sure_a that_o church_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v visible_a be_v not_o the_o indefectible_a church_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v be_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v or_o not_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o argument_n be_v naught_o 2._o and_o so_o be_v that_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a because_o it_o be_v indefectible_a that_o it_o can_v err_v because_o it_o never_o shall_v so_o grievous_o err_v as_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n the_o indefectibilty_a of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o one_o visible_a organise_v church_n which_o shall_v never_o fail_v for_o the_o church_n do_v not_o fail_v while_o there_o be_v any_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o number_n of_o single_a and_o conceal_a christian_n who_o be_v neither_o know_v to_o one_o another_o nor_o much_o less_o to_o the_o world._n and_o therefore_o if_o indefectibility_n prove_v infallibility_n it_o prove_v only_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o private_a infallible_a christian_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a infallible_a church_n for_o it_o can_v prove_v only_o those_o to_o be_v infallible_a who_o be_v indefectible_a and_o therefore_o since_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o any_o visible_a organise_v church_n shall_v be_v indefectible_a it_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a neither_o the_o infallibility_n of_o private_a christian_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o allow_v and_o yet_o if_o indefectibility_n prove_v infallibility_n this_o be_v all_o the_o infallibility_n which_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o number_n of_o private_a infallible_a christian_n who_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v it_o either_o as_o a_o promise_n or_o a_o prophecy_n or_o both_o that_o there_o always_o shall_v be_v some_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n believer_n in_o the_o world_n who_o in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o a_o reformation_n and_o a_o new_a visible_a resurrection_n of_o it_o now_o i_o hope_v christ_n can_v make_v good_a such_o a_o promise_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o promise_n without_o bestow_v infallibility_n upon_o any_o christian_n for_o man_n may_v be_v orthodox_n christian_n without_o be_v infallible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n i_o hope_v christ_n can_v certain_o foretell_v thing_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a cause_n and_o then_o he_o can_v foretell_v that_o there_o shall_v never_o want_v true_a believer_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v none_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v not_o err_v though_o they_o be_v all_o fallible_a and_o therefore_o may_v err_v and_o then_o neither_o the_o promise_n nor_o the_o prophecy_n can_v prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o protestant_n can_v mean_v when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v err_v in_o fundamental_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v infallible_a in_o its_o definition_n of_o fundamental_a doctrine_n but_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n shall_v never_o err_v fundamental_o that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v some_o true_a and_o orthodox_n believer_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o nor_o be_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v any_o church_n to_o be_v a_o new_a upstart_n church_n because_o after_o some_o time_n of_o concealment_n it_o reassume_v its_o visibility_n and_o appear_v open_o in_o the_o world._n the_o stab_a question_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v to_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n those_o who_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o all_o her_o corruption_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n have_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a answer_n to_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n where_o it_o be_v afterward_o for_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o new_a church_n but_o only_o reform_v that_o part_n of_o the_o old_a which_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o reformation_n they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n still_o have_v the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o the_o same_o christian_a worship_n but_o purge_v from_o those_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v deform_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o new_a church_n than_o a_o man_n wash_v off_o the_o dirt_n make_v a_o new-face_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o think_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o visible_a organise_v church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n do_v not_o want_v a_o good_a answer_n neither_o for_o during_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o that_o church_n the_o church_n may_v subsist_v in_o those_o private_a christian_n who_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n which_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v do_v before_o the_o reformation_n than_o since_o for_o many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o then_o so_o peremptory_o decree_v by_o their_o council_n nor_o so_o strict_o impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v since_o do_v and_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o there_o never_o want_v some_o in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v condemn_v their_o innovation_n and_o that_o profound_a ignorance_n wherein_o that_o church_n bring_v up_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v not_o more_o now_o all_o these_o man_n may_v be_v reckon_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o reformation_n out_o of_o which_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v spring_v as_o soon_o as_o a_o new_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o world._n there_o be_v no_o failure_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v obscure_v and_o conceal_v we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a sun_n which_o rise_v every_o morning_n not_o that_o which_o set_v at_o night_n as_o make_v a_o new_a church_n of_o the_o visible_a resurrection_n of_o old_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o profession_n of_o which_o be_v never_o lose_v tho'_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o visible_a if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v indefectible_a and_o never_o fail_v it_o can_v never_o be_v new_a again_o and_o if_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o some_o private_a and_o unknown_a christian_n the_o want_n of_o a_o visible_a society_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v fail_v and_o then_o when_o the_o old_a christian_a church_n appear_v again_o with_o a_o new_a glory_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o call_v it_o new_a only_o because_o for_o some_o year_n it_o have_v be_v conceal_v thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o in_o our_o dispute_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o hope_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o little_a service_n this_o can_v do_v they_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o w._n roger._n bp_o wilkins_n his_o fifteen_o sermon_n octavo_fw-la dr._n wallis_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n in_o two_o sermon_n to_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n quarto_fw-la his_o defence_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n and_o the_o philosophical_a transaction_n particular_o those_o of_o july_n 1670._o in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o dr._n william_n holder_n quarto_fw-la the_o necessity_n dignity_n and_o duty_n of_o gospel-minister_n discourse_v of_o before_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n by_o tho._n hodges_n b._n d._n quarto_fw-la the_o peaceable_a christian._n a_o sermon_n quarto_fw-la price_n 3_o d._n a_o treatise_n of_o marriage_n with_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o 32d_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n viz._n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n law_n either_o to_o vow_v the_o state_n of_o single_a life_n or_o to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n by_o though_o hodges_n b._n d._n octaus_n history_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o europe_n in_o this_o present_a age_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o republic_n of_o venice_n by_o battista_n nani_n cavalier_n of_o st._n mark._n fol._n sterry_n freedom_n of_o the_o will._n folio_n light_n in_o the_o way_n to_o paradise_n with_o other_o occasionals_n by_o dudley_n the_o second_o late_a lord_n north._n octavo_fw-la molin_n of_o the_o muscle_n with_o sir_n charles_n scarborough_n scarborough_n s_z syllabus_n musculorum_fw-la
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n be_v brief_o and_o plain_o state_v part_n i._n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o temple_n london_n print_a for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1688._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o introduction_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o vindication_n of_o some_o protestant_a principle_n of_o church-unity_n and_o catholic_n communion_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o promise_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o church_n and_o intend_v to_o have_v discharge_v that_o obligation_n which_o have_v be_v very_o importunate_o demand_v of_o i_o long_o before_o this_o and_o indeed_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o now_o publish_v several_a month_n ago_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o then_o lay_v it_o aside_o i_o hope_v the_o preservative_n against_o popery_n will_v satisfy_v he_o that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v idle_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o the_o true_a and_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o have_v delay_v to_o publish_v this_o part_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o finish_v be_v because_o i_o intend_v to_o finish_v the_o whole_a before_o i_o publish_v it_o which_o will_v have_v give_v more_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o my_o reader_n but_o i_o have_v not_o leisure_n for_o that_o now_o and_o think_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o publish_v a_o part_n than_o none_o at_o all_o especial_o since_o what_o i_o here_o publish_v be_v a_o entire_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o our_o dispute_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o but_o to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o no_o body_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n who_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o since_o no_o body_n can_v be_v save_v but_o in_o the_o church_n all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v be_v damn_v and_o there_o be_v a_o sad_a end_n of_o we_o all_o thus_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n of_o faith_n for_o who_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v fail_v or_o err_v in_o fundamental_o since_o christ_n himself_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o principle_n of_o catholic_n unity_n must_v be_v infallible_a and_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o dispute_v any_o thing_n which_o she_o have_v determine_v in_o matter_n of_o faith._n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n st._n peter_n successor_n and_o christ_n vicar_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o all_o other_o bishop_n derive_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o who_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o emperor_n themselves_o be_v subject_a in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la which_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o a_o temporal_a sovereignty_n and_o universal_a empire_n these_o pretence_n indeed_o have_v be_v sufficient_o baffle_v by_o protestant_a divine_n ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o be_v baffle_v and_o not_o to_o own_v it_o to_o see_v all_o their_o argument_n confute_v a_o hundred_o time_n over_o and_o to_o repeat_v they_o again_o with_o a_o good_a grace_n without_o reply_v to_o those_o answer_n which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o give_v they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n