the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o men_n or_o the_o visible_a church_n reform_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n tend_v to_o reformation_n by_o richard_n resbury_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o oundle_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1649._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n there_o be_v many_o interest_n in_o this_o active_a age_n contend_v for_o the_o sovereign_a interest_n the_o king_n prerogative_n the_o state_n interest_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o popular_a interest_n the_o subject_n liberty_n there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o these_o to_o be_v heed_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o more_o excellent_a those_o civil_a this_o spiritual_a those_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n as_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n this_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n those_o make_n for_o a_o political_a this_o for_o a_o spiritual_a those_o for_o a_o momentany_a this_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n aswell_o according_a to_o her_o visible_a and_o ministerial_a as_o her_o invisible_a and_o save_a state_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o it_o be_v who_o appoint_v her_o officer_n administration_n law_n privilege_n liberty_n in_o the_o grand_a charter_n of_o his_o word_n none_o of_o which_o may_v the_o high_a upon_o earth_n without_o crimen_fw-la laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la attempt_n against_o the_o crown_n of_o christ_n to_o violate_v neither_o be_v this_o only_a excellent_a above_o the_o rest_n but_o most_o advantageous_a to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o true_a policy_n of_o king_n parliament_n and_o people_n to_o give_v due_a heed_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o this_o which_o settle_v true_o settle_v all_o they_o sure_o and_o beautiful_o be_v wise_a now_o therefore_o o_o you_o king_n be_v instruct_v you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n kiss_v the_o son_n nay_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o its_o claim_n shall_v renew_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o make_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n it_o have_v be_v my_o endeavour_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o discern_v that_o deceitful_a piece_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o i_o may_v to_o bring_v something_o if_o but_o a_o little_a goat_n hair_n towards_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n one_o thing_n i_o have_v labour_v i_o hope_v not_o unuseful_a to_o bring_v down_o the_o enquiry_n particular_o to_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o nation_n that_o we_o may_v distinct_o consider_v what_o after_o so_o many_o engagement_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o great_a work_n for_o we_o by_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o he_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o practice_v no_o more_o only_o i_o have_v if_o thou_o be_v faithful_a thy_o prayer_n if_o ingenuous_a thy_o indulgence_n where_o thou_o shall_v find_v slip_n thou_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n ric._n resbury_n the_o head_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v these_o eight_o proposition_n or_o instruction_n follow_v i._o the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v visible_a saint_n only_o ii_o discipline_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o order_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n iii_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n it_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n iv_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o brotherhood_n v._o there_o be_v a_o church-power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a vi_o that_o bishop_n in_o office_n above_o presbyter_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o jerome_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o high_a gospel-antiquity_n vii_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n furnish_v with_o officer_n it_o belong_v to_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o discipline_n within_o itself_o viii_o to_o a_o congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n not_o yet_o possess_v of_o officer_n it_o belong_v to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o they_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o men._n or_o the_o visible_a church_n reform_v chap._n i._n the_o first_o instruction_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v visible_a saint_n only_o by_o visible_a saint_n we_o understand_v with_o bucer_n those_o in_o who_o conversation_n the_o necessary_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n appear_v for_o clear_v this_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o person_n can_v be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o such_o a_o conversation_n as_o we_o here_o require_v because_o the_o heart_n within_o may_v not_o be_v answerable_a therefore_o a_o hypocrite_n not_o discern_v may_v be_v the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o but_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o conversation_n must_v be_v such_o as_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v answerable_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o person_n be_v regenerate_v to_o clear_v this_o further_a by_o instance_n not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v common_o grant_v scandalous_a be_v here_o shut_v out_o in_o who_o conversation_n as_o sin_n reign_v so_o in_o their_o heart_n for_o aught_o that_o may_v appear_v at_o the_o least_o but_o such_o also_o as_o we_o common_o call_v mere_o civil_a honest_a man_n because_o though_o their_o heart_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o conversation_n yer_z be_v they_o stranger_n to_o regeneration_n the_o proposition_n thus_o clear_v we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o 