be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n psal_n 78.5_o 6._o those_o prophecy_n forementioned_a concern_v nation_n be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n refer_v to_o time_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o event_n of_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v will_v show_v that_o they_o foretell_v christian_a nation_n their_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n national_o or_o in_o the_o course_n of_o national_a government_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o event_n which_o answer_v to_o divine_a prediction_n be_v i_o think_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a exposition_n of_o those_o prophecy_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o best_a measure_n which_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o two_o thing_n then_o will_v be_v inquire_v into_o touch_v the_o event_n we_o speak_v of_o 1._o what_o and_o which_o they_o be_v which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o pitch_v upon_o for_o those_o event_n 2._o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o some_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o be_v indeed_o of_o that_o sort_n and_o kind_n which_o the_o prophecy_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n we_o to_o i._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o which_o shall_v yet_o far_o be_v make_v be_v those_o very_a event_n or_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o they_o which_o the_o prophecy_n before_o specify_v point_v we_o to_o we_o can_v say_v that_o any_o reformation_n of_o either_o kind_n have_v be_v national_a until_o it_o have_v be_v back_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v great_a multitude_n of_o man_n during_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o pagan_a that_o be_v recover_v from_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n and_o there_o be_v many_o famous_a church_n of_o such_o but_o i_o think_v no_o one_o nation_n as_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o that_o time_n though_o out_o of_o many_o kindred_n tongue_n and_o nation_n there_o be_v many_o very_o many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v but_o nation_n then_o become_v national_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v own_v as_o such_o and_o require_v to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o nation_n though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v many_o in_o those_o nation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v from_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o new_a testament_n time_n and_o which_o shall_v further_o be_v make_v in_o other_o nation_n be_v those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o the_o prophecy_n touch_v national_a conversion_n point_n at_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o observe_v first_o that_o at_o what_o time_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n fall_v into_o christian_a hand_n and_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o destruction_n and_o root_n out_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n throughout_o its_o dominion_n then_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n or_o dominion_n become_v god_n kingdom_n in_o scripture_n account_n for_o to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v that_o joyful_a acclamation_n refer_v which_o we_o have_v set_v down_o in_o chap._n 12.10_o now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n also_o the_o great_a dragon_n call_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o his_o angel_n with_o he_o ver_fw-la 9_o that_o be_v those_o ruler_n supreme_a and_o subordinate_a who_o have_v till_o then_o do_v his_o work_n in_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o support_v idolatry_n and_o persecute_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o but_o be_v not_o god_n kingdom_n come_v into_o the_o empire_n till_o now_o that_o the_o government_n be_v make_v christian_a by_o the_o emperor_n be_v a_o christian_n be_v there_o not_o many_o great_a and_o famous_a christian_a church_n within_o the_o empire_n while_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v pagan_a in_o respect_n of_o worship_n why_o yes_o there_o be_v why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n say_v to_o be_v come_v till_o the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n why_o shall_v this_o song_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o empire_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o when_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n in_o it_o and_o many_o christian_a congregation_n erect_v there_o can_v no_o other_o reason_n hereof_o be_v give_v i_o conceive_v but_o that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o far_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v employ_v against_o he_o but_o when_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n and_o engage_v itself_o in_o throw_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n and_o in_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o and_o from_o that_o time_n in_o this_o scripture_n account_n that_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o continue_v still_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o idolater_n as_o to_o their_o profession_n and_o private_a practice_n so_o that_o when_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o its_o constitution_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n continue_v idolatrous_a so_o long_o the_o empire_n itself_o be_v not_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o it_o but_o when_o once_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n it_o be_v then_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v no_o christian_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v &_o may_v natural_o be_v infer_v that_o in_o scripture_n notion_n kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n kingdom_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o national_a reformation_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o public_a government_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o nation_n but_o now_o after_o this_o reformation_n from_o paganism_n by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o process_n of_o time_n therecame_v a_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o empire_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a worship_n unto_o a_o worship_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n make_v up_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v unto_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o the_o ten_o king_n mention_v rev._n 17._o into_o who_o hand_n the_o empire_n become_v divide_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n for_o the_o support_n of_o this_o impure_a worship_n and_o pagan-like_a superstition_n but_o after_o this_o have_v be_v do_v and_o continue_v in_o for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n several_a of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n which_o have_v before_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n fall_v off_o and_o reassume_v that_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o then_o devote_v it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o reform_v their_o dominion_n from_o popery_n and_o in_o restore_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n throughout_o their_o dominion_n without_o any_o idolatrous_a mixture_n upon_o which_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n those_o great_a
if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o communion_n 3._o catholic_n communion_n consist_v also_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n which_o christian_n give_v to_o and_o receive_v one_o from_o another_o couch_v in_o that_o one_o word_n fellowship_n in_o the_o description_n of_o catholic_n communion_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o our_o version_n be_v here_o translate_a fellowship_n be_v by_o the_o dutch_a in_o their_o version_n translate_v communion_n and_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n it_o signify_v both_o to_o communicate_v and_o to_o participate_v to_o distribute_v and_o to_o receive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n every_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o the_o which_o if_o due_o observe_v by_o all_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o thus_o communicate_v and_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o other_o will_v be_v receive_v back_o again_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o from_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o like_a succour_n service_n and_o assistance_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v as_o they_o themselves_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o serve_v every_o fellow-christian_a so_o according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o and_o this_o give_v and_o receive_v assistance_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v communicate_v with_o he_o phil._n 4.15_o if_o this_o catholic_n communion_n be_v but_o due_o maintain_v among_o all_o christian_n how_o like_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n will_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v even_o now_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o then_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o christian_n thus_o to_o exchange_v