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church_n catholic_n particular_a unite_v 2,960 5 9.8739 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30238 An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the second epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians by Anthony Burgesse ... Burgess, Anthony, d. 1664. 1661 (1661) Wing B5647; ESTC R19585 945,529 736

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sometime_o they_o meet_v in_o one_o house_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o yea_o they_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n other_o they_o think_v by_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n be_v mean_v many_o believer_n for_o they_o say_v whereas_o when_o other_o family_n be_v salute_v only_o some_o be_v name_v sometime_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v omit_v as_o salute_v the_o household_n of_o narcissus_n because_o he_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o infidel_n yea_o calvin_n think_v it_o be_v that_o infamous_a and_o wicked_a nar●issus_n so_o notorious_a wicked_a and_o great_a with_o nero_n of_o who_o historian_n speak_v now_o when_o the_o apostle_n salute_v the_o man_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o all_o be_v of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v many_o believer_n in_o that_o family_n more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o therefore_o call_v a_o church_n which_o shall_v argue_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o combine_a church_n that_o passage_n also_o make_v it_o likely_a 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o let_v your_o woman_n be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n your_o woman_n therefore_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o corinthian_n there_o who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v church_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n this_o will_v still_o appear_v the_o more_o likely_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o here_o be_v believe_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o gentile_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o estius_n observe_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o first_o epistle_n therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o who_o say_v they_o be_v of_o cephas_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o believe_a jew_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v few_o comparative_o to_o the_o gentile_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n
from_o the_o apostle_n write_v a_o second_o time_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o he_o seldom_o do_v to_o any_o church_n but_o to_o that_o of_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o to_o timothy_n a_o single_a person_n one_o reason_n whereof_o among_o other_o be_v because_o that_o his_o former_a epistle_n have_v take_v some_o good_a effect_n and_o whereas_o they_o have_v be_v too_o remiss_a before_o about_o their_o indulgence_n to_o that_o incestuous_a person_n it_o seem_v this_o epistle_n have_v now_o so_o awaken_v they_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v too_o severe_a to_o he_o though_o repent_v and_o humble_v himself_o as_o appear_v chap._n 2._o 6_o 7._o whereupon_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o too_o much_o sorrow_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o reason_n why_o he_o write_v this_o second_o epistle_n but_o this_o be_v one_o among_o the_o rest_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v within_o their_o proper_a bound_n about_o church-administrations_a church-administrations_a nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o fall_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o these_o corinthian_n that_o be_v so_o negligent_a in_o good_a order_n that_o many_o pollution_n be_v suffer_v among_o they_o insomuch_o that_o god_n judgement_n have_v surprise_v they_o for_o their_o default_n herein_o now_o when_o awaken_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o overdo_v and_o from_o too_o much_o remissness_n to_o fall_v into_o too_o much_o severity_n thus_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n we_o may_v instance_n how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v fall_v from_o one_o extremity_n to_o another_o but_o this_o subject_n especial_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o church-discipline_n will_v be_v more_o suitable_o treat_v of_o in_o chap._n 2._o i_o therefore_o brief_o raise_v a_o three_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n care_v and_o zeal_n to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o he_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o corinthian_n as_o yet_o lest_o any_o church-corruption_n or_o disorder_n shall_v arise_v thereby_o he_o endeavour_v by_o writing_n to_o do_v that_o in_o his_o absence_n which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v by_o his_o presence_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n not_o only_o by_o personal_a preach_n but_o by_o all_o other_o to_o lawful_a way_n to_o promote_v that_o church_n he_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o when_o paul_n can_v preach_v he_o will_v write_v this_o zeal_n in_o paul_n draw_v out_o those_o many_o epistle_n that_o now_o we_o have_v record_v in_o scripture_n our_o apostle_n speak_v notable_o to_o this_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 17_o 18._o and_o chap._n 3._o 1._o where_o he_o show_v his_o cordial_a affection_n towards_o that_o people_n with_o what_o violence_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o they_o and_o because_o satan_n hinder_v he_o he_o say_v he_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v but_o will_v be_v leave_v at_o athens_n alone_o without_o any_o comfort_n or_o solace_n rather_o than_o not_o to_o send_v to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v move_v from_o the_o gospel_n thus_o at_o other_o time_n we_o see_v this_o glorious_a apostle_n when_o present_a yet_o not_o content_v with_o his_o public_a preach_n do_v from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o occasion_v serve_v with_o tear_n beseech_v and_o testify_v every_o one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o though_o a_o apostle_n and_o so_o not_o bind_v to_o attend_v on_o particular_a church_n yet_o do_v by_o letter_n confirm_v and_o quicken_v those_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v we_o see_v how_o great_a and_o grievous_a a_o sin_n a_o voluntary_a and_o unnecessary_a nonresidence_n be_v in_o those_o pastor_n who_o by_o their_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o though_o in_o some_o weighty_a case_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o may_v be_v detain_v from_o their_o flock_n yet_o voluntary_o and_o slothful_o to_o do_v this_o will_v at_o last_o be_v find_v a_o grievous_a soul-murdering_a sin_n use_v 2._o to_o reprove_v that_o people_n who_o complain_v of_o too_o much_o preach_v and_o too_o much_o ministerial_a employment_n think_v it_o needless_a serm._n xix_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o church-saint_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o with_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n we_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o last_o clause_n in_o this_o verse_n which_o contain_v a_o more_o general_a