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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n church_n true_a visible_a 19,269 5 9.3685 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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a_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o betwixt_o the_o same_o church_n in_o another_o respect_n we_o consider_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o three_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o we_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o general_a we_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n second_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n and_o state_n allot_v to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o fight_n or_o warfare_n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o crown_n or_o triumph_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o second_o the_o church_n triumphant_a of_o this_o we_o 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invisible_a but_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sense_n only_o or_o else_o after_o a_o sort_n that_o be_v as_o oppose_v to_o famous_a visiblenesse_n general_o pretend_v by_o the_o papist_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n always_o open_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o in_o such_o outward_a show_n state_n and_o carriage_n that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o any_o faithful_a man_n may_v point_v with_o his_o finger_n to_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o say_v bold_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o may_v see_v and_o know_v which_o be_v that_o holy_a society_n among_o man_n where_o he_o may_v safe_o and_o where_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o for_o his_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o
bellarmine_n tend_v direct_o hereto_o and_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v it_o with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o it_o stand_v they_o upon_o for_o if_o this_o do_v not_o stand_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o their_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o true_a church_n be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a and_o therefore_o their_o church_n be_v so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o straits_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n thereof_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o do_v hardly_o appear_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o their_o church_n have_v and_o shall_v be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a then_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n their_o exception_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n if_o they_o be_v well_o consider_v i_o will_v stand_v but_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o chief_a answer_v they_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o five_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o light_n be_v always_o see_v therefore_o the_o church_n be_v always_o see_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v personal_o to_o the_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o walk_v offensive_o to_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o good_a example_n how_o do_v this_o serve_v then_o to_o prove_v the_o continual_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o i_o say_v that_o a_o light_n may_v be_v eclipse_v for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o light_n still_o the_o moon_n be_v a_o light_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o visible_a for_o sometime_o it_o be_v eclipse_v and_o yet_o then_o it_o 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earthly_a state_n and_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n here_o for_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o papist_n they_o say_v that_o it_o must_v be_v as_o glorious_a outward_o as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o show_n with_o the_o look_n of_o the_o whore_n for_o god_n kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n use_v 3_o three_o this_o may_v minister_v comfort_n to_o we_o and_o may_v stay_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v when_o satan_n rage_v most_o when_o persecutor_n be_v most_o bloody_a and_o deadly_a when_o the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v god_n altar_n destroy_v the_o covenant_n forsake_v when_o we_o see_v havoc_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n renounce_v when_o we_o see_v those_o that_o make_v great_a profession_n of_o religion_n to_o hide_v their_o head_n and_o like_a star_n to_o fall_v from_o heaven_n when_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o blood_n when_o we_o see_v antichrist_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o pomp_n in_o the_o very_a temple_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o we_o see_v heretic_n sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o schismatic_n cut_v and_o tear_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o mother_n the_o church_n nay_o even_o in_o the_o general_a apostasy_n and_o revolt_n from_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o honesty_n nor_o conscience_n find_v among_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o dismay_v but_o rest_v thyself_o full_o content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o this_o truth_n that_o sure_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o the_o world_n though_o there_o be_v no_o
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o gift_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o the_o scripture_n have_v another_o way_n and_o a_o better_a joh_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o church_n than_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o he_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o judgement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o whereas_o before_o his_o care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o search_v it_o out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o other_o company_n that_o be_v not_o may_v and_o do_v brag_v ofttimes_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o direct_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v where_o be_v it_o that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_a as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v be_v the_o only_a way_n or_o at_o least_o the_o chief_a way_n to_o find_v out_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o case_n be_v this_o we_o say_v the_o true_a religion_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o true_a church_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o that_o they_o say_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a in_o a_o better_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n show_v the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o cause_n show_v the_o effect_n but_o the_o church_n show_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o effect_n show_v the_o cause_n as_o for_o example_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o day_n prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v now_o one_o man_n may_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o say_v the_o sun_n shine_v therefore_o it_o be_v day_n another_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v day_n therefore_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o both_o say_v true_a but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o more_o forcible_a kind_n of_o reason_v when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n so_o when_o i_o reason_n thus_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o the_o true_a church_n here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o forcible_a and_o better_a reason_n then_o to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o true_a church_n therefore_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v but_o to_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n now_o what_o serve_v that_o for_o but_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n then_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n now_o the_o candlestick_n be_v not_o see_v at_o all_o without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n though_o it_o be_v of_o gold_n so_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o candlestick_n if_o it_o hold_v not_o forth_o the_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n it_o can_v be_v see_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n make_v it_o visible_a then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n nor_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n but_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n be_v it_o so_o that_o every_o congregation_n open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o here_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o precise_a rule_n to_o measure_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o the_o definition_n contain_v all_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o no_o more_o therefore_o look_v wheresoever_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o look_v where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v for_o these_o hold_n in_o reciprocal_a term_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o will_v prove_v any_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o reprove_v and_o convince_v any_o for_o a_o false_a we_o must_v lay_v it_o to_o this_o rule_n so_o whether_o they_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o according_o esteem_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a church_n here_o certain_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o what_o 1._o do_v you_o say_v that_o a_o company_n profess_v the_o save_a truth_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n will_v profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o it_o be_v require_v answ_n that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v among_o they_o indeed_o else_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n second_o that_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o profess_v three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o outward_o profess_v but_o inward_o embrace_v too_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o 2._o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o what_o say_v you_o if_o they_o profess_v it_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n be_v such_o a_o church_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n a_o fearful_a state_n be_v all_o such_o church_n in_o for_o god_n can_v be_v more_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n more_o grieve_v his_o gospel_n more_o reproach_v his_o child_n more_o offend_v satan_n and_o all_o god_n enemy_n more_o gratify_v and_o advantage_v then_o by_o this_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o fall_n away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o that_o some_o do_v live_v as_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o us._n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o not_o to_o be_v outward_o discern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a and_o impure_a one_o 3._o the_o three_o exception_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o certain_a some_o cross_a opinion_n which_o overthrow_n it_o answ_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o manner_n of_o opinion_n these_o be_v which_o that_o church_n hold_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o whether_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n three_o whether_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o
