the_o church_n the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n deliver_v first_o in_o three_o sermon_n at_o rochester_n afterward_o contract_v into_o two_o and_o deliver_v again_o at_o gravesend_n together_o with_o a_o covenant_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n by_o will_n sandbrooke_n ll_o b_o ox._n and_o minister_n of_o margret_n rochester_n london_n print_v by_o w._n wilson_n for_o philemon_n stephens_n 1646._o to_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o the_o county_n of_o kâ—nt_n honour_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o bespeak_v you_o in_o a_o word_n of_o a_o apologetic_a preface_n for_o this_o my_o intrusion_n upon_o your_o goodness_n after_o sixteen_o year_n residence_n in_o oxford_n and_o many_o year_n foreign_a travel_n upon_o my_o return_n in_o these_o tumultuous_a time_n not_o be_v able_a to_o enjoy_v my_o own_o charge_n in_o oxford_n i_o betake_v myself_o to_o sea_n employment_n under_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o warwick_n and_o after_o two_o voyage_n my_o lot_n for_o residence_n fall_v into_o rochester_n and_o call_v to_o saint_n margaret_n have_v there_o two_o year_n exercise_v my_o ministry_n comfortable_o here_o after_o my_o dispatch_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n i_o let_v fall_v some_o conclusion_n in_o satisfaction_n to_o doubt_n now_o agitate_a in_o the_o world_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n which_o unexpected_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o some_o as_o i_o intend_v and_o wish_v for_o after_o i_o contract_v their_o largeness_n into_o this_o model_n and_o deliver_v they_o in_o gravesend_n exception_n be_v take_v by_o such_o as_o hear_v they_o not_o deliver_v but_o by_o report_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o defame_v with_o what_o bitterness_n let_v other_o that_o hear_v it_o judge_v i_o be_v therefore_o require_v for_o my_o own_o vindication_n and_o such_o noble_a friend_n as_o have_v cast_v a_o gracious_a aspect_n upon_o i_o to_o publish_v they_o which_o here_o i_o now_o humble_o present_a to_o your_o censure_n and_o patronage_n who_o now_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o county_n i_o have_v not_o to_o my_o best_a memory_n omit_v nor_o add_v a_o material_a passage_n or_o sentence_n except_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o term_n in_o scripture_n signify_v a_o church_n as_o v._o t._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o septuagint_n for_o the_o most_o part_n render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o sometime_o the_o various_a reading_n of_o aquila_n symachus_n and_o theodorus_n give_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o n._n t._n use_v still_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o syriack_n translation_n express_v by_o the_o former_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d familiar_a also_o in_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n with_o all_o the_o oriental_n so_o that_o i_o infer_v as_o a_o general_a issue_n from_o the_o etymon_n of_o the_o word_n a_o church_n be_v a_o collect_v body_n call_v together_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o be_v omit_v from_o the_o first_o delivery_n which_o i_o have_v not_o insert_v in_o this_o copy_n because_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o excepter_n will_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o cryticisme_n my_o spirit_n i_o confess_v have_v ever_o be_v averse_a to_o publish_v or_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o way_n i_o be_o too_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n to_o seek_v to_o make_v a_o noise_n my_o inclination_n to_o obscurity_n and_o retiredness_n be_v well_o know_v and_o a_o mean_a condition_n if_o a_o settle_a one_o in_o privacy_n to_o apply_v my_o thought_n to_o study_n have_v be_v always_o my_o strong_a intention_n other_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n in_o literature_n i_o mean_v i_o have_v prepare_v which_o do_v providence_n see_v good_a to_o give_v i_o a_o settle_a condition_n wherein_o i_o may_v compose_v my_o thought_n to_o a_o settle_a sixtnesse_n and_o centre_n myself_o in_o some_o rest_n to_o follow_v my_o study_n the_o great_a outward_a mercy_n i_o long_o for_o and_o value_n in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v humble_o beg_v your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n in_o the_o interim_n until_o divine_a providence_n shall_v effect_v so_o great_a mercy_n to_o i_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o beg_v your_o patronage_n &_o protection_n of_o this_o rude_a draught_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n and_o let_v i_o subscribe_v myself_o to_o be_v ever_o real_o