description_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v this_o epistle_n some_o epistle_n be_v call_v catholic_n because_o not_o inscribe_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n other_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o local_a as_o this_o to_o the_o corinthian_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o inscribe_v to_o they_o but_o that_o also_o all_o the_o adjacent_a saint_n be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o yea_o though_o paul_n and_o other_o write_v their_o epistle_n to_o certain_a church_n and_o person_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n catholic_n for_o they_o all_o be_v write_v as_o a_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n do_v concern_v even_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o corinth_n when_o guilty_a of_o such_o disorder_n so_o that_o in_o the_o inscription_n which_o be_v more_o general_a than_o the_o former_a clause_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o paul_n write_v and_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o qualification_n saint_n 2._o by_o a_o note_n of_o universality_n all_o the_o saint_n there_o be_v none_o so_o mean_a or_o inconsiderable_a but_o the_o apostle_n write_v as_o well_o to_o such_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a saint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a 3._o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o which_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o qualification_n saint_n he_o give_v this_o title_n to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o this_o church_n even_o as_o in_o the_o former_a epistle_n he_o say_v they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v give_v the_o title_n pollute_v of_o saint_n to_o to_o all_o the_o corinthian_n with_o those_o in_o achaia_n for_o they_o both_o seem_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o epistle_n direct_v to_o they_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o foul_o pollute_v be_v the_o incestuous_a person_n before_o he_o repent_v be_v those_o unclean_a person_n that_o have_v not_o humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o paul_n be_v afraid_a he_o shall_v find_v they_o such_o when_o he_o come_v be_v those_o saint_n be_v such_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n yea_o that_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o some_o to_o who_o shame_n he_o speak_v it_o be_v these_o saint_n to_o this_o austin_n of_o old_a answer_v and_o so_o some_o of_o late_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o general_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n because_o some_o among_o they_o be_v saint_n the_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o most_o worthy_a part_n so_o that_o they_o conclude_v of_o this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o to_o understand_v that_o of_o some_o part_n which_o yet_o be_v attribute_v to_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o some_o church_n as_o to_o this_o of_o corinth_n do_v sometime_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o godly_a and_o at_o another_o time_n he_o reprove_v they_o so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o blame-worthy_a thus_o because_o some_o be_v saint_n indeed_o therefore_o he_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o if_o saint_n as_o we_o call_v a_o field_n of_o corn_n by_o that_o name_n though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o weed_n and_o briar_n among_o it_o this_o have_v some_o truth_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o second_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o saint_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n because_o they_o do_v outward_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o christ_n even_o as_o paul_n say_v of_o sylvanus_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o he_o know_v that_o all_o in_o corinth_n be_v not_o true_o saint_n and_o as_o for_o that_o expression_n of_o paul_n concern_v sylvanus_n calvin_n estius_n and_o other_o do_v not_o relate_v the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o faithful_a brother_n but_o to_o
mind_n of_o man_n alike_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v the_o church_n with_o this_o unity_n oh_o how_o great_o will_v godliness_n flourish_v error_n be_v discourage_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o all_o believer_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n often_o that_o they_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o with_o one_o heart_n oh_o how_o bless_a be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o one_o family_n or_o city_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n the_o next_o thing_n observable_a be_v in_o that_o timothy_n who_o be_v here_o call_v a_o brother_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o often_o call_v a_o son_n and_o beside_o the_o reason_n insist_v on_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v another_o mention_v phil._n 2._o 22._o that_o paul_n be_v as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o instruct_v of_o he_o about_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o therefore_o have_v two_o episty_n write_v to_o he_o for_o the_o manage_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o a_o godly_a manner_n this_o great_a help_n and_o tuition_n as_o it_o be_v timothy_n have_v from_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o church-officer_n while_o he_o be_v young_a observe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o such_o who_o in_o their_o young_a year_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o minister_n the_o ministry_n to_o have_v the_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o solid_a and_o experience_a thus_o christ_n himself_o though_o he_o can_v have_v immediate_o furnish_v his_o apostle_n with_o admirable_a and_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o the_o great_a work_n of_o apostleship_n yet_o keep_v they_o two_o year_n as_o the_o harmonist_n gather_v under_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o information_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n likewise_o though_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o read_v that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v the_o college_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2._o 7._o so_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 34._o 22._o of_o the_o college_n of_o the_o prophet_n hence_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o apostle_n direct_v of_o timothy_n how_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o departure_n give_v this_o notable_a instruction_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o that_o what_o doctrine_n he_o have_v hear_v from_o paul_n he_o shall_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n that_o shall_v teach_v other_o that_o be_v a_o very_a full_a and_o pregnant_a text._n for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o university_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nursery_n wherein_o young_a one_o shall_v be_v train_v up_o to_o deliver_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gift_n thereof_o yet_o he_o there_o command_v that_o faithful_a man_n shall_v be_v choose_v who_o shall_v commit_v to_o posterity_n one_o age_n after_o another_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o