but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 2_o 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v into_o solâ—mne_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v answer_n yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esau_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezâ—k._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeb_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezâ—k_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n iosh._n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n iosh._n 5._o 3_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n 3_o and_o therefore_o not_o like_o our_o chuâ—ch-covenants_n whiâ—h_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concerning_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church_n covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o answer_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duâ—ies_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o eâ—ification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v oâ—_z god_n lev._n 19_o 17_o deut._n 29_o â—8_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o alâ—_z the_o coâ—gregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_fw-mi 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o beborne_a and_o proselyâ—es_v that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver._n 14_o 15._o like_o as_o our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o they_o that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o hereafter_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n when_o jehojada_n make_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n 2_o king_n 11._o 17._o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o they_o all_o both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o king_n promise_v but_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n righteous_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n so_o rule_v now_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o they_o and_o of_o they_o to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o as_o god_n require_v in_o his_o covenant_n both_o of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o another_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o this_o place_n of_o deut._n 29._o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o church-covenant_n in_o these_o day_n 4._o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a tâ—stament_n must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_n also_o as_o will_v afterwards_o appear_v 2._o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o pregnant_a place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o unlawful_a for_o whatsoever_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n but_o be_v of_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a equity_n the_o same_o bind_v we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n though_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o marry_v his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o necessary_a for_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v sabbath-breaking_n blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n unto_o infant_n or_o to_o admit_v woman_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v speak_v little_a in_o these_o case_n only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v direction_n and_o light_n about_o they_o lev._n 18._o and_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o and_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o and_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 6._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v all_o according_a to_o moral_a equity_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o express_o for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n for_o that_o a_o company_n shall_v be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o body_n in_o way_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n by_o way_n of_o mutual_a free_a covenant_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a or_o agrâ—eable_a to_o moral_a equity_n nay_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n that_o freeman_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o authority_n or_o power_n over_o free_a man_n without_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o voluntary_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o another_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o be_v deut._n 26._o 16_o 17_o 18._o with_o deut._n 27._o 9_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v these_o statute_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_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 etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n
etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n answer_n officer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes._n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o his_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o her_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o woâ—d_fw-mi of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o member_n 6._o and_o not_o member_n if_o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o being_n of_o a_o member_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o some_o be_v within_o and_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n and_o other_o be_v without_o and_o may_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n that_o can_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o some_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o other_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o every_o approbation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o church_n not_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v touch_v before_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v here_o the_o more_o brief_o pass_v over_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o particular_a concerning_o the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n thaâ—â—t_v be_v by_o join_v therein_o that_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o remove_v sundry_a objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n against_o church-covenant_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_v to_o fuâ—ler_a satisfaction_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n church-covenant_n be_v a_o term_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o sâ—ripture_n 1._o first_o answer_n so_o be_v sacrament_n trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o those_o term_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v because_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v find_v second_o but_o see_v the_o covenant_n be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n as_o the_o two_o party_n that_o be_v confederate_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n or_o the_o church-covenant_n as_o when_o mamre_n aver_n and_o eschol_n be_v confederate_a with_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o 13._o may_v not_o one_o true_o say_v abraham_n be_v confederate_a with_o they_o relative_n do_v mutual_o put_v and_o establish_v one_o