with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n feb._n 2._o 1657._o j._n flower_n several_a question_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n i_o find_v these_o question_n move_v among_o other_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n second_o what_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n three_o how_o do_v a_o people_n become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o first_o four_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o first_o right_o constitute_v five_o what_o government_n have_v jesus_n christ_n ordain_v in_o and_o for_o his_o church_n six_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n those_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n seaventh_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o another_o several_a query_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n section_n i._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n if_o there_o be_v not_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o may_v then_o be_v admire_v that_o any_o shall_v question_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o upon_o earth_n for_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n to_o accuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o folly_n and_o impertinence_n to_o defame_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n of_o he_o upon_o earth_n what_o mean_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o say_v 16.8_o say_v mat._n 16.8_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n what_o mean_v st._n paul_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o when_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 2._o rev._n 2._o why_o do_v the_o spirit_n write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n those_o therefore_o that_o deny_v a_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o so_o much_o worth_n as_o either_o to_o be_v name_v or_o dispute_v withal_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o sober_a and_o judicious_a christian_n as_o those_o that_o have_v together_o with_o their_o faith_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o reason_n also_o section_n ii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n what_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o word_n which_o in_o english_a be_v render_v a_o church_n be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o signify_v a_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o church_n do_v signify_v a_o company_n call_v out_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o call_v out_o from_o among_o other_o and_o again_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v a_o church_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o signify_v any_o assembly_n call_v together_o upon_o any_o occasion_n 19.33_o act._n 19.33_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v the_o word_n then_o translate_v assembly_n be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v a_o assembly_n act._n 19.39_o 41._o but_o this_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la or_o church_n we_o in_o our_o speech_n do_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o sacred_a assembly_n or_o meeting_n or_o combination_n of_o god_n people_n our_o english_a word_n church_n signify_v a_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n or_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o our_o word_n church_n come_v from_o the_o german_a word_n kirch_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o flock_n or_o people_n of_o god_n we_o use_v the_o word_n church_n also_o by_o a_o metonymy_n for_o the_o place_n or_o house_n where_o the_o church_n or_o the_o people_n of_o god_n meet_v 11.18_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o call_v that_o a_o church_n but_o to_o speak_v proper_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o people_n build_v of_o live_v and_o not_o of_o dead_a and_o senseless_a stone_n 2.5_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o this_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n 4._o people_n joh._n 15.19_o rev._n 18_o 4._o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n serve_v jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n 2.42_o king_n 1_o thes_n 4_o 7._o rom._n 6.17_o act._n 2.42_o live_v under_o and_o submit_v unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o a_o profane_a wicked_a assembly_n a_o assembly_n of_o notorious_a drunkard_n whoremonger_n swearer_n and_o the_o like_a but_o a_o holy_a assembly_n call_v out_o from_o among_o these_o 6.11_o these_o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o as_o only_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n lust_n passion_n sin_n satan_n the_o time_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o as_o turn_v from_o these_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n not_o a_o assembly_n refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o gospel-ordinance_n mocker_n &_o scoffer_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o duty_n but_o such_o as_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n command_n ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o duty_n and_o but_o 12.1_o but_o rom._n 12.1_o reasonable_a service_n section_n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n how_o do_v a_o people_n become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n at_o first_o a_o people_n become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o king_n to_o be_v rule_v and_o direct_v by_o his_o word_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n do_v constitute_v abraham_n family_n a_o church_n i_o mean_v receive_v they_o into_o a_o church-estate_n it_o be_v by_o enter_v they_o into_o such_o a_o 17._o a_o gen._n 17._o covenant_n as_o before_o of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n that_o which_o they_o covenant_v with_o god_n be_v 17.1_o be_v gen._n 17.1_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a and_o god_n covenant_v with_o they_o to_o 7._o to_o verse_n 7._o be_v their_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o feed_n and_o so_o they_o come_v into_o a_o church-estate_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o constitution_n of_o church_n