Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
christian_n	church_n	particular_a	pastor_n	2,231	5	9.9163	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

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

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

the_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wood._n and_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v law_n direct_v how_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v accoutre_v in_o their_o ministration_n as_o of_o what_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o fashion_n their_o garment_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o when_o put_v on_o and_o when_o put_v off_o and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o like_a thing_n in_o other_o case_n but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o we_o be_v direct_v indeed_o in_o the_o substance_n and_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o external_n circumstance_n of_o administration_n thereof_o we_o have_v very_o little_a of_o particular_a direction_n therein_o but_o the_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o guide_v and_o determine_v herself_o and_o she_o own_o action_n by_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o edification_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o such_o external_n sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o natural_a religion_n will_v direct_v man_n in_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o particular_a direction_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o christian_n however_o distinguish_v but_o do_v more_o and_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v more_o in_o the_o external_n manner_n of_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v particular_a direction_n for_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o command_n for_o baptise_v disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o no_o particular_a direction_n what_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v or_o what_o instruction_n shall_v be_v give_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n nor_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o form_n the_o party_n baptize_v shall_v by_o himself_o or_o parent_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a direction_n what_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v or_o instruction_n give_v or_o exhortation_n make_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o nor_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o element_n be_v to_o be_v consecrate_a otherwise_o than_o by_o recite_v the_o word_n of_o institution_n nor_o how_o in_o particular_a the_o cup_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v nor_o what_o gesture_n shall_v be_v use_v nor_o when_o and_o how_o often_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v in_o these_o thing_n church_n in_o several_a nation_n may_v and_o do_v vary_v more_o or_o less_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o do_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v to_o general_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o keep_v to_o in_o these_o and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n under_o several_a different_a circumstance_n and_o this_o none_o can_v deny_v and_o so_o far_o public_a prayer_n though_o we_o have_v particular_a rule_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o who_o and_o in_o who_o name_n to_o be_v make_v and_o likewise_o for_o the_o internal_a manner_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o external_n manner_n and_o circumstance_n save_o that_o of_o be_v make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n as_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o except_o the_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o whether_o with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o it_o or_o whether_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o how_o many_o shall_v be_v make_v at_o one_o church_n assembly_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o particular_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o man_n to_o use_v one_o or_o another_o according_a as_o the_o exigence_n of_o circumstance_n shall_v require_v or_o their_o governor_n order_n and_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o intend_v to_o have_v allow_v such_o a_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o worship_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n but_o think_v he_o will_v have_v be_v as_o particular_a in_o determine_v they_o as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n itself_o which_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o church_n guide_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o good_a to_o pitch_v upon_o the_o selfsame_a circumstance_n of_o administration_n where_o they_o have_v only_o general_a rule_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n and_o according_o experience_n show_v that_o among_o good_a man_n some_o have_v think_v such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n best_a to_o agree_v with_o general_a rule_n when_o other_o as_o good_a as_o they_o have_v think_v other_o to_o do_v so_o and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n both_o can_v be_v best_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o that_o which_o be_v not_o best_o in_o itself_o may_v be_v best_a to_o be_v use_v as_o circumstance_n may_v fall_v out_o as_o when_o that_o which_o be_v not_o best_o can_v be_v refuse_v without_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o the_o use_n of_o that_o rather_o than_o a_o better_a do_v amount_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n then_o have_v leave_v his_o people_n at_o so_o much_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o we_o see_v he_o have_v it_o argue_v sufficient_o that_o the_o use_n of_o different_a circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o at_o all_o displease_v unto_o he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n especial_o when_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o breach_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n unity_n and_o good_a will_n in_o the_o church_n do_v influence_n the_o choice_n if_o there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o liberty_n leave_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o use_v different_a circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o answer_v to_o the_o general_a rule_n as_o none_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n deny_v but_o there_o be_v than_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o christian_n so_o to_o contend_v for_o one_o of_o these_o circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o separate_v and_o break_v communion_n about_o it_o and_o thereby_o to_o involve_v the_o church_n in_o unpeaceable_a strife_n and_o contention_n disaffection_n and_o feud_n when_o it_o be_v but_o matter_n of_o liberty_n to_o use_v one_o or_o another_o and_o not_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o use_v one_o only_a and_o not_o the_o other_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o a_o public_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o only_a matter_n of_o liberty_n when_o to_o do_v so_o cause_v a_o brother_n to_o offend_v be_v severe_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o liberty_n to_o be_v blame_v when_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o great_a and_o public_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n say_v brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n we_o speak_v of_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o show_v itself_o and_o play_v its_o part_n be_v sad_o visible_a in_o that_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n and_o envy_v which_o have_v be_v cause_v thereby_o which_o be_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o too_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o liberty_n to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o external_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n when_o another_o be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o when_o to_o do_v so_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o division_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o charity_n than_o it_o must_v be_v alike_o abuse_v of_o liberty_n to_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o another_o when_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o or_o like_o evil_a or_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v the_o imposition_n of_o that_o prescribe_v by_o the_o liturgy_n be_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o object_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o liberty_n one_o way_n by_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o imposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o privilege_n the_o abuse_n of_o a_o liberty_n by_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a 2._o the_o imposition_n they_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n

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

of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o such_o a_o ministry_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o proper_o be_v a_o church_n without_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n st._n paul_n mention_n ephes_n 4.11.12_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o join_v they_o together_o or_o for_o the_o make_v they_o up_o or_o for_o the_o compact_n or_o knit_v they_o together_o for_o thus_o various_o be_v that_o word_n render_v by_o expositor_n but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o knit_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o their_o several_a public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o edification_n and_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v so_o call_v from_o several_a christian_n assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n their_o union_n wherein_o be_v make_v by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n in_o his_o ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n

