modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
baptism_n therefore_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_a soul_n but_o do_v solemn_o signify_v and_o seal_v their_o engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v with_o he_o their_o head_n and_o do_v confirm_v that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v have_v his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o baptism_n nor_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n or_o circumcision_n can_v be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o viz._n a_o company_n of_o people_n combine_v together_o by_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o this_o have_v be_v before_o baptism_n and_o likewise_o before_o circumcision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afore_o abraham_n yea_o if_o baptism_n now_o or_o circumcision_n in_o former_a time_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o there_o be_v no_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_a circumcision_n be_v discontinue_v when_o baptism_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v joss_n 5._o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o that_o generation_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o their_o come_n over_o jordan_n unto_o gilgall_n shall_v have_v be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o that_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o as_o it_o give_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o â—8_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o time_n there_o be_v few_o leave_v remain_v that_o have_v be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o witness_v that_o afore_o this_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v circumcise_v there_o because_o that_o generation_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o murmur_a afore_o this_o time_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o circumcision_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v and_o no_o church_n nor_o member_n make_v thereby_o and_o man_n have_v be_v make_v member_n of_o church_n and_o not_o then_o baptize_v but_o before_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n 3._o 6._o and_o christ_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o john_n do_v make_v new_a church_n nor_o gather_v man_n into_o they_o themselves_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o live_v and_o die_a member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v until_o upon_o their_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o his_o person_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n in_o blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v grace_n offer_v they_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n be_v break_v and_o cut_v asunder_o whereby_o god_n do_v break_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n between_o juda_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v un_o church_n they_o zach._n 11._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o 15._o so_o that_o here_o be_v baptism_n administer_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o man_n not_o receive_v thereby_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n for_o they_o be_v member_n long_o afore_o again_o when_o any_o of_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n that_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n or_o any_o of_o those_o many_o more_o that_o be_v baptize_v of_o christ_n be_v afterward_o join_v as_o member_n to_o those_o christian_n church_n in_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act._n 9_o 31._o as_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n by_o be_v baptize_v for_o they_o be_v baptize_v long_o afore_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o be_v baptize_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v they_o member_n either_o of_o the_o one_o church_n or_o of_o the_o other_o 5._o there_o be_v sundry_a inconvenience_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n than_o baptism_n may_v be_v dispense_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o apostle_n and_o such_o like_a be_v now_o cease_v and_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o but_o only_o to_o they_o that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v their_o commission_n and_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o beside_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o minister_n see_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n than_o man_n must_v be_v baptize_v afore_o there_o be_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o and_o consequent_o without_o minister_n second_o if_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o have_v baptism_n so_o far_o right_a for_o substance_n as_o that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o mr._n perkins_n teach_v that_o this_o baptism_n prove_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o all_o papist_n be_v member_n to_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o give_v sundry_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o from_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n administer_v in_o popish_a assembly_n will_v prove_v those_o assembly_n to_o be_v true_a church_n exposit_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o sure_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o if_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n either_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o else_o we_o must_v renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o corrupt_v and_o false_a even_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convert_v from_o among_o they_o must_v be_v baptize_v again_o as_o not_o have_v have_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n before_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o say_v that_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v they_o that_o be_v so_o baptise_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v though_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o object_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v member_n as_o a_o cause_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o effect_n or_o a_o antecedent_n by_o a_o consequent_a and_o therefore_o all_o baptise_a person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n as_o member_n wherever_o they_o become_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v neither_o but_o suppose_v answ_n a_o man_n have_v receive_v baptism_n as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v administer_v to_o he_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n still_o and_o so_o give_v he_o right_o to_o all_o church_n privilege_n though_o he_o do_v remain_v always_o as_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o baptism_n may_v remain_v when_o his_o church_n fellowship_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n thereby_o the_o church_n member-ship_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n may_v be_v thus_o dissolve_v by_o sundry_a mean_n 1._o by_o some_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n just_o pass_v against_o he_o for_o his_o
must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o 1_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o answer_n covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregationall_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n &_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num_fw-la 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o out_o live_v joshua_n josh_n 24_o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v 2_o into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n answer_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o becâ—me_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esâ—â—_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob._n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeâ—_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezek_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n josh_n 5._o 3._o 7._o they_o being_n not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o 3_o not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concern_v watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o as_o be_v answer_n show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v of_o god_n leu._n 19_o 17._o deut._n 29_o 8._o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_n 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o proselyte_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o like_o as_o
member_n if_o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o some_o be_v within_o and_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n and_o other_o be_v without_o and_o may_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n that_o can_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o some_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o other_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o every_o approbation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v touch_v before_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v here_o the_o more_o brief_o pass_v over_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o particular_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n that_o it_o be_v by_o join_v therein_o that_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o remove_v sundry_a objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n against_o church-covenant_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_v to_o full_a satisfaction_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n church-covenant_n be_v a_o term_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n answer_n first_o so_o be_v sacrament_n trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o those_o term_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v because_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v find_v second_o but_o see_v the_o covenant_n be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n as_o the_o two_o party_n that_o be_v