christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whether_o he_o will_v reform_v his_o sinful_a life_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n henceforth_o live_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o his_o teach_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v assertory_n and_o promissory_a covenant-wise_a make_v viz._n that_o he_o do_v so_o believe_v and_o that_o through_o god_n assistance_n he_o will_v so_o reform_v and_o so_o live_v to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o he_o bind_v himself_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o name_n now_o when_o such_o a_o promissory_a answer_n as_o this_o proceed_v from_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o do_v produce_v or_o will_v produce_v effect_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o answer_n or_o undertake_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o st._n peter_n may_v well_o say_v as_o here_o we_o suppose_v he_o do_v that_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n when_o accompany_v with_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o be_v salvation_n to_o they_o through_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o ever_o noah_n &_o his_o family_n entrance_n into_o the_o ark_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o escape_v perish_a by_o water_n that_o be_v the_o figure_n to_o which_o st._n peter_n here_o liken_n baptism_n and_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o bring_v person_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o institutive_a by_o covenant_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n do_v but_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o abraham_n day_n and_o after_o for_o the_o gather_a god_n a_o visible_a church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o that_o be_v do_v by_o circumcision_n then_o which_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n now_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o enter_v person_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n by_o st._n stephen_n act._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v the_o badge_n by_o which_o they_o be_v mark_v and_o difference_v from_o other_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n by_o covenant_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o gen._n 17.11_o and_o just_o so_o be_v baptism_n now_o which_o be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n we_o see_v then_o how_o excellent_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n agree_v in_o this_o point_n that_o ever_o since_o god_n have_v have_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n by_o institution_n he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o become_a member_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o a_o initiate_a ordinance_n query_n v._o how_o can_v infant_n become_v visible_a church-member_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n since_o they_o seem_v natural_o uncapable_a of_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n while_o infant_n this_o inquiry_n seem_v necessary_a in_o this_o place_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o former_a query_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o circumcise_a be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o god_n covenant-wise_a by_o be_v circumcise_a be_v past_a dispute_n but_o then_o there_o will_v another_o question_n arise_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n or_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n we_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n active_a in_o covenant_v with_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o they_o be_v by_o circumcision_n engage_v to_o god_n covenant-wise_a but_o then_o yet_o a_o further_a question_n will_v arise_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o those_o infant_n be_v oblige_v by_o their_o parent_n enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o consent_v to_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v oblige_v at_o all_o which_o none_o deny_v but_o they_o be_v the_o child_n be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v they_o suppose_v the_o thing_n lawful_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n common_o understand_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v so_o account_v by_o god_n also_o i_o will_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o both_o 1._o the_o jew_n do_v so_o esteem_v it_o and_o that_o appear_v by_o what_o they_o do_v to_o oblige_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o day_n of_o purim_n esther_n 9.27_o the_o jew_n ordain_v and_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o upon_o their_o seed_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o as_o join_v themselves_o unto_o they_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o fail_v that_o they_o will_v keep_v these_o two_o day_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o appoint_a time_n every_o year_n and_o that_o these_o day_n shall_v be_v remember_v and_o keep_v throughout_o every_o generation_n every_o family_n every_o province_n and_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o day_n of_o purim_n shall_v not_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o perish_v from_o their_o seed_n so_o again_o 1_o sam._n 20.42_o and_o jonathan_n say_v to_o david_n go_v in_o peace_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v swear_v both_o of_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o between_o my_o seed_n and_o thy_o seed_n for_o ever_o 2._o almighty_a god_n do_v account_n and_o hold_v the_o child_n oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v or_o have_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o oblige_v they_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o several_a case_n first_o the_o lord_n do_v hold_v the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v oblige_v by_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n for_o there_o be_v three_o year_n of_o famine_n send_v by_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n for_o that_o saul_n and_o his_o house_n have_v slay_v the_o gibeonite_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v make_v with_o they_o though_o it_o be_v several_a hundred_o of_o year_n before_o 2_o sam._n 21.1_o second_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o their_o little_a one_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o little_a one_o and_o your_o wife_n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o their_o parent_n since_o or_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n that_o their_o little_a one_o do_v so_o by_o oblige_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o observe_v and_o keep_v that_o covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o understand_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v but_o infant_n can_v otherwise_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o if_o not_o than_o we_o see_v from_o this_o instance_n likewise_o that_o god_n do_v account_v the_o little_a child_n oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o oblige_v they_o which_o be_v yet_o far_o confirm_v from_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 14._o and_o 15._o verse_n in_o these_o word_n neither_o with_o you_o only_o do_v i_o make_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o oath_n but_o with_o he_o that_o stand_v here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n before_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o also_o with_o he_o that_o be_v not_o here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n mean_v their_o posterity_n yet_o to_o come_v as_o be_v general_o understand_v for_o it_o seem_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v to_o oblige_v the_o posterity_n to_o come_v to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n by_o bring_v their_o forefather_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n defection_n to_o idolatry_n be_v aggravate_v thus_o they_o reject_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n 2_o king_n 17.15_o and_o in_o this_o 29._o of_o deut._n 25._o then_o shall_v man_n say_v because_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v