office_n of_o love_n with_o one_o another_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o if_o i_o be_o hereby_o bind_v to_o love_v every_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o so_o be_v every_o neighbout_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o love_v i_o as_o they_o love_v themselves_o and_o how_o delightful_a a_o commerce_n will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o hit_v on_o it_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o love_n in_o which_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n do_v consist_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o the_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o the_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a mind_v the_o visit_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a the_o relieve_v one_o another_o want_n the_o bear_n on_o another_o burden_n the_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o like_a together_o with_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o yield_n and_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o enjoy_v communion_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o it_o by_o draw_v on_o themselves_o deserve_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o those_o ordinance_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o little_a child_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o much_o brief_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n commumunion_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v preserve_v there_o be_v two_o bond_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 1_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v man_n heart_n together_o and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o affection_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n as_o as_o it_o be_v express_v col._n 2.2_o and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v one_o in_o communion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v act_v 4.32_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n charity_n we_o see_v be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o perfect_a state_n in_o her_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n by_o love_n make_v perfect_a in_o one_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o joh._n 17.23_o and_o the_o union_n in_o communion_n which_o be_v make_v by_o love_n be_v union_n in_o its_o perfection_n nothing_o unite_v christian_n so_o entire_o and_o firm_o as_o love_n do_v if_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v this_o love_n and_o union_n by_o love_n will_v last_v there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n in_o the_o oneness_n of_o communion_n until_o there_o be_v first_o a_o failure_n in_o love_n charity_n must_v needs_o unite_v and_o knit_v christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n forementioned_a do_v spring_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o by_o these_o christian_n take_v fast_o hold_v one_o of_o another_o charity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v communicative_a of_o the_o good_a it_o have_v and_o the_o good_a it_o can_v do_v and_o by_o that_o it_o do_v attract_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v charity_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o christian_n inner_a man_n by_o which_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o though_o absent_a love_n be_v of_o a_o win_a nature_n it_o gain_v upon_o other_o that_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n if_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v season_v a_o man_n speech_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o strong_a argument_n when_o mix_v with_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n a_o tongue_n of_o love_n be_v solomon_n tongue_n of_o health_n it_o will_v heal_v wound_n when_o another_o tongue_n do_v but_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v st._n paul_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o do_v all_o their_o thing_n with_o charity_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n upon_o they_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cure_v the_o division_n into_o which_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v again_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n among_o other_o it_o keep_v christian_n from_o fly_v asunder_o and_o divide_v in_o their_o communion_n which_o many_o time_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o very_o small_a matter_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o evil_a mind_n that_o will_v aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o seek_v out_o matter_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o but_o charity_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o spy_v fault_n or_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n nor_o to_o aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n nor_o to_o harbour_v jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n out_o of_o which_o breach_n be_v wont_a to_o grow_v but_o it_o will_v overlook_a man_n weakness_n mistake_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a mind_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o love_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o extenuate_a circumstance_n in_o the_o
misrepresent_v that_o method_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o my_o inquiry_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v wrong_a measure_n and_o unless_o very_o much_o mistake_v their_o communion_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n if_o take_v altogether_o and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v must_v needs_o be_v far_o more_o impure_a than_o the_o parochial_a communion_n they_o have_v withdraw_v from_o there_o be_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o well_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a and_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o run_v into_o the_o one_o by_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a reformation_n be_v through_o mistake_v zeal_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o a_o extreme_a on_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o into_o one_o on_o the_o left_a and_o in_o fly_v from_o babylon_n to_o run_v beyond_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n of_o do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n by_o over_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v by_o under-doing_a and_o both_o extreme_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v the_o new_a england_n minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_n former_o mention_v do_v say_v we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straiten_v and_o narrow_n the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n in_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v pareus_n on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o they_o which_o be_v for_o too_o much_o straitness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n the_o church_n so_o much_o they_o p._n 45._o thus_o the_o mistake_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n of_o old_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a communion_n as_o be_v think_v or_o pretend_v put_v they_o upon_o separate_v from_o other_o orthodox_n christian_n which_o prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n imaginable_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o their_o undertake_a reformation_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o high_a and_o lamentable_o scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o agree_v as_o we_o be_v now_o and_o differ_v most_o about_o disciplinary_a point_n as_o they_o do_v then_o such_o a_o strictness_n in_o church_n reformation_n as_o do_v so_o narrow_a and_o lessen_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o size_n of_o the_o invisible_a be_v many_o way_n hurtful_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o contrary_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v and_o lessen_v the_o great_a work_n of_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o the_o church_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o spread_a and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v good_a man_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o foment_n division_n contention_n feud_n envy_n strife_n and_o undue_a censuring_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o sickly_a state_n and_o such_o as_o threaten_v her_o spiritual_a life_n beside_o the_o encouragement_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o plot_n and_o attempt_v against_o we_o and_o thus_o over_n be_v indeed_o undo_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o a_o discourse_n against_o overmuch_o strictness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v strict_a towards_o himself_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o his_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a towards_o other_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o christian_a professor_n a_o man_n can_v well_o be_v too_o strict_a in_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n word_n and_o way_n in_o govern_v his_o appetite_n thought_n and_o passion_n tongue_n and_o action_n nor_o do_v this_o kind_n of_o strictness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o purity_n of_o communicant_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o no_o