that_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o answer_n make_v to_o they_o but_o after_o all_o that_o be_v say_v on_o one_o side_n and_o tother_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a there_o never_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o these_o wrangling_n without_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o though_o a_o great_a many_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v say_v about_o it_o i_o think_v be_v never_o thorough_o do_v yet_o what_o my_o present_a performance_n be_v i_o must_v leave_v other_o man_n to_o judge_v but_o if_o my_o notion_n be_v right_a i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o vain_a and_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n who_o peruse_v this_o discourse_n with_o care_n and_o judgement_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o i_o have_v lay_v in_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o most_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o i_o have_v here_o only_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n what_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n their_o government_n union_n and_o combination_n into_o one_o catholic_n communion_n must_v be_v reserve_v for_o a_o second_o part._n errata_fw-la page_n 5._o line_n 3._o for_o intent_n r._n extent_n p._n 5._o l._n 13._o for_o for_o r._n far_o p._n 32._o l._n 15._o for_o universal_a r._n univocal_a chap._n i._n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v his_o one_o body_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o one_o church_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o but_o this_o one_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o the_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o it_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n in_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n at_o least_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o judgement_n for_o they_o all_o belong_v to_o this_o one_o church_n and_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o one_o church_n be_v already_o translate_v into_o heaven_n and_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n here_o we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n if_o we_o will_v right_o understand_v what_o make_v one_o church_n for_o since_o this_o unity_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a church_n we_o can_v argue_v mere_o from_o the_o church_n be_v one_o to_o infer_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o unity_n but_o what_o make_v the_o whole_a but_o what_o unite_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o body_n for_o that_o only_o be_v the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v the_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o place_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o can_v concern_v only_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a as_o suppose_v that_o part_n only_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n not_o that_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v manifest_o absurd_a because_o it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o and_o yet_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a not_o to_o a_o part_n for_o a_o part_n be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o one_o can_v be_v but_o one_o part_n not_o the_o one_o church_n now_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v 1._o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o be_v one_o organise_v politic_a body_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n for_o though_o a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n may_v make_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n one_o yet_o it_o can_v unite_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o
make_v to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o certain_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o total_o fail_v but_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n or_o any_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v infallible_a for_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o church_n there_o be_v distinct_a promise_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v distinct_a which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a many_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thus_o if_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o call_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n whatever_o that_o signify_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o mere_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o general_n council_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v from_o it_o though_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n shall_v signify_v infallibility_n thus_o whatever_o authority_n pope_n or_o general_a council_n may_v challenge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o if_o they_o decree_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n their_o decree_n be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n who_o be_v not_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o under_o this_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n every_o pack_v conventicle_n challenge_v a_o indisputable_a authority_n to_o its_o decree_n 2._o nay_o as_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o the_o representatives_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n much_o less_o be_v any_o one_o bishop_n the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n virtual_a the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v not_o to_o represent_v but_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o church_n representative_n by_o institution_n no_o more_o than_o the_o king_n be_v the_o representative_a of_o his_o kingdom_n how_o then_o do_v they_o come_v to_o be_v the_o church_n representative_n do_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o intrust_v they_o with_o this_o power_n do_v they_o ever_o resign_v up_o their_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o bishop_n this_o never_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n have_v a_o representative_a but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v bishop_n than_o must_v sit_v in_o council_n not_o only_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o lay_v representative_n if_o two_o such_o different_a capacity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a and_o yet_o bishop_n have_v challenge_v this_o authority_n only_o as_o bishop_n and_o exclude_v the_o laity_n nay_o presbyter_n themselves_o from_o any_o vote_n and_o therefore_o such_o council_n of_o bishop_n who_o act_v only_o as_o bishop_n can_v not_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n bishop_n act_n not_o as_o representative_n but_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v not_o from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o constitution_n about_o such_o matter_n have_v a_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a authority_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o divine_a law_n and_o institution_n but_o bishop_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o the_o church_n herself_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o alter_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o such_o authority_n to_o her_o bishop_n however_o if_o she_o can_v she_o never_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o council_n of_o bishop_n can_v be_v the_o church-representative_a in_o define_v article_n of_o faith._n as_o bishop_n be_v the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v declare_v what_o the_o faith_n be_v and_o agree_v what_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v teach_v in_o their_o church_n and_o consent_n to_o censure_v and_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o will_v not_o profess_v to_o believe_v as_o they_o do_v but_o if_o they_o make_v any_o decree_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n no_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o nor_o be_v ever_o the_o worse_a for_o their_o anathema_n and_o excommunication_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o call_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v only_o the_o decree_n and_o definition_n of_o some_o bishop_n in_o it_o who_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o most_o general_a council_n that_o ever_o be_v may_v err_v and_o yet_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o err_v for_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o representative_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v not_o err_v this_o will_v not_o prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v not_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faith_n may_v still_o be_v preserve_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o private_a christian_n even_o when_o general_a council_n err_v 3_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o one_o organise_v body_n for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o no_o ecclesiastical_a minister_n or_o pastor_n belong_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o unless_o some_o ecumenical_a pastor_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o can_v be_v one_o organise_v body_n the_o catholic_n church_n indeed_o be_v organise_v by_o part_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v distribute_v into_o particular_a body_n under_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o present_o but_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n to_o christ_n only_o who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n now_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v 1._o that_o no_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o the_o bishop_n of_o it_o a_o ecumenical_a pastor_n because_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o organise_v but_o every_o organise_v church_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o show_v how_o vain_a the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a bishop_n 2._o it_o as_o evident_o follow_v that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o visible_a tribunal_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o centre_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v no_o organise_v body_n it_o have_v no_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o tribunal_n 1._o it_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o a_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o her_o husband_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_a and_o individual_a christian_n who_o be_v all_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o be_v make_v one_o in_o he_o and_o though_o bishop_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o he_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v place_v yet_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v not_o consider_v as_o bishop_n but_o as_o private_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o their_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n no_o otherwise_o then_o all_o other_o private_a christian_n be_v now_o if_o the_o chatholick_a church_n be_v only_o a_o company_n of_o private_a and_o particular_a christian_n unite_v immediate_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v one_o body_n in_o he_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o particular_a christian_n have_v which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o
