as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v his_o design_n most_o to_o show_v the_o beauty_n glory_n and_o mystery_n of_o christ_n mystical_a etc._n etc._n he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n philippi_n church_n of_o philippi_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o mention_n the_o word_n church_n but_o twice_o the_o first_o be_v where_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o zeal_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n i._n e._n of_o jerusalem_n philip._n 3.6_o and_o 4.15_o where_o he_o say_v no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o so_o that_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n be_v the_o church_n the_o epistle_n to_o coloss_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o coloss_n coloss_n church_n of_o coloss_n chap._n ay_o 2._o i_o e._n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a there_o where_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v first_o read_v and_o then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n chap._n 4.16_o he_o mention_n also_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n every_o where_o else_o the_o word_n relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o epistle_n as_o have_v be_v show_v the_o apostle_n direct_v his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o verse_n 1_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o thessalonica_n church_n of_o thessalonica_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o judea_n 1_o thess_n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 2_o thess_n 1.4_o we_o ourselves_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o our_o persecution_n the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n speak_v of_o particular_a church_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o fall_v under_o a_o pastoral_n care_n in_o a_o man_n capacity_n of_o government_n as_o a_o family_n do_v and_o 1_o tim._n 5.16_o let_v not_o the_o church_n be_v charge_v that_o be_v the_o particular_a congregation_n where_o church_n charge_v arise_v as_o the_o context_n show_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o house_n i._n e._n that_o do_v usual_o assemble_v there_o as_o indeed_o all_o the_o church-assembly_n be_v in_o those_o time_n in_o private_a house_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o church_n in_o a_o private_a family_n that_o be_v express_o mention_v by_o paul_n there_o be_v aquila_n nymphas_n and_o philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v the_o word_n church_n but_o twice_o the_o first_o be_v chap._n 2.12_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v sing_v praise_n unto_o thou_o a_o place_n take_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n where_o in_o the_o next_o and_o primary_n signification_n the_o psalmist_n so_o far_o as_o he_o mean_v himself_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n where_o god_n be_v praise_v and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v prophetical_o apply_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n say_v he_o that_o sanctifi_v and_o who_o they_o be_v sanctify_v be_v all_o one_o for_o which_o sake_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n say_v etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 12.23_o he_o speak_v express_o of_o the_o catholic_n without_o dispute_n the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n express_o james_n 5.14_o so_o john_n three_o epistle_n verse_n 6_o 9_o 10._o john_n in_o the_o revelation_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o singular_a and_o plural_a number_n no_o less_o than_o nineteen_o or_o twenty_o time_n and_o always_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o particular_a church_n i_o will_v only_o name_v the_o text_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v inspect_v at_o his_o leisure_n revel_v 1.4_o 11_o 20._o chap._n 2.1_o 7_o 8_o 12_o 17_o 18_o 23_o 29._o chap._n 3.1_o 6_o 7_o 13_o 14_o 22._o chap._n 22.16_o i_o find_v the_o word_n church_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o 85_o time_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o can_v by_o any_o candid_a reader_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n nor_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v understand_v of_o any_o meetinghouse_n national_a provincial_a diocesan_n or_o parochial_a constitution_n but_o only_o of_o a_o congregation_n of_o saint_n by_o mutual_a consent_n ordinary_o assemble_v together_o for_o attendance_n on_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o inference_n necessary_a from_o the_o foregoing_a chapter_n it_o be_v discover_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o vain_a thing_n for_o christian_n to_o trouble_v and_o concern_v their_o head_n and_o conscience_n about_o humoursome_a conceit_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n brain_n manage_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o serve_v their_o carnal_a interest_n or_o darken_v the_o truth_n let_v man_n give_v up_o themselves_o and_o understanding_n impartial_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o squeeze_v or_o wrest_v it_o to_o a_o design_n or_o prejudicate_a opinion_n or_o favour_v any_o belove_a lust_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v shine_v with_o full_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o man_n great_a swell_n and_o word_n of_o vanity_n from_o pulpit_n and_o press_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o these_o follow_a assertion_n as_o undeniable_a plain_a conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n church_n establish_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v or_o can_v be_v no_o where_o understand_v of_o any_o other_o church_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n that_o can_v have_v any_o fair_a pretence_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o constitution_n of_o church_n 2._o that_o wherever_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v it_o always_o signify_v a_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n meet_v together_o at_o least_o occasional_o upon_o some_o civil_a spiritual_a or_o sinful_a account_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o tropical_a sense_n or_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o thing_n and_o meaning_n of_o word_n so_o remote_a when_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a way_n of_o understanding_n thing_n present_v themselves_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o sense_n if_o we_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o pride_n passion_n prejudice_n and_o estrangement_n from_o the_o true_a way_n of_o spiritual_a understanding_n by_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o consonacy_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 3._o we_o infer_v that_o a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a man_n be_v the_o generical_a material_a part_n of_o a_o church_n because_o it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v ever_o find_v in_o any_o gospel_n church_n of_o any_o kind_n all_o fit_a matter_n for_o such_o a_o congregation_n be_v such_o as_o be_v real_o so_o or_o visible_o in_o foro_fw-la mundi_fw-la or_o both_o and_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n speak_v of_o or_o mention_v in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n but_o be_v so_o call_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v a_o congregation_n to_o be_v sometime_o or_o other_o assemble_v all_o together_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o be_v all_o gather_v together_o actual_o and_o mystical_o in_o christ_n and_o shall_v all_o appear_v one_o day_n in_o a_o glorious_a congregation_n heb._n 12.22_o 23._o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o r._n st._n render_v it_o publicus_n conventus_fw-la a_o general_a public_a assembly_n likewise_o wherever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o constitute_n it_o be_v always_o so_o the_o old_a testament_n church_n be_v call_v so_o under_o that_o notion_n though_o national_a yet_o be_v require_v to_o be_v still_o congregational_a all_o the_o male_n be_v require_v thrice_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n at_o the_o tabernacle_n therefore_o call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o at_o the_o temple_n where_o it_o be_v in_o stand_v and_o it_o be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o reader_n may_v turn_v to_o these_o place_n at_o leisure_n exod._n 16.2.10_o levit._fw-la 4.13_o ch_n 14.2_o &_o 20.1_o 22._o jos_n
apostle_n furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n though_o secondary_a to_o they_o in_o their_o power_n for_o the_o dispense_n the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o scatter_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o stephen_n persecution_n these_o prophet_n most_o begin_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n at_o first_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v 1._o that_o its_o evident_a all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_o furnish_v for_o the_o ministry_n act._n 2.4_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v for_o special_a end_n that_o they_o be_v capacitate_v to_o speak_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o their_o own_o language_n 2._o we_o find_v upon_o stevens_n persecution_n act._n 8.1_o that_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a except_o the_o apostle_n not_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o we_o read_v often_o of_o that_o church_n still_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o 120_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n &_o samaria_n by_o whole_a mean_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v gather_v as_o it_o appear_v verse_n 14._o and_o act_n 9.31_o after_o god_n have_v take_v off_o that_o great_a informer_n saul_n then_o have_v all_o the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n likewise_o we_o find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o first_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v plant_v by_o their_o ministry_n see_v act_n 11.19_o 20_o 22._o compare_n with_o ch_z 13._o 1._o more_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o point_n but_o i_o must_v keep_v to_o the_o present_a design_n only_o name_v the_o several_a office_n 11_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o extraordidary_n officer_n be_v evangelist_n such_o as_o steven_n philip_n luke_n mark_n timothy_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v man_n no_o doubt_n extraordinary_o qualify_v and_o be_v call_v evangelist_n as_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o travel_v with_o they_o and_o sometime_o alone_o as_o philip_n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v of_o that_o 120_o brethren_n for_o they_o be_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ch_z 6._o 3._o and_o afterward_o be_v pitch_v upon_o for_o eminent_a service_n to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v now_o evangelist_n but_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n that_o be_v together_o at_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o pentecost_n and_o though_o their_o work_n may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o prophet_n yet_o their_o dignity_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n as_o eph._n 4._o some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n but_o we_o need_v not_o lay_v much_o stress_n now_o upon_o the_o difference_n of_o those_o office_n cease_v those_o officer_n especial_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v irrecoverable_o cease_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o for_o a_o apostle_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v one_o who_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o prophet_n according_a to_o what_o we_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v one_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o ghost_n and_o fire_n at_o pentecost_n as_o for_o a_o evangelist_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a to_o remain_v if_o any_o because_o the_o work_n still_o remain_v necessary_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n preach_v to_o unconverted_a people_n and_o gather_v of_o church_n though_o none_o can_v be_v expect_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n with_o any_o more_o than_o ordinary_a qualification_n which_o any_o state_v churchofficer_n have_v such_o evangelist_n &_o such_o deacon_n can_v be_v have_v but_o to_o supply_v those_o office_n necessary_a now_o in_o the_o church_n those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v mention_v be_v sufficient_a 12._o the_o ordinary_a officer_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n now_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n elder_n and_o deacon_n elder_n for_o ministry_n and_o government_n deacon_n to_o serve_v table_n to_o look_v after_o the_o necessary_a charge_n for_o the_o ministry_n ordinance_n assembly_n poor_a etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o acquaint_v with_o scripture_n 13._o the_o ordinance_n of_o ordinary_a communion_n be_v prayer_n preach_v the_o word_n sacrament_n act_n 2._o collection_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v still_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o most_o eminent_a ordinance_n of_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 14._o if_o we_o inquire_v for_o the_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o communion_n in_o these_o ordinance_n it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edify_a his_o body_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n those_o ordinance_n be_v design_v indeed_o as_o to_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o church-member_n shall_v be_v a_o unconverted_a person_n if_o a_o hypocrite_n creep_v in_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o communion_n so_o that_o by_o communion_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v nourish_v strengthen_v and_o perfect_v towards_o its_o fullness_n of_o stature_n in_o christ_n 15._o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v where_o church_n communion_n be_v and_o between_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n i_o answer_v church_n communion_n in_o ornance_n can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o particular_a congregation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n where_o all_o may_v meet_v for_o edification_n in_o one_o place_n &_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n though_o some_o will_v have_v that_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v great_a than_o so_o after_o the_o addition_n of_o 3000_o but_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o together_o in_o fellowship_n and_o meet_v together_o still_o before_o the_o dispersion_n act_v 2.42.44_o also_o chap._n 5.12_o and_o other_o place_n but_o this_o great_a church_n be_v