be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o englishâ—congregations_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o sâ—recte_v of_o the_o same_o town_n town-dwelling_n will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o company_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o town_n with_o the_o church_n 4._o be_v not_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v because_o they_o frequent_v not_o their_o assembly_n idiot_n and_o infidel_n may_v come_v into_o the_o public_a meeting_n among_o the_o corinthian_n answ._n 1._o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o yet_o idiot_n and_o infidel_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saul_n after_o his_o conversion_n may_v have_v come_v in_o among_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o public_a duty_n and_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v make_v he_o of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o some_o indian_n moor_n and_o other_o natural_a person_n come_v into_o our_o meeting_n in_o new-england_n some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o by_o the_o command_n or_o counsel_n of_o their_o master_n and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_a conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o being_n of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n 5._o philip_n join_v to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o and_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_v answ._n whether_o natural_a as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_v wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o anybody_o corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 7_o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n 4._o all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o church_n 5._o officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o saâ—an_a and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal._n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o and_o 1._o and_o 14_o 23._o where_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n
promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_n into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christian_n not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal._n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 21._o 27._o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o else_o they_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n together_o as_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o act._n 14._o 27._o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n cleave_v together_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o if_o they_o differ_v namely_o in_o opinion_n or_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o shall_v join_v in_o this_o covenant_n breach_n faction_n rent_n and_o schism_n will_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o join_v thing_n so_o unlike_o will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_o hold_v together_o dan._n 2._o 43_o desirous_a to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o join_n in_o covenant_n together_o psal._n 110._o 3._o willing_a and_o not_o pride_n nor_o gain_v nor_o the_o like_a four_o the_o act_n bind_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v say_v now_o as_o psal._n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o as_o num._n 30._o 2._o if_o he_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o vow_n five_o the_o matter_n promise_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o mutual_a edification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n they_o bind_v not_o themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o device_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v it_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v and_o presumption_n to_o promise_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o in_o general_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o special_o such_o duty_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o concern_v church-state_n which_o now_o they_o enter_v into_o six_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v confidence_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n through_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o our_o way_n god_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v pro._n 3._o 6._o and_o much_o more_o in_o such_o special_a matter_n of_o weight_n if_o man_n in_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n look_v for_o acceptance_n through_o any_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o or_o promise_v duty_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o show_v themselves_o like_o to_o the_o pharisee_n luk._n 18._o 10_o 11._o and_o turn_v the_o church-covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n do_v become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o a_o church_n second_o this_o be_v that_o by_o take_v hold_n whereof_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v afore_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o every_o christian_a church_n must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver._n 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver._n 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plainâ—y_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver._n 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver._n 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n 1._o for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n answer_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregational_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num._n 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o outlive_v joshua_n josh._n 24._o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver._n 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n
but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 2_o 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v into_o solâ—mne_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v answer_n yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esau_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezâ—k._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeb_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezâ—k_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n iosh._n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n iosh._n 5._o 3_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n 3_o and_o therefore_o not_o like_o our_o chuâ—ch-covenants_n whiâ—h_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concerning_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church_n covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o answer_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duâ—ies_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o eâ—ification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v oâ—_z god_n lev._n 19_o 17_o deut._n 29_o â—8_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o alâ—_z the_o coâ—gregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_fw-mi 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o beborne_a and_o proselyâ—es_v that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver._n 14_o 15._o like_o as_o our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o they_o that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o hereafter_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n when_o jehojada_n make_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n 2_o king_n 11._o 17._o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o they_o all_o both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o king_n promise_v but_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n righteous_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n so_o rule_v now_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o they_o and_o of_o they_o to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o as_o god_n require_v in_o his_o covenant_n both_o of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o another_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o this_o place_n of_o deut._n 29._o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o church-covenant_n in_o these_o day_n 4._o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a tâ—stament_n must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_n also_o as_o will_v afterwards_o appear_v 2._o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o pregnant_a place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o unlawful_a for_o whatsoever_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n but_o be_v of_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a equity_n the_o same_o bind_v we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n though_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o marry_v his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o necessary_a for_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v sabbath-breaking_n blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n unto_o infant_n or_o to_o admit_v woman_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v speak_v little_a in_o these_o case_n only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v direction_n and_o light_n about_o they_o lev._n 18._o and_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o and_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o and_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 6._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v all_o according_a to_o moral_a equity_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o express_o for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n for_o that_o a_o company_n shall_v be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o body_n in_o way_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n by_o way_n of_o mutual_a free_a covenant_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a or_o agrâ—eable_a to_o moral_a equity_n nay_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n that_o freeman_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o authority_n or_o power_n over_o free_a man_n without_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o voluntary_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o another_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o be_v deut._n 26._o 16_o 17_o 18._o with_o deut._n 27._o 9_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v these_o statute_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n
