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 world_n 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_v of_o the_o priesthood_n unto_o phineas_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o shewbread_n every_o sabbath_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o heave-offering_a 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 &_o 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o jer._n 33._o 20._o num._n 25._o 12_o 13._o levit._fw-la 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 bind_v they_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n back_o again_o to_o he_o take_v 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 bind_v of_o 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 &_o v_o 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 &_o psal_n 119_o 106._o &_o 66._o 13_o 14._o &_o 27_o 8._o &_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 jer._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_a 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 concern_v 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 desirous_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 comprise_v six_o thing_n first_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n he_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_v 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 christians_o 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_n thing_n so_o unlike_a will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_a hold_n 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 devise_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_v 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 &_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_a 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_v 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
have_v very_o sinful_o break_v it_o ver_fw-la 59_o but_o even_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o for_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 36._o 32._o deut._n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o what_o force_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_v viz._n if_o god_n will_v do_v we_o good_a but_o not_o for_o our_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v church_n estate_n all_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la this_o enter_v into_o covenant_n may_v keep_v out_o many_o good_a man_n from_o join_v 5._o to_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a lay_v aside_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o good_a man_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a answ_n about_o it_o till_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v warrantable_a enough_o for_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o tribe_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o altar_n set_v up_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n by_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a till_o they_o understand_v the_o intent_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o for_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v erect_v and_o then_o they_o be_v satisfy_v josh_n 22._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n till_o they_o understand_v what_o peter_n have_v to_o say_v for_o his_o defence_n therein_o and_o then_o they_o rest_v well_o satisfy_v act._n 11._o but_o if_o man_n understand_v what_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n in_o church-estate_n for_o will_v good_a man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v they_o refuse_v to_o profess_v and_o promise_v so_o much_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n thereto_o such_o refuse_v be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v ignorance_n at_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o so_o than_o it_o may_v be_v perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o some_o want_n of_o will_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n that_o such_o will_v yield_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v it_o but_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2._o 41._o tell_v of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o 6._o any_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o 3000._o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o one_o day_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n answ_n first_o that_o 3000._o be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v do_v by_o they_o all_o in_o one_o day_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v at_o penticost_n at_o which_o time_n of_o the_o year_n the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o long_a and_o 2._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o david_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n in_o one_o day_n 2._o sam._n 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o david_n and_o the_o tribe_n and_o so_o between_o this_o 3000._o and_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v open_o declare_v and_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v by_o some_o sign_n or_o other_o express_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o in_o one_o day_n second_o as_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o indeed_o it_o be_v do_v by_o those_o 3000._o soul_n for_o it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 41._o that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n receive_v it_o for_o this_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n be_v note_v as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o also_o a_o open_a profess_v that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o for_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n without_o a_o open_a profess_v thereof_o outward_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o unto_o baptism_n now_o this_o word_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38_o 39_o and_o to_o obedience_n in_o sever_a themselves_o from_o other_o and_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o untoward_a generation_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o glad_o receive_v this_o word_n there_o be_v a_o open_a profess_v of_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n ver_fw-la 40._o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o church-covenant_n yea_o and_o further_o their_o very_a preparation_n to_o this_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o true_a compunction_n and_o sorrow_n of_o soul_n be_v also_o open_o make_v manifest_a ver_fw-la 37._o but_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o long_a narration_n of_o every_o one_o several_o reply_n as_o now_o be_v use_v when_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o church-covenant_n when_o each_o one_o make_v a_o good_a long_a speech_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v show_v before_o that_o they_o do_v answ_n open_o profess_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n in_o the_o length_n or_o largeness_n of_o their_o speech_n in_o express_v of_o themselves_o that_o can_v make_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n majus_n &_o minus_fw-la non_fw-la diversificant_a speciem_fw-la and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v brief_a because_o there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n they_o shall_v be_v long_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o