those_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v into_o a_o church-estate_n it_o be_v by_o engage_v they_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o read_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n v._o 41._o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o receive_v into_o a_o church-estate_n which_o before_o neither_o be_v a_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v a_o church_n why_o v._o 41._o 41._o v._o 41._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o word_n v._n 38._o 38_o v._o 38_o they_o do_v evidence_n their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a which_o include_v a_o engagement_n to_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o future_a and_o upon_o this_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o become_v a_o church_n v._o 41._o so_o when_o the_o apostle_n receive_v particular_a person_n into_o the_o church_n which_o before_o be_v not_o of_o it_o these_o do_v covenant_n for_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n to_o own_o and_o serve_v he_o &_o so_o they_o become_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act_n 19_o many_o become_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o we_o read_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v such_o as_o confess_v their_o sin_n such_o as_o show_v their_o deed_n such_o as_o burn_v their_o profane_a book_n thus_o they_o covenant_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n to_o own_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o 10._o the_o cant_n 4.8_o 9_o 10._o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o name_n the_o church_n can_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v have_v she_o not_o enter_v into_o a_o holy_a conjugal_a covenant_n
he_o from_o live_v profane_o ungodly_a rude_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o ministry_n be_v from_o god_n own_a and_o send_v by_o he_o therefore_o see_v by_o deny_v the_o church_n and_o ministry_n in_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o ministry_n such_o abhor_a conclusion_n as_o before_o must_v also_o be_v assert_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o error_n but_o a_o furor_n a_o frenzy_n in_o some_o man_n to_o run_v themselves_o upon_o such_o dreadful_a rock_n as_o these_o sect._n v._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n what_o government_n have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ordain_v in_o and_o for_o his_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o divine_a right_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n without_o this_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o seem_v a_o babel_n than_o a_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n conclude_v a_o church-government_n 12.28_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o by_o divine_a right_n but_o although_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o manner_n how_o or_o way_n be_v much_o dispute_v by_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n now_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v clear_o hold_v out_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o church-government_n so_o they_o do_v also_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o not_o altogether_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o this_o therefore_o let_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o as_o to_o this_o case_n or_o else_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v â—15_n be_v pâ—â—â—_n tim._n 3._o â—15_n perfect_a if_o they_o fall_v short_a and_o can_v inform_v in_o a_o case_n of_o so_o high_a concernment_n as_o this_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n 3.17_o man_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o wise_a if_o they_o leave_v he_o ignorant_a in_o this_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n 5.17_o god_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o perfect_a &_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n if_o they_o inform_v he_o not_o as_o to_o the_o manage_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o good_a work_n and_o whosoever_o manage_v it_o well_o in_o st._n paul_n esteem_n be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n therefore_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o church-government_n to_o a_o government_n be_v it_o either_o civil_a or_o sacred_a be_v necessary_a these_o three_o thing_n 1._o ordinance_n ordinance_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o 2._o officer_n officer_n to_o rule_n and_o see_v to_o submission_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o god_n ordinance_n 3._o penalty_n penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o offender_n these_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o church-government_n church-ordinance_n prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n the_o sacrament_n be_v church-ordinance_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v church_n ordinance_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v first_o prayer_n so_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o second_o sing_v of_o psalm_n psal_n 9.11_o mat._n 26.30_o act_n 16.25_o three_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n rom._n 10.15_o mark_n 16.15_o eph._n 4.12_o four_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n mat._n 28.18_o the_o lord_n supper_n mat._n 26.26_o luke_n 22.19_o thus_o for_o church-ordinance_n the_o scripture_n declare_v clear_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o observe_v 2._o there_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n too_o or_o else_o no_o government_n now_o as_o to_o church_n officer_n the_o scripture_n do_v usual_o call_v some_o by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v two_o sort_n of_o they_o first_o elder_n that_o do_v both_o teach_v and_o rule_v second_o elder_n that_o rule_v but_o teach_v not_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n ruler_n overseer_n for_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephe._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o we_o there_o read_v that_o beside_o other_o extraordinary_a officer_n which_o be_v but_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o the_o church_n 12.28_o