the_o church_n have_v a_o head_n so_o it_o have_v but_o one_o head_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n so_o likewise_o if_o there_o be_v two_o or_o many_o head_n to_o one_o body_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o excess_n now_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v but_o one_o head_n three_o this_o our_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o alone_a for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o head_n if_o we_o shall_v assign_v any_o other_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o set_v upon_o it_o the_o head_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n against_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n and_o as_o a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n beyond_o nature_n by_o excess_n so_o for_o a_o body_n to_o have_v a_o head_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v against_o nature_n &_o be_v as_o monstrous_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o way_n be_v beat_v out_o plain_a to_o this_o natural_a observation_n which_o follow_v doctr._n namely_o that_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v his_o true_a mystical_a body_n as_o we_o have_v teach_v before_o so_o proportionable_o he_o be_v also_o the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v of_o all_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v open_o the_o save_v faith_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v hear_v call_v to_o mind_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n affirm_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a the_o whole_a take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o so_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v simple_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o some_o of_o those_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o christ_n be_v simple_o the_o head_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o because_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o second_o point_n that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n through_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o mean_v chief_o and_o most_o proper_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v also_o of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o of_o every_o member_n too_o that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o right_a side_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o left_a and_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n yet_o not_o simple_o and_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n but_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o communication_n that_o be_v as_o be_v a_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o a_o body_n so_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o body_n though_o diverse_a in_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o general_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n and_o also_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o that_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o communication_n as_o that_o particular_a church_n concurre_v and_o participate_v with_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n simple_o in_o itself_o christ_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o one_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v many_o head_n and_o many_o body_n as_o the_o head_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o hand_n simple_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n therefore_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o common_a as_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o plain_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n for_o your_o part_n they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v but_o member_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n they_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n consider_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o general_a with_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n ready_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o england_n and_o france_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o there_o be_v many_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v many_o body_n or_o else_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n to_o many_o body_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n proportionable_o that_o be_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o explication_n adaequatum_fw-la now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n proportionable_o of_o a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n in_o ephes_n 1.22_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o and_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a body_n that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_v and_o equal_v to_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o hold_v consequent_o and_o by_o proportion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o faithful_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o speak_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n now_o what_o body_n be_v that_o but_o only_o that_o body_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n where_o his_o ministry_n be_v public_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o ephes_n 5.23_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n that_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a for_o the_o
and_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o refuse_v they_o to_o be_v his_o body_n therefore_o what_o direction_n soever_o christ_n tender_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v obey_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v defy_v they_o and_o second_o see_v christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o whatsoever_o life_n or_o direction_n we_o have_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o that_o we_o have_v they_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o from_o he_o only_o for_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o without_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o and_o by_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n phil._n 4.13_o mark_v how_o sweet_o these_o place_n agree_v together_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o he_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n therefore_o whatsoever_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v spiritual_a life_n or_o grace_n we_o must_v receive_v they_o thankful_o embrace_v they_o sweet_o use_v they_o gracious_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o thy_o head_n and_o the_o good_a &_o comfort_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o fellow-member_n so_o likewise_o for_o unprofitable_a member_n that_o dishonour_v our_o head_n we_o shall_v pray_v that_o our_o head_n christ_n jesus_n will_v either_o make_v they_o profitable_a or_o else_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o also_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o purge_v from_o his_o body_n the_o noisome_a humour_n as_o sin_n and_o superstition_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o sound_n and_o a_o healthful_a body_n three_o and_o last_o see_v christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o as_o he_o have_v a_o gracious_a care_n for_o our_o safety_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v when_o we_o see_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n advance_v and_o we_o shall_v mourn_v and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o see_v it_o oppose_v and_o so_o likewise_o we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o good_a or_o harm_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o bring_v one_o another_o to_o heaven_n and_o not_o be_v careless_a whether_o they_o come_v thither_o or_o no._n use_v 4_o the_o last_o use_n be_v this_o hence_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n because_o christ_n our_o head_n spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v find_v true_o in_o our_o church_n but_o our_o adversary_n except_v against_o we_o first_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v your_o head_n we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v show_v we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o those_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o want_v but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v antichrist_n to_o be_v your_o head_n for_o you_o have_v many_o thing_n from_o he_o i_o answer_v we_o defy_v he_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v together_o with_o his_o doctrine_n we_o defy_v his_o practice_n and_o course_n if_o we_o have_v or_o use_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v or_o have_v use_v before_o we_o first_o it_o be_v either_o no_o matter_n of_o substance_n but_o only_o some_o passage_n or_o carriage_n or_o circumstance_n either_o in_o worship_n or_o government_n or_o second_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v use_v in_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n before_o antichrist_n or_o three_o it_o be_v of_o the_o best_a which_o that_o church_n be_v in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v have_v be_v a_o church_n and_o still_o pretend_v to_o continue_v the_o same_o have_v reserve_v for_o still_o they_o have_v some_o good_a thing_n and_o profess_v some_o good_a truth_n last_o at_o least_o it_o be_v thorough_o cleanse_v from_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o that_o still_o we_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v 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take_v it_o in_o both_o those_o sense_n and_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n where_o we_o show_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a sense_n sort_n be_v consider_v as_o a_o diverse_a thing_n from_o the_o head_n and_o thus_o consider_v the_o member_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n first_o some_o be_v member_n by_o right_a only_o and_o not_o by_o possession_n second_o some_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n not_o by_o right_a and_o three_o some_o be_v member_n both_o by_o right_n and_o by_o possession_n first_o some_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o right_a only_o not_o by_o possession_n for_o some_o member_n have_v a_o good_a right_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v kind_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o they_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v diverse_a kind_n ir_v general_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n live_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o call_v for_o the_o church_n be_v they_o and_o the_o word_n be_v they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v they_o and_o the_o ministry_n be_v they_o the_o lord_n special_o intend_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a though_o indeed_o they_o themselves_o be_v notable_a so_o much_o as_o to_o know_v their_o own_o right_n in_o they_o much_o less_o be_v they_o able_a to_o reach_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o claim_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o a_o time_n in_o which_o he_o will_v call_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n they_o be_v by_o right_n true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o actual_o possess_v of_o it_o and_o thus_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n malignant_a and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o profession_n and_o by_o right_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n purpose_n a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n true_a visible_a body_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o saul_n who_o by_o his_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o right_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o right_n and_o not_o by_o possession_n be_v such_o as_o only_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o little_a smatch_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n only_o their_o foot_n be_v in_o the_o porch_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n they_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o that_o after_o that_o time_n the_o church_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o from_o thence_o forward_o to_o be_v her_o child_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v she_o to_o be_v our_o mother_n and_o so_o we_o be_v incorporate_v and_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n so_o then_o those_o that_o have_v only_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o little_a smatch_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v just_o be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n yet_o