there_o be_v university_n the_o bishop_n house_n be_v a_o nursery_n to_o train_v up_o young_a disciple_n and_o in_o origen_n time_n he_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o catechist_n and_o to_o set_v open_a a_o school_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v in_o such_o public_a nursery_n and_o university_n gross_a abuse_n man_n degenerate_v into_o laziness_n and_o not_o fulfil_v the_o general_a intention_n of_o the_o founder_n the_o abuser_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v away_o but_o not_o the_o order_n or_o manner_n of_o education_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o alone_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o such_o office_n and_o employment_n we_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o alone_a sanctifier_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o ability_n but_o yet_o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o work_v in_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n else_o why_o be_v there_o not_o work_v of_o miracle_n why_o do_v they_o not_o speak_v in_o all_o tongue_n why_o do_v they_o not_o understand_v hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o original_a language_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v in_o if_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o immediate_a way_n it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o mediate_a and_o acquire_v way_n and_o this_o ordinary_a way_n do_v not_o exclude_v god_n spirit_n but_o suppose_v it_o for_o if_o in_o those_o day_n when_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v ordinary_a yet_o see_v what_o charge_n paul_n lay_v upon_o timothy_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o read_v and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n especial_o that_o be_v observe_v by_o calvin_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 13._o till_o i_o come_v give_v thyself_o to_o read_v he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o so_o much_o as_o neglect_v that_o little_a time_n no_o wonder_n if_o in_o these_o late_a day_n such_o duty_n be_v more_o vehement_o to_o be_v press_v use_v of_o exhortation_n to_o you_o that_o be_v people_n to_o be_v of_o more_o public_a spirit_n in_o your_o prayer_n not_o only_o regard_v your_o present_a age_n but_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n may_v be_v hand_v from_o age_n to_o age_n that_o the_o university_n may_v be_v pure_a fountain_n and_o hopeful_a nursery_n from_o whence_o may_v come_v such_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o propagate_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n peter_n be_v careful_a that_o after_o his_o decease_n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o so_o for_o your_o child_n and_o child_n sake_n that_o they_o may_v not_o live_v in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n importune_v god_n earnest_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v up_o such_o faithful_a man_n and_o good_a way_n that_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n end_n serm._n xii_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o person_n inscribe_v we_o come_v to_o the_o person_n inscribe_v or_o to_o those_o to_o who_o this_o salutatory_n preface_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v and_o that_o be_v set_v down_o 1._o more_o particular_o and_o then_o more_o general_o more_o particular_o and_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o relative_a condition_n and_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n a_o church_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v further_o describe_v topical_o from_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v at_o corinth_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o particular_a first_o and_o for_o the_o open_v the_o word_n church_n we_o may_v spend_v much_o time_n therein_o but_o i_o shall_v brief_o explicate_v it_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o that_o only_a in_o act._n 19_o for_o a_o civil_a assembly_n yea_o it_o be_v scripture_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v the_o athenian_n call_v their_o public_a meeting_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o thucydides_n as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o hebrew_n have_v two_o word_n cohel_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n translate_v ecclesia_fw-la by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o gnede_v which_o be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n do_v rather_o answer_v cohel_n than_o gnede_v because_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o fix_v as_o for_o such_o who_o will_v understand_v that_o place_n mat._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n of_o a_o senate_n or_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v so_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a time_n to_o confute_v it_o the_o word_n therefore_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o a_o holy_a society_n gather_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a manner_n for_o holy_a end_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v use_v either_o for_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o when_o he_o be_v say_v ephes_n 5._o to_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v make_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n and_o col._n 1._o 24._o it_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o church_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o creed_n when_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o so_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o some_o will_v have_v it_o a_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n to_o this_o church_n belong_v all_o the_o godly_a that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o that_o be_v a_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o socinian_o that_o make_v the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n specifical_o distinct_a from_o that_o in_o the_o new_a as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o save_v by_o the_o same_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o we_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n now_o it_o
free_v from_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v many_o of_o they_o be_v rather_o beast_n than_o a_o church_n last_o for_o godliness_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v also_o sad_a disorder_n about_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n that_o say_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v these_o be_v atheist_n and_o certain_o have_v this_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o some_o few_o only_a among_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o catholic_n and_o universal_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o all_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n they_o have_v degenerate_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o it_o be_v some_o only_a that_o be_v thus_o infect_v again_o another_o offence_n in_o religion_n be_v their_o great_a church-division_n some_o exalt_v paul_n some_o apollo_n insomuch_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o one_o another_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o sect_n almost_o as_o they_o have_v teacher_n and_o then_o last_o there_o be_v horrible_a