so_o act_v 20.17_o 28._o 1_o cor_n 12.28_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n as_o church-officer_n so_o it_o tell_v also_o first_o how_o these_o shall_v be_v ordain_v to_o their_o office_n second_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v for_o their_o office_n first_o how_o ordain_v to_o the_o office_n that_o be_v by_o 4.14_o by_o act_n 13.3_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n second_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o office_n first_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o gift_n and_o part_n 2_o part_n 2_o tim_n 3_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o apt_a to_o teach_v second_o man_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n 2_o conversation_n 2_o tim_n 3_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o not_o scandalous_a a_o second_o sort_n of_o church_n officer_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v elder_n also_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v in_o ecclesiastical_a order_n but_o some_o of_o the_o church_n grave_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v choose_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v the_o teach_v elder_n in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v such_o church-officer_n as_o these_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n these_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o 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rule_v well_o account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n here_o the_o word_n especial_o seem_v to_o signify_v that_o some_o of_o those_o elder_n do_v labour_n in_o the_o word_n &_o doctrine_n some_o do_v not_o both_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v if_o they_o rule_v well_o but_o especial_o those_o elder_n that_o both_o rule_v well_o and_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n also_o so_o in_o rom._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n that_o be_v not_o to_o wait_v upon_o teach_v but_o only_o upon_o rule_v and_o we_o seem_v to_o retain_v these_o elder_n or_o officer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n in_o england_n under_o the_o name_n of_o churchwarden_n the_o name_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n another_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n that_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o deacon_n 3.8_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o their_o office_n to_o gather_v the_o church_n contribution_n and_o to_o administer_v to_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o this_o officer_n the_o church_n will_v have_v always_o need_v 26.11_o mat._n 26.11_o the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o these_o officer_n we_o have_v in_o the_o church_n in_o england_n under_o the_o name_n of_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a thus_o the_o scripture_n do_v inform_v we_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o better_a order_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o must_v be_v church_n penalty_n without_o a_o penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o obstinate_a offender_n neither_o ordinance_n
with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o spouse_n or_o wife_n that_o she_o enter_v covenant_n with_o her_o husband_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o church_n be_v right_o call_v the_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o her_o covenant_n so_o be_v the_o lord_n also_o call_v the_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n or_o spouse_n for_o he_o do_v covenant_n with_o she_o 1._o levit_fw-la 26.12_o gen._n 11_o 1._o that_o he_o will_v be_v she_o god_n her_o shield_n her_o exceed_a great_a reward_n that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v she_o nor_o forsake_v she_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n then_o to_o this_o three_o question_n be_v this_o that_o a_o company_n of_o people_n become_v a_o church_n or_o under_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o wife_n and_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n without_o such_o a_o covenant_n their_o can_v be_v no_o such_o relation_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v for_o all_o relation_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v found_v upon_o covenant_n section_n iv_o contain_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v at_o first_o right_o constitute_v if_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o church-way_a in_o that_o way_n and_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o gather_v a_o people_n into_o a_o churchway_n at_o first_o than_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v at_o first_o right_o constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n but_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v at_o first_o constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n in_o that_o way_n and_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o gather_v a_o people_n into_o a_o churchway_n therefore_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v at_o first_o right_o constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n the_o major_a proposition_n be_v undeniable_a the_o minor_a i_o thus_o prove_v if_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n upon_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n forsake_v of_o heathenish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o engage_v to_o serve_v he_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o church_n way_n 19_o act_n 2._o chap._n 19_o in_o that_o way_n and_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o gather_v a_o people_n into_o a_o church_n way_n but_o the_o people_n of_o england_n be_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n upon_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n forsake_v of_o heathenish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o engage_v to_o serve_v he_o therefore_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n in_o that_o way_n and_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o gather_v a_o people_n into_o a_o church_n way_n the_o sequel_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v undeniable_a