o god_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v consider_v real_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o without_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n than_o he_o may_v without_o doubt_n be_v consider_v to_o be_v the_o real_a author_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n but_o now_o god_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v consider_v real_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o without_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n here_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v interpose_v but_o these_o four_o thing_n faith_n mr._n perk._n speak_v of_o temporal_a believer_n say_v 1._o they_o have_v knowledge_n 2._o they_o
give_v assent_v 3._o they_o give_v assent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o promise_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n ep._n to_o his_o declare_v of_o a_o man_n estate_n and_o add_v mark_v here_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o not_o save_v faith_n either_o first_o that_o the_o call_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o renounce_v idol_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n hystorical_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o depend_v on_o christ_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o salvation_n be_v no_o real_a work_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o common_a sense_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a with_o our_o eye_n or_o second_o that_o these_o common_a work_n be_v also_o save_v work_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o experience_n which_o sad_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n may_v go_v so_o far_o and_o yet_o no_o further_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o else_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n or_o three_o that_o these_o common_a grace_n do_v not_o real_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o what_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v or_o four_o and_o last_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o worker_n of_o these_o common_a effect_n by_o his_o word_n which_o will_v indeed_o be_v against_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o those_o know_v and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o amesius_n hence_o say_v he_o even_o visible_a 168._o hinc_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etiam_fw-la visibiles_fw-la &_o particulares_fw-la ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la quam_fw-la profiteutur_fw-la rect_v è_fw-fr dicun_fw-fr tur_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la patre_fw-la &_o in_fw-la domino_fw-la jesus_n christo_fw-la 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o 2_o thes_n 1._o 1._o medul_a p._n 168._o and_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o also_o i_o may_v add_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la qua_fw-la but_o ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la quam_fw-la profitentur_fw-la that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n which_o they_o profess_v through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v rectè_fw-la or_o true_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n without_o any_o further_a consideration_n of_o any_o save_a grace_n by_o which_o they_o believe_v receive_v from_o he_o chap._n vii_o the_o argument_n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o efficient_a be_v take_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o cause_n efficient_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o dispensation_n or_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o thus_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a influence_n therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o his_o body_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o connexion_n here_o be_v most_o evident_a but_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o the_o antecedent_n require_v as_o well_o a_o modest_a inquisition_n as_o strong_a demonstration_n see_v it_o be_v easy_o note_v to_o cross_v many_o plain_a expression_n of_o eminent_a divine_n in_o this_o antecedent_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a branch_n first_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o pass_v second_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o consider_v without_o necessary_a respect_v to_o save_a influence_n this_o be_v my_o task_n which_o i_o shall_v humble_o undertake_v after_o i_o have_v get_v a_o fair_a understanding_n with_o my_o reader_n therein_o for_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v heed_v that_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n full_o without_o save_a influence_n but_o as_o it_o be_v express_v true_o i._n e._n in_o some_o measure_n true_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o observe_v that_o true_o here_o stand_v not_o in_o opposition_n to_o mystical_o but_o to_o false_o or_o to_o seem_o only_a for_o though_o our_o divine_n do_v usual_o mean_v by_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o doubtless_o master_n cotton_n as_o be_v well_o note_v of_o he_o by_o other_o also_o do_v not_o speak_v improper_o when_o he_o term_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n a_o mystical_a body_n and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o visible_a church_n