confederate_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n or_o the_o church-covenant_n as_o when_o mamre_o aver_n &_o eschol_n be_v confederate_a with_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o 13._o may_v not_o one_o true_o say_v abraham_n be_v confederate_a with_o they_o relative_n do_v mutual_o put_v and_o establish_v one_o another_o three_o the_o scripture_n allow_v both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o the_o church_n eze._n 16._o 8._o &_o the_o people_n covenant_n or_o saint_n covenant_n or_o church_n covenant_n with_o he_o deut._n 29._o 12._o psal_n 50._o 5._o jer._n 50._o 5._o four_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o both_o the_o word_n both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n because_o both_o be_v confederate_a and_o for_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n also_o viz._n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o covenant_n as_o a_o marriage-covenant_n pro._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o the_o church-covenant_n be_v thus_o call_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o that_o make_v it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o church-estate_n and_o church-duty_n the_o duty_n which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o unto_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v such_o especial_o as_o concern_v a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o but_o this_o church-covenant_n put_v some_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o covenant_n 2._o of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o seem_v to_o charge_v the_o same_o with_o insufficiency_n for_o every_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a heb._n 8._o 7._o 1._o a_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a answ_n where_o the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v argue_v that_o righteousness_n and_o life_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 3._o 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v renew_v or_o make_v again_o though_o upon_o a_o new_a occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o the_o second_o time_n or_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o do_v disannul_v the_o first_o or_o cast_v disparagement_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n give_v to_o adam_n be_v not_o blame_v or_o fault_v because_o it_o be_v renew_v in_o sinai_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v first_o give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n after_o his_o fall_n afterward_o to_o abraham_n then_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o again_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v disannul_v the_o former_a or_o argue_v the_o same_o to_o be_v faulty_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o covenant_n though_o renew_v upon_o new_a occasion_n and_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n and_o the_o like_a we_o say_v concern_v church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o a_o man_n make_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o another_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n but_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o a_o man_n subjection_n to_o that_o very_a covenant_n special_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n estate_n into_o which_o estate_n the_o man_n be_v now_o enter_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o church-covenant_n 3_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v it_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o power_n this_o ground_n be_v very_o true_a that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n of_o himself_o answ_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v but_o all_o a_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n must_v come_v of_o god_n through_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o phil._n 2._o 13._o joh._n 15._o 5._o but_o the_o inference_n be_v not_o good_a that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o ento_z into_o church-covenant_n for_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o promise_n be_v unlawful_a and_o all_o covenant_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n the_o covenant_n of_o service_n yea_o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n when_o a_o particular_a soul_n promise_v faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o no_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n which_o a_o man_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o keep_v as_o the_o adultery_n of_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n among_o other_o do_v plain_o prove_v 2._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v power_n to_o they_o that_o in_o self-deniall_n seek_v it_o of_o he_o and_o trust_v to_o his_o promise_n for_o it_o ezek._n 36._o 27._o jer._n 31._o 33._o rom._n 6._o 14._o jer._n 32._o 40._o the_o true_a inference_n therefore_o from_o this_o ground_n from_o man_n disabilitie_n to_o perform_v be_v this_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o that_o be_v peter_n fault_n in_o promise_a not_o to_o deny_v christ_n but_o to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o but_o church-covenant_n as_o also_o all_o other_o promise_n shall_v be_v enter_v into_o in_o a_o humble_a look_v up_o to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 1._o god_n disallow_v covenant_n of_o man_n make_v and_o so_o our_o church-covenant_n 4._o in_o those_o word_n but_o not_o by_o thy_o covenant_n ezek._n 16._o 61._o god_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o there_o for_o make_v covenant_n for_o answ_n than_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o to_o do_v it_o exod._n 29._o deut._n 29._o and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o psal_n 50._o 5._o yea_o and_o in_o that_o very_a place_n of_o ezek._n 16._o acknowledge_v a_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o ver_fw-la 60._o 62._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o not_o for_o their_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o they_o
when_o themselves_o be_v alient_n and_o stranger_n cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n give_v great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o his_o son_n ezra_n 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o iâ—_n which_o case_n good_a ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o king_n heart_n to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n 7._o 27._o and_o therefore_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n shall_v be_v pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ordain_v and_o command_v of_o god_n the_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n yield_v out_o reverence_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o this_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o lack_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practise_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4._o 19_o &_o 5._o 29._o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n if_o they_o have_v neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o church_n ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v have_v the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n therein_o such_o neglect_n will_v have_v be_v their_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o they_o the_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n be_v all_o either_o heathen_n or_o jew_n yet_o enemy_n and_o if_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a and_o profitable_a when_o magistrate_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o when_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o christian_n may_v sometime_o be_v loser_n by_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n and_o in_o worse_a condition_n then_o if_o they_o have_v none_o but_o profess_a enemy_n beside_o this_o if_o superior_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v bodily_a sustenance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n conscience_n will_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a but_o he_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a bâ—y_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n rather_o than_o to_o sit_v still_a and_o say_v if_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o i_o and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o christian_a can_v excuse_v himself_o if_o he_o think_v noâ—_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n as_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o his_o temporal_a life_n or_o do_v not_o willing_o in_o this_o spiritual_a hunger_n break_v through_o stone_n wall_n as_o the_o proverb_n iâ—_n and_o run_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o perish_v without_o spiritual_a food_n because_o other_o provide_v not_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o quere_z concern_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o answer_v of_o we_o and_o the_o exhortation_n therein_o as_o we_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o blessing_n for_o those_o good_a end_n which_o we_o intend_v therein_o so_o we_o can_v in_o the_o same_o but_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n in_o time_n past_a as_o see_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v for_o our_o sinful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n â—o_z observe_z and_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o upon_o occasion_n give_v by_o this_o qu._n we_o do_v commend_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o his_o servant_n in_o â—ur_n dear_a native_a country_n both_o in_o remain_v and_o remove_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n whereas_o this_o qu._n in_o the_o first_o clause_n and_o last_o but_o one_o compare_v 12._o together_o speak_v of_o believer_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n can_v be_v out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvaâ—on_n but_o possible_o may_v yea_o most_o undoubted_o shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 