it_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o use_v it_o in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n lest_o we_o seem_v to_o sympolize_v with_o they_o therein_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o several_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o 1._o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v kneel_v at_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o host_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v not_o require_v by_o any_o cannon_n or_o constitution_n of_o they_o dr._n john_n burges_n of_o great_a note_n in_o his_o time_n in_o his_o treatise_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v or_o in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o three_o innocent_a ceremony_n chap._n 21._o pag._n 67._o and_o pag._n 479._o of_o his_o rejoynder_n as_o he_o be_v recite_v for_o i_o have_v not_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n with_o we_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n communicate_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n but_o with_o the_o papist_n the_o pope_n when_o himself_o perform_v the_o office_n receive_v sit_v as_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n the_o mass_n priest_n receive_v stand_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o confirmation_n of_o all_o which_o he_o cite_v several_a author_n he_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o the_o people_n receive_v kneel_v and_o say_v that_o the_o priest_n do_v so_o too_o until_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n beget_v the_o canon_n for_o his_o stand_n but_o he_o deny_v that_o kneel_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o receive_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n any_o rite_n of_o or_o for_o adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n itself_o and_o say_v never_o any_o pope_n enjon_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o direction_n in_o the_o mass_n for_o it_o the_o reverend_a dr._n stilliigfleet_n have_v assert_v much_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o his_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n pag._n 15._o 2._o how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o kneel_v have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o bad_a purpose_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o do_v not_o make_v the_o use_n of_o it_o unlawful_a when_o separate_v from_o that_o abuse_n kneel_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o use_n of_o kneel_v unlawful_a in_o our_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n 3._o our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v in_o compliance_n with_o public_a order_n and_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o appearance_n or_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n of_o bread-worship_n because_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o require_v our_o kneel_v therein_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o rubric_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n of_o communion_n that_o no_o adoration_n be_v thereby_o intend_a or_o aught_o to_o the_o do_v to_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n or_o to_o any_o corporal_a presence_n of_o christ_n natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o be_v intend_v and_o mean_v for_o a_o signification_n and_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benesit_n of_o christ_n therein_o give_v by_o this_o we_o see_v all_o appearance_n and_o suspicion_n of_o require_v kneel_v in_o order_n to_o any_o bread-worship_n be_v quite_o take_v away_o 4._o stand_v be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v mark_v xi_o 25._o and_o yet_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o that_o reason_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n stand_v and_o if_o its_o be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n than_o the_o adoration_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o use_n of_o that_o gesture_n neither_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n 5._o kneel_v its_o be_v a_o gesture_n of_o adoration_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v the_o use_n of_o it_o unlawful_a in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o fit_a and_o convenient_a for_o no_o good_a christian_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o high_o become_v we_o inward_o to_o adore_v our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o his_o wonderful_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o and_o for_o give_v his_o flesh_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o can_v be_v incongruous_a or_o unfit_a to_o express_v and_o signify_v this_o internal_a act_n of_o adoration_n by_o another_o that_o be_v external_a for_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v he_o both_o in_o our_o body_n and_o our_o spirit_n and_o now_o i_o think_v no_o man_n atho_fw-mi understand_v and_o consider_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o kneel_v in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o content_n or_o the_o head_n of_o enquiry_n query_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a pag._n 3_o query_n ii_o what_o be_v it_o which_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n 6._o query_n iii_o what_o may_v that_o be_v by_o which_o people_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n 9_o query_n iu._n how_o and_o when_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n enter_v into_o by_o which_o people_n be_v external_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o visible_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n 13_o query_n v._n how_o can_v infant_n become_v visible_a church-member_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n since_o they_o seem_v natural_o uncapable_a of_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n 19_o query_n vi_o whether_o in_o the_o baptise_n of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n 38_o query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_a say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o visible_a in_o other_o and_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o difference_n arise_v 41_o query_n viii_o whether_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a then_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a 53_o query_n ix_o whether_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a 123_o query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_o and_z and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a 173_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o 207_o query_n xii_o whether_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a emercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v 225_o query_n xiii_o wherein_o may_v catholick-church_n communion_n consist_v and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o best_o preserve_v 265_o query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n 300_o query_n xv._o suppose_v thing_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a and_o communion_n to_o be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o our_o former_a inquiry_n yet_o how_o do_v they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church-division_n 349_o errata_fw-la the_o run_v title_n of_o the_o book_n mistake_v pag._n 22._o l._n 23._o deal_n since_o p._n 31._o l._n 1._o after_o all_o add_v these_o p._n 39_o l._n 27._o for_o proper_o r._n property_n p._n 48._o l._n 5._o f._n who_o r._n when_o l._n 25._o deal_n also_o p._n 54._o l._n 15._o f._n man_v r._n mens_fw-la p._n 57_o l._n 16._o f._n man_n r._n man_n p._n 61._o l._n 12._o f._n take_v r._n break_v p._n 62._o l._n 2._o f._n in_o r._n on_o p._n 118._o l._n 8._o f._n qualify_v r._n qaalified_a p._n 195._o l._n 2._o f._n bein_z r._n being_z p._n 335._o l._n 19_o f._n rule_n r._n cure_n catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n etc._n etc._n notion_n narrow_a than_o those_o which_o will_v hold_v scripture-measure_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o
be_v that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o it_o and_o concern_v church-communion_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o church-division_n and_o separation_n in_o great_a part_n where_o such_o notion_n have_v be_v entertain_v my_o present_a design_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o pursue_v in_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a measure_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v the_o more_o steady_o and_o with_o the_o more_o certainty_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o those_o separation_n in_o church-communion_n which_o have_v be_v make_v and_o applaud_v by_o some_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o what_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o then_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v man_n become_v member_n of_o it_o after_o this_o i_o shall_v inquire_v further_a what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o and_o which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o external_a communion_n in_o this_o church_n as_o exercise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o likewise_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o catholick-communion_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o national-constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o christian_a religion_n query_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a be_v that_o body_n company_n or_o society_n of_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o join_v or_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o head_n by_o a_o religious_a bond._n and_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n different_a from_o that_o in_o which_o all_o other_o people_n stand_v relate_v to_o he_o and_o this_o relation_n be_v a_o religious_a relation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o god_n than_o all_o other_o people_n be_v all_o other_o people_n be_v relate_v as_o humane_a creature_n to_o god_n as_o their_o creator_n and_o governor_n but_o these_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o bond_n &_o obligation_n such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n of_o which_o i_o be_o to_o say_v more_o afterward_o and_o then_o as_o this_o relation_n be_v external_n and_o visible_a so_o that_o by_o which_o this_o relation_n be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v be_v something_o visible_a also_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o relation_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v visible_a now_o the_o person_n thus_o visible_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o all_o religious_o relate_v to_o he_o alike_o some_o of_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o unite_v to_o he_o internal_o and_o invisible_o by_o a_o invisible_a bond_n of_o union_n over_o and_o beside_o their_o visible_a relation_n to_o he_o by_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a when_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v relate_v to_o he_o only_o external_o or_o if_o in_o any_o respect_n internal_o also_o yet_o not_o so_o or_o by_o such_o a_o relation_n as_o will_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o internal_a and_o best_a sort_n of_o privilege_n of_o god_n people_n such_o as_o justification_n reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n but_o yet_o this_o difference_n do_v not_o make_v this_o body_n of_o people_n which_o be_v external_o one_o by_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a to_o become_v two_o universal_a church_n for_o all_o which_o essential_o belong_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v not_o limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n do_v differ_v from_o and_o excel_v the_o other_o for_o the_o external_n relation_n to_o god_n without_o which_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o exist_v be_v common_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o better_a by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v two_o church_n and_o be_v but_o one_o one_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n differ_v from_o another_o indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n before_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a from_o thence_o that_o as_o touch_v their_o external_n and_o visible_a state_n they_o be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o same_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o of_o which_o more_o afterward_o we_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o word_n visible_a and_o invisible_a use_v in_o scripture_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o different_a state_n of_o man_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n but_o yet_o we_o have_v those_o different_a state_n of_o they_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o we_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o need_v not_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v sufficient_o and_o common_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o mention_v they_o afterward_o query_n ii_o what_o be_v it_o which_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v something_o previous_a to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o relation_n in_o man_n to_o god_n be_v wrought_v which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o do_v capacitate_v they_o for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v their_o be_v external_o call_v by_o god_n to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n person_n lare_fw-la first_o to_o become_v disciple_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o their_o become_a disciple_n and_o their_o be_v call_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n in_o which_o that_o relation_n be_v lay_v and_o upon_o which_o that_o which_o do_v effect_v it_o be_v build_v and_o people_n be_v thus_o call_v either_o 1._o when_o they_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o false_a religion_n to_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o pagan_n be_v call_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v disciple_n or_o 2._o when_o almighty_a god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o those_o be_v who_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n external_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o the_o jewish_a people_n from_o abraham_n time_n downward_o be_v call_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o according_o they_o be_v style_v god_n call_v once_o by_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 48.12_o harken_v to_o i_o o_o jacob_n and_o israel_n my_o call_v and_o how_o be_v they_o call_v abraham_n indeed_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o by_o god_n who_o appear_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n before_o he_o dwell_v in_o charran_n act._n 7.2_o but_o his_o posterity_n be_v call_v by_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o educate_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v of_o and_o so_o be_v his_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thus_o have_v it_o be_v in_o call_v person_n to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christian_a man_n be_v extraordinary_o call_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o they_o be_v call_v and_o convert_v from_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n to_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o since_o the_o time_n of_o first_o plant_v the_o gospel_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n god_n ordinary_a and_o common_a method_n of_o call_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v by_o their_o christian_a parent_n educate_v they_o in_o it_o and_o indeed_o their_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n in_o a_o especial_a relation_n to_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o providential_a call_v which_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v so_o relate_v also_o for_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o now_o style_v a_o holy_a seed_n that_o be_v a_o seed_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n world_n to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o the_o female_n of_o the_o jew_n become_v church-member_n and_o by_o this_o be_v their_o male_n qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n further_a mention_n will_v be_v make_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o inquiry_n query_n iii_o what_o may_v that_o be_v by_o which_o people_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n that_o by_o which_o people_n be_v constitute_v complete_o visible_a church-member_n be_v a_o mutual_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o they_o between_o christ_n
in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o 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do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
know_v any_o three_o sense_n pretend_v to_o among_o interpreter_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o parable_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o bad_a a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n shall_v be_v refuse_v admittance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o its_o communion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v so_o little_a that_o man_n can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o such_o a_o discouragement_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o set_v they_o back_o again_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o very_a little_a grace_n in_o its_o beginning_n which_o they_o have_v a_o thing_n point_fw-fr blank_a against_o that_o admonition_n and_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 18.10_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o the_o query_n be_v double_a i_o shall_v answer_v to_o that_o first_o which_o be_v first_o and_o do_v say_v the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a as_o the_o whole_a differ_v from_o a_o part_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o a_o part_n differ_v from_o the_o whole_a for_o otherwise_o they_o be_v material_o the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o contain_v all_o visible_a church_n matter_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v than_o what_o make_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o as_o such_o 2._o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v one_o single_a congregation_n than_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o those_o of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v do_v now_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o its_o existence_n possible_o it_o may_v but_o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v so_o many_o single_a worship_a congregation_n as_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n in_o a_o city_n province_n or_o kingdom_n then_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o church_n universal_a by_o this_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o which_o it_o be_v otherwise_o unite_a than_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o such_o be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n and_o in_o other_o great_a city_n to_o have_v be_v the_o scripture_n so_o account_v they_o when_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o more_o single_a worship_a assembly_n than_o one_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v on_o several_a account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o congregationalist_n make_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o make_v it_o the_o form_n or_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v another_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o particular_a if_o their_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n be_v admit_v concern_v it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o church_n covenant_n or_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o each_o one_o of_o their_o single_a congregation_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o and_o they_o account_v this_o so_o necessary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v person_n otherwise_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o themselves_o to_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v under_o this_o engagement_n to_o they_o or_o some_o other_o sister_n church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v do_v and_o require_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n as_o the_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v free_a from_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o thing_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o only_o as_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o scruple_n they_o as_o there_o be_v to_o scruple_n this_o practice_n upon_o those_o term_n there_o be_v two_o text_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o more_o especial_o and_o principal_o they_o ground_n this_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o one_o be_v 2_o cor._n 8.5_o which_o dr._n o._n to_o this_o end_n quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o late_a book_n the_o word_n be_v these_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v st._n paul_n and_o timotheus_n from_o who_o this_o epistle_n come_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n give_v themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n and_o timothy_n possible_o signify_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o among_o themselves_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o strange_a also_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o constitute_v themselves_o church_n when_o as_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v do_v then_o when_o they_o be_v already_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a context_n from_o ver_fw-la 1._o do_v show_v and_o if_o their_o give_a themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v more_o than_o paul_n and_o timothy_n hope_v for_o than_o such_o a_o confederation_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o their_o existence_n as_o church_n this_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v be_v more_o than_o they_o hope_v for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o so_o great_a a_o necessity_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o impertinent_o this_o scripture_n be_v allege_v but_o the_o whole_a context_n show_v that_o the_o thing_n st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o liberality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o zeal_n in_o be_v otherwise_o serviceable_a to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n wherein_o they_o do_v indeed_o exceed_v the_o expectation_n of_o paul_n and_o timothy_n for_o their_o poverty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o suster_v for_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o st._n paul_n it_o seem_v scarce_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o earnest_a entreaty_n that_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o only_o thus_o give_v above_o their_o ability_n but_o beside_o their_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o ready_a to_o suffer_v further_o for_o he_o if_o call_v to_o it_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n &_o timothy_n also_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o charitable_a work_n they_o have_v in_o hand_n by_o their_o further_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o among_o other_o for_o they_o entreat_v paul_n and_o timothy_n earnest_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o manage_n of_o that_o affair_n and_o procure_v they_o to_o send_v titus_n to_o corinth_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o business_n as_o appear_v by_o ver_fw-la 6._o this_o scripture_n though_o so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o this_o opinion_n as_o you_o see_v yet_o be_v that_o which_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v perceive_v be_v chief_o depend_v upon_o in_o this_o cause_n they_o bring_v in_o also_o as_o favour_v their_o notion_n and_o practice_n the_o say_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o the_o christian_n you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o they_o do_v it_o seem_v suppose_v that_o these_o live_a stone_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o as_o to_o to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a