notwithstanding_o because_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o little_a religion_n they_o have_v they_o be_v whet_v on_o to_o a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o more_o and_o do_v unfeigned_o seek_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v further_a partaker_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n therefore_o they_o be_v in_o respect_n partly_o of_o those_o beginning_n and_o taste_n which_o they_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o partly_o of_o those_o desire_n to_o be_v further_a partaker_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v i_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o right_n though_o not_o by_o possession_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v call_v catechumeni_fw-la or_o novice_n that_o begin_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o further_a growth_n and_o fitness_n they_o may_v soon_o after_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o baptism_n and_o so_o become_v member_n by_o possession_n it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o material_a church_n which_o be_v build_v of_o stone_n whereof_o some_o be_v lay_v already_o and_o so_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n other_o be_v only_o take_v out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o be_v under_o the_o workman_n hand_n in_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o building_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o place_v within_o the_o build_n as_o the_o other_o be_v and_o so_o be_v no_o part_n by_o possession_n yet_o these_o stone_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v but_o also_o be_v in_o the_o workman_n hand_n a_o fit_v for_o the_o building_n therefore_o they_o have_v a_o place_n by_o right_a in_o the_o build_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a build_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o member_n that_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n already_o and_o so_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n 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convenient_o be_v have_v for_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v or_o contemn_v where_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v have_v it_o be_v sin_n but_o if_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v have_v and_o so_o they_o die_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v these_o be_v member_n by_o right_a though_o not_o by_o possession_n they_o have_v no_o possession_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v yet_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v charitable_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a seed_n and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o have_v a_o right_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o four_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o have_v true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n beget_v in_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o infidel_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v any_o other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o nor_o for_o they_o to_o be_v join_v with_o if_o they_o do_v know_v any_o such_o and_o may_v convenient_o join_v with_o they_o they_o will_v of_o these_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o right_a though_o not_o by_o possession_n last_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v be_v possess_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o either_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v make_v a_o voluntary_a separation_n and_o so_o have_v dismiss_v themselves_o as_o schismatic_n do_v or_o else_o they_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v dispossess_v by_o other_o for_o some_o sin_n these_o afterward_o if_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o schism_n or_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o church_n again_o though_o they_o die_v before_o their_o second_o admission_n yet_o still_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o by_o right_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o by_o possession_n the_o second_o branch_n be_v sort_n that_o some_o be_v member_n by_o posfession_n and_o not_o by_o right_a and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v baptize_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o church_n already_o but_o have_v no_o true_a right_n nor_o title_n to_o it_o for_o after_o they_o have_v get_v to_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n they_o grow_v lewd_a and_o profane_a in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o by_o right_n they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o but_o by_o intrusion_n and_o usurpation_n and_o have_v get_v possession_n by_o colourable_a and_o fraudulent_a mean_n pretend_v to_o be_v that_o they_o never_o be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v such_o for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n sort_n of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n notorious_a offender_n and_o secret_a hypocrite_n first_o notorious_a offender_n such_o be_v the_o son_n of_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 2.12_o 17._o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n but_o they_o be_v such_o notorious_a wicked_a man_n so_o that_o they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v therefore_o they_o be_v not_o member_n by_o right_a and_o such_o be_v many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n but_o when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n they_o show_v themselves_o open_o profane_a and_o of_o dissolute_a life_n their_o baptism_n give_v they_o possession_n but_o their_o profaneness_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n utter_o disable_v they_o from_o have_v any_o right_n at_o all_o in_o this_o body_n for_o if_o they_o have_v their_o right_n they_o shall_v be_v turn_v out_o but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o when_o they_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v such_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o member_n by_o possession_n neither_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o where_o matter_n be_v carry_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o yet_o sometime_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o weak_a case_n and_o have_v not_o this_o power_n their_o hand_n be_v tie_v and_o they_o can_v do_v it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o have_v power_n sometime_o they_o be_v negligent_a and_o do_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n they_o have_v or_o if_o they_o be_v forward_o in_o it_o yet_o at_o least_o there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n for_o admonition_n betwixt_o their_o discovery_n and_o cast_v out_o and_o so_o still_o for_o a_o time_n they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n but_o yet_o not_o by_o right_a in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v some_o secret_a hypocrite_n that_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n but_o not_o by_o right_a and_o these_o be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v and_o according_o go_v on_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o outward_a show_n as_o well_o as_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o such_o for_o within_o they_o be_v full_a of_o wickedness_n and_o have_v not_o that_o true_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o outward_o they_o profess_v like_v to_o judas_n that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o outward_o carry_v himself_o as_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o within_o he_o be_v a_o devil_n and_o a_o child_n of_o perdition_n no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o right_n though_o he_o be_v by_o possession_n it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n that_o wrongful_o possess_v a_o house_n all_o the_o while_n that_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v he_o be_v account_v the_o true_a possessor_n of_o that_o house_n but_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v he_o be_v not_o so_o than_o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v possession_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o
it_o so_o these_o hypocrite_n profess_v themselves_o outward_o to_o be_v true_a member_n by_o possession_n and_o be_v so_o account_v of_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o that_o within_o which_o outward_o they_o profess_v and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a member_n by_o right_a sort_n three_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v member_n both_o by_o right_n and_o by_o possession_n too_o and_o so_o be_v only_o the_o faithful_a that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o none_o but_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o if_o they_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n they_o be_v true_a member_n for_o faith_n give_v we_o right_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o this_o faith_n give_v we_o possession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o only_o the_o faithful_a make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o right_n and_o by_o possession_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v member_n by_o right_a and_o not_o by_o possession_n and_o also_o of_o those_o that_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o not_o by_o right_a last_o of_o those_o that_o be_v member_n both_o by_o right_n and_o by_o possession_n in_o matth._n 21.29_o there_o be_v a_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o son_n the_o elder_a son_n he_o be_v bid_v to_o go_v and_o work_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o but_o afterward_o he_o repent_v himself_o and_o go_v here_o be_v a_o member_n by_o right_n though_o not_o by_o possession_n then_o because_o he_o refuse_v to_o go_v in_o the_o 30._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o young_a son_n that_o be_v bid_v go_v and_o say_v he_o will_v but_o go_v not_o there_o be_v a_o member_n by_o possession_n because_o he_o say_v he_o will_v go_v but_o not_o by_o right_a because_o he_o go_v not_o so_o likewise_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n mat._n 23.3_o make_v show_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o right_n they_o be_v not_o for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o last_o member_n by_o right_a and_o by_o possession_n too_o so_o be_v all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o be_v the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 116.10_o i_o believe_v say_v he_o therefore_o i_o speak_v and_o so_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4.16_o we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v we_o believe_v here_o be_v our_o right_n therefore_o we_o speak_v here_o be_v our_o possession_n so_o that_o in_o these_o instance_n we_o have_v example_n of_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o member_n now_o the_o matter_n of_o great_a doubt_n and_o most_o consequence_n be_v concern_v the_o wicked_a how_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n therefore_o that_o be_v most_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n thereof_o i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n that_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v and_o be_v oftentimes_o member_n even_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o you_o shall_v hear_v it_o witness_v out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n luk._n 13.26_o we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v reprobate_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v unto_o they_o vers_n 27._o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o so_o matth._n 7.22_o they_o shall_v say_v to_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o we_o by_o thy_o name_n prophesy_v and_o by_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o by_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o great_a work_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n shall_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n these_o be_v member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v hyprocrite_n and_o castawaye_n so_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o their_o own_o mouth_n now_o take_v it_o from_o a_o sure_a witness_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o that_o parable_n matth._n 13.47_o 48._o where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o draw-net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v all_o kind_n of_o fish_n good_a and_o bad_a here_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o lay_v down_o as_o if_o the_o parable_n have_v be_v frame_v of_o purpose_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v here_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v the_o visible_a church_n though_o the_o place_n will_v bear_v it_o well_o enough_o but_o it_o signify_v plain_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o gospel_n preach_v whereby_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o fit_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v in_o vers_fw-la 31._o now_o understand_v the_o comparison_n thus_o like_a as_o a_o draw-net_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n gather_v of_o all_o kind_n good_a and_o bad_a so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cast_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n and_o gather_v all_o kind_n of_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a choose_v and_o reprobate_n hypocrite_n and_o true_a believer_n all_o be_v gather_v by_o this_o net_n into_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o the_o bad_a fish_n be_v part_n of_o this_o draught_n as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o the_o wicked_a outward_o gather_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v also_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a so_o likewise_o another_o parable_n we_o have_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n joh._n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o first_o verse_n our_o saviour_n say_v i_o be_o the_o vine_n and_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o set_v down_o two_o sort_n of_o branch_n some_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o these_o be_v the_o faithful_a other_o that_o bear_v no_o fruit_n that_o be_v take_v away_o what_o be_v these_o but_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaye_n therefore_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faithful_a object_n but_o will_v some_o say_v be_v there_o ever_o any_o hypocrite_n or_o castaway_n a_o true_a branch_n of_o christ_n then_o belike_o the_o true_a