carnal_a christian_n have_v any_o share_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o or_o rather_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a attention_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v good_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o the_o worse_o nor_o do_v fare_v the_o worse_o for_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o less_o avail_n good_a man_n that_o with_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o mind_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o though_o unregenerate_a man_n participate_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o when_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n capital_a offender_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o less_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a by_o such_o man_n share_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o shame_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o that_o dishonour_n which_o otherwise_o will_v stick_v upon_o it_o for_o tolerate_v such_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o and_o partly_o also_o for_o admonition_n to_o other_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o taint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v less_o wary_a by_o their_o ill_a example_n and_o familiar_a converse_n but_o otherwise_o bad_a man_n share_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o good_a man_n in_o grace_n or_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a bad_a man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a by_o their_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o as_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n for_o capital_a crime_n though_o not_o regenerate_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n be_v once_o receive_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o their_o conversion_n i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n no_o good_a man_n shall_v envy_v or_o grudge_v they_o this_o benefit_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o conversion_n and_o they_o especial_o shall_v not_o who_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o general_a communion_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n therein_o afford_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v man_n in_o model_v this_o new_a church_n way_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o many_o other_o for_o their_o congregation_n at_o the_o first_o and_o long_o after_o consist_v scarce_o of_o any_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v before_o their_o incorporate_n and_o associate_a in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o therein_o enjoy_v make_v such_o as_o they_o then_o be_v they_o may_v without_o doubt_n have_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o growth_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v afterward_o and_o i_o think_v much_o more_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o diligent_o and_o careful_o improve_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o they_o have_v acquire_v what_o they_o have_v then_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o those_o who_o with_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o mind_n attend_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o as_o well_o when_o unregenerate_a man_n share_v in_o they_o as_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o great_a piety_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o
our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n do_v ever_o decline_v the_o public_a worship_n or_o the_o use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o such_o assembly_n where_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a have_v communion_n in_o they_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a with_o good_a can_v hinder_v good_a man_n from_o any_o growth_n in_o grace_n by_o those_o ordinance_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o due_a care_n to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o can_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o separate_n and_o new_a associate_a in_o reference_n to_o man_n own_o growth_n in_o grace_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v simple_o lawful_a which_o make_v such_o separation_n on_o the_o one_o have_v and_o associate_a on_o the_o other_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a when_o it_o cause_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o such_o obstruction_n to_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o do_v and_o will_v do_v more_o if_o it_o shall_v more_o general_o prevail_v the_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n do_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n by_o communicate_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v nor_o do_v they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n design_v they_o by_o his_o ordinance_n either_o by_o have_v their_o mind_n discompose_v by_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o communicant_n or_o otherwise_o for_o if_o they_o have_v we_o can_v think_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n search_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n will_v have_v applaud_v they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n say_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a rev_n 3.4_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n nor_o at_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o i_o must_v inform_v those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o i_o have_v discern_v that_o what_o be_v herein_o plead_v have_v have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o some_o few_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n of_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a interpretation_n i_o shall_v not_o thus_o far_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o as_o it_o do_v to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v the_o general_a stream_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n herein_o both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o make_v this_o essay_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o most_o need_v it_o second_o that_o i_o take_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a charity_n as_o tend_v to_o no_o man_n hurt_n but_o to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o sort_n else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o it_o for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n orthodox_n in_o divinity_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n now_o if_o the_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n plead_v for_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o not_o otherwise_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n than_o the_o exclude_v such_o from_o both_o will_v do_v than_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o they_o and_o this_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n tend_v to_o propagate_v and_o spread_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o narrow_a way_n can_v do_v as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o its_o matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o and_o in_o that_o this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o the_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o excommunication_n in_o reference_n to_o capital_a offender_n but_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o because_o by_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o shame_n and_o so_o unto_o repentance_n when_o they_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o or_o to_o be_v number_v with_o they_o as_o be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v less_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n upon_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o than_o our_o dissent_v friend_n be_v that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o great_a uncharitableness_n towards_o gross_a sinner_n when_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n rule_v observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o not_o use_v such_o severity_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o such_o from_o church-communion_n as_o may_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a when_o yet_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o heresy_n scandalous_a crime_n or_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o man_n may_v give_v occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o unregeneracy_n by_o such_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o do_v good_a as_o yet_o may_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o excommunication_n neither_o be_v this_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n hurtful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v good_a but_o give_v they_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o more_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o uncharitableness_n unto_o they_o neither_o for_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v if_o nothing_o else_o do_v they_o may_v be_v as_o strict_a as_o they_o will_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o best_a man_n for_o their_o own_o improvement_n in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v beneficial_a to_o they_o by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n and_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v