another_o three_o the_o scripture_n allow_v both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o the_o church_n eze._n 16._o 8._o and_o the_o people_n covenant_n or_o saint_n covenant_n or_o church_n covenant_n with_o he_o deut._n 29._o 12._o psal._n 50._o 5._o ier._n 50._o 5._o four_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o both_o the_o word_n both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n because_o both_o be_v confederate_a and_o for_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n also_o viz._n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o covenant_n as_o a_o marriage-covenant_n pro._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v thus_o call_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o that_o make_v it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o church-estate_n and_o church-duty_n the_o duty_n which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o unto_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v such_o especial_o as_o concern_v a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o but_o this_o church-covenant_n put_v some_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o which_o every_o believer_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o seem_v to_o charge_v the_o same_o with_o insufficiency_n for_o every_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a heb._n 8._o 7._o 1._o a_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a where_o answ._n the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o â—race_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v argue_v that_o righteousness_n and_o life_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 3._o 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v renew_v or_o make_v again_o though_o upon_o a_o new_a occasion_n no_o
a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concerning_o church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_v resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen_n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concerning_o church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer._n 50._o 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 that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_a or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o selfrighteousness_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concerning_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rom._n 2._o 29._o and_o israelite_n gal._n 6._o 16._o ioh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o a_o con_n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5_o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o tâ—eir_n return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_n but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n togethâ—r_v in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concerning_o which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o iâ—ports_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_v unto_o god_n any_o thing_n back_o again_o thus_o the_o preserve_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o of_o the_o woâ—ld_v from_o be_v drown_v any_o more_o by_o a_o flood_n the_o interchangeable_a succession_n of_o day_n and_o night_n the_o give_n of_o the_o priesthood_n unto_o phinâ—as_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o showbread_n every_o sabbath_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o give_n of_o the_o heave-offering_n unto_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o covenant_n or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o 18._o and_o 9_o 9_o 10._o 11._o ier._n 33._o 20._o num._n 25._o 12_o 13_o 〈◊〉_d 24._o 8._o num._n 18._o 19_o but_o sometime_o covenant_n be_v take_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o a_o agreement_n which_o god_n do_v make_v with_o man_n when_o he_o promise_v some_o blessing_n unto_o man_n and_o binâ—es_v they_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n back_o again_o to_o he_o take_a thus_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o some_o blessing_n on_o god_n part_n second_o restipulation_n or_o promise_n or_o bindâ—â—g_n oâ—_z man_n unto_o duty_n back_o again_o on_o his_o part_n both_o these_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o god_n thou_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n and_o so_o gen._n 17._o 1._o and_o v._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o covenant_n take_v thus_o be_v either_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o again_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v personal_a private_a and_o particular_a between_o god_n and_o one_o particular_a soul_n make_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o either_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n or_o at_o other_o time_n of_o which_o we_o read_v 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o and_o psal._n 119._o 106._o and_o 66._o 13_o 14._o and_o 27._o 8._o and_o psal._n 119._o 7_o 8_o second_o it_o be_v general_a and_o public_a of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o of_o which_o this_o text_n ier._n 50._o 5._o seem_v most_o proper_o to_o speak_v as_o also_o that_o deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o and_o many_o other_o a_o covenant_n take_v thus_o general_o when_o it_o respect_v spiritual_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v church-covenant_n which_o church-covenant_n differ_v not_o in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v from_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o particular_a soul_n but_o only_o in_o some_o other_o respect_n as_o first_o the_o one_o be_v of_o one_o christian_a in_o particular_a the_o other_o of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o second_o if_o right_a order_n be_v observe_v a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n till_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o personal_a estate_n three_o the_o one_o be_v usual_o do_v in_o private_a as_o in_o a_o man_n closet_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o other_o in_o some_o public_a assembly_n four_o the_o one_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_n the_o other_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o concerning_o church-covenant_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n thereof_o first_o the_o description_n of_o it_o second_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o the_o former_a it_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v viz._n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n before_o the_o lord_n whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v by_o the_o power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o and_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o cleave_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o defirous_a to_o partake_v together_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v in_o confidence_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n in_o christ_n bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o to_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o holy_a worship_n in_o he_o and_o of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o this_o description_n there_o be_v comprâ—â—ed_v six_o thing_n first_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a
promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_n into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christian_n not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal._n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 21._o 27._o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o else_o they_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n together_o as_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o act._n 14._o 27._o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n cleave_v together_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o if_o they_o differ_v namely_o in_o opinion_n or_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o shall_v join_v in_o this_o covenant_n breach_n faction_n rent_n and_o schism_n will_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o join_v thing_n so_o unlike_o will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_o hold_v together_o dan._n 2._o 43_o desirous_a to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o join_n in_o covenant_n together_o psal._n 110._o 3._o willing_a and_o not_o pride_n nor_o gain_v nor_o the_o like_a four_o the_o act_n bind_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v say_v now_o as_o psal._n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o as_o num._n 30._o 2._o if_o he_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o vow_n five_o the_o matter_n promise_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o mutual_a edification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n they_o bind_v not_o themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o device_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v it_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v and_o presumption_n to_o promise_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o in_o general_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o special_o such_o duty_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o concern_v church-state_n which_o now_o they_o enter_v into_o six_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v confidence_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n through_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o our_o way_n god_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v pro._n 3._o 6._o and_o much_o more_o in_o such_o special_a matter_n of_o weight_n if_o man_n in_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n look_v for_o acceptance_n through_o any_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o or_o promise_v duty_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o show_v themselves_o like_o to_o the_o pharisee_n luk._n 18._o 10_o 11._o and_o turn_v the_o church-covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n do_v become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o a_o church_n second_o this_o be_v that_o by_o take_v hold_n whereof_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v afore_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o every_o christian_a church_n must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver._n 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver._n 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plainâ—y_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver._n 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver._n 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n 1._o for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n answer_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregational_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num._n 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o outlive_v joshua_n josh._n 24._o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver._n 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n
herself_o unto_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n owe_v one_o unto_o another_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o marriage-covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o covenant_n require_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v these_o duty_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o macâ—donia_n that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v also_o bind_v thâ—mselves_n by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v pâ—operly_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o amâ—s_v 1._o 9_o because_o there_o the_o engagement_n be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n fellow_n member_n and_o fellowe-helper_n and_o not_o as_o to_o one_o head_n or_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o marriage-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n though_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o be_v promise_v in_o their_o covenant_n with_o one_o another_o and_o also_o in_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o brief_a thus_o they_o promise_v unto_o christ_n duty_n to_o he_o and_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o he_o and_o so_o their_o covenant_n be_v a_o marriage-covenant_n with_o christ_n they_o promise_v also_o to_o one_o another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o brotherly_a covenant_n another_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o also_o prove_v that_o a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o covenant_n be_v the_o title_n of_o a_o city_n or_o city_n of_o god_n psal._n 87_o 3._o and_o 48_o 1._o 8._o and_o 122._o 3._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o the_o argument_n lie_v thus_o if_o a_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n than_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n but_o every_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n ergo_o the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n foreallege_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o every_o city_n be_v unâ—ted_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d civitatis_fw-la or_o right_a of_o city_n privilege_n by_o some_o covenant_n or_o oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o city_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o man_n become_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o three_o argument_n 3._o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v and_o restore_v a_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v which_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n a_o new_a with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 10._o and_o 29._o 10._o and_o neh._n 9_o 38._o and_o 10._o 28_o 29_o ier._n 50._o 4_o 5._o the_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v thus_o if_o a_o church_n decay_a be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o refoâ—med_v by_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o erect_v at_o the_o first_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v because_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n thus_o christ_n reâ—ormes_v the_o abuse_n of_o marriage_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o and_o thus_o paul_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v