though_o not_o particular_a may_v also_o challenge_v the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n than_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v its_o mystical_a head_n beside_o if_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o none_o do_v doubt_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o head_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v physical_o or_o mathematical_o take_v which_o none_o will_v affirm_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o mystical_o 3._o further_o may_v it_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n to_o the_o church_n true_o without_o save_v influence_n in_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o any_o will_v assert_v a_o church_n invisible_a i_o be_o not_o bind_v at_o all_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o say_v that_o this_o church_n invisible_a also_o have_v true_a influence_n from_o its_o head_n christ_n which_o be_v not_o save_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v imagine_v 4._o last_o neither_o do_v i_o offer_v to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n visible_a without_o save_a influence_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o consider_v without_o respect_n thereunto_o see_v there_o be_v influence_n not_o save_v which_o yet_o descend_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n upon_o his_o body_n the_o church_n and_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n because_o in_o whatsoever_o sense_n christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o leave_v the_o influence_n of_o a_o head_n upon_o his_o church_n the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o body_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v true_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o christ_n do_v real_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n when_o he_o do_v not_o give_v save_v grace_n it_o will_v thence_o easy_o follow_v of_o itself_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o his_o body_n without_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v thus_o true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n i_o think_v appear_v thus_o arg._n 1._o christ_n true_o dispense_v gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o many_o particular_a member_n thereof_o arg._n 1_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v as_o he_o be_v a_o head_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a influence_n the_o antecedent_n which_o be_v alone_z to_o be_v prove_v have_v three_o part_n 1._o that_o christ_n do_v true_o dispense_v gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o none_o that_o know_v what_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n preach_v heal_a etc._n etc._n or_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o illumination_n conviction_n common_a faith_n and_o common_a love_n be_v will_v offer_v to_o deny_v 2._o that_o christ_n bestow_v these_o both_o gift_n and_o grace_n upon_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v this_o also_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o 1._o concerngift_n in_o judas_n and_o in_o those_o that_o be_v reserve_v to_o cry_v out_o another_o day_n we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v 22_o mat._n 7._o 22_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o second_o concern_v grace_n if_o we_o but_o once_o shall_v think_v upon_o that_o sad_a catalogue_n the_o apostle_n record_v heb._n 6_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o christ_n bestow_v these_o gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v 57_o profession_n of_o say_v before_o a_o visible_a church_n unit_v to_o christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o the_o person_n be_v sincere_a or_o no_o cobbet_n of_o inf._n bapt._n p._n 57_o as_o a_o head_n which_o be_v also_o very_o evident_a 1._o because_o they_o be_v gift_n and_o grace_n abound_v in_o the_o church_n alone_o 2._o because_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o ordinance_n which_o
assertion_n or_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o certain_o follow_v it_o my_o argument_n hence_o support_v itself_o upon_o three_o position_n 1._o contradictory_n can_v be_v both_o false_a which_o to_o affirm_v will_v direct_o imply_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n viz._n as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o neither_o be_v a_o man_n nor_o not_o a_o man_n so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o this_o assertion_n that_o save_a grace_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v indeed_o false_a than_o the_o contradictory_n hereunto_o that_o save_a grace_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o visible_a church-membership_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a 2._o again_o what_o be_v true_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v just_o lay_v upon_o the_o premise_n that_o infer_v that_o conclusion_n whereupon_o it_o be_v take_v for_o absurd_a to_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n but_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o the_o premise_n therefore_o if_o that_o which_o natural_o follow_v the_o assertion_n contradictory_n to_o we_o be_v absurd_a and_o naught_o the_o assertion_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n thereof_o can_v be_v sound_a or_o good_a 3._o but_o