more_o good_a than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v for_o while_o good_a man_n do_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o formal_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o the_o better_o preserve_v their_o own_o esteem_n among_o they_o and_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o excel_v they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o they_o in_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o in_o their_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n and_o the_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n whereas_o a_o contrary_a carriage_n produce_v contrary_a effect_n for_o separation_n from_o neighbour_n as_o no_o member_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o breed_v more_o or_o less_o estrangedness_n between_o they_o and_o that_o beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n concern_v they_o as_o man_n want_v in_o true_a christian_a charity_n and_o humility_n which_o will_v make_v they_o the_o less_o value_v and_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n the_o less_o regard_v and_o their_o good_a example_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a imitation_n the_o less_o take_v with_o and_o the_o less_o gain_v upon_o such_o man_n a_o discourse_n likewise_o which_o evince_v a_o more_o extensive_a visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o god_n than_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v allow_v must_v needs_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o themselves_o more_o especial_o for_o it_o tend_v to_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o make_v they_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o good_a man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o such_o apprehension_n as_o make_v he_o troublesome_a even_o to_o good_a man_n themselves_o without_o any_o cause_n and_o from_o such_o opinion_n as_o have_v kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o contention_n and_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n destructive_a of_o that_o christian_a charity_n without_o which_o all_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a grief_n to_o all_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o any_o undue_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v very_o grateful_a to_o they_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v remove_v this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a 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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 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powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
undissembled_a belief_n be_v that_o i_o doubt_v not_o which_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o the_o eunuch_n answer_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v baptise_a by_o philip_n do_v intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o only_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o this_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v due_o infer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o give_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o inquiry_n oppose_v there_o be_v objection_n or_o plea_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o which_o be_v well_o answer_v by_o mr._n thomas_n lamb_n as_o some_o of_o these_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o also_o be_v in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o independency_n and_o thus_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o other_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o so_o in_o god_n account_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o almighty_a god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v account_v and_o ow_v such_o to_o be_v his_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o or_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o if_o god_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o such_o then_o so_o must_v his_o servant_n likewise_o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n account_v they_o such_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o do_v so_o too_o who_o profess_v to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n after_o that_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v thing_n thus_o let_v not_o any_o man_n now_o say_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o confound_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o this_o will_v but_o reflect_v after_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o number_v bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o external_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o worshipper_n of_o he_o secret_n hypocrite_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o visible_o such_o and_o yet_o none_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o such_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o count_v this_o a_o confound_a god_n kingdom_n with_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o visible_a and_o invisible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o god_n have_v he_o but_o those_o hypocrite_n whether_o secret_a or_o more_o open_a which_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v not_o of_o his_o visible_a but_o of_o his_o invisible_a kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o seek_v to_o establish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o confound_v god_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o devil_n visible_a kingdom_n one_o with_o another_o much_o less_o their_o invisible_a kingdom_n for_o those_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o profess_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o son_n and_o only_a mediator_n though_o otherwise_o bad_a but_o such_o as_o worship_v idol_n other_o god_n and_o other_o mediator_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n worship_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o such_o worship_n those_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n count_v of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n or_o dominion_n in_o which_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n idol-worship_n and_o the_o rite_n of_o that_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v count_v god_n kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o public_a authority_n own_a and_o establish_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o when_o idol_n worship_n be_v put_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o several_a territory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n to_o be_v come_v rev._n 12.9_o 10._o and_o again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n when_o idol-worship_n which_o be_v devilish_a worship_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o kingdom_n revel_v 11.15_o not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o carnal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o though_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v own_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o government_n or_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o be_v account_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o devil_n however_o many_o of_o those_o inhabitant_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o those_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o our_o saviour_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.12_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o query_n ix_o whither_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a that_o such_o have_v right_a to_o they_o before_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o they_o by_o church-censure_n those_o will_v grant_v who_o yet_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o by_o god_n allowance_n but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o right_n by_o god_n allowance_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o we_o now_o suppose_v we_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o our_o former_a enquiry_n viz._n that_o god_n himself_o do_v own_o very_a many_o such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o invisible_a than_o it_o will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o do_v allow_v they_o a_o share_n in_o the_o external_a and_o temporary_a privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n except_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v a_o exception_n for_o otherwise_o god_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o privilege_n of_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o relation_n itself_o extend_v for_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o relation_n go_v together_o except_o in_o case_n of_o forfeiture_n by_o miscarriage_n the_o union_n of_o part_n do_v of_o itself_o infer_v right_a to_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a the_o right_a of_o those_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o visible_a church-priviledge_n do_v arise_v i_o conceive_v from_o that_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o in_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n on_o that_o condition_n now_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v covenant_n with_o god_n in_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o so_o far_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v so_o he_o allow_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v a_o share_n in_o his_o household_n fare_n and_o in_o the_o provision_n for_o his_o family_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n if_o they_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o own_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o