house_n be_v do_v by_o their_o confederation_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o cement_n by_o which_o the_o christian_n be_v unite_v and_o combine_v in_o one_o particular_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v ephes_n 2._o but_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n but_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bethynia_n as_o appear_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o no_o one_o sure_o can_v think_v that_o these_o christian_n thus_o scatter_v and_o at_o this_o distance_n can_v become_v one_o particular_a church_n by_o such_o a_o mutual_a confederation_n as_o these_o hold_v necessary_a for_o the_o form_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o not_o it_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o somewhat_o else_o than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n covenant_n as_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n think_v to_o find_v here_o by_o which_o christian_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v build_v up_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o that_o doubtless_o must_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n become_v one_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o sen_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.6_o house_n in_o these_o place_n can_v signify_v less_o than_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n who_o be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v all_o these_o christian_n become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o by_o be_v join_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o thereby_o to_o one_o another_o among_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o be_v worship_v as_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o by_o this_o they_o all_o become_v one_o body_n which_o be_v but_o another_o metaphor_n under_o which_o to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o make_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o qualify_v they_o for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o that_o be_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o to_o make_v any_o other_o covenant_n beside_o this_o so_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n as_o to_o make_v this_o of_o god_n own_o appointment_n insufficient_a for_o that_o end_n be_v a_o great_a impeachment_n of_o it_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o abetter_n of_o it_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o countenance_v if_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o essential_a to_o its_o be_v and_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o god_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v or_o require_v it_o so_o long_v it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o with_o a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n a_o piece_n of_o vain_a worship_n condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 15.9_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o add_v to_o god_n word_n or_o a_o say_n he_o say_v when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o in_o part_n a_o make_v void_a the_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v establish_v their_o own_o tradition_n for_o whereas_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o opinion_n deny_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o other_o confederate_v in_o its_o room_n 3._o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o unchurch_a of_o all_o those_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o unite_v by_o church_n covenant_v for_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o none_o be_v real_o church_n without_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v of_o other_o thing_n now_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o confederate_a be_v a_o great_a thing_n indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o year_n it_o be_v since_o such_o covenant_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o how_o inconsiderable_a a_o number_n of_o congregation_n it_o have_v be_v use_v since_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o very_a venturous_a and_o dare_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o enquiry_n touch_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o thus_o 1._o it_o consist_v partly_o in_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v one_o town_n from_o another_o or_o one_o great_a neighbourhood_n from_o another_o and_o that_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o habitation_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v as_o well_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a for_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o peaceable_a government_n as_o it_o be_v for_o civil_a and_o do_v as_o well_o accommodate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o without_o this_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a government_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v impracticable_a even_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o universal_a empire_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o that_o at_o rome_n from_o that_o at_o corinth_n and_o that_o at_o ephesus_n from_o that_o at_o philippi_n yea_o that_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi from_o that_o at_o corinth_n which_o yet_o border_v upon_o corinth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o indeed_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o church_n and_o church_n by_o vicinity_n of_o neighbourhood_n and_o cohabitation_n do_v best_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o particular_a church_n association_n such_o as_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o all_o christian_a office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o friendship_n but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o constitute_v christian_n dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o particular_a christian_a church_n though_o by_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o be_v as_o fit_a matter_n qualify_v for_o it_o but_o 2._o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v such_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n in_o local_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n consist_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v the_o place_n over_o they_o one_o or_o more_o church-officer_n to_o minister_v to_o they_o therein_o by_o which_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o where_o they_o assemble_v for_o worship_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o like_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o other_o church-officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o by_o such_o their_o joint_a local_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n administer_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o pastor_n they_o be_v unite_v with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o as_o one_o worship_v congregation_n by_o which_o union_n also_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n as_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v from_o they_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a churchway_n do_v indeed_o hold_v particular_a church_n as_o such_o to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o church-officer_n over_o they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o inquiry_n concern_v church_n do_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prove_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o church_n officer_n he_o quote_v act_n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o this_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o by_o and_o by_o but_o shall_v first_o examine_v and_o try_v what_o be_v in_o the_o assertion_n itself_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v will_v be_v find_v full_a of_o mistake_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v find_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o
of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o such_o a_o ministry_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o proper_o be_v a_o church_n without_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n st._n paul_n mention_n ephes_n 4.11.12_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o join_v they_o together_o or_o for_o the_o make_v they_o up_o or_o for_o the_o compact_n or_o knit_v they_o together_o for_o thus_o various_o be_v that_o word_n render_v by_o expositor_n but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o knit_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o their_o several_a public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o edification_n and_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v so_o call_v from_o several_a christian_n assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n their_o union_n wherein_o be_v make_v by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n in_o his_o ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n
catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
and_o his_o visible_a member_n in_o which_o covenant_n god_n on_o his_o part_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o and_o to_o confer_v eternal_a life_n on_o they_o upon_o condition_n they_o take_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o man_n on_o their_o part_n covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o those_o word_n i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n both_o on_o god_n part_n and_o man_n part_n heb._n 8.10_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n of_o old_a be_v thus_o describe_v thou_o have_v avouch_v this_o day_n the_o lord_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n deut._n 26_o 17_o 18._o this_o mutual_a covenant_n be_v the_o copulative_a or_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o conjunction_n be_v make_v between_o the_o head_n and_o his_o member_n christ_n and_o his_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o party_n covenant_v and_o to_o convey_v a_o mutual_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o say_v god_n ezek._n 16.8_o and_o this_o tie_n or_o knit_v together_o by_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o i_o may_v multiply_v place_n to_o show_v that_o man_n be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o scripture_n be_v by_o covenant_v with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n thus_o jer._n 50.5_o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v also_o isa_n 56.6_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n every_o one_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o union_n be_v thus_o make_v by_o contract_n and_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n we_o may_v the_o rather_o believe_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o conceive_v because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n delight_v to_o resemble_v and_o illustrate_v the_o union_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n which_o be_v a_o union_n by_o mutual_a contract_n and_o covenant_v the_o one_o to_o take_v the_o woman_n for_o his_o wife_n the_o other_o to_o take_v the_o man_n for_o her_o husband_n with_o promise_n to_o deport_v themselves_o towards_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mutual_a relation_n between_o they_o ephes_n 5.28_o isa_n 54.5_o jer._n 31.31_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o and_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o relate_v to_o he_o nor_o he_o to_o they_o as_o his_o church_n and_o people_n ephes_n 2.12_o and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v and_o remember_v once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n unite_v they_o to_o those_o also_o who_o be_v already_o one_o with_o he_o by_o covenant_n union_n with_o the_o head_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o union_n with_o all_o those_o member_n which_o make_v the_o body_n of_o that_o head_n like_v as_o a_o man_n by_o become_v a_o covenant_n servant_n to_o a_o master_n become_v a_o member_n of_o that_o family_n and_o a_o fellow-servant_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o that_o master_n query_n iu._n how_o and_o when_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n enter_v into_o by_o which_o people_n be_v external_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o visible_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n this_o covenant_v be_v transact_v when_o people_n be_v baptise_a for_o baptism_n be_v a_o sacred_a rite_n institute_v by_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v solemn_o enter_v into_o as_o for_o almighty_a god_n he_o have_v prevent_v man_n on_o his_o part_n in_o covenant_v with_o they_o and_o stand_v open_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o all_o those_o to_o pardon_v and_o save_v they_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v become_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o have_v also_o authorize_v his_o minister_n to_o transact_v with_o man_n in_o his_o name_n according_a to_o that_o declaration_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n for_o to_o that_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n deliver_v to_o they_o viz._n to_o open_v the_o door_n and_o to_o let_v such_o into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o steward_n of_o god_n house_n now_o whenever_o man_n take_v hold_v on_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o open_o and_o public_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n then_z and_z by_o that_o mean_n be_v their_o visible_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v and_o all_o this_o a_o be_v visible_o baptise_a in_o his_o name_n do_v imply_v for_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 28.19_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o name_n as_o that_o signify_v its_o be_v do_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o also_o into_o their_o name_n as_o that_o signify_v their_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o they_o as_o then_o god_n who_o they_o covenant_n to_o worship_n and_o serve_v and_o therefore_o from_o thenceforth_o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a like_a as_o a_o wife_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o her_o husband_n from_o that_o very_a moment_n in_o which_o the_o marriage-covenant_n be_v complete_v isa_n 4.1_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o for_o by_o that_o they_o put_v on_o his_o name_n and_o put_v on_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o for_o this_o visible_a membership_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o visible_a relation_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v visy_o relate_v to_o he_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v plant_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6._o which_o be_v another_o metaphor_n by_o which_o our_o external_n union_n with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n be_v signify_v and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o those_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n show_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n when_o he_o say_v the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o i_o find_v that_o which_o be_v here_o translate_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v render_v by_o other_o the_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o some_o the_o question_n or_o question_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n now_o if_o the_o greek_a will_v bear_v or_o countenance_v these_o several_a reading_n answer_v stipulation_n question_v yet_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v thus_o well_o accommodate_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o somewhat_o propose_v or_o put_v questionwise_a to_o be_v resolve_v or_o answer_v to_o by_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o promise_n stipulation_n or_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n as_o when_o it_o be_v propose_v or_o put_v questionwise_a to_o the_o party_n to_o be_v baptise_a whether_o he_o do_v believe_v jesus_n
that_o have_v aggravate_v their_o crime_n in_o not_o observe_v the_o covenant_n consent_v to_o by_o their_o forefather_n unless_o they_o their_o posterity_n have_v be_v oblige_v by_o their_o forefather_n consent_v to_o it_o three_o god_n call_v those_o child_n of_o idolatrous_a jew_n his_o child_n who_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n and_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v unto_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o &_o 23.37_o and_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v they_o so_o but_o by_o be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n though_o now_o they_o have_v violate_v it_o and_o by_o be_v far_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n circumcise_n they_o it_o seem_v that_o covenant_n which_o have_v oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o be_v god_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o likewise_o and_o much_o more_o be_v they_o thus_o oblige_v when_o their_o parent_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o though_o such_o parent_n have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant_n interest_n in_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o by_o that_o by_o which_o they_o do_v so_o make_v void_a god_n covenant_n right_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o he_o to_o be_v he_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o some_o man_n when_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o bad_a as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o king_n 15.3_o 2_o king_n 16.2_o 2_o chron._n 28.5_o &_o 36.5.12_o four_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o circumcise_a their_o child_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o not_o the_o child_n themselves_o and_o yet_o these_o child_n be_v as_o firm_o oblige_v by_o it_o when_o grow_v to_o be_v man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v then_o circumcise_a themselves_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 5.3_o and_o if_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o circumcise_n they_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n on_o their_o part_n whenever_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o god_n part_n until_o they_o deve_v themselves_o of_o it_o by_o their_o actual_a and_o wilful_a transgress_v the_o covenant_n in_o not_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o correspondence_n to_o his_o promise_n of_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n account_n little_a child_n which_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o design_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o favourable_a construction_n repute_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o that_o service_n while_o but_o little_a child_n which_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v until_o they_o be_v past_o their_o childhood_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o one_o case_n and_o by_o purity_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o under_o like_a circumstance_n the_o child_n of_o the_o koathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o they_o be_v design_v and_o devote_v for_o it_o by_o their_o parent_n then_o though_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v that_o service_n until_o they_o attain_v unto_o more_o year_n numb_a 3.27_o 28._o these_o be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o koathite_n in_o the_o number_n of_o all_o the_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o parent_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o contrary_a event_n in_o their_o child_n if_o they_o do_v not_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o when_o they_o shall_v their_o child_n be_v repute_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o their_o parent_n proper_o be_v so_o by_o neglect_v to_o fulfil_v the_o term_n of_o it_o on_o their_o child_n behalf_n the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o little_a child_n of_o proselyte_n also_o make_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n by_o their_o father_n take_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o by_o enter_v their_o male-children_n with_o themselves_o into_o it_o by_o circumcision_n exod._n 12.48_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v to_o that_o end_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o the_o child_n ought_v then_o to_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v capable_a to_o have_v do_v so_o and_o which_o in_o duty_n they_o ought_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o they_o before_o parent_n as_o parent_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o their_o child_n and_o so_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o that_o what_o they_o oblige_v they_o to_o by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n will_n and_o command_v in_o their_o minority_n they_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o nor_o countermand_v by_o god_n as_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o than_o their_o parent_n have_v this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a as_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o have_v found_v his_o own_o institution_n upon_o it_o of_o oblige_v little_a child_n by_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n if_o a_o man_n by_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n oblige_v his_o son_n and_o heir_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a thing_n among_o man_n for_o such_o a_o child_n to_o esteem_v himself_o not_o oblige_v thereby_o to_o do_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n or_o testament_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v it_o say_v s._n paul_n gal._n 3.15_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a child_n become_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n both_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o under_o it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o other_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christian-parent_n have_v as_o great_a a_o propriety_n in_o and_o as_o much_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o parent_n have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n on_o their_o behalf_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o benefit_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o child_n now_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n for_o their_o benefit_n than_o it_o be_v then_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n be_v of_o as_o much_o force_n to_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o now_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n by_o do_v that_o for_o they_o in_o their_o minority_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o benefit_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v heretofore_o all_o thing_n be_v suppose_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o parent_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o capacity_n to_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n to_o god_n in_o covenant_n now_o by_o what_o they_o may_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n in_o their_o minority_n as_o ever_o parent_n be_v heretofore_o they_o may_v dedicate_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n by_o baptism_n now_o as_o well_o as_o parent_n can_v by_o circumcision_n heretofore_o and_o baptism_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v the_o baptise_a in_o covenant_n with_o