scatter_v afterward_o by_o god_n providence_n order_v it_o for_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o propagation_n of_o church_n 16._o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v between_o who_o church-communion_n be_v exercise_v the_o answer_n be_v easy_a it_o be_v between_o particular_a member_n that_o ordinary_o have_v fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a congregation_n as_o likewise_o between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o all_o church_n comunicate_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o universal_a body_n have_v the_o same_o head_n bond_n of_o union_n grace_n ordinance_n privilege_n as_o in_o the_o one_o entire_a catholic_n body_n as_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o fellowship_n be_v a_o member_n in_o particular_a so_o every_o individual_a church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o integrum_fw-la compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v 4.16_o ephes_n 4.16_o according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n etc._n etc._n 17._o communion_n we_o have_v say_v as_o it_o stand_v in_o copartnership_n in_o some_o common_a good_a so_o in_o communication_n between_o member_n and_o member_n what_o of_o peculiar_a good_a be_v in_o any_o part_n be_v communicable_a to_o the_o rest_n or_o fellow-feeling_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o each_o other_o as_o there_o be_v a_o common_a design_n carry_v on_o by_o every_o part_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o by_o all_o part_n for_o each_o other_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o this_o at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 12._o eph._n 4._o 18._o the_o mutual_a communication_n that_o be_v visible_a in_o order_n to_o spiritual_a advantage_n stand_v in_o give_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n by_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o admonition_n and_o church-censure_n where_o require_v by_o contribution_n to_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o each_o other_o any_o way_n arise_v spiritual_a or_o temporal_a this_o communion_n be_v practicable_a between_o church_n and_o church_n also_o not_o only_o by_o occasional_a participation_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n with_o each_o other_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o mention_v of_o advice_n and_o supply_n of_o each_o other_o want_n in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n advise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o latter_a that_o 1_o cor._n 16.5_o 2_o cor._n 9.3_o 4._o gal._n 6.6_o etc._n etc._n chap._n xi_o the_o conclusion_n be_v not_o mind_v to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n any_o further_a at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o corolary_a assertion_n brief_o to_o obviate_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v rise_v in_o some_o man_n mind_n against_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v which_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v if_o occasion_n require_v 1._o that_o that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n building_n it_o be_v not_o man_n fancy_n or_o pretension_n that_o render_v any_o thing_n so_o 2._o that_o a_o christian_n actual_a communion_n with_o any_o one_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n make_v he_o a_o member_n in_o communion_n with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o he_o do_v not_o at_o present_a nor_o have_v occasion_n to_o communicate_v with_o any_o congregat_v body_n beside_o what_o he_o be_v actual_o and_o immediate_o in_o communion_n with_o 3._o hence_o bare_o non-communion_n as_o to_o immediate_a participation_n in_o ordinance_n with_o this_o or_o that_o church_n do_v not_o unchurch_n they_o as_o some_o man_n phrase_v it_o i._n e._n condemn_v their_o stand_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o schism_n or_o culpable_a separation_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o separation_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v none_o without_o it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a church_n and_o member_n to_o practise_v it_o 5._o this_o separation_n be_v from_o the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o the_o child_n of_o these_o and_o from_o all_o false_a church_n whatsoever_o 6._o that_o all_o antichristian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o absolute_o heathen_a be_v idol-temple_n and_o therefore_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v fellowship_n with_o belial_n and_o his_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o that_o christ_n have_v have_v his_o true_a worshipper_n and_o church_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o antichristian_a reign_n and_o rage_n but_o in_o a_o wilderness_n especial_o as_o to_o visible_a form_n and_o constitution_n yea_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v notwithstanding_o by_o christ_n in_o some_o time_n and_o place_n in_o its_o essential_a mystical_a state_n at_o least_o without_o any_o visible_a lustre_n in_o external_n as_o the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n in_o other_o time_n and_o place_n he_o have_v secure_v they_o in_o some_o retirement_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v opportunity_n to_o erect_v tabernacle_n of_o true_a gospel_n constitution_n in_o form_n and_o fashion_n as_o he_o primitive_o appoint_v 8._o and_o thus_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v stand_v during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o woman_n militate_v in_o the_o wilderness_n under_o its_o several_a scatter_n deformation_n and_o reformation_n under_o which_o god_n have_v own_v they_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o wander_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 9_o god_n have_v have_v his_o degree_n of_o reformation_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n especial_o during_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o beast_n reign_v and_o that_o all_o such_o degree_n have_v be_v progress_v in_o separation_n as_o to_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n till_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o perfect_a full_a and_o clear_a redemption_n of_o zion_n from_o all_o her_o captivity_n in_o this_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o babylon_n 10._o schism_n be_v a_o thing_n talk_v more_o of_o then_o understand_v we_o only_o affirm_v this_o concern_v it_o 1._o that_o separation_n from_o a_o manifest_o false_a church_n be_v no_o schism_n 2._o non-communion_n with_o a_o suspect_a church_n be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n 3._o that_o all_o schism_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v actual_o and_o immediate_o in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o visible_a politic_a body_n and_o those_o there_o mention_v be_v not_o all_o amputation_n or_o renting_n asunder_o most_o of_o they_o be_v but_o division_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n without_o a_o destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o tendency_n thereunto_o 11._o manifest_a corruption_n in_o worship_n persist_v in_o especial_o if_o such_o as_o be_v take_v up_o again_o after_o they_o have_v be_v abundant_o witness_v against_o and_o purge_v out_o by_o former_a degree_n of_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o witness_v against_o and_o such_o church_n as_o maintain_v they_o yea_o such_o separation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o just_a charge_n of_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o all_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v inform_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n finis_fw-la
ceconomy_n nationality_n be_v the_o form_n of_o its_o constitution_n have_v officer_n member_n assembly_n and_o ordinance_n suit_v to_o its_o nature_n the_o aaronick_a priesthood_n be_v national_a a_o type_n of_o christ_n priesthood_n relate_v to_o his_o universal_a church_n this_o priesthood_n with_o all_o the_o appertain_a sacrifice_n ordinance_n ceremony_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o antitype_n abolish_v yea_o that_o kind_n of_o church_n membership_n be_v utter_o abolish_v viz._n that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o a_o jew_n bear_v or_o one_o proselyte_v to_o that_o nation_n it_o be_v the_o only_a nation_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v with_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o till_o christ_n come_v and_o break_v down_o the_o partition-wall_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n after_o which_o no_o man_n be_v any_o long_a to_o be_v reckon_v ever_o the_o more_o a_o church-member_n because_o he_o be_v a_o native_a of_o this_o or_o that_o country_n col._n 3.11_o but_o in_o the_o conform_v to_o christ_n likeness_n there_o be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n or_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o of_o whatever_o nation_n a_o man_n be_v of_o if_o he_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o become_v a_o capable_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o wherever_o he_o be_v bear_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v save_v neither_o be_v without_o a_o visible_a credible_a profession_n thereof_o capable_a of_o communion_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o all_o ordinance_n moreover_o christ_n jesus_n abolish_v all_o the_o national_a church_n assembly_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o jew_n as_o they_o be_v one_o organise_v church_n so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v not_o know_v now_o of_o any_o one_o nation_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o one_o place_n where_o their_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n where_o all_o the_o male_n be_v require_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thrice_o a_o year_n exod._n 14.23_o 24._o whereby_o they_o show_v themselves_o assemble_v and_o a_o congregat_v nation_n all_o in_o actual_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o church-administrations_a and_o in_o one_o place_n all_o which_o be_v due_o to_o be_v observe_v during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o temple_n and_o though_o they_o corrupt_o retain_v their_o high_a place_n for_o offer_v some_o sacrifice_n during_o most_o of_o that_o time_n till_o the_o full_a reformation_n in_o hezekiah_n and_o josiahs_n day_n yet_o the_o lord_n still_o charge_v it_o on_o they_o as_o their_o great_a sin_n and_o witness_v against_o it_o by_o his_o messenger_n the_o prophet_n as_o such_o and_o though_o they_o have_v their_o several_a synagogue_n they_o be_v but_o for_o read_v of_o the_o law_n not_o for_o sacrifice_n or_o burnt-offering_a which_o be_v national_a service_n and_o be_v to_o be_v dispense_v only_o at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o at_o the_o temple_n yea_o all_o sacrifice_n &_o expiation_n purification_n etc._n etc._n appertain_v to_o particular_a levitical_a uncleanness_n or_o moral_a transgression_n be_v there_o to_o be_v perform_v now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n never_o erect_v such_o a_o gospel-worship_n after_o this_o be_v abolish_v either_o for_o matter_n or_o form_n neither_o a_o national_a congregation_n nor_o a_o national_a pastor_n as_o aaron_n nor_o ordinance_n adapt_v to_o a_o national_a communion_n as_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o old_a be_v he_o never_o intend_v in_o this_o way_n or_o manner_n to_o edify_v his_o gospel-church_n beside_o as_o christ_n establish_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o constitution_n such_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sustain_v without_o the_o countenance_n if_o not_o the_o compulsive_a power_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o we_o see_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la it_o come_v into_o the_o ruin_n when_o ever_o in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n wicked_a king_n sway_v the_o sceptre_n we_o well_o enough_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n form_v the_o gospel-churche_n every_o where_o under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o governor_n who_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n severe_a persecutor_n of_o they_o witness_v their_o suffering_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o during_o the_o christian_n bloody_a persecution_n till_o constantine_n time_n for_o 300_o year_n at_o which_o time_n of_o prosperity_n this_o national_a or_o then_o rather_o provincial_a corrupt_a grandeur_n of_o church-constitution_n begin_v to_o enter_v proceed_v from_o the_o corrupt_a mind_n of_o church_n officer_n aspire_v to_o the_o accumulation_n of_o riches_n &_o honour_n soon_o after_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n under_o which_o the_o same_o church_n pomp_n continue_v and_o proceed_v to_o grow_v with_o much_o persecution_n and_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n even_o to_o the_o introduction_n of_o heathenish_a abomination_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n till_o the_o mortal_a wound_n be_v give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o the_o romish_a empire_n and_o be_v heal_v by_o the_o eight_o which_o be_v the_o false_a prophet_n the_o grand_a church_n imposter_n under_o which_o the_o great_a apostasy_n have_v so_o manifest_o prevail_v and_o during_o who_o usurpation_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o witness_n prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n so_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n see_v the_o present_a state_n of_o his_o little_a flock_n when_o he_o ascend_v and_o foresee_v their_o future_a suffer_a state_n for_o so_o many_o age_n to_o come_v under_o rome_n heathen_a and_o after_o pretend_o christian_n constitute_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v spiritual_a polity_n under_o heathen_a and_o antichristian_a prince_n and_o governor_n and_o fit_v officer_n and_o ordinance_n for_o their_o communion_n and_o edification_n suit_v to_o such_o a_o state_n which_o constitution_n be_v to_o last_v by_o his_o commission_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o alterable_a to_o another_o kind_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ensue_a prosperous_a estate_n that_o the_o church_n may_v he_o bless_v withal_o in_o after_o age_n which_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a hitherto_o nor_o much_o to_o be_v prejudice_v as_o to_o its_o true_o intend_a oeconomy_n by_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o it_o be_v destine_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o encounter_v withal_o hence_o it_o will_v appear_v there_o be_v a_o politic_a impossibility_n that_o the_o church-constitution_n establish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v national_a because_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dragon_n rage_v so_o much_o against_o it_o in_o governor_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o afterward_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o when_o that_o any_o time_n in_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o the_o countenance_n of_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n have_v it_o be_v national_a it_o must_v have_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o alteration_n addition_n and_o diminution_n in_o form_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o corrupt_a and_o changeable_a mind_n of_o man_n in_o power_n will_v invent_v and_o impose_v especial_o upon_o change_n of_o governor_n and_o government_n though_o christian_a yet_o divers_a in_o their_o temper_n understanding_n and_o opinion_n concern_v god_n true_a worship_n as_o also_o in_o their_o interest_n and_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v know_v the_o manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o christ_n house_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v heb._n 3.1_o holy_a brethren_n partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n consider_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n christ_n jesus_n vers_fw-la 2._o who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o that_o appoint_v he_o as_o also_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n i._n e._n in_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n vers_fw-la 3._o for_o this_o man_n be_v count_v worthy_a of_o more_o glory_n than_o moses_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o who_o build_v the_o house_n have_v more_o honour_n than_o the_o house_n vers_n 5._o moses_n very_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v
