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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n assembly_n church_n visible_a 1,656 5 9.8153 5 true
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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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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
such_o as_o shall_v receive_v it_o be_v according_o foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o resemble_v by_o various_a parable_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n thus_o we_o have_v it_o again_o in_o another_o parable_n concern_v the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n to_o which_o both_o good_a &_o bad_a be_v invite_v and_o do_v come_v and_o the_o wedding_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o guest_n mat._n 22._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o among_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n gather_v of_o every_o kind_n bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o so_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o his_o seed_n wherein_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v resemble_v by_o four_o sort_n of_o ground_n into_o which_o the_o seed_n fall_v of_o which_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thorough_o good_a mat._n 13._o add_v unto_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v his_o apostle_n by_o these_o parable_n what_o different_a success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n will_v meet_v with_o even_o among_o those_o that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o his_o church_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o many_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a but_o also_o tell_v they_o plain_o without_o a_o parable_n that_o many_o will_v be_v call_v and_o yet_o but_o sew_v choose_v mat._n 20.16_o wherefore_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v we_o conceive_v do_v our_o saviour_n thus_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n touch_v what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n will_v be_v which_o shall_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o expectation_n nor_o be_v offend_v when_o afterward_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o a_o mixture_n or_o ever_o expect_v though_o they_o shall_v observe_v his_o rule_n for_o the_o purge_v his_o church_n to_o find_v it_o otherwise_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n appoint_v for_o a_o total_a gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o understand_v otherwise_o by_o our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o doctrine_n but_o that_o the_o worse_a as_o well_o as_o the_o better_a christian_n be_v of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o visible_a church_n their_o epistle_n to_o such_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n show_v for_o they_o count_v they_o and_o treat_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n in_o so_o much_o as_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v such_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v under_o it_o to_o be_v count_v as_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v as_o brethren_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o the_o apostle_n then_o be_v thus_o thorough_o instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n aforehand_o touch_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o they_o will_v receive_v none_o into_o the_o church_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o as_o be_v true_o regenerate_v 4._o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n receive_v person_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n which_o render_v it_o incredible_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o receive_v any_o but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o esteem_n they_o have_v of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a first_o one_o thing_n be_v the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o most_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o become_v disciple_n which_o doctrine_n be_v the_o preach_v that_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o christ_n suffering_n for_o sinner_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o preach_a to_o the_o people_n that_o this_o jesus_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o his_o enemy_n have_v put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v by_o astonish_a miracle_n it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v together_o with_o this_o preach_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n also_o but_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n by_o a_o saviour_n so_o extraordinary_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v be_v new_a and_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v so_o huge_o comfortable_a as_o it_o be_v do_v so_o strong_o affect_v the_o people_n as_o make_v they_o instont_o turn_v disciple_n and_o to_o promise_v no_o doubt_n a_o reformation_n of_o life_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o perform_v while_o they_o be_v thus_o fill_v with_o joy_n but_o many_o of_o they_o after_o this_o transport_n of_o affection_n and_o newness_n of_o joy_n be_v over_o though_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o comfortable_a part_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o death_n yet_o prove_v partial_a and_o defective_a in_o reform_v their_o life_n which_o render_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o very_o doubtful_a at_o least_o or_o rather_o worse_a than_o so_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v forewarn_v and_o pre-instructed_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o upon_o their_o preach_v the_o joyful_a news_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v many_o will_v be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o joyful_o to_o become_v disciple_n and_o turn_v christian_n in_o profession_n who_o yet_o will_v afterward_o when_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v either_o apostotize_n and_o fall_v off_o or_o foul_o falter_v in_o retain_v that_o profession_n by_o carnal_a shift_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o persecution_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o this_o by_o open_v to_o they_o who_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o hearer_n he_o mean_v by_o those_o resemble_v in_o the_o parable_n to_o the_o stony_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o seed_n fall_v and_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v immediate_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o afterward_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n will_v be_v offend_v as_o not_o have_v root_n in_o themselves_o mar._n 4.16_o all_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v all_o they_o baptise_a under_o the_o notion_n of_o person_n already_o true_o regenerate_v but_o as_o disciple_n only_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n second_o another_o circumstance_n be_v the_o great_a have_v the_o apostle_n make_v to_o baptise_v person_n when_o once_o they_o have_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o consent_v to_o it_o the_o same_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o preach_v to_o those_o mention_v act._n 2._o they_o baptise_a about_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o so_o philip_n baptise_a the_o eunuch_n present_o upon_o the_o road_n after_o once_o preach_v to_o he_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o all_o his_o be_v baptise_a straight-way_n