god_n now_o as_o ever_o circumcision_n do_v the_o circumcise_a heretofore_o and_o it_o be_v now_o as_o much_o the_o benefit_n of_o person_n to_o be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o baptism_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o former_o by_o circumcision_n now_o as_o touch_v that_o warrant_n or_o authority_n which_o christian_n have_v to_o oblige_v their_o infant_n child_n by_o baptise_v they_o to_o become_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o their_o part_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v active_a therein_o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o of_o this_o kind_a christian_n have_v with_o what_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o other_o have_v for_o their_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o it_o but_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n have_v only_o a_o favourable_a allowance_n and_o grant_n that_o in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v they_o 48._o exod._n 12_o 48._o that_o then_o in_o order_n to_o this_o attainment_n the_o father_n or_o man_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o all_o his_o male_n but_o otherwise_o as_o circumcision_n be_v not_o enjoin_v the_o gentile_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o prophet_n or_o other_o be_v send_v abroad_o among_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o jewish_a church_n only_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o the_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n but_o its_o probable_a it_o be_v but_o from_o among_o other_o jew_n to_o make_v he_o of_o their_o sect_n to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a our_o saviour_n commissionated_a his_o apostle_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o now_o if_o this_o commission_v extend_v to_o the_o baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_a parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a parent_n themselves_o then_o here_o be_v warrant_n and_o authority_n enough_o for_o such_o parent_n to_o engage_v their_o child_n by_o baptise_v they_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o this_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o authorise_a the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v such_o little_a child_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o in_o another_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o it_o address_n from_o p._n 29._o to_o p._n 80._o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o to_o show_v what_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o baptise_v in_o this_o latitude_n 2._o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o extensive_a sense_n and_o that_o they_o do_v practice_n according_o unto_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o very_o considerable_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n take_v from_o the_o unanimous_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o the_o defection_n into_o popery_n now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n unless_o they_o have_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o send_v by_o they_o in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o place_n the_o apostle_n go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v our_o saviour_n witness_n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o his_o commission_n their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n 1.6.23_o rom._n 10._o col._n 1.6.23_o and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o all_o place_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o their_o first_o receive_v this_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n there_o as_o 1._o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o one_o place_n from_o another_o where_o the_o christian_n live_v make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o usage_n by_o combination_n or_o imitation_n of_o one_o another_o 2._o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o language_n make_v it_o impossible_a that_o this_o sameness_n of_o practice_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o any_o mutual_a correspondence_n or_o intelligence_n hold_v by_o they_o 3._o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o make_v it_o impossible_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o diversity_n of_o language_n may_v have_v hold_v such_o correspondence_n as_o by_o agreement_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o a_o practice_n as_o they_o have_v not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o at_o first_o by_o some_o innovator_n yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a it_o shall_v steal_v into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o where_o without_o some_o know_a opposition_n from_o some_o good_a man_n or_o other_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v apostolical_a we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o office_n and_o out_o of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o innovation_n as_o this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o innovation_n without_o such_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o some_o author_n or_o other_o who_o live_v in_o or_o near_o such_o time_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n since_o than_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o practice_n short_a of_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o it_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o christian_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o have_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n have_v yet_o all_o along_o agree_v in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o very_a few_o only_o except_v and_o those_o chief_o or_o rather_o only_o as_o have_v appear_v since_o luther_n day_n or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n practise_v record_v in_o scripture_n of_o their_o baptise_v whole_a household_n give_v we_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o their_o do_v so_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o all_o church_n first_o plant_v by_o they_o and_o in_o those_o succeed_v they_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o remain_v little_a reason_n for_o any_o impartial_a man_n to_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v practice_v infant_n baptism_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n query_n vi._n whither_o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o query_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o matter_n discuss_v in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o that_o union_n and_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o they_o become_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o he_o with_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o little_a child_n be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a with_o intent_n thereby_o so_o to_o oblige_v they_o then_o i_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o demand_v of_o the_o parent_n
communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n that_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v or_o to_o be_v constitute_v only_o of_o such_o but_o other_o do_v think_v that_o these_o do_v make_v the_o visible_a church_n much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o do_v hold_v that_o all_o that_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v thereby_o join_v in_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o be_v make_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o those_o which_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n as_o those_o that_o have_v our_o business_n then_o for_o the_o present_n will_v be_v to_o consult_v the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n before_o god_n have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o institution_n man_n visible_a relation_n to_o god_n be_v know_v by_o their_o worship_v of_o he_o only_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o save_a grace_n or_o no_o and_o though_o they_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a covenant_n with_o he_o they_o be_v know_v to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v by_o who_o they_o worship_v every_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v mica_n 4.5_o and_o those_o that_o worship_v a_o strange_a god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o strange_a god_n mal._n 2.11_o as_o those_o that_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n be_v count_v his_o child_n natural_a religion_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o worship_n be_v then_o the_o measure_n of_o judge_a man_n visible_a relation_n to_o god_n but_o when_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v to_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o begin_v the_o gather_v he_o a_o visible_a church_n out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o way_n of_o divine_a institution_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o his_o transaction_n with_o abraham_n by_o institute_v and_o ordain_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o as_o god_n by_o covenant_n engage_v to_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n so_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n must_v engage_v to_o god_n by_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o a_o people_n unto_o he_o 2._o that_o this_o covenant_n shall_v be_v enter_v into_o by_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n by_o observe_v such_o a_o sacred_a rite_n as_o god_n institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v circumcision_n and_o this_o be_v continue_v for_o this_o use_n until_o the_o messiah_n come_v and_o institute_v baptism_n another_o sacred_a rite_n for_o the_o same_o end_n now_o in_o god_n thus_o sound_v his_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o appoint_v save_a grace_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n admission_n into_o his_o church_n by_o circumcision_n but_o the_o lord_n absolute_o command_v that_o abraham_n and_o his_o male_a seed_n after_o he_o and_o all_o bear_v in_o the_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o their_o money_n shall_v be_v circumcise_a without_o any_o limitation_n or_o condition_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o save_a grace_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n to_o have_v no_o other_o of_o his_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o have_v save_v grace_n now_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o covenant_v with_o god_n all_o of_o they_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a visible_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o no_o other_o people_n be_v and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o account_v they_o to_o be_v what_o moses_n and_o other_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n say_v they_o be_v and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v say_v that_o almighty_a god_n do_v account_v they_o all_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a sense_n to_o be_v his_o choose_a elect_a and_o adopt_a people_n deut._n 4.37_o rom._n 9.4_o his_o called_n isa_n 48.12_o a_o people_n near_o unto_o he_o psal_n 148.14_o his_o saint_n his_o holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o &_o 33.3_o psal_n 50.5_o his_o child_n deut._n 14.1_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o deut._n 7.6_o &_o 14.2_o his_o inheritance_n deut._n 9.29_o his_o portion_n deut._n 32.9_o his_o peculiar_a treasure_n psal_n 135.4_o all_o these_o title_n and_o appellation_n give_v they_o by_o god_n or_o by_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n in_o give_v they_o do_v with_o as_o much_o plainness_n as_o word_n can_v express_v show_v that_o god_n himself_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n his_o child_n and_o relate_v to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o other_o people_n not_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v not_o now_o that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o call_v or_o account_v for_o any_o such_o reason_n as_o because_o they_o have_v save_v grace_n or_o because_o they_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v appear_v with_o full_a evidence_n for_o the_o same_o inspire_a man_n moses_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n in_o and_o by_o which_o god_n own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n under_o many_o of_o the_o foresay_a appellation_n do_v from_o god_n charge_v they_o with_o such_o and_o so_o much_o guilt_n as_o no_o man_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n say_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o invisible_a church-state_n thus_o in_o deut._n 9_o thou_o be_v a_o stiff-necked_a people_n vers_n 6._o from_o the_o day_n thou_o do_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n even_o until_o you_o come_v unto_o this_o place_n you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n vers_n 7._o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o they_o have_v quick_o turn_v aside_o vers_n 12._o i_o have_v see_v this_o people_n and_o behold_v it_o be_v a_o stiff-necked_a people_n vers_fw-la 13._o you_o have_v be_v rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n from_o the_o day_n that_o i_o know_v you_o vers_n 24._o i_o know_v thy_o rebellion_n and_o thy_o stiff_a neck_n chap._n 31.27_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n they_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n chap._n 32.5_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o he_o abhor_v they_o because_o of_o the_o provoke_a of_o his_o son_n and_o of_o his_o daughter_n vers_fw-la 19_o a_o froward_a generation_n child_n in_o who_o be_v no_o faith_n vers_fw-la 20._o they_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o vers_n 28._o these_o thing_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o general_o and_o in_o the_o gross_a and_o consider_v some_o other_o passage_n there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o fuspect_v that_o much_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v thus_o guilty_a for_o in_o numb_a 14.2_o its_o faid_n that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n murmur_v against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o vers_fw-la 10._o all_o the_o congregation_n bid_v stone_n they_o with_o stone_n and_o vers_fw-la 33._o your_o child_n shall_v wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n and_o bear_v your_o whoredom_n until_o your_o carcase_n be_v waste_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o vers_fw-la 35._o i_o will_v sure_o do_v it_o to_o all_o this_o evil_a congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o i_o and_o vers_fw-la 29._o your_o carcase_n shall_v fall_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o all_o that_o be_v number_v of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o whole_a number_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a which_o have_v murmur_v against_o i_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v they_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o with_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o say_v or_o to_o think_v that_o god_n own_v this_o people_n in_o the_o bulk_n of_o they_o as_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o any_o such_o reason_n as_o because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v invisible_o relate_v to_o he_o by_o special_a grace_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o account_n follow_v unless_o any_o other_o more_o likely_a can_v be_v think_v of_o which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o foresee_v nor_o to_o suspect_v 1._o they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n holy_a and_o separate_v unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a seed_n ezra_n 9.2_o now_o the_o holiness_n of_o person_n always_o signify_v some_o such_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o person_n as_o such_o almighty_a god_n have_v another_o kind_n of_o right_a to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v he_o by_o covenant_n than_o he_o have_v to_o the_o child_n of_o
as_o they_o own_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n according_a to_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v great_a guilt_n upon_o they_o this_o still_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o though_o the_o immorality_n of_o this_o people_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v such_o in_o other_o respect_n as_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v in_o covenant_v and_o in_o a_o partial_a performance_n of_o covenant_n can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yet_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o partial_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o a_o worship_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n do_v denominate_v they_o in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a respect_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o by_o the_o way_n then_o if_o those_o of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v style_v saint_n a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o other_o account_n and_o in_o other_o respect_n than_o their_o be_v real_o and_o inherent_o holy_a as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v by_o inspire_a man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o style_v they_o saint_n the_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o same_o epithet_n and_o appellation_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a in_o both_o they_o signify_v a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o pagan_a unbelieve_a world_n unto_o god_n among_o who_o some_o be_v more_o so_o and_o some_o less_o some_o by_o external_a covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o some_o by_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n i_o the_o rather_o note_v this_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o because_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o st._n paul_n still_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v saint_n for_o the_o prove_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o sanctify_a be_v church-matter_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o church-member_n except_o when_o it_o be_v do_v through_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o have_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n how_o thing_n stand_v relate_v touch_v visible_a church-membership_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v declare_v touch_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a and_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o person_n adult_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n visible_a church-member_n unless_o they_o be_v reputative_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o become_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n by_o their_o voluntary_a covenant_v by_o baptism_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o they_o to_o denominate_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v and_o to_o hope_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n when_o they_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o too_o god_n but_o whether_o their_o due_a admission_n thereto_o do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o admit_v they_o or_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v be_v refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o desire_v it_o in_o case_n those_o who_o office_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v man_n thereto_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o save_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n or_o thus_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v require_v by_o way_n of_o condition_n without_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a for_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o for_o other_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o suspect_v he_o will_v do_v it_o with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v short_a of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o to_o have_v a_o evil_a design_n in_o desire_v it_o to_o betray_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o enemy_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o suspicion_n its_o probable_a the_o disciple_n refuse_v saul_n join_v with_o they_o after_o his_o conversion_n though_o he_o desire_v it_o until_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a satisfaction_n concern_v he_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o as_o have_v only_o some_o general_n and_o in_o distinct_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v desire_v admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o that_o way_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o thorough_a save_a work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v be_v preparatory_a and_o dispository_n thereto_o but_o yet_o have_v something_o though_o not_o all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o who_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o dissemble_v know_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v saving_o regenerate_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v unregenerate_a man_n receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o such_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v as_o well_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o regenerate_v i_o shall_v offer_v several_a thing_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o first_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o proof_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a by_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o qualification_n enjoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o do_v so_o when_o all_o the_o male_n at_o age_n in_o abraham_n house_n be_v command_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o male-stranger_n buy_v with_o their_o money_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o when_o the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v require_v to_o circumcise_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o male_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n enjoin_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o so_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n also_o command_v joshua_n to_o circumcise_v all_o the_o hebrew_n male_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v a_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o without_o any_o condition_n of_o such_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a nay_o almighty_a god_n at_o another_o time_n command_v all_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o their_o camp_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o into_o his_o oath_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o command_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a also_o and_o without_o condition_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n require_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o do_v already_o true_o fear_v he_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o forbear_v no_o