branch_n that_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v cast_v away_o i_o answer_v none_o be_v in_o christ_n answ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v ingraft_v into_o his_o body_n now_o some_o be_v so_o ingraft_v as_o that_o they_o receive_v juice_n and_o life_n from_o the_o root_n and_o they_o be_v the_o faithful_a other_o be_v so_o ingraft_v as_o they_o receive_v juice_n only_o from_o the_o bark_n and_o so_o never_o thrive_v but_o only_o continue_v in_o show_n for_o a_o short_a time_n a_o year_n or_o two_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o fall_v away_o and_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n the_o faithful_a that_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n they_o receive_v juice_n and_o life_n from_o he_o and_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaye_n they_o be_v but_o graft_v into_o the_o bark_n that_o be_v into_o the_o outward_a communion_n and_o so_o receive_v juice_n only_o and_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n but_o afterward_o they_o fall_v away_o so_o we_o have_v see_v it_o prove_v by_o parable_n see_v it_o likewise_o prove_v by_o example_n and_o that_o will_v make_v it_o more_o plain_a and_o in_o allege_v these_o example_n i_o may_v propound_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o what_o church_n ever_o be_v there_o but_o have_v some_o wicked_a man_n in_o it_o and_o second_o what_o wickedness_n be_v there_o ever_o so_o great_a but_o it_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n or_o other_o as_o by_o these_o example_n may_v appear_v look_v into_o gen._n 4.3_o cain_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n his_o outward_a conformity_n to_o religious_a duty_n prove_v it_o for_o he_o bring_v his_o offering_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a reprobate_n so_o gen._n 9.18_o ham_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o he_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o accurse_a wretch_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 25._o verse_n if_o we_o look_v into_o our_o saviour_n choose_a disciple_n they_o be_v certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n else_o there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o judas_n a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o a_o devil_n joh._n 6.70_o so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n 2._o and_o 3._o chapter_n many_o of_o they_o be_v
they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.10_o howsoever_o some_o heretic_n as_o the_o donatist_n have_v maintain_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_v and_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o the_o heretic_n mean_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o our_o divine_n in_o another_o the_o heretic_n intend_v it_o as_o they_o speak_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o our_o divine_n mean_v it_o principal_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o none_o but_o god_n choose_v be_v member_n thereof_o and_o when_o they_o do_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o live_n abide_v and_o fruitful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o none_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o choose_a but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a member_n too_o second_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o esteem_v of_o such_o as_o use_v 2_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n shall_v we_o say_v present_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o they_o as_o member_n at_o least_o by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o right_a too_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o who_o not_o because_o that_o though_o hypocrite_n may_v discern_v themselves_o by_o notorious_a fall_n yet_o the_o faithful_a sometime_o fall_v as_o dangerous_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v by_o right_a too_o this_o be_v harsh_a in_o many_o man_n ear_n but_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a and_o the_o exception_n against_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n to_o we_o both_o because_o they_o seem_v so_o and_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v they_o so_o till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n yea_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o joh._n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o us._n i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o after_o their_o fall_v away_o but_o yet_o while_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n 574._o though_o not_o by_o right_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o judas_n have_v obtain_v fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o be_v number_v among_o they_o beside_o diminuens_fw-la visible_a be_v additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la that_o be_v it_o add_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n but_o diminish_v from_o the_o strict_a acceptation_n so_o that_o the_o wicked_a reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n simple_o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o have_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o no_o reprobate_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n though_o simple_o he_o be_v neither_o head_n to_o they_o nor_o they_o member_n to_o he_o but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n proper_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o body_n and_o therefore_o proportionable_o he_o be_v reckon_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o the_o wicked_a pretend_v and_o counterfeit_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n never_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o head_n and_o therefore_o though_o head_n and_o member_n be_v relative_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v member_n of_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o yet_o he_o no_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v their_o head_n last_o he_o be_v their_o head_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v his_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o show_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o not_o in_o he_o the_o three_o exception_n but_o how_o then_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o so_o it_o be_v call_v many_o time_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v say_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v in_o it_o second_o it_o be_v say_v so_o because_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v all_o even_o the_o wicked_a to_o heaven_n three_o they_o do_v all_o outward_o profess_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v repute_v till_o there_o be_v evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o four_o exception_n but_o what_o if_o all_o be_v hypocrite_n be_v that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v sincere_o profess_v second_o i_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o till_o it_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o five_o exception_n yea_o but_o you_o confess_v yourself_o that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o live_v but_o dead_a member_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o dead_a member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o live_a body_n i_o answer_v yes_o even_o as_o a_o rot_a branch_n of_o a_o tree_n till_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o tree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sound_a in_o revel_v 3.1_o the_o case_n be_v avouch_v in_o this_o very_a kind_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n because_o it_o have_v dead_a member_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o by_o show_n though_o they_o be_v dead_a member_n and_o so_o by_o right_n be_v not_o member_n for_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a three_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v rash_a to_o use_v 3_o condemn_v a_o church_n for_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n or_o no_o church_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o wicked_a member_n for_o you_o see_v that_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v always_o hypocrite_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o church_n full_a of_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v call_v and_o do_v well_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o unsound_a church_n yea_o way_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v some_o it_o and_o of_o it_o that_o do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n in_o sincerity_n though_o otherwise_o it_o be_v full_a of_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o church_n yea_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o hypocrite_n to_o one_o true_a believer_n this_o matter_n concern_v we_o near_o for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n allege_v by_o browne_n and_o barrow_n and_o greeneway_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o separation_n to_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n oh_o say_v they_o your_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n promiscuous_o mingle_v together_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a all_o be_v admit_v together_o into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o you_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o separation_n i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v so_o this_o may_v prove_v we_o to_o be_v a_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a church_n but_o not_o a_o false_a church_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n open_o embrace_v and_o obey_v by_o some_o among_o we_o we_o be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n though_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a estate_n because_o the_o wicked_a if_o they_o be_v not_o root_v out_o will_v be_v likely_a at_o length_n to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o first_o for_o admission_n we_o receive_v none_o into_o our_o church_n that_o be_v profess_o wicked_v for_o our_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o none_o but_o upon_o solemn_a protestation_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o now_o because_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o our_o church_n be_v young_a therefore_o this_o promise_n
be_v not_o make_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o surety_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n such_o surety_n as_o be_v conscionable_a and_o likewise_o the_o minister_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o consider_v and_o perform_v their_o promise_n make_v in_o baptism_n so_o than_o first_o our_o church_n admit_v none_o but_o such_o as_o make_v solemn_a protestation_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n separation_n and_o second_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o we_o let_v the_o wicked_a continue_v in_o our_o church_n without_o separation_n whereas_o we_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o when_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n i_o answer_v we_o do_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v for_o we_o labour_v to_o have_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o also_o answ_n 1_o we_o labour_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o first_o we_o labour_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o desire_v their_o removal_n bewail_v their_o wickedness_n and_o our_o condition_n that_o live_v in_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v complain_v against_o they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_a and_o withal_o we_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o execute_v his_o ordinance_n upon_o they_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o and_o it_o come_v sometime_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o be_v so_o separate_v from_o we_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o church_n sin_n and_o a_o foul_a sin_n too_o yet_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o true_a be_v of_o our_o church_n second_o answ_n 2_o if_o we_o can_v get_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o etc._n and_o that_o be_v the_o separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o beat_v upon_o in_o private_a person_n as_o we_o be_v more_o conscionable_a so_o we_o do_v more_o separate_v from_o they_o from_o their_o will_n affection_n and_o course_n yea_o we_o must_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v from_o their_o person_n at_o least_o from_o their_o sin_n which_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v yea_o but_o this_o be_v a_o secret_a separation_n say_v they_o under_o hand_n not_o open_o know_v nay_o this_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o know_a separation_n for_o first_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o profess_v on_o our_o part_n to_o the_o move_n of_o their_o after-hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o we_o we_o disclaim_v they_o that_o be_v