that_o have_v aggravate_v their_o crime_n in_o not_o observe_v the_o covenant_n consent_v to_o by_o their_o forefather_n unless_o they_o their_o posterity_n have_v be_v oblige_v by_o their_o forefather_n consent_v to_o it_o three_o god_n call_v those_o child_n of_o idolatrous_a jew_n his_o child_n who_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n and_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v unto_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o &_o 23.37_o and_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v they_o so_o but_o by_o be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n though_o now_o they_o have_v violate_v it_o and_o by_o be_v far_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n circumcise_n they_o it_o seem_v that_o covenant_n which_o have_v oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o be_v god_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o likewise_o and_o much_o more_o be_v they_o thus_o oblige_v when_o their_o parent_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o though_o such_o parent_n have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant_n interest_n in_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o by_o that_o by_o which_o they_o do_v so_o make_v void_a god_n covenant_n right_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o he_o to_o be_v he_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o some_o man_n when_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o bad_a as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o king_n 15.3_o 2_o king_n 16.2_o 2_o chron._n 28.5_o &_o 36.5.12_o four_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o circumcise_a their_o child_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o not_o the_o child_n themselves_o and_o yet_o these_o child_n be_v as_o firm_o oblige_v by_o it_o when_o grow_v to_o be_v man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v then_o circumcise_a themselves_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 5.3_o and_o if_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o circumcise_n they_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n on_o their_o part_n whenever_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o god_n part_n until_o they_o deve_v themselves_o of_o it_o by_o their_o actual_a and_o wilful_a transgress_v the_o covenant_n in_o not_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o correspondence_n to_o his_o promise_n of_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n account_n little_a child_n which_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o design_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o favourable_a construction_n repute_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o that_o service_n while_o but_o little_a child_n which_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v until_o they_o be_v past_o their_o childhood_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o one_o case_n and_o by_o purity_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o under_o like_a circumstance_n the_o child_n of_o the_o koathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o they_o be_v design_v and_o devote_v for_o it_o by_o their_o parent_n then_o though_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v that_o service_n until_o they_o attain_v unto_o more_o year_n numb_a 3.27_o 28._o these_o be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o koathite_n in_o the_o number_n of_o all_o the_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o parent_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o contrary_a event_n in_o their_o child_n if_o they_o do_v not_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o when_o they_o shall_v their_o child_n be_v repute_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o their_o parent_n proper_o be_v so_o by_o neglect_v to_o fulfil_v the_o term_n of_o it_o on_o their_o child_n behalf_n the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o little_a child_n of_o proselyte_n also_o make_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n by_o their_o father_n take_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o by_o enter_v their_o male-children_n with_o themselves_o into_o it_o by_o circumcision_n exod._n 12.48_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v to_o that_o end_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o the_o child_n ought_v then_o to_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v capable_a to_o have_v do_v so_o and_o which_o in_o duty_n they_o ought_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o they_o before_o parent_n as_o parent_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o their_o child_n and_o so_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o that_o what_o they_o oblige_v they_o to_o by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n will_n and_o command_v in_o their_o minority_n they_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o nor_o countermand_v by_o god_n as_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o than_o their_o parent_n have_v this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a as_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o have_v found_v his_o own_o institution_n upon_o it_o of_o oblige_v little_a child_n by_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n if_o a_o man_n by_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n oblige_v his_o son_n and_o heir_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a thing_n among_o man_n for_o such_o a_o child_n to_o esteem_v himself_o not_o oblige_v thereby_o to_o do_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n or_o testament_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v it_o say_v s._n paul_n gal._n 3.15_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a child_n become_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n both_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o under_o it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o other_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christian-parent_n have_v as_o great_a a_o propriety_n in_o and_o as_o much_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o parent_n have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n on_o their_o behalf_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o benefit_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o child_n now_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n for_o their_o benefit_n than_o it_o be_v then_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n be_v of_o as_o much_o force_n to_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o now_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n by_o do_v that_o for_o they_o in_o their_o minority_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o benefit_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v heretofore_o all_o thing_n be_v suppose_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o parent_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o capacity_n to_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n to_o god_n in_o covenant_n now_o by_o what_o they_o may_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n in_o their_o minority_n as_o ever_o parent_n be_v heretofore_o they_o may_v dedicate_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n by_o baptism_n now_o as_o well_o as_o parent_n can_v by_o circumcision_n heretofore_o and_o baptism_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v the_o baptise_a in_o covenant_n with_o

god_n now_o as_o ever_o circumcision_n do_v the_o circumcise_a heretofore_o and_o it_o be_v now_o as_o much_o the_o benefit_n of_o person_n to_o be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o baptism_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o former_o by_o circumcision_n now_o as_o touch_v that_o warrant_n or_o authority_n which_o christian_n have_v to_o oblige_v their_o infant_n child_n by_o baptise_v they_o to_o become_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o their_o part_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v active_a therein_o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o of_o this_o kind_a christian_n have_v with_o what_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o other_o have_v for_o their_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o it_o but_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n have_v only_o a_o favourable_a allowance_n and_o grant_n that_o in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v they_o 48._o exod._n 12_o 48._o that_o then_o in_o order_n to_o this_o attainment_n the_o father_n or_o man_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o all_o his_o male_n but_o otherwise_o as_o circumcision_n be_v not_o enjoin_v the_o gentile_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o prophet_n or_o other_o be_v send_v abroad_o among_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o jewish_a church_n only_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o the_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n but_o its_o probable_a it_o be_v but_o from_o among_o other_o jew_n to_o make_v he_o of_o their_o sect_n to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a our_o saviour_n commissionated_a his_o apostle_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o now_o if_o this_o commission_v extend_v to_o the_o baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_a parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a parent_n themselves_o then_o here_o be_v warrant_n and_o authority_n enough_o for_o such_o parent_n to_o engage_v their_o child_n by_o baptise_v they_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o this_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o authorise_a the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v such_o little_a child_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o in_o another_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o it_o address_n from_o p._n 29._o to_o p._n 80._o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o to_o show_v what_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o baptise_v in_o this_o latitude_n 2._o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o extensive_a sense_n and_o that_o they_o do_v practice_n according_o unto_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o very_o considerable_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n take_v from_o the_o unanimous_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o the_o defection_n into_o popery_n now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n unless_o they_o have_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o send_v by_o they_o in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o place_n the_o apostle_n go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v our_o saviour_n witness_n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o his_o commission_n their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n 1.6.23_o rom._n 10._o col._n 1.6.23_o and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o all_o place_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o their_o first_o receive_v this_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n there_o as_o 1._o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o one_o place_n from_o another_o where_o the_o christian_n live_v make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o usage_n by_o combination_n or_o imitation_n of_o one_o another_o 2._o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o language_n make_v it_o impossible_a that_o this_o sameness_n of_o practice_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o any_o mutual_a correspondence_n or_o intelligence_n hold_v by_o they_o 3._o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o make_v it_o impossible_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o diversity_n of_o language_n may_v have_v hold_v such_o correspondence_n as_o by_o agreement_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o a_o practice_n as_o they_o have_v not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o at_o first_o by_o some_o innovator_n yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a it_o shall_v steal_v into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o where_o without_o some_o know_a opposition_n from_o some_o good_a man_n or_o other_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v apostolical_a we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o office_n and_o out_o of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o innovation_n as_o this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o innovation_n without_o such_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o some_o author_n or_o other_o who_o live_v in_o or_o near_o such_o time_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n since_o than_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o practice_n short_a of_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o it_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o christian_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o have_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n have_v yet_o all_o along_o agree_v in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o very_a few_o only_o except_v and_o those_o chief_o or_o rather_o only_o as_o have_v appear_v since_o luther_n day_n or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n practise_v record_v in_o scripture_n of_o their_o baptise_v whole_a household_n give_v we_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o their_o do_v so_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o all_o church_n first_o plant_v by_o they_o and_o in_o those_o succeed_v they_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o remain_v little_a reason_n for_o any_o impartial_a man_n to_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v practice_v infant_n baptism_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n query_n vi._n whither_o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o query_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o matter_n discuss_v in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o that_o union_n and_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o they_o become_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o he_o with_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o little_a child_n be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a with_o intent_n thereby_o so_o to_o oblige_v they_o then_o i_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o demand_v of_o the_o parent_n