3.6_o after_o which_o he_o continue_v to_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n and_o assay'_v to_o pursue_v they_o to_o damascus_n and_o other_o place_n act_n 9.1_o near_o which_o place_n christ_n stop_v his_o career_n but_o notwitstand_v this_o scatter_n which_o god_n turn_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o increase_v of_o church_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o philip_n and_o other_o scatter_a brethren_n so_o that_o as_o chap._n 8._o and_o 11._o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 21._o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o in_o judea_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n be_v gather_v act_v 9.31_o it_o appear_v also_o the_o body_n of_o that_o jerusalem-church_n still_o remain_v &_o tiding_n come_v to_o they_o of_o the_o marvellous_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o scatter_a disciple_n they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n act_v 11.22_o then_o tiding_n of_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o antioch_n antioch_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 25._o from_o thence_o he_o depart_v to_o tarsus_n to_o seek_v saul_n ver_fw-la 26._o and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v he_o he_o bring_v he_o to_o antioch_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o whole_a year_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v much_o people_n i._n e._n beside_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o first_o gospel-church_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o read_v of_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a convert_v first_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o scatter_a it_o appear_v in_o that_o barnabas_n first_o fall_v upon_o confirm_v work_n v._o 23._o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n â—f_a heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o further_a labour_n the_o church_n be_v increase_v v._o 24._o and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n though_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o expression_n may_v intend_v his_o first_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o saul_n after_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o antioch_n yea_o from_o many_o that_o be_v frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n as_o appear_v verse_n 26._o after_o this_o a_o second_o persecution_n arise_v against_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 12.1_o now_o about_o that_o time_n herod_n the_o king_n stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n and_o kill_v james_n and_o imprison_v peter_n for_o who_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o verse_n 5_o 12._o viz._n assemble_v in_o a_o private_a meeting_n chap_n 13.1_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o certain_a prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n a_o sort_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n mention_v next_o after_o apostle_n eph._n 4.11_o these_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n to_o the_o work_n whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v they_o which_o be_v send_v forth_o they_o go_v their_o progress_n to_o seleucia_n cyprus_n salamis_n paphos_n perga_n in_o pamphilia_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o antioch_n in_o pisidia_n chap._n 13._o verse_n 14._o there_o paul_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o great_a acceptation_n of_o the_o proselyte_n gentiles_n who_o assemble_v to_o hear_v the_o next_o sabbath_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o city_n but_o the_o jew_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v they_o declare_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 46_o 47._o be_v persecute_v from_o this_o antioch_n they_o come_v to_o iconium_n to_o the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 51_o 52._o here_o they_o preach_v with_o success_n chap._n 14.1_o but_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o persecute_v to_o lystra_n &_o derbe_n verse_n 20._o city_n of_o lycaonia_n at_o lystra_n cure_v the_o cripple_n and_o like_a to_o be_v worship_v for_o god_n but_o the_o jew_n from_o antioch_n and_o iconium_n change_v the_o scene_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o paul_n be_v stone_v but_o recover_v depart_v to_o derbe_n and_o after_o preach_v there_o return_v to_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n pisidia_n church_n of_o lystra_n iconium_n antioch_n of_o pisidia_n confirm_v the_o disciple_n verse_n 22_o 23._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n these_o church_n of_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n be_v gather_v at_o the_o apostle_n first_o come_v and_o at_o their_o return_n to_o confirm_v they_o they_o ordain_v elder_n in_o they_o these_o be_v not_o national_a church_n antioch_n be_v of_o the_o region_n of_o pisidia_n nor_o be_v the_o whole_a limit_n of_o any_o of_o these_o place_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o few_o of_o each_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o ministry_n from_o pisidia_n they_o come_v to_o the_o province_n of_o pamphilia_n ver_fw-la 24._o where_o they_o preach_v at_o perga_n go_v to_o attalia_n and_o thence_o sail_v to_o the_o first_o antioch_n where_o these_o two_o apostle_n so_o call_v for_o 14._o be_v ordain_v and_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v send_v to_o this_o apostolic_a work_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o settle_v elder_n in_o they_o here_o they_o give_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n a_o account_n of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o in_o open_v a_o door_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 27._o and_o abode_n there_o a_o long_a time_n during_o their_o abode_n there_o disturbance_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o man_n that_o come_v from_o judea_n and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o whereupon_o the_o apostle_n and_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o this_o question_n and_o be_v bring_v on_o their_o way_n by_o the_o church_n verse_n 3_o i_o suppose_v none_o can_v conjecture_v that_o here_o be_v any_o church_n beside_o a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a no_o house-church_n that_o can_v bring_v the_o apostle_n on_o their_o way_n no_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o the_o province_n or_o city_n of_o antioch_n accompany_v they_o but_o only_o those_o few_o that_o be_v gather_v into_o a_o church_n and_o they_o not_o take_v all_o in_o one_o parish_n or_o precinct_n of_o the_o city_n but_o here_o and_o there_o as_o it_o please_v god_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o work_v when_o they_o come_v verse_n 4._o to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n apostles_n and_o elder_n where_o the_o question_n be_v determine_v verse_n 22._o and_o return_v make_v with_o the_o resolve_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o stay_v some_o time_n there_o confirm_v the_o disciple_n but_o some_o day_n after_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n agree_v to_o depart_v to_o revisit_v the_o city_n where_o they_o preach_v they_o disagree_v about_o take_v john_n mark_v and_o so_o part_v paul_n then_o take_v silas_n and_o go_v through_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o go_v to_o cyprus_n place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v verse_n 36_o 37._o confirm_v the_o church_n v._o 41._o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o in_o these_o two_o apostle_n travel_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o sort_n of_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v by_o they_o and_o to_o show_v where_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o church_n and_o that_o be_v but_o in_o two_o place_n more_o in_o the_o act_n act_n 18.22_o after_o he_o have_v land_a at_o caesarea_n caesarea_n church_n of_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n he_o go_v down_o to_o antioch_n and_o chap._n 20.17_o from_o miletus_n miletus_n miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charge_v they_o v._o 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flâ—ck_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n now_o what_o be_v these_o but_o such_o congregation_n that_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v salute_v by_o they_o that_o they_o confirm_v and_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n blood_n be_v it_o sense_n to_o think_v they_o be_v house_n or_o whole_a nation_n or_o province_n or_o city_n no_o they_o be_v those_o faithful_a one_o stone_n building_n of_o live_a stone_n who_o be_v gather_v into_o particular_a congregation_n
by_o the_o ministry_n first_o of_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n the_o scatter_a brethren_n from_o jerusalem_n be_v settle_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v officer_n respective_o among_o they_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o several_a epistle_n be_v write_v we_o read_v not_o the_o word_n church_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o in_o the_o 16_o chapter_n and_o there_o refer_v to_o other_o church_n roman_n the_o church_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o verse_n 1._o he_o speak_v of_o phebe_n a_o deaconess_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n and_o verse_n 4_o mention_n all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 5._o salute_n the_o church_n in_o aquila_n house_n vers_n 16._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salute_v you_o though_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n a_o constitute_v church_n at_o rome_n because_o first_o he_o write_v to_o they_o as_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o second_o because_o he_o give_v rule_n to_o they_o for_o walk_v towards_o each_o other_o as_o those_o in_o fellowship_n chap._n 14._o three_o phebe_n be_v recommend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n we_o have_v more_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o word_n church_n then_o in_o any_o epistle_n corinth_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n import_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o we_o may_v begin_v with_o that_o description_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n he_o write_v not_o to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o corinth_n but_o to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n which_o word_n be_v exegetical_a of_o church_n so_o he_o direct_v his_o second_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 1.1_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n corinth_n be_v a_o city_n of_o the_o province_n of_o achaia_n and_o he_o write_v primary_o to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o likewise_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v in_o that_o province_n whether_o they_o be_v actual_o in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o no._n i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v all_o the_o other_o text_n where_o church_n be_v take_v plain_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o 1_o cor._n 4.17_o i_o have_v send_v unto_o you_o timotheus_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o into_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_n in_o every_o church_n i._n e._n every_o particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 6.4_o if_o then_o you_o have_v judgement_n of_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o life_n set_v they_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n i._n e._n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o corinth_n of_o they_o it_o be_v primary_o intend_v and_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o christian_a civil_a magistrate_n be_v in_o those_o time_n 1_o cor._n 7.17_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o the_o church_n i._n e._n as_o a_o rule_n for_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o each_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n verse_n 18._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o assembly_n not_o mean_v of_o the_o meeting_n place_n as_o before_z note_v the_o same_o sense_n as_o in_o verse_n 22._o chap._n 14.4_o he_o that_o prophesi_v edifi_v the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o congregation_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o verse_n 5._o his_o reason_n of_o prefer_v prophesy_v be_v give_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v therefore_o say_v verse_n 12._o seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v and_o verse_n 19_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o verse_n 23._o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n verse_n 28._o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n verse_n 34._o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n verse_n 35._o for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n chap._n 16.1_o concern_v the_o collection_n for_o the_o saint_n as_o i_o have_v give_v order_n to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o province_n of_o galatia_n even_o so_o do_v you_o where_o shall_v collection_n be_v make_v but_o in_o