find_v your_o most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n will_n sandbrooke_n from_o my_o study_n in_o rochester_n nou._n 20._o 1646._o to_o the_o right_n worshipshipfull_a the_o major_n jurat_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o gravesend_n brethren_n you_o may_v remember_v i_o be_v engage_v to_o your_o reverend_a pastor_n for_o a_o exchange_n upon_o necessary_a occasion_n these_o conclusion_n i_o then_o deliver_v for_o substance_n to_o you_o &_o i_o know_v not_o a_o material_a word_n vary_v you_o know_v how_o it_o be_v calumnize_v and_o with_o what_o bitterness_n interpret_v by_o he_o who_o hear_v it_o not_o upon_o what_o ground_n he_o proceed_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o own_o serious_a thought_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v i_o commend_v they_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v censurable_a or_o no._n i_o must_v acknowledge_v your_o patience_n and_o candid_a acceptance_n of_o they_o then_o and_o engage_v myself_o now_o and_o ever_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n will_n sandbrooke_n rochester_n novemb_n 20._o 1646._o a_o brief_a summary_n of_o three_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n margaret_n rochester_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o have_v you_o know_v at_o several_a time_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n my_o next_o business_n i_o acquaint_v you_o shall_v be_v the_o examination_n of_o 3._o grand_a query_n and_o these_o i_o digest_v into_o this_o order_n thus_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a adequate_a and_o formal_a subject_n of_o all_o this_o great_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o church_n 2._o what_o person_n be_v capable_a to_o come_v within_o this_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o believer_n internal_o call_v 2._o infant_n by_o the_o outward_a seal_n of_o baptism_n 3._o what_o law_n or_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v regulate_v and_o walk_v by_o whether_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n or_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v dispatch_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o satisfy_v two_o doubt_n to_o wit_n 1._o how_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v be_v steer_v to_o a_o holy_a evenness_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o manifold_a impediment_n and_o hindrance_n from_o 1._o our_o own_o deceitful_a spirit_n 2._o the_o stratagem_n of_o hell_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o grand_a quaerie_n i_o begin_v with_o to_o wit_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o because_o i_o find_v the_o business_n in_o these_o tumultuous_a day_n sore_o perplex_v with_o contention_n and_o difficulty_n on_o the_o contrary_a party_n i_o proceed_v in_o a_o middle_a course_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o take_v off_o the_o violence_n of_o both_o 1._o the_o one_o party_n run_v violent_o against_o the_o other_o condemn_v its_o adversary_n of_o formality_n superstition_n and_o almost_o idolatry_n in_o tie_v up_o their_o devotion_n to_o say_v of_o prayer_n set_v form_n and_o place_n running_z circle_z of_o stint_a duty_n without_o life_n and_o power_n and_o without_o expectation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n from_o christ_n together_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o profane_a and_o godly_a a_o speckled_a bird._n 2._o the_o other_o party_n run_v as_o strong_o in_o a_o violent_a contrary_a channel_n condemn_v the_o other_o for_o schism_n herese_n sedition_n faction_n novelty_n separation_n and_o division_n make_v breach_n and_o foment_v discord_n open_v a_o way_n to_o the_o unsettle_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o so_o sad_a a_o condition_n i_o steere_v a_o course_n as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v betwixt_o these_o two_o desperate_a rock_n and_o yet_o unexpected_o strike_v upon_o each_o till_o i_o have_v almost_o splitt_v again_o 1._o the_o one_o charge_v i_o with_o too_o much_o liberty_n give_v to_o schism_n &_o private_a conventicle_n 2._o the_o other_o accuse_v i_o with_o too_o much_o bind_v up_o and_o streigthn_v they_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n himself_o in_o this_o unexpected_a exigent_n find_v a_o storm_n come_v and_o we_o have_v tumult_n enough_o already_o though_o i_o be_v warn_v by_o a_o faithful_a friend_n that_o it_o will_v not_o