3._o 16._o and_o 5._o 24._o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n to_o establish_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o for_o that_o say_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o only_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o not_o yet_o bear_v joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o 17._o 20._o out_o of_o which_o elect_a company_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a neither_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n joh_n 3._o 3._o but_o as_o for_o the_o visible_a we_o believe_v the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a that_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 10._o 28._o of_o who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o not_o join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o the_o thief_n that_o repent_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o gentile_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v then_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o then_o it_o will_v trouble_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v of_o what_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v save_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o job_n and_o of_o his_o friend_n of_o who_o salvation_n we_o make_v no_o question_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o visible_a church_n or_o no_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o house_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n of_o which_o line_n &_o race_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o man_n do_v come_v nor_o that_o they_o join_v themselves_o in_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n the_o centurion_n mat._n 8._o 10._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o be_v both_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o save_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n man_n of_o year_n ought_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n afore_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o that_o church_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n mâ—y_a diâ—_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n afore_o he_o can_v be_v join_v as_o that_o good_a emperor_n valentiâ—ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptizeâ—_n and_o for_o yourselves_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v intimate_v in_o your_o four_o question_n you_o may_v not_o then_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o imagine_v 3._o we_o do_v hold_v that_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o he_o write_v to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n which_o church_n be_v a_o
have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v_o 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v_o 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v_o 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_v not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n object_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a answer_n profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_v of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 197._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o &_o 26._o 16_o 17._o hos_fw-la 2._o 23._o &_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n both_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o require_v if_o any_o shall_v have_v claim_v church-fellowship_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o will_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o any_o duty_n of_o evangelicall_n obedience_n this_o have_v be_v a_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o half_n a_o take_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o in_o seem_v and_o pretence_n and_o a_o leave_v of_o another_o but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10._o 8._o and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n shall_v refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v there_o require_v to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o believe_a in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o likewise_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o such_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o join_n in_o covenant_n which_o we_o stand_v for_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n even_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o show_v 3_o that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 9_o 26._o if_o man_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v add_v or_o join_v then_o join_v in_o covenant_n or_o profess_v of_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n foremention_v and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n but_o that_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o this_o reason_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n will_v appear_v by_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n ensue_v when_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v 1._o but_o that_o god_n do_v convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o convert_n of_o they_o be_v the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n answer_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o receive_v for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o assay_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o they_o till_o they_o be_v better_o satisfy_v in_o 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come_v to_o year_n and_o how_o long_o do_v you_o count_v they_o under_o age_n 6._o whether_o do_v not_o you_o admit_v orphan_n under_o age_n with_o and_o in_o their_o guardian_n 7._o whether_o do_v you_o admit_v or_o refuse_v child_n under_o age_n only_o accord_v to_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o their_o near_a parent_n or_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v they_o if_o any_o of_o their_o next_o ancestor_n before_o their_o parent_n be_v believer_n 8._o whether_o do_v you_o require_v of_o all_o person_n of_o age_n who_o you_o admit_v member_n of_o any_o church_n 1._o a_o public_a vocal_a declaration_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n 2._o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n 3._o a_o express_a verbal_a covenant_v to_o walk_v with_o
the_o say_a church_n in_o particular_a in_o church_n fellowship_n 4._o and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o say_a church_n afterward_o without_o the_o consent_n thereof_o or_o how_o do_v you_o hold_v and_o practice_v in_o these_o thing_n 9_o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o our_o parish_n assembly_n in_o old-england_n to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o you_o may_v lawful_o join_v in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n if_o occasion_n serve_v thereto_o or_o if_o not_o all_o or_o the_o most_o than_o what_o one_o be_v those_o of_o which_o you_o so_o account_v and_o with_o which_o you_o dare_v so_o partake_v or_o join_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o well_o as_o they_o 10._o if_o you_o hold_v that_o any_o of_o our_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v such_o member_n at_o least_o as_o be_v either_o famous_o know_v to_o yourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o do_v bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v or_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n here_o to_o partake_v with_o you_o in_o all_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n in_o any_o of_o your_o congregation_n as_o by_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v there_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a liberty_n as_o you_o will_v permit_v any_o that_o may_v happy_o come_v unto_o you_o from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n the_o low-countries_n or_o yet_o from_o any_o one_o church_n to_o another_o among_o yourselves_o suppose_v from_o some_o church_n about_o connecticut_n or_o that_o of_o plymouth_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n newtowne_n dorchester_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o not_o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o 11._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v our_o present_a stand_v in_o our_o parish_n assembly_n here_o in_o old_a england_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o safe_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o or_o how_o fâ—rre_o it_o may_v be_v so_o 12._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o fix_a member_n to_o some_o one_o particular_a congregation_n so_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o maxim_n in_o divinity_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la 13._o whether_o do_v you_o think_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o a_o company_n of_o private_a and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n where_o the_o same_o may_v be_v have_v 14._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o small_a company_n of_o seven_o or_o nine_o or_o twenty_o or_o forty_o person_n combine_v into_o a_o church_n body_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v all_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o church_n government_n so_o as_o they_o may_v transact_v all_o ecclesiastical_a business_n independent_o among_o themselves_o 15._o whether_o do_v you_o give_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o to_o the_o presbyter_n thereof_o alone_o and_o if_o to_o those_o than_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o act_n of_o government_n and_o superior_a authority_n proper_o so_o call_v may_v the_o presbyter_n do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o member_n may_v do_v or_o without_o the_o particular_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o crave_v to_o have_v those_o particular_a act_n mention_v and_o how_o and_o over_o who_o in_o those_o act_v the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v in_o propriety_n of_o speak_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v 16._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o