on_o the_o decline_a church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o reformation_n bid_v she_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v her_o first_o work_n rev._n 2._o 5._o now_o the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n above_o allege_v that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o at_o the_o first_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o else_o this_o renew_n of_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o reform_v it_o the_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v a_o church_n 4._o which_o be_v the_o dissolve_v or_o break_v of_o the_o covenant_n zach._n 11._o 9_o 10_o 14._o if_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v the_o church_n than_o the_o make_n of_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o church_n stand_v still_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v constitute_v the_o church_n but_o if_o dissipate_v stone_n in_o a_o building_n do_v dissolve_v the_o house_n than_o the_o compact_n and_o conjoin_v of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o house_n if_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o which_o destroy_v the_o man_n that_o then_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o unite_n of_o they_o that_o do_v constitute_v and_o make_v the_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v 〈…〉_z case_n and_o that_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o disâ—olâ—ves_v a_o church_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n allege_v zach._n 11._o where_o the_o break_n of_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n that_o be_v the_o unchurch_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n that_o be_v between_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o five_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v among_o church_n 5._o and_o the_o confound_n of_o all_o church_n into_o one_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o covenant_n to_o distinguish_v they_o if_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o church_n be_v compact_v and_o combine_v by_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_o that_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o many_o church_n in_o one_o country_n or_o province_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 14._o of_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1._o 4._o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o rev._n 2._o 23._o ephesus_n be_v not_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n be_v not_o thyatira_n nor_o either_o of_o they_o pergamus_n but_o each_o one_o distinct_a of_o themselves_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o than_o when_o laodiâ—ea_n be_v condemn_v for_o lukewarmeness_n or_o ephesus_n for_o decline_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v reprove_v also_o and_o when_o philadelfia_fw-mi be_v praise_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v praise_v also_o which_o we_o see_v be_v otherwise_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o consequence_n be_v certain_a that_o therefore_o they_o be_v combine_v by_o some_o covenant_n each_o one_o among_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o that_o will_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n under_o heaven_n and_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v distinction_n nor_o be_v it_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n together_o for_o that_o may_v be_v common_a to_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o usual_o be_v to_o many_o that_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v with_o company_n in_o london_n as_o the_o company_n of_o goldsmith_n etc._n etc._n that_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o company_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o habitation_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o some_o combination_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v not_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n that_o distinguish_v church_n and_o church-member_n from_o other_o man_n but_o their_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n and_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n can_v distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o
another_o object_n because_o these_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o then_o how_o can_v covenant_n distinguish_v they_o sith_o all_o church_n be_v join_v by_o covenant_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n simple_o or_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a that_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n answer_n or_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o but_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o these_o person_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n though_o all_o marry_a couple_n be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o one_o couple_n promise_v the_o same_o duty_n that_o another_o couple_n do_v yet_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n of_o the_o duty_n covenant_v to_o this_o man_n and_o this_o woman_n in_o particular_a such_o a_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v a_o couple_n man_n and_o wife_n together_o and_o give_v they_o mutual_a power_n over_o each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o covenant_n to_o perform_v church-duty_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o such_o person_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o concerning_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n do_v become_v a_o church_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v this_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n 1._o then_o take_v hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o if_o compact_v and_o conjoin_v of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n be_v that_o that_o make_v a_o house_n than_o a_o particular_a stone_n can_v become_v a_o part_n of_o that_o house_n till_o it_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o city_n of_o god_n live_v stone_n christian_n believer_n must_v be_v compact_v together_o and_o build_v up_o together_o ephes._n 2._o 21._o 22._o psal._n 122._o 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o particular_a christian_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o part_n of_o that_o build_n by_o be_v combine_v with_o the_o rest_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n 2._o isa._n 56._o 3_o 6_o 7._o let_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n speak_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v utter_o separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n 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 etc._n etc._n and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n even_o they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n concerning_o which_o scripture_n note_n three_o thing_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o these_o stranger_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n true_a believer_n join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n v._n 3_o and_o v._n 6._o that_o they_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n v._n 6._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o join_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v join_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o a_o complaint_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v._n 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v._n 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distiâ—ct_n thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v._n 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_a not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n object_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o answer_n but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_n of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 19_o 7._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o and_o 6._o 16_o 17._o hos._n 2._o 23._o and_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaâ—lites_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n