be_v seasonable_a my_o improvidence_n leave_v i_o in_o a_o snare_n i_o must_v acquaint_v you_o my_o resolution_n be_v to_o desist_v from_o the_o prosecution_n until_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v set_v up_o a_o way_n which_o be_v uniform_a and_o then_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v prosecute_v without_o disturbance_n in_o the_o interim_n because_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v be_v snuff_v at_o by_o some_o who_o i_o scarce_o believe_v understand_v if_o hear_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o acquaint_v you_o with_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o conclusion_n prosecute_v already_o in_o this_o business_n 2._o the_o conclusion_n remain_v yet_o behind_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n which_o i_o will_v only_o name_v these_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o as_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v as_o a_o firm_a basis_n to_o all_o deductive_a conclusion_n in_o the_o business_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o 1._o i_o shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o as_o of_o eternal_a verity_n 2._o i_o shall_v yet_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o any_o error_n deduceable_a from_o they_o if_o clear_v to_o i_o and_o humble_o correct_v it_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v by_o way_n of_o appology_n i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o business_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o after_o a_o short_a analycitall_n resolution_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o text_n i_o infer_v divers_a conclusion_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v god_n the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n by_o special_a donation_n 1._o thes_n 1._o privilege_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n interest_n and_o propriety_n and_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o actual_a possession_n of_o a_o church_n this_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o as_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o expository_n way_n for_o forenoon_n in_o my_o exercise_n only_o to_o clear_v it_o i_o lay_v down_o some_o concluosin_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o run_v parallel_n to_o this_o in_o this_o form_n 1._o 2.6_o isa_n 32.1_o psal_n 2.6_o god_n the_o father_n have_v invest_v christ_n in_o the_o propriety_n and_o possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n 2._o 8.2_o rom._n 8.2_o this_o kingdom_n in_o order_n to_o its_o subject_n be_v endow_v with_o 3._o grand_a privilege_n 1._o 8.12_o rom._n 8.12_o exemption_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o any_o law_n 2._o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o any_o power_n to_o enthrall_v or_o engage_v they_o to_o obedience_n except_o of_o christ_n 3._o 2.21_o col._n 2.21_o from_o observation_n of_o any_o ordinance_n in_o point_n of_o absolute_a subjection_n but_o what_o himself_o have_v institute_v to_o they_o whence_o i_o call_v in_o to_o aid_v one_o clear_a and_o confess_v conclusion_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o substance_n the_o same_o thing_n so_o that_o in_o issue_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v enthrone_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o kingdom_n ergo_fw-la also_o in_o a_o church_n but_o christ_n have_v be_v enthrone_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o kingdom_n by_o the_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la the_o sequel_n be_v easy_a from_o the_o last_o conclusion_n thus_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n ergo_fw-la if_o christ_n have_v a_o kingdom_n he_o must_v have_v a_o church_n also_o the_o main_a quaeriethen_n to_o be_v examine_v thus_o what_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v after_o examination_n of_o the_o term_n incident_a to_o this_o business_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o conclude_v a_o church_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o combination_n or_o confaederacy_n of_o faithful_a person_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o joint_a consent_n to_o walk_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n gospel_n i_o can_v see_v but_o this_o description_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v with_o the_o nationall_n provincial_n &_o parochial_a church_n of_o england_n unless_o we_o suppose_v intend_v and_o study_a hypocrisy_n in_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o this_o i_o observe_v these_o distinct_a conclusion_n full_o to_o clear_v the_o business_n the_o member_n of_o this_o combination_n be_v faithful_a person_n 1._o concl._n 1._o or_o actual_a believer_n by_o profession_n this_o be_v make_v clear_a in_o reason_n thus_o christ_n be_v a_o live_a head_n all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o be_v also_o quicken_v for_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v the_o effect_n must_v follow_v