zealous_a of_o the_o law_n yea_o paul_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o also_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 21.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v think_v that_o he_o warn_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o now_o in_o so_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v and_o so_o many_o admonition_n they_o do_v still_o remain_v blind_a and_o obstinate_a yea_o and_o do_v turn_v back_o again_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o law_n that_o then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v christ_n he_o will_v easy_o have_v wink_v at_o this_o great_a error_n of_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n together_o likewise_o as_o concern_v that_o detestable_a heresy_n of_o arianismâ—_n we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o author_n spreader_n beginner_n furtherer_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o heresy_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o age_n a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o eternalll_v reprobation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o those_o they_o who_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o â—fter_a that_o it_o have_v overspr_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a although_o it_o be_v in_o that_o time_n also_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o common_a infection_n of_o the_o air_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n by_o popular_a disease_n and_o death_n whenas_o both_o strong_a and_o weak_a man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o common_a reign_v of_o any_o heresy_n can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v the_o state_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o soul_n by_o that_o token_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n do_v savesome_a even_o by_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o grievous_a error_n not_o of_o wilful_a blindness_n but_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o ignorant_a heretic_n be_v religious_a and_o zealous_a seruer_n of_o god_n be_v in_o far_o bettâ—r_a state_n as_o touch_v their_o salvation_n than_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o their_o profane_a life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o but_o that_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o declare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o trust_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o name_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o do_v in_o outward_a profession_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o time_n for_o before_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o put_v my_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n this_o foundation_n do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v when_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o they_o do_v together_o hold_v grosser_n heresy_n christ._n than_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o he_o only_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v more_o brief_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o another_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n to_o the_o which_o doctrine_n all_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o be_v contrary_a be_v pernicious_a heresy_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n 2._o peter_n 2.1_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n as_o there_o be_v falsâ—_n teacher_n amongâ—_n you_o which_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o wit_n these_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesuâ—_n who_o buy_v they_o these_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n that_o be_v may_v certain_o be_v account_v for_o damn_a as_o for_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o they_o be_v more_o weighty_a and_o do_v near_o approach_v to_o the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a yet_o of_o themselves_o not_o be_v join_v with_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n not_o so_o desperate_a sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n this_o question_n may_v i_o move_v whether_o as_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o heart_n so_o the_o inward_a faith_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o out_o ward_v profession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o necessare_o be_v also_o some_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o some_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n by_o prayer_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o as_o for_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n true_a faith_n be_v weak_a may_v be_v destitute_a thereof_o so_o we_o read_v john_n 12.40_o that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v profess_v he_o before_o man_n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n unless_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n before_o other_o beside_o themselves_o so_o that_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v secret_a and_o private_a make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o open_a profession_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n which_o confess_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o godâ—_n be_v true_o christian_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o come_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v danger_n to_o christ_n faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n rely_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n neither_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o love_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o all_o christian_n do_v so_o then_o as_o many_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n they_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o definition_n the_o other_o word_n which_o follow_v have_v their_o use_n for_o in_o that_o we_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n we_o exclude_v all_o heathenish_a and_o pagan_a people_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1.23_o they_o pass_v by_o the_o creator_n worship_v creature_n as_o go_n and_o last_o we_o add_v these_o word_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o