they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v no_o other_o apprehension_n of_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o for_o we_o find_v they_o earnest_o persuade_v those_o christian_n to_o put_v away_o such_o practice_n the_o retain_v of_o which_o can_v not_o well_o consist_v with_o a_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n which_o argue_v that_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o put_v they_o off_o though_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o col_n 3.8_o 9_o but_o now_o you_o also_o put_v off_o all_o these_o anger_n wrath_n malice_n blasphemy_n filthy_a communication_n out_o of_o your_o mouth_n lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n that_o be_v they_o have_v engage_v to_o do_v so_o in_o baptism_n see_v the_o like_a again_o ephes_n 5.3_o and_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o cor._n 6.15_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n god_n forbid_v what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o a_o harlot_n be_v one_o body_n chap._n 10.21_o 22._o you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o chap._n 15.33_o 34._o be_v not_o deceive_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o sin_n not_o for_o some_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o your_o shame_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17._o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o chap._n 12.20_o 21._o for_o i_o fear_v lest_o when_o i_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o find_v you_o such_o as_o i_o will_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o you_o such_o as_o you_o will_v not_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n envy_n wrath_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n tumult_n and_o lest_o when_o i_o come_v again_o my_o god_n will_v humble_v i_o among_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o which_o have_v sin_v already_o and_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o uncleaness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v phil._n 2.22_o all_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o by_o the_o general_a epistle_n which_o st._n james_n write_v not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v very_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a that_o the_o faith_n which_o very_o many_o of_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v but_o a_o dead_a and_o unavailable_a faith_n and_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v they_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a faith_n such_o as_o do_v neither_o purify_v the_o heart_n nor_o reform_v the_o life_n be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o doer_n for_o for_o all_o their_o knowledge_n and_o their_o faith_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o writing_n that_o their_o lust_n remain_v still_o lusty_a and_o strong_a that_o war_v in_o their_o member_n the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n their_o unworthy_a compliance_n to_o keep_v friendship_n with_o the_o world_n pride_n envy_n and_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o with_o their_o unruly_a tongue_n and_o curse_v and_o swear_v and_o such_o like_a distemper_n it_o seem_v do_v abound_v among_o they_o and_o st._n james_n by_o this_o epistle_n to_o they_o endeavour_v their_o thorough_a conversion_n and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a among_o they_o to_o endeavour_v it_o likewise_o say_v if_o any_o see_v his_o brother_n err_v and_o one_o convert_v he_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o which_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o likewise_o find_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n but_o what_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n have_v indeed_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o nothing_o which_o our_o saviour_n can_v commend_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o say_v when_o we_o find_v this_o and_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n in_o the_o apostle_n write_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v be_v not_o thorough_o convert_v till_o after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o many_o such_o be_v so_o after_o and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n make_v such_o haste_n as_o they_o do_v to_o baptize_v person_n after_o they_o have_v once_o gain_v their_o consent_n to_o turn_v christian_n without_o stay_v for_o any_o far_a trial_n but_o that_o they_o think_v their_o thorough_a conversion_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v effect_v within_o the_o church_n than_o without_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o false_a religion_n to_o a_o bare_a or_o notitional_a belief_n of_o the_o true_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v convert_v from_o that_o to_o a_o right_n practical_a belief_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n through_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n and_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o who_o yet_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n such_o be_v those_o joh._n 2.23_o and_o those_o joh._n 12.42_o 43._o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o who_o st._n james_n speak_v that_o have_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o these_o day_n who_o have_v no_o other_o faith_n for_o some_o time_n and_o yet_o afterward_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o lively_a practical_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n convert_v go_v little_a or_o nothing_o far_o than_o to_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n until_o after_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o have_v so_o little_a time_n of_o learn_v before_o as_o general_o they_o have_v but_o be_v carry_v on_o further_a to_o a_o more_o particular_a distinct_a and_o practical_a belief_n by_o after-teaching_a when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o what_o i_o have_v former_o note_v from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n touch_v a_o double_a teach_n the_o one_o to_o make_v man_n become_v disciple_n which_o go_v before_o baptism_n the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o live_v as_o christian_n which_o follow_v after_o it_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o but_o however_o whatever_o thorough_a and_o effectual_a conversion_n the_o apostle_n may_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n effect_n in_o man_n while_o they_o be_v without_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o since_o that_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n have_v be_v discontinue_v abundant_o more_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o they_o have_v there_o enjoy_v than_o have_v be_v among_o those_o without_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a or_o than_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v so_o before_o such_o admission_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v conceive_v almighty_a god_n allow_v many_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a be_v because_o so_o to_o do_v be_v more_o useful_a for_o the_o propagate_a and_o spread_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o
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
house_n be_v do_v by_o their_o confederation_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o cement_n by_o which_o the_o christian_n be_v unite_v and_o combine_v in_o one_o particular_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v ephes_n 2._o but_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n but_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bethynia_n as_o appear_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o no_o one_o sure_o can_v think_v that_o these_o christian_n thus_o scatter_v and_o at_o this_o distance_n can_v become_v one_o particular_a church_n by_o such_o a_o mutual_a confederation_n as_o these_o hold_v necessary_a for_o the_o form_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o not_o it_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o somewhat_o else_o than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n covenant_n as_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n think_v to_o find_v here_o by_o which_o christian_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v build_v up_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o that_o doubtless_o must_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n become_v one_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o sen_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.6_o house_n in_o these_o place_n can_v signify_v less_o than_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n who_o be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v all_o these_o christian_n become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o by_o be_v join_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o thereby_o to_o one_o another_o among_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o be_v worship_v as_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o by_o this_o they_o all_o