gospel_n through_o obstinacy_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o they_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n remain_v which_o have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o church_n to_o this_o day_n though_o the_o mixture_n of_o manifold_a corruption_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n more_o implicit_a than_o be_v meeâ—e_n second_o because_o there_o want_v no_o good_a record_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o selden_n history_n of_o tithe_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o former_a time_n in_o england_n it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o oblation_n where_o themselves_o please_v now_o this_o pay_n of_o tithe_n be_v account_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n or_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n be_v also_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n and_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o the_o precinct_n of_o parish_n that_o do_v limit_v man_n in_o those_o day_n but_o their_o own_o choice_n three_o those_o question_n and_o answer_n minister_v at_o baptism_n speak_v of_o before_o viz._n do_v thou_o renounce_v i_o do_v renounce_v do_v thou_o believe_v i_o do_v beleseve_v do_v thou_o promise_v i_o do_v promise_v as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o other_o place_n so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o england_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o sundry_a corruption_n now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o have_v make_v personal_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v at_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o parent_n which_o course_n indeed_o afterward_o do_v grow_v into_o a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o a_o good_a order_n if_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a profession_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a prince_n do_v but_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v not_o tolerate_v within_o his_o dominion_n any_o open_a idolatry_n or_o the_o open_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o baptise_a person_n but_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o likewise_o when_o he_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o countenance_n also_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v willing_o bend_v thereunto_o ezra_n 1._o 13_o and_o 7_o 13._o and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o â—reenesse_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church-communion_n because_o one_o dutâ—e_n can_v oppose_v nor_o contradict_v another_o and_o suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shouâ—d_fw-mi seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_n of_o some_o to_o come_v in_o for_o member_n who_o be_v unfit_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o other_o who_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n desire_v it_o when_o the_o israelite_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o go_v a_o mix_a multitude_n with_o they_o many_o go_v with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o israelite_n indeed_o exod._n 12._o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mordeâ—ay_n and_o hesthâ—r_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n and_o respect_n est._n 8._o 17._o and_o so_o join_v to_o they_o not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n nor_o of_o any_o sincere_a heart_n towards_o god_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o favour_n or_o fear_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o force_a or_o feign_a join_v of_o some_o can_v not_o hinder_v those_o that_o be_v israelite_n indeed_o from_o be_v israelite_n nor_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v no_o jew_n no_o church-member_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n proclamation_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o occasion_n rather_o of_o bring_v some_o into_o the_o church_n who_o come_v not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n but_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o obtain_v favour_n yet_o this_o can_v hinder_v but_o other_o may_v voluntary_o and_o free_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o subjection_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o desire_v though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o in_o it_o if_o any_o shall_v hereupon_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v church_n than_o the_o member_n of_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n in_o new_a england_n before_o they_o join_v to_o our_o church_n such_o one_o may_v find_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o thirty-two_o question_n whereunto_o we_o do_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o this_o point_n only_o add_v this_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o man_n for_o member_n without_o personal_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o covenant_n though_o he_o have_v former_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o another_o place_n as_o be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o master_n parker_n last_o if_o any_o say_v that_o if_o these_o reason_n prove_v the_o english_a congregation_n to_o have_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o rome_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n go_v for_o true_a church_n also_o for_o some_o man_n may_v think_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v for_o they_o that_o here_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o objection_n be_v say_v for_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n such_o one_o must_v remember_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o a_o covenant_n make_v a_o company_n a_o true_a church_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o a_o covenant_n to_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v for_o who_o doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n among_o thief_n pro._n 1._o a_o confederation_n among_o god_n enemy_n psal._n 83._o a_o conspiracy_n among_o the_o arabian_n the_o ammonite_n and_o