lewd_a swear_v and_o profane_a wretch_n and_o that_o open_o not_o care_v who_o know_v it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v know_v on_o their_o part_n they_o upbraid_v we_o therefore_o very_o reproachful_o with_o the_o name_n of_o puritan_n precision_n holy_a brethren_n and_o such_o like_a because_o we_o will_v not_o accompany_v with_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o plain_a separation_n what_o be_v i_o marvel_v then_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o wicked_a this_o therefore_o be_v a_o horrible_a slander_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o shall_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n i_o answer_v rather_o the_o wicked_a shall_v separate_v from_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o the_o assembly_n and_o business_n be_v naught_o in_o themselves_o separate_v as_o at_o playhouse_n and_o such_o like_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n and_o business_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o the_o good_a must_v tarry_v and_o be_v present_a for_o it_o be_v their_o own_o right_n and_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o refuse_v god_n ordinance_n for_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o 1_o sam._n 2.17.24_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o can_v your_o holiness_n sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o than_o your_o congregation_n be_v profane_a i_o answer_v no_o our_o holiness_n sanctify_v not_o they_o yet_o our_o holiness_n be_v true_a in_o we_o and_o open_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o a_o holy_a congregation_n in_o god_n acceptation_n and_o in_o the_o charitable_a estimation_n of_o our_o brethren_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o their_o filthiness_n defile_v you_o and_o your_o holy_a thing_n either_o real_o or_o at_o least_o by_o imputation_n i_o answer_v they_o defile_v these_o holy_a thing_n to_o themselves_o indeed_o numb_a 19.22_o compare_v with_o hag._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o titus_n 1.15_o but_o not_o to_o we_o so_o long_o as_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v they_o neither_o can_v they_o defile_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o communicate_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o imputation_n galath_n 6.3.15_o the_o four_o use_n see_v wicked_a man_n and_o reprobate_n use_v 4_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v be_v not_o too_o credulous_a to_o believe_v every_o show_n of_o profession_n our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n that_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o they_o be_v raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o bid_v we_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no._n and_o for_o this_o end_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o kind_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o see_v hypocrite_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o this_o common_a error_n that_o because_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v therefore_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v but_o take_v heed_n five_o and_o examine_v and_o be_v always_o dig_v into_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n for_o though_o thou_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n as_o thou_o think_v yet_o there_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rip_v up_o before_o god_n daily_o it_o will_v betray_v thou_o and_o prevail_v against_o thou_o to_o fall_v away_o as_o many_o do_v in_o these_o day_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v admonish_v we_o heb._n 3.12_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o of_o we_o at_o any_o time_n a_o evil_a heart_n and_o a_o unfaithful_a to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o great_a and_o as_o bright_a star_n as_o thou_o be_v have_v fall_v from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v not_o that_o he_o which_o do_v stand_v can_v fall_v but_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v try_v therefore_o and_o examine_v thyself_o daily_o five_o hypocrisy_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n that_o so_o as_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n so_o by_o thy_o stand_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o sincere_a profession_n thereof_o thou_o may_v show_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n by_o right_a too_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n that_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o likewise_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thirteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o we_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o handle_v such_o point_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v unto_o us._n it_o now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n we_o know_v that_o all_o soldier_n have_v their_o banner_n and_o colour_n under_o which_o they_o fight_v and_o so_o have_v the_o militant_a church_n the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n her_o colour_n and_o banner_n to_o fight_v under_o so_o likewise_o every_o corporation_n and_o company_n have_v
their_o arm_n and_o livery_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o company_n yea_o we_o know_v that_o every_o lord_n and_o great_a man_n have_v his_o badge_n and_o cognisance_n whereby_o his_o servant_n and_o attendant_n be_v to_o be_v know_v from_o other_o man_n so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o lord_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v his_o badge_n and_o cognisance_n whereby_o his_o servant_n be_v distinguish_v and_o discern_v from_o all_o other_o from_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v know_v to_o god_n alone_o because_o none_o but_o he_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v therefore_o call_v visible_a because_o it_o have_v certain_a sensible_a note_n and_o mark_n set_v upon_o it_o that_o at_o the_o sight_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o inward_a mark_n which_o god_n do_v set_v secret_o on_o his_o child_n as_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n join_v by_o faith_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n assure_v they_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o a_o inward_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o by_o these_o they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o outward_a mark_n whereby_o they_o be_v know_v to_o other_o such_z as_o that_o thereby_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n so_o mark_v that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n practise_v in_o the_o former_a testament_n and_o prophesy_v for_o the_o latter_a isai_n 19.19_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n shall_v be_v thus_o mark_v out_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a church_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o outward_a token_n and_o mark_n to_o discern_v it_o by_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sure_a confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n as_o also_o for_o the_o public_a testification_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o be_v without_o for_o many_o arrogate_v false_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o themselves_o as_o false_a prophet_n and_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n all_o which_o may_v be_v discover_v plain_o by_o these_o mark_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o also_o because_o some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n by_o these_o mark_n discern_v the_o true_a church_n may_v thereby_o be_v allure_v to_o join_v to_o her_o communion_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v leave_v utter_o without_o excuse_n that_o be_v show_v by_o such_o palpable_a and_o plain_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n yet_o they_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o assemble_v thereunto_o what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o such_o but_o that_o they_o be_v rebel_n against_o god_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o when_o he_o display_v his_o banner_n open_o they_o will_v not_o come_v into_o the_o fight_n on_o his_o side_n but_o take_v part_n against_o he_o legitimate_a now_o these_o outward_a mark_n have_v certain_a quality_n or_o property_n belong_v to_o they_o which_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v they_o make_v these_o mark_n legitimate_a and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a else_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v now_o these_o quality_n or_o property_n belong_v to_o these_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o first_o that_o these_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v essential_a to_o it_o second_o that_o they_o must_v be_v better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n itself_o first_o they_o must_v be_v essential_a that_o be_v and_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n some_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a which_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o make_v that_o church_n more_o pure_a sound_a and_o perfect_a than_o other_o church_n that_o want_v th●m_n but_o the_o mark_n we_o seek_v after_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v there_o be_v certain_o the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o also_o wheresoever_o the_o church_n visible_a have_v any_o true_a be_v at_o all_o they_o there_o be_v these_o find_v and_o this_o quality_n be_v attend_v with_o three_o other_o that_o be_v subordinate_a to_o it_o and_o follow_v consequent_o upon_o it_o as_o first_o these_o mark_n must_v have_v 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in_o the_o same_o degree_n but_o sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_n with_o the_o subordinate_a quality_n that_o follow_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o property_n or_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_n mark_n be_v that_o they_o must_v be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o to_o seek_v out_o a_o thing_n unknown_a by_o that_o which_o be_v as_o much_o unknown_a or_o a_o thing_n little_o know_v by_o that_o which_o be_v less_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n preposterous_a and_o absurd_a we_o be_v never_o the_o near_o but_o if_o we_o will_v seek_v out_o a_o thing_n wise_o we_o must_v seek_v that_o which_o be_v unknown_a by_o that_o which_o be_v know_v and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a know_v by_o that_o which_o be_v more_o know_v for_o that_o which_o i_o know_v another_o by_o must_v be_v better_o know_v to_o i_o than_o the_o other_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n by_o his_o face_n or_o by_o some_o wart_n or_o mole_n upon_o it_o than_o i_o must_v know_v that_o better_a or_o at_o least_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a impression_n of_o it_o in_o my_o mind_n than_o of_o the_o man_n himself_o so_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v better_a know_v to_o i_o than_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o both_o these_o mark_n and_o note_n must_v concur_v together_o for_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n it_o must_v be_v first_o able_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o thing_n we_o seek_v and_o second_o such_o as_o may_v not_o deceive_v we_o therein_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n well_o know_v and_o yet_o not_o essential_a it_o may_v direct_v but_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v again_o if_o it_o be_v essential_a and_o not_o best_o know_v as_o it_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o deceive_v so_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o direct_v therefore_o they_o must_v both_o concur_v together_o so_o then_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o a_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v examine_v by_o these_o note_n they_o will_v stand_v answerable_a thereunto_o these_o and_o none_o other_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v right_a mark_n thereof_o 727._o now_o there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v hold_v the_o touch_n of_o these_o note_n but_o these_o three_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o three_o obedience_n profess_v to_o that_o which_o they_o both_o require_v which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v touch_v this_o point_n we_o will_v deliver_v and_o handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a and_o
