render_v they_o visible_a which_o it_o become_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o do_v when_o outward_a impediment_n be_v not_o absolute_o insuperable_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n thus_o far_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n iu._n what_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o entire_a communion_n we_o have_v prove_v before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o individual_a christian_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n fellowstip_n and_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n heâ—eon_o be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o profess_v society_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v each_o whereof_o it_o be_v say_v lâ—_n here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_n there_o be_v christ_n what_o church_n of_o what_o constitution_n and_o order_n any_o one_o that_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o to_o join_v himself_o unto_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o first_o in_o general_n and_o then_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o one_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n wherein_o many_o at_o this_o day_n be_v concern_v and_o â—ome_v thing_n must_v be_v premise_v unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n anâ—_n division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v â—ccasiâ—ned_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o parâ—_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joynt-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o sâ—tan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o makâ—s_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o râ—ge_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o requireâ—_n therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o depart_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n iâ—_n they_o 4._o in_o this_o staâ—e_v of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o â—ill_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bounâ—_n not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o solicit_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendible_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolotry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o iâ—_n for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o sâ—me_a doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sâ—uâ—d_n be_v give_v some_o sâ—ying_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o
a_o guide_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o order_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-institution_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._n the_o necessity_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n ii_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n brief_o vindicate_v iu._n what_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o entire_a communion_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1692._o a_o guide_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o order_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-institution_n chap._n i._n the_o necessity_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v himself_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a observation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o commâ—nds_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n maâ—th_n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o this_o in_o general_n be_v grâ—nted_v by_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n of_o man_n the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o mutual_a feâ—ds_n in_o religion_n plead_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n still_o suppose_v tâ—at_a it_o be_v thâ—ir_a duty_n to_o be_v of_o one_o or_o another_o yea_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o person_n ought_v to_o choose_v what_o church_n they_o will_v join_v themselves_o unto_o wherein_o they_o may_v have_v the_o best_a advantage_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n most_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v suppose_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foolish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o get_v other_o from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o â—riâ—l_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptize_v in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o eâ—crease_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a churchâ—s_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptize_v person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a
judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n 1.16_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constituent_v of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o mere_a member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10.11_o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n to_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o 18._o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_a member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compâ—â—â—_n church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oâ—_n gospel-contitution_a be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5.9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church-member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v â—o_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church-member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n â—ore_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o dâ—_n eccles._n cap_n 2._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 15._o and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n being_n disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth_n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catecuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o
to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unâ—o_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n 24.14_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4_o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterwards_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n called_n sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o priledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a influance_n yet_o be_v they_o mere_a member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o also_o mere_a to_o be_v esteeâ—ed_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o none_o be_v exclude_v but_o such_o as_o concern_v who_o rule_n be_v give_v either_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o â—ut_v of_o church_n society_n or_o be_v express_o exclude_v by_o god_n himself_o from_o any_o share_n in_o the_o prieiledge_n of_o his_o covenant_n psal._n 50.16_o 17._o but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o wâ—rds_n behind_o thou_o advertisement_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v far_o in_o a_o book_n late_o publish_v entitle_v tâ—e_v true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n â—y_a the_o same_o author_n wherein_o those_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n unto_o or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o
the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n aâ—d_v work_v be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_n we_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church-state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurous_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o
they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flagitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v believe_v own_a and_o profess_v without_o controversy_n and_o those_o not_o bear_v withal_o by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v or_o oppose_v without_o this_o a_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v general_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v a_o church_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o wrangling_n and_o contention_n about_o fundamental_a or_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o choice_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o these_o thing_n subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o great_o impede_fw-la their_o edification_n and_o although_o both_o among_o distinct_a church_n and_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n mutual_a forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o variety_n in_o apprehension_n in_o some_o doctrine_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o the_o incursion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v into_o sundry_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o last_o and_o present_a age_n of_o novel_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n with_o difference_n division_n and_o endless_a dispute_n which_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o have_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o constant_a total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o absolute_o unto_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o wherein_o there_o be_v incurable_a dissension_n about_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v public_o avow_v countenance_n or_o approve_v of_o doctrine_n contrary_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o first_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o the_o divine_a worship_n institute_v or_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v diligent_o observe_v without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereunto_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o unto_o all_o external_a occasional_a incidency_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n do_v unmake_v they_o from_o be_v rational_a â—_z or_o refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o give_v they_o a_o improvement_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o they_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o but_o if_o man_n if_o church_n will_v make_v addition_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o require_v their_o observance_n in_o their_o communion_n on_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o be_v so_o by_o they_o appoint_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n to_o join_v in_o total_a absolute_a communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n he_o may_v be_v induce_v on_o various_a consideration_n to_o judge_v that_o something_o of_o that_o nature_n at_o some_o season_n may_v not_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a unto_o he_o which_o therefore_o he_o will_v bear_v with_o or_o comply_v withal_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n or_o command_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o or_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o hereby_o too_o much_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o believer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o shall_v thereon_o make_v severe_a declamation_n about_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n which_o will_v ensue_v i_o desire_v they_o will_v remember_v the_o principle_n i_o proceed_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o such_o sacred_a machine_n as_o some_o suppose_v erect_v and_o act_v for_o the_o outward_a interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o only_o mean_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o a_o divine_a warranty_n justify_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o a_o express_a command_n make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o only_a law_n giver_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v faithful_a both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n â—ath_v institute_v and_o command_v but_o have_v no_o such_o warranty_n or_o command_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o if_o by_o the_o same_o â—reath_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n they_o be_v command_v and_o oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v both_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o sâ—â—e_z penalty_n of_o their_o omission_n no_o man_n can_v be_v divine_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o such_o term_n 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n so_o to_o be_v join_v with_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a thereunto_o what_o these_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v and_o because_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v so_o eminent_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o in_o the_o join_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o any_o such_o communion_n and_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o size_n it_o will_v be_v incurable_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a or_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o gift_n grace_n or_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v insufficient_a unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v account_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o edification_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o that_o communion_n and_o that_o alone_a wherein_o due_a edification_n