have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n take_v heed_n and_o harken_v o_o israel_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v become_v the_o pâ—ople_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n this_o scripture_n plain_o show_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o here_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o that_o avouch_v of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o god_n be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n ver._n 17._o 18._o 2._o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n together_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n 26._o 18._o and_o 27._o 9_o 3_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o thereby_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n ver._n 9_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n so_o ezech._n 16._o 8._o prove_v the_o same_o likewise_o i_o entâ—ed_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o thou_o becamâ—st_a mine_n here_o also_o be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o man_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o personal_a but_o of_o a_o company_n for_o it_o be_v with_o jerusalem_n ver._n 2._o which_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v multiply_v as_o the_o bud_n of_o the_o seldom_o ver._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o do_v prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n ver._n 13._o and_o therefore_o not_o mean_v only_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o become_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v i_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n likewise_o ezek._n 20._o 37._o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v first_o mention_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n second_o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n ver._n 30._o 39_o three_o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o bond_n because_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o a_o people_n be_v bind_v and_o tie_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o one_o chuâ—ch_n all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n by_o which_o a_o company_n be_v so_o combine_v and_o unite_v as_o that_o they_o become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v also_o obsâ—rvable_a how_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o this_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n by_o which_o phrase_n as_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n well_o observe_v be_v mean_v trial_n and_o probation_n draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o cattle_n who_o go_v among_o their_o sheep_n or_o other_o cattle_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o therewith_o point_v out_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n holy_a use_n as_o lev._n 27._o 32._o and_o so_o hereby_o be_v note_v that_o god_n will_v not_o â—n_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o he_o will_v first_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n of_o due_a trial_n and_o probation_n and_o than_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o god_n or_o meet_a matter_n for_o his_o church_n shall_v solemn_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o covenant_n shall_v be_v the_o bond_n that_o shall_v combine_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o together_o into_o one_o that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n shall_v all_o become_v one_o body_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n ier._n 2._o 2._o and_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plaiâ—e_n from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o â—hurcâ—_z of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o eâ—tring_n into_o church_n estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharaoh_n daughter_n psal._n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n 1._o cant._n 6_o 9_o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o answer_n viz_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 33._o and_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n 2._o how_o many_o hundred_o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n answ._n ier._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o get_v whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n â—_z but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa._n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themseluâ—s_n to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o mâ—rriage_n do_v give_v up_o
herself_o unto_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n owe_v one_o unto_o another_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o marriage-covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o covenant_n require_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v these_o duty_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o macâ—donia_n that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v also_o bind_v thâ—mselves_n by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v pâ—operly_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o amâ—s_v 1._o 9_o because_o there_o the_o engagement_n be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n fellow_n member_n and_o fellowe-helper_n and_o not_o as_o to_o one_o head_n or_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o marriage-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n though_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o be_v promise_v in_o their_o covenant_n with_o one_o another_o and_o also_o in_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o brief_a thus_o they_o promise_v unto_o christ_n duty_n to_o he_o and_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o he_o and_o so_o their_o covenant_n be_v a_o marriage-covenant_n with_o christ_n they_o promise_v also_o to_o one_o another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o brotherly_a covenant_n another_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o also_o prove_v that_o a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o covenant_n be_v the_o title_n of_o a_o city_n or_o city_n of_o god_n psal._n 87_o 3._o and_o 48_o 1._o 8._o and_o 122._o 3._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o the_o argument_n lie_v thus_o if_o a_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n than_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n but_o every_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n ergo_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n foreallege_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o every_o city_n be_v unâ—ted_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d civitatis_fw-la or_o right_a of_o city_n privilege_n by_o some_o covenant_n or_o oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o city_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o man_n become_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o three_o argument_n 3._o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v and_o restore_v a_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v which_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n a_o new_a with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 10._o and_o 29._o 10._o and_o neh._n 9_o 38._o and_o 10._o 28_o 29_o ier._n 50._o 4_o 5._o the_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v thus_o if_o a_o church_n decay_a be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o refoâ—med_v by_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o erect_v at_o the_o first_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v because_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n thus_o christ_n reâ—ormes_v the_o abuse_n of_o marriage_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o and_o thus_o paul_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v on_o the_o decline_a church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o reformation_n bid_v she_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v her_o first_o work_n rev._n 2._o 5._o now_o the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n above_o allege_v that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o at_o the_o first_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o else_o this_o renew_n of_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o reform_v it_o the_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v a_o church_n 4._o which_o be_v the_o dissolve_v or_o break_v of_o the_o covenant_n zach._n 11._o 9_o 10_o 14._o if_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v the_o church_n than_o the_o make_n of_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o church_n stand_v still_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v constitute_v the_o church_n but_o if_o dissipate_v stone_n in_o a_o building_n do_v dissolve_v the_o house_n than_o the_o compact_n and_o conjoin_v of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o house_n if_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o which_o destroy_v the_o man_n that_o then_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o unite_n of_o they_o that_o do_v constitute_v and_o make_v the_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v 〈…〉_z case_n and_o that_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o disâ—olâ—ves_v a_o