confusion_n and_o ungodliness_n in_o respect_n of_o church-order_n all_o godly_a discipline_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v promiscuous_a come_v who_o will_v come_v though_o in_o their_o unworthiness_n they_o may_v receive_v it_o and_o although_o god_n judgement_n be_v upon_o they_o either_o the_o plague_n or_o some_o general_a disease_n and_o that_o because_o no_o better_a order_n be_v about_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v or_o condemn_v themselves_o thus_o this_o church_n be_v like_o a_o very_a chaos_n and_o yet_o a_o church_n still_o serm._n xvii_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o much_o defile_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n this_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v dignify_v as_o you_o hear_v with_o this_o glorious_a title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o those_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a depravation_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o that_o of_o all_o sort_n this_o truth_n we_o enter_v upon_o and_o before_o we_o give_v you_o some_o demonstration_n to_o evidence_n it_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o observable_a particular_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o only_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o whereas_o a_o church_n may_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o either_o from_o its_o constitution_n or_o from_o its_o conversation_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o late_a way_n and_o so_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o soundness_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n do_v admit_v of_o degree_n that_o god_n as_o one_o star_n do_v excel_v another_o in_o glory_n yet_o both_o star_n so_o one_o church_n may_v great_o transcend_v another_o in_o orthodoxy_n and_o purity_n and_o yet_o both_o be_v church_n in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v some_o reprove_v more_o than_o other_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o measure_n in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n no_o mor_o than_o particular_a christian_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v such_o a_o church_n be_v no_o church_n because_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o another_o church_n no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n as_o another_o and_o to_o say_v in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o find_v out_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o to_o associate_v himself_o with_o it_o must_v needs_o fill_v a_o christian_a with_o infinite_a perplexity_n of_o conscience_n as_o also_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o insupportable_a outward_a inconvenience_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o do_v with_o a_o church_n as_o a_o godly_a tender_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v with_o himself_o because_o he_o find_v many_o fail_n and_o great_a imperfection_n therefore_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o judge_v that_o he_o have_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o thus_o because_o there_o be_v several_a disorder_n and_o distemper_n in_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v deserve_o daily_a matter_n of_o groan_n and_o sorrow_n to_o thou_o therefore_o thou_o begin_v to_o sentence_v such_o a_o church_n as_o no_o long_a god_n church_n again_o see_v that_o there_o be_v gradual_a difference_n of_o soundness_n and_o purity_n in_o church_n this_o shall_v also_o make_v every_o church_n take_v heed_n of_o appropriate_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n or_o christian_n to_o themselves_o only_o as_o if_o none_o be_v saint_n or_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o most_o uncharitable_a proud_a disposition_n of_o some_o church_n the_o popish_a church_n say_v there_o be_v no_o sanctity_n or_o holiness_n but_o with_o they_o inter_fw-la catholicos_fw-la say_v bellarmine_n multi_fw-la quidem_fw-la sunt_fw-la mali_fw-la sed_fw-la inter_fw-la haereticos_fw-la ne_fw-la uniu_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la bone_fw-la what_o a_o censorious_a condemnation_n be_v this_o not_o one_o good_a protestant_a who_o they_o call_v heretic_n not_o in_o all_o our_o church_n thus_o they_o only_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o sanctity_n to_o themselves_o so_o the_o donatist_n do_v of_o old_a they_o enclose_v the_o church_n only_o among_o themselves_o they_o call_v none_o christian_n but_o themselves_o to_o become_v a_o donatist_n be_v to_o become_v a_o christian_a with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o church_n not_o to_o admire_v their_o own_o way_n and_o constitution_n think_v that_o none_o be_v church_n but_o themselves_o there_o may_v be_v pharisaical_a church_n that_o may_v condemn_v other_o church_n as_o publican_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v so_o in_o person_n whereas_o it_o be_v good_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v christian_n by_o such_o name_n as_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v or_o distinguish_v by_o any_o government_n or_o external_a constitution_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n these_o title_n denote_v either_o some_o inward_a qualification_n or_o external_a profession_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o insinuate_v what_o kind_n of_o order_n or_o way_n they_o be_v in_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o christ_n order_n and_o way_n his_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v a_o indifferent_a or_o arbitrary_a thing_n only_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o monopolise_v godliness_n among_o ourselves_o mere_o because_o of_o a_o church-constitution_n although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o spiritual_a order_n in_o our_o church_n but_o of_o christ_n appointment_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o latitude_n in_o the_o soundness_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n second_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n be_v god_n true_a church_n though_o great_o corrupt_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o extreme_n the_o first_o of_o those_o who_o therefore_o will_v have_v no_o reformation_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o disorder_n but_o say_v it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v for_o it_o may_v be_v god_n church_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a abuse_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o carnal_a indulgence_n as_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o make_v no_o more_o stir_n let_v error_n and_o profaneness_n alone_o let_v disorder_n continue_v and_o this_o many_o time_n be_v palliate_v with_o fair_a specious_a pretence_n that_o such_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v will_v breed_v great_a discontent_n and_o division_n in_o stead_n of_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n it_o may_v be_v make_v no_o church_n at_o all_o especial_o this_o be_v the_o more_o difficulty_n obtain_v if_o it_o be_v a_o reformation_n in_o worship_n and_o manner_n for_o we_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o sit_v down_o under_o a_o orthodox_n church_n than_o a_o pure_a church_n we_o can_v more_o easy_o endure_v to_o have_v sound_a doctrine_n establish_v then_o pure_a and_o holy_a order_n because_o this_o do_v so_o direct_o contradict_v our_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n hence_o malachy_n propehsy_v of_o christ_n repurgation_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o very_a dreadful_a time_n even_o like_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mal._n 3._o 2_o 4._o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o sit_v as_o a_o refiner_n and_o as_o a_o purger_n to_o take_v away_o dro●_n but_o who_o shall_v abide_v the_o day_n of_o his_o come_n christ_n come_v being_n thus_o like_o the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o the_o fuller_n soap_n be_v as_o terrible_a as_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o they_o who_o may_v abide_v
