church_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o not_o who_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a and_o creep_v in_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o who_o christ_n call_v there_o and_o come_v in_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v not_o welcome_a to_o christ_n or_o his_o people_n the_o apostle_n wish_v such_o be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o exhort_v believer_n to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o and_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o his_o church_n that_o they_o prosecute_v his_o law_n against_o disorderly_a church-member_n even_o to_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o threaten_v the_o evil_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n &_o laodicea_n severe_o rev._n 3._o and_o therefore_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n he_o will_v not_o have_v find_v they_o there_o to_o dishonour_v his_o name_n and_o grieve_v his_o people_n as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o tare_n and_o bad_a fish_n bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o justife_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v than_o of_o the_o other_o before_o mind_v and_o answer_v and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v refel_v these_o two_o likewise_o but_o if_o you_o mind_v it_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o tare_n there_o if_o mean_v of_o person_n and_o not_o of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n vers_fw-la 38_o 39_o so_o that_o these_o tare_n or_o member_n be_v not_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o bring_v there_o but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o who_o will_v say_v then_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o will_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o devil_n hand_n and_o help_v to_o enlarge_v his_o church_n or_o will_v he_o accept_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o person_n for_o his_o church-member_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v choose_v and_o send_v by_o the_o devil_n as_o for_o other_o it_o be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 37._o that_o he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o it_o be_v say_v his_o enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_v tare_n in_o the_o same_o field_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o the_o good_a seed_n therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n into_o church_n but_o by_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o their_o be_v there_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o there_o but_o to_o grattify_v the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n to_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v if_o not_o corrupt_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o increase_v their_o own_o misery_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v concern_v they_o than_o that_o hypocrite_n and_o rot_a heart_a man_n will_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o his_o good_a people_n but_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v because_o they_o be_v of_o satan_n kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o part_n or_o portion_n with_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v as_o to_o that_o namely_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n particular_a church_n but_o real_a believer_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o two_o question_n first_o 5._o quest_n what_o fitness_n or_o qualification_n shall_v believer_n find_v in_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o fellowship_n &_o become_v church-member_n or_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n first_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n single_v he_o out_o by_o grace_n and_o choose_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n of_o his_o anointing_n grace_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o be_v renew_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n after_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n for_o many_o gracious_a heart_n have_v such_o a_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o assurance_n who_o hold_v their_o title_n and_o claim_n to_o christ_n and_o heaven_n but_o have_v never_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n or_o if_o they_o ever_o have_v it_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o carelessness_n lose_v it_o and_o so_o have_v only_o hope_v leave_v and_o this_o indeed_o will_v hold_v their_o soul_n in_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n heb._n 6.19_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o that_o they_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n rom._n 8.24_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o hope_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n of_o purify_n themselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o as_o faith_n that_o precede_v it_o do_v act._n 15.9_o this_o hope_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a but_o a_o lively_a hope_n it_o be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o work_a it_o be_v active_a and_o laborious_a in_o purge_v out_o of_o lust_n and_o get_v in_o of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o as_o a_o sound_a special_a faith_n be_v jam._n 2.18_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.19_o so_o when_o god_n promise_v mercy_n unto_o his_o people_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n hos_n 2.15_o which_o hope_n be_v christ_n in_o they_o phil._n 1.27_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v this_o hope_n you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a state_n and_o aught_o to_o join_v yourselves_o unto_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n give_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o wait_v in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n for_o his_o seal_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o your_o soul_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o brief_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v these_o few_o interrogatory_n try_v yourselves_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o by_o they_o 1._o can_v you_o say_v indeed_o that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o see_v and_o be_v more_o deep_o and_o powerful_o convince_v of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o of_o your_o want_n and_o nothingnesse_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o your_o deep_a and_o spiritual_a humiliation_n and_o self_n debase_v that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o vile_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n more_o precious_a high_a and_o honourable_a more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.5_o 6._o 2._o can_v you_o say_v that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o accept_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n such_o as_o you_o find_v in_o mark_n 8.34_o luke_n 14.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o elsewhere_o do_v you_o so_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v he_o with_o his_o yoke_n and_o cross_n matth._n 11.28_o 29._o and_o do_v you_o so_o deny_v yourselves_o of_o your_o sinful_a self_n and_o righteous_a self_n and_o worldly_a self_n and_o suppose_v able_a and_o powerful_a self_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a self_n that_o christ_n may_v only_o be_v exalt_v that_o you_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o your_o lustification_n and_o salvation_n but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n may_v be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.11_o phil._n 3.7_o 8._o do_v you_o desire_v choose_v
holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o desire_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o 1_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n 2_o to_o worship_n god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o give_v he_o your_o homage_n and_o service_n in_o his_o house_n 3_o to_o show_v and_o declare_v your_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o before_o man_n 4_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o enrich_v your_o soul_n with_o his_o fullness_n and_o to_o be_v seal_v by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o your_o redemption_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v orderly_a and_o beautiful_o and_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n before_o saint_n and_o sinner_n 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n live_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o of_o fellow_n member_n that_o by_o their_o inspection_n and_o faithful_a deal_n with_o you_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o and_o bring_v back_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o their_o wise_a reproof_n and_o holy_a instruction_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v yield_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a end_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o your_o walk_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o forementioned_a mark_n or_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o in_o measure_n though_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o you_o will_v why_o then_o i_o may_v bold_o and_o humble_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n that_o you_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v into_o the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v lord_n we_o come_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v free_o without_o delay_n thankful_o without_o grudy_v humble_o without_o pride_n with_o mourning_n and_o rejoice_v enter_v into_o thy_o court_n join_v with_o thy_o church_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n to_o thy_o praise_n and_o honour_n we_o will_v no_o long_o slight_v our_o great_a privilege_n neglect_v our_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n or_o walk_v disorderly_a as_o we_o have_v do_v but_o we_o do_v now_o willing_o come_v and_o offer_v ourselves_o unto_o thou_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o be_v thou_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o i_o say_v that_o church_n privilege_n be_v you_o the_o door_n of_o god_n house_n stand_v open_a for_o you_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o wait_n for_o you_o he_o invite_v you_o to_o come_v in_o sit_v down_o at_o his_o table_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v most_o free_o and_o hearty_o welcome_a to_o your_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o unavoidable_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n 5._o quest_n ought_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o the_o guide_n thereof_o to_o let_v in_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n and_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o or_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o first_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o full_a membership_n with_o his_o people_n if_o so_o then_o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n they_o shall_v look_v for_o and_o find_v in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n ought_v not_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n because_o many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n as_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n show_v 2._o it_o have_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o not_o any_o but_o real-hearted_n sound_a believer_n be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o house_n and_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church_n or_o the_o guide_n thereof_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o into_o it_o but_o such_o only_a as_o they_o judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v such_o indeed_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n but_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o if_o they_o ground_o know_v or_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v such_o against_o their_o knowledge_n they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o defile_v christ_n holy_a temple_n by_o take_v in_o such_o person_n as_o they_o know_v or_o aught_o to_o know_v christ_n will_v not_o have_v there_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o worthiness_n and_o fitness_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o in_o be_v clear_a in_o act_n 9.26_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o temple_n unto_o they_o to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n moreover_o he_o blame_v some_o for_o suffer_v tare_n if_o mean_v of_o person_n to_o be_v sow_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o keep_v they_o out_o matth._n 13.25_o say_v he_o while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n that_o be_v while_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v keep_v the_o temple_n gate_n shut_v against_o they_o to_o have_v keep_v they_o out_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o have_v keep_v out_o the_o devil_n seed_n for_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n &_o the_o rebel_n with_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o paul_n say_v what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 3._o as_o to_o satisfy_a qualification_n in_o person_n desire_v admission_n into_o church_n i_o say_v that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v well_o try_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v and_o competent_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n they_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.1_o rom._n 15.7_o 1._o if_o they_o can_v make_v forth_o and_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n their_o at_o least_o seem_o regeneration_n conversion_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n their_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lose_a and_o perish_a state_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o their_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n thereof_o although_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o err_v in_o lesser_a matter_n if_o they_o have_v some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n concern_v these_o and_o other_o such_o truth_n and_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o man_n be_v first_o create_v how_o he_o lose_v that_o holy_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o the_o misery_n he_o bring_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n into_o thereby_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o and_o at_o enmity_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o will_v nor_o power_n by_o nature_n either_o to_o will_v or_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v please_v to_o god_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n subject_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n that_o god_n leave_v not_o all_o man_n in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o provide_v a_o all-sufficient_a remedy_n namely_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o by_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o prov._n 8._o and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o he_o elect_v and_o give_v some_o to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v 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church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v 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remnant_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o do_v only_o belong_v and_o they_o and_o only_o they_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o their_o own_o again_o because_o only_a believer_n be_v christ_n willing_a subject_n such_o as_o have_v free_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o that_o have_v hearty_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o governor_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o other_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bow_v down_o to_o their_o term_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o he_o they_o say_v as_o those_o in_o joh._n 6.60_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a yoke_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o we_o will_v profess_v he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n bread_n or_o to_o his_o true_a subject_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o moreover_o only_o true_a believer_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a all_o other_o be_v unclean_a they_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n unwashed_a and_o uncircumcize_v in_o ear_n and_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v nor_o purge_v from_o their_o uncleanness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o to_o or_o touch_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v holy_a pure_a thing_n and_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o enchurched-member_n i_o will_v not_o be_v tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n although_o i_o can_v multiply_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o only_o real_a true_a believer_n shall_v be_v church-member_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o good_a man_n when_o they_o admit_v they_o be_v they_o there_o by_o christ_n call_n and_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n although_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o creep_v in_o among_o his_o people_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o afterward_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n while_o such_o and_o that_o christ_n approve_v there_o be_v there_o i_o say_v until_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o