and_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n ergo_fw-la the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v live_v member_n or_o believer_n thus_o reason_n give_v attestation_n full_o &_o clear_o 271._o 19_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o eng._n agni_n 3._o q._n 8._o ar._n 3._o ad_fw-la 3._o bell._n to_o 2_o c._n 2._o p._n 271._o so_o scripture_n also_o esay_n 26.2.6_o acts._n 2.40.41_o this_o first_o conclusion_n make_v good_a the_o 2o._o be_v 2._o these_o believe_a person_n join_v together_o in_o a_o mutual_a combination_n or_o joint_a consent_n to_o be_v a_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v from_o proportion_n a_o common_a wealth_n join_v together_o by_o consent_n under_o one_o head_n to_o make_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n by_o one_o spirit_n of_o animation_n constitute_v the_o whole_a but_o the_o church_n be_v in_o proportion_n a_o natural_a and_o politic_a body_n 19_o bell._n ibid._n act._n 19_o ergo._n jere._n 50.4_o acts._n 11.21.22_o thus_o this_o 2._o conclusion_n clear_v the_o 3d._o be_v 3._o this_o voluntary_a and_o joint_a combination_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o whole_o to_o walk_v with_o christ_n the_o reason_n i_o assign_v be_v because_o in_o this_o combination_n they_o join_v themselves_o whole_o to_o christ_n and_o give_v themselves_o total_o to_o he_o ergo._n live_v &_o walk_v with_o he_o jere._n 50.5_o acts._n 2_o 42._o and_o here_o the_o start_n of_o one_o doubt_n have_v cause_v all_o this_o dust_n and_o make_v such_o a_o misconstrue_v interpretation_n of_o thing_n be_v this_o combination_n by_o joint_a consent_n quest_n quest_n so_o necessary_a to_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o every_o particular_a believer_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o christ_n to_o walk_v with_o he_o but_o a_o society_n must_v join_v in_o it_o because_o herein_o the_o business_n do_v pinch_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v you_o a_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o what_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o then_o i_o will_v to_o the_o rest_n 1._o every_o believer_n after_o call_v be_v engage_v to_o bring_v over_o his_o spirit_n to_o a_o universal_a resolution_n and_o answerable_a execution_n of_o walk_v with_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v give_v because_o every_o member_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v at_o the_o whole_a disposition_n of_o the_o head_n and_o subordinat_a to_o it_o but_o etc._n etc._n ergo._n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o psal_n 119.106_o this_o first_o particular_a conclusion_n the_o second_o be_v 2._o this_o particular_a resignation_n of_o any_o believer_n thus_o to_o christ_n make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v only_o one_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o this_o case_n it_o make_v they_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o by_o a_o special_a act_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.5_o 1._o cor._n 10.16_o 1._o cor._n 10.12.17_o the_o second_o particular_a proposition_n thus_o do_v 3._o there_o follow_v after_o this_o a_o actual_a union_n and_o visible_a combination_n of_o the_o same_o person_n with_o other_o member_n which_o collect_v body_n make_v up_o a_o visible_a society_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v proper_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o very_a construction_n of_o the_o term_n and_o the_o manifold_a place_n of_o scripture_n acts._n 9.28_o &_o 5.13_o &_o 20.17_o and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o parish_n or_o parochial_a congregation_n and_o combination_n to_o worship_n christ_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o art_n 19_o prop._n 2._o preface_n to_o the_o catechism_n in_o the_o common-prayer_n b._n so_o that_o hence_o it_o will_v be_v safe_a i_o suppose_v to_o infer_v 1._o such_o a_o collect_v body_n or_o congregation_n so_o unite_v be_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o from_o thence_o also_o i_o infer_v as_o a_o second_o conclusion_n necessary_a to_o the_o business_n 2._o 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o though_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o there_o be_v divers_a particular_a church_n as_o parochial_a nationall_n provincial_n or_o the_o like_a 3._o 1.2_o act._n 16._o p._n 2._o rom._n 16.4_o gal._n 1.2_o every_o person_n so_o join_v himself_o to_o that_o combination_n be_v proper_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n distinct_a