church_n in_o heaven_n into_o one_o body_n unless_o this_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o heaven_n too_o for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n that_o head_n must_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o unite_v in_o the_o head_n if_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o union_n be_v not_o the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a now_o i_o suppose_v no_o papist_n will_v say_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o one_o by_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o his_o authority_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n one_o will_v wonder_v whence_o he_o shall_v pretend_v to_o canozie_n saint_n in_o heaven_n or_o to_o release_v soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n unless_o his_o be_v christ_n vicar_n on_o earth_n make_v he_o his_o vicar_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o purgatory_n also_o but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n if_o they_o say_v that_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v only_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o visible_a head_n of_o this_o unity_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o they_o must_v grant_v then_o that_o they_o speak_v very_o improper_o for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o they_o ought_v only_o to_o say_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o the_o pope_n 2._o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v quit_v all_o their_o argument_n for_o the_o pope_n headship_n take_v from_o the_o church_n be_v one_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n therefore_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v have_v one_o visible_a head._n 3._o nay_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o formal_a and_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o the_o pope_n for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v both_o but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v the_o same_o essential_a unity_n for_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o by_o two_o sort_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v be_v one_o without_o the_o same_o formal_a unity_n be_v very_o mysterious_a and_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o a_o contradiction_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o the_o pope_n no_o more_o do_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o unity_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o thus_o all_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n to_o prove_v a_o universal_a visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v too_o 2_o nor_o do_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o join_v together_o in_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o maintain_v mutual_a intercourse_n and_o correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o these_o be_v duty_n which_o result_n from_o church-unity_n when_o they_o be_v practicable_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o hereafter_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v consist_v in_o they_o for_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v one_o without_o they_o and_o so_o may_v distant_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v one_o church_n without_o any_o such_o visible_a correspondence_n 3_o nor_o can_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o have_v not_o always_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o since_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v but_o one_o it_o can_v have_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o that_o can_v be_v the_o one_o faith_n which_o have_v not_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o every_o age_n as_o to_o make_v or_o declare_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v authority_n to_o make_v a_o new_a church_n too_o in_o every_o age_n but_o then_o how_o the_o church_n shall_v change_v its_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n and_o yet_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v worth_a inquiry_n as_o far_o as_o any_o church_n have_v alter_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v become_v a_o new_a church_n and_o a_o new_a church_n i_o think_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o old_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o present_a church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o its_o unity_n with_o itself_o but_o with_o the_o church_n also_o of_o former_a age_n for_o unless_o it_o be_v one_o with_o the_o apostolic_a church_n it_o can_v be_v the_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v at_o this_o day_n unite_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o divide_v from_o the_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v here_o by_o the_o way_n what_o a_o contradiction_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o church_n than_o the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n in_o heaven_n not_o except_v the_o bless_a virgin_n herself_o be_v but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o we_o which_o make_v it_o as_o absurd_a to_o worship_v they_o in_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v for_o one_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n on_o earth_n to_o worship_n another_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o body_n still_o and_o tho'_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o honour_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n yet_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o member_n for_o it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o one_o member_n to_o worship_n another_o to_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o erect_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o the_o great_a saint_n advance_v they_o above_o the_o degree_n of_o fellow-member_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n than_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v not_o one_o church_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v who_o they_o be_v who_o divide_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o command_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o virgin_n or_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n be_v but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o we_o and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o of_o our_o brotherly_a love_n and_o honour_n but_o those_o who_o worship_n saint_n destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n by_o divide_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n than_o to_o worship_n those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o that_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o saint_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o we_o but_o be_v as_o much_o above_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v 2_o this_o notion_n of_o church-unity_n that_o it_o must_v include_v the_o whole_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v already_o transplant_v into_o heaven_n as_o that_o which_o still_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n which_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n may_v direct_v we_o wherein_o to_o place_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o to_o be_v sure_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n any_o notion_n of_o unity_n which_o do_v
not_o explain_v how_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o one_o must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o not_o to_o a_o part_n now_o as_o this_o unity_n respect_v the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o head_n of_o unity_n but_o christ_n any_o other_o medium_n of_o unity_n but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n nor_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o unity_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o spiritual_a body_n communion_n or_o society_n that_o we_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n in_o one_o body_n to_o christ_n the_o one_o and_o only_a head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n must_v consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o some_o one_o head._n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o none_o can_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o christ_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v union_n to_o christ_n alone_o which_o make_v the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o own_o church_n this_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o grant_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v only_o a_o vicarious_a head_n christ_n vicar_n on_o earth_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n part_n of_o which_o be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n and_o part_v still_o militant_a on_o earth_n it_o must_v be_v unite_v in_o christ_n alone_o for_o as_o he_o need_v no_o vicar_n in_o heaven_n where_o he_o himself_o be_v immediate_o present_a so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o vicar_n on_o earth_n as_o a_o common_a head_n of_o unity_n for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o head_n of_o unity_n but_o only_a christ._n 2._o it_o be_v as_o evident_a also_o that_o the_o only_a medium_fw-la or_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n for_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n he_o be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o his_o subject_n disciple_n spouse_n and_o body_n by_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o federal_n rite_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n baptism_n be_v our_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o spiritual_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n which_o signify_v and_o effect_n as_o intimate_v a_o union_n to_o he_o as_o there_o be_v of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o food_n we_o eat_v and_o this_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o head_n of_o unity_n but_o only_o christ_n because_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n unite_v we_o to_o none_o else_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o reprove_v the_o corinthian_a schism_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 12_o 13._o now_o this_o i_o say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o i_o of_o christ._n be_v christ_n divide_v be_v paul_n crucify_v for_o you_o or_o be_v you_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n to_o who_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v but_o only_a christ_n who_o purchase_v the_o gospel-covenant_n by_o his_o death_n and_o into_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v his_o alone_a we_o be_v to_o who_o we_o be_v unite_v by_o baptism_n we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o none_o else_o and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o if_o they_o may_v have_v own_v any_o other_o head_n beside_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o and_o into_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptize_v if_o christ_n have_v make_v peter_n the_o vicarious_a head_n of_o unity_n as_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v st._n paul_n argument_n against_o these_o siding_n and_o faction_n that_o one_o say_v he_o be_v of_o paul_n another_o of_o apollo_n a_o three_o of_o cephas_n or_o peter_n have_v not_o be_v good_a for_o at_o least_o those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o st._n paul_n know_v no_o other_o head_n of_o unity_n but_o only_o christ_n because_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o only_a medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o union_n unite_v we_o to_o no_o other_o head_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v of_o peter_n or_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n be_v as_o great_a schismatic_n as_o those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul._n now_o this_o covenant_n extend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o unite_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o christ._n for_o those_o who_o be_v translate_v into_o heaven_n be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o same_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n there_o be_v several_a duty_n indeed_o of_o this_o covenant_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v exempt_v from_o because_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n there_o be_v above_o they_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v turn_v into_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n their_o spiritual_a warfare_n be_v accomplish_v for_o there_o be_v no_o devil_n nor_o flesh_n nor_o world_n to_o tempt_v they_o the_o mystical_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v celebrate_v by_o they_o not_o in_o external_a symbol_n and_o figure_n but_o in_o a_o more_o divine_a manner_n in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n but_o tho'_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n change_v with_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n yet_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o same_o still_o by_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o still_o expect_v the_o completion_n of_o their_o happiness_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n immortal_a and_o glorious_a and_o by_o the_o same_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o we_o hope_v when_o our_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v also_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o to_o rise_v together_o with_o they_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trumpet_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v one_o by_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o same_o head_n by_o the_o same_o covenant_n 3._o the_o unity_n then_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n to_o christ._n for_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n of_o unity_n for_o the_o church_n but_o christ_n the_o formal_a reason_n of_o this_o unity_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o christ_n which_o make_v the_o universal_a church_n the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v part_n in_o heaven_n and_o part_n on_o earth_n can_v be_v the_o unity_n of_o a_o organise_v body_n which_o must_v consist_v in_o a_o regular_a subordination_n of_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n as_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n do_v for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o one_o common_a govern_v society_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o external_n government_n but_o how_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n but_o one_o body_n true_o i_o know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o all_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o he_o christ_n account_v his_o one_o body_n thus_o christ_n as_o bear_v his_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o vine_n all_o who_o branch_n we_o know_v be_v unite_v only_o in_o the_o stock_n or_o root_n 15_o john_n 1._o and_o to_o a_o olive-tree_n 11_o rom._n 17._o and_o to_o a_o sheepfold_n which_o consist_v of_o single_a and_o individual_a sheep_n which_o be_v one_o fold_v only_o because_o they_o be_v under_o one_o shepherd_n 10_o john_n 16._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o church_n be_v call_v also_o the_o body_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n it_o do_v not_o