now_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o that_o save_a grace_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a contradiction_n to_o my_o conclusion_n may_v easy_o appear_v to_o be_v somewhat_o absurd_a by_o these_o few_o that_o follow_v absurd_a 1._o then_o no_o reprobate_n do_v ever_o partake_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o be_v indeed_o a_o member_n thereof_o and_o judas_n be_v either_o no_o church-member_n or_o no_o reprobate_a absurd_a 2._o then_o there_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o either_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o no_o child_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n absurd_a 3._o yea_o then_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v none_o within_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o without_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v a_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o profess_v religion_n without_o the_o visible_a church_n absurd_a 4._o then_o the_o election_n of_o god_n be_v as_o large_a as_o his_o call_n and_o either_o those_o many_o who_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v call_v be_v not_o call_v or_o else_o though_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v elect_v absurd_a 5._o then_o most_o of_o those_o that_o constant_o attend_v upon_o all_o the_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v yet_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o indeed_o heathen_n see_v heathen_a be_v put_v in_o opposition_n to_o visible_a church-member_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n absurd_a 6._o then_o that_o great_a and_o weighty_a obligation_n press_v wicked_a church-member_n to_o reformation_n in_o scripture_n from_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n their_o be_v israel_n his_o child_n his_o people_n &c_n &c_n be_v utter_o evacuate_v and_o make_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o for_o there_o be_v none_o such_o but_o even_o to_o think_v of_o a_o wicked_a church-member_n impli_v a_o contradiction_n in_o adjecto_fw-la absurd_a 7._o then_o the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o wicked_a church-member_n to_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n to_o they_o and_o they_o be_v make_v invalid_a and_o weaken_a to_o nothing_o for_o god_n it_o seem_v never_o vouchsafe_v any_o such_o thing_n unto_o they_o but_o they_o daily_o steal_v and_o rob_v god_n of_o they_o absurb_v 8._o then_o that_o sore_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n which_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v provide_v from_o the_o former_a duty_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o rebellious_a child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v whole_o prevent_v for_o it_o seem_v such_o be_v no_o real_a church-member_n or_o subject_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o and_o their_o mercy_n not_o due_o or_o real_o belong_v unto_o they_o the_o aggravation_n take_v against_o they_o thence_o be_v ill_o ground_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o weight_n force_n or_o justice_n absurd_a 9_o thus_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o invisible_a or_o be_v not_o at_o all_o distinct_a therefrom_o for_o if_o the_o elect_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o save_a vocation_n its_o form_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o those_o be_v also_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a wherein_o lie_v the_o difference_n or_o indeed_o who_o see_v not_o a_o wide_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o opinion_n and_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n many_o be_v call_v etc._n etc._n and_o its_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o brownism_n of_o late_a and_o donatism_n of_o old_a together_o with_o its_o strangeness_n to_o the_o writing_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a divine_n who_o general_o allow_v and_o improve_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o church_n into_o visible_a and_o invisible_a and_o judge_v that_o church_n true_o a_o church_n which_o be_v more_o large_o take_v or_o take_v large_o in_o its_o distinction_n to_o the_o church_n more_o strict_o take_v or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o save_v or_o call_v according_a to_o the_o election_n and_o constant_o reckon_v that_o external_a call_n and_o not_o save_v be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o the_o church_n large_o take_v which_o they_o conclude_v to_o be_v complexatam_fw-la malos_fw-la quam_fw-la bonos_fw-es absurd_a 10._o this_o opinion_n that_o save_a grace_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n draw_v many_o absurdity_n with_o it_o touch_v the_o dispensation_n both_o of_o censure_n and_o sacrament_n first_o touch_v censure_n if_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o real_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o inevitable_o follow_v either_o that_o pertinacious_a wickedness_n do_v formal_o excommunicate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o wicked_a person_n do_v formal_o excommunicate_v himself_o see_v he_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a agent_n of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n or_o at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n to_o put_v wicked_a person_n out_o of_o the_o