so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o 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upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v 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say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n 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may_v err_v and_o how_o can_v the_o papist_n maintain_v their_o doubt_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o not_o err_v of_o the_o church_n yes_o say_v they_o though_o we_o know_v what_o we_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a what_o we_o shall_v be_v whether_o we_o shall_v continue_v so_o or_o not_o but_o yet_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o time_n present_a though_o not_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o how_o also_o can_v they_o maintain_v the_o fall_n away_o of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o not_o err_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v choose_v of_o god_n but_o some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v only_o call_v if_o then_o the_o choose_a faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o than_o those_o that_o be_v only_o call_v much_o more_o yes_o say_v hosius_n every_o particular_a member_n may_v fall_v away_o 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shall_v serve_v concern_v the_o first_o doubt_n and_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no._n 451._o the_o second_o matter_n of_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v salvation_n and_o hence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o any_o may_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o for_o this_o be_v one_o singular_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n that_o whosoever_o be_v of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v out_o of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o inward_a communion_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o choose_a it_o be_v simple_o true_a that_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n at_o all_o and_o so_o also_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o call_v it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o ordinary_o and_o usual_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v true_a proper_o of_o the_o whole_a militant_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o visible_a thus_o far_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n if_o he_o join_v not_o with_o it_o ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v doct._n take_v then_o the_o observation_n thus_o that_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n understand_v it_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o proportionable_o of_o the_o church_n visible_a isaiah_n 60.1.2_o 3._o as_o there_o be_v light_n in_o goshen_n when_o all_o egypt_n beside_o be_v in_o darkness_n so_o be_v there_o light_a and_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o damnation_n and_o as_o all_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ark_n perish_v in_o the_o flood_n so_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v save_v but_o must_v needs_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n say_v be_v true_a that_o they_o which_o have_v not_o the_o church_n for_o their_o mother_n have_v not_o god_n for_o their_o father_n and_o sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n shall_v never_o be_v of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o church_n be_v the_o fold_n reas_n 1_o they_o that_o be_v not_o within_o this_o fold_n be_v no_o sheep_n neither_o have_v they_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o shepherd_n second_o election_n the_o promise_n of_o grace_n christ_n himself_o reas_n 2_o the_o holy_a spirit_n save_v faith_n holiness_n righteousness_n the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n all_o these_o be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v therefore_o they_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o these_o and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o salvation_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v and_o do_v not_o join_v ourselves_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o damnable_a sin_n every_o one_o will_v labour_v to_o be_v of_o that_o company_n that_o have_v best_a and_o most_o privilege_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o have_v the_o most_o and_o best_a privilege_n and_o labour_n also_o to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o church_n special_o those_o that_o be_v thy_o own_o labour_n that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o salvation_n love_n zion_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n second_o let_v those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o state_n let_v they_o use_v 2_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n while_o they_o have_v it_o lest_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o then_o they_o can_v tell_v whither_o they_o go_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o use_v 3_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v else_o never_o so_o wealthy_a witty_a mighty_a glorious_a or_o otherwise_o worldly_a privilege_v yet_o they_o be_v no_o better_o then_o of_o the_o damn_a crew_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o salvation_n without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n four_o this_o teach_v those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a use_v 4_o church_n that_o as_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o profession_n so_o also_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o faith_n else_o as_o good_a not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o have_v our_o part_n in_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o church_n use_v 5_o last_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n as_o man_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v without_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v have_v no_o salvation_n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o 6_o general_a point_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v namely_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o namely_o of_o the_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n above_o all_o other_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o no_o other_o company_n in_o
rest_n western_a church_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_a and_o some_o latin_a church_n and_o because_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o the_o eastern_a church_n use_v the_o greek_a tongue_n therefore_o usual_o the_o eastern_a have_v be_v call_v the_o greek_a church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n most_o of_o the_o famous_a western_a church_n have_v use_v the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o have_v therefore_o be_v call_v the_o latin_a church_n the_o eastern_a church_n have_v the_o precedence_n both_o for_o time_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o they_o but_o because_o some_o both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n have_v be_v heretical_a and_o schismatical_a be_v therefore_o this_o general_a point_n offer_v itself_o by_o the_o way_n to_o be_v discuss_v viz._n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n which_o general_n be_v clear_v will_v give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o right_n censure_v of_o particular_a church_n first_o for_o schismatical_a church_n that_o be_v such_o as_o embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o common_a save_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o yet_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o those_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o sometime_o they_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o schism_n be_v sometime_o pride_n discontent_n weakness_n wilfulness_n pretend_a zeal_n a_o factious_a spirit_n always_o it_o be_v satan_n instigation_n and_o man_n acceptation_n whatsoever_o the_o cause_n be_v and_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o schism_n be_v though_o they_o be_v just_o condemn_v as_o schismatical_a in_o regard_n they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o such_o visible_a congregation_n as_o they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o because_o they_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o according_o profess_v the_o same_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n such_o be_v the_o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o such_o be_v the_o brownist_n at_o this_o day_n but_o you_o will_v say_v ob._n thus_o we_o give_v they_o great_a vantage_n and_o cause_n of_o rejoice_v for_o they_o utter_o deny_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o account_v they_o to_o be_v such_o the_o stander_n by_o may_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o be_v of_o their_o church_n then_o of_o our_o there_o be_v being_n confess_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n even_o by_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o and_o we_o be_v not_o so_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n by_o they_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o they_o deny_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o it_o make_v their_o schism_n the_o more_o damnable_a that_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o call_v they_o brethren_n it_o be_v our_o ingenuousnesse_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o stander_n by_o if_o they_o have_v grace_n and_o religion_n shall_v rather_o join_v with_o we_o we_o so_o love_o and_o charitable_o carry_v ourselves_o like_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n even_o to_o our_o revile_v adversary_n then_o with_o they_o that_o be_v so_o bitter_a &_o uncharitable_a censurer_n and_o merciless_a judge_n of_o we_o they_o know_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o he_o crucify_v as_o our_o only_a saviour_n &_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o our_o church_n into_o his_o name_n and_o they_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v by_o which_o very_a practice_n of_o they_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o which_o in_o word_n they_o deny_v namely_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a baptism_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o a_o false_a church_n where_o there_o be_v true_a sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v further_o hereafter_o heretic_n so_o much_o for_o schismatical_a church_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o come_v to_o heretical_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o hold_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v any_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n a_o particular_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n except_o he_o join_v with_o his_o error_n obstinacy_n and_o that_o he_o wilful_o persist_v therein_o against_o the_o admonition_n and_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o a_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v heretical_a till_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n and_o this_o obstinacy_n must_v be_v in_o all_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o chief_a &_o great_a part_n of_o they_o so_o that_o none_o of_o note_n among_o they_o do_v testify_v their_o dissent_n from_o they_o nor_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o their_o heresy_n but_o if_o any_o of_o note_n be_v find_v among_o they_o though_o but_o few_o that_o do_v open_o contradict_v the_o rest_n that_o church_n till_o separation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o sound_n from_o the_o unsound_a be_v rather_o in_o charity_n to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o because_o of_o the_o right_a believer_n then_o in_o zeal_n to_o be_v utter_o condemn_v as_o heretical_a because_o of_o the_o misbeliever_n though_o they_o be_v the_o great_a part_n now_o heresy_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n foundation_n first_o such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o such_o as_o affirm_v it_o in_o express_a word_n but_o yet_o hold_v some_o cross_a position_n which_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n do_v overthrow_v it_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v know_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n be_v and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n propound_v it_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n second_o jesus_n christ_n god_n the_o foundation_n mat._n 16.16_o 18._o and_o simon_n peter_n answer_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n in_o both_o which_o place_n he_o be_v express_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o foundation_n three_o jesus_n christ_n man_n the_o foundation_n 1_o john_n 4.2_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o there_o by_o implication_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o foundation_n too_o for_o they_o that_o so_o believe_v be_v of_o god_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v within_o the_o foundation_n and_o contrary_o they_o that_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v be_v not_o of_o god_n verse_n 3._o that_o be_v be_v not_o within_o the_o foundation_n four_o christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o foundation_n act_v 4.12_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o among_o man_n there_o be_v give_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v and_o there_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o express_o as_o the_o foundation_n for_o look_v in_o the_o 11._o verse_n and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v the_o stone_n cast_v aside_o of_o the_o builder_n and_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n last_o christ_n the_o foundation_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n colos_n 2.7_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v as_o true_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o by_o a_o borrow_a kind_n of_o speech_n be_v call_v the_o foundation_n itself_o ephes_n 2.19_o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a of_o the_o definition_n without_o this_o clause_n as_o make_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a description_n of_o the_o foundation_n to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o foundation_n be_v not_o enough_o unless_o this_o be_v add_v to_o make_v it_o complete_a as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o teach_v concern_v he_o his_o nature_n office_n birth_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o the_o layer_n of_o this_o foundation_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n or_o line_n that_o they_o work_v by_o they_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v by_o the_o scripture_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act_n 26.22_o 23._o witness_v both_o to_o small_a and_o