servant_n chap._n 18.32_o the_o title_n of_o servant_n be_v give_v to_o such_o as_o these_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n that_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n and_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o a_o great_a house_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v not_o only_a vessel_n of_o gold_n and_o of_o silver_n but_o also_o of_o wood_n and_o of_o earth_n and_o some_o to_o honour_n and_o some_o to_o dishonour_v 2_o tim._n 2.20_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o have_v see_v what_o evidence_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v afford_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n that_o christ_n himself_o do_v own_o other_o to_o be_v part_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o take_v into_o consideration_n such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o seem_v most_o to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whence_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v always_o suppose_v such_o as_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o inward_a qualification_n which_o answer_v the_o outward_a figure_n or_o sign_n in_o baptism_n death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o resurrection_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n be_v show_v what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o party_n baptise_a beside_o their_o baptism_n to_o make_v their_o baptism_n available_a to_o their_o salvation_n but_o not_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o condition_n to_o their_o be_v baptise_a this_o text_n meddle_v not_o with_o that_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o any_o clause_n or_o circumstance_n in_o it_o and_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o much_o like_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o where_o he_o say_v that_o be_v not_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v but_o outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o signify_v heart-circumcision_a for_o it_o do_v engage_v the_o circumcise_a in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o initiate_v they_o and_o give_v they_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o as_o he_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n alone_o without_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v not_o avail_v to_o any_o man_n have_v acceptance_n with_o god_n so_o here_o that_o baptism_n which_o consist_v in_o outward_a wash_n only_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v not_o save_v will_v not_o avail_v to_o salvation_n without_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o than_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o may_v avail_v as_o well_o as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o letter_n do_v to_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o procure_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o it_o another_o text_n be_v john_n 3.5_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n some_o that_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o oppose_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o understand_v the_o church_n as_o well_o visible_a as_o invisible_a and_o then_o infer_v that_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n without_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o water_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o if_o by_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o we_o understand_v either_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o then_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o oppose_v what_o i_o have_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o man_n may_v be_v and_o many_o real_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o in_o god_n account_n who_o yet_o be_v none_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n by_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o internal_o regenerate_v and_o that_o by_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v evident_a because_o many_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v as_o i_o think_v abundant_o prove_v against_o all_o reasonable_a contradiction_n our_o saviour_n we_o see_v speak_v here_o of_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o thereby_o enter_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v many_o also_o that_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n who_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o till_o afterward_o not_o till_o some_o time_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o or_o else_o say_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o effectual_a conversion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v and_o so_o much_o against_o all_o experience_n as_o that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o assert_v it_o which_o yet_o must_v be_v assert_v if_o the_o other_o be_v deny_v it_o be_v further_a allege_v from_o those_o word_n tit._n 3.5_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v it_o be_v hence_o allege_a that_o since_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n that_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v regenerate_v before_o or_o in_o baptism_n answer_n this_o follow_v not_o since_o baptism_n may_v be_v call_v the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n for_o another_o reason_n and_o in_o another_o respect_n more_o probable_a and_o that_o be_v because_o man_n by_o covenant_n be_v engage_v to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o to_o lead_v new_a life_n and_o it_o be_v from_o this_o engagement_n by_o baptism_n that_o st._n paul_n so_o often_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v christian_n to_o mortification_n and_o a_o new_a life_n as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v rom_n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o col._n 2.12_o &_o 3.1_o 2._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n baptise_a the_o people_n unto_o repentance_n mat._n 3._o â—â—_o so_o they_o be_v baptise_a unto_o regeneration_n that_o be_v they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v under_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o repent_v and_o so_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n baptism_n be_v proper_o enough_o call_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n not_o that_o baptism_n do_v inward_o regenerate_v by_o the_o act_n do_v or_o suffer_v to_o be_v do_v though_o it_o do_v engage_v to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o principal_a agent_n and_o therefore_o be_v here_o call_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v here_o mention_v as_o two_o different_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n although_o the_o christian_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o god_n mercy_n by_o both_o yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v that_o this_o end_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o one_o may_v succeed_v the_o other_o in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o often_o it_o have_v do_v and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v no_o necessity_n be_v infer_v from_o hence_o of_o not_o admit_v man_n to_o the_o one_o but_o upon_o supposition_n