but_o he_o require_v this_o covenant_v with_o he_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v true_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o such_o a_o end_n no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o almighty_a god_n do_v foreknow_v when_o he_o command_v all_o those_o forementioned_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o in_o do_v it_o they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o such_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a life_n as_o all_o those_o be_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o yet_o they_o must_v say_v or_o suppose_v if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o be_v regenerate_v when_o they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o god_n command_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o full_a evidence_n as_o i_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v qualify_v with_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o such_o as_o be_v regenerate_v 2._o my_o next_o reason_n or_o argument_n i_o draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n direct_v they_o who_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o shall_v baptise_v and_o by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o his_o visible_a church_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v make_v disciple_n the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n run_v thus_o go_v you_o therefore_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n or_o disciple_n all_o nation_n or_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n so_o other_o render_v it_o the_o apostle_n then_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n be_v to_o baptise_v all_o those_o who_o first_o be_v make_v disciple_n and_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n mens_fw-la be_v make_v disciple_n than_o be_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o touch_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o those_o be_v disciple_n who_o do_v attend_v upon_o the_o teach_n of_o christian_a teacher_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o learn_v their_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o regeneration_n thereby_o or_o no._n and_o such_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o commission_n to_o baptise_v from_o this_o commission_n of_o christ_n than_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o our_o lord_n jesus_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v all_o that_o be_v disciple_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o he_o do_v than_o he_o command_v or_o authorise_v more_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n than_o be_v true_o regenerate_v for_o man_n may_v be_v disciple_n in_o a_o inferior_a sense_n and_o be_v so_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o regenerate_v such_o disciple_n have_v our_o saviour_n himself_o such_o be_v those_o who_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n believe_v on_o he_o with_o who_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o they_o john_n 2.23_o 24._o and_o such_o be_v those_o john_n 6.66_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v from_o that_o time_n many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o and_o such_o a_o unregerate_v disciple_n be_v judas_n and_o such_o perhaps_o be_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n and_o many_o other_o unprofitable_a branch_n that_o by_o baptism_n have_v be_v plant_v into_o christ_n the_o true_a vine_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o commissionate_v the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v disciple_n intend_v no_o less_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v baptise_v all_o such_o as_o be_v make_v or_o become_v disciple_n as_o such_o whether_o regenerate_v or_o not_o and_o that_o they_o can_v understand_v his_o commission_n no_o otherwise_o our_o saviour_n own_o practice_n and_o example_n will_v infer_v it_o for_o though_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o and_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o hear_n that_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o righty_a believe_v john_n 6.64_o yet_o do_v not_o reject_v those_o as_o no_o disciple_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a so_o long_o as_o they_o follow_v he_o as_o disciple_n but_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o those_o he_o know_v to_o be_v better_o as_o those_o word_n imply_v john_n 4.1_o 2._o when_o therefore_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptise_a not_o but_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n imply_v both_o that_o he_o cause_v as_o many_o to_o be_v baptise_a as_o be_v make_v disciple_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a number_n fame_v to_o be_v so_o make_v and_o baptise_a and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o they_o that_o firm_o cleave_v to_o our_o saviour_n till_o the_o last_o for_o we_o read_v of_o but_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o appear_v as_o his_o avow_a disciple_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n till_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o saviour_n mind_n that_o more_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v know_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v those_o disciple_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n be_v unregenerate_a to_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o into_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o be_v do_v in_o like_a case_n do_v all_o this_o show_v that_o man_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o other_o term_n than_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a before_o they_o be_v so_o receive_v 3._o my_o next_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v his_o apostle_n to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v upon_o large_a term_n i_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o apostle_n so_o thorough_o and_o so_o frequent_o as_o he_o do_v that_o his_o church_n will_v consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a which_o be_v also_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v account_v such_o to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o can_v think_v he_o will_v have_v do_v without_o caution_v they_o to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o let_v such_o into_o his_o church_n much_o less_o will_v he_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v bid_v they_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v full_a if_o he_o have_v design_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v keep_v all_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o of_o who_o effectual_a conversion_n to_o god_n they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v our_o saviour_n by_o many_o parable_n do_v thorough_o inform_v his_o apostle_n that_o his_o church_n will_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a of_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o wise_a thus_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n whereof_o five_o wise_a and_o five_o foolish_a mat._n 25.1_o 2._o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o parable_n and_o so_o in_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o which_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_v by_o his_o gospel_n as_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o those_o be_v the_o people_n or_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o own_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o different_a effect_n which_o this_o gospel_n be_v to_o have_v in_o the_o life_n and_o behaviour_n of_o
admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n before_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v say_v st._n paul_n concern_v some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o he_o afterward_o admonish_v to_o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8.7_o &_o 10.14_o now_o if_o a_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v true_o regenerate_v have_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o have_v govern_v themselves_o in_o baptise_v of_o man_n suspicion_n will_v hardly_o have_v suffer_v philip_n to_o have_v baptise_a such_o a_o one_o as_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n without_o some_o considerable_a trial_n of_o he_o and_o consider_v what_o discern_a man_n the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v discern_v none_o of_o those_o unfit_a to_o be_v baptise_a who_o yet_o they_o do_v baptise_v that_o be_v very_o bad_a before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o still_o short_o after_o i_o say_v this_o will_v seem_v strange_a in_o case_n nothing_o less_o have_v qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n than_o a_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v regenerate_v these_o circumstance_n consider_v together_o with_o the_o plain_a rule_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o their_o commission_n who_o to_o baptise_v to_o wit_n disciple_n as_o such_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o that_o rule_n and_o baptise_a those_z they_o do_v baptise_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o disciple_n or_o such_o as_o be_v learning_n to_o be_v christian_n without_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v 5._o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v not_o judge_v according_a to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o according_a to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v account_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n who_o yet_o he_o know_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o invisible_a this_o i_o gather_v from_o his_o own_o word_n john_n 15.2_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o by_o which_o he_o suppose_v and_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o will_v be_v many_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o by_o be_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o to_o be_v take_v away_o be_v therefore_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a for_o by_o their_o be_v in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o mean_v of_o their_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o but_o by_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n for_o by_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o he_o baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v gal._n 3.27_o and_o plant_v in_o he_o by_o baptism_n rom._n 6.5_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n judge_v and_o account_v man_n to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n we_o may_v we_o must_v so_o account_v they_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o by_o be_v unite_a and_o relate_v to_o he_o either_o by_o external_a covenant_v with_o he_o or_o by_o internal_a renovation_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n such_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n unless_o any_o three_o sense_n of_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n can_v be_v find_v out_o in_o scripture_n which_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o 6._o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n own_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a by_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o there_o be_v such_o gift_n pour_v out_o upon_o such_o man_n as_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v yet_o not_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v evident_a by_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n mat._n 7.22_o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o suppose_v that_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v so_o bad_a as_o quite_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o christian_a profession_n heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o pour_v out_o such_o gift_n upon_o such_o man_n do_v own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o these_o be_v make_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v and_o only_o to_o such_o mark_v 16.17_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v those_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n by_o confer_v upon_o such_o believer_n who_o faith_n do_v not_o operate_v to_o regeneration_n he_o set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o as_o mark_v for_o his_o in_o a_o visible_a relation_n for_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n ephe._n 1.13_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o one_o by_o inward_a sanctification_n or_o renew_v man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n of_o this_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o seal_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o belong_v then_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o a_o visible_a mark_n or_o seal_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o by_o which_o god_n own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o confer_v upon_o they_o some_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o be_v unregenerate_a as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o that_o have_v special_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o seven_o of_o mat._n and_o 6_o of_o heb._n forementioned_a these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n than_o miracle_n gift_n of_o healing_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n by_o which_o those_o that_o have_v they_o bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v own_v by_o god_n to_o be_v so_o the_o confer_v miraculous_a gift_n upon_o such_o man_n as_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o christ_n at_o last_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n argue_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n in_o a_o sense_n because_o they_o wrought_v their_o miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o such_o sign_n as_o they_o show_v shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v mark_v 16.17_o second_o that_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o that_o miraculous_a power_n be_v confer_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v and_o preach_v the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v vers_n 20._o beside_o our_o saviour_n bring_v they_o in_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n three_o they_o be_v believer_n professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o by_o baptism_n make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v own_v they_o for_o such_o by_o confer_v on_o they_o such_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o unbeliever_n 7._o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o our_o saviour_n own_v some_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o his_o servant_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v they_o servant_n though_o slothful_a servant_n mat._n 25_o 26._o unprofitable_a servant_n vers_n 30._o evil_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o wicked_a
servant_n chap._n 18.32_o the_o title_n of_o servant_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o these_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n that_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n and_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o a_o great_a house_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v not_o only_a vessel_n of_o gold_n and_o of_o silver_n but_o also_o of_o wood_n and_o of_o earth_n and_o some_o to_o honour_n and_o some_o to_o dishonour_v 2_o tim._n 2.20_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o have_v see_v what_o evidence_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v afford_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n that_o christ_n himself_o do_v own_o other_o to_o be_v part_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o take_v into_o consideration_n such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o seem_v most_o to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whence_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v always_o suppose_v such_o as_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o inward_a qualification_n which_o answer_v the_o outward_a figure_n or_o sign_n in_o baptism_n death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o resurrection_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n be_v show_v what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o party_n baptise_a beside_o their_o baptism_n to_o make_v their_o baptism_n available_a to_o their_o salvation_n but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o condition_n to_o their_o be_v baptise_a this_o text_n meddle_v not_o with_o that_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o any_o clause_n or_o circumstance_n in_o it_o and_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o much_o like_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o where_o he_o say_v that_o be_v not_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v but_o outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o signify_v heart-circumcision_a for_o it_o do_v engage_v the_o circumcise_a in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o initiate_v they_o and_o give_v they_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o as_o he_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n alone_o without_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v not_o avail_v to_o any_o man_n have_v acceptance_n with_o god_n so_o here_o that_o baptism_n which_o consist_v in_o outward_a wash_n only_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v not_o save_v will_v not_o avail_v to_o salvation_n without_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o may_v avail_v as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o letter_n do_v to_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o procure_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o it_o another_o text_n be_v john_n 3.5_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n some_o that_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o oppose_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o understand_v the_o church_n as_o well_o visible_a as_o invisible_a and_o then_o infer_v that_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n without_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o water_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o if_o by_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o we_o understand_v either_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o then_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o oppose_v what_o i_o have_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o man_n may_v be_v and_o many_o real_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o in_o god_n account_n who_o yet_o be_v none_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n by_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o internal_o regenerate_v and_o that_o by_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v evident_a because_o many_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v as_o i_o think_v abundant_o prove_v against_o all_o reasonable_a contradiction_n our_o saviour_n we_o see_v speak_v here_o of_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o thereby_o enter_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v many_o also_o that_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n who_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o till_o afterward_o not_o till_o some_o time_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o or_o else_o say_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o effectual_a conversion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v and_o so_o much_o against_o all_o experience_n as_o that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o assert_v it_o which_o yet_o must_v be_v assert_v if_o the_o other_o be_v deny_v it_o be_v further_a allege_v from_o those_o word_n tit._n 3.5_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v it_o be_v hence_o allege_a that_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n that_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v before_o or_o in_o baptism_n answer_n this_o follow_v not_o since_o baptism_n may_v be_v call_v the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n for_o another_o reason_n and_o in_o another_o respect_n more_o probable_a and_o that_o be_v because_o man_n by_o covenant_n be_v engage_v to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o lead_v new_a life_n and_o it_o be_v from_o this_o engagement_n by_o baptism_n that_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v christian_n to_o mortification_n and_o a_o new_a life_n as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v rom_n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o col._n 2.12_o &_o 3.1_o 2._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n baptise_a the_o people_n unto_o repentance_n mat._n 3._o â—â—_o so_o they_o be_v baptise_a unto_o regeneration_n that_o be_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v under_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o repent_v and_o so_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n baptism_n be_v proper_o enough_o call_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n not_o that_o baptism_n do_v inward_o regenerate_v by_o the_o act_n do_v or_o suffer_v to_o be_v do_v though_o it_o do_v engage_v to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o principal_a agent_n and_o therefore_o be_v here_o call_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v here_o mention_v as_o two_o different_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n although_o the_o christian_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o god_n mercy_n by_o both_o yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v that_o this_o end_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o one_o may_v succeed_v the_o other_o in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o often_o it_o have_v do_v and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v no_o necessity_n be_v infer_v from_o hence_o of_o not_o admit_v man_n to_o the_o one_o but_o upon_o supposition_n
of_o their_o be_v already_o qualify_v with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a man_n by_o baptism_n itself_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n external_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o to_o new_a enjoyment_n also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v our_o saviour_n call_v baptism_n a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n as_o a_o birth_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n of_o he_o with_o nicodemus_n about_o baptism_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o jew_n custom_n of_o receive_v proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o circumcision_n who_o do_v reckon_v they_o be_v thereby_o bear_v again_o as_o it_o be_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n as_o be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o although_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o yet_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o bear_v when_o they_o be_v baptise_a but_o most_o of_o they_o afterward_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a again_o another_o scripture_n be_v act._n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v argue_v hence_o that_o since_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n alone_o without_o repentance_n here_o require_v with_o it_o will_v not_o avail_v for_o the_o obtain_v such_o remission_n that_o therefore_o a_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n always_o suppose_v repentance_n in_o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a answer_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v hence_o be_v that_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n and_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n be_v direct_v to_o and_o enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o that_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v available_a to_o this_o end_n be_v enjoin_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v baptise_a and_o by_o that_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o the_o adult_n a_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v always_o require_v before_o baptism_n but_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n alone_o avail_v not_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o the_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o future_a will_v prove_v be_v uncertain_a to_o those_o who_o receive_v person_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v receive_v such_o raw_a disciple_n to_o baptism_n as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o this_o counsel_n be_v here_o give_v upon_o like_a term_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n receive_v the_o multitude_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o for_o baptism_n and_o they_o be_v baptise_a confess_v their_o sin_n they_o confess_v themselves_o such_o sinner_n as_o need_v amendment_n and_o profess_a sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v and_o by_o receive_v baptism_n engage_v themselves_o to_o amend_v for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o according_o he_o be_v say_v to_o baptise_v they_o unto_o repentance_n mat._n 3.11_o but_o very_o many_o of_o they_o fall_v short_a afterward_o of_o perform_v their_o engagement_n john_n 5.35_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n as_o save_v be_v not_o inseparable_a in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o a_o man_n do_v effectual_o repent_v though_o it_o be_v not_o till_o long_o after_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o his_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n will_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v save_v be_v not_o of_o necessity_n before_o baptism_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v infer_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v man_n visible_a church-membership_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o credibility_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a as_o that_o it_o will_v much_o rather_o prove_v the_o direct_a contrary_n viz._n that_o the_o credibility_n of_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a for_o it_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o in_o this_o matter_n can_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v first_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a by_o baptism_n for_o we_o see_v man_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o repent_v to_o obtain_v it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v be_v elsewhere_o make_v unto_o a_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16.16_o and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o man_n can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o through_o his_o own_o default_n be_v not_o baptise_a by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n without_o this_o than_o he_o can_v be_v due_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o invisible_a church-state_n because_o there_o be_v none_o in_o that_o church-state_n but_o what_o be_v pardon_v if_o any_o shall_v allege_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o infer_v that_o none_o be_v by_o baptism_n or_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v new_a creature_n the_o answer_n to_o they_o be_v this_o if_o by_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n be_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o be_v in_o he_o as_o be_v save_v than_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o true_o regenerate_v but_o then_o that_o be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o present_a inquiry_n but_o if_o you_o read_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o margin_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n than_o this_o text_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o if_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v new_a creature_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o covenant-ingagement_n when_o they_o be_v plant_v into_o he_o by_o baptism_n act._n 2.37_o it_o be_v likewise_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n such_o as_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v requy_v as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n and_o visible_a church-membership_n for_o when_o the_o eunuch_n say_v to_o philip_n here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptise_a philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o philip_n seem_v to_o make_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o admit_v the_o eunuch_n to_o baptism_n and_o what_o less_o can_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v than_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n such_o as_o philip_n be_v do_v indeed_o suppose_v and_o expect_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o they_o baptise_a into_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v nor_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o press_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v very_o hearty_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o undertake_n the_o christian_a profession_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o into_o it_o and_o so_o do_v philip_n here_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o for_o all_o that_o philip_z baptise_a this_o eunuch_n upon_o his_o bare_a profess_v that_o he_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o