1._o to_o be_v visible_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v visible_o abraham_n seed_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v visible_o christ_n gal._n 3.29_o abraham_n flesh_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o visible_a bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o to_o the_o proselyte_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_a church_n not_o his_o flesh_n but_o his_o faith_n 2._o to_o be_v visible_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v indeed_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o visible_o believer_n and_o holy_a the_o people_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o a_o justify_v a_o sanctify_a people_n a_o people_n adopt_v a_o people_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n a_o people_n of_o new_a obedience_n a_o spiritual_a people_n etc._n etc._n 3._o to_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o his_o temple_n visible_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o but_o such_o be_v only_o they_o who_o be_v visible_o regenerate_v the_o temple_n be_v build_v of_o old_a of_o polish_a stone_n and_o costly_a timber_n it_o receive_v only_o the_o clean_a the_o visible_a church_n now_o be_v his_o visible_a temple_n make_v up_o of_o lively_a stone_n into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o to_o abide_v apart_o from_o the_o unclean_a that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n may_v fill_v this_o temple_n of_o he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17._o 4._o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v that_o god_n may_v have_v a_o holy_a people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n perform_v in_o several_a congregation_n all_o solemn_a worship_n to_o he_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o the_o light_n of_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o regenerate_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n fit_v for_o these_o end_n wicked_a man_n quite_o contrary_o affect_v therefore_o as_o he_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v own_v for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v no_o way_n fit_v for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v manifest_o contrary_a thereto_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v own_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v qualify_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o from_o scripture-patterne_n who_o be_v they_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o a_o holy_a profession_n forsake_v false_a religion_n confess_v their_o sin_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n desire_v to_o be_v solemn_o receive_v and_o that_o when_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n expose_v to_o great_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o for_o the_o baptist_n mat._n 3.6_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a conceit_n at_o the_o best_a to_o think_v such_o a_o confession_n than_o serve_v the_o turn_n as_o be_v palpable_o a_o
and_o christ_n himself_o be_v mock_v from_o this_o discourse_n of_o discipline_n beside_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o appear_v 1._o the_o weight_n of_o it_o bind_v to_o wrath_n or_o lose_v from_o it_o retain_v or_o remit_v sin_n open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o penitent_a or_o shut_v it_o against_o the_o impenitent_a cast_v out_o of_o the_o commonion_n of_o the_o faithful_a cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n or_o readmission_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a reimplant_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rescue_n from_o their_o subjection_n to_o satan_n and_o so_o as_o all_o this_o do_v here_o upon_o earth_n where_o right_o administer_v be_v confirm_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o stand_v upon_o so_o clear_a a_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n therefore_o be_v a_o gospel_n ordinance_n unchangeable_a 2._o be_v so_o main_a a_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n 3._o from_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n from_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o that_o old_a leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o instruction_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n it_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n we_o need_v not_o prove_v the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n be_v the_o people_n right_a make_v not_o a_o little_a for_o the_o due_a settle_v the_o church_n for_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v three_o thing_n 1._o point_v to_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o truth_n 2._o add_v some_o reason_n according_a to_o scripture_n 3._o give_v in_o the_o testimony_n first_o of_o the_o primitive_a then_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n 1._o for_o the_o scripture_n act_n 1.15_o with_o 23._o the_o disciple_n go_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o choose_v a_o apostle_n who_o must_v have_v his_o commission_n immediate_o from_o god_n they_o appoint_v two_o and_o give_v forth_o lot_n act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o whole_a multitude_n choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o present_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o ordination_n act_v 14.23_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n the_o word_n translate_v ordain_v signify_v solemn_o to_o appoint_v to_o office_n upon_o the_o people_n vote_n or_o choice_n or_o suffrage_n so_o stephen_n in_o his_o treasure_n of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n render_v it_o to_o make_v or_o create_v by_o suffrage_n see_v calvin_n and_o beza_n afterward_o 2._o for_o reason_n 1._o the_o officer_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4_o 11_o 12._o therefore_o she_o may_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o ordinary_a way_n procure_v they_o which_o yet_o in_o many_o case_n she_o can_v do_v if_o she_o have_v not_o