they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o it_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 14.23_o after_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v now_o a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n they_o have_v elder_n appoint_v and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n for_o most_o common_o man_n convert_v be_v a_o few_o at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o must_v stay_v till_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n yea_o when_o a_o sufficient_a number_n do_v believe_v there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v fit_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o practise_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n &_o order_n the_o establish_n and_o practise_v whereof_o make_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n to_o become_v a_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n humaâ—â—_n the_o first_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n these_o do_v contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o same_o at_o that_o same_o time_n to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v of_o humane_a constitution_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o former_a in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o do_v define_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o former_a law_n and_o therefore_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n person_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v first_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n the_o law_n common_o call_v church-government_n or_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n church-discipline_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o prescribe_v how_o particular_a church_n several_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v order_v in_o use_v the_o public_a mean_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o definition_n give_v we_o this_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n as_o touch_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v not_o any_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o holy_a institution_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o god_n church-government_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o which_o his_o church_n be_v order_v and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o and_o no_o creature_n can_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n devise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v wilworshippe_n and_o not_o only_o not_o acceptable_a but_o even_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n yea_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o owner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o he_o only_o shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o it_o he_o rule_v civil_a society_n by_o the_o law_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o his_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v anoint_v the_o only_a king_n of_o his_o church_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o changeable_a but_o perpetual_a and_o make_v to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o world_n so._n 1._o tim._n 6.14_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o doctrine_n he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o he_o endeavour_v by_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o that_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o law_n it_o appear_v vers._n 21._o oâ—_n the_o 5._o chapter_n where_o the_o same_o obtestation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o government_n be_v full_o plain_o and_o perfect_o set_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o all_o the_o office_n gift_n function_n part_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v we_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o by_o example_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v possible_o be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v good_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n be_v perpetual_a even_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v augment_v and_o as_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v alter_v yea_o as_o permanent_a as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o general_a for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n not_o many_o as_o if_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bird_n of_o diverse_a colour_n one_o be_v not_o like_a or_o conformable_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o prince_n which_o bear_v rule_v over_o many_o city_n do_v make_v they_o all_o live_v under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o law_n and_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v like_a in_o countenance_n and_o suitable_a in_o their_o apparel_n so_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n appoint_v for_o they_o the_o chief_a cause_n whereby_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o no_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o handle_v at_o large_a and_o of_o set_a purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o brief_o touch_v and_o mention_v by_o occasion_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o weighty_a point_n of_o religion_n not_o once_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o many_o bring_v in_o only_o upon_o some_o occasion_n the_o which_o to_o call_v in_o question_n be_v great_a impiety_n but_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n yea_o in_o these_o law_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o clear_o shine_v that_o the_o angelâ—_n do_v rejoice_v in_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a order_n by_o the_o which_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n collossian_n 2.5_o with_o joy_n think_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n although_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o even_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n belong_v a_o like_a to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o uniform_a order_n appoint_v for_o all_o yet_o the_o same_o be_v change_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o do_v most_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o do_v appear_v that_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n ephes._n 3.10_o but_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o this_o government_n do_v always_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v the_o law_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v often_o change_v but_o yet_o the_o fundamental_a law_n whereon_o the_o state_n stand_v do_v always_o remain_v firm_a and_o unchaunged_a this_o government_n be_v always_o change_v unto_o a_o better_o and_o more_o perfect_a state_n even_o as_o the_o church_n do_v continual_o grow_v to_o perfection_n estate_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n general_o with_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a man_n a_o growth_n in_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o also_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o latter_a time_n do_v excel_v the_o former_a not_o only_o in_o number_n of_o professor_n but_o also_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a heb._n 1.1_o even_o as_o his_o word_n have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n more_o full_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n then_o before_o thus_o shall_v the_o church_n grow_v till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o we_o can_v resemble_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n more_o fit_o then_o to_o that_o usual_a manner_n which_o parent_n use_v in_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n who_o do_v not_o at_o
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