permit_v woman_n to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n 17._o whether_o in_o vote_v do_v the_o major_a part_n always_o or_o at_o any_o time_n carry_v ecclisiasticall_a matter_n with_o you_o or_o in_o what_o thing_n do_v it_o in_o what_o not_o 18._o what_o mean_n have_v you_o to_o preserve_v your_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n or_o to_o correct_v or_o reduce_v any_o church_n err_v in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o 1._o whether_o you_o have_v any_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o or_o if_o you_o have_v not_o whether_o mean_v you_o to_o have_v one_o and_o when_o and_o think_v you_o it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a so_o to_o have_v 2._o whether_o have_v you_o combine_v yourselves_o together_o into_o class_n or_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o to_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o their_o counsel_n and_o consent_v 3._o or_o give_v you_o any_o power_n to_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o determine_v and_o order_v thing_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v end_v so_o as_o that_o their_o determination_n shall_v bind_v the_o particular_a church_n so_o assemble_v to_o due_a obedience_n in_o case_n they_o decree_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n and_o to_o peaceable_a suffering_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o or_o what_o other_o course_n you_o have_v or_o intend_v to_o have_v for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a 19_o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n may_v lawful_o make_v such_o law_n or_o order_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o her_o member_n and_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v without_o sin_n 20._o wherein_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v do_v consist_v as_o 1_o whether_o be_v election_n by_o the_o people_n it_o yea_o or_o no_o or_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o essential_a as_o that_o without_o it_o the_o minister_n call_v be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o 3._o be_v ordination_n as_o essential_a a_o part_n thereof_o as_o the_o people_n election_n or_o 4._o be_v it_o but_o a_o mere_a formality_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o call_n 21._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v it_o lawful_a for_o mere_a lie_v or_o private_a man_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o case_n 22._o what_o essential_a difference_n put_v you_o between_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o do_v you_o obserate_v the_o same_o difference_n inviolable_o and_o do_v not_o your_o teacher_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n give_v themselves_o usual_o to_o application_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o your_o pastor_n and_o do_v they_o not_o also_o usual_o apply_v the_o seal_n 23._o what_o authority_n or_o eminency_n have_v your_o preach_a elder_n above_o your_o sole_a rule_v elder_n or_o be_v they_o both_o equal_n 24._o whether_o may_v a_o minister_n of_o one_o congregation_n be_v thereto_o request_v do_v as_o a_o minister_n any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o preach_v baptise_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o unto_o other_o congregation_n beside_o his_o own_o 25._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n leave_v or_o lose_v his_o place_n suppose_v without_o his_o fault_n do_v withal_o lose_v both_o nomen_fw-la and_o esse_fw-la of_o his_o ministry_n and_o do_v become_v a_o mere_a lay_v or_o private_a man_n until_o he_o be_v a_o new_a elect_a and_o ordain_v 26._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v or_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o allow_v and_o settle_v any_o certain_a &_o stint_a maintenance_n upon_o your_o minister_n 27._o whether_o do_v you_o permit_v and_o call_v upon_o mere_a lay_n and_o private_a man_n neither_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n nor_o intend_v to_o it_o ordinary_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v public_o in_o and_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o think_v you_o that_o prophesy_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o and_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a order_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n 28._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v and_o call_v upon_o your_o people_n public_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n to_o propound_v question_n move_v doubt_n &_o argue_v with_o their_o minister_n of_o matter_n deliver_v either_o by_o they_o or_o other_o either_o at_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o time_n 29._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n be_v ordinary_o
the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o a_o minister_n alone_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n alone_o or_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o minister_n and_o lay_v person_n so_o they_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v 30._o whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o your_o church_n include_v plymouth_n etc._n etc._n do_v precise_o observe_v the_o same_o course_n both_o in_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o themselves_o 31._o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v any_o company_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v otherwise_o in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a to_o sit_v down_o by_o you_o and_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o form_n of_o discipline_n enjoy_v like_o liberty_n with_o yourselves_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o accept_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o church_n 32._o whether_o hold_v you_o it_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o either_o make_v by_o himself_o that_o use_v the_o same_o or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o man_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o aforegoing_a question_n the_o first_o question_n answer_v all_o the_o english_a and_o other_o also_o be_v free_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o exposition_n thereof_o which_o be_v wont_n always_o to_o go_v along_o therewith_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n sing_v of_o psalm_n prayer_n admit_v of_o member_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o many_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n communion_n and_o so_o to_o partake_v in_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n as_o sacrament_n power_n of_o election_n censure_n etc._n etc._n though_o many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o this_o church_n communion_n but_o whether_o be_v the_o great_a number_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v hereunto_o or_o those_o that_o be_v not_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n where_o most_o of_o we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o the_o head_n of_o family_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v likewise_o sundry_a child_n and_o servant_n that_o be_v admit_v also_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v sundry_a 1._o many_o be_v not_o admit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v every_o year_n hitherto_o god_n have_v replenish_v the_o country_n with_o many_o new_a comer_n and_o these_o at_o the_o first_o be_v not_o sudden_o take_v in_o as_o member_n of_o church_n till_o by_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o trial_n of_o they_o and_o better_a occasion_n to_o know_v they_o what_o they_o be_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o hundred_o and_o some_o thousand_o of_o this_o sort_n 2._o when_o by_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v know_v many_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v carnal_a and_o give_v no_o testimony_n of_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n the_o church_n will_v not_o see_v warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 3._o some_o that_o be_v godly_a do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o a_o time_n forbear_v to_o offer_v themselves_o till_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n where_o they_o intend_v to_o join_v and_o with_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n walk_v in_o this_o country_n and_o and_o till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n member_n 4._o those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v godly_a be_v all_o admit_v in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o present_o upon_o their_o own_o desire_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o except_o any_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o walk_v in_o any_o particular_a in_o their_o conversation_n otherwise_o then_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o such_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o acknowledgeing_a their_o offence_n and_o show_v repentance_n for_o it_o and_o then_o they_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o the_o appointment_n 2._o of_o jesus_n christ_n another_o what_o weakness_n and_o swervingâ—_n from_o his_o appointment_n he_o may_v bear_v withal_o for_o a_o time_n before_o he_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n from_o be_v his_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a our_o answer_n be_v that_o when_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o be_v eâ—rected_v plant_v or_o constitute_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o quality_n shall_v be_v saint_n by_o calling_n visible_a christian_n and_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o quantity_n no_o more_o in_o number_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o &_o 14._o 23._o act_n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 22_o 30._o and_o the_o form_n a_o gather_v together_o of_o these_o visible_a christian_n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o apolgie_n