great_a say_v none_o other_o thing_n then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v that_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v &c_n &c_n and_o act_n 28.23_o he_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o 1_o cor._n 15.3.4_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v that_o be_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o apollo_n act_n 18.28_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n still_o the_o builder_n make_v the_o scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o line_n whereby_o they_o teach_v and_o this_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o set_v down_o in_o few_o word_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a sometime_o in_o more_o word_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n but_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o short_a be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o we_o in_o this_o largeness_n and_o the_o large_a be_v sufficient_o comprise_v in_o this_o shortness_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n first_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o difference_n between_o christian_n and_o professor_n of_o other_o religion_n if_o a_o gentile_a or_o pagan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a how_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_a we_o say_v by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v reject_v he_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o christ_n and_o the_o ride_v we_o to_o think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a so_o let_v a_o jew_n and_o a_o christian_a dispute_n about_o happiness_n we_o say_v by_o the_o true_a messiah_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v thus_o reveal_v they_o say_v by_o the_o messiah_n but_o this_o jesus_n thus_o reveal_v say_v they_o be_v not_o he_o look_v into_o act_n 25_o 13._o to_o 19_o the_o matter_n there_o in_o question_n be_v this_o very_a foundation_n jesus_n and_o there_o be_v a_o gentile_a festus_n speak_v scornful_o of_o he_o &_o there_o be_v the_o jew_n deny_v he_o and_o oppose_v against_o he_o and_o there_o be_v paul_n a_o christian_n profess_v and_o avouch_v he_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v always_o his_o manner_n before_o the_o like_a in_o effect_n we_o have_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.23.24_o there_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o christian_a they_o all_o fight_n about_o the_o foundation_n christ_n to_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o grecian_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n say_v the_o apostle_n so_o we_o see_v plain_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o resolution_n than_o be_v this_o resol_n those_o heretical_a assembly_n churcher_n that_o direct_o deny_v this_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n &_o be_v no_o more_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o that_o direct_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o though_o they_o do_v hold_v some_o erroneous_a position_n whereby_o they_o overthrow_v some_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v hold_v true_a visible_a church_n mark_v the_o term_n of_o the_o resolution_n there_o be_v many_o byway_n there_o be_v but_o one_o right_a way_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o miss_v of_o the_o right_a way_n hard_o to_o hit_v it_o to_o deny_v direct_o any_o part_n of_o this_o foundation_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v such_o person_n no_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o to_o affirm_v one_o part_n world_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o must_v affirm_v the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n now_o than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o division_n and_o first_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n they_o be_v general_o disperse_v in_o most_o of_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o god_n have_v in_o some_o sort_n even_o a_o visible_a church_n disperse_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n those_o that_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o we_o in_o the_o easterne_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o greek_a or_o eastern_a church_n because_o though_o neither_o their_o language_n be_v greek_a nor_o their_o situation_n altogether_o eastern_o yet_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o faith_n for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o the_o greek_a church_n there_o be_v christian_n among_o the_o east_n indian_n there_o be_v some_o there_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o other_o do_v of_o judaism_n and_o mahometisme_n etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v but_o late_o plant_v among_o they_o or_o the_o remainder_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v plant_v of_o old_a i_o be_o not_o very_o certain_a 108._o nor_o be_v it_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o profess_v it_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o russia_n there_o be_v many_o profess_a christian_n that_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n they_o be_v full_a of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o lord_n enlighten_v they_o and_o purge_v they_o yet_o profess_v christ_n crucify_v their_o only_a saviour_n though_o by_o some_o consequence_n as_o mediation_n of_o saint_n they_o deny_v it_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o in_o ethiopia_n there_o be_v find_v great_a store_n of_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o taint_v with_o many_o gross_a error_n yet_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n crucify_v for_o their_o salvation_n may_v just_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o eastern_o country_n as_o in_o persia_n and_o assyria_n there_o be_v many_o church_n of_o sundry_a name_n as_o the_o jacobite_n minorite_n &c_n &c_n but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v nestorian_n as_o be_v suspect_v to_o hold_v with_o nestorius_n that_o there_o be_v two_o person_n in_o christ_n which_o yet_o they_o have_v quit_v themselves_o of_o and_o they_o be_v only_o so_o call_v because_o they_o oppose_v most_o vehement_o against_o the_o contrary_a error_n of_o eutychus_n who_o hold_v confusion_n of_o nature_n in_o christ_n in_o armenia_n likewise_o be_v many_o christian_n who_o be_v general_o hold_v to_o be_v eutychans_n but_o they_o have_v also_o clear_v themselves_o but_o because_o they_o oppose_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o condemn_v that_o heresy_n all_o these_o believe_v and_o profess_v christ_n crucify_v and_o therefore_o howsoever_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o corrupt_a persecute_v scatter_a or_o disorderly_a yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o magnify_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o and_o let_v we_o pity_v their_o defect_n and_o rejoice_v at_o their_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o as_o the_o church_n in_o cant_n 8_o 8._o do_v sometime_o for_o we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o perfect_v the_o beginning_n of_o some_o of_o those_o church_n to_o build_v up_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o purge_v away_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o they_o all_o that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a will_n they_o may_v be_v glorious_a and_o flourish_a church_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v general_o call_v greek_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o and_o proper_o call_v greek_n church_n doct._n lie_v in_o and_o about_o greece_n and_o these_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o greek_a church_n even_o as_o they_o stand_v at_o this_o day_n
a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o grant_v that_o they_o come_v very_o near_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n almost_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n mercy_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n which_o error_n if_o they_o will_v reclaim_v few_o or_o none_o of_o we_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o this_o overthrow_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v because_o if_o man_n merit_n justify_v than_o christ_n merit_n alone_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o but_o direct_o they_o do_v not_o for_o still_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n merit_n that_o make_v they_o merit_v they_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a in_o this_o point_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v gross_a enough_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n by_o consequence_n yet_o still_o by_o consequence_n only_o not_o direct_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a against_o a_o man_n salvation_n to_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n as_o to_o deny_v he_o direct_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n as_o at_o the_o foredoor_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n yet_o i_o say_v he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v in_o god_n justice_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o see_v the_o consequent_a but_o if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o he_o that_o direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n whether_o he_o see_v it_o or_o not_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o see_v it_o not_o but_o yet_o do_v firm_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o be_v willing_a in_o reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o learn_v more_o and_o to_o obey_v better_a and_o do_v daily_o repent_v and_o beg_v mercy_n of_o god_n for_o his_o fail_n the_o lord_n do_v ordinary_o either_o enlighten_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o bring_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o do_v forgive_v he_o his_o ignorances_n and_o so_o save_v he_o so_o that_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n direct_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorances_n and_o weakness_n to_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o more_o knowledge_n may_v be_v save_v though_o they_o have_v not_o this_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a simple_a soul_n that_o heretofore_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n of_o any_o bowel_n of_o charity_n can_v suspect_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o reas_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n israel_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o state_n compare_v she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o exod._n 32.6_o there_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o calf_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o and_o in_o numb_a 25.3_o 9_o compare_v with_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o we_o see_v that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o baalpeor_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o moabite_n thus_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o look_v further_o into_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n and_o make_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la 1_o king_n 14.16_o and_o so_o in_o ahab_n time_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.30_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n do_v worse_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o so_o a_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o passove_a in_o israel_n for_o many_o