from_o other_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o main_a business_n wherein_o the_o difficulty_n seem_v high_a and_o cause_v the_o most_o violence_n be_v in_o a_o three_o main_a conclusion_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n or_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o believer_n may_v further_o confaederat_a among_o themselves_o by_o a_o bond_n or_o covenant_n to_o a_o close_o walk_v with_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o break_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n congregation_n or_o particular_a parish_n or_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n this_o because_o i_o observe_v it_o offend_v both_o side_n against_o my_o intention_n to_o either_o i_o do_v explain_v it_o and_o deliver_v the_o same_o thus_o sect_n i._o i_o mean_v it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n a_o necessary_a act_n for_o believer_n of_o acquaintance_n or_o relation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o compact_n or_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n to_o walk_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o build_v up_o each_o other_o in_o a_o mutual_a communication_n of_o their_o experience_n and_o gift_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n 3.13_o heb._n 3.13_o for_o mutual_a consolation_n in_o the_o gospel_n sect_n 2._o yet_o i_o add_v further_a to_o explain_v myself_o that_o such_o confaederacie_n compact_v and_o agreement_n shall_v not_o cause_v they_o to_o separate_v or_o to_o break_v fellowship_n with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n for_o indeed_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v join_v but_o hold_v a_o correspondency_n with_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o such_o place_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n for_o such_o assemble_v that_o so_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o order_n and_o peaceablenesse_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o assertion_n be_v remove_v that_o which_o be_v the_o grand_a argument_n which_o cause_v the_o separation_n and_o division_n a_o mixture_n of_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n say_v they_o in_o any_o ordinance_n pollute_v the_o ordinance_n to_o this_o i_o then_o answer_v in_o sum_n to_o the_o argument_n 1_o the_o unfitnesse_n of_o any_o person_n in_o a_o ordinance_n do_v not_o necessary_o prejudice_v the_o same_o ordinance_n to_o a_o believer_n 2._o nor_o do_v it_o altogether_o detract_v the_o effectual_a presence_n of_o christ_n from_o believer_n i_o mean_v thus_o that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o discern_v do_v not_o now_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v positive_o anunbeleever_n that_o we_o may_v unreserved_o conclude_v such_o a_o person_n though_o profess_v with_o his_o mouth_n to_o believe_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o do_v not_o i_o say_v prejudice_v the_o ordinance_n to_o a_o believer_n for_o indeed_o i_o grant_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o absolute_a inspection_n into_o and_o unreserved_a conjunction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o we_o know_v their_o heart_n &_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o be_v unbeliever_n but_o now_o where_o no_o such_o infallibility_n can_v be_v suppose_v as_o be_v our_o case_n i_o conceive_v the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o prejudise_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n of_o manifest_a conviction_n we_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n in_o this_o not_o and_o i_o conceive_v the_o case_n of_o alexander_n hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n cunning_a hypocrite_n in_o a_o apostolical_a church_n 2.15_o 2._o tim._n 2.15_o do_v not_o disband_v the_o congregation_n nor_o do_v christ_n deny_v his_o church_n to_o they_o so_o that_o however_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n walk_v among_o the_o seven_o golden_a candelstick_n all_o of_o pure_a gold_n yet_o even_o in_o those_o church_n there_o be_v heretical_a doctrine_n unbeliever_n yet_o the_o church_n disband_v not_o but_o a_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o ejection_n once_o more_o for_o dependence_n upon_o the_o congregation_n i_o conceive_v those_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o several_a house_n to_o be_v but_o member_n of_o some_o full_a and_o complete_a congregation_n or_o church_n in_o rome_n or_o else_o where_o my_o reason_n i_o lay_v down_o thus_o forasmuch_o as_o 1._o in_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o a_o family_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o have_v a_o full_a course_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o church_n in_o the_o very_a resolution_n of_o episcopal_a presbyterial_a and_o congregationall_a church_n 2._o every_o officer_n can_v not_o have_v a_o complete_a and_o