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o other_o to_o abet_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v main_o influence_v therein_o by_o motive_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o interest_n the_o more_o credit_n in_o general_n and_o the_o more_o reputation_n it_o will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o further_a it_o will_v spread_v as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o popery_n have_v have_v man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n otherwise_o to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o the_o far_o it_o have_v spread_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o other_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arianism_n when_o time_n be_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o more_o good_a man_n be_v back_v in_o their_o promulge_v sound_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o man_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n religion_n gain_v among_o man_n and_o if_o all_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o it_o the_o church_n power_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v quick_o be_v thereby_o exceed_o weaken_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o great_o obstruct_v we_o have_v not_o now_o miracle_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o unbelieved_n and_o blind_a world_n will_v have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v now_o the_o more_o need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n too_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o of_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n shall_v count_v when_o he_o write_v up_o the_o people_n that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o psal_n 87.5_o 6._o how_o many_o worthy_a child_n have_v the_o church_n have_v and_o of_o great_a use_n in_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o parent_n of_o but_o small_a account_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o such_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o true_o religious_a man_n and_o by_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o chureh_n education_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v deprive_v of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o church_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o useful_a member_n as_o these_o prove_v to_o be_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o to_o take_v other_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v credible_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a tend_v much_o more_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o exclude_v all_o such_o will_v do_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a over_o and_o beside_o such_o as_o be_v of_o it_o as_o invisible_a those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v be_v in_o much_o more_o danger_n than_o now_o they_o be_v of_o be_v devour_v by_o those_o numerous_a enemy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n comparative_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o and_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a that_o of_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o those_o who_o be_v but_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a or_o how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n if_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o outward_a form_n and_o profession_n do_v not_o stand_v as_o a_o screen_n between_o they_o and_o those_o enemy_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v root_v up_o if_o the_o tare_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v have_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n mat._n 13._o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o no_o more_o do_v i_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v a_o bar_n against_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
but_o he_o require_v this_o covenant_v with_o he_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v true_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o such_o a_o end_n no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o almighty_a god_n do_v foreknow_v when_o he_o command_v all_o those_o forementioned_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o in_o do_v it_o they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o such_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a life_n as_o all_o those_o be_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o yet_o they_o must_v say_v or_o suppose_v if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o be_v regenerate_v when_o they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o god_n command_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a which_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o full_a evidence_n as_o i_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v qualify_v with_o regenerate_a grace_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o such_o as_o be_v regenerate_v 2._o my_o next_o reason_n or_o argument_n i_o draw_v from_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n direct_v they_o who_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o shall_v baptise_v and_o by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o his_o visible_a church_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v make_v disciple_n the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n run_v thus_o go_v you_o therefore_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n or_o disciple_n all_o nation_n or_o make_v disciple_n in_o all_o nation_n so_o other_o render_v it_o the_o apostle_n then_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n be_v to_o baptise_v all_o those_o who_o first_o be_v make_v disciple_n and_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o church_n mens_fw-la be_v make_v disciple_n than_o be_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o govern_v themselves_o touch_v who_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o those_o be_v disciple_n who_o do_v attend_v upon_o the_o teach_n of_o christian_a teacher_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o learn_v their_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o regeneration_n thereby_o or_o no._n and_o such_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o commission_n to_o baptise_v from_o this_o commission_n of_o christ_n than_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o our_o lord_n jesus_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v all_o that_o be_v disciple_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o he_o do_v than_o he_o command_v or_o authorise_v more_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n than_o be_v true_o regenerate_v for_o man_n may_v be_v disciple_n in_o a_o inferior_a sense_n and_o be_v so_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o regenerate_v such_o disciple_n have_v our_o saviour_n himself_o such_o be_v those_o who_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n believe_v on_o he_o with_o who_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o they_o john_n 2.23_o 24._o and_o such_o be_v those_o john_n 6.66_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v from_o that_o time_n many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o and_o such_o a_o unregerate_v disciple_n be_v judas_n and_o such_o perhaps_o be_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n and_o many_o other_o unprofitable_a branch_n that_o by_o baptism_n have_v be_v plant_v into_o christ_n the_o true_a vine_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o commissionate_v the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v disciple_n intend_v no_o less_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v baptise_v all_o such_o as_o be_v make_v or_o become_v disciple_n as_o such_o whether_o regenerate_v or_o not_o and_o that_o they_o can_v understand_v his_o commission_n no_o otherwise_o our_o saviour_n own_o practice_n and_o example_n will_v infer_v it_o for_o though_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o and_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o hear_n that_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o righty_a believe_v john_n 6.64_o yet_o do_v not_o reject_v those_o as_o no_o disciple_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a so_o long_o as_o they_o follow_v he_o as_o disciple_n but_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o those_o he_o know_v to_o be_v better_o as_o those_o word_n imply_v john_n 4.1_o 2._o when_o therefore_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptise_a not_o but_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n imply_v both_o that_o he_o cause_v as_o many_o to_o be_v baptise_a as_o be_v make_v disciple_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a number_n fame_v to_o be_v so_o make_v and_o baptise_a