as_o they_o own_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n according_a to_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v great_a guilt_n upon_o they_o this_o still_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o though_o the_o immorality_n of_o this_o people_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v such_o in_o other_o respect_n as_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v in_o covenant_v and_o in_o a_o partial_a performance_n of_o covenant_n can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yet_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o partial_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o a_o worship_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n do_v denominate_v they_o in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a respect_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o by_o the_o way_n then_o if_o those_o of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v style_v saint_n a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o other_o account_n and_o in_o other_o respect_n than_o their_o be_v real_o and_o inherent_o holy_a as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v by_o inspire_a man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o style_v they_o saint_n the_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o same_o epithet_n and_o appellation_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a in_o both_o they_o signify_v a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o pagan_a unbelieve_a world_n unto_o god_n among_o who_o some_o be_v more_o so_o and_o some_o less_o some_o by_o external_a covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o some_o by_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n i_o the_o rather_o note_v this_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o because_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o st._n paul_n still_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v saint_n for_o the_o prove_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o sanctify_a be_v church-matter_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o church-member_n except_o when_o it_o be_v do_v through_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o have_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n how_o thing_n stand_v relate_v touch_v visible_a church-membership_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v declare_v touch_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a and_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o person_n adult_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n visible_a church-member_n unless_o they_o be_v reputative_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o become_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n by_o their_o voluntary_a covenant_v by_o baptism_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o they_o to_o denominate_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v and_o to_o hope_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n when_o they_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o too_o god_n but_o whether_o their_o due_a admission_n thereto_o do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o admit_v they_o or_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v be_v refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o desire_v it_o in_o case_n those_o who_o office_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v man_n thereto_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o save_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n or_o thus_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v require_v by_o way_n of_o condition_n without_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a for_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o for_o other_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o suspect_v he_o will_v do_v it_o with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v short_a of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o to_o have_v a_o evil_a design_n in_o desire_v it_o to_o betray_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o enemy_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o suspicion_n its_o probable_a the_o disciple_n refuse_v saul_n join_v with_o they_o after_o his_o conversion_n though_o he_o desire_v it_o until_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a satisfaction_n concern_v he_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o as_o have_v only_o some_o general_n and_o in_o distinct_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v desire_v admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o that_o way_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o thorough_a save_a work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v be_v preparatory_a and_o dispository_n thereto_o but_o yet_o have_v something_o though_o not_o all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o who_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o dissemble_v know_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v saving_o regenerate_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v unregenerate_a man_n receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o such_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v as_o well_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o regenerate_v i_o shall_v offer_v several_a thing_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o first_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o proof_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a by_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o qualification_n enjoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o do_v so_o when_o all_o the_o male_n at_o age_n in_o abraham_n house_n be_v command_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o male-stranger_n buy_v with_o their_o money_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o when_o the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v require_v to_o circumcise_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o male_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n enjoin_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o so_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n also_o command_v joshua_n to_o circumcise_v all_o the_o hebrew_n male_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v a_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o without_o any_o condition_n of_o such_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a nay_o almighty_a god_n at_o another_o time_n command_v all_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o their_o camp_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o into_o his_o oath_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o command_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a also_o and_o without_o condition_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n require_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o do_v already_o true_o fear_v he_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o forbear_v no_o

hunger_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n one_o be_v hungry_a another_o be_v drink_v despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o which_o have_v not_o these_o also_o be_v such_o unworthy_a act_n as_o christian_n by_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a now_o all_o these_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o right_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v either_o as_o not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o as_o not_o be_v due_o affect_v with_o what_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o for_o remedy_n for_o time_n to_o come_v he_o put_v they_o upon_o examine_v themselves_o concern_v the_o apprehension_n the_o sense_n and_o affection_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v touch_v those_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o external_a act_n of_o unworthy_a communicate_v proceed_v from_o their_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n by_o examination_n find_v themselves_o in_o a_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n to_o answer_v our_o lord_n end_n in_o this_o his_o institution_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n in_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v communicant_n of_o it_o for_o man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n worthy_o or_o unworthy_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o thereby_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o remember_v our_o bless_a saviour_n query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_v and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o well-becoming_a the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o such_o as_o render_v it_o high_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o man_n as_o 1._o because_o it_o tend_v more_o abundant_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o invisible_a church_n member_n than_o it_o will_v if_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a or_o worthy_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o that_o it_o have_v this_o tendency_n need_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v have_v of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o convert_v man_n above_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o other_o way_n experience_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v that_o abundant_a more_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o man_n have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o out_o of_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v than_o before_o more_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o be_v in_o it_o than_o have_v be_v make_v so_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o how_o rare_o have_v any_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n while_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o miracle_n cease_v how_o seldom_o do_v we_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o jew_n or_o profess_a infidel_n become_v real_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n though_o they_o live_v among_o christian_n and_o where_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v any_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o as_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o multitude_n of_o conversion_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n convert_v many_o so_o as_o of_o bad_a to_o make_v they_o real_o holy_a and_o good_a before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o their_o call_v be_v extraordinary_a so_o be_v their_o ministry_n by_o which_o those_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v attest_v to_o come_v from_o heaven_n by_o multitude_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o marvellous_a gift_n and_o therefore_o those_o conversion_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o extraordinary_a conversion_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o thing_n extraordinary_o do_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o have_v the_o like_a do_v in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o under_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o unreasonableness_n as_o those_o we_o call_v seeker_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o can_v find_v as_o they_o think_v no_o true_a church_n extant_a or_o visible_a because_o not_o call_v by_o man_n qualify_v with_o like_a extraordinary_a gift_n as_o those_o or_o many_o of_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v by_o who_o churches_n be_v then_o gather_v and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n convert_v those_o who_o they_o do_v convert_v be_v extraordinary_a it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v succeed_v in_o their_o undertake_n as_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v they_o from_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o forefather_n unto_o a_o new_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o great_o different_a from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v especial_o from_o that_o of_o paganism_n from_o which_o most_o of_o their_o conversion_n probable_o be_v make_v but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n gather_v our_o saviour_n a_o church_n all_o over_o the_o know_a world_n and_o settle_v particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a as_o the_o event_n show_v that_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o convert_v man_n shall_v be_v continue_v for_o when_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_v man_n way_n be_v make_v for_o convert_v they_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n then_o that_o which_o be_v extratraordinary_a cease_v like_a as_o the_o give_v the_o israelite_n manna_n from_o heaven_n cease_v when_o they_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v supply_v with_o food_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o there_o have_v be_v but_o few_o conversion_n make_v in_o those_o without_o the_o church_n but_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o those_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n 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a_o faithful_a practice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o person_n baptize_v and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a because_o wrought_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o i_o have_v show_v yet_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v effectual_a at_o last_o be_v but_o only_a beginning_n and_o preparatory_a to_o a_o second_o and_o thorough_a conversion_n of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v carry_v quite_o through_o and_o make_v effectual_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n after_o