of_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n send_v the_o last_o year_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n for_o the_o latter_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v at_o the_o first_o may_v degenerate_v and_o great_a corruption_n may_v grow_v therein_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o walk_n and_o administration_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o patience_n may_v bear_v long_o with_o they_o before_o he_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o make_v they_o lo-ammi_a not_o a_o people_n as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o manifest_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v before_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v destroy_v be_v hard_o for_o we_o precise_o and_o punctual_o to_o determine_v or_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v any_o further_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n any_o more_o only_o in_o the_o general_a this_o we_o observe_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o present_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n or_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n no_o not_o for_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n or_o tyranny_n in_o government_n till_o after_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o for_o all_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n reject_v they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o blasphemous_o reject_v act_v 13._o 45_o 46._o but_o if_o yourselves_o have_v so_o study_v this_o point_n as_o to_o have_v ripen_v and_o form_v thought_n therein_o we_o shall_v glad_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o n._n t._n proper_o 3._o so_o call_v but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o clause_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o believer_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o although_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o of_o any_o other_o this_o speech_n seem_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehension_n to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o visible_a church_n be_v congregationall_a as_o mr._n baine_n show_v at_o large_a from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 14._o 27._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11._o &_o 14._o and_o other_o example_n and_o reason_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o diocese_n trial_o quest_n 1._o whereto_o we_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o point_n neither_o be_v he_o alone_o in_o this_o tenent_n for_o mr._n parker_n and_o many_o other_o teach_v the_o same_o those_o silence_a and_o deprive_v minister_n that_o write_v the_o book_n call_v the_o christian_a and_o
sin_n for_o that_o censure_n put_v he_o away_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o 13._o and_o make_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n mat._n 18._o 17._o so_o that_o in_o that_o case_n he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n by_o his_o member-ship_n though_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o baptise_a person_n 2._o by_o his_o voluntary_a depart_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o jude_n 19_o heb._n 10._o 25._o in_o which_o case_n dr._n ames_n resolve_v such_o schismatic_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12_o q._n 4._o resp._n 3._o 3._o by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o church_n member-ship_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o church_n cease_v the_o membership_n must_v cease_v also_o relatum_fw-la &_o correlatum_fw-la quâ_fw-la â—alia_fw-la sunt_fw-la simul_fw-la adeoquese_n mutuoponunt_fw-la et_fw-la tollunt_fw-la now_o a_o church_n may_v be_v dissolve_v 1._o by_o apostasy_n and_o god_n give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n thereupon_o jer._n 3._o 8._o when_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o church_n some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n dear_a to_o god_n who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v bid_v to_o come_v out_o from_o such_o a_o apostate_n church_n rev._n 18._o 4._o hose_n 2._o 1_o 2._o &_o 4_o 15_o 17._o 2._o by_o death_n as_o by_o some_o grievous_a pestilence_n or_o masacre_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n one_o particular_a person_n survive_v can_v be_v count_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o that_o church_n be_v extinct_a of_o which_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o remain_v a_o person_n baptize_v if_o he_o be_v baptize_v afore_o 3._o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v by_o dr._n ames_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o ground_n of_o scripture_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o 2_o chrâ—_n 11._o 14._o then_o that_o will_v be_v another_o case_n wherein_o church_n membership_n be_v disannul_v for_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v count_v in_o that_o state_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o he_o have_v lawful_o and_o necessary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n unto_o this_o point_n whether_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o question_n yet_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v answer_n to_o the_o next_o something_o also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v some_o passage_n in_o your_o amplification_n of_o this_o four_o question_n as_o first_o concern_v those_o word_n wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v have_v not_o right_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a concern_v which_o word_n we_o may_v say_v 1._o that_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a do_v plain_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n though_o one_o have_v receive_v baptism_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o give_v he_o right_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v he_o fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o question_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n alone_o shall_v give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o as_o the_o question_n seem_v to_o import_v when_o in_o the_o amplification_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o person_n baptize_v have_v no_o such_o right_a except_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v they_o fit_a we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o these_o thing_n do_v stand_v together_o second_o those_o word_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n so_o they_o be_v so_o general_a and_o of_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v answer_v the_o reader_n be_v still_o leave_v at_o uncertainty_n for_o if_o such_o a_o parenthesis_n may_v be_v annex_v so_o far_o as_o man_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a then_o the_o like_a question_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o many_o other_o thing_n beside_o baptism_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o very_a same_o answer_n as_o in_o case_n of_o baptism_n it_o will_v receive_v as_o for_o example_n if_o one_o shall_v ask_v whether_o moral_a honesty_n or_o literal_a knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o do_v not_o give_v man_n right_a to_o church_n privilege_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o know_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v yea._n for_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o have_v right_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v baptism_n have_v right_a as_o you_o say_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a yet_o as_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o baptism_n alone_o do_v give_v man_n such_o a_o right_n so_o still_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o more_o particular_o declare_v what_o those_o other_o thing_n be_v that_o beside_o baptism_n must_v concur_v to_o make_v one_o fit_a and_o unless_o those_o thing_n be_v express_v in_o particular_a the_o question_n with_o such_o a_o general_a qualification_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o may_v be_v answer_v affirmative_o and_o yet_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o last_o those_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o question_n have_v need_v to_o be_v further_o clear_v wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o baptise_a person_n have_v not_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n for_o suppose_v a_o open_a blasphemer_n a_o sabath-breaker_n a_o adulterer_n a_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v not_o proceed_v against_o according_a to_o rule_v but_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n through_o bribery_n or_o other_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n will_v you_o say_v that_o such_o a_o person_n have_v right_o either_o before_o god_n or_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o he_o be_v baptize_v sure_o your_o word_n do_v import_v so_o much_o unless_o that_o parenthesis_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a may_v be_v any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v you_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o dog_n and_o swine_n have_v no_o right_a either_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n although_o they_o have_v receive_v baptism_n and_o although_o through_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n as_o they_o do_v deserve_v for_o if_o gross_a sinner_n have_v such_o right_n to_o church_n privilege_n only_o because_o they_o be_v baptize_v then_o by_o what_o right_o can_v the_o church_n cast_v they_o out_o by_o excommunication_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o confess_v that_o she_o may_v for_o can_v she_o castiman_n out_o from_o such_o privilege_n whereunto_o they_o have_v right_a doubtless_o such_o proceed_n be_v not_o right_a unless_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o transcendent_a power_n as_o the_o apostle_n never_o have_v for_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o power_n for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 10._o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v such_o man_n have_v right_a to_o church_n privilege_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la until_o they_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o because_o before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o right_a or_o else_o she_o can_v have_v no_o lawful_a right_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o 1._o infant_n with_o we_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o
particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 11._o 17._o 20._o and_o have_v power_n of_o judgeing_a her_o own_o member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n have_v yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o judgeing_a any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o all_o they_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n or_o no._n mr._n bâ—iâ—â—_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o prove_v this_o position_n that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n ordinary_o and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a diâ—ces_n trial_n q._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o question_n itself_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o else_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o this_o question_n suggest_v but_o upon_o other_o ground_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n cant._n 1._o 8._o math._n 6._o 10._o 33._o 2._o because_o willing_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o secret_a disparagement_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v churches_n with_o give_v power_n and_o privilegde_n thereunto_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_n of_o his_o gration_n presence_n to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o mat._n 18._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 24._o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o if_o believer_n shall_v live_v and_o noâ—_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n will_v in_o such_o case_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o unthankful_o neglect_v three_o voluntary_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v note_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 25._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o fearful_a unbeliever_n act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o four_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v forward_o in_o practice_v this_o way_n isaiah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o zach._n 8._o 23._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o and_o 9_o 26._o and_o have_v mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n when_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v isaiah_n 56._o 3._o and_o ps_n 42._o and_o 63._o and_o 84._o five_o this_o join_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o orderly_o walk_v which_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o six_o if_o believer_n do_v neglect_v this_o join_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o god_n for_o if_o one_o believer_n may_v do_v this_o why_o not_o another_o and_o if_z two_o why_o not_o three_o four_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o believer_n shall_v do_v thus_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n unless_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o unbeliever_n church_n foras_fw-la stone_n in_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v join_v together_o though_o they_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o square_v &_o hew_v and_o hereby_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o and_o so_o to_o become_v a_o house_n so_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v join_v in_o holy_a covenant_n in_o some_o congregation_n though_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o christian_n or_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a union_n into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n mr._n perkins_n have_v say_v that_o forth_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n no_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n no_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n no_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o no_o salvation_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n every_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v evermore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n expos_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n ames_n give_v 6._o reason_n why_o every_o christian_a shall_v join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o case_n consâ—_n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n illi_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la occasionâ—â—_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o â—am_fw-la negligunt_fw-la gravissimè_fw-la peccant_a non_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la ratione_fw-la institutionis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o svas_fw-la proprias_fw-la animas_fw-la ratione_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la adjunctae_fw-la etsi_fw-la obstinatè_fw-la persistant_n in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la incuâ—ia_fw-la quicquid_fw-la alius_fw-la profitentur_fw-la vix_fw-la possunt_fw-la haberi_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la verè_fw-la quaerentibus_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o sect._n 28._o first_o whereas_o this_o 13_o question_n speak_v of_o private_a 13._o and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v we_o look_v at_o this_o as_o a_o incongruous_a expression_n if_o not_o a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o company_n so_o combine_v as_o to_o make_v a_o church_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v private_a though_o they_o be_v illiterate_a in_o respect_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o church-body_n especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o liberty_n be_v a_o public_a congregation_n and_o society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n and_o depose_n of_o minister_n whereof_o the_o question_n make_v mention_v be_v not_o private_a act_n but_o public_a or_o people-like_a neither_o be_v literate_a or_o learned_a man_n therefore_o public_a because_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o humane_a learning_n unless_o withal_o they_o be_v call_v to_o public_a office_n or_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o if_o illiterate_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o private_a we_o conceive_v that_o exegesis_n be_v not_o good_a second_o whereas_o this_o question_n ask_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o such_o a_o company_n shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o ordinary_o be_v as_o much_o as_o frequent_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o one_o church_n do_v frequent_o come_v to_o such_o action_n that_o be_v to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o the_o same_o man_n this_o be_v not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o much_o levity_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o people_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n or_o unworthy_a walk_n in_o the_o minister_n or_o both_o and_o therefore_o ordinary_o that_o be_v frequent_a take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o again_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o such_o thing_n do_v often_o and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o people_n to_o have_v so_o many_o change_n in_o their_o minister_n as_o be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v three_o shepherd_n have_v i_o cut_v off_o in_o one_o month_n zach._n 11._o 8._o that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o pro._n 28._o 2._o so_o in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o church_n many_o be_v the_o minister_n thereof_o we_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v many_o minister_n by_o the_o come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o and_o the_o take_n in_o of_o other_o in_o their_o room_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o variety_n of_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_v 13._o 1._o &_o 21._o 18._o phil._n 1._o 1._o three_o yet_o this_o word_n ordinary_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n sometime_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o upon_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n three_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n of_o which_o this_o question_n make_v mention_v if_o this_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n or_o advice_n we_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o
carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o â—eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n synâ—cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n â—5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la â—cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesiâ—ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la hâ—_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la seâ—_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n jer._n 2._o 2._o &_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharoahs_n daughter_n psal_n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n cant._n 6_o 9_o 1._o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o viz_o the_o whole_a company_n answer_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o &_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o hundred_o 2._o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n jer._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o answ_n cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n but_o 3_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa_n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n &_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n do_v give_v up_o herself_o unto_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n owe_v one_o unto_o another_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o marriage-covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o covenant_n require_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v these_o duty_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o macedonia_n that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v also_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v proper_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20_o 8._o amos_n 1._o 9_o because_o there_o the_o engagement_n be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n fellow-member_n and_o fellow-helper_n and_o not_o as_o to_o one_o head_n or_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o marriage-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n though_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o be_v promise_v in_o their_o covenant_n with_o one_o another_o and_o also_o in_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o brief_a thus_o they_o promise_v unto_o christ_n duty_n to_o he_o and_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o he_o and_o so_o their_o covenant_n be_v a_o marriage-covenant_n with_o christ_n they_o promise_v also_o to_o one_o another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o brotherly_a covenant_n another_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o also_o prove_v that_o a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o covenant_n be_v the_o title_n of_o a_o city_n or_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 87._o 3._o &_o 48_o 1._o 8._o &_o 122._o 3._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o the_o argument_n lie_v thus_o if_o a_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n than_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n but_o every_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n forealledge_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o every_o city_n be_v unite_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la or_o right_a of_o city_n privilege_n by_o some_o covenant_n or_o oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o city_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o man_n become_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v 3_o and_o restore_v a_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v which_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n a_o new_a with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 15_o 10._o &_o 29._o 10._o &_o neh._n 9_o 38._o &_o 10._o 28_o 29._o jer._n 50._o 4_o 5._o the_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v thus_o if_o a_o church_n decay_a be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o reform_v by_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o erect_v at_o the_o first_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v because_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n thus_o christ_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o marriage_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o and_o thus_o paul_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v on_o the_o decline_a church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o reformation_n bid_v she_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v her_o first_o work_n rev._n 2._o 5._o now_o the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n above_o allege_a that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o
add_v ver_fw-la 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o voluntary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_n which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver_fw-la 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_n which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o 2._o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ_n for_o then_o saul_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o 3_o the_o same_o town_n neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v answer_n a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english-congregation_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o street_n of_o the_o same_o town_n towne-dwelling_a will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o company_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o town_n with_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o not_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v because_o they_o frequent_v not_o their_o assembly_n idiot_n and_o infidel_n may_v come_v into_o the_o public_a meeting_n among_o answ_n the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o yet_o idiot_n and_o infidel_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saul_n after_o his_o conversion_n may_v have_v come_v in_o among_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o public_a duty_n and_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v make_v he_o of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o some_o indian_n moor_n and_o other_o natural_a person_n come_v into_o our_o meeting_n in_o new-england_n some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o by_o the_o command_n or_o counsel_n of_o their_o master_n and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_v conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n philip_n join_v 5._o to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o &_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a answ_n as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_n wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n
in_o favour_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n esth_n 8._o 17._o but_o why_o be_v there_o so_o little_a proof_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o new_a 7._o testament_n 1._o suppose_v the_o new_a testament_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v answ_n have_v ground_n sufficient_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n in_o those_o day_n that_o a_o company_n shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o now_o likewise_o unless_o covenant_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a paedigogie_n indeed_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n but_o be_v some_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o case_n also_o a_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v necessary_a as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v any_o change_n or_o variation_n from_o what_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v national_n church_n but_o congregationall_a and_o not_o one_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v matter_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v warrant_n for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o so_o we_o have_v but_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o any_o leviticall_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedigogie_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o give_v warrant_v for_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o 2._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o want_v good_a warrant_n for_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o 1._o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v it_o isa_n 56._o 6_o 7._o and_o 44._o 5._o and_o jer._n 50._o 5._o ezek._n 20._o 37._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o only_o let_v those_o word_n of_o isa_n 44._o 5._o be_v well_o consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o solemn_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o open_v profess_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o open_a bind_v of_o man_n self_n by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o need_v be_v more_o 2._o the_o apostle_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v practise_v in_o their_o day_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o breadth_n phil._n 1._o 5._o if_o this_o combine_v into_o church-fellowship_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v steadfast_o or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v well_o be_v translate_v they_o strong_o do_v cleave_v together_o or_o hold_v together_o in_o such_o a_o fellowship_n which_o be_v not_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o sacrament_n nor_o prayer_n but_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o all_o these_o if_o this_o combine_a themselves_o into_o a_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o understand_v it_o nor_o what_o that_o fellowship_n shall_v mean_v if_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v particular_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o the_o fellowship_n in_o which_o they_o so_o steadfast_o cleave_v together_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o their_o come_n together_o to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n and_o their_o communion_n therein_o but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o fellowship_n mention_v among_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v not_o confound_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o by_o doctrine_n be_v mean_v sacrament_n and_o by_o sacrament_n be_v mean_v prayer_n as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o fellowship_n be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o if_o these_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o name_v be_v distinct_a ordinance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o fellowship_n be_v name_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n import_v something_o distinct_a from_o they_o all_o and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o they_o nor_o with_o any_o of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o may_v be_v confound_v one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o so_o then_o as_o this_o fellowship_n may_v import_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o good_n one_o for_o the_o help_n of_o another_o so_o it_o must_v first_o of_o all_o imply_v a_o combine_a of_o themselves_o into_o church-state_n