ashdodite_n to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o jerusalem_n neh._n 4._o 7_o 8._o and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o be_v make_v true_a church_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o confederacy_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n especial_o since_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o agreement_n or_o confederacy_n among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o idolatâ—y_o in_o worship_n heresy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o other_o antichristian_a pollution_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o combine_v in_o these_o thing_n such_o combination_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o true_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o but_o the_o religion_n of_o papist_n be_v so_o far_o from_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o it_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v witness_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o point_n of_o vilify_a the_o scripture_n and_o in_o point_n of_o freewill_n and_o of_o justification_n by_o work_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n in_o regard_n of_o which_o and_o such_o like_a the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o sea_n become_v as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o every_o soul_n in_o that_o sea_n die_v rev._n 16._o 3._o and_o therefore_o agreement_n in_o such_o a_o religion_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n nor_o any_o assembly_n of_o arrian_n antitrinitary_n anabaptist_n or_o famelist_n suppose_v they_o also_o to_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o but_o now_o for_o the_o assembly_n in_o england_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o hold_v and_o observe_v though_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o some_o of_o those_o article_n and_o though_o many_o person_n live_v contrary_a
in_o their_o life_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v such_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v save_v therein_o and_o therefore_o assembly_n unite_v by_o covenant_n to_o observe_v this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a church_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o may_v be_v false_a although_o they_o also_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n rise_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o several_o profess_v and_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v fundamental_o corrupt_a and_o consequent_o pernicious_a the_o other_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n orthodoxal_a and_o sound_a second_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v also_o which_o be_v intimate_v before_o that_o if_o fundamental_a corruption_n be_v profess_v in_o with_o impenitency_n and_o obstinacy_n than_o god_n may_v disannul_v the_o covenant_n on_o his_o part_n and_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o such_o a_o people_n iere._n 3._o 8._o now_o experience_n and_o the_o scripture_n also_o do_v witness_n of_o the_o jesuited_a and_o trâ—nt-papists_n that_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n of_o worship_v devil_n and_o idol_n of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n neither_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n nor_o of_o their_o sorcery_n nor_o of_o their_o fornication_n nor_o of_o their_o theft_n rev._n 9_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o for_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n we_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o do_v not_o sin_v of_o obstinacy_n but_o of_o ignorance_n have_v not_o be_v convince_v and_o many_o of_o they_o never_o have_v have_v mean_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n remain_v among_o they_o may_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n when_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o papist_n in_o like_o stead_n they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a which_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o parish_n altogether_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o nay_o rather_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n we_o may_v lament_v it_o with_o tear_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o member_n and_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o walk_n in_o many_o of_o those_o assembly_n there_o be_v find_v such_o apparent_a corruption_n as_o be_v just_o grievous_a to_o a_o godly_a soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o discern_v they_o and_o great_o displease_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o have_v need_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o betimes_o lest_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n remove_v the_o candlestick_n and_o unchurch_v they_o rev._n 2._o 5._o in_o a_o word_n the_o corruption_n remain_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n but_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v contain_v such_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o walk_v according_a thereunto_o in_o sincerity_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o persist_v in_o with_o obstinacy_n therefore_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o church_n remain_v but_o this_o opinion_n of_o church-covenant_n 12._o be_v hold_v by_o none_o but_o the_o brownist_n or_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v this_o ground_n can_v be_v make_v good_a answ._n that_o none_o but_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n be_v for_o church_n covenant_n for_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n general_o as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n the_o ten_o be_v for_o it_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o shall_v all_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o *_o separation_n brownist_n or_o maintain_v unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n also_o master_n parker_n and_o doctor_n ames_n man_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n famous_a for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n and_o moderation_n both_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o church-covenant_n and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v brownist_n but_o bare_a witness_n against_o that_o rigid_a separation_n â—or_a doctor_n ames_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o medulla_fw-la theol_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o 14_o 15_o 17._o fideles_fw-la non_fw-la constitunt_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la particularem_fw-la quamvis_fw-la simul_fw-la forsan_fw-la plures_fw-la in_fw-la eodem_fw-la loco_fw-la conveniant_fw-la aut_fw-la vivre_fw-fr nisi_fw-la speciali_fw-la vinculo_fw-la intersese_fw-la conjuâ—guntur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v believer_n do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o meet_v together_o and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o place_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o some_o special_a bond_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o one_o