church_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n allege_v zach._n 11._o where_o the_o break_n of_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n that_o be_v the_o unchurch_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n that_o be_v between_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o five_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v among_o church_n 5._o and_o the_o confound_n of_o all_o church_n into_o one_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o covenant_n to_o distinguish_v they_o if_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o church_n be_v compact_v and_o combine_v by_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_o that_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o many_o church_n in_o one_o country_n or_o province_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 14._o of_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1._o 4._o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o rev._n 2._o 23._o ephesus_n be_v not_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n be_v not_o thyatira_n nor_o either_o of_o they_o pergamus_n but_o each_o one_o distinct_a of_o themselves_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o than_o when_o laodiâ—ea_n be_v condemn_v for_o lukewarmeness_n or_o ephesus_n for_o decline_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v reprove_v also_o and_o when_o philadelfia_fw-mi be_v praise_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v praise_v also_o which_o we_o see_v be_v otherwise_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o consequence_n be_v certain_a that_o therefore_o they_o be_v combine_v by_o some_o covenant_n each_o one_o among_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o that_o will_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n under_o heaven_n and_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v distinction_n nor_o be_v it_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n together_o for_o that_o may_v be_v common_a to_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o usual_o be_v to_o many_o that_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v with_o company_n in_o london_n as_o the_o company_n of_o goldsmith_n etc._n etc._n that_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o company_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o habitation_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o some_o combination_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v not_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n that_o distinguish_v church_n and_o church-member_n from_o other_o man_n but_o their_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n and_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n can_v distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o
another_o object_n because_o these_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o then_o how_o can_v covenant_n distinguish_v they_o sith_o all_o church_n be_v join_v by_o covenant_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n simple_o or_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a that_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n answer_n or_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o but_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o these_o person_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n though_o all_o marry_a couple_n be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o one_o couple_n promise_v the_o same_o duty_n that_o another_o couple_n do_v yet_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n of_o the_o duty_n covenant_v to_o this_o man_n and_o this_o woman_n in_o particular_a such_o a_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v a_o couple_n man_n and_o wife_n together_o and_o give_v they_o mutual_a power_n over_o each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o covenant_n to_o perform_v church-duty_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o such_o person_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o concerning_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n do_v become_v a_o church_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v this_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n 1._o then_o take_v hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o if_o compact_v and_o conjoin_v of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n be_v that_o that_o make_v a_o house_n than_o a_o particular_a stone_n can_v become_v a_o part_n of_o that_o house_n till_o it_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o city_n of_o god_n live_v stone_n christian_n believer_n must_v be_v compact_v together_o and_o build_v up_o together_o ephes._n 2._o 21._o 22._o psal._n 122._o 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o particular_a christian_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o part_n of_o that_o build_n by_o be_v combine_v with_o the_o rest_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n 2._o isa._n 56._o 3_o 6_o 7._o let_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n speak_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v utter_o separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n even_o they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n concerning_o which_o scripture_n note_n three_o thing_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o these_o stranger_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n true_a believer_n join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n v._n 3_o and_o v._n 6._o that_o they_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n v._n 6._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o join_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v join_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o a_o complaint_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v._n 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v._n 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distiâ—ct_n thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v._n 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_a not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n object_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o answer_n but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_n of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 19_o 7._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o and_o 6._o 16_o 17._o hos._n 2._o 23._o and_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaâ—lites_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n
both_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o require_v if_o any_o shouâ—d_fw-mi have_v claim_v church-fellowship_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o will_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o any_o duty_n of_o evangelical_a obedience_n this_o have_v be_v a_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o half_n a_o take_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o in_o seem_v and_o pretence_n and_o a_o leave_n of_o another_o but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezrya_n ezra_n 10._o 8._o and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n shall_v refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v there_o require_v to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o believe_n in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o likewise_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profess_n of_o such_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o join_n in_o covenant_n which_o we_o stand_v for_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n even_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 3._o or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5._o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o if_o man_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v add_v or_o join_v then_o joy_v in_o covenant_n or_o profess_v of_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n forementioned_a and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v concerning_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n but_o that_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o this_o reason_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n will_v appear_v by_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n ensue_v when_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o thaâ—_z god_n do_v convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o convert_v of_o they_o be_v the_o add_n of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o answer_n for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o receive_v for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o assay_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o they_o till_o they_o be_v better_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o barnabas_n act._n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o those_o stranger_n isa._n 56._o as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v lament_v it_o with_o grief_n that_o they_o be_v not_o join_v as_o member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n say_v they_o ver._n 3._o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a concerning_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o second_o those_o that_o be_v join_v be_v believer_n before_o they_o join_v for_o it_o be_v say_v divers_a be_v add_v ver._n 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o volunâ—ary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_a grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_v which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver._n 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver._n 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_v which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ._n for_o then_o saul_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n 3._o neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o