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

the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a will_v be_v thereby_o strengthen_v in_o their_o self-flattery_n and_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o touch_n their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o find_v the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o thus_o strengthen_v by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concur_v with_o they_o therein_o they_o will_v be_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n and_o in_o so_o much_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o rest_v secure_o in_o that_o unsafe_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o know_v or_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o many_o that_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v laodicean_n like_v less_o apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n before_o god_n than_o they_o that_o be_v true_o sincere_a how_o much_o less_o will_v they_o suspect_v it_o and_o how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o though_o false_a when_o they_o have_v the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o back_v they_o in_o it_o and_o that_o after_o inspection_n have_v be_v make_v into_o their_o life_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n approve_v of_o as_o the_o manner_n be_v of_o those_o that_o go_v that_o way_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o of_o this_o great_a inconvenience_n some_o of_o the_o new_a england_n divine_v grow_v sensible_a after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o that_o way_n a_o great_a while_n for_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_v apologetical_a preface_n pa._n 43_o 44._o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o these_o word_n indeed_o when_o man_n confound_v these_o two_o and_o do_v the_o visible_a church_n interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v but_o get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o as_o alas_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n do_v arise_v from_o man_n be_v own_v visible_a church_n member_n from_o their_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o from_o their_o covenant_a to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o such_o profession_n and_o such_o covenant_a do_v indeed_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o church_n that_o such_o will_v not_o be_v so_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o yet_o such_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v their_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o future_a do_v not_o minister_v any_o occasion_n of_o confidence_n in_o such_o man_n that_o they_o have_v already_o perform_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n as_o a_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o unto_o communion_n as_o have_v in_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n already_o perform_v it_o will_v do_v this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n in_o her_o external_a privilege_n in_o hope_n of_o their_o improve_n they_o to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n give_v they_o no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n of_o the_o safety_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o condition_n thereby_o further_o than_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a by_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o do_v so_o by_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n man_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o their_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o communion_n though_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v no_o judgement_n thereby_o of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o do_v so_o in_o case_n it_o have_v st._n paul_n be_v sensible_a i_o doubt_v not_o how_o prone_a many_o christian_n be_v to_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n mere_o upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n in_o the_o external_a communion_n thereof_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o caution_v the_o christian_n against_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o safe_a condition_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o labour_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v rest_v therein_o without_o grow_v better_a and_o better_a thereby_o 1_o cor._n 10._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a brethren_n how_o that_o all_o our_o father_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o do_v all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n and_o yet_o with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v but_o overthrow_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o lust_v then_o enumerate_v their_o miscarriage_n and_o what_o befall_v they_o thereupon_o and_o further_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n happen_v to_o they_o for_o example_n or_o type_n to_o we_o and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v thereby_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v participate_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_n in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o like_a they_o may_v perish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n 5._o another_o reason_n against_o refuse_v all_o such_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o that_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o good_a for_o bad_a and_o of_o refuse_v the_o sincere_a christian_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a there_o be_v so_o little_a visible_a difference_n between_o what_o many_o of_o the_o same_o person_n be_v a_o little_a before_o they_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o have_v it_o only_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o man_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v if_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n under_o such_o circumstance_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o not_o mistake_v in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v still_o increase_v when_o that_o very_o little_a of_o true_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o some_o man_n be_v great_o obscure_v by_o the_o courseness_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n beside_o the_o prejudice_n which_o some_o good_a man_n have_v against_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n in_o opinion_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o discern_v true_a grace_n in_o some_o of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o good_a degree_n too_o this_o age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n and_o severity_n of_o many_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o of_o those_o in_o who_o god_n himself_o find_v save_v grace_n will_v be_v refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o if_o that_o opinion_n shall_v general_o obtain_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a some_o do_v understand_v the_o danger_n of_o root_n up_o the_o wheat_n if_o the_o tare_n shall_v be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o wheat_n for_o the_o tare_n if_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v attempt_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o other_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v they_o both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n it_o will_v be_v pat_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o reason_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o than_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o to_o be_v our_o savious_n meaning_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v elsewhere_o for_o i_o do_v not_o

know_v any_o three_o sense_n pretend_v to_o among_o interpreter_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o parable_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o bad_a a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n shall_v be_v refuse_v admittance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o its_o communion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v so_o little_a that_o man_n can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o such_o a_o discouragement_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o set_v they_o back_o again_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o very_a little_a grace_n in_o its_o beginning_n which_o they_o have_v a_o thing_n point_fw-fr blank_a against_o that_o admonition_n and_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 18.10_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o the_o query_n be_v double_a i_o shall_v answer_v to_o that_o first_o which_o be_v first_o and_o do_v say_v the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a as_o the_o whole_a differ_v from_o a_o part_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o a_o part_n differ_v from_o the_o whole_a for_o otherwise_o they_o be_v material_o the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o contain_v all_o visible_a church_n matter_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v than_o what_o make_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o as_o such_o 2._o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v one_o single_a congregation_n than_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o those_o of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v do_v now_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o its_o existence_n possible_o it_o may_v but_o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v so_o many_o single_a worship_a congregation_n as_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n in_o a_o city_n province_n or_o kingdom_n then_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o church_n universal_a by_o this_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o which_o it_o be_v otherwise_o unite_a than_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o such_o be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n and_o in_o other_o great_a city_n to_o have_v be_v the_o scripture_n so_o account_v they_o when_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o more_o single_a worship_a assembly_n than_o one_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v on_o several_a account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o congregationalist_n make_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o make_v it_o the_o form_n or_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v another_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o particular_a if_o their_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n be_v admit_v concern_v it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o church_n covenant_n or_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o each_o one_o of_o their_o single_a congregation_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o and_o they_o account_v this_o so_o necessary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v person_n otherwise_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o themselves_o to_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v under_o this_o engagement_n to_o they_o or_o some_o other_o sister_n church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v do_v and_o require_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n as_o the_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v free_a from_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o thing_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o only_o as_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o scruple_n they_o as_o there_o be_v to_o 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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