right_a to_o choose_v they_o 2._o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o therefore_o she_o have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v they_o to_o herself_o if_o she_o depend_v upon_o either_o magistrate_n or_o patron_n or_o any_o other_o for_o a_o right_a to_o call_v her_o officer_n they_o be_v then_o rather_o give_v to_o they_o on_o who_o she_o shall_v so_o depend_v then_o to_o she_o 3._o otherwise_o the_o church_n sc_n the_o company_n of_o beseevers_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o society_n as_o to_o the_o settle_n of_o herself_o in_o her_o best_a state_n no_o people_n without_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o officer_n for_o their_o good_a but_o may_v settle_v such_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n show_v 4._o in_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o great_a love_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o so_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o officer_n become_v more_o fruitful_a 5._o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o hear_v the_o true_a teacher_n to_o shun_v the_o false_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n which_o import_v 1._o moral_a ability_n for_o choose_v 2._o a_o right_a of_o choose_v or_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a minister_n add_v to_o these_o christian_a practice_n and_o experience_n what_o faithful_a soul_n make_v any_o scruple_n of_o leave_v a_o faithless_a and_o unedifying_a minister_n at_o home_n to_o go_v abroad_o for_o enjoy_v a_o faithful_a and_o edify_a ministry_n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o christian_n have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n 3._o for_o testimony_n 1._o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n cyprian_n who_o live_v a_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n about_o 240_o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n be_v plentiful_a herein_o as_o in_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n it_o appear_v so_o in_o those_o time_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n ordination_n of_o officer_n succeed_v their_o election_n hence_o cyprian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n most_o dear_a brethren_n we_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o advise_v with_o you_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o by_o common_a counsel_n epist_n 33._o according_a to_o pamelius_n edition_n at_o the_o beginning_n cyprian_n to_o the_o people_n to_o avoid_v the_o faction_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o five_o presbyter_n side_v with_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o epist_n 40._o they_o mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n against_o my_o episcopacy_n episcopacy_n distinct_a from_o presbytery_n have_v then_o place_n in_o the_o church_n though_o of_o a_o far_o pure_a stamp_n than_o our_o prelacy_n nay_o against_o your_o suffrage_n or_o election_n by_o vote_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n renew_v their_o old_a opposition_n etc._n etc._n he_o justify_v his_o own_o stand_n by_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n upon_o the_o occasion_n he_o speak_v epist_n 55._o cyprian_n to_o antonianus_n a_o brother_n about_o cornelius_n choose_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o novatian_n seek_v to_o make_v himself_o bishop_n cornelius_n be_v thus_o justify_v that_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o ministry_n by_o the_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n then_o present_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o minister_n testimony_n but_o the_o choice_n the_o people_n epist_n 52._o the_o same_o cornelius_n he_o justify_v against_o novatian_n and_o that_o with_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o a_o council_n assemble_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n epist_n 67._o cyprian_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o spain_n cyprian_n with_o his_o fellow-bishop_n assemble_v praise_v the_o ministry_n and_o people_n of_o spain_n that_o they_o have_v by_o lawful_a election_n place_v sabinus_n and_o felix_n in_o stead_n of_o basilides_n and_o martial_n lapse_v bishop_n we_o have_v here_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choose_v they_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v together_o read_v letter_n out_o of_o spain_n desire_v their_o advice_n where_o in_o answer_n cyprian_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n first_o urge_v of_o how_o great_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n or_o bishop_n be_v holy_a he_o thus_o speak_v further_o wherefore_o it_o behoove_v that_o with_o full_a diligence_n and_o sincere_a trial_n they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v such_o as_o god_n may_v hear_v their_o prayer_n neither_o let_v the_o people_n flatter_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n communicate_v with_o a_o sinful_a minister_n or_o bishop_n and_o afford_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o unjust_a and_o unlawful_a episcopacy_n or_o ministry_n of_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o a_o little_a after_o therefore_o the_o people_n obey_v the_o lord_n commandment_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o sinful_a church_n ruler_n neither_o mix_v themselves_o at_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v the_o great_a power_n either_o of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n that_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n for_o bishop_n
upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v more_o in_o labour_v for_o number_n then_o due_a matter_n no_o where_o say_v he_o be_v more_o easy_a term_n then_o in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o rebel_n where_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o be_v be_v to_o deserve_v in_o his_o book_n of_o baptism_n cap._n 18._o he_o thus_o speak_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o rash_o to_o be_v betrust_v let_v they_o know_v who_o office_n it_o be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v have_v its_o proper_a title_n belong_v to_o alm_n that_o rather_o be_v to_o be_v heed_v give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n and_o do_v not_o cast_v your_o pearl_n to_o swine_n and_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n he_o interpret_v imposition_n of_o hand_n there_o to_o point_n at_o solemn_a admission_n of_o church-member_n thus_o for_o some_o glean_n out_o of_o tertullian_n the_o like_a we_o may_v observe_v from_o other_o as_o in_o cyprian_a who_o will_v have_v the_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o stand_a people_n and_o against_o what_o temptation_n do_v they_o then_o stand_v and_o for_o their_o communion_n they_o be_v most_o impatient_a of_o heretic_n and_o all_o scandalous_a in_o his_o 55._o epist_n write_v to_o cornelius_n then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o such_o as_o have_v former_o fall_v be_v now_o seek_v to_o be_v again_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n thus_o he_o speak_v for_o some_o their_o crime_n be_v so_o much_o against_o they_o or_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v the_o stand_a people_n do_v so_o firm_o and_o stiff_o resist_v that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o scandal_n and_o danger_n of_o very_a many_o o_o if_o thou_o can_v most_o belove_a brother_n be_v here_o with_o we_o when_o those_o evil_a and_o perverse_a one_o return_v from_o their_o schism_n thou_o shall_v see_v what_o a_o do_v i_o have_v to_o persuade_v our_o brethren_n the_o people_n to_o patience_n that_o they_o will_v have_v allay_v their_o grief_n of_o mind_n consent_n to_o the_o receive_n and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o as_o they_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a when_o such_o as_o be_v tolerable_a and_o less_o faulty_a return_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o murmur_v and_o contend_v earnest_o when_o deplore_v person_n and_o stubborn_a and_o such_o as_o be_v defile_v with_o adultery_n or_o with_o idol_n or_o such_o as_o be_v proud_a come_v back_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v be_v no_o further_o tedious_a in_o quotation_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v any_o further_a satisfaction_n let_v he_o read_v the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n in_o the_o three_o first_o century_n magdeburg_n concern_v the_o conversation_n and_o discipline_n of_o christian_n afterward_o in_o augustine_n time_n when_o some_o will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v entitle_v to_o baptism_n though_o accompany_v with_o a_o wicked_a life_n he_o write_v a_o book_n entitle_v of_o faith_n and_o work_n prove_v such_o a_o profession_n to_o be_v as_o no_o profession_n 10._o from_o the_o state_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n rev._n 21.27_o from_o this_o and_o the_o last_o argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o before_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n prevail_v far_o and_o after_o it_o shall_v cease_v the_o visible_a church_n own_v no_o scandalous_a sinner_n of_o their_o society_n the_o promiscuous_a state_n then_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o degeneration_n be_v the_o outward_a court_n unmeasured_a and_o the_o holy_a city_n tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o gentile_n that_o voice_n then_o rev._n 18.4_o call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n out_o of_o babylon_n call_v for_o the_o church_n separation_n from_o such_o this_o confusion_n now_o obtain_v be_v one_o strain_n of_o popish_a corruption_n with_o popery_n beginning_n and_o end_v consectary_n from_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n forasmuch_o as_o experience_n show_v that_o in_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v manifest_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v according_a to_o rule_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o nation_n general_o shall_v be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o word_n they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o know_v little_a of_o and_o care_v less_o for_o but_o in_o every_o nation_n and_o congregation_n or_o town_n a_o distinction_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o catechuman_n ought_v to_o be_v some_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n upon_o their_o due_a trial_n when_o come_v to_o year_n receive_v solemn_o to_o church-communion_n as_o to_o the_o supper_n discipline_n etc._n etc._n other_o not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v upon_o due_a trial_n by_o baptism_n when_o come_v to_o year_n this_o conclusion_n be_v further_o make_v good_a from_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 5.9_o 10_o 11._o if_o all_o the_o nation_n general_o be_v of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v all_o the_o scandalous_a of_o the_o nation_n general_o the_o scandalous_a of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o with_o all_o that_o be_v scandalous_a of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v refuse_v familiar_a society_n not_o so_o much_o as_o familiar_o eat_v with_o they_o some_o peculiar_a relation_n here_o reserve_v and_o yet_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o with_o all_o scandalous_a in_o the_o nation_n we_o can_v so_o refuse_v except_o we_o will_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o argue_v and_o experience_n to_o every_o impartial_a and_o unblass_v spirit_n abundant_o make_v it_o good_a chap._n ii_o discipline_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o order_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o but_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o omit_v none_o that_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n in_o they_o endeavour_v the_o answer_n of_o objection_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v general_a as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wicked_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v