profession_n of_o the_o faith_n church_n and_o also_o to_o bâ—_n a_o mean_n to_o continue_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v record_v act._n 8.4_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v dispeâ—sed_v they_o do_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o man_n labour_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v so_o we_o read_v that_o prisciâ—la_n and_o aquila_n have_v a_o church_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o we_o may_v well_o think_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o and_o to_o have_v convert_v many_o rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o so_o colossian_n 4.15_o the_o apostle_n salute_v nympha_fw-la and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o these_o man_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o these_o church_n within_o their_o own_o house_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o he_o build_v the_o church_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n do_v stretch_v by_o this_o rule_n as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o master_n of_o family_n stretch_v and_o ruler_n of_o city_n and_o country_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v to_o do_v yea_o they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v yet_o whenas_o they_o have_v win_v any_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o family_n or_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o to_o serve_v god_n together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o further_a building_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v to_o teach_v and_o order_v the_o say_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v think_v meet_a for_o that_o purpose_n then_o be_v they_o no_o more_o private_a man_n but_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n this_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o the_o build_n of_o any_o such_o private_a church_n he_o or_o they_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o purpose_n to_o those_o who_o do_v already_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n near_o to_o that_o place_n that_o their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o do_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o call_v and_o also_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o private_a man_n to_o be_v the_o first_o builder_n &_o founder_n of_o a_o private_a church_n consist_v not_o only_a of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o heart_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o move_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o in_o convert_n other_o there_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v forasmuch_o as_o civil_a ruler_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v give_v a_o toleration_n for_o a_o private_a church_n within_o their_o dominion_n yet_o they_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v turn_v to_o any_o new_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v take_v in_o hand_n this_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v with_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o rather_o than_o by_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o call_n to_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o build_v chief_o by_o gather_v together_o those_o who_o do_v already_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o private_a teach_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o for_o other_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o like_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a life_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o church_n have_v act._n 2.47_o then_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o love_o and_o mild_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o of_o those_o point_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n remain_v in_o a_o hire_a house_n private_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o boldness_n without_o any_o hindrance_n the_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v in_o that_o place_n if_o he_o have_v go_v about_o open_o &_o public_o to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o româ—_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v as_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o private_a church_n so_o likewise_o continue_v it_o this_o always_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v all_o those_o exhortation_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v obey_v magistrate_n &_o ruler_n whether_o high_a or_o loâ—_n râ—m_fw-la 13.1_o peter_n 2.17_o &_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o heathen_a magistrate_n rule_v yea_o christian_n living_n in_o this_o estate_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o their_o brethren_n profess_v the_o faith_n rather_o than_o of_o infidel_n which_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v or_o fly_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n whenas_o by_o just_a occasion_n it_o be_v offer_v for_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthians_n 1.7.12_o that_o the_o believe_a husband_n shall_v not_o put_v away_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v content_a to_o remain_v with_o he_o so_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o invite_v by_o infidel_n to_o their_o banquet_n infidel_n 1._o cor._n 10.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v great_a patience_n towards_o they_o then_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.12_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o leave_v their_o fault_n and_o sin_n unreproved_a yet_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o they_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o their_o conversion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o our_o temporal_a commodity_n can_v be_v without_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereunto_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o also_o to_o our_o own_o hindrance_n in_o regard_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n far_o in_o these_o private_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o most_o usual_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o they_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o all_o be_v such_o as_o do_v willing_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n act._n 2.41_o so_o many_o as_o willing_o receive_v the_o word_n christians_n be_v baptize_v yea_o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o soundenâ—sse_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o live_n amongst_o infidel_n they_o can_v but_o incur_v the_o hatred_n of_o many_o yea_o oftentimes_o even_o of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n themselves_o by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o sustain_v many_o iniuâ—ies_n and_o hurt_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o temporal_a life_n and_o manifold_a molestation_n scoff_n yea_o reproach_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o private_a church_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o pure_a perfect_a orderly_a and_o free_a then_o public_a church_n be_v for_o