entire_a place_n and_o power_n to_o execute_v that_o authority_n christ_n have_v bequeath_v to_o a_o church_n so_o that_o in_o issue_n i_o do_v conclude_v in_o this_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1_o though_o one_o or_o more_o family_n or_o divers_a person_n may_v join_v in_o confederacy_n to_o walk_v with_o christ_n 2._o yet_o their_o conjunction_n and_o fellowship_n with_o that_o congregation_n or_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v whether_o you_o will_v call_v it_o parochial_a or_o congregationall_a aught_o to_o be_v inviolable_a where_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v cheerful_a latitude_n of_o extension_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v then_o deliver_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o i_o do_v understand_v the_o exception_n do_v arise_v on_o both_o side_n and_o now_o let_v wiseman_n judge_v the_o three_o conclusion_n in_o the_o desmition_n be_v dispatch_v the_o four_o follow_v thus_o 4._o 4._o con._n 4._o the_o end_n of_o this_o confederacy_n of_o believer_n into_o a_o church_n in_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o christ_n sect_n 1._o to_o enjoy_v a_o special_a and_o effectual_a communion_n with_o christ_n for_o for_o this_o purpose_n they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o he_o and_o be_v join_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v union_n and_o fellowship_n except_o it_o be_v for_o communion_n and_o participation_n see_v 1_o cor._n 1.9_o now_o to_o this_o i_o add_v as_o a_o consectary_n and_o issue_n sect_n ii_o this_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v also_o a_o spiritual_a and_o reciprocal_a communion_n with_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o conclusion_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v because_o 1._o they_o every_o one_o sympathize_v in_o breathe_v as_o it_o be_v the_o same_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o 2._o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o christ_n ergo_fw-la spiritual_fw-la communion_n must_v be_v sensible_o raise_v in_o their_o spirit_n when_o each_o act_n among_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o same_o glory_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o esay_n 44.5_o act_n 2.46_o now_o as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o communion_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o enjoy_v a_o effectual_a and_o special_a energy_n in_o christ_n communion_n with_o they_o i_o lay_v down_o 3._o this_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o its_o true_a spiritual_a vigour_n &_o efficacy_n with_o christ_n &_o among_o themselves_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n use_v and_o power_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o reason_n be_v 1.7.8_o john_n 14.22_o cant._n 1.7.8_o he_o intend_v thus_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o not_o to_o the_o world_n set_v out_o limit_n and_o bound_n where_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o isa_n 56.7_o act_n 9.31_o isa_n 25.6_o and_o thus_o be_v that_o four_o conclusion_n finish_v and_o with_o it_o the_o work_n of_o that_o time_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o five_o conclusion_n in_o this_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o i_o do_v omit_v for_o want_v of_o time_n only_o name_v of_o it_o and_o reserve_v its_o prosecution_n for_o this_o occasion_n but_o be_v prevent_v &_o love_v my_o own_o peace_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v it_o again_o 5._o this_o communion_n that_o a_o church_n enjoy_v with_o christ_n and_o believer_n among_o themselves_o in_o his_o ordinance_n be_v maintain_v by_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o to_o communicate_v in_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n will_v show_v his_o glory_n upon_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o &_o 16.1.2_o art_n ch._n en._n 19_o and_o see_v now_o how_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o very_a point_n rest_v all_o the_o difficulty_n as_o it_o must_v be_v explain_v which_o in_o the_o general_n be_v confess_v as_o true_a on_o all_o hand_n yet_o what_o my_o particular_a thought_n and_o judgement_n be_v i_o never_o yet_o speak_v word_n yet_o these_o man_n on_o both_o side_n will_v needs_o tell_v i_o what_o i_o will_v say_v when_o in_o truth_n i_o know_v not_o full_o myself_o yet_o brethren_n for_o quietness_n and_o peace_n sake_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o some_o thing_n in_o general_a