particular_a congregation_n verse_n 19_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n i._n e._n of_o that_o region_n salute_v you_o aquila_n and_o prescilla_n salute_v you_o and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n it_o may_v be_v that_o frequent_o assemble_v there_o or_o that_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n belong_v to_o their_o family_n there_o may_v be_v enough_o for_o a_o competent_a congregation_n in_o such_o time_n as_o those_o that_o church_n be_v mention_v more_o time_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o we_o do_v you_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o nation_n province_n macedonia_n be_v a_o province_n region_n as_o of_o galatia_n macedonia_n asia_n judea_n verse_n 18_o 19_o we_o have_v send_v with_o he_o the_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n verse_n 19_o and_o not_o that_o only_o but_o who_o be_v also_o choose_v of_o the_o church_n to_o travel_v with_o we_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o may_v be_v render_v ordain_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n verse_n 23._o they_o be_v messenger_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n 24._o wherefore_o show_n to_o they_o and_o before_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o your_o love_n chap._n 11.8_o i_o rob_v other_o church_n to_o serve_v you_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n viz._n as_o to_o his_o apostolical_a office_n 2_o cor._n 12_o 13._o what_o be_v it_o wherein_o you_o be_v inferior_a to_o other_o church_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o superiority_n of_o one_o particlar_a church_n above_o another_o but_o be_v all_o coordinate_a the_o word_n be_v thrice_o use_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o gallatian_n chap._n 2.1_o 2._o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v with_o i_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n a_o province_n verse_n 13._o you_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o conversation_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i._n e._n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v only_o extant_a when_o he_o begin_v his_o persecution_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v while_o it_o last_v for_o that_o be_v a_o principal_a occasional_a cause_n of_o scatter_v the_o jerusalem_n church_n in_o order_n to_o propagation_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o more_o church_n in_o the_o province_n of_o judea_n after_o his_o conversion_n verse_n 21_o 22._o afterward_o i_o come_v into_o the_o region_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n and_o be_v unknown_a by_o face_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v in_o christ._n the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephâ—sians_n thus_o to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n and_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o term_n have_v a_o synonymous_a acceptation_n most_o time_n with_o a_o church_n and_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o establish_v church_n there_o when_o paul_n write_v he_o write_v of_o such_o high_a mystery_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o it_o afterward_o when_o john_n write_v rev._n 2.1_o where_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_a church_n as_o if_o to_o the_o dutch_a or_o french_a church_n in_o england_n or_o the_o ephesian_a congregation_n at_o ephesus_n but_o in_o all_o place_n where_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o this_o epistle_n he_o treat_v only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n
18.1_o ch_n 22.12_o 16_o 18._o 2_o chr._n 6.3_o ezra_n 2.64_o and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o 42360_o these_o more_o or_o less_o make_v up_o one_o assembly_n these_o be_v preach_v to_o by_o ezra_n and_o whatever_o the_o number_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v they_o be_v to_o meet_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o always_o signify_v a_o congregation_n that_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o for_o their_o edification_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o if_o a_o universal_a such_o a_o church_n as_o short_o shall_v assemble_v and_o always_o sit_v together_o in_o a_o last_a sinless_a and_o uninterrupted_a communion_n so_o that_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n under_o whatever_o notion_n you_o take_v it_o must_v be_v and_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o saint_n visible_a invisible_a or_o both_o that_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o communion_n in_o one_o body_n 4._o we_o infer_v that_o we_o have_v part_n of_o the_o difference_v form_n in_o that_o description_n viz._n where_o the_o pure_a word_n be_v preach_v and_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v etc._n etc._n for_o it_o distinguish_v the_o true_a church_n distinguish_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n from_o false_a and_o erroneous_a it_o distinguish_v a_o particular_a church_n from_o the_o catholic_n for_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n capable_a of_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o it_o and_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v in_o one_o congregation_n but_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o the_o catholic_n church_n assemble_v there_o will_v be_v neither_o 5._o we_o find_v not_o the_o least_o word_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n of_o a_o representative_a congregation_n or_o church-representative_a the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v by_o a_o personal_a appearance_n of_o all_o the_o male_n the_o female_n be_v exempt_v upon_o god_n special_a dispensation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o unfitness_n for_o travel_n as_o from_o circumcision_n by_o reason_n of_o incapacity_n but_o we_o find_v that_o every_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n still_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n personal_o for_o actual_a communion_n in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o that_o way_n and_o method_n that_o god_n appoint_v in_o his_o respective_a dispensation_n and_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o representative_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n either_o counsel_n or_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o presbytery_n i._n e._n association_n of_o elder_n call_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v always_o speak_v of_o distinct_o from_o they_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o have_v call_v any_o eldership_n the_o church_n there_o have_v be_v reason_n to_o have_v call_v that_o so_o in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n which_o have_v so_o many_o famous_a apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n in_o in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v name_v distinct_o in_o that_o great_a council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.22_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n 6._o the_o universal_a church_n do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n be_v simular_a and_o coordinate_a part_n of_o it_o of_o the_o visible_a saint_n where_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v place_v and_o by_o his_o influence_n there_o be_v a_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n as_o likewise_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n as_o appear_v eph._n 4.11_o 12._o of_o which_o there_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a 7._o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v institute_v for_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n viz._n the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n they_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n the_o call_v of_o these_o the_o work_n and_o qualification_n be_v extraordinary_a these_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o the_o ordinary_a remain_a officer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n which_o some_o make_v a_o little_a distinction_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o multiplication_n of_o title_n and_o office_n where_o the_o work_n do_v so_o much_o correspond_v and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o deacon_n the_o first_o sort_n to_o give_v themselves_o principal_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o government_n the_o latter_a to_o mind_v the_o matter_n of_o more_o external_a concern_v call_v table_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o provide_v element_n for_o sacrament_n conveniency_n for_o church-assembly_n and_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a upon_o such_o occasion_n these_o officer_n be_v not_o where_o find_v with_o a_o capacity_n to_o exert_v their_o power_n as_o such_o but_o in_o particular_a congregation_n though_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v not_o catholic_n officer_n christ_n be_v now_o the_o only_a catholic_n officer_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n 9_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n be_v place_v in_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n primary_o and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o christ_n mystical_a secondary_o and_o mediate_o to_o the_o several_a visible_a militate_v part_n thereof_o in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o their_o officework_n be_v either_o for_o the_o plant_n and_o gather_v in_o to_o they_o or_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o gather_v the_o extraordinary_a have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n furnish_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o with_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n the_o ordinary_a have_v not_o these_o but_o sufficient_a both_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o commission_n for_o answer_v christ_n glorious_a end_n and_o design_n in_o build_v his_o church_n in_o future_a age_n and_o gather_v more_o 10._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o true_a actual_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v visible_a saint_n and_o believer_n none_o that_o be_v adult_n be_v ever_o count_v so_o in_o the_o gospel-sence_n but_o underthe_a notion_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n true_a faith_n make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o can_v instate_v a_o man_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_o the_o right_n of_o visible_a communion_n till_o it_o manifest_v itself_o with_o credibility_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o these_o right_n and_o privilege_n be_v commit_v the_o actual_a officer_n and_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o know_v and_o judge_v of_o other_o be_v by_o their_o fruit_n and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v mistake_v for_o want_v of_o infallibility_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o come_v short_a in_o simon_n magus_n and_o judas_n be_v not_o know_v to_o they_o but_o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o overt_a act_n god_n charge_v they_o not_o culpable_o with_o it_o that_o be_v a_o prerogative_n that_o christ_n reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o none_o ever_o pretend_a to_o it_o but_o the_o false_a prophet_n the_o great_a spiritual_a usurper_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n reserve_v this_o diadem_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o embryo_n of_o the_o gospel-church_n by_o his_o behaviour_n towards_o judas_n admit_v he_o to_o visible_a communion_n mere_o upon_o a_o outward_a profession_n though_o he_o know_v his_o heart_n leave_v his_o practice_n as_o a_o example_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o church_n carry_v himself_o as_o a_o visible_a pastor_n and_o deal_v with_o man_n in_o the_o case_n of_o receive_v to_o or_o reject_v from_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o visibility_n of_o their_o profession_n therefore_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o his_o church_n for_o future_a proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n not_o that_o he_o esteem_v hypocrite_n any_o part_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o yet_o the_o present_a profession_n give_v they_o by_o his_o own_o rule_n a_o right_a to_o all_o external_n privilege_n and_o a_o reputation_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o other_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o some_o phrase_n which_o to_o mind_n not_o thorough_o inform_v in_o the_o truth_n create_v much_o difficulty_n as_o john_n 17.11_o holy_a father_n keep_v through_o thy_o name_n those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v i._n e._n all_o those_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o be_v of_o my_o mystical_a body_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o we_o be_v one_o vers_fw-la 12._o while_o i_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o visible_a pastor_n among_o they_o i_o keep_v they_o in_o thy_o name_n of_o those_o thou_o