of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o reformation_n wherein_o luther_n be_v so_o great_o instrumental_a for_o the_o text_n itself_o you_o have_v paul_n profess_v his_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n though_o so_o afflict_v so_o reproach_v be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n account_v the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o he_o do_v rejoice_v for_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a sufferer_n as_o well_o as_o a_o cheerful_a giver_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la boni_fw-la tristis_fw-la feeris_fw-la per_fw-la te_fw-la fit_a magis_fw-la quam_fw-la tu_fw-la facis_fw-la it_o be_v do_v in_o thou_o rather_o than_o by_o thou_o the_o good_a thou_o do_v with_o grudge_v and_o reluctancy_n yea_o admire_v the_o public_a affection_n of_o paul_n this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o he_o shall_v hereby_o have_v a_o great_a crown_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o shall_v hereby_o be_v more_o honour_v but_o principal_o he_o rejoice_v because_o he_o suffer_v for_o other_o that_o by_o his_o persecution_n many_o other_o may_v be_v embolden_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n now_o he_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o do_v suffer_v for_o they_o viz._n by_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o flesh_n for_o the_o body_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a how_o can_v paul_n fill_v up_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n behind_o of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v christ_n suffering_n imperfect_a can_v paul_n make_v up_o that_o which_o be_v deficient_a in_o christ_n this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v paul_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mediation_n and_o than_o paul_n may_v true_o have_v say_v that_o which_o once_o by_o interrogation_n he_o so_o vehement_o deny_v paul_n be_v crucify_v for_o they_o therefore_o you_o must_v know_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n member_n 1._o those_o which_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o by_o once_o offer_v up_o of_o himself_o he_o for_o ever_o make_v perfect_a those_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o remainder_n behind_o to_o be_v do_v 2._o there_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n unite_v to_o he_o their_o head_n and_o these_o be_v call_v his_o suffering_n because_o of_o that_o mystical_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n as_o also_o that_o sympathy_n that_o be_v in_o he_o with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n now_o as_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffering_n so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o he_o by_o way_n of_o conformity_n to_o their_o head_n set_v apart_o also_o for_o their_o suffering_n and_o these_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v still_o behind_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o yet_o full_o suffer_v in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v some_o still_o to_o be_v afflict_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o long_o as_o any_o one_o believer_n be_v to_o suffer_v so_o long_o something_o of_o christ_n affliction_n remain_v still_o behind_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v he_o be_v to_o fulfil_v these_o propitiation_n affliction_n in_o his_o flesh_n and_o the_o end_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n they_o suffer_v for_o the_o church_n but_o not_o as_o christ_n suffer_v as_o will_v appear_v by_o some_o proposition_n to_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n first_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a especial_o of_o eminent_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n you_o must_v still_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n also_o the_o martyr_n they_o die_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o occasional_o to_o procure_v salvation_n for_o other_o but_o christ_n ●…ng_n for_o other_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o transcendent_a and_o efficacious_a way_n for_o 1._o christ_n death_n be_v not_o only_o a_o martyrdom_n but_o a_o propitiation_n and_o a_o atonement_n also_o christ_n we_o grant_v do_v suffer_v as_o a_o martyr_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v say_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 13._o to_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n but_o those_o wretched_a socinian_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v abhor_v because_o they_o make_v this_o the_o only_a end_n of_o his_o death_n that_o he_o die_v by_o way_n of_o example_n not_o by_o way_n of_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n thus_o with_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o paul_n for_o the_o church_n differ_v only_o gradual_o not_o in_o kind_n christ_n die_v as_o a_o more_o eminent_a martyr_n than_o paul_n but_o both_o only_a by_o way_n of_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n take_v we_o heed_n then_o that_o we_o do_v not_o split_v our_o soul_n at_o this_o rock_n of_o blasphemy_n deny_v the_o atonement_n of_o christ_n suffering_n 2._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o efficacy_n also_o for_o paul_n suffering_n and_o so_o all_o the_o suffering_n efficacy_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v only_o objective_o or_o by_o way_n of_o example_n turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o they_o comfort_v convert_v or_o save_v other_o only_a ministerial_o but_o christ_n suffering_n do_v meritorious_o and_o efficient_o also_o procure_v all_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o remission_n of_o sin_n justification_n renovation_n and_o glorification_n be_v attribute_v unto_o his_o blood_n which_o can_v be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n so_o that_o christ_n death_n do_v by_o way_n of_o merit_n and_o causality_n procure_v all_o the_o privilege_n the_o church_n enjoy_v hence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n all_z the_o suffering_n which_o any_o undergo_v for_o the_o church_n other_o good_a they_o be_v not_o meritorious_a or_o satisfactory_a either_o for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v most_o derogative_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n maintain_v for_o their_o doctrine_n about_o the_o suffering_n of_o martyr_n for_o christ_n cause_n be_v very_o proud_a and_o pharisaical_a they_o dogmatise_v that_o by_o these_o he_o may_v merit_v and_o satisfy_v god_n yet_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n