wave_a difficulty_n that_o you_o may_v guess_v which_o way_n my_o thought_n tend_v 1._o all_o believer_n and_o every_o member_n ought_v to_o frequent_v and_o assemble_v to_o that_o place_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o divine_a ordinauce_n public_o this_o only_a i_o name_v as_o confess_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o every_o family_n of_o believer_n ought_v after_o public_a ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n to_o assemble_v together_o for_o recognition_n conference_n mutual_a assistance_n in_o what_o have_v be_v public_o do_v and_o the_o use_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o these_o two_o proposition_n no_o man_n i_o know_v if_o take_v in_o this_o general_a sense_n so_o much_o as_o stick_v at_o only_o if_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o glance_n more_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v startle_v yet_o i_o hope_v not_o offend_v especial_o if_o take_v as_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o i_o i_o will_v venture_v upon_o good_a nature_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o sum_n thus_o many_o grand_a stickler_n and_o contender_n for_o a_o universal_a outward_a conformity_n which_o i_o shall_v for_o ever_o supplicate_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o come_v near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v the_o most_o peccant_a and_o defective_a in_o the_o main_a business_n to_o wit_n sensible_a &_o quicken_a communion_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o those_o ordinance_n and_o the_o saint_n or_o believer_n general_a conformity_n to_o they_o brethren_n i_o will_v demand_v from_o these_o eager_a spirit_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o former_a age_n to_o terminate_v their_o devotion_n in_o a_o circular_a course_n of_o come_v to_o church_n reading_z or_o hear_v a_o chapter_n with_o the_o minister_n turn_v down_o leave_v at_o chapter_n and_o verse_n thing_n i_o know_v good_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v yet_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_o apparent_a this_o terminate_v all_o and_o they_o look_v no_o further_o but_o only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n which_o profit_v not_o nor_o see_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n shine_v out_o in_o strength_n in_o their_o ordinance_n i_o will_v demand_v whether_o 1._o these_o thing_n be_v not_o useless_a in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n in_o they_o 2._o this_o be_v not_o to_o profane_v &_o pollute_v that_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o communicate_v and_o show_v himself_o by_o to_o his_o people_n 3._o condemnation_n will_v not_o be_v advance_v hereby_o brethren_n these_o thing_n i_o only_o propose_v without_o reflection_n upon_o any_o man_n particular_a let_v his_o own_o conscience_n judge_v whether_o this_o method_n have_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o yore_o eat_v out_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o leave_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n a_o empty_a carcase_n but_o i_o do_v but_o name_v this_o doubt_n obiter_fw-la and_o by_o the_o bye_n i_o must_v yet_o crave_v leave_n &_o a_o little_a patience_n to_o insert_v a_o three_o conclusion_n in_o this_o business_n of_o assemble_v or_o meet_v lest_o i_o shall_v be_v accuse_v of_o bauk_v or_o dissemble_v the_o main_a for_o i_o expect_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o on_o both_o side_n the_o head_n take_v it_o thus_o 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n or_o believer_n of_o several_a family_n in_o a_o town_n parish_n or_o country_n to_o meet_v together_o to_o confer_v and_o examine_v truth_n deliver_v to_o communicate_v each_o other_o experience_n for_o mutual_a consolation_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n this_o brethren_n i_o will_v have_v right_o understand_v and_o that_o will_v prevent_v a_o carp_n take_v then_o these_o two_o caution_n in_o 1._o such_o assemble_v or_o meet_v ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o assemby_n 2._o such_o assemble_v or_o meet_v ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v or_o violate_v the_o peace_n or_o quiet_a of_o the_o state_n or_o kingdom_n these_o two_o caution_n observe_v i_o will_v justify_v the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v warrantable_a it_o be_v a_o express_a injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o nothing_o can_v come_v in_o for_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la where_o he_o command_v thus_o i_o have_v declare_v brief_o to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o man_n either_o for_o the_o place_n of_o meeting_n or_o in_o that_o relation_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n as_o protect_v and_o in_o some_o case_n bind_v by_o law_n and_o edict_n i_o have_v not_o meddle_v as_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o