object_v against_o this_o that_o this_o confine_n the_o church_n to_o the_o company_n of_o the_o elect_n who_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n for_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o belong_v to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o no_o man_n can_v see_v who_o they_o be_v without_o see_v their_o heart_n now_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n against_o any_o notion_n if_o it_o destroy_v the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o do_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v unchurch_n the_o great_a member_n of_o visible_a church-member_n if_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o of_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o be_v in_o time_n call_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o a_o state_n of_o real_a holiness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o make_v the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o can_v possible_o see_v how_o there_o can_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o internal_a grace_n which_o make_v a_o church-member_n be_v invisible_a and_o therefore_o church-member_n be_v invisible_a too_o and_o then_o i_o fear_v the_o church_n itself_o must_v be_v invisible_a if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v invisible_a for_o invisible_a member_n can_v make_v a_o visible_a society_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o field_n in_o which_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o tare_n grow_v together_o be_v visible_a will_v not_o make_v the_o church_n visible_a unless_o this_o visible_a field_n as_o visible_a be_v the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o tare_n as_o well_o as_o the_o corn_n must_v be_v church-member_n for_o to_o see_v where_o the_o corn_n grow_v if_o we_o can_v see_v the_o corn_n do_v not_o make_v the_o corn_n visible_a and_o if_o the_o corn_n only_o be_v the_o church_n invisible_a corn_n can_v make_v a_o visible_a church_n which_o have_v make_v i_o often_o wonder_v that_o some_o learned_a protestant_n and_o that_o of_o late_a too_o have_v so_o much_o insist_v on_o this_o notion_n which_o give_v manifest_a advantage_n to_o their_o adversary_n and_o serve_v no_o end_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o what_o may_v better_a be_v serve_v without_o it_o but_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n which_o i_o have_v now_o explain_v be_v a_o visible_a union_n for_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v visible_a the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v visible_a the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n make_v by_o these_o visible_a sacrament_n be_v visible_a also_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o visible_a covenant_n visible_a sacrament_n and_o a_o visible_a profession_n be_v visible_a also_o but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v wicked_a man_n than_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o may_v in_o this_o world_n if_o they_o can_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o we_o be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o mystical_a spouse_n and_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o say_v that_o man_n may_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o obtain_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o this_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bad_a man_n who_o live_v in_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o feast_v at_o his_o table_n be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o not_o now_o all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n be_v his_o body_n and_o unless_o we_o can_v find_v two_o covenant_n and_o two_o body_n for_o christ_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o branch_n in_o he_o which_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o all_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o separate_v from_o he_o 15_o john_n 2._o st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n from_o fornication_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n god_n forbid_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 15._o which_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v that_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o that_o suppose_v that_o very_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o be_v not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o can_v there_o be_v such_o a_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o bad_a man_n i_o answer_v if_o by_o mystical_a union_n be_v mean_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o life_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o bad_a man_n be_v not_o thus_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v not_o live_v but_o dead_a member_n of_o his_o body_n they_o be_v branch_n that_o be_v in_o the_o vine_n but_o bear_v no_o fruit_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n which_o be_v so_o call_v not_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o mystical_a union_n which_o some_o man_n â—alk_v of_o of_o but_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o explain_v but_o for_o mystical_a reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o now_o if_o those_o mystical_a reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n include_v wicked_a professor_n and_o conceal_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o true_o good_a man_n than_o i_o hope_v bad_a man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n without_o such_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o he_o now_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o mystical_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n be_v because_o he_o purchase_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o church_n be_v form_v out_o of_o his_o break_a body_n as_o eve_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o adam_n and_o therefore_o if_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o expiation_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n procure_v by_o it_o than_o they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone._n and_o methinks_v no_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n shall_v have_v a_o covenant_n right_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n if_o it_o confer_v no_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n blood_n but_o those_o who_o be_v his_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v such_o a_o covenant-right_a as_o certain_o they_o have_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n than_o they_o be_v by_o covenant_n unite_v to_o his_o mystical_a body_n if_o you_o object_n that_o by_o this_o reason_n all_o mankind_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n for_o he_o die_v for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v his_o mystical_a body_n which_o be_v form_v out_o of_o his_o break_a body_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o some_o sense_n christ_n die_v for_o all_o because_o none_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n who_o unite_v themselves_o to_o his_o body_n by_o faith_n and_o baptism_n but_o yet_o he_o die_v for_o none_o so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o immediate_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n for_o his_o purchase_n be_v confine_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n he_o love_v his_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o his_o church_n only_o be_v his_o mystical_a body_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o
but_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n a_o great_a while_n till_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n which_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v become_v new_a creature_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n in_o baptism_n that_o they_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n before_o they_o be_v implant_v into_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n now_o if_o man_n who_o have_v live_v very_o wicked_a life_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o in_o this_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n they_o may_v wash_v away_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n this_o show_v that_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v such_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o bad_a man_n in_o it_o unless_o all_o who_o be_v baptize_v shall_v infallible_o prove_v good_a man_n for_o bad_a man_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o repentance_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n where_o they_o must_v receive_v grace_n to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v their_o lust_n and_o renew_v their_o nature_n and_o yet_o if_o after_o baptism_n they_o resist_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o will_v continue_v bad_a man_n still_o and_o this_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n can_v never_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o nay_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v the_o child_n of_o christian-parent_n to_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n will_v prove_v when_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o this_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o so_o strict_a in_o their_o discipline_n as_o to_o prevent_v all_o public_a scandal_n for_o since_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o school_n and_o nursery_n of_o virtue_n where_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v reform_v and_o become_v saint_n since_o christ_n be_v that_o spiritual_a vine_n from_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o communication_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o all_o believer_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o incorporate_v into_o christ_n body_n for_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whether_o they_o will_v prove_v good_a or_o bad_a man_n fruitful_a or_o barren_a branch_n till_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o sap_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o root_n till_o they_o receive_v such_o communication_n of_o grace_n as_o my_o renew_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o school_n of_o trial_n exercise_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o consummate_a soul_n between_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n where_o the_o victory_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o triumphant_a company_n of_o conqueror_n between_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n and_o those_o who_o have_v win_v the_o prize_n for_o such_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n we_o can_v run_v this_o spiritual_a race_n unless_o we_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o prize_n no_o