church_n see_v that_o for_o which_o a_o man_n deserve_v thus_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o or_o cut_v off_o be_v open_a wickedness_n and_o that_o have_v if_o not_o put_v he_o out_o yet_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v without_o or_o no_o church-member_n before_o 2._o yea_o indeed_o we_o may_v just_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o for_o 1._o those_o alone_a be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o that_o be_v obstinate_o wicked_a but_o 2._o obstinate_o wicked_a person_n be_v never_o within_o that_o be_v quoad_fw-la homines_fw-la for_o if_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n be_v found_v in_o save_v grace_n and_o none_o ever_o fall_v away_o from_o save_v grace_n than_o none_o ever_o fall_v away_o from_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o those_o that_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o the_o obstinate_o wicked_a have_v not_o they_o appear_v to_o man_n never_o to_o have_v be_v within_o and_o therefore_o not_o cast_v out_o at_o all_o but_o only_o as_o some_o please_v to_o speak_v declare_v to_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o 3._o then_o it_o further_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n for_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o for_o obstinate_o wicked_a person_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v judge_v now_o these_o if_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n be_v it_o seem_v not_o within_o and_o that_o they_o have_v any_o save_a grace_n can_v be_v discern_v while_o they_o remain_v obstinate_o scandalous_a and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v obstinate_o scandalous_a they_o cease_v to_o be_v object_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o yea_o then_o the_o church_n have_v no_o possibility_n leave_v she_o of_o judgeing_a any_o for_o she_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v save_v grace_n neither_o can_v she_o judge_v who_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o who_o not_o but_o by_o their_o freedom_n from_o or_o appearance_n of_o scandal_n and_o consequent_o none_o can_v possible_o be_v both_o scandalous_a and_o within_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o possibility_n as_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o rule_n id_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v judge_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la she_o must_v do_v
the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o administer_a to_o they_o or_o not_o to_o attend_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n in_o communicate_v to_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v bind_v by_o christ_n command_n to_o administer_v to_o all_o church_n member_n and_o again_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o warn_v some_o not_o to_o receive_v be_v to_o make_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o to_o say_v that_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o all_o be_v absolute_o bind_v to_o receive_v be_v to_o contradict_v ourselves_o by_o the_o first_o we_o confess_v that_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o wicked_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o receive_v which_o be_v formal_o deny_v in_o the_o latter_a neither_o be_v this_o gather_v only_o from_o the_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o express_a judgement_n of_o most_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n almost_o judgement_n 2._o church_n judgement_n in_o all_o age_n irenaeus_n be_v express_v for_o it_o in_o his_o time_n who_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o unquestioned_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o for_o who_o he_o make_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apol._n 2._o this_o apology_n with_o we_o say_v he_o this_o nourishment_n be_v call_v the_o eucharist_n of_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o none_o to_o partake_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v our_o doctrine_n such_o as_o be_v wash_v to_o remission_n of_o sin_n or_o baptize_v and_o such_o as_o live_v so_o as_o christ_n have_v command_v this_o place_n of_o irenaeus_n give_v cause_n of_o doubt_v to_o a_o learned_a man_n ludou._n molinae_n paraen_n p._n 315._o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o christian_n not_o admit_v by_o confoederal_a discipline_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o supper_n or_o whether_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o command_n of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 11._o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o unworthy_a man_n or_o a_o man_n want_v faith_n to_o receive_v but_o tell_v we_o he_o can_v easy_o believe_v the_o latter_a add_v that_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o church-member_n who_o live_v not_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o that_o some_o baptize_v member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o irenaeus_n his_o time_n we_o have_v see_v before_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o chrysostom_n time_n also_o and_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o late_a father_n and_o schoolman_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v on_o our_o side_n as_o also_o of_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a