lawyer_n and_o magistrate_n to_o determine_v my_o errand_n be_v never_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v to_o preach_v penal_a statute_n but_o obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o other_o his_o subordinate_a governor_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o be_v diligent_a in_o both_o in_o word_n and_o practice_n what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o herein_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o censure_v and_o error_n i_o shall_v be_v convict_v of_o thus_o far_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o do_v propose_v to_o myself_o in_o the_o business_n of_o a_o church_n be_v sect_n 2._o the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n meet_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o i_o do_v resolve_v to_o reduce_v in_o distinct_a conclusion_n in_o these_o few_o head_n sect_n 1._o general_n the_o great_a privilege_n of_o believer_n join_v in_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o divine_a ordinance_n be_v to_o have_v a_o intimate_v tender_a and_o prevail_v effectual_a presence_n of_o christ_n himself_o with_o they_o this_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n abundant_o testify_v for_o christ_n be_v a_o live_a head_n and_o appoint_v his_o church_n to_o be_v his_o body_n it_o must_v follow_v the_o body_n must_v find_v the_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n in_o every_o channel_n and_o vessel_n ordain_v for_o that_o purpose_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o thus_o much_o in_o general_a now_o again_o in_o sect_n 2._o special_a as_o several_a branch_n arise_v from_o this_o common_a stock_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o twofold_a head_n sect_n 1._o internal_a and_o these_o again_o admit_v a_o distinction_n 1._o general_n a_o constant_a quicken_a influence_n and_o power_n of_o spiritual_a refresh_n from_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o former_a demonstration_n and_o make_v mention_n in_o former_a place_n of_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o special_a and_o that_o again_o shall_v be_v dispatch_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o a_o sensible_a &_o active_a spiritual_a taste_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o ordinance_n by_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o come_n to_o he_o we_o come_v to_o and_o see_v the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o hence_o also_o follow_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n these_o three_o thing_n 1._o peace_n with_o and_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o god_n 2._o a_o strength_n communicate_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o power_n with_o god_n 3._o a_o seal_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o glory_n these_o be_v those_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o and_o communicate_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o assemble_v in_o the_o use_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n sect_n 2._o externall_n privilege_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o a_o free_a use_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o power_n of_o establish_v of_o officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o a_o power_n of_o exercise_v of_o all_o censure_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n whence_o i_o will_v have_v i_o prosecute_v infer_v red_a one_o thing_n as_o a_o most_o necessary_a corollary_n all_o these_o privilege_n be_v make_v true_o efficacious_a and_o effectual_a by_o the_o prevail_a and_o actual_a presence_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o add_v to_o be_v heed_v caution_n caution_n to_o wit_n thus_o 1._o whether_o you_o will_v call_v a_o church_n thus_o invest_v with_o these_o great_a privilege_n make_v efficacious_a by_o christ_n real_a presence_n to_o be_v a_o church_n 1._o nationall_n 2._o provincial_n 3._o classical_a 4._o parochial_a 5._o independent_a or_o congregationall_a let_v other_o dispute_v the_o question_n i_o will_v not_o i_o conceive_v all_o be_v 2._o whether_o the_o government_n be_v invest_v in_o a_o episcopacy_n classical_a parochial_a or_o congregational_a eldership_n from_o the_o donation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v her_o inheritance_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v let_v the_o king_n &_o state_n determine_v i_o can_v with_o peace_n submit_v so_o far_o as_o my_o conscience_n yet_o bear_v i_o witness_v &_o will_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o hand_n be_v put_v to_o execution_n the_o other_o two_o point_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o 1._o law_n 2._o baptism_n i_o touch_v not_o finis_fw-la