and_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o night_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o silas_n first_o preach_v to_o they_o act._n 16.33_o i_o think_v there_o can_v no_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o their_o delay_n so_o much_o as_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n to_o baptise_v any_o after_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a this_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o very_o incredible_a that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a none_o but_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v esteem_v regenerate_v or_o that_o they_o do_v baptise_v person_n ordinary_o by_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o baptise_v those_o that_o be_v disciple_n as_o such_o if_o they_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o baptise_v none_o but_o who_o they_o can_v prudent_o esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v suspend_v the_o baptise_v of_o many_o at_o least_o until_o they_o have_v have_v some_o trial_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o resolution_n and_o experience_n of_o their_o reformation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v any_o good_a judgement_n of_o man_n sincerity_n by_o what_o they_o do_v on_o a_o sudden_a under_o some_o transport_n of_o affection_n and_o before_o they_o have_v have_v some_o time_n in_o cool_a thought_n to_o deliberate_v upon_o what_o they_o engage_v to_o do_v three_o their_o refuse_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a argue_v that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v none_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o refuse_v none_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n how_o notorious_o bad_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o simon_n magus_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o some_o be_v
admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n before_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v say_v st._n paul_n concern_v some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o he_o afterward_o admonish_v to_o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8.7_o &_o 10.14_o now_o if_o a_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v true_o regenerate_v have_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o have_v govern_v themselves_o in_o baptise_v of_o man_n suspicion_n will_v hardly_o have_v suffer_v philip_n to_o have_v baptise_a such_o a_o one_o as_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n without_o some_o considerable_a trial_n of_o he_o and_o consider_v what_o discern_a man_n the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v discern_v none_o of_o those_o unfit_a to_o be_v baptise_a who_o yet_o they_o do_v baptise_v that_o be_v very_o bad_a before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o still_o short_o after_o i_o say_v this_o will_v seem_v strange_a in_o case_n nothing_o less_o have_v qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n than_o a_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v regenerate_v these_o circumstance_n consider_v together_o with_o the_o plain_a rule_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o their_o commission_n who_o to_o baptise_v to_o wit_n disciple_n as_o such_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o that_o rule_n and_o baptise_a those_z they_o do_v baptise_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o disciple_n or_o such_o as_o be_v learning_n to_o be_v christian_n without_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v 5._o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v not_o judge_v according_a to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o according_a to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v account_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n who_o yet_o he_o know_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o invisible_a this_o i_o gather_v from_o his_o own_o word_n john_n 15.2_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o by_o which_o he_o suppose_v and_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o will_v be_v many_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o by_o be_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o to_o be_v take_v away_o be_v therefore_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a for_o by_o their_o be_v in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o mean_v of_o their_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o but_o by_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n for_o by_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o he_o baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v gal._n 3.27_o and_o plant_v in_o he_o by_o baptism_n rom._n 6.5_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n judge_v and_o account_v man_n to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n we_o may_v we_o must_v so_o account_v they_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o by_o be_v unite_a and_o relate_v to_o he_o either_o by_o external_a covenant_v with_o he_o or_o by_o internal_a renovation_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n such_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n unless_o any_o three_o sense_n of_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n can_v be_v find_v out_o in_o scripture_n which_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o 6._o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n own_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a by_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o there_o be_v such_o gift_n pour_v out_o upon_o such_o man_n as_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v yet_o not_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v evident_a by_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n mat._n 7.22_o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o suppose_v that_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v so_o bad_a as_o quite_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o christian_a profession_n heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o pour_v out_o such_o gift_n upon_o such_o man_n do_v own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o these_o be_v make_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v and_o only_o to_o such_o mark_v 16.17_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v those_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n by_o confer_v upon_o such_o believer_n who_o faith_n do_v not_o operate_v to_o regeneration_n he_o set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o as_o mark_v for_o his_o in_o a_o visible_a relation_n for_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n ephe._n 1.13_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o one_o by_o inward_a sanctification_n or_o renew_v man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n of_o this_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o seal_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o belong_v then_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o a_o visible_a mark_n or_o seal_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o by_o which_o god_n own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o confer_v upon_o they_o some_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o be_v unregenerate_a as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o that_o have_v special_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o seven_o of_o mat._n and_o 6_o of_o heb._n forementioned_a these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n than_o miracle_n gift_n of_o