i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o great_a or_o lesser_a voluntary_a association_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o seem_v very_o inconsiderable_a because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n then_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o necessity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a not_o but_o that_o they_o long_v for_o and_o pray_v for_o such_o king_n as_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o at_o last_o they_o obtain_v it_o in_o constantine_n a_o christian_a cesar_n who_o use_v that_o power_n of_o he_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o more_o commodious_a and_o orderly_o carry_v on_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o existent_a in_o the_o empire_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n express_v themselves_o thus_o upon_o that_o occasion_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 as_o i_o show_v before_o rev._n 12.10_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n for_o man_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o new_a testament_n time_n consider_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n nation_n reform_v from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n be_v style_v god_n kingdom_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n style_v the_o same_o people_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n sometime_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o call_v a_o christian_a nation_n a_o church_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v it_o a_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n style_v so_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o popery_n be_v before_o such_o reformation_n be_v make_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o much_o of_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v then_o own_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v indict_v we_o see_v style_v they_o so_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o then_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o own_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o same_o creed_n which_o the_o reform_a churches_n themselves_o use_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o 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the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o

good_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o what_o they_o desire_v and_o seek_v whereas_o the_o other_o tend_v to_o exasperate_v and_o provoke_v and_o to_o beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o a_o jealousy_n of_o their_o design_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v ease_n and_o relief_n in_o what_o be_v mattet_n of_o grievance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o which_o do_v that_o be_v no_o good_a way_n of_o obtain_v from_o they_o solomon_n wise_a advice_n be_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o ruler_n rise_v up_o against_o thou_o leave_v not_o thy_o place_n for_o yield_v pacifi_v great_a offence_n eccles_n 10.4_o query_n xiii_o wherein_o may_v catholic_n church_n communion_n consist_v and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o best_o preserve_v to_o clear_v our_o way_n in_o this_o inquiry_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n bear_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o to_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n but_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n by_o that_o relation_n in_o which_o their_o union_n consist_v they_o come_v to_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o one_o another_o than_o they_o have_v before_o their_o incorporation_n into_o that_o body_n and_o by_o it_o they_o come_v under_o new_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v before_o but_o their_o communion_n consist_v much_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o that_o interest_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a by_o their_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v make_v by_o one_o baptism_n or_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n respect_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o catholic_n communion_n respect_v its_o well-being_n by_o its_o increase_n in_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o comfort_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o catholic_n church_n unity_n by_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v another_o which_o come_v by_o relation_n but_o this_o unity_n of_o communion_n slow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o relation_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a have_v thus_o brief_o consider_v how_o catholic_n communion_n differ_v from_o catholic_n union_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o wherein_n or_o in_o what_o catholic_n commumunion_n do_v consist_v and_o we_o may_v best_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o as_o practise_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o it_o first_o become_v christian_n and_o this_o account_n we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n act_n 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n by_o which_o description_n we_o see_v it_o consist_v in_o their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o three_o thing_n faith_n worship_n fellowship_n 1._o in_o their_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o attendance_n to_o it_o and_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v call_v the_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o the_o one_o faith_n eph._n 4.5_o and_o their_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v style_v unity_n in_o the_o faith_n eph._n 4.13_o 2._o in_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n this_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n act_v 1.14_o and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o penticost_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o when_o their_o number_n so_o increase_v that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o perform_v this_o public_a worship_n together_o in_o one_o place_n but_o in_o several_a distinct_a assembly_n call_v particular_a church_n yet_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n make_v their_o communion_n in_o it_o but_o one_o communion_n though_o perform_v in_o several_a assembly_n for_o although_o these_o assembly_n be_v never_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n the_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v no_o more_o hinder_v their_o communion_n from_o be_v one_o than_o their_o be_v baptize_v in_o several_a distant_a place_n can_v hinder_v the_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o contract_v thereby_o from_o be_v one_o when_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n we_o account_v all_o those_o to_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o act_n in_o which_o they_o hold_v their_o local_a commumunion_n in_o several_a distant_a nation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o communion_n in_o worship_n of_o all_o orthodox_n assembly_n in_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o for_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v man_n agreement_n in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o communion_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o make_v their_o communion_n but_o one_o though_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o in_o many_o thousand_o distant_a place_n and_o now_o it_o be_v by_o the_o union_n of_o relation_n by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n by_o agreement_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o worship_n wherein_o they_o have_v communion_n that_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n make_v one_o great_a house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o he_o be_v open_o worship_v and_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o one_o only_o true_a god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o false_a god_n ephes_n 2.21_o in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o house_n which_o be_v call_v christ_n own_a house_n heb._n 3.6_o and_o that_o house_n of_o god_n over_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o particular_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o one_o house_n be_v but_o as_o several_a apartment_n in_o it_o which_o all_o together_o make_v up_o one_o great_a house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o house_n of_o his_o god_n dwell_v and_o therein_o manife_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n after_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n here_o almighty_a god_n meet_v with_o they_o and_o commune_v with_o they_o and_o receive_v their_o address_n and_o here_o he_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benign_a influence_n and_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a church_n in_o their_o several_a assembly_n have_v communion_n with_o their_o head_n christ_n jesus_n and_o one_o with_o another_o by_o partake_v in_o common_a of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n communicate_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o assist_v in_o common_a in_o the_o worship_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o church_n render_v he_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o transcendent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o return_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o the_o more_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o in_o their_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o more_o they_o honour_v he_o and_o the_o more_o they_o please_v he_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o he_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o agreement_n but_o of_o two_o of_o they_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v have_v his_o promise_n of_o grant_v it_o mat._n 18.19_o what_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o

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 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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 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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

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 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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 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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 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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

the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.11_o while_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v so_o do_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o unpeaceable_o contend_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n perhaps_o do_v neither_o esteem_n or_o disesteem_a man_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a blessing_n especial_o and_o as_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n enlivens_fw-la it_o with_o natural_a life_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o several_a member_n perform_v their_o several_a function_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o even_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v animate_v it_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o do_v so_o influence_n and_o actuate_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o all_o perform_v their_o several_a christian_a office_n proper_a to_o each_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o this_o vital_a power_n of_o act_v spiritual_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o each_o of_o the_o member_n as_o they_o be_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o as_o one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o this_o conveyance_n to_o another_o and_o each_o enable_v to_o contribute_v its_o part_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o col._n 2.19_o where_o st._n paul_n mention_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n say_v from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n of_o the_o body_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n we_o see_v as_o have_v obtain_v it_o by_o his_o mediation_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a office-work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v the_o benesit_n obtain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o work_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 16.14_o and_o this_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n as_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o union_n one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o a_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n or_o member_n must_v needs_o obstruct_v this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o parallel_a place_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v make_v we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o and_o also_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v be_v so_o compact_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n depend_v upon_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o assistance_n and_o how_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o presence_n depend_v upon_o the_o peaceable_a agreement_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v and_o if_o so_o then_o unpeaceableness_n discord_n and_o strife_n contention_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n in_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o special_a presence_n and_o divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v thrive_v and_o increase_v in_o true_a goodness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o will_v rather_o decline_v and_o go_v backward_o though_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v so_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n which_o will_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v so_o with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o live_v in_o peace_n though_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v indeed_o dispense_v gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v common_a to_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a such_o as_o these_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o christian_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o disorder_n and_o unpeaceable_a division_n but_o as_o for_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o constitute_v man_n true_o good_a such_o as_o love_v joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n and_o meekness_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o have_v of_o these_o and_o man_n be_v of_o a_o unpeaceable_a temper_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n be_v i_o fear_v inconsistent_a for_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o though_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n chap._n 1_o 5._o yet_o in_o chap._n 3.1_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o because_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a say_v he_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n that_o be_v as_o other_o man_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o talk_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o walk_n and_o live_v be_v but_o as_o they_o while_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n be_v find_v with_o they_o for_o these_o be_v of_o those_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o those_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o these_o scripture_n measure_n it_o will_v make_v they_o on_o all_o hand_n one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o another_o to_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o find_v themselves_o but_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o sad_a time_n wherein_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v without_o delay_n repent_v and_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n and_o religious_a so_o long_o as_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o be_v and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o christian_n unity_n in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o