his_o ordinance_n and_o have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o otherwise_o destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o far_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n so_o god_n so_o far_o own_v they_o as_o a_o people_n unto_o he_o separate_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o infidel_n world_n and_o according_o allow_v they_o a_o interest_n and_o share_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o his_o people_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v the_o chief_a only_o where_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v a_o bar_n to_o this_o enjoyment_n there_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o do_v so_o too_o as_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o deprivation_n by_o church-censure_n be_v enjoin_v right_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n come_v in_o by_o man_n relation_n to_o it_o as_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o relation_n continue_v so_o long_o a_o right_n to_o the_o external_a privilege_n continue_v except_o in_o the_o case_n before_o except_v those_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n both_o as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a have_v a_o right_n from_o god_n to_o church_n privilege_n both_o external_a internal_a and_o eternal_a but_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n only_o external_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a have_v right_o only_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o subject_n under_o consideration_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v as_o to_o point_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v it_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n church_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n be_v allow_v their_o part_n and_o share_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v commanâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o they_o save_v in_o some_o exâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o as_o while_o they_o be_v unâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o legal_a uncleanness_n and_o in_o thâ—â—e_n particular_a case_n of_o guilt_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o communion_n and_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n be_v all_o their_o male_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o keep_v three_o solemn_a feast_n appoint_v and_o yet_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v imagine_v they_o to_o be_v all_o without_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o when_o any_o stranger_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o turn_v proselyte_n to_o the_o jew_n religion_n all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o communion_n in_o the_o passover_n be_v but_o to_o circumcise_v all_o their_o male_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n exod._n 12.48_o and_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o term_n of_o external_a communion_n shall_v be_v more_o rigorous_a and_o severe_a in_o the_o new_a since_o our_o saviour_n yoke_n be_v casie_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v all_o the_o same_o adult_n person_n which_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o follow_v act._n 2.41_o 42._o when_o the_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o and_o st._n paul_n say_v by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o same_o all_o we_o see_v be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o by_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n be_v mean_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o interpreter_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o again_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o chap._n 10.17_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n here_o again_o the_o same_o all_o that_o make_v one_o body_n be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n so_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o part_n equallize_v the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o one_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o i_o can_v find_v of_o any_o one_o person_n that_o have_v be_v refuse_v communion_n with_o a_o christian_a church_n when_o he_o have_v desire_v it_o who_o have_v be_v before_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n except_o such_o as_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o capital_a offence_n and_o such_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v until_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o st._n paul_n have_v give_v direction_n in_o what_o manner_n of_o case_n and_o for_o what_o manner_n of_o offence_n man_n be_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o by_o church_n censure_v great_a or_o lesser_a after_o due_a admonition_n otherwise_o use_v but_o now_o say_v he_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v 1_o cor._n 5.11_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a crime_n a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o she_o govern_v capacity_n to_o deny_v her_o communion_n with_o person_n guilty_a of_o they_o after_o due_a admonition_n and_o according_o our_o church_n have_v order_v public_a admonition_n frequent_o to_o be_v make_v in_o these_o word_n with_o many_o other_o if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_n or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n repent_v you_o of_o your_o sin_n or_o else_o come_v not_o to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o you_o as_o he_o do_v into_o judas_n and_o fill_v you_o full_a of_o all_o iniquity_n and_o bring_v you_o to_o destruction_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o further_o if_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o communicate_v be_v a_o open_a and_o notorious_a evil_a liver_n or_o have_v do_v any_o wrong_n to_o his_o neighbour_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n so_o that_o the_o congregation_n be_v thereby_o offend_v the_o curate_n have_v knowledge_n thereof_o shall_v call_v he_o and_o advertise_v he_o that_o in_o any_o wise_a he_o presume_v not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o have_v open_o declare_v himself_o to_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o amend_v his_o former_a naughty_a life_n that_o the_o congregation_n may_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v which_o before_o be_v offend_v the_o same_o order_n shall_v the_o curate_n use_v with_o those_o betwixt_o who_o he_o perceive_v malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o reign_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n until_o he_o know_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v i_o know_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o admit_v such_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v not_o save_v grace_n as_o 1._o that_o such_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o sin_n and_o further_o their_o damnation_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v unregenerate_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o such_o will_v not_o less_o sin_n by_o neglect_v to_o obey_v christ_n command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o in_o neglect_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o than_o they_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n unprepared_a but_o rather_o indeed_o more_o for_o by_o not_o come_v they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o double_a disobedience_n the_o one_o in_v not_o do_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o the_o other_o in_o not_o prepare_v to_o do_v it_o after_o a_o right_a manner_n whereas_o by_o come_v unprepared_a they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a but_o of_o one_o of_o they_o 2._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n shall_v not_o
hunger_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n one_o be_v hungry_a another_o be_v drink_v despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o which_o have_v not_o these_o also_o be_v such_o unworthy_a act_n as_o christian_n by_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a now_o all_o these_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o right_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v either_o as_o not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o as_o not_o be_v due_o affect_v with_o what_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o for_o remedy_n for_o time_n to_o come_v he_o put_v they_o upon_o examine_v themselves_o concern_v the_o apprehension_n the_o sense_n and_o affection_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v touch_v those_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o external_a act_n of_o unworthy_a communicate_v proceed_v from_o their_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n by_o examination_n find_v themselves_o in_o a_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n to_o answer_v our_o lord_n end_n in_o this_o his_o institution_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n in_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v communicant_n of_o it_o for_o man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n worthy_o or_o unworthy_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o thereby_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o remember_v our_o bless_a saviour_n query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_v and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o 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a_o faithful_a practice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o person_n baptize_v and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a because_o wrought_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o i_o have_v show_v yet_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v effectual_a at_o last_o be_v but_o only_a beginning_n and_o preparatory_a to_o a_o second_o and_o thorough_a conversion_n of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v carry_v quite_o through_o and_o make_v effectual_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n after_o
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v 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though_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n religion_n gain_v among_o man_n and_o if_o all_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o it_o the_o church_n power_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v quick_o be_v thereby_o exceed_o weaken_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o great_o obstruct_v we_o have_v not_o now_o miracle_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o unbelieved_n and_o blind_a world_n will_v have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v now_o the_o more_o need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n too_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o of_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n shall_v count_v when_o he_o write_v up_o the_o people_n that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o psal_n 87.5_o 6._o how_o many_o worthy_a child_n have_v the_o church_n have_v and_o of_o great_a use_n in_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o parent_n of_o but_o small_a account_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o such_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o true_o religious_a man_n and_o by_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o chureh_n education_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v deprive_v of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o church_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o useful_a member_n as_o these_o prove_v to_o be_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o to_o take_v other_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v credible_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a tend_v much_o more_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o exclude_v all_o such_o will_v do_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a over_o and_o beside_o such_o as_o be_v of_o it_o as_o invisible_a those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v be_v in_o much_o more_o danger_n than_o now_o they_o be_v of_o be_v devour_v by_o those_o numerous_a enemy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n comparative_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o and_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a that_o of_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o those_o who_o be_v but_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a or_o how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n if_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o outward_a form_n and_o profession_n do_v not_o stand_v as_o a_o screen_n between_o they_o and_o those_o enemy_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v root_v up_o if_o the_o tare_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v have_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n mat._n 13._o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o no_o more_o do_v i_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v a_o bar_n against_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
the_o bad_a from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o church_n but_o from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o world_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o grow_v together_o in_o the_o church_n till_o harvest_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o strengthen_v this_o they_o allege_v our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o be_v the_o world_n mat._n 13.38_o and_o this_o indeed_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o i_o think_v it_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o the_o field_n indeed_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v be_v the_o world_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mar._n 16.15_o but_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v this_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v present_o baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v among_o these_o that_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o many_o of_o they_o prove_v bad_a christian_n so_o that_o the_o seed_n be_v first_o sow_o in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o common_a field_n but_o yet_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o become_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o enclose_a garden_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o harvest_n shall_v come_v when_o these_o tare_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n our_o saviour_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ver._n 41._o where_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o grow_v till_o this_o harvest_n and_o what_o be_v this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o his_o visible_a church_n the_o history_n of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v do_v plain_o lay_v open_a the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o that_o of_o the_o draw-net_n and_o other_o like_a parable_n in_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o this_o parable_n in_o particular_a show_v further_a that_o these_o tare_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n say_v he_o you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o tare_n grow_v with_o the_o wheat_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n matter_n of_o security_n to_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o more_o danger_n by_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o than_o by_o their_o grow_v together_o with_o it_o in_o more_o danger_n of_o bein_z root_v up_o or_o root_v out_o and_o this_o seem_v full_o to_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a that_o reason_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o why_o all_o unregenerate_a christian_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hear_v say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o but_o few_o in_o number_n do_v yet_o subsist_v yea_o and_o abundant_o increase_v too_o though_o they_o have_v no_o humane_a or_o worldly_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o when_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v against_o they_o and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o do_v so_o now_o though_o none_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n shall_v be_v any_o defence_n unto_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o world_n continue_v and_o increase_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o back_n and_o abet_v they_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v i_o mean_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o then_o procure_v the_o christian_n great_a reputation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o which_o do_v still_o attract_v and_o draw_v in_o more_o to_o their_o party_n than_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o persecution_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a power_n which_o be_v then_o infidel_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o miraculous_a wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o in_o those_o time_n the_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v so_o astonish_v and_o affect_v that_o they_o favour_v they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o ruler_n be_v put_v under_o some_o awe_n for_o we_o read_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a great_a grace_n or_o favour_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n all_o the_o christian_n act_n 4.33_o and_o chap._n 5.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o so_o that_o the_o ruler_n when_o they_o have_v otherwise_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o find_v not_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n for_o all_o man_n glorify_v god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v chap._n 4.21_o and_o in_o chap._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bring_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n that_o they_o bring_v they_o without_o violence_n because_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v stone_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n they_o obtain_v among_o the_o people_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o the_o numerous_a miracle_n they_o wrought_v believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o ruler_n chap._n 5.14_o and_o that_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v make_v from_o among_o the_o heathen_a also_o be_v attribute_v by_o st._n paul_n unto_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a way_n i_o will_v not_o dare_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o wrought_v by_o i_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a by_o word_n and_o deed_n through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.18_o 19_o but_o if_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o be_v not_o countenance_v and_o protect_v by_o christian_a state_n and_o governor_n and_o by_o a_o multitude_n more_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o themselves_o than_o be_v of_o like_a sincerity_n in_o that_o profession_n they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n extirpate_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o insidel_n and_o antichristian_a party_n in_o it_o when_o the_o papal_a defection_n befall_v the_o church_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o great_a part_n perhaps_o of_o the_o then_o visible_a church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a and_o become_v their_o enemy_n in_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o exterminate_n and_o root_n out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a christian_n which_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n to_o show_v how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v desert_v by_o those_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o of_o it_o or_o if_o those_o be_v reject_v as_o no_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o thereby_o make_v their_o enemy_n 4._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n in_o another_o respect_n of_o reckon_v none_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o to_o admit_v man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v already_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a tend_v great_o to_o betray_v many_o soul_n into_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o self-deceiving_a for_o if_o this_o rule_n of_o admission_n shall_v be_v observe_v many_o mistake_n will_v be_v commit_v either_o through_o fallibility_n or_o partiality_n of_o judgement_n in_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o and_o so_o many_o will_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o receive_v under_o the_o approbation_n of_o