this_o communion_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n for_o where_o the_o common_a bond_n of_o union_n be_v this_o communion_n must_v be_v 3._o to_o make_v communion_n in_o the_o body_n complete_a there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v this_o participation_n in_o a_o common_a good_a by_o all_o the_o member_n but_o a_o communication_n of_o all_o good_a to_o each_o other_o mutual_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o fellow-feeling_n with_o each_o other_o in_o all_o suffering_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thus_o influence_v all_o the_o member_n appear_v and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o grace_n and_o gift_n various_o work_v towards_o this_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o part_n both_o in_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o each_o other_o which_o be_v call_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o for_o grace_n the_o principal_a wherein_o the_o catholic_n communion_n do_v consist_v be_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o by_o these_o they_o communicate_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o make_v return_n to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o reciprocation_n as_o also_o a_o mutual_a communication_n to_o and_o with_o each_o other_o for_o faith_n be_v the_o lead_a grace_n of_o communion_n for_o our_o present_a state_n by_o it_o we_o receive_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n john_n 1._o and_o by_o faith_n the_o saint_n have_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n so_o it_o be_v of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o brethren_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v justify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o love_n found_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o another_o be_v proper_o charity_n the_o credibility_n of_o another_o profession_n give_v ground_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o profess_v and_o this_o join_v with_o love_n make_v charity_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n take_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n when_o he_o say_v philemon_n 5._o hear_v of_o thy_o love_n and_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o saint_n moreover_o by_o faith_n the_o saint_n visible_a have_v a_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o go_v before_o and_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o futurition_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v i._n e._n remove_v from_o sense_n by_o timan_n parterition_n or_o place_n in_o absence_n so_o thereby_o we_o see_v the_o saint_n and_o those_o truth_n attest_v by_o they_o in_o age_n past_a 4._o as_o for_o love_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n of_o actual_a communion_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o of_o they_o with_o each_o other_o in_o the_o state_n that_o we_o be_v in_o here_o but_o it_o be_v almost_o the_o only_o remain_v when_o we_o go_v hence_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o john_n treat_v much_o of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n throughout_o his_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n 1_o john_n 4.11_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o 12._o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o we_o by_o this_o grace_n we_o have_v communion_n with_o all_o saint_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a 1_o john_n 5.1_o every_o one_o that_o love_v he_o that_o be_v beget_v love_v he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o 5._o now_o by_o communion_n in_o these_o two_o grace_n the_o church_n grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a perfection_n the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4.12_o that_o the_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n be_v for_o the_o building_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agreement_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o too_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o head_n to_o the_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n mystical_a fill_v up_o his_o body_n and_o receive_v influential_o of_o his_o fullness_n by_o faith_n and_o v._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o sincere_a in_o love_n this_o love_n show_v itself_o in_o its_o fellow-feeling_n also_o that_o it_o work_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o communicate_v in_o each_o other_o suffering_n and_o supply_v each_o other_o want_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o part_n of_o communion_n be_v full_o discourse_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n yea_o in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n 6._o thus_o far_o communion_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n under_o its_o catholic_n consideration_n in_o its_o mystical_a state_n there_o must_v be_v some_o external_a action_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a whereby_o the_o communion_n of_o these_o grace_n must_v be_v manifest_a in_o ministry_n office_n gift_n ordinance_n but_o all_o for_o and_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o eminent_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n 7._o communion_n then_o of_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v by_o christ_n ordination_n visible_a in_o those_o sacred_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o its_o growth_n confirmation_n and_o build_v up_o in_o grace_n and_o truth_n god_n have_v make_v his_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a state_n the_o nursery_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n eph._n 4.12_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n in_o the_o militant_a visible_a part_n 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n verse_n 14._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v henceforth_o no_o more_o child_n 8._o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o wherein_o this_o visible_a communion_n do_v consist_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o end_n of_o it_o 3._o where_o and_o between_o who_o it_o be_v 1._o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v it_o do_v consist_v first_o in_o participation_n of_o some_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o have_v frequent_a fellowship_n together_o in_o and_o these_o be_v church-gift_n and_o church-ordinance_n act_n 2.42_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o for_o this_o end_n have_v christ_n furnish_v his_o church_n with_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n ephes_n 4._o ministry_n by_o erect_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a for_o the_o plant_n of_o his_o church_n our_o saviour_n think_v meet_v to_o send_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a commission_n and_o qualification_n those_o that_o be_v such_o be_v especial_o apostle_n prophet_n &_o evangelist_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n eph._n 4.11_o these_o be_v all_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n have_v their_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n special_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n wherever_o they_o come_v especial_o the_o apostle_n 9_o the_o apostle_n be_v xii_o which_o wait_v upon_o our_o lord_n during_o his_o ministry_n on_o earth_n before_o his_o suffering_n judas_n then_o fall_v from_o his_o ministry_n when_o our_o lord_n ascend_v he_o leave_v eleven_o to_o which_o mathias_n be_v add_v by_o lot_n and_o election_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 1._o to_o these_o two_o more_o be_v add_v afterward_o by_o special_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o compare_v with_o chap._n 14.14_o which_o when_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n and_o paul_n hear_v of_o and_o before_o that_o ordination_n barnabas_n be_v but_o a_o prophet_n send_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o assist_v they_o that_o be_v there_o before_o as_o appear_v chap._n 11.22_o 23._o and_o chap._n 13.1_o 10._o the_o prophet_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n their_o call_n and_o commission_n be_v such_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o gather_v the_o church_n and_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v those_o brethren_n of_o the_o 120_o that_o wait_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n till_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o fire_n be_v all_o equal_o with_o the_o
ecclesia_fw-la enucleata_fw-la the_o temple_n open_v or_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o true_a gospel-church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o constitution_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o i._n c._n in_o that_o day_n seven_o woman_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o one_o man_n say_v we_o will_v eat_v our_o own_o bread_n and_o wear_v our_o own_o apparel_n only_o let_v we_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n to_o take_v away_o our_o reproach_n isa_n 4.1_o london_n print_v by_o george_n larkin_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o broadstreet_n next_o to_o london-wall_n 1684._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n candid_a reader_n true_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twin_n they_o be_v conceive_v and_o bear_v together_o and_o have_v grow_v up_o together_o in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o particular_a that_o they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o they_o be_v only_o from_o god_n and_o for_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o great_a prescribe_v rule_n of_o both_o and_o the_o only_a touchstone_n for_o a_o unerring_a trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o either_o all_o pretension_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n law_n and_o authority_n must_v here_o vail_v their_o bonnet_n for_o if_o these_o can_v just_o claim_v a_o bind_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a turk_n have_v not_o as_o strong_a argument_n for_o his_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n as_o christian_n have_v any_o where_o for_o they_o we_o find_v whatever_o prerogative_n secular_a power_n lay_v claim_v to_o that_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o religion_n never_o take_v place_n upon_o man_n mind_n by_o their_o authority_n only_o they_o must_v pretend_v to_o at_o least_o a_o divine_a as_o we_o see_v the_o turk_n must_v have_v his_o false_a prophet_n mahomet_n and_o his_o mufti_n and_o the_o ten-horned_n secular_a beast_n must_v have_v his_o two-horned_n ecclesiastical_a brute_n so_o the_o heathen_a kingdom_n and_o pagan_a have_v always_o have_v their_o diabolick_a priest_n to_o influence_n the_o mind_n and_o shame_n the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o awe_n of_o some_o divinity_n or_o suppose_a divine_a authority_n into_o a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o design_v to_o establish_v suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a design_n and_o advantage_n since_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o devil_n mask_n have_v bâ—en_o much_o remove_v he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v his_o wile_n and_o deceit_n whereby_o he_o have_v so_o long_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v very_o much_o discover_v in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n that_o he_o be_v fall_v as_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n since_o the_o reform_a angel_n mention_v rev._n 14._o have_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o three_o gospel_n fly_v angel_n to_o bring_v in_o that_o glorious_a light_n and_o the_o two_o sickle_n angel_n that_o cut_v down_o the_o harvest_n and_o vintage_n the_o thickâ—ts_n and_o shade_v poisonsome_a antichristian_a tree_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o many_o place_n cut_v down_o yea_o reformation_n have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o such_o degree_n that_o the_o angel_n have_v be_v see_v have_v the_o seven_o last_o plague_n and_o those_o that_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n oucr_n the_o beast_n over_o his_o image_n and_o over_o his_o mark_n and_o over_o the_o number_n of_o his_o name_n stand_v on_o the_o sea_n of_o glass_n have_v the_o harp_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o testimony_n have_v be_v open_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o seven_o vial-angel_n be_v come_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n though_o smoak_n fill_v it_o at_o present_a from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o old_a enquiry_n where_o be_v your_o church_n according_a to_o article_n 19_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o luther_n we_o say_v it_o have_v be_v for_o above_o 1200_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n it_o be_v before_o that_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n timâ—s_n under_o the_o draconick_a tyranny_n and_o persecution_n till_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o spiritual_a egypt_n sodom_n and_o babylon_n out_o of_o which_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n by_o several_a remove_n step_n and_o degree_n of_o reformation_n sometime_o too_o woeful_o lust_a and_o turn_v back_o again_o but_o god_n will_v be_v a_o refiner_n fire_v to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n he_o will_v thorough_o purge_v away_o all_o the_o church_n dross_n and_o take_v away_o all_o her_o tin_n he_o will_v wash_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o purge_v the_o blood_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o midst_n thereof_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o spirit_n of_o burn_v by_o his_o try_v providence_n and_o bright_a shine_a search_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o last_o i_o have_v presume_v to_o cast_v in_o some_o fire_n from_o the_o altar_n have_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o a_o little_a â—hat_n knowledge_n may_v increase_v and_o â—hat_n many_o may_v be_v purify_v and_o make_v â—hite_a reader_n what_o thou_o see_v of_o â—arkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mind_n â—nd_n will_n of_o christ_n concern_v a_o subâ—â—ct_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v overlook_v it_o of_o but_o lend_v thy_o light_n also_o as_o thou_o â—ast_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n â—hrist_n and_o remember_v partiality_n be_v to_o â—e_v lay_v aside_o and_o who_o ever_o decreaâ—eth_v christ_n must_v increase_v if_o thou_o â—st_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o resist_v the_o â—ght_n offer_v then_o that_o the_o cross_n attend_v â—ruth_n deny_v thyself_o and_o take_v up_o â—e_a cross_n and_o truth_n and_o follow_v â—â—rist_n this_o life_n &_o world_n be_v but_o for_o a_o atle_a while_n take_v heed_n of_o boggle_n â—th_v conscience_n and_o sophisticate_a â—_o word_n of_o god_n by_o shift_a gloss_n to_o make_v it_o serve_v thy_o own_o corrupt_a design_n and_o end_n the_o word_n of_o god_n â—_o pure_a and_o consonant_a to_o itself_o christ_n be_v and_o will_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o confess_v at_o last_o notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n his_o church_n he_o seek_v such_o woâ—shippers_n as_o shall_v serve_v he_o iâ—_n spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n he_o hate_v aâ—_n abhor_v all_o whorish_a babylonish_n drâ—ses_v of_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n let_v christ_n be_v find_v and_o embraceâ—_n his_o church_n seek_v out_o in_o the_o place_n â—che_fw-mi wilderness_n where_o it_o have_v honourish_v get_v true_a union_n to_o cbrâ—_n the_o head_n become_v a_o member_n of_o â—_o mystical_a body_n and_o maintain_v tâ—_n gospel-communion_n of_o saint_n â—_o none_o can_v harm_v you_o the_o noise_n that_o some_o man_n make_v â—e_a world_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n â—_o nothing_o but_o some_o of_o antichrist_n â—ust_z that_o he_o throw_v into_o the_o eye_n of_o â—ose_n that_o he_o can_v quit_v blind_a for_z â—ere_z be_v never_o any_o schism_n in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n his_o vesture_n â—as_v never_o divide_v and_o there_o be_v neâ—â—r_v any_o true_a constitute_v gospel-church_n â—t_a by_o separation_n and_o as_o for_o schism_n it_o concern_v visible_a church_n there_o none_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o a_o â—â—rticular_a congregational_a church_n and_o â—â—ey_v but_o superficial_a division_n that_o â—re_n soon_o heal_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o â—e_a bond_n of_o peaceable_a communion_n with_o â—_o particular_a gospel-church_n of_o christ_n â—ll_v never_o be_v hurt_v by_o all_o the_o nicknames_a of_o schismatic_a or_o dividing-â—eparatist_a that_o any_o of_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n or_o oâ—_n any_o carry_v the_o mark_n or_o number_n oâ—_n his_o name_n can_v cast_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v aâ—_n easy_a thing_n for_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n tâ—_n call_v what_o they_o please_v by_o the_o name_n oâ—_n church_n and_o then_o to_o stigmatize_v thâ—_n servant_n of_o christ_n in_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o by_o all_o reproachfâ—_n name_n of_o the_o devil_n invention_n it_o â—_o the_o