healing_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n by_o which_o those_o that_o have_v they_o bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v own_v by_o god_n to_o be_v so_o the_o confer_v miraculous_a gift_n upon_o such_o man_n as_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o christ_n at_o last_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n argue_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n in_o a_o sense_n because_o they_o wrought_v their_o miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o such_o sign_n as_o they_o show_v shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v mark_v 16.17_o second_o that_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o that_o miraculous_a power_n be_v confer_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v and_o preach_v the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v vers_n 20._o beside_o our_o saviour_n bring_v they_o in_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n three_o they_o be_v believer_n professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o by_o baptism_n make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v own_v they_o for_o such_o by_o confer_v on_o they_o such_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o unbeliever_n 7._o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o our_o saviour_n own_v some_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o his_o servant_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v they_o servant_n though_o slothful_a servant_n mat._n 25_o 26._o unprofitable_a servant_n vers_n 30._o evil_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o wicked_a
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o other_o to_o abet_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v main_o influence_v therein_o by_o motive_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o interest_n the_o more_o credit_n in_o general_n and_o the_o more_o reputation_n it_o will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o further_a it_o will_v spread_v as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o popery_n have_v have_v man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n otherwise_o to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o the_o far_o it_o have_v spread_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o other_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arianism_n when_o time_n be_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o more_o good_a man_n be_v back_v in_o their_o promulge_v sound_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o man_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n religion_n gain_v among_o man_n and_o if_o all_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o it_o the_o church_n power_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v quick_o be_v thereby_o exceed_o weaken_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o great_o obstruct_v we_o have_v not_o now_o miracle_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o unbelieved_n and_o blind_a world_n will_v have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v now_o the_o more_o need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n too_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o of_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n shall_v count_v when_o he_o write_v up_o the_o people_n that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o psal_n 87.5_o 6._o how_o many_o worthy_a child_n have_v the_o church_n have_v and_o of_o great_a use_n in_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o parent_n of_o but_o small_a account_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o such_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o true_o religious_a man_n and_o by_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o chureh_n education_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v deprive_v of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o church_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o useful_a member_n as_o these_o prove_v to_o be_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o to_o take_v other_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v credible_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a tend_v much_o more_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o exclude_v all_o such_o will_v do_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a over_o and_o beside_o such_o as_o be_v of_o it_o as_o invisible_a those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v be_v in_o much_o more_o danger_n than_o now_o they_o be_v of_o be_v devour_v by_o those_o numerous_a enemy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n comparative_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o and_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a that_o of_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o those_o who_o be_v but_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a or_o how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n if_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o outward_a form_n and_o profession_n do_v not_o stand_v as_o a_o screen_n between_o they_o and_o those_o enemy_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v root_v up_o if_o the_o tare_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v have_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n mat._n 13._o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o no_o more_o do_v i_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v a_o bar_n against_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
the_o bad_a from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o church_n but_o from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o world_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o grow_v together_o in_o the_o church_n till_o harvest_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o strengthen_v this_o they_o allege_v our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o be_v the_o world_n mat._n 13.38_o and_o this_o indeed_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o i_o think_v it_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o the_o field_n indeed_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v be_v the_o world_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mar._n 16.15_o but_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v this_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v present_o baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v among_o these_o that_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o many_o of_o they_o prove_v bad_a christian_n so_o that_o the_o seed_n be_v first_o sow_o in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o common_a field_n but_o yet_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o become_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o enclose_a garden_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o harvest_n shall_v come_v when_o these_o tare_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n our_o saviour_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ver._n 41._o where_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o grow_v till_o this_o harvest_n and_o what_o be_v this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o his_o visible_a church_n the_o history_n of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v do_v plain_o lay_v open_a the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o that_o of_o the_o draw-net_n and_o other_o like_a parable_n in_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o this_o parable_n in_o particular_a show_v further_a that_o these_o tare_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n