tincta_fw-la sanguine_fw-la christi_fw-la yea_o not_o only_o thus_o satisfy_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o may_v supererogate_v so_o that_o they_o exceed_v the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o will_v part_v with_o some_o of_o their_o oil_n because_o they_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o so_o that_o from_o the_o overplus_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a stock_n and_o treasure_n to_o relieve_v those_o that_o have_v no_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o now_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a engine_n in_o popery_n to_o make_v the_o pope_n have_v indeed_o a_o great_a treasury_n for_o he_o 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a_o ambassador_n or_o steward_n only_o he_o do_v not_o say_v his_o doctrine_n be_v he_o the_o sacrament_n be_v he_o but_o as_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o for_o which_o the_o protestant_n accuse_v the_o roman_a church_n that_o their_o officer_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o magisterial_a power_n in_o the_o church_n plead_v a_o infallibility_n in_o doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o anathematise_v all_o as_o heretic_n who_o will_v not_o subscribe_v thereunto_o the_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o ministerial_a power_n but_o they_o will_v have_v a_o magisterial_a one_o there_o must_v be_v a_o supreme_a visible_a judge_n in_o the_o church_n say_v they_o as_o there_o be_v in_o commonwealth_n else_o christ_n have_v not_o wise_o provide_v in_o his_o church_n a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o heresy_n and_o schism●_n last_o by_o this_o he_o do_v exclude_v any_o sinful_a or_o wicked_a end_n as_o if_o he_o do_v make_v the_o church_n subservient_fw-fr to_o any_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n be_v end_n for_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v not_o for_o they_o he_o that_o have_v a_o lordly_a government_n or_o despotical_a say_v aristotle_n administer_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o the_o public_a good_a but_o the_o personal_a good_a he_o look_v at_o it_o be_v not_o res_fw-la publica_fw-la but_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la all_o tyrannical_a administration_n be_v for_o the_o tyrant_n profit_n they_o non_fw-la praesunt_fw-la ut_fw-la prosint_fw-la whereas_o good_a governor_n they_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a good_a know_v they_o be_v for_o it_o not_o it_o for_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o church-officer_n all_o their_o name_n be_v name_n of_o care_n of_o diligence_n and_o labour_n god_n have_v not_o set_v they_o there_o for_o their_o carnal_a advantage_n as_o if_o the_o people_n be_v make_v for_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o 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church_n and_o people_n unite_v together_o than_o what_o go_v to_o the_o dissolve_v of_o this_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o how_o much_o do_v ignatius_n if_o they_o be_v his_o genuine_a epistle_n press_v this_o subjection_n of_o people_n to_o pastor_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v as_o earnest_o press_v a_o love_a and_o meek_a government_n in_o officer_n and_o no_o doubt_n when_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o a_o people_n than_o he_o send_v a_o evil_a spirit_n as_o between_o abimelech_n and_o the_o shechemite_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o consumption_n of_o both_o let_v minister_n therefore_o careful_o avoid_v all_o affectation_n of_o unlawful_a power_n and_o people_n of_o unlawful_a liberty_n let_v pastor_n look_v upon_o their_o people_n as_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n as_o purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o lordly_a dominion_n and_o let_v people_n look_v upon_o pastor_n as_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o his_o name_n to_o they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v they_o honour_v they_o and_o have_v they_o in_o high_a esteem_n both_o for_o their_o office_n and_o work_v sake_n but_o other_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v provoke_v to_o great_a enlargement_n herein_o serm._n cxlvi_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o afflict_a one_o great_a part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n the_o apostle_n have_v remove_v the_o negative_a in_o his_o ministerial_a power_n he_o come_v to_o affirm_v the_o positive_a which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d helper_n or_o co-worker_n for_o the_o word_n relate_v to_o a_o concurrence_n with_o other_o and_o therefore_o by_o some_o be_v make_v to_o respect_v the_o corinthian_n themselves_o as_o if_o he_o do_v work_v with_o they_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o joy_n other_o relate_v it_o to_o his_o fellow-minister_n and_o workman_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o sense_n he_o often_o speak_v of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 16._o 21._o phil._n 1._o 2._o &_o 24._o phil._n 4._o 3._o and_o this_o be_v very_o probable_a but_o then_o 3._o other_o make_v it_o to_o refer_v to_o god_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v work_v with_o god_n but_o ministerial_o and_o subordinate_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o this_o also_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o then_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o indeed_o any_o dominion_n but_o yet_o lest_o any_o shall_v judge_v they_o therefore_o useless_a and_o conclude_v they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o therefore_o he_o add_v we_o be_v helper_n and_o minister_n under_o god_n for_o though_o god_n immediate_o create_v the_o world_n without_o any_o instrument_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o so_o in_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o stapleton_n need_v not_o be_v in_o such_o rage_n at_o calvin_n for_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o at_o beza_n for_o render_v it_o helper_n see_v that_o beza_n do_v not_o thereby_o exclude_v a_o ministerial_a help_n but_o a_o magisteriall_a authority_n which_o the_o papal_a party_n plead_v for_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereas_o it_o be_v rather_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o do_v the_o ministry_n immediate_o produce_v spiritual_a effect_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o hearer_n though_o subordinate_o only_a but_o do_v external_o apply_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o god_n do_v put_v forth_o his_o glorious_a power_n the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o we_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n we_o may_v have_v think_v he_o will_v rather_o have_v say_v your_o grace_n or_o your_o faith_n but_o he_o say_v joy_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n as_o the_o word_n be_v use_v heb._n 12._o 1._o matth._n 25._o 23._o this_o indeed_o be_v necessary_o employ_v and_o so_o must_v not_o be_v exclude_v but_o the_o proxime_fw-la and_o immediate_a sense_n be_v their_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o this_o be_v make_v opposite_a to_o that_o imperious_a and_o austere_a exercise_n of_o church-power_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o