the_o minor_a proposition_n be_v prove_v by_o all_o the_o history_n relate_v to_o those_o time_n which_o declare_v that_o the_o infidel_n pagan_a people_n of_o england_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n forsake_v heathenish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o indeed_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n must_v needs_o induce_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n how_o then_o come_v they_o our_o progenitor_n by_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christian_n which_o we_o their_o successor_n do_v retain_v to_o this_o day_n be_v derive_v from_o they_o to_o we_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o practise_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o relinquish_a paganism_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n they_o do_v embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v also_o at_o that_o time_n covenant_n to_o take_v and_o own_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o only_a saviour_n by_o serve_v he_o and_o submit_v to_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o baptism_n be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v and_o convince_v all_o intelligent_a and_o considerate_a person_n for_o what_o infidel_n or_o infidel_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v so_o bring_v up_o and_o so_o live_v for_o many_o year_n be_v ever_o baptize_v before_o they_o have_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n repentance_n and_o resolution_n to_o own_o christ_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a none_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o paganism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o such_o evidence_n and_o engagement_n as_o before_o be_v very_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o so_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n or_o question_n shall_v we_o then_o think_v or_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o those_o day_n when_o england_n be_v a_o infidel_n &_o pagan_a nation_n and_o be_v send_v hither_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o this_o nation_n then_o in_o such_o estate_n as_o before_o i_o say_v shall_v we_o dare_v to_o judge_v or_o think_v or_o speak_v that_o these_o baptise_a the_o people_n then_o of_o this_o nation_n without_o evidence_n of_o faith_n &_o repentance_n and_o engagement_n to_o own_o and_o serve_v jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o lord_n and_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o they_o do_v ever_o or_o can_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a who_o they_o ought_v to_o baptise_v and_o upon_o what_o evidence_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v or_o think_v that_o they_o will_v be_v witting_o and_o know_o so_o injurious_a to_o the_o truth_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o baptise_v the_o then_o people_n of_o this_o nation_n without_o some_o manifestation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n to_o own_o and_o serve_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n will_v censure_v the_o first_o converter_n &_o baptiser_n of_o our_o nation_n either_o to_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o or_o malicious_a against_o the_o truth_n one_o of_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v if_o they_o say_v they_o baptize_v without_o such_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o before_o but_o if_o these_o first_o converter_n do_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o pagan_n of_o england_n turn_v they_o from_o their_o idol_n to_o embrace_v the_o say_a faith_n and_o upon_o the_o say_a evidence_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o only_a redeemer_n do_v admit_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v than_o they_o do_v right_o constitute_v they_o a_o church_n or_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o churchway_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o that_o they_o thus_o do_v be_v both_o a_o probable_a and_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o they_o do_v not_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o unchristian_a like_o censure_n ob._n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v its_o constitution_n from_o rome_n therefore_o it_o be_v never_o right_o constitute_v neither_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o antecedent_n be_v not_o altogether_o true_a possible_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v it_o in_o relation_n to_o a_o part_n not_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o any_o one_o can_v disprove_v there_o may_v be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o england_n never_o as_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v one_o in_o rome_n the_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v believe_v it_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o england_n in_o those_o day_n the_o chronicle_n and_o history_n relate_v to_o those_o time_n affirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v
contradict_v it_o be_v true_a those_o history_n say_v not_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o england_n do_v embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v unto_o they_o as_o be_v conceive_v either_o by_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a then_o as_o philip_z or_o simon_n zelotes_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n but_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n do_v and_o be_v then_o gather_v into_o a_o churchway_n for_o about_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o when_o augustine_n be_v send_v from_o rome_n by_o gregory_n the_o then_z bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n he_o find_v both_o a_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o the_o land_n for_o at_o his_o first_o come_n he_o as_o the_o history_n relate_v assemble_v together_o the_o bishop_n and_o doctor_n of_o britain_n to_o discourse_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o to_o request_v their_o assistance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o pagan_a english_a so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v and_o that_o true_o