crown_n to_o run_v for_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o lose_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o win_v the_o prize_n must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n that_o if_o they_o overcome_v they_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n good_a man_n conquer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n bad_a man_n be_v conquer_v and_o they_o lose_v their_o crown_n and_o this_o make_v the_o separation_n and_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v conquer_v on_o earth_n all_o who_o run_v in_o the_o same_o race_n and_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o same_o warfare_n be_v mix_v together_o in_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n those_o who_o conquer_v and_o those_o who_o be_v conquer_v be_v of_o the_o same_o company_n on_o earth_n but_o none_o but_o conqueror_n be_v crown_v in_o heaven_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o make_v it_o his_o one_o mystical_a body_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n here_o for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n mean_v most_o of_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o that_o first_o and_o fundamental_a mistake_n about_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o catholic_n unity_n as_o that_o include_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n part_n of_o which_o be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n and_o part_v still_o militant_a on_o earth_n those_o who_o have_v be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v but_o one_o church_n have_v hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v only_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n that_o none_o but_o true_o good_a man_n who_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o make_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o invisible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n other_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n never_o think_v of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o advance_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o church-unity_n as_o exclude_v the_o church_n in_o heaven_n as_o if_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o one_o church_n or_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o church-unity_n must_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o thus_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o romanist_n do_v who_o place_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o union_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o can_v concern_v only_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o under_o his_o government_n other_o consider_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o to_o christ_n have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o also_o be_v one_o body_n and_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o notion_n of_o church-unity_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o to_o be_v sure_o every_o part_n of_o it_o must_v be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o one_o with_o itself_o with_o that_o same_o kind_n of_o unity_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o which_o make_v a_o church_n and_o make_v it_o one_o be_v that_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o head_n by_o the_o same_o covenant_n so_o that_o whatever_o make_v a_o church_n a_o true_a church_n make_v it_o a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o here_o come_v in_o what_o the_o apostle_n make_v essential_a to_o this_o one_o body_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n 4_o eph._n 5._o which_o signify_v what_o i_o say_v before_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o one_o lord_n to_o who_o we_o be_v unite_v the_o one_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o one_o baptism_n be_v the_o faederal_a rite_n of_o it_o or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n where_o this_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o where_o this_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n how_o many_o particular_a church_n or_o distinct_a communion_n soever_o this_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o from_o whence_o
it_o as_o evident_a that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v more_o than_o one_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o those_o nominal_a church_n which_o have_v not_o the_o same_o lord_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o baptism_n be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v but_o one_o which_o make_v it_o a_o ridiculous_a triumph_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o if_o we_o protestant_n do_v not_o believe_v one_o catholic_n church_n or_o can_v not_o tell_v where_o to_o find_v it_o when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o account_n that_o though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n yet_o this_o external_a visible_a union_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v one_o body_n by_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o one_o mystical_a head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o by_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n to_o each_o other_o this_o external_a union_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o all_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v but_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n whether_o they_o be_v thus_o visible_o unite_v or_o not_o but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v i._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n ii_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o how_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o universal_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n iii_o what_o that_o unity_n and_o communion_n be_v which_o all_o distinct_a particular_a church_n ought_v to_o maintain_v with_o each_o other_o and_o whence_o this_o obligation_n result_v i._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o caetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la or_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o baptism_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n and_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o covenant_n and_o be_v his_o mystical_a body_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o explain_v and_o if_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n must_v be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o faithful_a on_o earth_n for_o we_o must_v still_o retain_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n where_o the_o whole_a consist_v of_o universal_a part_n for_o there_o every_o part_n have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o whole_a i_o know_v indeed_o of_o late_a the_o clergy_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n monopolise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v themselves_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o they_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o christ_n the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o more_o the_o church_n than_o the_o king_n be_v his_o kingdom_n or_o the_o shepherd_n his_o flock_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n express_o distinguish_v the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n these_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n edification_n and_o good_a government_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v place_v thus_o 4_o eph._n 11_o 12._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v therefore_o distinguish_v from_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o thus_o in_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o several_a church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n with_o all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n both_o they_o and_o we_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a 1_o ephes._n 1_o paul_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n and_o to_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v the_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o church_n 1_o col._n 2._o to_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v at_o coloss._n and_o 1_o phil._n 1._o he_o express_o distinguish_v the_o saint_n or_o church_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o learned_a launoy_n have_v produce_v various_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o that_o it_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n in_o all_o age_n even_o down_o to_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o receive_a notion_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o be_v alter_v by_o canisius_n and_o bellarmine_n canisius_n put_v christ_n vicar_n into_o the_o definition_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o visible_a collection_n of_o all_o baptize_v believer_n under_o one_o head_n christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o his_o vicar_n on_o earth_n which_o make_v the_o church_n a_o monarchy_n bellarmine_n define_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n under_o the_o government_n of_o lawful_a pastor_n but_o chief_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o one_o vicar_n of_o christ_n on_o erath_n which_o make_v the_o church_n a_o kind_n of_o mix_a and_o temper_a monarchy_n the_o government_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a vicar_n whereas_o before_o these_o man_n neither_o pastor_n nor_o bishop_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v ever_o put_v into_o the_o general_a definition_n of_o a_o church_n for_o as_o for_o st._n cyprian_n definition_n i_o shall_v account_v for_o it_o hereafter_o and_o indeed_o it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o for_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o instruct_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n which_o they_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n but_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o represent_v the_o head_n and_o not_o the_o body_n for_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n and_o act_n in_o his_o place_n and_o stead_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o 20_o john_n 21._o and_o he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o he_o that_o receive_v i_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o 10_o matth._n 40._o and_o 13._o john_n 20._o and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v distinguish_v from_o his_o body_n so_o be_v those_o also_o who_o act_n under_o the_o head_n and_o represent_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o private_a believer_n they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o church-governor_n they_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ._n now_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o better_o understand_v as_o 1._o that_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_v