do_v exceed_o grieve_v and_o discourage_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o who_o fear_n god_n as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n complain_v of_o such_o fiery_a pastor_n hence_o he_o speak_v of_o heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n so_o much_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o ministerial_a work_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o administer_a function_n comfort_n and_o consolation_n to_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o our_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o such_o who_o be_v turn_v aside_o from_o god_n but_o also_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o such_o who_o be_v sad_o deject_v we_o see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o after_o who_o example_n all_o minister_n be_v to_o walk_v be_v very_o careful_a herein_o joh._n 17._o 13._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v that_o my_o joy_n may_v be_v fullfil_v in_o you_o not_o only_a joy_n but_o perfect_v and_o complete_v joy_n therefore_o when_o his_o disciple_n be_v cast_v down_o with_o sorrow_n about_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o how_o ready_a and_o willing_a be_v he_o to_o suggest_v all_o such_o argument_n as_o may_v administer_v joy_n yea_o and_o promise_v his_o spirit_n as_o a_o comforter_n which_o will_v effectual_o set_v home_o those_o argument_n upon_o their_o heart_n this_o apostle_n also_o how_o frequent_a be_v he_o in_o press_v this_o duty_n ingeminate_v of_o it_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v phil._n 4._o 4._o hence_o he_o say_v to_o these_o philippian_n cap._n 1._o 25._o that_o
from_o christ_n and_o that_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v end_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o may_v instance_n also_o in_o several_a other_o church_n but_o as_o the_o father_n say_v elegant_o we_o need_v not_o drink_v up_o the_o whole_a sea_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o water_n be_v saltish_a a_o drop_n or_o two_o will_v suffice_v second_o this_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o relation_n and_o comparison_n the_o church_n be_v adorn_v with_o in_o reference_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v often_o compare_v to_o christ_n wife_n now_o the_o wife_n continue_v a_o true_a wife_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v desert_v unless_o for_o adultery_n which_o break_v the_o conjugal_a knot_n otherwise_o though_o she_o have_v many_o sad_a infirmity_n which_o may_v make_v the_o relation_n bitter_a and_o uncomfortable_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o unwise_o she_o the_o church_n be_v also_o christ_n body_n now_o a_o body_n be_v not_o forsake_v by_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a body_n a_o leprous_a body_n a_o leper_n be_v a_o man_n though_o a_o leper_n it_o be_v christ_n ●arden_n now_o this_o may_v have_v many_o weed_n in_o it_o and_o many_o thing_n defile_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o present_o make_v a_o waste_a wilderness_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n she_o may_v have_v many_o fail_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n yet_o not_o be_v quite_o unchurch_v three_o from_o a_o godly_a man_n a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v have_v sad_a fall_n as_o we_o see_v in_o peter_n and_o david_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o not_o be_v quite_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o do_v not_o lose_v their_o sonship_n even_o in_o those_o sad_a transgression_n and_o will_v god_n be_v more_o severe_a to_o a_o whole_a church_n than_o to_o one_o person_n use_v of_o instruction_n what_o a_o deal_n of_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o every_o godly_a man_n under_o church-pollution_n to_o know_v what_o to_o do_v to_o understand_v how_o to_o deport_v himself_o for_o this_o he_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advise_v of_o those_o that_o be_v faithful_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n not_o to_o be_v stupid_a or_o careless_a much_o less_o comply_v and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n defilement_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o be_v so_o transport_v with_o misguide_a zeal_n and_o impatiency_n against_o evil_n as_o there_o by_o to_o rend_v the_o church_n causeless_o and_o to_o sin_n ourselves_o because_o other_o sin_n serm_n xviii_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n above_o all_o civil_a society_n as_o likewise_o concern_v paul_n write_v this_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o church_n to_o keep_v within_o their_o proper_a bound_n and_o what_o great_a care_n minister_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n lawful_a to_o promote_v the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n this_o clause_n have_v be_v fruitful_a for_o much_o spiritual_a and_o edify_a matter_n i_o shall_v conclude_v it_o at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n more_o which_o be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o this_o subject_n and_o first_o whereas_o you_o see_v that_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o magi●●●_n or_o civil_a governor_n of_o the_o city_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o their_o wealth_n o●_n external_a pomp_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o civil_a society_n dignity_n and_o temporal_a dignity_n the_o apostle_n ow_v nothing_o in_o this_o famous_a city_n but_o their_o faith_n their_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o a_o church_n be_v a_o supernatural_a society_n for_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a end_n where_o god_n be_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n present_a and_o therefore_o though_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v also_o of_o god_n and_o civil_a society_n they_o be_v of_o he_o yet_o not_o in_o that_o peculiar_a relation_n as_o a_o church_n be_v thus_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n meet_v together_o in_o holy_a ordinance_n above_o all_o other_o their_o civil_a meeting_n though_o never_o so_o pompous_a and_o magnificent_a therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o the_o inscription_n which_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d to_o any_o church_n he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o speak_v of_o any_o civil_a or_o temporal_a dignity_n that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v have_v but_o only_a ●…on_n of_o their_o spiritual_a title_n as_o a_o church_n saint_n believer_n belove_v of_o god_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o do_v true_o consider_v thing_n these_o title_n do_v as_o far_o trans●●nd_v all_o civil_a glory_n as_o the_o heaven_n do_v the_o earth_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o that_o epistle_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v the_o orbis_n domina_fw-la and_o which_o they_o usual_o call_v aeterna_fw-la urbs_fw-la he_o mention_v their_o faith_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o not_o the_o roman_a and_o warlike_a power_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o terrible_a to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v this_o for_o how_o few_o church_n do_v esteem_v of_o or_o judge_v themselves_o by_o their_o