answ_n 1._o that_o ministration_n be_v more_o carnal_a and_o therefore_o a_o more_o carnal_a might_n then_o pass_v heb._n 9_o 10._o as_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n be_v more_o spiritual_a heb._n 8.10_o 11._o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n people_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o that_o ministration_n they_o must_v in_o appearance_n be_v more_o spiritual_a 2._o nor_o otherwhere_o for_o that_o time_n can_v church-communion_n be_v enjoy_v god_n have_v confine_v it_o to_o that_o nation_n to_o that_o priesthood_n and_o that_o temple_n and_o therefore_o though_o their_o priest_n and_o people_n general_o prove_v as_o great_a idolater_n and_o persecutor_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n yet_o the_o faithful_a among_o they_o must_v there_o remain_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o worship_n god_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o any_o church_n turn_v idolatrous_a and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v liberty_n otherwhere_o to_o settle_v church-communion_n pure_o 3._o that_o people_n be_v holy_a in_o their_o admission_n 1._o in_o abraham_n family_n gen._n 18.18_o 19_o 2._o in_o their_o national_a plant_n judg._n 2.6_o 7_o 10._o hence_o that_o testimony_n give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n jer._n 2.21_o 4._o it_o be_v by_o rule_n provide_v for_o among_o they_o that_o none_o external_o wicked_a shall_v enjoy_v church-communion_n the_o mixture_n that_o be_v beside_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o no_o plea_n at_o all_o 1._o none_o be_v circumcise_v but_o such_o as_o be_v external_o holy_a their_o infant_n by_o descent_n from_o abraham_n be_v bear_v church-member_n within_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o flesh_n of_o abraham_n entitle_v that_o nation_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o there_o be_v their_o claim_n to_o circumcision_n that_o they_o be_v that_o seed_n of_o abraham_n whatever_o their_o immediate_a parent_n be_v and_o they_o in_o their_o infancy_n have_v do_v nothing_o to_o make_v void_a that_o claim_n the_o proselyte_n that_o they_o may_v be_v circumcise_v must_v give_v evidence_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o step_n and_o then_o they_o be_v abraham_n adopt_a seed_n their_o child_n have_v the_o same_o title_n to_o circumcision_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a descent_n from_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n for_o right_a unto_o baptism_n whether_o for_o ourselves_o or_o seed_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n
which_o bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n thus_o they_o be_v holy_a in_o their_o circumcision_n 2._o for_o other_o peculiar_a ordinance_n there_o be_v a_o threefold_a bar_n to_o such_o as_o be_v open_o wicked_a 1._o ceremonial_a divers_a case_n of_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n which_o debar_v communion_n in_o the_o peculiar_a ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o be_v most_o careless_a of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n will_v often_o be_v take_v in_o these_o ceremonial_a snare_n 2._o judicial_a the_o same_o covenant_n that_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o church_n entitle_v they_o likewise_o to_o that_o land_n whence_o divers_a sort_n of_o wicked_a person_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o life_n not_o only_o blasphemer_n but_o idolater_n nor_o only_a murder_n but_o adulterer_n nor_o only_a traitor_n but_o disobedient_a to_o parent_n etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o whole_a nation_n enjoin_v as_o in_o asa_n time_n to_o swear_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o perform_v it_o under_o penalty_n of_o death_n whether_o great_a or_o small_a whether_o man_n or_o woman_n chron._n 2.15_o 12_o 13._o now_o have_v the_o judicial_a law_n be_v execute_v according_a to_o divine_a rule_n partly_o so_o many_o wicked_a one_o have_v be_v coct_v off_o and_o partly_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o formidable_o warn_v that_o here_o have_v be_v a_o great_a prevention_n of_o that_o mixture_n in_o their_o church-communion_n 3._o ecclesiastical_a ezek._n 22.26_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o well_o betwixt_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o those_o be_v moral_a term_n as_o betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v ceremonial_a term_n a_o general_a rule_n for_o this_o understand_v by_o the_o learned_a of_o ecclesiastical_a cut_n off_o numb_a 15.30_o 31._o the_o stranger_n there_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o covenant_n further_o testimony_n to_o this_o rule_n that_o the_o open_o wicked_a be_v ecclesiastical_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n among_o they_o in_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o it_o niddui_n cherem_n and_o maran-atha_a a_o thorough_a discourse_n about_o this_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n see_v in_o gillaspies_n aaron_n rod_n blossom_a thus_o much_o for_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a much_o to_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o how_o sandy_a a_o foundation_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o so_o rot_v a_o building_n as_o many_o endeavour_n to_o set_v upon_o it_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n appear_v object_n 2._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n matth._n 13.24_o to_o the_o 31._o and_o 37_o to_o the_o 44_o verse_n answ_n 1._o the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n v._o 38._o the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o ibid._n these_o make_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o parable_n both_o these_o be_v to_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n v._o 30._o what_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o person_n apparent_o wicked_a must_v be_v receive_v into_o and_o