spirit_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o alter_v the_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o new_a creed_n or_o a_o new_a gospel_n which_o will_v be_v to_o have_v power_n over_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o to_o be_v sure_a unless_o we_o will_v grant_v this_o authority_n to_o every_o particular_a christian_a the_o catholic_n church_n can_v have_v it_o which_o be_v only_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o particular_a christian_n who_o be_v unite_v single_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v one_o body_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o such_o a_o body_n as_o can_v make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o new_a law_n but_o be_v make_v one_o body_n by_o embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o they_o must_v receive_v from_o christ_n but_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v because_o their_o receive_v this_o faith_n unite_v they_o into_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o they_o continue_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o they_o profess_v this_o faith_n and_o therefore_o never_o can_v have_v authority_n to_o change_v it_o where_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n unite_v themselves_o into_o one_o body_n or_o civil_a society_n to_o form_n and_o model_n their_o own_o government_n and_o to_o make_v law_n for_o themselves_o there_o the_o whole_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o community_n and_o they_o may_v make_v and_o alter_v and_o repeal_v law_n as_o they_o please_v but_o where_o a_o society_n be_v form_v by_o a_o voluntary_a submission_n of_o single_a and_o particular_a person_n to_o know_a and_o state_v law_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v of_o this_o society_n without_o submission_n to_o these_o law_n nor_o continue_v long_o in_o it_o than_o he_o do_v submit_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n have_v any_o power_n over_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v only_o their_o submission_n to_o such_o law_n which_o make_v they_o such_o a_o society_n the_o whole_a society_n in_o this_o case_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o a_o single_a man_n for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o society_n for_o government_n but_o for_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n christ_n indeed_o have_v place_v a_o authority_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o it_o but_o a_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n the_o first_o signify_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n the_o second_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o head_n have_v authority_n over_o his_o church_n and_o may_v appoint_v what_o minister_n he_o please_v to_o exercise_v this_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n have_v which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o head._n this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a nice_a distinction_n between_o the_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v as_o useful_a as_o it_o be_v true_a for_o tho'_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v much_o more_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v yet_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v think_v much_o more_o venerable_a than_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n tho'_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n talk_v of_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o sound_v very_o big_a and_o fright_v people_n into_o a_o submission_n while_o they_o pretend_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n minister_n private_a christian_n make_v bold_a to_o examine_v their_o commission_n and_o how_o far_o their_o authority_n reach_v â—d_a whether_o they_o do_v not_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a minister_n may_v do_v but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n strike_v all_o dead_a for_o who_o dare_v oppose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v to_o condemn_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o error_n or_o heresy_n who_o dare_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o must_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a schism_n and_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n since_o it_o be_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o when_o a_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n usurp_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n under_o so_o venerable_a a_o disguise_n and_o enslave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dictate_v but_o now_o all_o these_o amusement_n vanish_v when_o we_o remember_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o authority_n that_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n in_o or_o out_o of_o council_n be_v it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o authority_n neither_o when_o they_o exceed_v their_o commission_n and_o teach_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v reject_v such_o a_o council_n of_o bishop_n without_o condemn_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n without_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v innovate_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n nor_o alter_v the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d christ_n minister_n so_o they_o be_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o must_v receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v for_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o alter_v it_o now_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o bishop_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o yet_o as_o bishop_n or_o christ_n minister_n have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v not_o teach_v that_o be_v that_o as_o bishop_n they_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v that_o which_o as_o private_a christian_n they_o themselves_o must_v not_o believe_v if_o they_o will_v continue_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o teach_v that_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v not_o receive_v for_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o authority_n it_o must_v no_o more_o receive_v new_a doctrine_n than_o make_v they_o i_o know_v indeed_o no_o body_n will_v pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n of_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o of_o declare_v what_o the_o faith_n be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n if_o this_o authority_n of_o declare_v be_v such_o as_o to_o oblige_v all_o people_n to_o believe_v such_o declaration_n without_o any_o dispute_n or_o examination_n for_o than_o they_o may_v make_v a_o new_a faith_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o declare_v the_o old_a as_o we_o see_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v do_v which_o have_v declare_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n that_o i_o know_v of_o between_o declare_v and_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v neither_o declare_v nor_o make_v before_o and_o therefore_o christian_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n have_v no_o such_o authority_n either_o to_o make_v or_o to_o declare_v article_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v it_o mere_o upon_o their_o definition_n and_o declaration_n it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v gainsayer_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n which_o oblige_v all_o christian_n diligent_o and_o impartial_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o instruction_n but_o yet_o leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o authority_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o also_o that_o it_o have_v no_o visible_a tribunal_n wherein_o to_o exercise_v this_o authority_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a company_n or_o multitude_n of_o individual_a christian_n who_o be_v all_o single_o unite_v to_o christ_n
and_o make_v one_o body_n in_o he_o and_o consider_v as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v under_o any_o other_o notion_n so_o that_o have_v the_o catholic_n church_n any_o authority_n it_o can_v be_v exercise_v only_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n for_o nothing_o else_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n but_o can_v the_o catholic_n church_n meet_v and_o act_v by_o its_o representative_n as_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v i_o answer_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o any_o one_o bishop_n can_v represent_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o as_o bishop_n they_o be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o under_o christ_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o think_v of_o any_o other_o representatives_n for_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o representative_n for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n never_o do_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o such_o representative_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v represent_v but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o representative_n make_v by_o the_o unanimous_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o think_v be_v moral_o impossible_a yet_o then_o the_o high_a and_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o people_n which_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o very_o well_o like_a nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v be_v represent_v for_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o the_o whole_a company_n or_o multitude_n now_o a_o multitude_n as_o a_o multitude_n can_v never_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o itself_o there_o can_v be_v no_o formal_a nor_o virtual_a multitude_n but_o the_o whole_a entire_a number_n the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v all_o christian_n and_o if_o you_o leave_v out_o any_o of_o the_o number_n it_o be_v not_o all_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v any_o authority_n it_o must_v have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n for_o particular_a christian_n have_v no_o such_o authority_n as_o all_o man_n grant_v and_o therefore_o that_o which_o destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n must_v destroy_v its_o authority_n too_o and_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o all_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v be_v represent_v by_o a_o few_o of_o the_o whole_a number_n because_o a_o few_o be_v not_o all_o and_o therefore_o not_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v a_o different_a case_n indeed_o when_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v a_o original_n right_a and_o share_v in_o the_o power_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v not_o formal_o seat_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o than_o it_o may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v contract_v into_o one_o or_o more_o hand_n by_o particular_a man_n give_v up_o their_o share_n in_o the_o government_n as_o some_o fancy_n that_o civil_a society_n be_v first_o form_v but_o where_o the_o power_n be_v formal_o seat_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o not_o in_o particular_a member_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o catholic_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o authority_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o can_v by_o no_o consent_n be_v put_v into_o a_o few_o hand_n and_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v have_v any_o representative_n nor_o consequent_o any_o visible_a tribunal_n and_o yet_o that_o dispute_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o some_o protestant_a divine_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o warmth_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o perpetual_a visibility_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o this_o controversy_n about_o a_o visible_a tribunal_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v the_o protestant_a cause_n any_o hurt_n or_o the_o popish_a cause_n any_o good_a we_o do_v say_v and_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n for_o while_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o visible_o profess_v christianity_n there_o will_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o what_o then_o what_o then_o why_o then_o you_o must_v hear_v the_o church_n than_o you_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n than_o you_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o receive_v your_o faith_n from_o the_o decree_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n but_o pray_v why_o so_o have_v every_o visible_a church_n this_o authority_n no_o but_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v suppose_v that_o but_o how_o shall_v i_o speak_v with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o now_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o know_v what_o their_o belief_n be_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o england_n and_o part_n in_o holland_n and_o part_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n yet_o no_o man_n can_v see_v it_o all_o together_o nor_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n together_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a it_o can_v determine_v any_o one_o controversy_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o visible_a catholic_n tribunal_n from_o which_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o the_o papist_n assert_v and_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v that_o visible_a catholic_n church_n or_o visible_a tribunal_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v now_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o such_o visible_a tribunal_n suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v such_o a_o visible_a tribunal_n to_o which_o all_o christian_n must_v submit_v and_o if_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o prove_v one_o supreme_a catholic_n tribunal_n what_o do_v the_o papist_n get_v by_o the_o church_n visibility_n or_o what_o do_v the_o protestant_n lose_v by_o it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o mere_a visibility_n give_v this_o authority_n to_o a_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v as_o good_a authority_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o it_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o church_n 4._o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n of_o a_o organise_v body_n because_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o organise_v body_n there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o catholic_n church_n but_o then_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o civil_a society_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o other_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o visible_a government_n which_o knit_v and_o tie_v they_o together_o as_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n do_v the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n in_o and_o between_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o his_o one_o mystical_a body_n this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a point_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v needs_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o ecumenical_a pastor_n and_o head_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a world_n never_o own_v he_o so_o as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o