church_n consideration_n but_o by_o their_o civil_a respect_n as_o they_o be_v such_o a_o city_n such_o a_o corporation_n glory_v in_o their_o liberty_n and_o charter_n whereas_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o as_o a_o church_n shall_v far_o more_o possess_v their_o heart_n brief_o to_o understand_v this_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n or_o any_o civil_a society_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o state_n another_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathen_a magistrate_n and_o while_o there_o be_v outward_a persecution_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o then_o rule_v it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o paul_n time_n be_v whole_o different_a so_o at_o corinth_n the_o civil_a magistracy_n of_o the_o town_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v christian_n the_o corporation_n of_o the_o town_n be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v say_v make_v a_o church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o at_o this_o time_n establish_v in_o corinth_n by_o the_o city-law_n and_o government_n only_o many_o in_o corinth_n be_v become_v believer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o same_o corinthian_n as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n live_v by_o other_o law_n and_o by_o different_a principle_n then_o as_o member_n of_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n as_o he_o be_v a_o citizen_n so_o he_o meet_v in_o their_o civil_a judicatory_n so_o he_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o city_n provide_v nothing_o be_v against_o god_n command_n but_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o so_o they_o meet_v with_o other_o in_o spiritual_a communion_n for_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a end_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n while_o they_o be_v general_o heathenish_a but_o some_o have_v doubt_v whether_o if_o a_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_n then_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n there_o between_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o christian_a state_n whether_o then_o they_o be_v not_o all_o one_o but_o certain_o by_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o plantation_n of_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n church_n be_v found_v and_o embody_a their_o officer_n employment_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o society_n appoint_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a state_n do_v not_o civil_o govern_v nor_o bear_v the_o sword_n punish_v with_o death_n neither_o be_v there_o supreme_a governor_n lord_n or_o nobleman_n in_o it_o as_o a_o church_n for_o then_o these_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n and_o institute_v by_o christ_n a_o justice_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n as_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o exercise_v of_o church-censure_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o christian_a state_n but_o as_o a_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o scripture_n to_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o a_o church_n and_o the_o state_n as_o two_o distinct_a society_n though_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o second_o it_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a thing_n when_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o church_n be_v
happy_o unite_v together_o so_o that_o both_o in_o their_o several_a station_n do_v promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v extremity_n on_o both_o side_n some_o exclude_v all_o civil_a government_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o religion_n as_o if_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o spiritual_a matter_n which_o if_o so_o than_o king_n and_o queen_n can_v not_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n in_o the_o church_n then_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la then_o holy_a magistrate_n shall_v sin_v in_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n do_v and_o so_o likewise_o constantine_n do_v to_o his_o great_a praise_n say_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v a_o external_a episcopacy_n and_o superintendency_n then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v another_o extreme_a error_n which_o be_v to_o confound_v the_o state_n and_o the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o distinct_a officer_n or_o work_n but_o that_o any_o man_n authorize_v by_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v hereby_o enable_v to_o do_v any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n but_o civil_a governor_n now_o how_o bless_a and_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v when_o these_o society_n have_v be_v friendly_a comply_v and_o further_a one_o another_o the_o commonwealth_n help_v and_o further_a defend_v and_o protect_v the_o church_n the_o church_n also_o perform_v all_o church-ordinance_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o god_n may_v bless_v that_o state_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v as_o obed-edoms_n house_n while_o he_o entertain_v the_o ark_n quamdiu_fw-la respublicae_fw-la manent_fw-la hospitia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tamdiu_fw-la sun_n duraturae_fw-la hence_o in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n have_v always_o labour_v the_o ruin_n of_o godliness_n by_o make_v division_n and_o use_v several_a stratagem_n to_o overthrow_v the_o harmonious_a unity_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o civil_a state_n in_o popery_n we_o see_v abominable_a mischief_n come_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o usurp_a of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o exclude_v the_o magistrate_n and_o supreme_a governor_n from_o any_o government_n therein_o and_o at_o last_o plead_v exemption_n from_o all_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o chief_a power_n though_o so_o express_o contrary_a to_o paul_n rom._n 13._o thus_o they_o make_v a_o few_o only_a yea_o but_o one_o the_o pope_n at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o then_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n where_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v direct_o and_o immediate_o say_v some_o and_o those_o who_o do_v most_o mince_v it_o say_v indirectè_fw-la and_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n sometime_o the_o civil_a state_n have_v be_v jealous_a yea_o and_o violent_o perscute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o of_o julian_n be_v true_a a_o church_n and_o a_o civil_a society_n can_v not_o stand_v together_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v command_v such_o thing_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o will_v utter_o overthrow_v all_o civil_a government_n thus_o pilate_n he_o be_v jealous_a because_o he_o hear_v of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o although_o it_o be_v know_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o church_n power_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a in_o order_n to_o man_n soul_n yet_o how_o often_o be_v the_o governor_n suspicious_a about_o it_o but_o these_o particular_n be_v of_o large_a consideration_n and_o handle_v 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