their_o time_n and_o we_o first_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n present_a to_o hear_v their_o confession_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o who_o be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a discern_a and_o therefore_o brief_a express_v of_o man_n self_n may_v suffice_v whereas_o the_o best_a christian_n yea_o the_o best_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o need_v more_o time_n for_o study_n and_o for_o preparation_n for_o our_o sermon_n then_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o we_o need_v more_o time_n to_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o man_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v add_v withal_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primative_a christian_n man_n of_o such_o excellent_a discern_v be_v sometime_o deceive_v and_o can_v not_o always_o so_o discern_v but_o that_o some_o hypocrite_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n do_v witness_n how_o much_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o day_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o try_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o they_o that_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n second_o their_o time_n also_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o their_o christianity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o excommunication_n joh._n 9_o 22._o of_o imprisonment_n act._n 4._o 3._o and_o 5._o 18._o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o to_o see_v man_n now_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v so_o hate_v and_o who_o himself_o but_o a_o while_n before_o be_v crucify_v this_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a matter_n and_o therefore_o in_o word_n man_n may_v be_v the_o brief_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o time_n in_o new_a england_n do_v not_o persecute_v christ_n and_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o countenance_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n now_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a in_o examination_n of_o man_n estate_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v
the_o title_n of_o the_o 21._o be_v de_fw-fr paritate_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la where_o he_o open_v and_o explain_v and_o by_o many_o argument_n and_o testimony_n confirm_v what_o we_o hold_v of_o the_o independency_n and_o parity_n of_o church_n to_o which_o learned_a discourse_n of_o he_o we_o refer_v you_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o there_o 15._o shall_v be_v a_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o every_o church_n â—it_n 1_o 5._o act_n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o who_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 5._o â—7_n and_o unto_o who_o so_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a and_o submit_v themselves_o heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o therefore_o a_o government_n mere_o popular_a or_o democraticall_a which_o divine_v and_o orthodox_n writer_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o morillius_n and_o such_o like_a be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n and_o we_o believe_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n second_o nevertheless_o a_o government_n mere_o aristocratical_a wherein_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o elder_n as_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o entermedle_v by_o way_n of_o power_n therein_o such_o a_o government_n we_o conceive_v also_o to_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o infringe_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o censure_v of_o offender_n even_o minister_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n must_v admonish_v archippus_n of_o his_o duty_n col._n 4._o 17._o master_n parker_n you_o know_v have_v 22._o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o her_o officer_n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o and_o master_n baine_n say_v if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n by_o election_n to_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o so_o power_n of_o institute_v he_o then_o of_o destitute_v also_o instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la diocese_n trial_o p._n 88_o and_o again_o no_o reason_n evince_v the_o pope_n though_o a_o general_a pastor_n subject_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n ecumenical_a but_o the_o same_o prove_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o we_o may_v add_v and_o a_o congregationall_a minister_n subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n pag._n 89._o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v then_o may_v sheep_n censure_v the_o shepherd_n child_n their_o father_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o similitude_n hold_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n natural_a parent_n be_v no_o way_n child_n nor_o in_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o their_o child_n but_o spiritual_a father_n be_v so_o father_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v child_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o shepherd_n be_v no_o way_n sheep_n but_o minister_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 2._o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v absolute_o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o spiritual_a parent_n and_o pastor_n be_v no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o do_v according_o behave_v themselves_o p._n 89._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o more_o aâ—_n large_a be_v this_o objection_n answer_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o p._n 78._o 79._o and_o again_o if_o their_o own_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v wherein_o other_o have_v such_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o person_n who_o belong_v not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n p._n 89._o so_o that_o all_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o see_v the_o officer_n themselves_o if_o they_o offend_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n even_o paul_n himself_o though_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n without_o the_o church_n but_o send_v to_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o blame_v they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o soon_o 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n reprove_v pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v balaamite_n nicholaitan_n and_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n among_o they_o and_o call_v on_o they_o for_o reformation_n herein_o rev._n 2._o send_v his_o epistle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a congregation_n as_o appear_v rev._n 1._o 11._o and_o also_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o those_o epistle_n where_o the_o word_n be_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o corrupt_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o they_o a_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o all_o now_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n argue_v some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n as_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o argue_v some_o remissness_n therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n be_v require_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o all_o of_o the_o angel_n alone_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o spring_v up_o among_o they_o as_o appear_z by_o their_o behaviour_n &_o practice_n when_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a have_v set_v up_o the_o altar_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n jos_n 22._o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n gather_v themselves_o together_o at_o shilo_n to_o go_v up_o to_o war_n against_o they_o v_o 12._o and_o when_o phineas_n and_o ten_o prince_n with_o he_o be_v send_v to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o about_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n that_o send_v they_o v_o 13_o 14._o and_o when_o they_o deliver_v their_o message_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o trespass_n be_v this_o etc._n etc._n v_o 16._o which_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n alone_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v abuse_n reform_v and_o redress_v which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o when_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o caâ—mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n â—is_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v count_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o bring_v a_o plague_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n v_o 1._o and_o god_n say_v to_o joshua_n not_o the_o elâ—ers_n have_v sin_v but_o israel_n have_v sin_v and_o they_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o they_o have_v steal_v of_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o put_v it_o among_o their_o own_o stuff_n v_o 11._o and_o for_o this_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n josh_n 22._o 20._o now_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o have_v perish_v alone_o but_o wrath_n must_v fall_v upon_o they_o all_o and_o why_o shall_v his_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n if_o the_o care_n of_o prevent_v it_o and_o timely_o suppress_v the_o same_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n have_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o upon_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n alone_o doubtless_o the_o just_a lord_n who_o say_v every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6._o 5._o will_v not_o have_v bring_v wrath_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o achans_n sin_n if_o such_o government_n as_o may_v have_v prevent_v or_o timely_o reform_v the_o same_o have_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n alone_o and_o before_o this_o time_n all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n alone_o be_v command_v to_o put_v leper_n and_o unclean_a person_n out_o of_o the_o camp_n numb_a 5._o 1_o 2._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o exercise_n
be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o church_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v without_o officer_n as_o by_o war_n pestilence_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n common_a to_o pastor_n with_o teacher_n 22._o as_o that_o they_o be_v both_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n both_o elder_n or_o bishop_n to_o rule_v and_o feed_v the_o church_n by_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n act._n 20_o 28_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o both_o jer._n 3._o 15._o as_o also_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n isa_n 30._o 20._o as_o those_o name_n may_v also_o be_v give_v to_o apostle_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o also_o be_v elder_n pastor_n teacher_n to_o rule_v to_o feed_v to_o teach_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o joh._n 21._o 15._o 16._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 7._o &_o 2._o 1._o 11._o and_o if_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v both_o of_o they_o church_n officer_n to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n they_o must_v not_o do_v this_o without_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o state_n of_o the_o hearer_n as_o god_n shall_v help_v they_o for_o this_o application_n be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o be_v by_o his_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n without_o which_o the_o word_n be_v not_o handle_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 25._o luk._n 12._o 42._o and_o many_o hearer_n need_v this_o the_o word_n deliver_v in_o general_a without_o application_n of_o it_o be_v to_o they_o as_o bread_n set_v before_o child_n in_o the_o whole_a loaf_n and_o if_o both_o of_o they_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n but_o with_o application_n we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v both_o of_o they_o administer_v the_o seal_n or_o sacrament_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o special_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n therein_o unto_o the_o faithful_a and_o believe_a receiver_n 2._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o community_n between_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n the_o same_o officer_n but_o distinct_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o ephes_n 4._o 11._o for_o if_o a_o man_n will_v say_v their_o office_n be_v confound_v because_o the_o same_o general_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o belong_v unto_o they_o both_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o man_n may_v say_v the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v confound_v for_o both_o of_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o application_n of_o the_o same_o by_o doctrine_n and_o seal_n and_o also_o that_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n be_v the_o same_o office_n with_o they_o both_o because_o he_o also_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o apply_v but_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v and_o teach_v by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n and_o application_n as_o a_o apostle_n a_o evangelist_n as_o a_o evangelist_n and_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n as_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o therein_o lie_v the_o difference_n and_o we_o may_v add_v a_o teacher_n as_o a_o teacher_n and_o therein_o be_v he_o distinguish_v both_o from_o the_o pastor_n and_o from_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n even_o as_o by_o the_o same_o they_o all_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o the_o same_o general_a work_n of_o doctrine_n and_o application_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o 3._o and_o for_o the_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v principal_o to_o attend_v upon_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o doctrine_n though_o not_o without_o application_n and_o the_o other_o to_o point_n of_o practice_n though_o not_o without_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v call_v he_o that_o teach_v and_o his_o work_n be_v thus_o express_v let_v he_o attend_v on_o teach_v and_o the_o other_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o his_o work_n to_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o one_o be_v call_v a_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o other_o