learned_a man_n especial_o by_o the_o learned_a dr._n isaac_n barrow_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v several_a consideration_n which_o will_v make_v this_o very_a evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n for_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o but_o only_o christ_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o who_o can_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v but_o only_o to_o christ_n for_o the_o whole_a clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laiety_n be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o unless_o you_o can_v find_v out_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o a_o one_o will_v be_v a_o very_a monstrous_a head_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o can_v be_v the_o head_n because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o must_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o no_o bishop_n can_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n a_o bishop_n be_v the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n be_v a_o contradiction_n 2._o nor_o can_v the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o any_o other_o head_n but_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n alone_o which_o make_v the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n must_v make_v it_o one_o for_o what_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o essential_a unity_n it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o to_o he_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o to_o he_o only_o as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o no_o other_o union_n can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n of_o union_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n no_o other_o union_n can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o union_n can_v be_v essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o and_o therefore_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v a_o universal_a pastor_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o head_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o have_v in_o that_o case_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n who_o all_o christian_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v nay_o more_o than_o that_o he_o have_v be_v the_o centre_n of_o church-communion_n to_o all_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o all_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n like_o one_o household_n and_o family_n but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o visible_a communion_n among_o christian_n between_o be_v one_o and_o live_v in_o unity_n union_n to_o christ_n alone_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o unity_n in_o a_o visible_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o result_v from_o our_o unity_n and_o must_v be_v express_v in_o such_o way_n as_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o and_o have_v christ_n appoint_v a_o universal_a pastor_n communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o this_o universal_a pastor_n have_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o external_a unity_n of_o church-communion_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n one_o which_o be_v one_o before_o and_o without_o it_o the_o not_o distinguish_v of_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n 4._o i_o observe_v far_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o be_v a_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o a_o vicarious_a head_n of_o the_o church_n a_o title_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o without_o great_a injury_n to_o christ_n our_o head._n christ_n have_v he_o please_v may_v have_v appoint_v a_o supreme_a pastor_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o can_v have_v a_o vicar_n or_o vicarious_a head_n for_o though_o a_o head_n signify_v a_o supreme_a governor_n too_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n yet_o christ_n be_v not_o mere_o a_o head_n of_o government_n but_o of_o union_n and_o though_o a_o govern_n head_n may_v have_v a_o vicar_n or_o lieutenant_n yet_o a_o head_n of_o union_n can_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a head_n can_v for_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v as_o immediate_a as_o between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n between_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o intermediate_v vicar_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v for_o mystical_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v form_v out_o of_o his_o break_a and_o crucify_a body_n as_o eve_n be_v out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o adam_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v redeem_v and_o purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o body_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v buy_v at_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n by_o feed_v on_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n be_v that_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n thus_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o thus_o none_o but_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o head_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o vicarious_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v we_o be_v redeem_v by_o no_o other_o but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v his_o mystical_a body_n only_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o other_o by_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n our_o union_n to_o no_o other_o person_n can_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n of_o union_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v one_o church_n not_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n on_o earth_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o its_o union_n to_o christ_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n to_o its_o head_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o other_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o other_o principle_n or_o centre_n of_o unity_n now_o from_o hence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o no_o christian_n can_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a company_n and_o family_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n while_o he_o continue_v a_o christian_a for_o that_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o to_o be_v no_o christian_a for_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o belong_v to_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o not_o a_o separatist_n from_o it_o nothing_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o what_o forfeit_v our_o christianity_n either_o a_o final_a apostasy_n or_o such_o heresy_n as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o apostasy_n which_o show_v how_o vain_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n charge_v we_o with_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n because_o we_o disow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n their_o pretend_a head_n of_o
the_o church_n and_o reject_v a_o corrupt_a communion_n though_o we_o be_v christian_n still_o and_o we_o hope_v of_o a_o much_o pure_a communion_n than_o they_o be_v schism_n and_o separation_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o it_o the_o church_n be_v one_o church_n still_o whatever_o breach_n and_o schism_n there_o be_v in_o its_o external_a communion_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o one_o body_n in_o he_o not_o in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o but_o only_o a_o separation_n from_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n be_v i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o 5._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o any_o organise_v church_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o organise_v church_n as_o organise_v but_o be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o therefore_o while_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n can_v fail_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n that_o i_o know_v of_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o all_o organise_v church_n be_v particular_a several_a of_o they_o have_v total_o fail_v other_o have_v be_v very_o great_o corrupt_v both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n but_o have_v these_o failure_n and_o corruption_n be_v much_o great_a and_o more_o general_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v yet_o while_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o good_a christian_n preserve_v in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o unite_v in_o one_o visible_a body_n the_o catholic_n church_n do_v not_o fail_v for_o since_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o organise_v church_n nor_o make_v up_o of_o organise_v church_n as_o such_o though_o all_o the_o particular_a organise_v church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o corrupt_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o true_a church_n if_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o good_a christian_n preserve_v among_o they_o though_o unknown_a and_o conceal_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o elias_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v safe_a amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o particular_a church_n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o there_o always_o have_v be_v since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o believe_v always_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_o require_v a_o perpetual_a visibility_n that_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v own_v to_o fail_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o visible_a organise_v church_n with_o who_o we_o can_v hold_v communion_n this_o indeed_o will_v mighty_o eclipse_v but_o not_o extinguish_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o catholic_n church_n subsist_v in_o single_a and_o individual_a christian_n who_o may_v lie_v conceal_v from_o public_a not_o notice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v fail_v though_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v corrupt_v with_o damnable_a practice_n and_o error_n it_o be_v very_o true_a be_v there_o no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n no_o administration_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o state_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o till_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o baptize_v christian_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o world_n there_o will_v be_v too_o much_o reason_n then_o to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v fail_v too_o for_o i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o church_n can_v subsist_v without_o a_o number_n of_o baptize_v christian_n but_o this_o never_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v be_v for_o antichrist_n himself_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v that_o even_o in_o his_o reign_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n now_o how_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a soever_o the_o