and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n and_o even_o compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o iron_n must_v first_o be_v make_v hot_a in_o the_o fire_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v any_o new_a foâ—me_n so_o must_v the_o hard_a heart_n be_v mollify_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n must_v first_o be_v make_v to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o they_o before_o they_o can_v learn_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o physician_n come_v not_o to_o whole_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o surgeon_n lay_v his_o plaster_n but_o upon_o wound_a and_o bruise_a member_n thus_o do_v john_n go_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n luk._n 1.17_o and_o thus_o christ_n prepare_v the_o young_a man_n math._n 19.21_o and_o peter_n the_o jew_n act_n 2.37_o who_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o hear_v their_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o paul_n the_o man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.31_o and_o last_o thus_o do_v god_n himself_o by_o a_o fearful_a earthquake_n prepare_v the_o jailer_n act_n 16.30_o and_o according_a to_o these_o exmple_n all_o other_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o by_o mention_v and_o urge_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o heinous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n which_o they_o can_v least_o excuse_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v most_o ashamed_a yea_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o because_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n be_v ingraft_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n great_o diminish_v obscure_v and_o pervert_v yet_o there_o remain_v a_o confuse_a and_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n and_o also_o of_o the_o reward_n belong_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n due_a to_o sin_n rom._n 1.32_o the_o gentile_n know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o of_o this_o knowledge_n come_v a_o conscience_n in_o infidel_n sometime_o excuse_v they_o although_o false_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accuse_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o conscience_n of_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v enlighten_v and_o stir_v uppe_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o whereby_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v do_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v brief_o and_o summarelie_o to_o be_v propund_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v to_o preach_v christ._n infidel_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o sermon_n be_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v of_o most_o force_n as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v continual_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o speak_v likewise_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n although_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o evident_a argument_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n philosopher_n prophetess_n and_o oracle_n whereby_o the_o probability_n truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v declare_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_a the_o which_o who_o so_o desire_v to_o know_v may_v see_v they_o in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n both_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v from_o that_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v order_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v win_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v upon_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o other_o and_o so_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o express_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o true_a repentance_n and_o a_o christian_n life_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a to_o profess_v the_o same_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 8.16_o that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whenas_o none_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v so_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o upon_o this_o confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o dig_v metal_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o the_o first_o â—ake_v for_o gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_n and_o afterward_o purge_v the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o corrupt_a dross_n and_o from_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o as_o fisher_n take_v for_o fish_n whatsoever_o come_v to_o the_o net_n but_o afterward_o separate_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a math._n 13.47.48_o so_o at_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n receave_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o separate_v the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o godly_a although_o not_o perfect_o but_o before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o summarie_a doctrine_n of_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o great_a fruit_n to_o wit_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o john_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o do_v testify_v john_n 2.33_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n a_o badge_n and_o common_a liveray_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o profess_v his_o name_n christian_n and_o to_o be_v know_v from_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o by_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o further_o that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o by_o drown_v we_o in_o water_n it_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a before_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 6.4_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o circumcision_n the_o which_o do_v under_o the_o law_n both_o distinguishe_v the_o jew_n as_o god_n people_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o profane_v death_n and_o also_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o receiver_n eternal_a death_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a sacrament_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v eternal_a life_n for_o the_o one_o sacrament_n be_v of_o a_o bloody_a signification_n wound_v the_o body_n and_o so_o threaten_a death_n but_o the_o other_o grave_a the_o comfortable_a nourishment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o do_v baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v last_o that_o both_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n although_o they_o