and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o they_o that_o firm_o cleave_v to_o our_o saviour_n till_o the_o last_o for_o we_o read_v of_o but_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o appear_v as_o his_o avow_a disciple_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n till_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o our_o saviour_n mind_n that_o more_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v know_v as_o our_o saviour_n do_v those_o disciple_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n be_v unregenerate_a to_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o have_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n and_o into_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o be_v do_v in_o like_a case_n do_v all_o this_o show_v that_o man_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o other_o term_n than_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a before_o they_o be_v so_o receive_v 3._o my_o next_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v his_o apostle_n to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v upon_o large_a term_n i_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o apostle_n so_o thorough_o and_o so_o frequent_o as_o he_o do_v that_o his_o church_n will_v consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a which_o be_v also_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v account_v such_o to_o be_v a_o part_n and_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o can_v think_v he_o will_v have_v do_v without_o caution_v they_o to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o let_v such_o into_o his_o church_n much_o less_o will_v he_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v bid_v they_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v full_a if_o he_o have_v design_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v keep_v all_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o of_o who_o effectual_a conversion_n to_o god_n they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v our_o saviour_n by_o many_o parable_n do_v thorough_o inform_v his_o apostle_n that_o his_o church_n will_v consist_v of_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a of_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o wise_a thus_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n whereof_o five_o wise_a and_o five_o foolish_a mat._n 25.1_o 2._o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o parable_n and_o so_o in_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o be_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o which_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_v by_o his_o gospel_n as_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o those_o be_v the_o people_n or_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o own_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o different_a effect_n which_o this_o gospel_n be_v to_o have_v in_o the_o life_n and_o behaviour_n of_o
the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.11_o while_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v so_o do_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o unpeaceable_o contend_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n perhaps_o do_v neither_o esteem_n or_o disesteem_a man_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a blessing_n especial_o and_o as_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n enlivens_fw-la it_o with_o natural_a life_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o several_a member_n perform_v their_o several_a function_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o even_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v animate_v it_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o do_v so_o influence_n and_o actuate_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o all_o perform_v their_o several_a christian_a office_n proper_a to_o each_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o this_o vital_a power_n of_o act_v spiritual_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o each_o of_o the_o member_n as_o they_o be_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o as_o one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o this_o conveyance_n to_o another_o and_o each_o enable_v to_o contribute_v its_o part_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o col._n 2.19_o where_o st._n paul_n mention_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n say_v from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n of_o the_o body_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n we_o see_v as_o have_v obtain_v it_o by_o his_o mediation_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a office-work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v the_o benesit_n obtain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o work_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 16.14_o and_o this_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n as_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o union_n one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o a_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n or_o member_n must_v needs_o obstruct_v this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o parallel_a place_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v make_v we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o and_o also_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v be_v so_o compact_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n depend_v upon_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o assistance_n and_o how_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o presence_n depend_v upon_o the_o peaceable_a agreement_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v and_o if_o so_o then_o unpeaceableness_n discord_n and_o strife_n contention_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n in_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o special_a presence_n and_o divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v thrive_v and_o increase_v in_o true_a goodness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o will_v rather_o decline_v and_o go_v backward_o though_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v so_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n which_o will_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v so_o with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o live_v in_o peace_n though_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v indeed_o dispense_v gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v common_a to_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a such_o as_o these_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o christian_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o disorder_n and_o unpeaceable_a division_n but_o as_o for_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o constitute_v man_n true_o good_a such_o as_o love_v joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n and_o meekness_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o have_v of_o these_o and_o man_n be_v of_o a_o unpeaceable_a temper_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n be_v i_o fear_v inconsistent_a for_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o though_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n chap._n 1_o 5._o yet_o in_o chap._n 3.1_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o because_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a say_v he_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n that_o be_v as_o other_o man_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o talk_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o walk_n and_o live_v be_v but_o as_o they_o while_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n be_v find_v with_o they_o for_o these_o be_v of_o those_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o those_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o these_o scripture_n measure_n it_o will_v make_v they_o on_o all_o hand_n one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o another_o to_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o find_v themselves_o but_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o sad_a time_n wherein_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v without_o delay_n repent_v and_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n and_o religious_a so_o long_o as_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o be_v and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o christian_n unity_n in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o