and_o obscure_a and_o so_o will_v be_v until_o such_o time_n as_o this_o babylonish_n cheat_v be_v perfect_o discover_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o whole_a fabric_n destroy_v among_o all_o the_o mist_n and_o fog_n that_o this_o mistress_n of_o sorcery_n have_v raise_v to_o lose_v the_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o there_o be_v not_o many_o have_v be_v great_a than_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n that_o all_o enquirer_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n but_o no_o two_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n man_n general_o agree_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o a_o true_a one_o exclude_v rome_n but_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o a_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v and_o great_a contention_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n about_o it_o some_o say_v here_o be_v the_o church_n and_o other_o that_o it_o be_v there_o and_o every_o one_o cry_n up_o his_o church_n and_o call_v other_o schismatic_n and_o they_o that_o get_v power_n into_o their_o hand_n deal_v with_o other_o as_o such_o now_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o search_v after_o many_o who_o have_v find_v for_o confirmation_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o examine_v every_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o that_o name_n by_o the_o test_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o may_v be_v full_o resolve_v what_o metal_n each_o be_v make_v of_o i_o know_v all_o christian_n of_o what_o mould_n or_o size_n whatever_o do_v pretend_v to_o lay_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v true_a of_o all_o profess_v themselves_o protestant_n for_o that_o foundadation_n be_v a_o rock_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o wise_a that_o lie_v christ_n as_o such_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o ill_a superstructure_n as_o a_o good_a one_o will_v not_o long_o stand_v on_o a_o bad_a foundation_n so_o a_o good_a foundation_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v up_o a_o ill_a superstructure_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o 12._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ._n now_o if_o any_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n gold_n silver_n precious-stone_n wood_n hay_o stubble_n every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v verse_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n work_n abide_v which_o he_o have_v â—uilt_v thereupon_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n verse_n 15._o if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v provide_v he_o lie_v a_o good_a foundation_n yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o good_a man_n and_o minister_n church-work_n will_v be_v burn_v and_o they_o will_v suffer_v loss_n it_o will_v be_v manifest_a one_o day_n to_o be_v the_o great_a blemish_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n that_o have_v preach_v christ_n clear_o as_o to_o his_o sonship_n nature_n office_n merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n have_v from_o interest_n prejudice_n or_o ignorance_n extreme_o fumble_v in_o most_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o gospel-church_n i_o have_v much_o admire_v to_o hear_v some_o man_n pulpit-zeal_n against_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o holiness_n even_o to_o a_o justify_v condition_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o particular_a case_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o gospel_n and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o duty_n towards_o god_n they_o can_v tell_v you_o of_o nothing_o but_o moral_a natural_a religion_n and_o reduce_v all_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n thereto_o say_v they_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o there_o but_o such_o as_o this_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o so_o as_o for_o reveal_v religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n must_v be_v whole_o regulate_v by_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n law_n and_o command_n of_o man_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n we_o intend_v see_v the_o word_n church_n be_v clothe_v with_o so_o great_a ambiguity_n and_o so_o much_o dust_n raise_v about_o it_o to_o the_o perplex_v of_o man_n mind_n and_o conscience_n we_o shall_v principal_o fix_v our_o inquiry_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o know_v that_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n when_o it_o come_v with_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o truth_n and_o whereas_o fire_n and_o sword_n yea_o mens_fw-la great_a word_n and_o look_n may_v terrify_v flesh_n and_o blood_n yea_o pulpit_n thunderclaps_a discharge_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o error_n and_o nonsense_n do_v keep_v many_o weak_a judgement_n and_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n and_o thraldom_n affright_v they_o from_o a_o impartial_a search_n for_o truth_n by_o hard_a name_n equivocate_a word_n passionate_a and_o zealous_a way_n of_o expression_n yet_o a_o conscience_n true_o enlighten_v by_o divine_a testimony_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v at_o such_o thing_n any_o more_o than_o to_o pity_v such_o passionate_a soul-confounding_a blind_a guide_n and_o much_o more_o their_o poor_a delude_a enslave_v follower_n i_o shall_v handle_v this_o word_n church_n two_o way_n for_o our_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n its_o true_a gospel_n meaning_n 1._o show_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o usual_o take_v 2._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o place_n of_o meet_v be_v not_o where_o take_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o intimate_v concern_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o general_n that_o though_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o always_o limit_v to_o a_o religious_a one_o but_o be_v use_v by_o classic_a author_n for_o any_o assembly_n profane_a civil_a or_o religious_a and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v express_o act_v 19_o for_o a_o profane_a and_o tumultuous_a assembly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o a_o civil_a lawful_a court_n or_o assembly_n ver_fw-la 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v dismiss_v for_o 40._o but_o in_o the_o proper_a and_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v every_o where_o except_o in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v take_v for_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o sense_n or_o another_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o winnow_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o set_v aside_o such_o thing_n as_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o man_n error_n custom_n and_o carnal_a interest_n be_v usual_o call_v so_o and_o impose_v as_o such_o upon_o err_v or_o unthinking_a judgement_n when_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n never_o call_v they_o so_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a among_o we_o then_o to_o call_v a_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o publick-worship_n a_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n of_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o not_o in_o a_o metonymy-sence_n though_o learned_a mr._n joseph_n mede_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o but_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v there_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o material_a place_n of_o ordinary_a assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o their_o oratory_n where_o they_o frequent_o meet_v be_v call_v church_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o say_v it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v in_o a_o manner_n by_o the_o most_o of_o our_o reform_a writer_n and_o affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o age_n next_o after_o they_o whilst_o the_o church_n live_v under_o pagan_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n christian_n have_v no_o oratory_n or_o place_n set_v apart_o for_o divine_a worship_n but_o that_o they_o assemble_v here_o and_o there_o promiscuous_o and_o uncertain_o as_o they_o please_v or_o the_o occasion_n serve_v in_o place_n of_o common_a use_n and_o not_o otherwise_o which_o thing_n undoubted_o be_v just_o enough_o and_o
upon_o ground_n more_o evident_a believe_v than_o any_o reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o that_o worthy_a person_n wherein_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o almost_o singular_a in_o this_o undertake_n and_o lay_v his_o first_o and_o great_a stress_n on_o that_o expression_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o here_o say_v he_o i_o take_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o church_n to_o note_v not_o the_o assembly_n but_o the_o place_n appoint_v for_o sacred_a duty_n and_o that_o from_o the_o opposition_n thereof_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o own_o house_n these_o be_v place_n proper_a for_o common_a and_o ordinary_a repast_n and_o not_o the_o church_n or_o housâ—_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n which_o he_o bring_v beside_o some_o obscure_a passage_n of_o some_o father_n who_o opinion_n will_v not_o sway_v here_o but_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o see_v they_o consonant_n to_o the_o truth_n manifest_a in_o scripture_n compare_v together_o and_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v a_o tropical_a meaning_n in_o this_o place_n and_o every_o where_o else_o a_o proper_a one_o and_o beside_o the_o reason_n from_o the_o opposition_n will_v not_o hold_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o mr._n mede_n understand_v those_o oratory_n or_o church_n of_o they_o to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o constantine_n time_n that_o they_o be_v such_o goodly_a and_o stately_a structure_n as_o the_o church_n have_v after_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n at_o the_o first_o some_o capable_a and_o convenient_a room_n within_o the_o wall_n or_o dwell_v of_o some_o pious_a disciple_n dedicate_v by_o the_o religious_a bounty_n of_o the_o owner_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o usual_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upper_a room_n or_o caenaculum_fw-la it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n house_n be_v at_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o any_o one_o house_n or_o room_n in_o a_o house_n be_v dedicate_v so_o to_o that_o religious_a use_n as_o to_o be_v separate_v for_o it_o from_o common_a use_n when_o the_o church_n meet_v not_o be_v not_o probable_a at_o all_o for_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o persecution_n if_o church_n meet_v in_o any_o certain_a house_n or_o place_n though_o in_o a_o private_a house_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v interrupt_v and_o break_v in_o upon_o by_o persecute_v officer_n and_o informer_n the_o only_a place_n meet_v in_o for_o some_o time_n considerable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o be_v paul_n own_a hire_v house_n at_o rome_n but_o we_o find_v not_o that_o it_o be_v consecrate_v or_o call_v a_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a consecrate_a barn_n garret_n cellar_n or_o dine_a room_n will_v be_v esteem_v by_o our_o devout_a ecclesiastic_n a_o great_a abomination_n but_o how_o will_v the_o opposition_n hold_v if_o the_o room_n call_v the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o same_o house_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v ordinary_o in_o he_o shall_v have_v rather_o say_v have_v you_o not_o kitchens_n or_o parlour_n of_o common_a use_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o but_o you_o must_v despise_v or_o put_v a_o profanation_n on_o the_o garret_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n beside_o if_o that_o addition_n have_v not_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v much_o rather_o have_v incline_v to_o mr._n mâ—des_v sense_n if_o he_o have_v say_v only_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n but_o i_o take_v it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a audacious_a and_o high_o abusive_a expression_n to_o say_v tâ—at_v a_o meetinghouse_n be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o opposition_n as_o full_a thus_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o family_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v but_o you_o must_v do_v it_o in_o the_o church-assembly_n for_o they_o make_v their_o lovefeast_n in_o their_o assembly_n it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o assemble_v of_o the_o church_n together_o as_o vers_n 18._o where_o be_v use_v when_o you_o meet_v together_o in_o assembly_n i._n e._n when_o you_o be_v congregat_v together_o i_o hear_v that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n or_o schism_n among_o you_o and_o those_o he_o mean_v have_v the_o division_n who_o be_v the_o church_n for_o the_o gospel_n ascribe_v culpable_a schism_n no_o where_n but_o to_o body_n politic_n or_o assembly_n not_o to_o house_n but_o if_o we_o grant_v mr._n mede_n all_o that_o he_o so_o industrious_o labour_v to_o squeeze_v out_o of_o the_o text_n only_o to_o favour_v the_o relative_n holiness_n of_o such_o place_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o intend_v that_o they_o be_v real_a and_o proper_a church_n but_o only_o metonymical_a church_n by_o a_o trope_n and_o improper_o so_o name_v no_o otherwise_o allowable_a name_n put_v the_o continens_fw-la pro_fw-la contento_fw-it to_o distinguish_v place_n allot_v to_o convenient_a assemble_v in_o religious_a worship_n from_o town-hall_n and_o other_o house_n of_o meet_v together_o for_o public_a concern_v or_o more_o private_a society_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o we_o lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o if_o such_o a_o place_n be_v call_v improper_o a_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n intend_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n nor_o build_v of_o live_a stone_n nor_o such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o nor_o such_o as_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n