the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a will_v be_v thereby_o strengthen_v in_o their_o self-flattery_n and_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o touch_n their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o find_v the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o thus_o strengthen_v by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concur_v with_o they_o therein_o they_o will_v be_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n and_o in_o so_o much_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o rest_v secure_o in_o that_o unsafe_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o their_o soul_n we_o know_v or_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o many_o that_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v laodicean_n like_v less_o apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n before_o god_n than_o they_o that_o be_v true_o sincere_a how_o much_o less_o will_v they_o suspect_v it_o and_o how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o though_o false_a when_o they_o have_v the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o back_v they_o in_o it_o and_o that_o after_o inspection_n have_v be_v make_v into_o their_o life_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n approve_v of_o as_o the_o manner_n be_v of_o those_o that_o go_v that_o way_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o of_o this_o great_a inconvenience_n some_o of_o the_o new_a england_n divine_v grow_v sensible_a after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o that_o way_n a_o great_a while_n for_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_v apologetical_a preface_n pa._n 43_o 44._o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o these_o word_n indeed_o when_o man_n confound_v these_o two_o and_o do_v the_o visible_a church_n interest_n unto_o such_o condition_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v repute_v enough_o to_o salvation_n this_o may_v tend_v to_o harden_v man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n that_o if_o once_o they_o be_v but_o get_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n when_o as_o alas_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n do_v arise_v from_o man_n be_v own_v visible_a church_n member_n from_o their_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o from_o their_o covenant_a to_o endeavour_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o such_o profession_n and_o such_o covenant_a do_v indeed_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o church_n that_o such_o will_v not_o be_v so_o regardless_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v their_o duty_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o yet_o such_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v their_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o future_a do_v not_o minister_v any_o occasion_n of_o confidence_n in_o such_o man_n that_o they_o have_v already_o perform_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n as_o a_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o unto_o communion_n as_o have_v in_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n already_o perform_v it_o will_v do_v this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o receive_v they_o into_o communion_n in_o her_o external_a privilege_n in_o hope_n of_o their_o improve_n they_o to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n give_v they_o no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n of_o the_o safety_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o condition_n thereby_o further_o than_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a by_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o improve_n the_o opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o do_v so_o by_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n man_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o their_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o communion_n though_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v no_o judgement_n thereby_o of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o do_v so_o in_o case_n it_o have_v st._n paul_n be_v sensible_a i_o doubt_v not_o how_o prone_a many_o christian_n be_v to_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n mere_o upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o partaker_n in_o the_o external_a communion_n thereof_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o caution_v the_o christian_n against_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o safe_a condition_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o labour_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v rest_v therein_o without_o grow_v better_a and_o better_a thereby_o 1_o cor._n 10._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a brethren_n how_o that_o all_o our_o father_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o do_v all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n and_o yet_o with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v but_o overthrow_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o lust_v then_o enumerate_v their_o miscarriage_n and_o what_o befall_v they_o thereupon_o and_o further_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n happen_v to_o they_o for_o example_n or_o type_n to_o we_o and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v thereby_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v participate_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_n in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o best_a in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o like_a they_o may_v perish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n 5._o another_o reason_n against_o refuse_v all_o such_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o that_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o good_a for_o bad_a and_o of_o refuse_v the_o sincere_a christian_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a there_o be_v so_o little_a visible_a difference_n between_o what_o many_o of_o the_o same_o person_n be_v a_o little_a before_o they_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o have_v it_o only_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o man_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v if_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n under_o such_o circumstance_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o not_o mistake_v in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v still_o increase_v when_o that_o very_o little_a of_o true_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o some_o man_n be_v great_o obscure_v by_o the_o courseness_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o disposition_n beside_o the_o prejudice_n which_o some_o good_a man_n have_v against_o other_o upon_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n in_o opinion_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o discern_v true_a grace_n in_o some_o of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o good_a degree_n too_o this_o age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o narrowness_n of_o spirit_n and_o severity_n of_o many_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o of_o those_o in_o who_o god_n himself_o find_v save_v grace_n will_v be_v refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o it_o if_o that_o opinion_n shall_v general_o obtain_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a some_o do_v understand_v the_o danger_n of_o root_n up_o the_o wheat_n if_o the_o tare_n shall_v be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o wheat_n for_o the_o tare_n if_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v attempt_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o other_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v they_o both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n it_o will_v be_v pat_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o reason_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o than_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v that_o to_o be_v our_o savious_n meaning_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v elsewhere_o for_o i_o do_v not_o
good_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o what_o they_o desire_v and_o seek_v whereas_o the_o other_o tend_v to_o exasperate_v and_o provoke_v and_o to_o beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o a_o jealousy_n of_o their_o design_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v ease_n and_o relief_n in_o what_o be_v mattet_n of_o grievance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o which_o do_v that_o be_v no_o good_a way_n of_o obtain_v from_o they_o solomon_n wise_a advice_n be_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o ruler_n rise_v up_o against_o thou_o leave_v not_o thy_o place_n for_o yield_v pacifi_v great_a offence_n eccles_n 10.4_o query_n xiii_o wherein_o may_v catholic_n church_n communion_n consist_v and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o best_o preserve_v to_o clear_v our_o way_n in_o this_o inquiry_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n bear_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o to_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n but_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n by_o that_o relation_n in_o which_o their_o union_n consist_v they_o come_v to_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o one_o another_o than_o they_o have_v before_o their_o incorporation_n into_o that_o body_n and_o by_o it_o they_o come_v under_o new_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v before_o but_o their_o communion_n consist_v much_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o in_o a_o improvement_n of_o that_o interest_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o one_o another_o and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a by_o their_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o spiritual_a affair_n the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v make_v by_o one_o baptism_n or_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n respect_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o catholic_n communion_n respect_v its_o well-being_n by_o its_o increase_n in_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o comfort_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o catholic_n church_n unity_n by_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v another_o which_o come_v by_o relation_n but_o this_o unity_n of_o communion_n slow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o relation_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a have_v thus_o brief_o consider_v how_o catholic_n communion_n differ_v from_o catholic_n union_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o wherein_n or_o in_o what_o catholic_n commumunion_n do_v consist_v and_o we_o may_v best_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o as_o practise_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o it_o first_o become_v christian_n and_o this_o account_n we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n act_n 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n by_o which_o description_n we_o see_v it_o consist_v in_o their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o three_o thing_n faith_n worship_n fellowship_n 1._o in_o their_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o attendance_n to_o it_o and_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v call_v the_o common_a faith_n tit._n 1.4_o the_o one_o faith_n eph._n 4.5_o and_o their_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v style_v unity_n in_o the_o faith_n eph._n 4.13_o 2._o in_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n this_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n be_v say_v to_o have_v continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n act_v 1.14_o and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o penticost_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o when_o their_o number_n so_o increase_v that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o perform_v this_o public_a worship_n together_o in_o one_o place_n but_o in_o several_a distinct_a assembly_n call_v particular_a church_n yet_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o worship_n make_v their_o communion_n in_o it_o but_o one_o communion_n though_o perform_v in_o several_a assembly_n for_o although_o these_o assembly_n be_v never_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n the_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v no_o more_o hinder_v their_o communion_n from_o be_v one_o than_o their_o be_v baptize_v in_o several_a distant_a place_n can_v hinder_v the_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o contract_v thereby_o from_o be_v one_o when_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n we_o account_v all_o those_o to_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o act_n in_o which_o they_o hold_v their_o local_a commumunion_n in_o several_a distant_a nation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o communion_n in_o worship_n of_o all_o orthodox_n assembly_n in_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o for_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v man_n agreement_n in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o communion_n be_v they_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o make_v their_o communion_n but_o one_o though_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o in_o many_o thousand_o distant_a place_n and_o now_o it_o be_v by_o the_o union_n of_o relation_n by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n by_o agreement_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o worship_n wherein_o they_o have_v communion_n that_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n make_v one_o great_a house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o he_o be_v open_o worship_v and_o public_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o one_o only_o true_a god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o false_a god_n ephes_n 2.21_o in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o house_n which_o be_v call_v christ_n own_a house_n heb._n 3.6_o and_o that_o house_n of_o god_n over_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o particular_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o one_o house_n be_v but_o as_o several_a apartment_n in_o it_o which_o all_o together_o make_v up_o one_o great_a house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o house_n of_o his_o god_n dwell_v and_o therein_o manife_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n after_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n here_o almighty_a god_n meet_v with_o they_o and_o commune_v with_o they_o and_o receive_v their_o address_n and_o here_o he_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o benign_a influence_n and_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a church_n in_o their_o several_a assembly_n have_v communion_n with_o their_o head_n christ_n jesus_n and_o one_o with_o another_o by_o partake_v in_o common_a of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n communicate_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o assist_v in_o common_a in_o the_o worship_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o church_n render_v he_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o transcendent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v and_o return_v he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o the_o more_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o in_o their_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o more_o they_o honour_v he_o and_o the_o more_o they_o please_v he_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o he_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n if_o the_o agreement_n but_o of_o two_o of_o they_o touch_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v ask_v have_v his_o promise_n of_o grant_v it_o mat._n 18.19_o what_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o
if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o communion_n 3._o catholic_n communion_n consist_v also_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n which_o christian_n give_v to_o and_o receive_v one_o from_o another_o couch_v in_o that_o one_o word_n fellowship_n in_o the_o description_n of_o catholic_n communion_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o our_o version_n be_v here_o translate_a fellowship_n be_v by_o the_o dutch_a in_o their_o version_n translate_v communion_n and_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n it_o signify_v both_o to_o communicate_v and_o to_o participate_v to_o distribute_v and_o to_o receive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n every_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o the_o which_o if_o due_o observe_v by_o all_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o thus_o communicate_v and_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o other_o will_v be_v receive_v back_o again_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o from_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o like_a succour_n service_n and_o assistance_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v as_o they_o themselves_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o serve_v every_o fellow-christian_a so_o according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o and_o this_o give_v and_o receive_v assistance_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v communicate_v with_o he_o phil._n 4.15_o if_o this_o catholic_n communion_n be_v but_o due_o maintain_v among_o all_o christian_n how_o like_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n will_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v even_o now_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o then_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o christian_n thus_o to_o exchange_v office_n of_o love_n with_o one_o another_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o if_o i_o be_o hereby_o bind_v to_o love_v every_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o so_o be_v every_o neighbout_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o love_v i_o as_o they_o love_v themselves_o and_o how_o delightful_a a_o commerce_n will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o hit_v on_o it_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o love_n in_o which_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n do_v consist_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o the_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o the_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a mind_v the_o visit_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a the_o relieve_v one_o another_o want_n the_o bear_n on_o another_o burden_n the_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o like_a together_o with_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o yield_n and_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o enjoy_v communion_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o it_o by_o draw_v on_o themselves_o deserve_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o those_o ordinance_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o little_a child_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o much_o brief_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n commumunion_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v preserve_v there_o be_v two_o bond_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 1_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v man_n heart_n together_o and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o affection_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n as_o as_o it_o be_v express_v col._n 2.2_o and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v one_o in_o communion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v act_v 4.32_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n charity_n we_o see_v be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o perfect_a state_n in_o her_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n by_o love_n make_v perfect_a in_o one_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o joh._n 17.23_o and_o the_o union_n in_o communion_n which_o be_v make_v by_o love_n be_v union_n in_o its_o perfection_n nothing_o unite_v christian_n so_o entire_o and_o firm_o as_o love_n do_v if_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v this_o love_n and_o union_n by_o love_n will_v last_v there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n in_o the_o oneness_n of_o communion_n until_o there_o be_v first_o a_o failure_n in_o love_n charity_n must_v needs_o unite_v and_o knit_v christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n forementioned_a do_v spring_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o by_o these_o christian_n take_v fast_o hold_v one_o of_o another_o charity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v communicative_a of_o the_o good_a it_o have_v and_o the_o good_a it_o can_v do_v and_o by_o that_o it_o do_v attract_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v charity_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o christian_n inner_a man_n by_o which_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o though_o absent_a love_n be_v of_o a_o win_a nature_n it_o gain_v upon_o other_o that_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n if_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v season_v a_o man_n speech_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o strong_a argument_n when_o mix_v with_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n a_o tongue_n of_o love_n be_v solomon_n tongue_n of_o health_n it_o will_v heal_v wound_n when_o another_o tongue_n do_v but_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v st._n paul_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o do_v all_o their_o thing_n with_o charity_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n upon_o they_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cure_v the_o division_n into_o which_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v again_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n 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out_o of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o by_o desert_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o correct_v open_a and_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o lesser_a disorder_n for_o else_o if_o both_o be_v punish_v alike_o when_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o criminal_a or_o if_o lesser_a disorder_n shall_v be_v strict_o look_v after_o and_o severe_o punish_v and_o great_a connive_v at_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o government_n in_o man_n reverence_n and_o esteem_v and_o so_o weaken_v the_o fence_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o render_v communion_n with_o she_o less_o desirable_a by_o such_o as_o will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v unequal_o deal_v with_o by_o she_o but_o as_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o to_o unity_n in_o its_o communion_n so_o be_v obedience_n to_o such_o government_n without_o which_o government_n lose_v its_o end_n but_o when_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v equal_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o will_v consist_v with_o the_o due_a end_n of_o it_o then_o if_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o disobedient_a under_o it_o they_o will_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o sober_a man_n if_o fit_v course_n be_v take_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v government_n in_o the_o church_n will_v signify_v little_a thus_o much_o concern_v our_o inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o unity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n be_v necessary_a and_o why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o without_o fracture_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v this_o because_o its_o be_v such_o and_o so_o keep_v and_o maintain_v tend_v great_o to_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n and_o bigness_n of_o its_o body_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n for_o next_o to_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n the_o peaceable_a and_o 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bless_a saviour_n so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o union_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o thing_n their_o religien_n teach_v they_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o world_n will_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o neither_o pray_v i_o for_o these_o alone_a but_o for_o they_o also_o which_o shall_v believe_v on_o i_o through_o their_o word_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o have_v have_v its_o contrary_a effect_n for_o where_o have_v any_o such_o numerous_a addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v find_v from_o among_o the_o pagan_a world_n since_o the_o great_a division_n which_o have_v rise_v and_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n while_n catholic_n communion_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o considerable_a interruption_n nay_o have_v not_o the_o unreasonable_a division_n and_o fierce_a contention_n which_o have_v break_v out_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n especial_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o sceptic_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o more_o general_a flow_a of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v accomplish_v but_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o be_v until_o by_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o virtue_n they_o make_v a_o better_a representation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o they_o do_v at_o this_o day_n when_o god_n almighty_a turn_n to_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n than_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v they_o will_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v zeph._n 3.9_o not_o while_o they_o treat_v one_o another_o with_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a language_n which_o smell_n of_o wrath_n and_o disdain_n of_o envy_n spite_n and_o contempt_n not_o while_o by_o word_n they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o disgrace_v one_o another_o but_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o the_o good_a agreement_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n for_o where_o peace_n and_o good_a agreement_n be_v in_o the_o several_a office_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n there_o love_n be_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n which_o hold_v they_o fast_o together_o and_o love_n be_v a_o radical_a grace_n out_o of_o which_o other_o grace_n grow_v in_o so_o much_o that_o love_n be_v make_v the_o summary_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.8.10_o charity_n edifi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o like_a god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v set_v and_o on_o which_o it_o exercise_v itself_o it_o tend_v to_o build_v up_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a reason_n why_o a_o peaceable_a agreement_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v to_o increase_v the_o church_n in_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n viz._n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n delight_v to_o dwell_v where_o peace_n and_o love_n dwell_v and_o there_o to_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v enrich_v but_o without_o his_o supply_n influence_n and_o operation_n there_o be_v no_o thrive_n in_o grace_n and_o real_a goodness_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o where_o god_n take_v up_o his_o special_a residence_n he_o will_v adorn_v those_o live_a temple_n with_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a ornament_n and_o those_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o best_a sort_n of_o gift_n such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o
