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faith_n catholic_a church_n creed_n 4,857 5 10.9440 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93091 A treatise of liturgies, power of the keyes, and of matter of the visible church. In answer to the reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Ball. By Thomas Shephard, sometimes fellow of Emanuel-Colledge in Cambridge, and late pastour of Cambridge in New-England. Shepard, Thomas, 1605-1649. 1652 (1652) Wing S3148; Thomason E681_17; ESTC R206794 175,099 213

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christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n be_v content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o anthoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o 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belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a 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in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sund●y_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n 22._o of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n 68_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o
but_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o such_o as_o join_v unto_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o protestant_a writer_n hoth_v out_o of_o the_o example_n of_o some_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o old_a in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n thereof_o we_o think_v in_o this_o same_o doctor_n field_n expression_n may_v be_v safe_o 7_o receive_v some_o profess_v christ_n say_v he_o but_o not_o whole_o and_o entire_o as_o heretic_n some_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n but_o not_o in_o unity_n as_o schismatic_n some_o profess_v it_o in_o untie_v but_o not_o in_o sincerity_n as_o profane_a person_n and_o hypocrite_n some_o in_o unity_n and_o sincerity_n all_o these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consequent_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o sort_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o think_v that_o 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certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o 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rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n ●eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_n 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v 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though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o 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that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o 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substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o
apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n acts._n 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_n work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o ●lood_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10._o 9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o 1._o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a *_o 15._o chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o it_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la improbare_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la ●iduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumatur_fw-la reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3._o 6._o act_n 8._o 37._o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o