substance_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o their_o fellowship_n or_o mutual_a love_n as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o do_v then_o their_o be_v divide_v in_o these_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o or_o in_o any_o lesser_a thing_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v that_o undoubted_o be_v schism_n when_o any_o thing_n which_o before_o be_v but_o one_o come_v to_o be_v divide_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v one_o any_o long_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o reunion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o church_n communion_n although_o christian_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n also_o yet_o if_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o lesser_a thing_n they_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o that_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o brotherly_a love_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v their_o unity_n of_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v also_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o their_o communion_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v be_v destroy_v by_o uncharitable_a division_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v for_o brotherly_a love_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o cotholick_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o that_o be_v destroy_v by_o any_o division_n though_o but_o about_o lesser_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o communion_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n contract_v yea_o and_o their_o communion_n itself_o in_o faith_n and_o worship_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v be_v great_o damnify_v also_o for_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v render_v unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o themselves_o for_o want_n of_o communion_n in_o brotherly_a love_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o for_o worship_n if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o remembere_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n show_v how_o little_a god_n regard_v devotional_a communion_n in_o worship_n when_o void_a of_o true_a charity_n the_o schism_n we_o inquire_v after_o then_o lie_v in_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o christian_a unity_n in_o faith_n or_o in_o worship_n or_o in_o love_n and_o all_o church_n division_n tend_v more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o christian_a unity_n in_o these_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n that_o it_o lie_v in_o division_n appear_v in_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n from_o that_o for_o the_o word_n schism_n signify_v division_n or_o a_o rent_n and_o the_o translator_n of_o our_o english_a bible_n when_o they_o have_v put_v the_o word_n division_n in_o the_o line_n read_v they_o have_v put_v schism_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor_n 10.10_o and_o 11.18_o and_o when_o schism_n in_o the_o line_n division_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v to_o explain_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o since_o than_o schism_n consist_v in_o church_n division_n it_o follow_v that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o division_n be_v at_o any_o time_n by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o schism_n and_o the_o less_o the_o one_o be_v the_o less_o be_v the_o other_o also_o we_o must_v therefore_o distinguish_v of_o schism_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n or_o degree_n of_o division_n and_o so_o of_o schism_n which_o be_v sometime_o find_v among_o christian_n i._o a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o christian_n touch_v some_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n some_o hold_v they_o unlawful_a other_o lawful_a some_o account_v they_o necessary_a when_o other_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v this_o difference_n fall_v out_o between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o believe_a gentile_n touch_v some_o meat_n the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n and_o a_o difference_n much_o like_o to_o this_o in_o some_o respect_n have_v fall_v our_o among_o some_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n and_o in_o our_o nation_n now_o a_o difference_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o division_n yet_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o manage_v as_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o sinful_a schism_n shall_v scarce_o at_o all_o follow_v upon_o it_o as_o thus_o first_o if_o those_o who_o be_v scrupulous_a and_o yet_o under_o a_o mistake_n shall_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o dissent_v and_o desirous_a to_o be_v as_o little_a troublesome_a and_o offensive_a to_o their_o brethren_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o as_o tender_v of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o case_n will_v permit_v and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o impartial_o to_o consider_v any_o thing_n offer_v by_o their_o brethren_n to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o reconcile_v they_o in_o judgement_n second_o if_o they_o be_v not_o averse_a to_o comply_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o be_v agree_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o that_o case_n when_o he_o say_v nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n phil._n 3.16_o for_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o christian_n mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o of_o who_o he_o have_v say_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o and_o indeed_o this_o compliance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v schism_n upon_o a_o double_a account_n 1._o otherwise_o such_o do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v schism_n and_o so_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o if_o it_o follow_v for_o want_v of_o such_o compliance_n that_o to_o do_v thus_o be_v their_o undoubted_a duty_n be_v clear_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.18_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n how_o much_o more_o with_o fellow_n christian_n if_o christian_a compliance_n than_o be_v the_o way_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o christian_a brethren_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v when_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n require_v it_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o schism_n or_o a_o breach_n of_o peace_n follow_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o and_o guilty_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v they_o give_v occasion_n of_o suspicion_n that_o their_o noncompliance_n in_o that_o wherein_o their_o differ_v from_o their_o brethren_n profess_o lie_v proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o from_o some_o worse_a principle_n such_o as_o humour_n self_n will_v a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n or_o a_o personal_a prejudice_n against_o the_o man_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o if_o conscience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o then_o conscience_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o go_v along_o with_o their_o brethren_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v and_o to_o be_v tender_a and_o scrupulous_a of_o make_v the_o difference_n or_o breach_n between_o they_o wide_o than_o needs_o must_v and_o of_o multiply_a occasion_n of_o offence_n causeless_o man_n can_v be_v confident_a when_o they_o see_v such_o man_n be_v not_o tender_a of_o conscience_n in_o the_o one_o that_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o other_o but_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o their_o differ_v proceed_v chief_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n though_o the_o party_n themselves_o perhaps_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o but_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o conscience_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o this_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n be_v give_v by_o not_o comply_v in_o what_o they_o can_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o weaken_v man_n esteem_n of_o they_o and_o affection_n to_o they_o and_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o far_a difference_n whereas_o a_o compliance_n as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v will_v maintain_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o in_o man_n mind_n procure_v they_o fair_a quarter_n from_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o prevent_v the_o differenee_n from_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o