become_v one_o body_n which_o be_v but_o another_o metaphor_n under_o which_o to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o make_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o qualify_v they_o for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o that_o be_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o to_o make_v any_o other_o covenant_n beside_o this_o so_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n as_o to_o make_v this_o of_o god_n own_o appointment_n insufficient_a for_o that_o end_n be_v a_o great_a impeachment_n of_o it_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o abetter_n of_o it_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o countenance_v if_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o essential_a to_o its_o be_v and_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o god_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v or_o require_v it_o so_o long_v it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o with_o a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n a_o piece_n of_o vain_a worship_n condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 15.9_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o add_v to_o god_n word_n or_o a_o say_n he_o say_v when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o in_o part_n a_o make_v void_a the_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v establish_v their_o own_o tradition_n for_o whereas_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o opinion_n deny_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o other_o confederate_v in_o its_o room_n 3._o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o unchurch_a of_o all_o those_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o unite_v by_o church_n covenant_v for_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o none_o be_v real_o church_n without_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v of_o other_o thing_n now_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o confederate_a be_v a_o great_a thing_n indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o year_n it_o be_v since_o such_o covenant_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o how_o inconsiderable_a a_o number_n of_o congregation_n it_o have_v be_v use_v since_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o very_a venturous_a and_o dare_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o enquiry_n touch_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o thus_o 1._o it_o consist_v partly_o in_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v one_o town_n from_o another_o or_o one_o great_a neighbourhood_n from_o another_o and_o that_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o habitation_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v as_o well_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a for_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o peaceable_a government_n as_o it_o be_v for_o civil_a and_o do_v as_o well_o accommodate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o without_o this_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a government_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v impracticable_a even_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o universal_a empire_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o that_o at_o rome_n from_o that_o at_o corinth_n and_o that_o at_o ephesus_n from_o that_o at_o philippi_n yea_o that_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi from_o that_o at_o corinth_n which_o yet_o border_v upon_o corinth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o indeed_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o church_n and_o church_n by_o vicinity_n of_o neighbourhood_n and_o cohabitation_n do_v best_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o particular_a church_n association_n such_o as_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o all_o christian_a office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o friendship_n but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o constitute_v christian_n dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o particular_a christian_a church_n though_o by_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o be_v as_o fit_a matter_n qualify_v for_o it_o but_o 2._o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v such_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n in_o local_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n consist_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v the_o place_n over_o they_o one_o or_o more_o church-officer_n to_o minister_v to_o they_o therein_o by_o which_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o where_o they_o assemble_v for_o worship_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o like_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o other_o church-officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o by_o such_o their_o joint_a local_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n administer_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o pastor_n they_o be_v unite_v with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o as_o one_o worship_v congregation_n by_o which_o union_n also_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n as_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v from_o they_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a churchway_n do_v indeed_o hold_v particular_a church_n as_o such_o to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o church-officer_n over_o they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o inquiry_n concern_v church_n do_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prove_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o church_n officer_n he_o quote_v act_n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o this_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o by_o and_o by_o but_o shall_v first_o examine_v and_o try_v what_o be_v in_o the_o assertion_n itself_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v will_v be_v find_v full_a of_o mistake_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v find_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o
voice_n in_o heaven_n follow_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n rev._n 11.15_o for_o this_o joyful_a acclamation_n be_v here_o bring_v in_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v of_o and_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o city_n spiritual_o call_v sodom_n and_o egypt_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o fall_n of_o part_n of_o the_o papal_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o rise_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v contemporary_a and_o that_o this_o great_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v those_o nation_n which_o be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n before_o to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o city_n refer_v unto_o the_o great_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o be_v make_v many_o year_n since_o in_o several_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n in_o christendom_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o acclamation_n aforesaid_a the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n refer_v unto_o the_o same_o time_n and_o thing_n 1._o because_o we_o have_v not_o where_o so_o great_a so_o notable_a and_o remarkable_a a_o alteration_n as_o that_o reformation_n make_v in_o christendom_n foretell_v and_o particular_o point_v at_o in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o and_o yet_o it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o so_o great_a and_o famous_a a_o alteration_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o popish_a state_n and_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o reformation_n make_v shall_v not_o in_o special_a be_v point_v at_o somewhere_o in_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n this_o reason_n the_o reverend_a dr._n more_o have_v surnish_v i_o with_o in_o his_o appendage_n annex_v to_o his_o exposition_n of_o daniel_n prophecy_n p._n 291._o with_o who_o exposition_n of_o what_o i_o here_o allege_v out_o of_o rev._n 11._o i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v as_o i_o find_v it_o in_o the_o foresay_a appendage_n and_o in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n unveil_v 2._o the_o matter_n which_o sell_v out_o and_o be_v transact_v in_o and_o by_o that_o reformaton_n do_v exact_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o that_o prophecy_n touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o popish_a power_n and_o interest_n in_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o pope_n jurisdiction_n for_o then_o there_o be_v a_o political_a resurrection_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v be_v political_o slay_v and_o a_o long_a time_n dead_a for_o cry_v down_o popery_n and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o such_o be_v put_v into_o public_a employment_n in_o all_o reform_a nation_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o political_a slaughter_n of_o thousand_o of_o man_n when_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o office_n and_o holy_a order_n in_o their_o church_n be_v put_v down_o in_o all_o those_o nation_n that_o then_o become_v reform_v and_o this_o reason_n methinks_v shall_v convince_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o