the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.11_o while_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v so_o do_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o unpeaceable_o contend_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n perhaps_o do_v neither_o esteem_n or_o disesteem_a man_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a blessing_n especial_o and_o as_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n enlivens_fw-la it_o with_o natural_a life_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o several_a member_n perform_v their_o several_a function_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o even_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v animate_v it_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o do_v so_o influence_n and_o actuate_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o all_o perform_v their_o several_a christian_a office_n proper_a to_o each_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o this_o vital_a power_n of_o act_v spiritual_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o each_o of_o the_o member_n as_o they_o be_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o as_o one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o this_o conveyance_n to_o another_o and_o each_o enable_v to_o contribute_v its_o part_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o col._n 2.19_o where_o st._n paul_n mention_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n say_v from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n of_o the_o body_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n we_o see_v as_o have_v obtain_v it_o by_o his_o mediation_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a office-work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v the_o benesit_n obtain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o work_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 16.14_o and_o this_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n as_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o union_n one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o a_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n or_o member_n must_v needs_o obstruct_v this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o parallel_a place_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v make_v we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o and_o also_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v be_v so_o compact_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n depend_v upon_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o assistance_n and_o how_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o presence_n depend_v upon_o the_o peaceable_a agreement_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v and_o if_o so_o then_o unpeaceableness_n discord_n and_o strife_n contention_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n in_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o special_a presence_n and_o divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v thrive_v and_o increase_v in_o true_a goodness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o will_v rather_o decline_v and_o go_v backward_o though_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v so_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n which_o will_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v so_o with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o live_v in_o peace_n though_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v indeed_o dispense_v gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v common_a to_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a such_o as_o these_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o christian_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o disorder_n and_o unpeaceable_a division_n but_o as_o for_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o constitute_v man_n true_o good_a such_o as_o love_v joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n and_o meekness_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o have_v of_o these_o and_o man_n be_v of_o a_o unpeaceable_a temper_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n be_v i_o fear_v inconsistent_a for_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o though_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n chap._n 1_o 5._o yet_o in_o chap._n 3.1_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o because_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a say_v he_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n that_o be_v as_o other_o man_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o talk_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o walk_n and_o live_v be_v but_o as_o they_o while_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n be_v find_v with_o they_o for_o these_o be_v of_o those_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o those_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o these_o scripture_n measure_n it_o will_v make_v they_o on_o all_o hand_n one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o another_o to_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o find_v themselves_o but_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o sad_a time_n wherein_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v without_o delay_n repent_v and_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n and_o religious_a so_o long_o as_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o be_v and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o christian_n unity_n in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o
substance_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o their_o fellowship_n or_o mutual_a love_n as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o do_v then_o their_o be_v divide_v in_o these_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o or_o in_o any_o lesser_a thing_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v that_o undoubted_o be_v schism_n when_o any_o thing_n which_o before_o be_v but_o one_o come_v to_o be_v divide_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v one_o any_o long_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o reunion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o church_n communion_n although_o christian_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n also_o yet_o if_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o lesser_a thing_n they_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o that_o christian_a fellowship_n or_o brotherly_a love_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v their_o unity_n of_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v also_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o their_o communion_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v be_v destroy_v by_o uncharitable_a division_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v thereby_o destroy_v for_o brotherly_a love_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o cotholick_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o that_o be_v destroy_v by_o any_o division_n though_o but_o about_o lesser_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o communion_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n contract_v yea_o and_o their_o communion_n itself_o in_o faith_n and_o worship_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v be_v great_o damnify_v also_o for_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v render_v unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o themselves_o for_o want_n of_o communion_n in_o brotherly_a love_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o for_o worship_n if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o remembere_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n show_v how_o little_a god_n regard_v devotional_a communion_n in_o worship_n when_o void_a of_o true_a charity_n the_o schism_n we_o inquire_v after_o then_o lie_v in_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o christian_a unity_n in_o faith_n or_o in_o worship_n or_o in_o love_n and_o all_o church_n division_n tend_v more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o christian_a unity_n in_o these_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n that_o it_o lie_v in_o division_n appear_v in_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n from_o that_o for_o the_o word_n schism_n signify_v division_n or_o a_o rent_n and_o the_o translator_n of_o our_o english_a bible_n when_o they_o have_v put_v the_o word_n division_n in_o the_o line_n read_v they_o have_v put_v schism_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor_n 10.10_o and_o 11.18_o and_o when_o schism_n in_o the_o line_n division_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v to_o explain_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o since_o than_o schism_n consist_v in_o church_n division_n it_o follow_v that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o division_n be_v at_o any_o time_n by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o schism_n and_o the_o less_o the_o one_o be_v the_o less_o be_v the_o other_o also_o we_o must_v therefore_o distinguish_v of_o schism_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n or_o degree_n of_o division_n and_o so_o of_o schism_n which_o be_v sometime_o find_v among_o christian_n i._o a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o christian_n touch_v some_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n some_o hold_v they_o unlawful_a other_o lawful_a some_o account_v they_o necessary_a when_o other_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v this_o difference_n fall_v out_o between_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o the_o believe_a gentile_n touch_v some_o meat_n the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n and_o a_o difference_n much_o like_o to_o this_o in_o some_o respect_n have_v fall_v our_o among_o some_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n and_o in_o our_o nation_n now_o a_o difference_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o division_n yet_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o manage_v as_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o sinful_a schism_n shall_v scarce_o at_o all_o follow_v upon_o it_o as_o thus_o first_o if_o those_o who_o be_v scrupulous_a and_o yet_o under_o a_o mistake_n shall_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a in_o their_o dissent_v and_o desirous_a to_o be_v as_o little_a troublesome_a and_o offensive_a to_o their_o brethren_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v as_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o as_o tender_v of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o case_n will_v permit_v and_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o impartial_o to_o consider_v any_o thing_n offer_v by_o their_o brethren_n to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o reconcile_v they_o in_o judgement_n second_o if_o they_o be_v not_o averse_a to_o comply_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o be_v agree_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o that_o case_n when_o he_o say_v nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n phil._n 3.16_o for_o these_o word_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o christian_n mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o of_o who_o he_o have_v say_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o and_o indeed_o this_o compliance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o like_a case_n to_o prevent_v schism_n upon_o a_o double_a account_n 1._o otherwise_o such_o do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v schism_n and_o so_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o if_o it_o follow_v for_o want_v of_o such_o compliance_n that_o to_o do_v thus_o be_v their_o undoubted_a duty_n be_v clear_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.18_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n how_o much_o more_o with_o fellow_n christian_n if_o christian_a compliance_n than_o be_v the_o way_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o christian_a brethren_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v when_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n require_v it_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o schism_n or_o a_o breach_n of_o peace_n follow_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o and_o guilty_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v they_o give_v occasion_n of_o suspicion_n that_o their_o noncompliance_n in_o that_o wherein_o their_o differ_v from_o their_o brethren_n profess_o lie_v proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o from_o some_o worse_a principle_n such_o as_o humour_n self_n will_v a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n or_o a_o personal_a prejudice_n against_o the_o man_n from_o who_o they_o differ_v or_o the_o like_a for_o it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o if_o conscience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o then_o conscience_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o go_v along_o with_o their_o brethren_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v and_o to_o be_v tender_a and_o scrupulous_a of_o make_v the_o difference_n or_o breach_n between_o they_o wide_o than_o needs_o must_v and_o of_o multiply_a occasion_n of_o offence_n causeless_o man_n can_v be_v confident_a when_o they_o see_v such_o man_n be_v not_o tender_a of_o conscience_n in_o the_o one_o that_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o other_o but_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o their_o differ_v proceed_v chief_o from_o some_o worse_a cause_n though_o the_o party_n themselves_o perhaps_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o but_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o conscience_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n and_o when_o this_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n be_v give_v by_o not_o comply_v in_o what_o they_o can_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v to_o weaken_v man_n esteem_n of_o they_o and_o affection_n to_o they_o and_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o far_a difference_n whereas_o a_o compliance_n as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v will_v maintain_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o in_o man_n mind_n procure_v they_o fair_a quarter_n from_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o prevent_v the_o differenee_n from_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o
direct_a schism_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o reconciliation_n for_o when_o it_o do_v indeed_o appear_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o other_o true_o christian_a behaviour_n of_o person_n that_o through_o error_n of_o judgement_n differ_v from_o their_o brethren_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o that_o difference_n proceed_v pure_o from_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a and_o not_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n their_o case_n be_v true_o pitiable_a and_o call_v for_o tenderness_n towards_o they_o from_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o to_o treat_v they_o according_o be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v information_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o scruple_n whereas_o when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o treat_v with_o severity_n it_o tend_v to_o spoil_v their_o good_a temper_n and_o to_o exasperate_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o out_o of_o disgust_n to_o they_o who_o have_v so_o deal_v with_o they_o to_o unite_v into_o party_n and_o make_v head_n against_o they_o to_o the_o imbroil_v the_o church_n in_o grievous_a schism_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o and_o worse_a division_n or_o schism_n than_o mere_a difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n and_o that_o division_n lie_v more_o in_o christian_n unchristian_a manage_v their_o difference_n than_o in_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n when_o it_o be_v but_o about_o some_o thing_n wherein_o the_o good_a or_o hurt_n of_o man_n will_v be_v little_o concern_v if_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o their_o effect_n and_o this_o division_n lie_v in_o the_o immoderate_a manner_n of_o contend_v for_o that_o wherein_o christian_n differ_v as_o thus_o when_o they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o offer_v their_o argument_n fair_o and_o peaceable_o for_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o brethren_n for_o not_o submit_v to_o but_o oppose_v they_o both_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o practice_n as_o when_o they_o set_v they_o at_o naught_o and_o censure_v they_o as_o insincere_a as_o not_o true_o lover_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bias_v by_o some_o undue_a interest_n of_o honour_n reputation_n or_o gain_v or_o humour_n or_o self-will_n and_o that_o these_o prevail_v with_o they_o more_o than_o truth_n now_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v of_o a_o provoke_a nature_n and_o lay_v a_o temptation_n upon_o their_o brethren_n passion_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o alienate_v affection_n and_o minister_v to_o unpeaceable_a contending_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o peace_n though_o man_n have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v schismatical_a in_o labour_v to_o propagate_v or_o to_o defend_v that_o truth_n when_o they_o go_v far_o in_o do_v so_o than_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n i_o mean_v in_o way_n of_o controversy_n though_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v move_v with_o undue_a motive_n to_o oppose_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o what_o they_o hold_v yet_o because_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n it_o lie_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o may_v fear_v or_o suspect_v yet_o they_o shall_v forbear_v either_o to_o pronounce_v or_o insinuate_v any_o such_o hard_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o violate_v peace_n by_o cause_v unquietness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o destroy_v charity_n weaken_v yea_o wound_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v schism_n though_o it_o shall_v never_o proceed_v to_o actual_a separation_n this_o mingle_n of_o man_n passion_n and_o unchristian_a censure_n and_o insinuation_n with_o their_o argument_n hinder_v the_o due_a operation_n of_o their_o argument_n upon_o their_o antagonist_n mind_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o hinder_v it_o jam._n 1.20_o whereas_o though_o man_n do_v differ_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o propose_v and_o reply_v one_o to_o another_o no_v otherwise_o than_o as_o suppose_v both_o side_n to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n they_o may_v live_v love_o and_o peaceable_o together_o and_o enjoy_v edify_v and_o comfortable_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o their_o difference_n in_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o division_n and_o consequent_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o person_n that_o divide_v or_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n unnecessary_o gather_v into_o a_o party_n and_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o together_o the_o more_o public_o and_o avowed_o to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v in_o opposition_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o industrious_o labour_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o hope_v thereby_o in_o time_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v their_o opposite_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o their_o cause_n now_o if_o the_o thing_n or_o thing_n they_o after_o this_o manner_n contend_v for_o shall_v be_v unprofitable_a for_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v obtain_v or_o of_o so_o little_a use_n or_o benefit_n as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v countervail_v the_o hurt_n that_o be_v or_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o be_v obtain_v in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o grievous_a schism_n thus_o to_o divide_v and_o imbroil_v the_o church_n upon_o so_o mean_v a_o account_n a_o division_n or_o schism_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v term_v faction_n which_o be_v a_o side_v or_o make_v of_o party_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o some_o sort_n be_v the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o their_o division_n be_v factious_a division_n for_o they_o proceed_v to_o make_v of_o party_n their_o crime_n in_o this_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v term_v division_n in_o our_o bibles_n but_o the_o word_n be_v faction_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o and_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n render_v sedition_n in_o our_o translation_n be_v division_n or_o faction_n in_o the_o margin_n gal._n 5.20_o this_o sort_n of_o division_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o faction_n or_o make_v of_o party_n be_v more_o than_o be_v find_v in_o some_o division_n which_o yet_o be_v sinful_a now_o when_o a_o schism_n grow_v up_o to_o this_o height_n to_o a_o combine_a strength_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o while_o it_o be_v act_v only_o by_o a_o few_o apart_o and_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n and_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o then_o there_o be_v more_o of_o contempt_n in_o it_o and_o more_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o community_n more_o disturb_v and_o because_o usual_o by_o endeavour_n of_o increase_v the_o party_n much_o more_o evil_a be_v perpetrate_v by_o slander_n naughty_a insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n against_o those_o they_o divide_v from_o and_o combine_v against_o than_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o division_n at_o first_o or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o error_n on_o which_o the_o division_n first_o begin_v this_o factious_a division_n be_v likewise_o aggravate_v further_o when_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o sedition_n and_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n gal._n 5._o the_o same_o word_n signify_v division_n faction_n and_o sedition_n now_o sedition_n i_o conceive_v be_v a_o division_n accompany_v with_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n against_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n under_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o it_o be_v their_o act_v thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o government_n far_o than_o the_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v against_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o perhaps_o by_o seek_v to_o alter_v any_o thing_n amiss_o or_o inconvenient_a in_o the_o government_n in_o a_o undue_a way_n that_o be_v by_o act_v out_o of_o their_o sphere_n or_o the_o place_n or_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o their_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n in_o it_o