retain_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o put_v the_o parable_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o force_v it_o to_o speak_v what_o it_o intend_v not_o 1._o it_o warrant_v not_o the_o receive_n wicked_a person_n into_o the_o church_n v._o 25._o 1._o the_o husbandmmen_fw-mi be_v not_o so_o watchful_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v when_o the_o enemy_n sow_v these_o tare_n and_o it_o be_v the_o enemy_n not_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o field_n that_o sow_n they_o 2._o nor_o the_o retain_v they_o then_o shall_v our_o saviour_n here_o be_v against_o himself_o otherwhere_o where_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n censure_n for_o cast_v out_o such_o and_o that_o under_o so_o great_a a_o penalty_n as_o former_o we_o have_v see_v matth._n 18._o 1_o corinth_n 5._o revel_v 2._o etc._n etc._n 1._o if_o then_o the_o gather_v up_o these_o tare_n desire_v by_o the_o servant_n v._o 28._o and_o forbid_v by_o the_o master_n v._o 29._o be_v mean_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cast_n out_o these_o care_n must_v not_o be_v the_o open_o wicked_a but_o close_a hypocrite_n yet_o by_o some_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o discern_v the_o reason_n give_v may_v seem_v to_o favour_v this_o v._o 29._o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v from_o the_o wheat_n that_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o root_n up_o the_o wheat_n if_o these_o tare_n shall_v be_v gather_v up_o to_o this_o purpose_n jerome_n witness_v that_o in_o those_o country_n there_o be_v certain_a tare_n so_o like_a to_o wheat_n in_o their_o first_o spring_v as_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o it_o thus_o cyprian_n understand_v it_o tax_v the_o insolency_n of_o novatian_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o lapse_v again_o into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o express_v never_o so_o much_o repentance_n how_o great_a arrogance_n be_v this_o say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v think_v he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n grant_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o shall_v discern_v the_o tare_n from_o the_o wheat_n if_o he_o will_v make_v himself_o the_o searcher_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_o etc._n etc._n cypr._n epist_n 52._o but_o in_o cast_v out_o the_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o this_o 2._o some_o think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o ecclesiastical_a cast_n out_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o tare_n be_v grant_v for_o the_o open_o wicked_a this_o parable_n give_v they_o no_o place_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n 1._o this_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n be_v their_o root_n up_o for_o that_o expression_n conclude_v no_o less_o lest_o you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o v._o 29._o and_o therefore_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n but_o church_n censure_n be_v not_o for_o destruction_n except_o of_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o salvation_n of_o the_o person_n 2._o this_o gather_v up_o desire_v here_o by_o the_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o master_n for_o the_o present_a deny_v be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a v._o 40_o 41_o 42._o they_o shall_v not_o then_o for_o the_o present_n gather_v they_o up_o that_o be_v not_o know_v of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n against_o they_o the_o like_a interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o drawnet_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a gather_v together_o by_o it_o v._o 47._o etc._n etc._n object_n 3._o judas_n receive_v the_o supper_n at_o least_o the_o passeover_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o the_o sacrament_n belong_v only_o to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o if_o we_o shall_v hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o open_o wicked_a have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 1._o we_o must_v deny_v any_o such_o ordinance_n as_o discipline_n 2._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v affirm_v that_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n open_o know_v to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v his_o heart_n set_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o betray_v the_o lord_n for_o money_n be_v to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o ministry_n nay_o that_o such_o a_o one_o so_o know_v beforehand_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v into_o the_o ministry_n for_o all_o this_o christ_n know_v of_o judas_n therefore_o 3._o judas_n his_o wickedness_n be_v know_v to_o christ_n as_o god_n but_o not_o as_o man_n but_o for_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o offence_n must_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n in_o a_o church_n way_n that_o be_v by_o experience_n and_o proof_n object_n 4._o the_o apostle_n receive_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o sudden_o among_o the_o rest_n simon_n magus_n answ_n but_o yet_o upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o amount_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o rational_a charity_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n for_o this_o 1._o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o offer_v themselves_o the_o word_n powerful_o preach_v and_o mighty_o by_o miracle_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o time_n 1._o they_o be_v time_n wherein_o according_a to_o former_a prophecy_n the_o spirit_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v out_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o they_o be_v time_n of_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n nothing_o of_o outward_a advantage_n to_o move_v but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n then_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v as_o it_o will_v be_v now_o