direct_a schism_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o reconciliation_n for_o when_o it_o do_v indeed_o appear_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o other_o true_o christian_a behaviour_n of_o person_n that_o through_o error_n of_o judgement_n differ_v from_o their_o brethren_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o that_o difference_n proceed_v pure_o from_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a and_o not_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n their_o case_n be_v true_o pitiable_a and_o call_v for_o tenderness_n towards_o they_o from_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o to_o treat_v they_o according_o be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v information_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o scruple_n whereas_o when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o treat_v with_o severity_n it_o tend_v to_o spoil_v their_o good_a temper_n and_o to_o exasperate_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o out_o of_o disgust_n to_o they_o who_o have_v so_o deal_v with_o they_o to_o unite_v into_o party_n and_o make_v head_n against_o they_o to_o the_o imbroil_v the_o church_n in_o grievous_a schism_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o and_o worse_a division_n or_o schism_n than_o mere_a difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n and_o that_o division_n lie_v more_o in_o christian_n unchristian_a manage_v their_o difference_n than_o in_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n when_o it_o be_v but_o about_o some_o thing_n wherein_o the_o good_a or_o hurt_n of_o man_n will_v be_v little_o concern_v if_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o their_o effect_n and_o this_o division_n lie_v in_o the_o immoderate_a manner_n of_o contend_v for_o that_o wherein_o christian_n differ_v as_o thus_o when_o they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o offer_v their_o argument_n fair_o and_o peaceable_o for_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o brethren_n for_o not_o submit_v to_o but_o oppose_v they_o both_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o practice_n as_o when_o they_o set_v they_o at_o naught_o and_o censure_v they_o as_o insincere_a as_o not_o true_o lover_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bias_v by_o some_o undue_a interest_n of_o honour_n reputation_n or_o gain_v or_o humour_n or_o self-will_n and_o that_o these_o prevail_v with_o they_o more_o than_o truth_n now_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v of_o a_o provoke_a nature_n and_o lay_v a_o temptation_n upon_o their_o brethren_n passion_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o alienate_v affection_n and_o minister_v to_o unpeaceable_a contending_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o peace_n though_o man_n have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v schismatical_a in_o labour_v to_o propagate_v or_o to_o defend_v that_o truth_n when_o they_o go_v far_o in_o do_v so_o than_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n i_o mean_v in_o way_n of_o controversy_n though_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v move_v with_o undue_a motive_n to_o oppose_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o what_o they_o hold_v yet_o because_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n it_o lie_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o may_v fear_v or_o suspect_v yet_o they_o shall_v forbear_v either_o to_o pronounce_v or_o insinuate_v any_o such_o hard_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o violate_v peace_n by_o cause_v unquietness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o destroy_v charity_n weaken_v yea_o wound_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v schism_n though_o it_o shall_v never_o proceed_v to_o actual_a separation_n this_o mingle_n of_o man_n passion_n and_o unchristian_a censure_n and_o insinuation_n with_o their_o argument_n hinder_v the_o due_a operation_n of_o their_o argument_n upon_o their_o antagonist_n mind_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o hinder_v it_o jam._n 1.20_o whereas_o though_o man_n do_v differ_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o propose_v and_o reply_v one_o to_o another_o no_v otherwise_o than_o as_o suppose_v both_o side_n to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n they_o may_v live_v love_o and_o peaceable_o together_o and_o enjoy_v edify_v and_o comfortable_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o their_o difference_n in_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o division_n and_o consequent_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o person_n that_o divide_v or_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n unnecessary_o gather_v into_o a_o party_n and_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o together_o the_o more_o public_o and_o avowed_o to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v in_o opposition_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o industrious_o labour_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o hope_v thereby_o in_o time_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v their_o opposite_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o their_o cause_n now_o if_o the_o thing_n or_o thing_n they_o after_o this_o manner_n contend_v for_o shall_v be_v unprofitable_a for_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v obtain_v or_o of_o so_o little_a use_n or_o benefit_n as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v countervail_v the_o hurt_n that_o be_v or_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o be_v obtain_v in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o grievous_a schism_n thus_o to_o divide_v and_o imbroil_v the_o church_n upon_o so_o mean_v a_o account_n a_o division_n or_o schism_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v term_v faction_n which_o be_v a_o side_v or_o make_v of_o party_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o some_o sort_n be_v the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o their_o division_n be_v factious_a division_n for_o they_o proceed_v to_o make_v of_o party_n their_o crime_n in_o this_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v term_v division_n in_o our_o bibles_n but_o the_o word_n be_v faction_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o and_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n render_v sedition_n in_o our_o translation_n be_v division_n or_o faction_n in_o the_o margin_n gal._n 5.20_o this_o sort_n of_o division_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o faction_n or_o make_v of_o party_n be_v more_o than_o be_v find_v in_o some_o division_n which_o yet_o be_v sinful_a now_o when_o a_o schism_n grow_v up_o to_o this_o height_n to_o a_o combine_a strength_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o while_o it_o be_v act_v only_o by_o a_o few_o apart_o and_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n and_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o then_o there_o be_v more_o of_o contempt_n in_o it_o and_o more_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o community_n more_o disturb_v and_o because_o usual_o by_o endeavour_n of_o increase_v the_o party_n much_o more_o evil_a be_v perpetrate_v by_o slander_n naughty_a insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n against_o those_o they_o divide_v from_o and_o combine_v against_o than_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o division_n at_o first_o or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o error_n on_o which_o the_o division_n first_o begin_v this_o factious_a division_n be_v likewise_o aggravate_v further_o when_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o sedition_n and_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n gal._n 5._o the_o same_o word_n signify_v division_n faction_n and_o sedition_n now_o sedition_n i_o conceive_v be_v a_o division_n accompany_v with_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n against_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n under_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o it_o be_v their_o act_v thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o government_n far_o than_o the_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v against_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o perhaps_o by_o seek_v to_o alter_v any_o thing_n amiss_o or_o inconvenient_a in_o the_o government_n in_o a_o undue_a way_n that_o be_v by_o act_v out_o of_o their_o sphere_n or_o the_o place_n or_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o their_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n in_o it_o