external_n state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v while_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o baptize_v christian_n though_o so_o corrupt_v in_o their_o external_n policy_n and_o government_n faith_n and_o worship_n that_o it_o may_v admit_v or_o a_o dispute_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a church_n or_o not_o yet_o though_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v antichristian_a there_o may_v be_v a_o invisible_a number_n of_o christian_n among_o they_o who_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o corruption_n superstition_n heresy_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o these_o man_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v from_o a_o to_o all_o failure_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n between_o protestant_a divine_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v not_o fail_v because_o christ_n have_v promise_v it_o shall_v not_o fail_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o some_o doubt_n whether_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o a_o true_a visible_a organise_v church_n in_o the_o world._n they_o agree_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v profess_v the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n and_o administer_v the_o true_a christian_a sacrament_n but_o they_o differ_v whether_o such_o a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a christian_a church_n if_o together_o with_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o sacrament_n they_o set_v up_o a_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o impose_v a_o antichristian_a faith_n and_o worship_n those_o who_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a church_n do_v consequent_o teach_v that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v always_o visible_a though_o it_o may_v be_v corrupt_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o antichristianism_n those_o who_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o corrupt_a church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a church_n do_v also_o consequent_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v sometime_o invisible_a and_o consist_v only_o of_o such_o private_a christian_n as_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o those_o corruption_n which_o unchurch_n the_o visible_a church_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v this_o more_o hereafter_o all_o that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o this_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o church_n for_o while_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o administer_a the_o christian_a sacrament_n the_o catholic_n church_n may_v subsist_v in_o a_o invisible_a and_o unorganize_v number_n of_o christian_n who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n without_o such_o corrupt_a and_o antichristian_a mixture_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n a_fw-mi organical_a body_n than_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v always_o visible_a and_o the_o church_n will_v fail_v if_o ever_o it_o become_v invisible_a but_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o unorganize_v body_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v unite_v only_o in_o christ_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o may_v be_v unknown_a and_o invisible_a as_o great_a number_n of_o private_a christian_n may_v be_v and_o yet_o the_o church_n not_o fail_v now_o this_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o fallacy_n of_o several_a argument_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o perpetual_a visibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v that_o indefectible_a church_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o a_o promise_n which_o all_o man_n grant_v our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n that_o there_o shall_v never_o want_v a_o succession_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a organise_v church_n or_o body_n of_o christian_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v prove_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o visible_a and_o then_o the_o uninterrupted_a visibility_n of_o any_o church_n can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v indefectible_a for_o if_o the_o indefectible_a church_n may_v be_v sometime_o invisible_a than_o that_o visible_a church_n may_v not_o be_v always_o indefectible_a when_o the_o indefectible_a church_n be_v invisible_a to_o be_v
the_o suffering_n of_o his_o natural_a body_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v reconcile_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n 2._o ephes._n 16._o that_o be_v he_o have_v reconcile_v all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o by_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v unite_v in_o his_o one_o mystical_a body_n to_o god_n by_o his_o suffering_n on_o the_o cross._n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o covenant_n this_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o that_o analogy_n there_o be_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o legal_a sacrifice_n especial_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n on_o the_o day_n of_o expiation_n be_v typical_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o carnal_a israel_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o as_o the_o virtue_n and_o expiation_n of_o legal_a sacrifice_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o the_o carnal_a israel_n so_o the_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n extend_v only_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o well_o consider_v will_v answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o silence_v those_o fierce_a dispute_n about_o universal_a redemption_n however_o this_o show_n what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o bad_a christian_n and_o the_o world_n of_o infidel_n the_o first_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n for_o none_o else_o have_v any_o right_n to_o his_o sacrifice_n the_o other_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o nor_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v who_o those_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o but_o be_v not_o our_o mystical_a union_n to_o christ_n then_o a_o union_n of_o spirit_n a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o life_n have_v his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v our_o spiritual_a union_n to_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o he_o to_o be_v quicken_v by_o he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o our_o mystical_a union_n as_o that_o signify_v such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n for_o that_o in_o a_o strict_a proper_a sense_n be_v only_o a_o covenant-relation_n every_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n ought_v to_o partake_v of_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n or_o else_o they_o be_v only_o dead_a and_o rot_a member_n which_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o shall_v never_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n but_o such_o dead_a member_n be_v member_n still_o till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o either_o by_o church_n censure_n in_o this_o world_n or_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o this_o participation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o our_o mystical_a union_n to_o christ_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o influence_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n from_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o his_o spirit_n only_o quicken_v and_o animate_v his_o own_o body_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n by_o covenant_n and_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o it_o which_o convey_v this_o divine_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v our_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n because_o it_o incorporate_v we_o into_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o put_v we_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o branch_n be_v engraft_v into_o a_o stock_n it_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o life_n from_o it_o so_o that_o these_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a influence_n be_v consequent_a upon_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o though_o all_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n have_v these_o influence_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o root_n natural_o communicate_v its_o sap_n and_o juice_n to_o all_o its_o branch_n yet_o all_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o do_v not_o digest_v it_o into_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o it_o like_o dead_a and_o wither_a branch_n who_o can_v receive_v the_o sap_n and_o nourishment_n which_o ascend_v from_o the_o root_n and_o will_v quicken_v they_o be_v not_o its_o entrance_n stop_v and_o hinder_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o be_v member_n and_o branch_n still_o though_o dead_a and_o fruitless_a there_o be_v no_o account_n indeed_o have_v of_o they_o christ_n know_v they_o not_o and_o do_v not_o reckon_v they_o as_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o description_n and_o character_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o belong_v only_o to_o live_a member_n to_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a and_o quicken_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o christ_n mystical_a body_n though_o they_o be_v in_o it_o only_o as_o a_o dead_a branch_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n but_o how_o can_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n if_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n have_v such_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a member_n in_o it_o for_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n have_v none_o but_o live_v and_o holy_a member_n i_o answer_v the_o same_o covenant_n make_v they_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v bad_a man_n in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o none_o but_o saint_n in_o heaven_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v two_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o two_o very_a different_a state_n of_o right_n none_o but_o sincere_a believer_n and_o true_o pious_a man_n aught_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o heaven_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o receive_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o man_n who_o can_v see_v the_o heart_n or_o who_o be_v not_o careful_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n secret_a hypocrite_n may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o be_v open_o profane_a may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n christ_n make_v the_o distinction_n and_o separate_v the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n can_v consist_v only_o of_o good_a man_n because_o bad_a man_n can_v find_v no_o admission_n there_o and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o indeed_o can_v well_o be_v otherwise_o that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v intermix_v in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n of_o growth_n and_o improvement_n though_o bad_a man_n as_o that_o signify_v hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o they_o be_v know_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n and_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v to_o virtue_n and_o become_v live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n those_o who_o be_v dead_a before_o may_v recover_v a_o new_a life_n by_o be_v engrat_v into_o this_o heavenly_a vine_n nay_o indeed_o though_o all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o wicked_a yet_o no_o man_n have_v this_o divine_a life_n but_o only_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v from_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n require_v no_o other_o qualification_n for_o baptism_n but_o only_a faith_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o profess_a obedience_n to_o he_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o put_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n without_o expect_v till_o they_o have_v first_o reform_v their_o life_n which_o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o that_o discipline_n which_o be_v afterward_o use_v in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o baptize_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n