church_n will_v many_o time_n be_v dissolve_v into_o many_o and_o many_o church_n confound_v into_o one_o now_o this_o bond_n be_v a_o covenant_n either_o express_v or_o implicit_a whereby_o believer_n do_v bind_v themselves_o particular_o to_o perform_v all_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o mutual_o to_o one_o another_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n and_o their_o edification_n and_o thereupon_o no_o man_n be_v right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o stipulation_n or_o promise_n of_o obedience_n these_o word_n do_v plain_o and_o full_o show_v his_o judgement_n of_o church_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v hold_v and_o practise_v in_o new-england_n at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o severity_n and_o rigidity_n of_o separation_n may_v be_v clear_v from_o sundry_a of_o his_o work_n wherein_o he_o plain_o and_o full_o bear_v witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o ceremony_n pag._n 207._o and_o in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n wherein_o he_o purposely_o and_o at_o large_a deal_v in_o this_o argument_n of_o separation_n sure_o it_o be_v master_n canne_n in_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n do_v profess_o and_o express_o oppose_v himself_o against_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n which_o show_v how_o far_o the_o good_a doctor_n be_v from_o favour_v that_o way_n when_o they_o most_o zealous_o therein_o do_v count_v he_o to_o be_v a_o special_a opposite_a of_o they_o as_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o for_o master_n parker_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hear_v before_o in_o part_n where_o he_o so_o much_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o this_o point_n and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v see_v of_o his_o judgement_n herein_o in_o the_o sixteen_o chap._n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o pâ—lit_n ecclesiastica_fw-la and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o likewise_o lib_n 1._o câ—p_n 13_o 14._o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n he_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n as_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o a_o admonition_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v before_o that_o book_n by_o â—_z r._n suo_fw-la suorumque_fw-la nomine_fw-la so_o that_o this_o assertion_n appear_v to_o be_v untrue_a wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o but_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n do_v approve_v of_o church-covenant_n as_o for_o the_o inâ—erence_n from_o this_o ground_n that_o therefore_o church-covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v plead_v for_o and_o practâ—â—ed_v by_o the_o separatist_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o separatist_n hold_v no_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o hold_v a_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o differ_v from_o they_o either_o of_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v if_o the_o papist_n hold_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v promise_v and_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o many_o such_o like_a must_v we_o deny_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n this_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n because_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o pharisee_n act._n 23._o 8._o and_o so_o we_o say_v of_o church-covenant_n hold_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n as_o also_o many_o other_o truth_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o no_o reason_n that_o truth_n shall_v be_v refuse_v because_o the_o
both_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o require_v if_o any_o shouâ—d_fw-mi have_v claim_v church-fellowship_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o will_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o any_o duty_n of_o evangelical_a obedience_n this_o have_v be_v a_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o half_n a_o take_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o in_o seem_v and_o pretence_n and_o a_o leave_n of_o another_o but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezrya_n ezra_n 10._o 8._o and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n shall_v refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v there_o require_v to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o believe_n in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o likewise_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profess_n of_o such_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o join_n in_o covenant_n which_o we_o stand_v for_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n even_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o show_v that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 3._o or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5._o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o if_o man_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v add_v or_o join_v then_o joy_v in_o covenant_n or_o profess_v of_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n forementioned_a and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v concerning_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n but_o that_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o this_o reason_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n will_v appear_v by_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n ensue_v when_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o thaâ—_z god_n do_v convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o convert_v of_o they_o be_v the_o add_n of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o answer_n for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o receive_v for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o assay_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o they_o till_o they_o be_v better_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o barnabas_n act._n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o those_o stranger_n isa._n 56._o as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v lament_v it_o with_o grief_n that_o they_o be_v not_o join_v as_o member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n say_v they_o ver._n 3._o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a concerning_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o second_o those_o that_o be_v join_v be_v believer_n before_o they_o join_v for_o it_o be_v say_v divers_a be_v add_v ver._n 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o volunâ—ary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_a grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_v which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver._n 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver._n 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_v which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ._n for_o then_o saul_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n 3._o neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o