church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o world_n all_o under_o this_o character_n and_o badge_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o that_o relation_n visible_a church-membership_a all_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v visible_o christian_n and_o of_o christ_n church_n how_o ancient_a and_o how_o long_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o way_n of_o constitute_v visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o god_n appoint_v i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o if_o this_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o by_o which_o person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o reputation_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o visible_a church_n member_n though_o it_o do_v qualify_v they_o for_o it_o unless_o this_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o those_o of_o which_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v constitute_v have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o those_o dissenter_n own_o mind_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o constitutute_v of_o qualify_a matter_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o this_o issue_n that_o these_o dissenter_n must_v either_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o prove_v that_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v make_v or_o else_o it_o will_v certain_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n of_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o they_o they_o must_v row_v all_o the_o way_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o strong_a tide_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o who_o always_o esteem_v baptism_n the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v pass_v through_o baptism_n be_v within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a without_o be_v first_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a proceed_v from_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o as_o touch_v man_n entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a act_v 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o mar._n 16.16_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n man_n being_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o their_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v ordinary_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n now_o one_o will_v think_v a_o notion_n so_o preposterous_a as_o this_o oppose_v appear_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v very_o unfit_a to_o make_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v church_n upon_o or_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o those_o which_o have_v a_o substantial_a foundation_n the_o scripture_n i_o mean_v but_o if_o man_n seem_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a yet_o such_o seem_a can_v be_v no_o proper_a or_o fit_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n determine_v and_o conclude_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v arbitrarious_fw-la and_o uncertain_a for_o man_n be_v or_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n and_o those_o will_v seem_v in_o some_o man_n apprehension_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o to_o other_o will_v seem_v otherwise_o and_o then_o those_o will_v be_v own_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o will_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a method_n that_o first_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o way_n reformation_n and_o pure_a communion_n be_v thing_n which_o sound_v mighty_a well_o in_o good_a man_n ear_n and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o believe_v to_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a strictness_n in_o that_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o more_o general_a communion_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o hereupon_o to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o purity_n in_o it_o also_o which_o have_v be_v the_o prevail_a reason_n which_o have_v carry_v multitude_n into_o quakerism_n and_o when_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o seat_v itself_o in_o man_n mind_n they_o quick_o grow_v confident_a that_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v against_o it_o and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o fancy_v that_o every_o slight_a appearance_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o upon_o which_o they_o can_v but_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n as_o shall_v favour_v they_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n when_o impartial_o scan_v and_o have_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v oppose_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o good_a man_n be_v matter_n of_o purity_n indeed_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v one_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o if_o this_o their_o way_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n pure_a word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o what_o be_v impure_a and_o if_o it_o run_v counter_a to_o our_o lord_n method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o very_o material_a point_n than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o impure_a practice_n a_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o a_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o such_o it_o be_v if_o i_o have_v not_o
our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n do_v ever_o decline_v the_o public_a worship_n or_o the_o use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o such_o assembly_n where_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a have_v communion_n in_o they_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a with_o good_a can_v hinder_v good_a man_n from_o any_o growth_n in_o grace_n by_o those_o ordinance_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o due_a care_n to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o can_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o separate_n and_o new_a associate_a in_o reference_n to_o man_n own_o growth_n in_o grace_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v simple_o lawful_a which_o make_v such_o separation_n on_o the_o one_o have_v and_o associate_a on_o the_o other_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a when_o it_o cause_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o such_o obstruction_n to_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o do_v and_o will_v do_v more_o if_o it_o shall_v more_o general_o prevail_v the_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n do_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n by_o communicate_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v nor_o do_v they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n design_v they_o by_o his_o ordinance_n either_o by_o have_v their_o mind_n discompose_v by_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o communicant_n or_o otherwise_o for_o if_o they_o have_v we_o can_v think_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n search_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n will_v have_v applaud_v they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n say_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a rev_n 3.4_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n nor_o at_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o i_o must_v inform_v those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o i_o have_v discern_v that_o what_o be_v herein_o plead_v have_v have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o some_o few_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n of_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a interpretation_n i_o shall_v not_o thus_o far_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o as_o it_o do_v to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v the_o general_a stream_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n herein_o both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o make_v this_o essay_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o most_o need_v it_o second_o that_o i_o take_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a charity_n as_o tend_v to_o no_o man_n hurt_n but_o to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o sort_n else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o it_o for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n orthodox_n in_o divinity_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n now_o if_o the_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n plead_v for_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o not_o otherwise_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n than_o the_o exclude_v such_o from_o both_o will_v do_v than_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o they_o and_o this_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n tend_v to_o propagate_v and_o spread_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o narrow_a way_n can_v do_v as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o its_o matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o and_o in_o that_o this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o the_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o excommunication_n in_o reference_n to_o capital_a offender_n but_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o because_o by_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o shame_n and_o so_o unto_o repentance_n when_o they_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o or_o to_o be_v number_v with_o they_o as_o be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v less_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n upon_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o than_o our_o dissent_v friend_n be_v that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o great_a uncharitableness_n towards_o gross_a sinner_n when_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n rule_v observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o not_o use_v such_o severity_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o such_o from_o church-communion_n as_o may_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a when_o yet_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o heresy_n scandalous_a crime_n or_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o man_n may_v give_v occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o unregeneracy_n by_o such_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o do_v good_a as_o yet_o may_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o excommunication_n neither_o be_v this_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n hurtful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v good_a but_o give_v they_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o more_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o uncharitableness_n unto_o they_o neither_o for_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v if_o nothing_o else_o do_v they_o may_v be_v as_o strict_a as_o they_o will_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o best_a man_n for_o their_o own_o improvement_n in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v beneficial_a to_o they_o by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n and_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v more_o good_a than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v for_o while_o good_a man_n do_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o formal_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o the_o better_o preserve_v their_o own_o esteem_n among_o they_o and_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o excel_v they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o they_o in_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o in_o their_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n and_o the_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n whereas_o a_o contrary_a carriage_n produce_v contrary_a effect_n for_o separation_n from_o neighbour_n as_o no_o member_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o breed_v more_o or_o less_o estrangedness_n between_o they_o and_o that_o beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n concern_v they_o as_o man_n want_v in_o true_a christian_a charity_n and_o humility_n which_o will_v make_v they_o the_o less_o value_v and_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n the_o less_o regard_v and_o their_o good_a example_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a imitation_n the_o less_o take_v with_o and_o the_o less_o gain_v upon_o such_o man_n a_o discourse_n likewise_o which_o evince_v a_o more_o extensive_a visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o god_n than_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v allow_v must_v needs_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o themselves_o more_o especial_o for_o it_o tend_v to_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o make_v they_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o good_a man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o such_o apprehension_n as_o make_v he_o troublesome_a even_o to_o good_a man_n themselves_o without_o any_o cause_n and_o from_o such_o opinion_n as_o have_v kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o contention_n and_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n destructive_a of_o that_o christian_a charity_n without_o which_o all_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a grief_n to_o all_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o any_o undue_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v very_o grateful_a to_o they_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v remove_v this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n be_v then_o more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o be_v and_o true_o hurtful_a to_o none_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o way_n and_o method_n so_o full_o of_o charity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o moral_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v will_v commend_v itself_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o that_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o man_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o evidence_n from_o supernatural_a revelation_n to_o back_n and_o authorise_v it_o which_o it_o have_v the_o consideration_n of_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o i_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o so_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v plead_v my_o excuse_n in_o every_o good_a man_n conscience_n for_o this_o undertake_n for_o indeed_o i_o that_o do_v certain_o know_v my_o own_o mind_n do_v know_v that_o i_o have_v more_o love_n and_o true_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n who_o opinion_n i_o have_v herein_o oppose_v than_o to_o wish_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o hurt_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o may_v reasonable_o promise_v this_o to_o myself_o that_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n for_o truth_n sake_n and_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o will_v buy_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatsoever_o shall_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o self_n interest_n and_o to_o consider_v impartial_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o what_o hand_n soever_o it_o be_v prepare_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v from_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n this_o discourse_n be_v compose_v the_o end_n
whether_o in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o to_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o somewhat_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o whether_o likewise_o such_o answer_n from_o the_o parent_n shall_v not_o be_v expect_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o demand_n and_o further_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o infant_n can_v be_v so_o well_o or_o so_o direct_o and_o proper_o oblige_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n by_o what_o sponsor_n which_o be_v not_o their_o parent_n then_o do_v to_o oblige_v they_o as_o they_o may_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n themselves_o may_v do_v to_o that_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposal_n or_o question_n be_v this_o if_o the_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n which_o parent_n oblige_v they_o to_o in_o their_o baptism_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o parent_n proper_o in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o as_o be_v suppose_v it_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v then_o they_o can_v be_v so_o proper_o oblige_v by_o what_o other_o sponsor_n do_v in_o their_o behalf_n at_o their_o baptism_n which_o have_v no_o such_o property_n in_o they_o or_o authority_n over_o they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o parent_n be_v not_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n when_o yet_o sponsor_n act_v in_o the_o parent_n stead_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o cause_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o what_o the_o sponsor_n act_v be_v by_o the_o parent_n procurement_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v interpretative_o their_o act_n but_o yet_o parent_n immediate_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n act_v the_o part_n of_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n seem_v more_o proper_a and_o better_a to_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n sponsor_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a in_o case_n parent_n of_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v dead_a as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n from_o which_o perhaps_o that_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n there_o be_v other_o case_n in_o which_o sponsor_n or_o pro-parent_n may_v be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o hardly_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v parent_n from_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o submission_n to_o those_o of_o better_a judgement_n and_o more_o authority_n have_v only_o offer_v they_o to_o consideration_n query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_n say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o visible_a in_o other_o and_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o difference_n arise_v this_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n and_o from_o the_o different_a union_n between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o his_o member_n which_o be_v cause_v thereby_o by_o invisible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v those_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o man_n abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o serious_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o holy_a live_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v everlasting_a misery_n and_o become_v eternal_o happy_a by_o visible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v external_a and_o visible_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n such_o as_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o other_o act_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o in_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o in_o sobriety_n of_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n self_n now_o by_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n foremention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v external_a the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n be_v so_o perform_v that_o by_o it_o a_o man_n be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v invisible_o one_o with_o he_o but_o visible_a christianity_n alone_o be_v but_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a by_o this_o much_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n membership_n lie_v and_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v arise_v now_o that_o the_o internal_a christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o internal_a change_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o apprehension_n inclination_n motion_n and_o operation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o various_a object_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v produce_v or_o obtain_v a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a union_n of_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o this_o internal_a renovation_n of_o soul_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o union_n with_o god_n by_o adhesion_n for_o by_o it_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o be_v join_v to_o he_o he_o that_o be_v join_v or_o he_o that_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v render_v by_o both_o word_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o for_o a_o man_n firm_o and_o resolve_o to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n in_o worship_v love_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o in_o place_v his_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o his_o only_a god_n and_o saviour_n come_v what_o will_v which_o be_v his_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a union_n with_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o this_o internal_a renovation_n work_v a_o invisible_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o which_o participation_n man_n be_v moral_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o they_o be_v thereby_o renew_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n or_o one_o in_o spirit_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n or_o of_o one_o spirit_n for_o so_o far_o as_o such_o a_o one_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o renovation_n he_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o god_n judge_v and_o love_n and_o hate_v and_o design_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v 3._o by_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n man_n come_v to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o which_o their_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v complete_v the_o holy_a spirit_n first_o prepare_v they_o as_o live_a temple_n or_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o by_o renew_v they_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n and_o then_o come_v and_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o afford_v they_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n and_o assistance_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n dwell_v both_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o they_o the_o union_n between_o they_o become_v more_o intimous_a and_o more_o entire_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o as_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o make_v so_o much_o by_o their_o contiguity_n or_o close_o join_v as_o by_o be_v all_o animate_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n so_o it_o be_v