say_v he_o you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o tare_n grow_v with_o the_o wheat_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n matter_n of_o security_n to_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o more_o danger_n by_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o than_o by_o their_o grow_v together_o with_o it_o in_o more_o danger_n of_o bein_z root_v up_o or_o root_v out_o and_o this_o seem_v full_o to_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a that_o reason_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o why_o all_o unregenerate_a christian_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hear_v say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o but_o few_o in_o number_n do_v yet_o subsist_v yea_o and_o abundant_o increase_v too_o though_o they_o have_v no_o humane_a or_o worldly_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o when_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v against_o they_o and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o do_v so_o now_o though_o none_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n shall_v be_v any_o defence_n unto_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o world_n continue_v and_o increase_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o back_n and_o abet_v they_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v i_o mean_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o then_o procure_v the_o christian_n great_a reputation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o which_o do_v still_o attract_v and_o draw_v in_o more_o to_o their_o party_n than_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o persecution_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a power_n which_o be_v then_o infidel_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o miraculous_a wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o in_o those_o time_n the_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v so_o astonish_v and_o affect_v that_o they_o favour_v they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o ruler_n be_v put_v under_o some_o awe_n for_o we_o read_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a great_a grace_n or_o favour_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n all_o the_o christian_n act_n 4.33_o and_o chap._n 5.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o so_o that_o the_o ruler_n when_o they_o have_v otherwise_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o find_v not_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n for_o all_o man_n glorify_v god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v chap._n 4.21_o and_o in_o chap._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bring_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n that_o they_o bring_v they_o without_o violence_n because_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v stone_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n they_o obtain_v among_o the_o people_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o the_o numerous_a miracle_n they_o wrought_v believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o ruler_n chap._n 5.14_o and_o that_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v make_v from_o among_o the_o heathen_a also_o be_v attribute_v by_o st._n paul_n unto_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a way_n i_o will_v not_o dare_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o wrought_v by_o i_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a by_o word_n and_o deed_n through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.18_o 19_o but_o if_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o be_v not_o countenance_v and_o protect_v by_o christian_a state_n and_o governor_n and_o by_o a_o multitude_n more_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o themselves_o than_o be_v of_o like_a sincerity_n in_o that_o profession_n they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n extirpate_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o insidel_n and_o antichristian_a party_n in_o it_o when_o the_o papal_a defection_n befall_v the_o church_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o great_a part_n perhaps_o of_o the_o then_o visible_a church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a and_o become_v their_o enemy_n in_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o exterminate_n and_o root_n out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a christian_n which_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n to_o show_v how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v desert_v by_o those_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o of_o it_o or_o if_o those_o be_v reject_v as_o no_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o thereby_o make_v their_o enemy_n 4._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n in_o another_o respect_n of_o reckon_v none_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o to_o admit_v man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v already_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a tend_v great_o to_o betray_v many_o soul_n into_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o self-deceiving_a for_o if_o this_o rule_n of_o admission_n shall_v be_v observe_v many_o mistake_n will_v be_v commit_v either_o through_o fallibility_n or_o partiality_n of_o judgement_n in_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o and_o so_o many_o will_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o receive_v under_o the_o approbation_n of_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
church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o world_n all_o under_o this_o character_n and_o badge_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o that_o relation_n visible_a church-membership_a all_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v visible_o christian_n and_o of_o christ_n church_n how_o ancient_a and_o how_o long_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o way_n of_o constitute_v visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o god_n appoint_v i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o if_o this_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o by_o which_o person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o reputation_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o visible_a church_n member_n though_o it_o do_v qualify_v they_o for_o it_o unless_o this_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o those_o of_o which_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v constitute_v have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o those_o dissenter_n own_o mind_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o constitutute_v of_o qualify_a matter_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o this_o issue_n that_o these_o dissenter_n must_v either_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o prove_v that_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v make_v or_o else_o it_o will_v certain_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n of_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o they_o they_o must_v row_v all_o the_o way_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o strong_a tide_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o who_o always_o esteem_v baptism_n the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v pass_v through_o baptism_n be_v within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a without_o be_v first_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a proceed_v