one_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v up_o by_o particular_a determination_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v leave_v more_o at_o large_a to_o govern_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understanding_n by_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o different_a circumstance_n under_o which_o christian_n be_v in_o several_a nation_n will_v necessitate_v they_o to_o use_v some_o difference_n in_o practice_n even_o while_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o same_o general_a rule_n do_v all_o thing_n to_o edify_v 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 be_v two_o general_a rule_n and_o christian_n be_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o in_o order_v their_o practice_n the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n will_v not_o tend_v both_o to_o edification_n and_o to_o peace_n also_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n which_o will_v do_v so_o at_o another_o these_o rule_n touch_v edification_n and_o peace_n will_v lead_v a_o man_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o his_o communion_n in_o public_a worship_n with_o the_o church_n in_o france_n in_o geneva_n in_o holland_n if_o he_o shall_v sojourn_v in_o these_o place_n than_o he_o do_v while_o he_o be_v here_o in_o england_n and_o observe_v the_o usage_n of_o this_o national_a church_n for_o it_o will_v not_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o edification_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o make_v a_o disturbance_n by_o labour_v to_o set_v on_o foot_n among_o they_o all_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n he_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o here_o because_o he_o like_v they_o better_o and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o such_o as_o come_v from_o those_o foreign_a church_n to_o sojourn_v here_o or_o in_o any_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v true_a catholic_n communion_n be_v to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n in_o any_o country_n that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v not_o schismatical_a notwithstanding_o any_o difference_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o usefulness_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n between_o one_o church_n and_o another_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v all_o useful_a to_o their_o end_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n and_o agreeable_a to_o general_a rule_n in_o that_o case_n i_o can_v take_v he_o for_o a_o right_a catholic_n christian_n that_o can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n where_o he_o come_v but_o where_o the_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n agree_v with_o that_o which_o he_o most_o affect_v when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n i_o fast_o on_o saturday_n when_o i_o be_o here_o at_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o say_z st._n ambrose_n to_o st._n austin_n 5._o one_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o therefore_o useless_a because_o another_o be_v more_o useful_a for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o usefulness_n herein_o do_v not_o exclude_v a_o less_o but_o only_o excel_v it_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n be_v better_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o stand_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v stand_v one_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v more_o useful_a to_o its_o end_n than_o another_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o those_o who_o use_v that_o which_o be_v less_o useful_a nay_o i_o will_v say_v more_o than_o this_o that_o mode_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v best_a under_o some_o circumstance_n be_v not_o so_o under_o other_o as_o when_o it_o can_v be_v use_v without_o cause_v such_o a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o will_v produce_v most_o pernicious_a effect_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o to_o religion_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o dissenter_n ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o better_a to_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o in_o that_o perform_v in_o their_o assembly_n under_o the_o ill_a circumstance_n which_o do_v attend_v it_o though_o they_o esteem_v they_o to_o be_v better_a abstract_o consider_v 6._o if_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o usefulness_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o communion_n in_o it_o where_o it_o be_v use_v our_o church_n division_n will_v be_v irreparable_a and_o beyond_o all_o remedy_n in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o order_v the_o external_a circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n may_v fall_v be_v they_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o or_o any_o other_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v therein_o there_o will_v be_v other_o who_o will_v find_v out_o some_o circumstantial_a defect_n in_o it_o that_o will_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o perhaps_o according_a to_o truth_n too_o render_v it_o less_o useful_a than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o in_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a unless_o they_o be_v all_o divine_o inspire_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o agree_v to_o a_o circumstance_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n but_o that_o some_o will_v think_v this_o and_o other_o will_v think_v that_o may_v have_v be_v better_o do_v than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n therefore_o unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o perpetuate_v division_n and_o separation_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o best_a external_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n we_o can_v obtain_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v competent_o useful_a to_o its_o end_n and_o not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v upon_o account_n of_o our_o esteem_v it_o less_o useful_a than_o we_o desire_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o best_a wisdom_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nation_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o cure_v our_o church_n division_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o unchristianlike_a separation_n and_o to_o give_v liberty_n for_o every_o one_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o esteem_v best_o be_v far_a of_o all_o from_o work_v such_o a_o rule_n object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v and_o indeed_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o since_o every_o man_n be_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n he_o can_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v one_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o he_o esteem_v better_a than_o another_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n of_o do_v so_o and_o by_o this_o those_o that_o do_v esteem_v the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n use_v in_o separate_a assembly_n to_o be_v better_a than_o that_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n in_o parochial_a congregation_n do_v labour_n to_o defend_v their_o separation_n to_o this_o several_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v say_v 1._o in_o order_v the_o mode_n or_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v not_o to_o what_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n only_o but_o to_o what_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o whole_a community_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o low_a capacity_n as_o those_o of_o a_o high_a as_o well_o those_o who_o desire_v a_o liturgy_n as_o those_o that_o do_v not_o and_o to_o what_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o they_o and_o when_o the_o government_n to_o this_o end_n have_v order_v that_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n and_o have_v allow_v a_o liberty_n of_o perform_v part_n of_o it_o without_o by_o pulpit_n prayer_n provision_n be_v thereby_o make_v to_o accommodate_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a ingenuity_n and_o charity_n which_o seek_v not_o her_o own_o will_v teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v accommodate_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o order_v just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o of_o this_o true_o christian_a strain_n be_v st._n paul_n which_o make_v he_o say_v i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 10.33_o and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n from_o age_n to_o age_n that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n consider_v that_o the_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 else_o it_o will_v certain_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n of_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o they_o they_o must_v row_v all_o the_o way_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o strong_a tide_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o who_o always_o esteem_v baptism_n the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v pass_v through_o baptism_n be_v within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a without_o be_v first_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a proceed_v from_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o as_o touch_v man_n entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a act_v 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o mar._n 16.16_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n man_n being_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o their_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v ordinary_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n now_o one_o will_v think_v a_o notion_n so_o preposterous_a as_o this_o oppose_v appear_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v very_o unfit_a to_o make_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v church_n upon_o or_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o those_o which_o have_v a_o substantial_a foundation_n the_o scripture_n i_o mean_v but_o if_o man_n seem_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a yet_o such_o seem_a can_v be_v no_o proper_a or_o fit_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n determine_v and_o conclude_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v arbitrarious_fw-la and_o uncertain_a for_o man_n be_v or_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n and_o those_o will_v seem_v in_o some_o man_n apprehension_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o to_o other_o will_v seem_v otherwise_o and_o then_o those_o will_v be_v own_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o will_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a method_n that_o first_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o way_n reformation_n and_o pure_a communion_n be_v thing_n which_o sound_v mighty_a well_o in_o good_a man_n ear_n and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o believe_v to_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a strictness_n in_o that_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o more_o general_a communion_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o hereupon_o to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o purity_n in_o it_o also_o which_o have_v be_v the_o prevail_a reason_n which_o have_v carry_v multitude_n into_o quakerism_n and_o when_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o seat_v itself_o in_o man_n mind_n they_o quick_o grow_v confident_a that_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v against_o it_o and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o fancy_v that_o every_o slight_a appearance_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o upon_o which_o they_o can_v but_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n as_o shall_v favour_v they_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n when_o impartial_o scan_v and_o have_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v oppose_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o good_a man_n be_v matter_n of_o purity_n indeed_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v one_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o if_o this_o their_o way_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n pure_a word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o what_o be_v impure_a and_o if_o it_o run_v counter_a to_o our_o lord_n method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o very_o material_a point_n than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o impure_a practice_n a_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o a_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o such_o it_o be_v if_o i_o have_v not_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