divine_n and_o church_n the_o church_n of_o bohemia_n in_o her_o confession_n say_v that_o if_o any_o approach_v bohemia_n reform_a church_n of_o bohemia_n this_o table_n without_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v great_o profane_v and_o reproach_v this_o sacrament_n yea_o and_o the_o whole_a institution_n thereof_o appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n confess_v that_o the_o scotland_n scotland_n supper_n of_o the_o lord_n appertain_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o to_o these_o accord_n the_o church_n of_o auspurgh_n saxony_n france_n belgia_n and_o most_o eminent_o our_o own_o church_n as_o appear_v before_o from_o the_o england_n auspurgh_n saxony_n france_n belgia_n and_o england_n common_a prayer_n and_o directory_n to_o which_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o frame_v may_v be_v seasonable_o add_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n say_v that_o all_o ignorant_a and_o ungodly_a person_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n against_o christ_n while_o they_o remain_v such_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n many_o eminent_a divine_n join_v issue_n hecein_o trelcatius_n trelcatius_n trelcatius_n teach_v page_n 185._o that_o materia_fw-la seu_fw-la subjectum_fw-la participans_fw-la sunt_fw-la ij_o omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la baptismum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la membra_fw-la facti_fw-la jam_fw-la adulti_fw-la sanam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la profitentur_fw-la &_o sanctae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la testimonium_fw-la habent_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o hereby_o be_v exclude_v 1._o mortui_fw-la 2._o aegroti_fw-la moriturii_fw-la 3._o pveri_fw-la ac_fw-la infant_n 4._o qui_fw-la propter_fw-la haeresius_n &_o dissolutam_fw-la vitam_fw-la excommunicati_fw-la sunt_fw-la legitime_fw-la bucanus_n loc_fw-la come_v 48._o qu._n 8._o to_o this_o question_n quibus_fw-la est_fw-la bucanus_n bucanus_n instituta_fw-la coena_fw-la domini_fw-la answer_n non_fw-la omnibus_fw-la promiscuè_fw-fr vrsine_n cat._n quae_fw-la 8._o to_o the_o same_o question_n answer_n tantum_fw-la pii_fw-la ursin_n ursin_n debent_fw-la accedere_fw-la bishop_n usher_n be_v as_o plain_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o like_a question_n viz._n who_o be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n say_v he_o such_o usher_n usher_n as_o be_v of_o year_n and_o of_o sound_a judgement_n to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n i_o may_v add_v ames_n diodate_v calvine_n zanchy_a perkins_n and_o infinite_a more_o but_o let_v i_o break_v off_o the_o trouble_n with_o these_o few_o suffice_v for_o all_o sect_n iii_o objection_n hereunto_o answer_v this_o point_n be_v run_v upon_o by_o two_o sort_n of_o adversary_n 1._o by_o some_o too_o strict_a 2._o by_o other_o too_o large_a 1._o some_o have_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o church-member_n or_o rather_o to_o use_v their_o own_o term_n disciple_n as_o such_o have_v a_o immediate_a right_n in_o this_o sacrament_n but_o none_o be_v disciple_n save_o person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v these_o i_o do_v not_o purposely_o deal_v with_o here_o for_o the_o present_a they_o may_v be_v content_v with_o a_o very_a short_a answer_n that_o both_o their_o proposition_n be_v false_a or_o at_o least_o fallacious_a 1._o that_o none_o be_v disciple_n but_o person_n qualify_v with_o knowledge_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o must_v needs_o grant_v to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o will_v avoid_v anabaptism_n see_v according_a to_o the_o principal_n of_o infant-baptism_n all_o that_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v be_v disciple_n matth._n 28._o 19_o and_o again_o that_o all_o that_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n who_o be_v baptize_v and_o lawful_o so_o 2._o that_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o supper_n this_o hold_v not_o 1._o till_o what_o i_o have_v urge_v for_o wicked_a man_n church-membership_a be_v refute_v 2._o till_o infant_n discipleship_n be_v deny_v 3._o or_o till_o both_o infant_n and_o wicked_a church-member_n yea_o and_o suspend_v yea_o excommunicate_a church_n member_n be_v prove_v to_o have_v a_o immediate_a and_o present_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v all_o such_o may_v be_v church-member_n and_o disciple_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o weigh_v what_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o other_o large_a party_n against_o this_o bar_n upon_o some_o church-member_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o receive_v the_o supper_n it_o be_v scornful_o urge_v more_o than_o solid_o that_o then_o church-member_n obj._n 1_o by_o their_o wickedness_n have_v it_o seem_v a_o writ_n of_o ease_n from_o their_o duty_n if_o wicked_a church-member_n be_v forbid_v the_o sacrament_n just_o as_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v a_o write_v of_o ease_n from_o all_o other_o answ_n 1_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o this_o 2._o this_o give_v a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o note_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o cloudy_a not_o to_o say_v contradictory_n way_n of_o some_o man_n