they_o and_o that_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o you_o may_v find_v they_o there_o you_o may_v obtain_v the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n of_o make_v you_o fat_a and_o flourish_a of_o a_o bless_a ministry_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o sweet_a provision_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o security_n i_o can_v have_v persuade_v you_o to_o join_v unto_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o think_v these_o may_v suffice_v such_o as_o be_v of_o willing_a heart_n and_o of_o meek_a and_o humble_a soft_a and_o holy_a spirit_n quest_n what_o end_n shall_v all_o man_n aim_v at_o and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n or_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v they_o become_v church-member_n answ_n 1._o to_o please_v and_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o show_v their_o respect_n unto_o he_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o declare_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n christ_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v many_o good_a work_n to_o pleasure_v they_o exalt_v &_o honour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o please_v exalt_v and_o honour_v he_o esa_n 56.4_o col._n 1.10_o this_o glorious_a end_n every_o church-member_n must_v have_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o walk_v in_o church_n 2._o to_o express_v their_o high_a resentment_n of_o his_o savour_n to_o they_o and_o their_o cordial_a thank_v fullness_n for_o they_o they_o be_v great_o privilege_v and_o high_o dignify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o membership_n there_o and_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o express_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n but_o by_o accept_v they_o dutiful_a and_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v good_a man_n do_v show_v how_o they_o value_v they_o by_o their_o accept_n and_o use_v they_o church_n and_o their_o privilege_n be_v not_o small_a matter_n in_o their_o account_n or_o light_a matter_n in_o their_o esteem_n but_o they_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n there_o likewise_o psal_n 27.4_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3._o psal_n 84._o 3._o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o have_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v know_v in_o these_o palace_n psal_n 48.3_o and_o to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o gallery_n there_o he_o open_v himself_o and_o break_v open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o there_o he_o stand_v hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n there_o he_o wait_v to_o meet_v his_o spouse_n to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o entertain_v and_o speak_v friendly_a to_o they_o he_o meet_v they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n esa_n 64.5_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v in_o his_o church_n there_o he_o dwell_v keep_v house_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o his_o household_n and_o rest_v himself_o take_v his_o delight_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n to_o they_o and_o thither_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o meet_v he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 4._o believer_n shall_v enter_v into_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o church-fellowship_n to_o increase_v and_o augment_v their_o grace_n and_o to_o better_v their_o heart_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v of_o their_o father_n bread_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o wine_n be_v make_v fat_a and_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n psal_n 92._o psal_n 132._o col._n 1.10_o 5_o to_o keep_v their_o heart_n warm_a strong_a and_o lively_a for_o god_n his_o work_n and_o service_n and_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v and_o enjoy_v all_o encouragement_n for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n trial_n and_o difficulty_n to_o fence_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n assault_n on_o they_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o conquer_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o run_v their_o holy_a race_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n act._n 20.24_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o rom._n 8._o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v warm_a on_o believer_n soul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v more_o spring_n of_o joy_n and_o harvest_n of_o profit_n than_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v elsewhere_o there_o be_v a_o river_n the_o stream_n whereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a place_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 46.4_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n like_o the_o church_n spring_n nor_o any_o harvest_n like_o the_o church_n harvest_n the_o full_a clear_a and_o most_o fatten_a stream_n of_o live_a water_n flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n christ_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o comely_a and_o fruitful_a branch_n be_v or_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o they_o may_v be_v the_o warm_a sweet_a strong_a lively_a chearfull_a fruitfull_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 6._o that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n convince_v the_o world_n encourage_v their_o brethren_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n way_n authority_n and_o headship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v all_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o and_o for_o these_o end_n they_o shall_v walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n 7._o to_o augment_v and_o increase_v your_o experience_n to_o obtain_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o yourselves_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o you_o and_o in_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o and_o firm_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n 8._o to_o pay_v your_o vow_n and_o make_v good_a your_o promise_n to_o perform_v your_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v your_o work_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n your_o head_n you_o owe_v they_o personal_a and_o church-homage_n and_o service_n you_o be_v bind_v and_o engage_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o your_o god_n command_v and_o appoint_v you_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o your_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n matth._n 28._o ult_n joh._n 14.15_o which_o you_o do_v not_o can_v do_v unless_o you_o walk_v in_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v yourselves_o under_o all_o his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n but_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v you_o put_v or_o aught_o to_o put_v yourselves_o under_o they_o by_o join_v yourselves_o to_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n all_o believer_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o aim_n and_o design_n they_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o carnal_a self-end_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v certain_o crowd_n in_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n abhor_v they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o concernment_n subject_v and_o make_v to_o serve_v man_n carnal_a interest_n he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o church-member_n heart_n but_o his_o own_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o our_o soul_n profit_v and_o other_o encourage_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o we_o have_v no_o dispensation_n or_o allowance_n give_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o augment_v and_o increase_v our_o trade_n and_o worldly_a profit_n or_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n benevolence_n in_o and_o by_o our_o walk_n with_o they_o or_o to_o greaten_v our_o name_n and_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n among_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o do_v the_o more_o good_a to_o man_n to_o have_v large_a opportunity_n to_o serve_v christ_n our_o brethren_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o our_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o lord_n namely_o to_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n