that_o christianity_n be_v in_o england_n propagate_v but_o not_o at_o first_o plant_v by_o rome_n but_o grant_v this_o that_o augustine_n be_v the_o first_o that_o plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o england_n and_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o ministry_n nor_o church_n before_o ordain_v and_o gather_v by_o he_o and_o his_o assistant_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o now_o unchurch_v of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n or_o the_o wrong_a constitution_n of_o it_o at_o the_o time_n obj._n the_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o england_n be_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v by_o augustine_n and_o his_o assistant_n who_o be_v send_v from_o rome_n therefore_o the_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o right_a constitution_n and_o ordination_n sol._n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n &_o if_o any_o man_n will_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o he_o prove_v and_o make_v appear_v that_o the_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o false_a and_o antichirstan_n ministry_n and_o church_n but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v then_o though_o a_o corrupt_a yet_o a_o true_a church_n &_o so_o continue_v for_o many_o year_n after_o that_o time_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o godly_a learned_a and_o judicious_a from_o who_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o dissent_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o quite_o fall_v off_o from_o christ_n or_o turn_v utter_o antichristian_a until_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n at_o which_o time_n the_o say_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v by_o a_o public_a council_n disowne_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a fundamental_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o she_o never_o do_v before_o that_o time_n at_o which_o time_n these_o absurd_a &_o antichristian_a and_o unchurch_a error_n be_v decree_v and_o publish_v as_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o be_v accurse_v and_o excommumicate_v that_o assent_v not_o unto_o these_o abomination_n 1._o pope_n supremacy_n 2._o divide_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n allow_v the_o people_n no_o wine_n 3._o justification_n by_o work_n 4._o worship_v of_o image_n 5._o that_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripturess_n 6._o that_o tradition_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o scripture_n now_o these_o abomination_n which_o make_v desolate_a i_o mean_v unchurch_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o set_v up_o by_o public_a decree_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o say_a church_n until_o the_o say_a council_n of_o trent_n it_o be_v true_a the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v work_v before_o and_o these_o abomination_n as_o before_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v correct_v &_o explode_v by_o several_a counsel_n the_o counsel_n of_o chalcedon_n africa_n constantinople_n milevi_n basil_n decree_v against_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n the_o council_n of_o basil_n decree_v communicate_v in_o both_o kind_n the_o divine_a worship_v of_o image_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a decree_v that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v without_o a_o bible_n to_o believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n to_o hold_v justification_n by_o work_n be_v never_o decree_v by_o any_o council_n nor_o hold_v out_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o that_o i_o may_v say_v though_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n a_o work_n yet_o the_o disease_n come_v not_o to_o its_o full_a height_n and_o state_n so_o as_o to_o destroy_v the_o body_n until_o that_o time_n i_o mean_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o have_v declare_v a_o public_a disow_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o gospelfundamentall_n until_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n as_o yet_o why_o she_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n until_o that_o time_n i_o say_v a_o true_a church_n though_o a_o church_n very_o corrupt_a as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a man_n though_o never_o so_o sick_a and_o weak_a and_o disease_v until_o by_o the_o extremity_n and_o height_n of_o the_o malady_n he_o become_v dead_a so_o a_o church_n may_v true_o be_v call_v a_o church_n though_o very_o sick_a disease_a &_o corrupt_a until_o by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o err_v in_o fundamental_n it_o expire_v thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o the_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a be_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v by_o augustine_n and_o other_o assistant_n from_o rome_n yet_o this_o conclude_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o the_o right_a ordination_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o church_n of_o england_n because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n though_o very_o corrupt_a yet_o a_o true_a church_n ob._n but_o it_o be_v object_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o right_o constitute_v because_o the_o people_n become_v christian_n not_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o by_o the_o command_n and_o edict_n of_o their_o king_n who_o after_o they_o be_v convert_v command_v all_o their_o subject_n and_o people_n to_o embrace_v the_o say_a faith_n and_o religion_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v whole_o false_a and_o scandalous_a it_o be_v whole_o false_a that_o the_o pagan_a people_n of_o england_n become_v christian_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o king_n by_o penal_a law_n and_o edict_n of_o their_o say_a sovereign_n after_o augustine_n have_v convert_v ethelberg_n king_n of_o kent_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n let_v any_o one_o if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o such_o act_n or_o edict_n put_v forth_o by_o he_o to_o enjoin_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o