by_o mutual_a agreement_n consent_n or_o covenant_n furthermore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o by_o experience_n of_o the_o corinthian_n liberal_a contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a saint_n man_n glorify_v god_n for_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 9_o 13._o he_o plain_o employ_v thereby_o that_o the_o corinthian_n have_v make_v a_o profession_n or_o promise_n of_o such_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v comprehend_v this_o particular_a of_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o other_o thing_n and_o their_o liberal_a distribution_n which_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v look_v at_o as_o one_o point_n of_o their_o real_a performance_n of_o that_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v before_o profess_v and_o promise_v now_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o profess_v or_o promise_v of_o such_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o church-covenant_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o in_o argument_n 3._o that_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o join_v or_o assay_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5_o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o be_v not_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o join_v if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v bear_v good_a witness_n unto_o church-covenant_n though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v speak_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o 8._o the_o covenant_n be_v needless_a this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o of_o the_o 32._o question_n answ_n where_o it_o be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o baptism_n â—â—_o a_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o make_v the_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o always_o so_o much_o as_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v member_n this_o church-covenant_n be_v a_o late_a devise_n and_o be_v not_o know_v in_o ancient_a 9_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v first_o true_a antiquity_n be_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n now_o since_o answ_n church_n covenant_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o want_v true_a antiquity_n when_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n with_o novelty_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o luther_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v it_o be_v condemn_v for_o novelty_n and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o best_a antiquity_n even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n our_o faith_n faith_n doctor_n white_a be_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o say_v it_o
unto_o god_n any_o thing_n back_o again_o thus_o the_o preserve_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o of_o the_o world_n from_o be_v drown_v any_o more_o by_o a_o flood_n the_o interchangeable_a succession_n of_o day_n and_o night_n the_o give_v of_o the_o priesthood_n unto_o phineas_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o shewbread_n every_o sabbath_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o heave-offering_a unto_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o covenant_n or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o 18._o &_o 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o jer._n 33._o 20._o num._n 25._o 12_o 13._o levit._fw-la 24._o 8._o num._n 18._o 19_o but_o sometime_o covenant_n be_v take_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o a_o agreement_n which_o god_n do_v make_v with_o man_n when_o he_o promise_v some_o blessing_n unto_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n back_o again_o to_o he_o take_v thus_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o some_o blessing_n on_o god_n part_n second_o restipulation_n or_o promise_n or_o bind_v of_o man_n unto_o duty_n back_o again_o on_o his_o part_n both_o these_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o god_n thou_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n and_o so_o gen._n 17._o 1._o &_o v_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o covenant_n take_v thus_o be_v either_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o again_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v personal_a private_a and_o particular_a between_o god_n and_o one_o particular_a soul_n make_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o either_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n or_o at_o other_o time_n of_o which_o we_o read_v 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o &_o psal_n 119_o 106._o &_o 66._o 13_o 14._o &_o 27_o 8._o &_o psal_n 119._o 7_o 8_o second_o it_o be_v general_a and_o public_a of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o of_o which_o this_o text_n jer._n 50._o 5._o seem_v most_o proper_o to_o speak_v as_o also_o that_o deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o and_o many_o other_o a_o covenant_n take_v thus_o general_o when_o it_o respect_v spiritual_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v church-covenant_n which_o church-covenant_n differ_v not_o in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v from_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o particular_a soul_n but_o only_o in_o some_o other_o respect_n as_o first_o the_o one_o be_v of_o one_o christian_a in_o particular_a the_o other_o of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o second_o if_o right_a order_n be_v observe_v a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n till_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o personal_a estate_n three_o the_o one_o be_v usual_o do_v in_o private_a as_o in_o a_o man_n closet_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o other_o in_o some_o public_a assembly_n four_o the_o one_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a the_o other_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o concern_v church-covenant_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n thereof_o first_o the_o description_n of_o it_o second_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o the_o former_a it_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v viz._n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n before_o the_o lord_n whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v by_o the_o power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o and_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o cleave_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o desirous_a to_o partake_v together_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v in_o confidence_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n in_o christ_n bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o to_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o holy_a worship_n in_o he_o and_o of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o this_o description_n there_o be_v comprise_v six_o thing_n first_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_v into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christians_o not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal_n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 21._o 27._o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o else_o they_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n together_o as_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o act._n 14_o 27._o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n cleave_v together_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o act._n 4_o 32._o if_o they_o differ_v namely_o in_o opinion_n or_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o shall_v join_v in_o this_o covenant_n breach_n faction_n rent_n and_o schism_n will_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o join_n thing_n so_o unlike_a will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_a hold_n together_o dan._n 2._o 43_o desirous_a to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o join_n in_o covenant_n together_o psal_n 110._o 3._o willing_a and_o not_o pride_n nor_o gain_v nor_o the_o like_a four_o the_o act_n bind_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v say_v now_o as_o psal_n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o as_o num._n 30._o 2._o if_o he_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o vow_n five_o the_o matter_n promise_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o mutual_a edification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n they_o bind_v not_o themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v it_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v and_o presumption_n to_o promise_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o in_o general_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o special_o such_o duty_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n &_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o concern_v church-state_n which_o now_o they_o enter_v into_o six_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v confidence_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n through_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o our_o way_n god_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v pro._n 3._o 6._o and_o much_o more_o in_o such_o special_a matter_n of_o weight_n if_o man_n in_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n look_v for_o acceptance_n through_o any_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o or_o promise_v duty_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o show_v themselves_o like_a to_o the_o pharisee_n luk._n 18._o 10_o 11._o and_o turn_v the_o church-covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n do_v become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o a_o church_n second_o this_o be_v that_o by_o take_v hold_v whereof_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v afore_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o every_o christian_a church_n