too_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o he_o exhort_v rebuke_n and_o commend_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o he_o write_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n conclude_v that_o no_o place_n where_o religious_a assembly_n frequent_o use_v to_o be_v be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o may_v proper_o be_v so_o call_v they_o that_o plead_v the_o expression_n in_o the_o ephesian_a town-clerk_n speech_n act._n 19.37_o you_o have_v bring_v hither_o these_o which_o be_v neither_o robber_n of_o church_n show_v their_o little_a skill_n in_o the_o original_a text_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d robber_n of_o temple_n such_o as_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o goddess_n to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v not_o only_o relative_n but_o inherent_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o adapt_v that_o name_n to_o they_o chap._n iii_o of_o a_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n christ_n never_o institute_v any_o such_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n administration_n as_o a_o national_a and_o provincial_a or_o diocesan_n there_o be_v as_o much_o for_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o seem_v pretence_n can_v be_v make_v for_o any_o of_o they_o from_o any_o gospel_n expression_n when_o i_o say_v this_o i_o mean_v not_o a_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n province_n or_o diocese_n nor_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o such_o place_n collective_o and_o co-ordinate_o consider_v but_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o such_o church_n in_o our_o day_n as_o of_o france_n of_o spain_n of_o denmark_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o a_o national_a church_n be_v take_v in_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n a_o organise_v national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n church_n that_o have_v officer_n or_o member_n suit_v to_o their_o respective_a nature_n and_o constitution_n as_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n exercise_v national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n jurisdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n or_o elsewhere_o and_o member_n quatenus_fw-la native_n of_o such_o place_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o nativity_n have_v immediate_a right_n to_o baptism_n and_o make_v so_o i_o say_v that_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o where_o signify_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n except_o when_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o word_n be_v but_o once_o use_v in_o application_n to_o they_o act._n 7.38_o this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n this_o we_o own_o be_v a_o national_a church_n but_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o know_v not_o of_o one_o place_n where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v with_o any_o fair_a pretence_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o national_a church_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v argue_v from_o undeniable_a reason_n that_o christ_n institute_v or_o intend_v not_o such_o a_o church_n for_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v due_o weigh_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n put_v a_o full_a period_n to_o the_o whole_a jewish_a
after_o vers_n 6._o but_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o have_v a_o great_a propriety_n than_o moses_n have_v upon_o all_o respect_n who_o house_n be_v we_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n or_o province_n lie_v continual_o at_o the_o mercy_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_n of_o prince_n guide_v by_o carnal_a interest_n and_o act_v by_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o the_o model_n of_o it_o by_o mutable_a law_n as_o they_o shall_v correspond_v most_o with_o their_o state-design_n and_o purpose_n which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a ground_n to_o have_v suspect_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o such_o a_o proteus-like_a form_n and_o constitution_n as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o model_n change_n and_o alteration_n of_o future_a age_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n will_v form_v they_o into_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o profession_n of_o christianity_n when_o as_o very_o few_o of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v due_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v much_o more_o than_o almost_o christian_n last_o the_o purpose_n and_o design_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o incarnation_n suffering_n miracle_n wrought_v and_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o himself_o and_o apostle_n be_v the_o gather_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n elect_v into_o one_o body_n his_o church_n wherever_o scatter_v or_o disperse_v not_o respect_v one_o nation_n or_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o further_a than_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o elect_a one_o among_o they_o nor_o design_v any_o kingdom_n as_o yet_o in_o this_o world_n with_o external_n pomp_n and_o grandeur_n but_o rather_o a_o continuation_n of_o a_o suffer_a state_n with_o very_o little_a intermission_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n exercise_v the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o dragon_n against_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o the_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o seven_o head_v romish_a beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n neither_o design_v he_o the_o call_n of_o many_o wife_n man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a 1_o cor._n 1.26_o otherwise_o than_o which_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v have_v he_o design_v national_a &_o provincial_a church_n he_o will_v have_v say_v i_o design_v a_o church_n that_o may_v top_n at_o least_o give_v check_v to_o earthly_a king_n &_o prince_n i_o will_v turn_v their_o heart_n &_o make_v they_o i_o both_o they_o and_o their_o subject_n therefore_o i_o will_v call_v many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n many_o mighty_a and_o many_o noble_a person_n who_o shall_v rule_v manage_n and_o defend_v my_o church_n which_o may_v be_v in_o after-age_n but_o we_o see_v it_o quite_o contrary_a yet_o ver._n 27._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v to_o carry_v on_o his_o spiritual_a rule_n believe_v it_o this_o matter_n can_v constitute_v a_o national_a church_n it_o must_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n whatever_o man_n therefore_o may_v confident_o assert_v and_o however_o they_o make_v a_o boast_n and_o vaunt_v themselves_o of_o national_a church_n officer_n member_n yea_o and_o national_a jurisdiction_n and_o judicature_n exert_v in_o spiritual_a court_n so_o call_v none_o of_o which_o be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o institution_n but_o be_v the_o mere_a product_n of_o humane_a policy_n and_o mere_a antichristian_a sham_n put_v upon_o the_o poor_a carnal_a blind_a world_n whereby_o that_o wicked_a one_o endeavour_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n from_o the_o true_a plain_a and_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o harlot_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n in_o pride_n pomp_n pleasure_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o say_v though_o such_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o also_o civil_a may_v deal_v very_o hardly_o upon_o this_o account_n with_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o delude_v pulpiteer_n may_v terrify_v and_o fright_v some_o more_o weak_a and_o less_o ground_a christian_n with_o ambiguous_a word_n misinterpretation_n and_o false_a application_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n call_v light_a darkness_n and_o darkness_n light_n call_v what_o they_o please_v church_n charity_n communion_n uniformity_n schism_n separation_n rebellion_n disobedience_n to_o law_n government_n etc._n etc._n yet_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o most_o high_a there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v buy_v the_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n of_o light_n at_o dear_a rate_n of_o suffering_n with_o expense_n of_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n under_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o taste_v so_o much_o of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v not_o sell_v it_o so_o as_o to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o worldly_a interest_n or_o be_v affright_v from_o it_o by_o the_o open_a mouth_n of_o roar_a lion_n nor_o jugale_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o sham-divinity_n of_o the_o sly_a fox_n that_o spoil_v the_o vine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o such_o man_n but_o as_o hannah_n speak_v 1_o sam._n 2.3_o talk_v no_o more_o so_o proud_o let_v not_o arrogancy_n come_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n and_o by_o he_o action_n be_v weigh_v and_o as_o for_o some_o good_a old_a ely_n who_o be_v too_o much_o blind_v with_o prejudice_n passion_n and_o interest_n keep_v a_o great_a sputter_n against_o schism_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o seldom_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n member_n by_o their_o unwarrantable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n worship_n and_o but_o gentle_o rebuke_v hophni_n and_o phineas_n we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o however_o they_o may_v have_v lay_v a_o a_o good_a foundation_n in_o some_o people_n yet_o their_o superstructure_n be_v but_o hay_n and_o rubbish_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v burn_v and_o the_o day_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_v what_o it_o be_v the_o only_a plea_n that_o be_v make_v for_o a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n be_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a of_o call_v in_o the_o nation_n sprinkle_v many_o nation_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 5.26_o chap._n 52.15_o chap._n 45.1_o this_o argument_n have_v little_a in_o it_o to_o prove_v a_o gospel_n national_a church_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a prophecy_n reser_fw-ge to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v indifferent_o render_v gentile_n and_o nation_n and_o it_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o elect_a gentile_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o all_o nation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o whole_a nation_n become_v christian_a it_o argue_v nothing_o of_o the_o necessity_n that_o the_o nation_n shall_v become_v one_o church_n organise_v but_o that_o the_o gospel-profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o gospel-churche_n shall_v overspread_v the_o most_o of_o a_o nation_n or_o prevail_v upon_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o it_o though_o very_o seldom_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o crown_n sceptre_n and_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n erect_v in_o visible_a church_n plant_v there_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hindrance_n but_o that_o christian_n and_o religious_a magistrate_n have_v scope_n enough_o to_o exert_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o as_o such_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o interest_n in_o make_v and_o execute_v law_n for_o restraint_n of_o sin_n and_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n in_o all_o matter_n touch_v natural_a religion_n as_o likewise_o in_o take_v care_n for_o the_o effectual_a propagation_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v in_o a_o due_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o by_o be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n countenance_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o all_o strict_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n both_o as_o church_n and_o particular_a christian_n defend_v they_o from_o the_o the_o rage_n malice_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o know_v that_o a_o christian_n magistrate_n right_o inform_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o christian_a and_o magistrate_n have_v a_o heart_n and_o opportunity_n to_o use_v both_o those_o
this_o constitute_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n what_o be_v all_o his_o admidistration_n but_o a_o usurpation_n as_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o act_n do_v it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n to_o determine_v here_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o baptism_n i_o roundly_o affirm_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o no_o more_o effectual_a than_o if_o a_o cobbler_n tinker_n or_o midwife_n have_v do_v it_o with_o some_o competent_a solemnity_n hence_o it_o evident_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n constitute_v not_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o make_v a_o parish_n a_o church_n but_o in_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n the_o whole_a proceed_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n of_o communion_n in_o church_n ordinance_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o jeroboam'_v worship_v dan_n and_o bethel_n and_o conformity_n thereto_o no_o better_o than_o the_o israelite_n conformity_n thereto_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a civil_a governor_n in_o that_o which_o be_v a_o declare_a abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n obj._n you_o do_v hereby_o vnchurch_n many_o a_o eminent_a church_n where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o faithful_a parish_n minister_n and_o holy_a good_a people_n walk_v as_o his_o parishioner_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o ans_fw-fr we_o unchurch_n not_o true_a church_n of_o cbrist_n by_o this_o mean_n for_o iâ—_n one_o thing_n to_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v occasional_a of_o a_o church_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o many_o minister_n parish-relation_n and_o people_n cohabitation_n have_v be_v ocasion_n of_o many_o reform_a church_n which_o christ_n have_v accept_v in_o their_o degree_n of_o reformation_n but_o we_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o i._n e._n as_o member_n of_o a_o parish_n but_o as_o a_o faithul_n people_n relate_v by_o a_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o communion_n of_o the_o word_n pure_o preach_v and_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n those_o that_o speak_v of_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n speak_v some_o at_o one_o rate_n and_o some_o at_o another_o if_o they_o mean_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o