a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o as_o experience_n also_o show_v that_o one_o man_n gift_n be_v more_o doctrinal_a and_o for_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o another_o more_a exhortatory_n and_o for_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o elder_n among_o we_o whether_o rule_v 23._o only_o or_o rule_v and_o teach_v also_o to_o strive_v for_o authority_n or_o pre-eminence_n one_o above_o another_o as_o remember_v what_o lesson_n our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v at_o strife_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a luk._n 22._o 24_o 25._o etc._n etc._n if_o diotrephes_n strive_v for_o pre-eminence_n 3_o joh._n 9_o 10._o very_o we_o abhor_v such_o strive_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n respect_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n as_o for_o the_o people_n duty_n towards_o their_o elder_n it_o be_v teach_v they_o plain_o in_o that_o place_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o as_o also_o in_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o this_o word_n special_o show_v they_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o account_v all_o their_o elder_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n so_o in_o special_a manner_n their_o teach_v or_o preach_v elder_n these_o be_v answer_v in_o that_o which_o be_v send_v the_o last_o 25._o year_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v 26._o to_o be_v maintain_v with_o sufficient_a and_o honourable_a maintenance_n according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o occasion_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o person_n call_v charge_v of_o child_n and_o hospitality_n so_o as_o he_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 14._o gal_n 6._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o this_o maintenance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o alm_n and_o courtesy_n but_o as_o debt_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v pay_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n luk._n 10._o 17._o which_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o nature_n nation_n moses_n and_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9_o but_o for_o settle_a and_o stint_a maintenance_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v that_o way_n among_o we_o except_o from_o year_n to_o year_n because_o the_o condition_n of_o minister_n may_v vary_v and_o of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o day_n but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o the_o great_a mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o second_o trumpet_n rev._n 8._o 8_o 9_o be_v apply_v by_o some_o good_a writer_n to_o those_o time_n when_o constantine_n bring_v settle_v endowment_n into_o the_o church_n with_o ampla_fw-la praedia_fw-la as_o they_o be_v call_v be_v count_v by_o some_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o poison_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o story_n say_v that_o upon_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o good_a emperor_n a_o voice_n be_v hear_v which_o say_v hodie_fw-la seminatum_fw-la est_fw-la virus_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la and_o if_o those_o writer_n be_v not_o deceive_v which_o so_o expound_v that_o scripture_n as_o for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v not_o but_o they_o expound_v it_o true_o then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o cast_n of_o that_o mountain_n into_o the_o sea_n a_o three_o part_n of_o it_o become_v blood_n and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o live_a creature_n die_v and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o ship_n be_v destroy_v it_o may_v be_v true_o gather_v thence_o that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o settle_a endowment_n and_o eminent_a preferment_n into_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o to_o some_o the_o destruction_n of_o such_o as_o live_v by_o they_o both_o church-officer_n and_o church-member_n we_o do_v not_o permit_v and_o call_v upon_o such_o who_o you_o call_v 27._o mere_a lay_v man_n and_o private_a person_n neither_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n nor_o intend_v to_o it_o ordinary_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v public_o in_o or_o before_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o ordinary_o you_o mean_v frequent_o
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_fw-la 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_fw-la 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver_fw-la 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_fw-la 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_fw-la 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 for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o 1_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 but_o the_o answer_n 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 congregationall_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 &_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_fw-la 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 out_o live_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_fw-la 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 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 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v 2_o into_o solemn_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 yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n answer_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 becâ—me_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 esâ—â—_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 ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeâ—_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 ezek_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 josh_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 josh_n 5._o 3._o 7._o they_o being_n 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 and_o therefore_o 3_o not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concern_v watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o as_o be_v answer_n 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 duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v of_o god_n leu._n 19_o 17._o deut._n 29_o 8._o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_n 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 be_v bear_v and_o proselyte_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 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 4_o in_o these_o day_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o what_o soever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_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_n afterward_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 paedagogie_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_v 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 write_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_a 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 &_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o &_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o &_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_v 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 agreeable_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 have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n