from_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o as_o touch_v man_n entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a act_v 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o mar._n 16.16_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n man_n being_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o their_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v ordinary_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n now_o one_o will_v think_v a_o notion_n so_o preposterous_a as_o this_o oppose_v appear_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v very_o unfit_a to_o make_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v church_n upon_o or_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o those_o which_o have_v a_o substantial_a foundation_n the_o scripture_n i_o mean_v but_o if_o man_n seem_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a yet_o such_o seem_a can_v be_v no_o proper_a or_o fit_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n determine_v and_o conclude_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v arbitrarious_fw-la and_o uncertain_a for_o man_n be_v or_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n and_o those_o will_v seem_v in_o some_o man_n apprehension_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o to_o other_o will_v seem_v otherwise_o and_o then_o those_o will_v be_v own_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o will_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a 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come_v to_o that_o supper_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o examine_v themselves_o about_o in_o order_n to_o their_o communicate_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v about_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o i_o conceive_v viz._n whether_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n and_o for_o what_o end_n our_o lord_n do_v institute_n it_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v like_a to_o find_v themselves_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o they_o which_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o most_o worthy_a of_o their_o love_n and_o thanks_o for_o such_o love_n of_o he_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v live_v unto_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o little_a before_o his_o exhort_v they_o to_o examine_v themselves_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o ordinance_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v examine_v themselves_o by_o it_o whether_o they_o have_v apprehension_n suitable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v and_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o those_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n great_o blame_v those_o of_o this_o church_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o communicate_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o which_o and_o for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n he_o say_v that_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o they_o and_o many_o dead_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o man_n but_o of_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o avoid_v be_v guilty_a of_o like_a abuse_n the_o first_o abuse_v of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v their_o schismaticalness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n by_o which_o they_o defeat_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o great_a end_n of_o it_o in_o chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 17._o he_o charge_v their_o come_n together_o in_o their_o church-assembly_n to_o be_v not_o for_o the_o better_a but_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o this_o he_o do_v upon_o this_o account_n because_o when_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v division_n among_o they_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 20._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o communicate_v so_o divide_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v for_o in_o ver_fw-la 21._o he_o say_v every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n by_o which_o word_n consider_v with_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o context_n several_a author_n have_v understand_v the_o schismatical_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a party_n into_o which_o that_o church_n be_v divide_v in_o communicate_v apart_o one_o from_o another_o for_o although_o they_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o one_o party_n make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o communicate_v before_o another_o have_v begin_v they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o such_o author_n for_o this_o against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n can_v have_v least_o exception_n cartwright_n upon_o the_o place_n in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o rhemists_n translation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n deliver_v his_o sense_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o double_a abuse_n among_o they_o one_o in_o their_o love_n feast_n etc._n etc._n while_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v serve_v for_o the_o knit_n the_o knot_n of_o love_n be_v use_v to_o cut_v the_o cord_n thereof_o in_o that_o every_o one_o as_o himself_o list_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o he_o will_v have_v to_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o the_o other_o either_o not_o tarry_v for_o or_o thrust_v out_o when_o they_o come_v especial_o the_o root_n the_o other_o abuse_v pull_v in_o by_o the_o former_a be_v for_o that_o those_o which_o be_v companion_n at_o one_o table_n in_o the_o common_a feast_n communicate_v also_o in_o the_o sacred_a with_o the_o same_o separation_n and_o severalty_n dr._n mayor_n say_v thus_o it_o seem_v this_o good_a order_n be_v pervert_v among_o the_o corinthian_n one_o company_n be_v of_o one_o sect_n come_v before_o another_o and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o their_o own_o supper_n in_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n depart_v and_o then_o come_v another_o company_n do_v likewise_o mr._n sam._n cradock_n in_o his_o apostolical_a history_n pag._n 72._o deliver_v his_o sense_n thus_o in_o those_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n at_o the_o end_n whereof_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v they_o do_v not_o now_o observe_v the_o true_a church_n communion_n but_o every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o faction_n or_o division_n be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v present_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v what_o they_o bring_v in_o company_n of_o their_o own_o party_n not_o mind_v or_o regard_v other_o whereupon_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v neither_o celebrate_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o all_o nor_o in_o holy_a concord_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a union_n of_o christian_n signify_v thereby_o unto_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o dutch_a annotator_n upon_o the_o place_n own_o supper_n that_o be_v a_o supper_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o common_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v hold_v but_o which_o be_v hold_v private_o by_o some_o alone_a every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o hold_v with_o they_o and_o st._n paul_n word_n in_o ver_fw-la 33_o 34._o seem_v strong_o to_o back_o the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o author_n his_o word_n