for_o so_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v hinder_v by_o false_a prophet_n nehe._n 6._o yea_o none_o do_v so_o importunate_o hinder_v or_o so_o spiteful_o entreat_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o worldly_a &_o carnal_a mind_a priest_n thus_o we_o se._n 2._o chro._n 18.23_o that_o zedekia_n do_v to_o micha_n and_o jere._n 20.1_o pashur_n to_o jeremie_n the_o priest_n scribe_n &_o pharise_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o false_a apostle_n to_o paul_n such_o be_v those_o foolish_a &_o vainglorious_a preacher_n at_o corinth_n who_o swell_v in_o a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a use_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n do_v build_v upon_o the_o good_a foundation_n of_o the_o sincere_a plain_a and_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n hay_n stubble_n wood_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v afterward_o consume_v with_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v will_v be_v find_v in_o examination_n to_o have_v no_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o do_v seem_v to_o build_v as_o well_o yea_o much_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o by_o this_o work_n do_v great_o hinder_v the_o true_a build_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o builder_n all_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n will_v seek_v for_o some_o but_o these_o deceitful_a builder_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o maruail_v when_o as_o satan_n himself_o that_o foul_a and_o loathsome_a spirit_n do_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v they_o of_o faithful_a and_o painful_a teacher_n last_o these_o hinderer_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n as_o christ_n teach_v we_o math._n 7.15.16_o even_o by_o their_o dissolute_a life_n the_o which_o they_o spend_v in_o seek_v not_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o god_n glory_v but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n ease_n commodity_n yea_o riches_n and_o preferment_n yea_o this_o their_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v lest_o otherwise_o their_o purpose_n of_o hinder_v the_o church_n do_v prevail_v and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n when_o occasion_n serve_v and_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a builder_n thus_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n math._n 23._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n whenas_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o any_o mean_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v imperfect_a corrupt_a or_o both_o for_o although_o in_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a yet_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v often_o otherwise_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n be_v when_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v want_v as_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v want_v or_o if_o the_o minister_n do_v seldom_o and_o negligent_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n yet_o not_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o any_o few_o man_n but_o those_o which_o be_v general_a and_o tolerate_v by_o the_o public_a law_n or_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o imperfect_a state_n the_o imperfection_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a as_o the_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v want_v be_v more_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whenas_o there_o be_v no_o preach_v ministry_n in_o the_o church_n the_o want_n be_v great_a and_o the_o case_n most_o lamentable_a because_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o his_o servant_n save_v by_o preach_v the_o which_o being_n want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o salvation_n be_v also_o want_v the_o want_n of_o any_o office_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o that_o which_o be_v near_a unto_o it_o supply_v so_o do_v the_o levite_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o legal_a uncleanness_n not_o meet_v to_o sacrifice_v 2._o châ—o_o 29.34_o yea_o that_o which_o be_v public_o want_v be_v private_o to_o be_v supply_v what_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v herein_o but_o careful_o labour_v for_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o government_n whereof_o how_o much_o be_v want_v so_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o church_n the_o which_o want_v some_o office_n or_o function_n appoint_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o our_o service_n will_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accept_v of_o god_n church_n who_o wink_v at_o the_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a even_o as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n offer_v by_o ezechias_n and_o the_o people_n wherein_o many_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o law_n be_v want_v yea_o the_o church_n seldom_o attain_v and_o keep_v so_o absolute_a &_o perfect_a as_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n want_v some_o office_n which_o be_v afterwards_o supply_v and_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v many_o want_n in_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o they_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n &_o edificarion_n second_o if_o that_o the_o want_n be_v not_o wilful_a but_o constrain_v and_o necessary_a as_o when_o the_o jew_n intermit_v the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n last_o if_o that_o we_o do_v still_o aim_v at_o a_o perfect_a state_n consider_v that_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o so_o available_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v any_o lame_a blind_a or_o maim_a sacrifice_n or_o any_o imperfect_a service_n or_o yet_o so_o effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o use_n of_o other_o creature_n serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n special_o of_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v whenas_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a government_n appoint_v by_o god_n a_o false_a government_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v public_o establish_v or_o use_v or_o whenas_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v corrupt_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v these_o first_o a_o imperfect_a state_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n breed_v corruption_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v general_a ignorance_n and_o many_o error_n in_o judgement_n where_o powerful_a exhortation_n be_v not_o use_v there_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v want_v and_o where_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o force_n there_o dissoluteness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o prevail_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o former_a false_a worship_n be_v not_o whole_o abolish_v the_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o root_n leave_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o a_o wound_n or_o sore_o the_o which_o be_v not_o well_o cleanse_v will_v fester_v and_o send_v forth_o much_o corruption_n hence_o come_v that_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n and_o so_o that_o leaven_n have_v once_o infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v that_o although_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v take_v out_o yet_o the_o taste_n and_o sourness_n of_o it_o do_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n the_o kind_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o sincere_a government_n for_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v many_o way_n out_o of_o order_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o destitute_a of_o guilt_n needful_a or_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v corrupt_a as_o when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a affection_n of_o learning_n read_v wit_n