embrace_v the_o say_a religion_n upon_o any_o penalty_n or_o forfeiture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v sure_o be_v upon_o record_n but_o we_o read_v the_o contrary_a of_o he_o we_o read_v of_o this_o king_n ethelberg_n that_o after_o he_o be_v convert_v innumerable_a other_o daily_a come_v in_o 1656._o mr._n fox_n act_v monument_n 1._o vol._n page_n 1656._o and_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o king_n do_v special_o embrace_v but_o compel_v none_o for_o so_o be_v have_v learned_a that_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o coact_v and_o so_o i_o read_v of_o the_o other_o king_n that_o then_o reign_v in_o this_o land_n that_o after_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o encourage_v minister_n to_o go_v into_o their_o country_n and_o preach_v to_o their_o subject_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n become_v the_o pagan_a people_n of_o england_n to_o be_v christian_n &_o a_o church_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o not_o by_o compulsatory_a law_n of_o their_o king_n and_o they_o that_o do_v gainsay_v this_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o perverse_a mr._n cotton_n late_o of_o new-england_n a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o reverence_n though_o he_o full_o assent_v not_o to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separate_v from_o they_o yet_o he_o never_o find_v fault_n with_o their_o constitution_n at_o first_o for_o as_o to_o this_o he_o declare_v himself_o thus_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v neither_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o
country_n man_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n be_v book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o for_o want_v of_o thorough_a and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n new-england_n cotton_v way_n churches_n new-england_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n thus_o mr._n cotton_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o constitute_v and_o gather_v at_o first_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o have_v continue_v a_o true_a church_n in_o this_o land_n unto_o this_o day_n though_o very_o corrupt_a and_o impure_a especial_o when_o subject_n to_o the_o papal_a yoke_n yet_o in_o those_o sad_a time_n of_o corruption_n and_o persecution_n god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o ministry_n in_o england_n who_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o appear_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o corruption_n &_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n though_o many_o of_o these_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o suffer_v for_o such_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n i_o say_v the_o church_n in_o england_n under_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v never_o without_o some_o witness_n some_o name_n which_o suppose_v they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a part_n that_o corrupt_a themselves_o and_o be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o fornication_n speak_v of_o rev._n 14.8_o yet_o will_v not_o god_n disow_v that_o to_o be_v a_o church_n when_o these_o though_o but_o few_o name_v be_v find_v god_n own_a they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n in_o 3.1_o in_o rev._n 3.1_o 4._o 3.1_o verse_n 4._o sardis_n and_o yet_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v but_o a_o few_o name_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o though_o the_o church_n in_o england_n may_v be_v reprove_v of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o unchurch_n she_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o god_n own_v to_o be_v a_o church_n though_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baalam_n 2.14_o rev._n 2.14_o though_o the_o church_n in_o england_n may_v be_v just_o reprove_v of_o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o discipline_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o un-church_n she_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v the_o corinthian_n who_o st._n paul_n call_v a_o church_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o reprove_v they_o both_o for_o their_o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o discipline_n 11.21_o 1_o cor._n 11.21_o though_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o prevalent_a factious_a party_n 5._o cha_z 3.1_o 2_o 3_o chap._n 5._o many_o of_o the_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o this_o do_v no_o more_o un-church_n she_o than_o the_o same_o sin_n do_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n all_o along_o own_a as_o his_o church_n though_o a_o prevalent_a wicked_a factious_a party_n among_o they_o kill_v the_o 23.37_o the_o mat._n 23.37_o prophet_n and_o stone_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o the_o church_n in_o england_n since_o its_o first_o institution_n unto_o this_o day_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v to_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o disow_v or_o err_v in_o any_o thing_n fundamental_a to_o that_o faith_n or_o necessary_a to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o church_n therefore_o the_o church_n in_o england_n continue_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n still_o as_o for_o her_o many_o and_o grievous_a corruption_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n they_o be_v sad_o to_o be_v bewail_v and_o diligent_o to_o be_v reform_v these_o blemish_n and_o disbeautify_v a_o church_n and_o just_o provoke_v god_n against_o it_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o to_o the_o well_o be_v but_o not_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o though_o the_o church_n in_o england_n do_v join_v with_o and_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whilst_o the_o say_a church_n hold_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v sound_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o the_o say_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v begin_v to_o falter_v there_o to_o deny_v fundamental_a verity_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o she_o have_v do_v