be_v these_o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o come_v not_o together_o to_o condemnation_n now_o unless_o one_o party_n have_v feast_v and_o communicate_v together_o before_o another_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o admonition_n of_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o individual_n do_v eat_v their_o own_o supper_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n single_o and_o apart_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o that_o phrase_n of_o their_o come_n together_o to_o eat_v show_v they_o do_v not_o eat_v single_o and_o apart_o this_o sacrament_n by_o tend_v to_o awaken_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o all_o his_o member_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o by_o die_v for_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o unite_n and_o knit_v they_o all_o one_o to_o another_o in_o mutual_a love_n as_o copartner_n together_o in_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o render_v they_o all_o dear_a one_o to_o another_o because_o they_o be_v so_o to_o he_o when_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o they_o all_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o to_o use_v this_o sacrament_n therefore_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o division_n as_o they_o do_v be_v to_o pervert_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o to_o act_n contradictious_o to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n which_o our_o saviour_n design_v his_o people_n by_o it_o consider_v then_o that_o their_o communicate_v thus_o divide_o be_v that_o which_o make_v their_o come_n together_o to_o be_v not_o for_o the_o better_o but_o for_o the_o worse_o ver_fw-la 17.18_o and_o to_o be_v a_o come_n together_o for_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 33_o 34._o it_o high_o concern_v those_o among_o we_o who_o divide_v themselves_o in_o their_o sacramental_a communion_n from_o their_o brethren_n thorough_o to_o review_v and_o examine_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o lest_o their_o come_n together_o shall_v be_v find_v before_o god_n to_o be_v a_o come_n together_o not_o for_o the_o better_a but_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o a_o come_n together_o to_o condemnation_n this_o factious_a communicate_v of_o these_o corinthian_n the_o apostle_n we_o see_v do_v insist_v on_o more_o than_o on_o any_o other_o their_o sacramental_a abuse_n repeat_v this_o and_o conclude_v with_o a_o particular_a caution_n and_o admonition_n against_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o he_o do_v concern_v any_o other_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o schismatical_a communicate_v be_v such_o as_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o avoid_v the_o like_a as_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v the_o other_o abuse_n at_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v their_o neglect_v and_o despise_v their_o poor_a brethren_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o
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 that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v but_o get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o as_o alas_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n do_v arise_v from_o man_n be_v own_v visible_a church_n member_n from_o their_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o from_o their_o covenant_a to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o such_o profession_n and_o such_o covenant_a do_v indeed_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o church_n that_o such_o will_v not_o be_v so_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o yet_o such_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v their_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o future_a do_v not_o minister_v any_o occasion_n of_o confidence_n in_o such_o man_n that_o they_o have_v already_o perform_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n as_o a_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o unto_o communion_n as_o have_v in_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n already_o perform_v it_o will_v do_v this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n in_o her_o external_a privilege_n in_o hope_n of_o their_o improve_n they_o to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n give_v they_o no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n of_o the_o safety_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o condition_n thereby_o further_o than_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a by_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o do_v so_o by_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n man_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o their_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o communion_n though_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v no_o judgement_n thereby_o of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o do_v so_o in_o case_n it_o have_v st._n paul_n be_v sensible_a i_o doubt_v not_o how_o prone_a many_o christian_n be_v to_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n mere_o upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n in_o the_o external_a communion_n thereof_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o caution_v the_o christian_n against_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o safe_a condition_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o labour_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v rest_v therein_o without_o grow_v better_a and_o better_a thereby_o 1_o cor._n 10._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a brethren_n how_o that_o all_o our_o father_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o do_v all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n and_o yet_o with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o 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 perish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n 5._o another_o reason_n against_o refuse_v all_o such_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o that_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o good_a for_o bad_a and_o of_o refuse_v the_o sincere_a christian_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a there_o be_v so_o little_a visible_a difference_n between_o what_o many_o of_o the_o same_o person_n be_v a_o little_a before_o they_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o have_v it_o only_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o man_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v if_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n under_o such_o circumstance_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o not_o mistake_v in_o this_o 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 be_v to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a some_o do_v understand_v the_o danger_n of_o root_n up_o the_o wheat_n if_o the_o tare_n shall_v be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o wheat_n for_o the_o tare_n if_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v attempt_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o other_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v they_o both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n it_o will_v be_v pat_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o reason_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o than_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o to_o be_v our_o savious_n meaning_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v elsewhere_o for_o i_o do_v not_o