misrepresent_v that_o method_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o my_o inquiry_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v wrong_a measure_n and_o unless_o very_o much_o mistake_v their_o communion_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n if_o take_v altogether_o and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v must_v needs_o be_v far_o more_o impure_a than_o the_o parochial_a communion_n they_o have_v withdraw_v from_o there_o be_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o well_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a and_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o run_v into_o the_o one_o by_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a reformation_n be_v through_o mistake_v zeal_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o a_o extreme_a on_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o into_o one_o on_o the_o left_a and_o in_o fly_v from_o babylon_n to_o run_v beyond_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n of_o do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n by_o over_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v by_o under-doing_a and_o both_o extreme_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v the_o new_a england_n minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_n former_o mention_v do_v say_v we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straiten_v and_o narrow_n the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n in_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v pareus_n on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o they_o which_o be_v for_o too_o much_o straitness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n the_o church_n so_o much_o they_o p._n 45._o thus_o the_o mistake_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n of_o old_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a communion_n as_o be_v think_v or_o pretend_v put_v they_o upon_o separate_v from_o other_o orthodox_n christian_n which_o prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n imaginable_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o their_o undertake_a reformation_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o high_a and_o lamentable_o scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o agree_v as_o we_o be_v now_o and_o differ_v most_o about_o disciplinary_a point_n as_o they_o do_v then_o such_o a_o strictness_n in_o church_n reformation_n as_o do_v so_o narrow_a and_o lessen_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o size_n of_o the_o invisible_a be_v many_o way_n hurtful_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o contrary_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v and_o lessen_v the_o great_a work_n of_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o the_o church_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o spread_a and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v good_a man_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o foment_n division_n contention_n feud_n envy_n strife_n and_o undue_a censuring_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o sickly_a state_n and_o such_o as_o threaten_v her_o spiritual_a life_n beside_o the_o encouragement_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o plot_n and_o attempt_v against_o we_o and_o thus_o over_n be_v indeed_o undo_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o a_o discourse_n against_o overmuch_o strictness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v strict_a towards_o himself_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o his_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a towards_o other_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o christian_a professor_n a_o man_n can_v well_o be_v too_o strict_a in_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n word_n and_o way_n in_o govern_v his_o appetite_n thought_n and_o passion_n tongue_n and_o action_n nor_o do_v this_o kind_n of_o strictness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o purity_n of_o communicant_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o no_o carnal_a christian_n have_v any_o share_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o or_o rather_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a attention_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v good_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o the_o worse_o nor_o do_v fare_v the_o worse_o for_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o less_o avail_n good_a man_n that_o with_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o mind_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o though_o unregenerate_a man_n participate_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o when_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n capital_a offender_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o less_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a by_o such_o man_n share_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o shame_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o that_o dishonour_n which_o otherwise_o will_v stick_v upon_o it_o for_o tolerate_v such_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o and_o partly_o also_o for_o admonition_n to_o other_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o taint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v less_o wary_a by_o their_o ill_a example_n and_o familiar_a converse_n but_o otherwise_o bad_a man_n share_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o good_a man_n in_o grace_n or_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a bad_a man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a by_o their_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o as_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n for_o capital_a crime_n though_o not_o regenerate_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n be_v once_o receive_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o their_o conversion_n i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n no_o good_a man_n shall_v envy_v or_o grudge_v they_o this_o benefit_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o conversion_n and_o they_o especial_o shall_v not_o who_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o general_a communion_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n therein_o afford_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v man_n in_o model_v this_o new_a church_n way_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o many_o other_o for_o their_o congregation_n at_o the_o first_o and_o long_o after_o consist_v scarce_o of_o any_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v before_o their_o incorporate_n and_o associate_a in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o therein_o enjoy_v make_v such_o as_o they_o then_o be_v they_o may_v without_o doubt_n have_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o growth_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v afterward_o and_o i_o think_v much_o more_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o diligent_o and_o careful_o improve_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o they_o have_v acquire_v what_o they_o have_v then_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o those_o who_o with_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o mind_n attend_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o as_o well_o when_o unregenerate_a man_n share_v in_o they_o as_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o great_a piety_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o