take_v heed_n and_o hearken_v o_o israel_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v become_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n this_o scripture_n plain_o show_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o here_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o that_o avouch_v of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o god_n be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o 2._o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n together_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n 26._o 18._o &_o 27._o 9_o 3_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o thereby_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n ver_fw-la 9_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n so_o ezech._n 16._o 8._o prove_v the_o same_o likewise_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o thou_o became_v my_o here_o also_o be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o man_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o personal_a but_o of_o a_o company_n for_o it_o be_v with_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o which_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v multiply_v as_o the_o bud_n of_o the_o field_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o do_v prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o therefore_o not_o mean_v only_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o become_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n likewise_o ezek._n 20._o 37._o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v first_o mention_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n second_o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 30._o 39_o three_o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o bond_n because_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o a_o people_n be_v bind_v and_o tie_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o one_o church_n all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n by_o which_o a_o company_n be_v so_o combine_v and_o unite_v as_o that_o they_o become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v also_o observable_a how_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o this_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n by_o which_o phrase_n as_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n well_o observe_v be_v mean_v trial_n and_o probation_n draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o cattle_n who_o go_v among_o their_o sheep_n or_o other_o cattle_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o therewith_o point_v out_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n holy_a use_n as_o leu._n 27._o 32._o and_o so_o hereby_o be_v note_v that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o he_o will_v first_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n of_o due_a trial_n and_o probation_n and_o then_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o god_n or_o meet_v matter_n for_o his_o church_n shall_v solemn_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o covenant_n shall_v be_v the_o bond_n that_o shall_v combine_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o together_o into_o one_o that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n shall_v all_o become_v one_o body_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o
title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n jer._n 2._o 2._o &_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharoahs_n daughter_n psal_n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n cant._n 6_o 9_o 1._o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o viz_o the_o whole_a company_n answer_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o &_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o hundred_o 2._o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n jer._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o answ_n cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n but_o 3_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa_n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n &_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n do_v give_v up_o 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 macedonia_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 themselves_o by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v proper_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20_o 8._o amos_n 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-member_n and_o fellow-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 &_o 48_o 1._o 8._o &_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._fw-la the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n forealledge_v 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 unite_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o jus_o 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 may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v 3_o 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 &_o 29._o 10._o &_o neh._n 9_o 38._o &_o 10._o 28_o 29._o jer._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 reform_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 reform_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_a that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o
have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v_o 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_o 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distinct_a 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_o 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_v 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 believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n object_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 but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a answer_n profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_v 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 197._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o &_o 26._o 16_o 17._o hos_fw-la 2._o 23._o &_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_v 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 ishmaelite_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_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n 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 shall_v 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 evangelicall_n 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_v 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 ezra_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_a 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_v 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 3_o that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_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 join_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 foremention_v 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 concern_v 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 it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v 1._o but_o that_o 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_n of_o they_o be_v the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n answer_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_fw-la 3._o the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a concern_v 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