our_o first_o happy_a national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o prophecy_n touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n we_o speak_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o voice_n in_o heaven_n which_o present_o follow_v thereupon_o do_v declare_v that_o those_o nation_n which_o while_n popish_a be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o by_o their_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n they_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n shall_v refer_v unto_o another_o time_n and_o turn_n and_o not_o to_o that_o of_o the_o first_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n yet_o that_o say_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n upon_o the_o occasion_n there_o forego_v will_v no_o less_o serve_v to_o prove_v that_o nation_n by_o their_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o will_v in_o case_n that_o prophecy_n have_v refer_v unto_o the_o first_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o earthquake_n the_o fall_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o city_n and_o political_a slaughter_n of_o seven_o thousand_o of_o name_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o import_v a_o great_a alteration_n of_o affair_n and_o national_a reformation_n wheresoever_o and_o whensoever_o they_o fall_v out_o be_v it_o soon_o or_o late_a because_o upon_o it_o we_o see_v some_o of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v but_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n before_o do_v then_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n indefinite_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n or_o paganism_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o right_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n then_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v so_o reform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o consequent_o of_o those_o which_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o have_v be_v first_o in_o such_o reformation_n and_o thus_o our_o proof_n appear_v every_o way_n pregnant_a to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n then_o when_o we_o find_v that_o in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n that_o as_o fast_o as_o the_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a power_n in_o each_o nation_n have_v fall_v into_o orthodox_n christian_n hand_n so_o fast_o those_o nation_n have_v become_v reform_v from_o paganism_n or_o popery_n by_o the_o govern_n power_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o when_o we_o find_v again_o that_o by_o such_o reformation_n those_o nation_n have_v become_v god_n kingdom_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v these_o to_o be_v the_o very_a and_o true_a event_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o such_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o those_o which_o foretell_v that_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v his_o people_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n after_o christianity_n begin_v before_o it_o become_v national_a by_o national_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v long_o after_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n before_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n become_v national_a and_o as_o the_o one_o be_v in_o bondage_n four_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o egyptian_a tyranny_n so_o be_v the_o christian_n three_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n before_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n become_v national_a by_o national_a authothority_n but_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n as_o reform_v have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v carry_v on_o principal_o in_o a_o national_a way_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v carry_v on_o far_a and_o more_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n infidelity_n and_o paganism_n until_o at_o last_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o the_o angel_n by_o daniel_n come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o all_o dominion_n or_o ruler_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o dan._n 7.27_o and_o that_o also_o in_o psal_n 72_o 11._o all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o foresay_a prophecy_n of_o st._n john_n rev._n 11._o we_o may_v brief_o observe_v these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o any_o lesser_a defect_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n ecclesiastical_a in_o any_o of_o the_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v yet_o after_o and_o because_o such_o reformation_n have_v be_v make_v those_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n account_v esteem_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o seem_v to_o
case_n much_o rather_o than_o those_o which_o tend_v to_o aggravate_v a_o matter_n charity_n think_v not_o evil_a be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v charitable_a man_n have_v hold_v of_o other_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o fly_v out_o unless_o of_o very_o bad_a mind_n and_o ill_a temper_n the_o truth_n be_v charity_n be_v that_o to_o catholic_n communion_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o that_o preserve_v it_o in_o a_o healthful_a condition_n but_o so_o far_o as_o charity_n be_v want_v in_o communion_n so_o far_o that_o communion_n be_v sickly_a and_o languish_a and_o void_a of_o its_o true_a spirit_n and_o life_n 2._o the_o other_o bond_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v up_o together_o in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o we_o see_v peace_n be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v keep_v now_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o practice_n which_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o observe_v in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n and_o love_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n use_v the_o same_o worship_n and_o have_v the_o same_o love_n to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v when_o st._n paul_n beseech_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o ready_o understand_v his_o exhortation_n to_o refer_v to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o christianity_n the_o like_a we_o have_v in_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o save_o that_o love_n be_v there_o particular_o instance_a in_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v communion_n or_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v we_o see_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o preserve_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n now_o this_o peace_n consist_v chief_o in_o christian_n avoid_v difference_n among_o themselves_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o if_o difference_n do_v arise_v than_o this_o peace_n consist_v in_o such_o gentleness_n moderation_n and_o calmness_n of_o behaviour_n in_o christian_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o by_o reason_n whereof_o their_o christian_a converse_n be_v not_o interrupt_v nor_o their_o communion_n disturb_v their_o difference_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n about_o lesser_a thing_n not_o essential_a to_o communion_n especial_o concern_v such_o circumstantial_a matter_n as_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a in_o scripture_n except_o only_o by_o general_a rule_n for_o consider_v that_o more_o christian_n be_v weak_a than_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o less_o spiritual_a both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o more_o unmortified_a in_o self-will_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n among_o christian_n but_o yet_o if_o the_o great_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o slight_a and_o despise_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o prejudice_n of_o education_n nor_o violent_o oppose_v they_o but_o patient_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o wise_o insinuate_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n those_o thing_n which_o may_v help_v they_o and_o by_o condescension_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o they_o for_o their_o good_a so_o far_o as_o innocent_o they_o can_v peace_n may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o differ_v in_o many_o thing_n not_o but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v when_o the_o best_a man_n have_v do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o for_o this_o will_v fall_v out_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v those_o among_o christian_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v unmortified_a but_o i_o be_o show_v how_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o mind_n and_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n and_o that_o they_o may_v converse_v very_o love_o together_o where_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o passion_n do_v not_o prevail_v notwithstanding_o such_o difference_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a carriage_n of_o good_a man_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o if_o not_o present_o to_o reconcile_v they_o in_o opinion_n yet_o to_o charm_v they_o into_o a_o peaceable_a demeanour_n if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n of_o ill_a temper_n