such_o we_o deny_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o visible_a to_o we_o nor_o can_v be_v till_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v in_o and_o so_o must_v be_v only_o at_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a for_o at_o present_a the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o be_v triumphant_a many_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v militant_a not_o see_v or_o know_v to_o we_o and_o so_o to_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a be_v to_o set_v our_o word_n and_o sense_n at_o variance_n by_o catholic_n visible_a some_o will_v say_v they_o mean_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v visible_a but_o this_o can_v for_o that_o reason_n have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o it_o and_o part_n can_v be_v call_v the_o whole_a beside_o if_o it_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o visible_a saint_n militant_a i_o say_v the_o universality_n of_o they_o be_v never_o visible_a either_o in_o any_o congregation_n or_o in_o communion_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o under_o any_o visible_a pastoral_n jurisdiction_n neither_o be_v the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a visible_a at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v no_o such_o time_n when_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v know_v by_o their_o visible_a profession_n some_o understand_v by_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n a_o organise_v church_n with_o a_o visible_a pastoral_n head_n and_o furnish_v with_o officer_n suit_v a_o catholic_n rule_v power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n always_o of_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n call_v themselves_o catholic_n as_o member_n of_o it_o which_o church_n they_o say_v rome_n be_v wherein_o this_o universal_a pastor_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v place_v but_o it_o be_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n assert_v that_o christ_n never_o ordain_v any_o universal_a visible_a pastor_n nor_o ever_o promote_v peter_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v ever_o the_o great_a contend_v for_o the_o pope_n headship_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o church_n ever_o make_v seem_v fair_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o though_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a officer_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a presence_n for_o work_a miracle_n and_o heal_v in_o order_n to_o the_o first_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n and_o plantation_n of_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v but_o a_o coordinate_a power_n neither_o be_v they_o fix_v as_o stand_v and_o last_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v their_o apostolic_a power_n convey_v to_o any_o successor_n but_o die_v with_o they_o leave_v only_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n last_o can_v you_o read_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o where_n to_o import_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n a_o catholic_n visible_a organise_v church_n christ_n rather_o pofitive_o forbid_v it_o and_o reprove_v that_o spirit_n of_o ambition_n that_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n see_v work_v in_o they_o labour_v to_o be_v dignitaries_n but_o he_o that_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n mat._n 20.17_o &_o 23.11.10.24_o 25._o which_o reprimand_n the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n receive_v when_o she_o inquire_v who_o shall_v be_v great_a among_o her_o child_n there_o be_v six_o or_o seven_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n that_o entitle_v themselves_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o viz._n catholic_n organise_v visible_a such_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n patriarchal_a national_a provincial_a diocesan_n archdeconary_n parochial_a these_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o woman_n speak_v of_o isa_n 4.1_o that_o shall_v take_v hold_n of_o one_o man_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o will_v eat_v our_o own_o bread_n and_o wear_v our_o own_o apparel_n only_o let_v we_o be_v call_v by_o thy_o name_n to_o take_v away_o our_o reproach_n they_o will_v have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reproach_v as_o the_o church_n of_o antichrist_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v at_o their_o own_o provision_n for_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n by_o humane_a invention_n but_o for_o all_o this_o though_o these_o whorish_a woman_n make_v a_o shift_n by_o a_o common_a vogue_n to_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n his_o true_a spouse_n though_o small_a and_o contemptible_a as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n shall_v be_v glorious_a ver_fw-la 2._o in_o that_o day_n the_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v excellent_a and_o comely_a for_o they_o that_o be_v escape_v of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o that_o be_v leave_v in_o zion_n in_o that_o great_a apostasy_n and_o he_o that_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v call_v holy_a even_o every_o one_o that_o be_v write_v among_o the_o live_n in_o jerusalem_n see_v what_o follow_v from_o ver_fw-la 4._o to_o the_o end_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n for_o 1._o woman_n in_o the_o prophetic_a phrase_n be_v church_n as_o frequent_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v 2._o the_o number_n may_v be_v definite_a for_o a_o indefinite_a 3._o the_o prophecy_n be_v manifest_o of_o the_o latter_a day_n and_o the_o church_n state_n therein_o which_o none_o will_v deny_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v show_v that_o in_o one_o place_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o any_o common_a assembly_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a act_v 19.32_o 39_o and_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v once_o take_v for_o a_o national_a church_n act_v 7.38_o but_o in_o all_o other_o place_n it_o be_v either_o take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o for_o particular_a congregation_n and_o for_o no_o other_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o organise_v body_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a and_o militant_a the_o member_n unite_v together_o either_o by_o a_o real_a bond_n visible_a or_o invisible_a or_o both_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v mention_v in_o
than_o another_o all_o man_n that_o speak_v of_o church_n say_v so_o as_o some_o say_v baptism_n some_o say_v cohabitation_n and_o that_o baptism_n only_o unite_v he_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o cohabitation_n determine_v he_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a but_o we_o say_v it_o must_v be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o free_a submission_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o this_o or_o that_o society_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o that_o can_v give_v he_o or_o be_v to_o he_o the_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n membership_n it_o be_v not_o â—ational_a or_o natural_a that_o any_o man_n â—hould_v be_v a_o member_n or_o be_v capable_a to_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o it_o be_v without_o his_o consent_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o free_a voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a external_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o church-membership_n profession_n be_v a_o visible_a qualification_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v consent_n and_o agreement_n which_o be_v the_o copula_fw-la or_o nexus_fw-la for_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o one_o instance_n where_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n ever_o attempt_v to_o force_v any_o man_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n much_o less_o to_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o or_o to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a freedom_n to_o every_o man_n to_o choose_v what_o government_n he_o will_v put_v himself_o under_o as_o to_o his_o temporal_a concern_v though_o when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o much_o more_o a_o christian_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a regiment_n 3._o god_n desire_v nor_o accept_v of_o any_o force_a service_n but_o require_v the_o great_a freedom_n and_o voluntary_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n 4._o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v so_o gather_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o external_a force_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o by_o power_n or_o might_n i._n e._n humane_a but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v whereby_o their_o heart_n be_v bring_v with_o freeness_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o with_o boldness_n to_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o according_o with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n to_o consent_v to_o a_o subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o institution_n in_o his_o church_n see_v in_o the_o first_o most_o apostolical_a church_n the_o 120_o that_o christ_n leave_v together_o at_o his_o ascension_n act_v 1.14_o and_o all_o these_o continue_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n with_o one_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 2.41_o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cheerful_o or_o glad_o yield_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n preach_v and_o advise_v by_o peter_n these_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o fellowship_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o free_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o profession_n embrace_v it_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v gather_v be_v at_o antioch_n see_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v a_o church_n act_v 11.19_o 20._o and_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v upon_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o steven_n travel_v so_o far_o as_o phenice_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 20._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o antioch_n speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_n preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n verse_n 21._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v i._n e._n free_o embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n now_o when_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o aid_v and_o encourage_v this_o great_a work_n verse_n 23._o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v free_o voluntary_o and_o sincere_o without_o any_o hypocrisy_n submit_v themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o full_a assent_n and_o free_a consent_n that_o may_v be_v now_o you_o find_v vers_fw-la 26._o that_o they_o be_v immediate_o a_o church_n upon_o this_o cleave_a to_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v preach_v unto_o much_o people_n that_o attend_v their_o ministry_n beside_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o that_o gather_a church_n i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o point_n any_o further_a the_o assertion_n be_v not_o only_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o their_o coadjutor_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a purity_n if_o any_o have_v practise_v otherwise_o since_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n or_o follow_v their_o example_n corruption_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o antichrist_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o the_o lord_n be_v wash_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v purge_v away_o the_o blood_n the_o antichristian_a pollution_n of_o worship_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o spirit_n of_o burn_a isa_n 4.4_o and_o all_o the_o seven_o woman_n that_o have_v lay_v hold_v on_o the_o skirt_n of_o christ_n and_o call_v themselves_o by_o his_o name_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v harlot_n yea_o as_o for_o thou_o o_o aholibah_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thou_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o sister_n therefore_o i_o will_v give_v her_o cup_n into_o thy_o hand_n thou_o shall_v drink_v of_o thy_o sister_n cup_n deep_a and_o large_a thou_o shall_v be_v laugh_v to_o scorn_v and_o have_v in_o derision_n ezek._n 23.31_o 32._o it_o contain_v much_o chap._n x._o of_o church-communion_n 1._o union_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n physical_a or_o politic_a or_o ecumenical_a natural_o produce_v a_o communion_n suitable_a thereto_o that_o which_o we_o be_v about_o to_o speak_v of_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a at_o least_o of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a nature_n we_o have_v show_v what_o be_v the_o primary_n bond_n of_o union_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o animate_v knit_v and_o tie_v his_o whole_a body_n together_o and_o that_o this_o be_v mystical_a but_o exert_v itself_o in_o vital_a motion_n and_o operation_n in_o all_o the_o member_n it_o produce_v a_o second_o bond_n proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o this_o spirit_n in_o a_o credible_a profession_n and_o free_a consent_n to_o the_o regiment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o thereto_o and_o this_o become_v the_o bond_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o orderly_a communion_n communion_n be_v participation_n in_o one_o common_a benefit_n or_o its_o mutual_a participation_n or_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n by_o various_a subject_n so_o spiritual_a communion_n be_v first_o a_o common_a participation_n in_o one_o general_a good_a or_o benefit_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o here_o where_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o head_n the_o same_o spirit_n as_o their_o unity_n consist_v in_o respect_n of_o connexion_n of_o part_n so_o their_o communion_n consist_v in_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o participation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o cor._n 13.14_o it_o be_v full_o express_v as_o a_o mystical_a communion_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o communion_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o at_o large_a in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o show_v that_o all_o the_o grace_n gift_n member_n operation_n office_n in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o their_o several_a diversification_n flow_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n all_o the_o stream_n take_v indifferent_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n