since_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n at_o that_o very_a time_n do_v the_o church_n in_o england_n refuse_v she_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n disown_n and_o separate_v from_o she_o and_o so_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n after_o this_o manner_n also_o do_v the_o reform_a church_n in_o germany_n suevia_n denmark_n france_n separate_v themselves_o from_o that_o faction_n of_o rome_n and_o likewise_o so_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n they_o that_o deny_v the_o ministry_n and_o church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o true_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n also_o assert_v defend_v and_o affirm_v these_o to_o i_o most_o horrid_a and_o desperate_a conclusion_n first_o conc._n 1_o that_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o false_a and_o antichristian_a church_n and_o ministry_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n in_o england_n and_o these_o reform_a church_n reach_v out_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o each_o other_o have_v the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o ordinance_n the_o same_o ordination_n the_o same_o discipline_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o therefore_o if_o the_o one_o be_v false_a and_o antichristian_a the_o other_o can_v be_v a_o true_a and_o christian_a church_n or_o church_n second_o conc._n 2_o that_o luther_n calvin_n and_o all_o those_o famous_a light_n and_o happy_a reformer_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n be_v false_a and_o antichristian_a minister_n three_o conc._n 3_o that_o cranmer_n ridley_n latimer_n tayler_n and_o many_o more_o who_o labour_v much_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n from_o romish_a superstition_n and_o be_v famous_a instrument_n as_o to_o that_o work_n and_o afterward_o seal_v unto_o the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n that_o all_o these_o be_v limb_n of_o antichrist_n and_o no_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n four_o conc._n 4_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o ministry_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o neither_o in_o england_n nor_o beyond_o the_o sea_n where_o then_o have_v it_o be_v now_o if_o satan_n do_v so_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n as_o utter_o to_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o how_o will_v this_o consist_v with_o that_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 16.18_o saviour_n mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o if_o there_o have_v ever_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n upon_o earth_n how_o will_v this_o again_o consist_v with_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n 28.2_o lord_n mat._n 28.2_o loe_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n five_o conc._n 5_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o true_a conversion_n of_o soul_n unto_o god_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n in_o england_n but_o that_o all_o have_v continue_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n child_n of_o wrath_n without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o ephesian_n whilst_o they_o be_v no_o church_n 2._o ephes_n 2._o nor_o have_v a_o gospel-ministery_n among_o they_o and_o this_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o still_o be_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o england_n if_o without_o a_o church_n and_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n i_o can_v see_v how_o that_o ture_a conversion_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a and_o antichri-christian_n ministry_n 23.32_o ministry_n jer._n 23.32_o i_o send_v they_o not_o nor_o command_v they_o there_o fore_o they_o shall_v not_o profit_v this_o people_n at_o all_o say_v the_o lord_n therefore_o by_o what_o ministry_n a_o people_n profit_n &_o be_v convert_v from_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o fear_v
also_o at_o the_o welfare_n one_o of_o another_o if_o a_o heathen_a can_v say_v &_o very_o true_o that_o non_fw-la solum_fw-la nobis_fw-la nati_fw-la sumus_fw-la we_o be_v not_o only_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o one_o another_o also_o i_o may_v sure_o then_o very_o confident_o say_v that_o non_fw-la solum_fw-la nobis_fw-la renati_fw-la sumus_fw-la that_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o one_o another_o also_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o help_v and_o mutual_a edification_n of_o all_o our_o fellow_n member_n in_o christ_n jesus_n last_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n natural_a do_v all_o sympathize_v with_o one_o another_o if_o a_o finger_n do_v but_o ache_v all_o the_o member_n condole_v it_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o member_n shall_v condole_v and_o sympathize_v with_o one_o ache_a or_o afflict_a member_n christian_n member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n shall_v all_o sympathize_v and_o have_v a_o share_n together_o both_o in_o one_o another_o cross_n and_o comfort_n rom._n 15.16_o rejoice_v with_o those_o that_o rejoice_v &_o weap_v with_o those_o that_o weep_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o head_n sympathise_n with_o all_o &_o every_o of_o his_o poor_a member_n isa_n 63.9_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v sect._n viii_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o four_o question_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o constitution_n or_o plant_v or_o gather_v of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_a and_o orderly_o according_a to_o the_o scripture-rule_a and_o way_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o case_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v with_o that_o reverend_n divine_a mr._n cotton_n as_o before_o that_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o england_n now_o be_v not_o to_o constitute_v and_o gather_v church_n anew_o as_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o before_o but_o rather_o to_o labour_v to_o reform_v and_o purge_v and_o purify_v those_o church_n which_o be_v at_o first_o found_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n