god_n himself_o make_v allowance_n unto_o man_n that_o differ_v conscientious_o about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o not_o out_o of_o affectation_n though_o they_o err_v in_o judgement_n so_o long_o as_o their_o error_n proceed_v not_o from_o a_o corrupt_a will_n or_o pride_n of_o mind_n rom._n 14._o and_o good_a man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n will_v do_v so_o too_o and_o such_o difference_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n in_o religion_n that_o break_v peace_n destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o man_n unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o pride_n envy_n and_o ill_a will_n which_o take_v the_o advantage_n thence_o to_o vent_v themselves_o against_o one_o another_o in_o irregular_a practice_n from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o brawling_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n jam._n 4.1_o though_o christian_n then_o may_v differ_v in_o opinion_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n so_o as_o that_o peace_n be_v not_o break_v by_o any_o irregular_a or_o troublesome_a behaviour_n their_o communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o fellowship_n or_o mutual_a love_n can_v suffer_v much_o by_o such_o difference_n for_o peace_n and_o charity_n support_v each_o other_o and_o propagate_v each_o other_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v very_o well_o therefore_o couple_v they_o together_o in_o his_o exhortation_n col._n 3.14_o 15._o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n the_o peace_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n be_v peaceable_a live_n one_o with_o another_o 3._o beside_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o peaceable_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o the_o government_n in_o it_o both_o which_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o christian_n unanimity_n in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o which_o moderation_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o namely_o that_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n therein_o be_v make_v as_o easy_a as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o public_a edification_n and_o comely_a order_n for_o when_o they_o be_v so_o man_n will_v have_v no_o tolerable_a pretence_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n therein_o but_o otherwise_o some_o
out_o of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o by_o desert_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o correct_v open_a and_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o lesser_a disorder_n for_o else_o if_o both_o be_v punish_v alike_o when_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o criminal_a or_o if_o lesser_a disorder_n shall_v be_v strict_o look_v after_o and_o severe_o punish_v and_o great_a connive_v at_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o government_n in_o man_n reverence_n and_o esteem_v and_o so_o weaken_v the_o fence_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o render_v communion_n with_o she_o less_o desirable_a by_o such_o as_o will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v unequal_o deal_v with_o by_o she_o but_o as_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o to_o unity_n in_o its_o communion_n so_o be_v obedience_n to_o such_o government_n without_o which_o government_n lose_v its_o end_n but_o when_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v equal_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o will_v consist_v with_o the_o due_a end_n of_o it_o then_o if_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o disobedient_a under_o it_o they_o will_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o sober_a man_n if_o fit_v course_n be_v take_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v government_n in_o the_o church_n will_v signify_v little_a thus_o much_o concern_v our_o inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o unity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n be_v necessary_a and_o why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o without_o fracture_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v this_o because_o its_o be_v such_o and_o so_o keep_v and_o maintain_v tend_v great_o to_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n and_o bigness_n of_o its_o body_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n for_o next_o to_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n the_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n among_o christian_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v general_o find_v in_o they_o will_v attract_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o like_n and_o love_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o lovely_a effect_n it_o produce_v in_o they_o man_n can_v hardly_o think_v otherwise_o than_o well_o of_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o they_o find_v man_n be_v make_v more_o peaceable_a and_o love_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o all_o good_a office_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o man_n than_o other_o be_v or_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v before_o they_o engage_v hearty_o and_o serious_o in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o concord_n and_o good_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n have_v so_o happy_a a_o tendency_n as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n &_o love_n of_o that_o same_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o reason_n why_o and_o for_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o union_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o thing_n their_o religien_n teach_v they_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o world_n will_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o neither_o pray_v i_o for_o these_o alone_a but_o for_o they_o also_o which_o shall_v believe_v on_o i_o through_o their_o word_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o have_v have_v its_o contrary_a effect_n for_o where_o have_v any_o such_o numerous_a addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v find_v from_o among_o the_o pagan_a world_n since_o the_o great_a division_n which_o have_v rise_v and_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n while_n catholic_n communion_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o considerable_a interruption_n nay_o have_v not_o the_o unreasonable_a division_n and_o fierce_a contention_n which_o have_v break_v out_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n especial_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o sceptic_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o more_o general_a flow_a of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v accomplish_v but_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o be_v until_o by_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o virtue_n they_o make_v a_o better_a representation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o they_o do_v at_o this_o day_n when_o god_n almighty_a turn_n to_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n than_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v they_o will_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v zeph._n 3.9_o not_o while_o they_o treat_v one_o another_o with_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a language_n which_o smell_n of_o wrath_n and_o disdain_n of_o envy_n spite_n and_o contempt_n not_o while_o by_o word_n they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o disgrace_v one_o another_o but_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o the_o good_a agreement_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n for_o where_o peace_n and_o good_a agreement_n be_v in_o the_o several_a office_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n there_o love_n be_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n which_o hold_v they_o fast_o together_o and_o love_n be_v a_o radical_a grace_n out_o of_o which_o other_o grace_n grow_v in_o so_o much_o that_o love_n be_v make_v the_o summary_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.8.10_o charity_n edifi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o like_a god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v set_v and_o on_o which_o it_o exercise_v itself_o it_o tend_v to_o build_v up_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a reason_n why_o a_o peaceable_a agreement_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v to_o increase_v the_o church_n in_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n viz._n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n delight_v to_o dwell_v where_o peace_n and_o love_n dwell_v and_o there_o to_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v enrich_v but_o without_o his_o supply_n influence_n and_o operation_n there_o be_v no_o thrive_n in_o grace_n and_o real_a goodness_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o where_o god_n take_v up_o his_o special_a residence_n he_o will_v adorn_v those_o live_a temple_n with_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a ornament_n and_o those_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o best_a sort_n of_o gift_n such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o
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 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