express_v themselves_o upon_o this_o point_n sometime_o they_o say_v all_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o supper_n at_o other_o time_n when_o this_o pinch_v that_o some_o church-member_n viz._n child_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o oblige_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v now_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o both_o be_v false_a as_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v all_o church-member_n as_o such_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o yet_o some_o church-member_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o abstain_v and_o yet_o here_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o god_n command_n though_o there_o may_v be_v and_o i_o fear_n be_v in_o man_n application_n of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n 3._o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n hereof_o but_o want_v of_o care_n or_o skill_n to_o distinguish_v of_o god_n command_n and_o the_o force_n and_o obligation_n thereof_o which_o if_o a_o little_a heed_v may_v serve_v both_o to_o extricate_v these_o difficulty_n and_o solve_v the_o present_a objection_n 1._o the_o command_n oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o other_o the_o command_n to_o receive_v be_v mediate_v to_o some_o immediate_a
therefore_o as_o peresius_n say_v when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o consequent_o not_o necessary_a if_o no_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v or_o it_o can_v be_v have_v object_n but_o if_o confirmation_n be_v a_o necessary_a ingredient_n to_o a_o proxime_fw-la right_a in_o the_o lord_n supper_n how_o can_v it_o be_v supply_v or_o how_o can_v a_o person_n have_v such_o a_o right_a without_o it_o answ_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o confirmation_n or_o examination_n give_v no_o right_a at_o all_o to_o the_o person_n it_o confirmation_n give_v no_o right_a only_o evidence_v and_o confirm_v his_o former_a right_n and_o let_v he_o into_o possession_n by_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o person_n if_o self-examined_n have_v right_a according_a to_o the_o word_n before_o confirmation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o and_o by_o confirmation_n or_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n have_v indeed_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n yet_o very_o improper_o it_o be_v only_o a_o evidence_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o former_a right_n which_o before_o he_o have_v as_o to_o god_n and_o conscience_n now_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v convey_v a_o title_n to_o god_n ordinance_n we_o must_v hold_v the_o distinction_n betwixt_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v aright_o which_o here_o be_v self_n examination_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o discover_v this_o right_a and_z giving_z possession_n which_o be_v church-examination_n approbation_n or_o if_o you_o will_v confirmation_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o the_o people_n when_o it_o be_v require_v but_o not_o any_o necessary_a ingredient_n into_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o right_n or_o title_n to_o any_o ordinance_n confirmation_n when_o it_o be_v require_v be_v necessary_a to_o possession_n but_o not_o to_o right_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o when_o not_o require_v necessary_a to_o neither_o for_o if_o the_o minister_n neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o not_o require_v the_o people_n to_o be_v confirm_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v doubtless_o a_o clear_a duty_n and_o a_o better_a mean_n of_o the_o people_n confirmation_n then_o that_o which_o have_v appropriate_v the_o name_n thereof_o 2._o second_o i_o conceive_v confirmation_n or_o examination_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a when_o the_o end_n be_v attain_v before_o without_o it_o when_o the_o end_n be_v otherwise_o attain_v discipline_n be_v no_o far_o a_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n and_o mean_n as_o such_o be_v only_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_v their_o end_n therefore_o where_o the_o end_n be_v attain_v unto_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n less_o need_n of_o the_o mean_n thus_o where_o a_o discovery_n of_o a_o person_n grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o sacrament_n the_o end_n of_o confirmation_n be_v attain_v as_o it_o sometime_o be_v by_o other_o mean_n there_o i_o conceive_v that_o confirmation_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o let_v in_o of_o a_o person_n to_o possess_v his_o right_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v no_o more_o require_v for_o the_o say_a end_n than_o any_o other_o mean_v conduce_v thereunto_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o better_a mean_n and_o in_o itself_o more_o likely_a and_o apt_a to_o obtain_v they_o 3._o three_o i_o conceive_v that_o confirmation_n not_o absolute_o when_o likely_a to_o do_v hurt_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o when_o the_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v more_o hurt_v then_o good_a viz._n when_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o people_n jealousy_n prejudices_fw-la or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o