i_o say_v to_o reform_v &_o purify_v those_o from_o that_o dross_n and_o tin_n those_o many_o corruption_n which_o time_n &_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n have_v contract_v therefore_o i_o shall_v declare_v what_o i_o conceive_v as_o to_o the_o way_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o land_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o true_a reform_a and_o refine_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v needs_o by_o all_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v even_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o this_o land_n 3.13_o rom._n 3.13_o i_o say_v that_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o our_o unfruitfulnesse_n under_o ordinance_n our_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n our_o not_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n our_o careless_a and_o unchristianlike_a conversation_n may_v just_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o have_v send_v we_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o have_v send_v his_o messenger_n to_o we_o with_o a_o loammi_n and_o a_o loruhamah_n plead_v with_o your_o mother_n plead_v for_o she_o be_v not_o my_o wife_n 2.12_o hos_fw-la 2.12_o neither_o be_o i_o her_o husbend_n therefore_o see_v we_o stand_v charge_v before_o god_n with_o so_o many_o high_a and_o heinous_a provocation_n it_o be_v sure_o high_a time_n for_o every_o particular_a congregation_n in_o england_n that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o desire_v true_o to_o be_v such_o to_o meet_v god_n in_o the_o way_n with_o a_o peace-offering_a in_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v away_o from_o they_o that_o they_o fall_v not_o by_o their_o iniquity_n and_o become_v as_o dung_n upon_o the_o earth_n we_o read_v of_o the_o *_o prodigal_a son_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o disobedience_n to_o his_o father_n 17_o luk._n â—1_n 17_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o bethink_v he_o of_o this_o way_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o father_n again_o i_o will_v go_v say_v he_o unto_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n &_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n thus_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v his_o fault_n his_o father_n welcome_v he_o glad_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v here_o be_v a_o pattern_n not_o only_o for_o one_o prodigal_a son_n or_o daughter_n but_o for_o a_o prodigal_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n also_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n their_o father_n let_v a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n that_o by_o their_o turn_n of_o grace_n into_o wontonness_n and_o abuse_n of_o spiritual_a mercy_n have_v give_v god_n just_a occasion_n to_o disow_v they_o i_o say_v when_o these_o come_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o state_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o their_o not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o cleave_v more_o close_a to_o he_o let_v they_o gather_v themselves_o together_o first_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n free_o confess_v their_o many_o provocation_n the_o want_n of_o love_n of_o zeal_n of_o holy_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o they_o make_v in_o baptism_n let_v they_o say_v father_n we_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o &_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o thy_o church_n or_o to_o be_v call_v thy_o people_n let_v they_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefather_n the_o generation_n before_o they_o let_v they_o humble_v themselves_o for_o these_o and_o their_o own_o imitation_n of_o they_o thus_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n and_o ezra_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o backslide_n and_o spiritual_a fornication_n and_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n confess_v god_n to_o be_v just_a in_o all_o that_o he_o bring_v upon_o they_o howbeit_o thou_o be_v just_a in_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o 3_o neh._n c._n 93_o 3_o 10.9_o ezek._n 10.9_o for_o thou_o have_v do_v right_a but_o we_o have_v do_v wicked_o second_o let_v every_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n even_o that_o covenant_n they_o make_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n the_o devil_n profess_v their_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o solemn_o engage_v to_o observe_v it_o better_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o keep_v a_o more_o strict_a watch_n over_o themselves_o and_o one_o another_o in_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v more_o sober_o more_o godly_a more_o righteous_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o become_v christian_n &_o the_o profess_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o do_v also_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n you_o hear_v before_o that_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o better_a reformation_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n and_o to_o this_o they_o add_v a_o solemn_a renew_n of_o their_o *_o covenant_n 2._o nehe._n 9_o 38._o 9_o 2._o or_o a_o new_a engage_v to_o god_n to_o walk_v more_o orderly_o before_o he_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v three_o let_v they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o achan_n i_o mean_v let_v every_o particular_a congregation_n of_o god_n people_n put_v out_o from_o among_o they_o all_o the_o open_o scandalous_a ungodly_a and_o profane_a for_o these_o be_v botch_n and_o boil_v of_o a_o church_n the_o dead_a and_o wither_a branch_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2._o rev._n 18.4_o nehem._n 9.38_o sect_n ix_o have_v speak_v as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o refine_n and_o reform_v a_o church_n i_o shall_v now_o use_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o this_o land_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n especial_o to_o my_o own_o congregation_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o encourage_v you_o to_o so_o great_a so_o good_a so_o necessary_a so_o