distemper_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v rational_o judge_v that_o seem_v new_a and_o great_a and_o solemn_a undertake_n will_v rather_o make_v some_o violent_a disturbance_n rapture_n or_o schism_n among_o they_o and_o alienate_v their_o heart_n and_o person_n further_o from_o we_o than_o any_o way_n better_o reform_v or_o order_v they_o the_o church_n in_o switzerland_n see_v much_o in_o that_o of_o augustine_n that_o sometime_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o discipline_n and_o augustine_n think_v the_o apostle_n see_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n god_n grant_v we_o may_v not_o too_o soon_o have_v cause_n of_o the_o same_o complaint_n in_o england_n especial_o as_o to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o so_o little_a as_o yet_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n as_o confirmation_n be_v where_o a_o medicine_n be_v like_a to_o do_v good_a it_o be_v folly_n to_o omit_v it_o but_o where_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o hurt_v it_o be_v folly_n i_o think_v to_o apply_v it_o especial_o after_o we_o have_v try_v somewhat_o already_o of_o a_o very_a like_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o sore_a with_o but_o indifferent_a or_o bad_a success_n object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o confirmation_n be_v require_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o may_v in_o no_o case_n be_v dispense_v with_o answ_n i_o think_v the_o rule_n hold_v not_o to_o any_o part_n of_o discipline_n as_o discipline_n oppose_v to_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n a_o reprove_v our_o brother_n or_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n be_v more_o clear_o command_v then_o confirmation_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n this_o be_v to_o be_v dispense_v with_o matth._n 6._o 7._o 2._o but_o second_o confirmation_n as_o now_o desire_v i_o think_v be_v not_o to_o confirmation_n not_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o ancient_a church_n as_o now_o desire_v be_v find_v in_o any_o express_a command_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o indeed_o the_o ancient_a church_n confirmation_n may_v be_v look_v on_o in_o three_o special_a period_n first_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n second_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n next_o the_o apostle_n 3._o as_o in_o time_n near_o to_o we_o 1._o first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o do_v yet_o believe_v confirmation_n as_o use_v by_o apostle_n that_o confirmation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n on_o person_n without_o exact_v any_o covenant_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n thereunto_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o have_v interpret_v it_o in_o act_n 19_o verse_n 6._o when_v paul_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_v and_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v thus_o understand_v whatsoever_o a_o learned_a man_n conceive_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o chap._n 8._o 17._o i_o see_v no_o reason_n consider_v the_o phrase_n verse_n 16._o as_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v fall_v upon_o none_o but_o they_o a_o phrase_n i_o think_v peculiar_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a descension_n of_o he_o in_o those_o day_n as_o also_o that_o have_v be_v only_o to_o have_v strangthen_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n against_o persecution_n as_o simon_n can_v hardly_o or_o not_o so_o easy_o have_v see_v that_o so_o present_o as_o v._o 18._o so_o will_v he_o scarce_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o money_n wherewith_o he_o think_v to_o have_v purchase_v that_o gift_n of_o god_n verse_n 19_o 20._o in_o this_o extraordinary_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o be_o also_o apt_a to_o conceive_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o with_o great_a respect_n to_o that_o most_o ingenious_a and_o elegant_a gloss_n of_o the_o reveverend_a author_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o exercitation_n yea_o from_o this_o very_a text_n i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o ancient_n take_v their_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n of_o enlighten_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n refer_v the_o first_o to_o baptism_n and_o the_o last_o to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o true_o methinks_v this_o same_o reference_n be_v even_o percevable_a in_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v vid._n heb._n 6._o 2_o 4_o once_o enlighten_v seem_a to_o relate_v to_o baptism_n and_o be_v mad_a partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2._o second_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v use_v confirmation_n as_o use_v in_o time_n next_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o time_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n or_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o read_v of_o its_o use_n in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v not_o that_o i_o can_v yet_o discern_v any_o examination_n or_o confession_n immediate_o precede_v it_o or_o come_v between_o baptism_n and_o it_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o child_n be_v call_v at_o ripeness_n of_o age_n