year_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n still_o so_o likewise_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n retain_v some_o notable_a truth_n be_v still_o to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 23.3_o and_o yet_o their_o leven_n to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o matthew_n 16.6_o so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o corrruption_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n retain_v circumcision_n whereby_o all_o profit_n and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n be_v utter_o m_o the_o void_a that_o be_v by_o consequence_n the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.2_o that_o if_o we_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o work_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v both_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a revel_v 3.1_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o all_o these_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v thus_o corrupe_v why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o have_v many_o other_o foul_a corruption_n sardis_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n repute_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 3_o church_n the_o three_o reasen_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o many_o even_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o luther_n calvin_n zanchey_n morney_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o fiery_a and_o fierce_a against_o the_o romish_a church_n hate_v their_o abomination_n with_o as_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n as_o any_o and_o yet_o they_o confess_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n though_o a_o die_a church_n though_o her_o life_n hang_v but_o by_o a_o thread_n this_o they_o have_v confess_v of_o she_o i_o allege_v this_o not_o so_o much_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v but_o rather_o as_o a_o qualification_n to_o mitigate_v the_o odiousness_n of_o this_o speech_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o which_o do_v great_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o father_n and_o yet_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v afford_v to_o rome_n reas_n 4_o last_o their_o baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o trueness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v do_v necessary_o infer_v each_o other_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o true_a sacrament_n right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o error_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o very_a like_o point_n in_o those_o thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o than_o this_o teach_v we_o answ_n that_o those_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o baptism_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v lawful_a baptism_n but_o some_o except_a and_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v baptize_v into_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o 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consent_n prove_v not_o always_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o a_o true_a religion_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n true_a because_o they_o all_o consent_v to_o crucify_v christ_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n cry_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o here_o be_v consent_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o bloody_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a peter_n &_o paul_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o false_a church_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o they_o dissent_v and_o contend_v sharp_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o yea_o we_o see_v oft_o time_n that_o the_o worst_a matter_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o great_a consent_n and_o the_o best_a with_o great_a dissension_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o sound_a body_n that_o strive_v most_o to_o expel_v hurtful_a humour_n 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the_o devil_n malice_n that_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o prosperous_o forward_a but_o set_v even_o the_o builder_n themselves_o at_o variance_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o building_n and_o from_o join_v together_o with_o one_o hand_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n yea_o he_o carry_v they_o into_o such_o outrage_n of_o passion_n and_o speech_n that_o thereby_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n be_v much_o disgrace_v before_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o his_o outrage_n they_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n then_o of_o god_n three_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n if_o not_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v disclaim_v their_o error_n and_o put_v up_o disgraceful_a and_o opprobrious_a speech_n they_o pass_v not_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n on_o fire_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o never_o 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work_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o former_a dissension_n they_o the_o three_o point_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o error_n and_o dissension_n surlev_n if_o we_o shall_v condemn_v they_o as_o false_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a and_o wicked_a for_o they_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n under_o god_n of_o our_o call_n therefore_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n beside_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o much_o for_o see_v they_o affirm_v direct_o the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o hard_a sentence_n against_o they_o therefore_o let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n own_o church_n and_o let_v we_o commiserate_v their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o let_v we_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o let_v we_o pass_v by_o the_o wrong_n they_o offer_v we_o and_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o let_v we_o entreat_v god_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o pacify_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v these_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o to_o knit_v our_o heart_n together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o own_o church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o special_a reach_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n we_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_a church_n that_o we_o be_v as_o well_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n as_o any_o church_n it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o reform_v in_o the_o best_a and_o weighty_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n confess_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v fail_v in_o discipline_n as_o they_o say_v yet_o the_o substance_n be_v sound_n the_o danger_n be_v the_o less_o discipline_n make_v only_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do●h_n the_o presence_n of_o it_o make_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o absence_n of_o it_o can_v mar_v the_o life_n &_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o reform_v herein_o as_o we_o shall_v for_o some_o reformation_n we_o have_v many_o point_n and_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v far_o better_o among_o we_o then_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a i_o will_v deliver_v the_o point_n by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sayling_n and_o weakness_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n first_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v many_o fayling_n &_o weakness_n in_o our_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v smooth_v up_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n as_o many_o do_v with_o all_o be_v well_o when_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o or_o justify_v every_o particular_a because_o we_o have_v many_o good_a thing_n among_o we_o no_o if_o there_o be_v any_o baal_n among_o we_o let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o i_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o measure_n church_n special_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n as_o we_o show_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o very_o unsound_a but_o we_o be_v true_a &_o sound_a too_o &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o want_n of_o which_o difference_n right_o observe_v reason_n have_v cause_v many_o uncharitable_a censure_n to_o pass_v from_o we_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n &_o from_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o three_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o seem_v strange_a in_o some_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v call_v one_o church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o national_a church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v mere_o a_o humane_a invention_n not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o justify_v this_o speech_n against_o their_o exception_n take_v these_o
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
therefore_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o which_o be_v of_o some_o among_o we_o true_o believe_v and_o obey_v therefore_o our_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v thus_o frame_v that_o church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o proposition_n be_v prove_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o ordinary_o the_o word_n be_v powerful_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o ●earers_n be_v preach_v by_o such_o as_o be_v send_v of_o god_n verse_n 15._o and_o therefore_o our_o ministry_n do_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n send_v of_o god_n and_o so_o our_o church_n a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a church_n of_o god_n but_o our_o adversary_n except_v against_o we_o that_o our_o minister_n be_v not_o send_v answ_n nor_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n from_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o place_n prove_v that_o such_o who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n do_v ordinary_o work_v faith_n be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o such_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o our_o minister_n have_v a_o lawful_a send_n shall_v god_n willing_a be_v show_v hereafter_o they_o except_v again_o and_o say_v that_o in_o their_o assembly_n there_o be_v many_o more_o convert_v then_o in_o our_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v be_v there_o any_o of_o these_o assembly_n such_o that_o in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o ordinary_o there_o be_v such_o effect_n if_o there_o be_v than_o that_o assembly_n be_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a than_o the_o exception_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n 3._o but_o they_o except_v again_o that_o other_o convert_v also_o by_o conference_n and_o disputation_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v do_v not_o that_o argue_v that_o such_o man_n embrace_v the_o save_a faith_n at_o least_o in_o profession_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o assembly_n dot_v at_o least_o in_o profession_n hold_v the_o save_a faith_n &_o be_v so_o a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n work_v such_o effect_n and_o that_o ordinary_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n appear_v and_o therefore_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o say_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a in_o our_o church_n but_o only_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o be_v usual_o do_v and_o that_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v ordain_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v to_o beget_v faith_n and_o be_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o it_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o many_o experiment_n confirm_v it_o as_o any_o may_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o it_o that_o live_v among_o we_o beside_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o by_o conference_n disputation_n &c_n &c_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v ordinary_a else_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_n not_o oppose_v our_o proposition_n but_o where_o one_o be_v so_o win_v many_o be_v win_v by_o our_o ministery_n and_o therefore_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v ordinary_a among_o we_o which_o oftentimes_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o yet_o to_o allege_v the_o other_o as_o a_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o seldom_o so_o effectual_a be_v not_o ingenious_o nor_o sensible_o much_o less_o charitable_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o if_o that_o be_v ordinary_a then_o we_o be_v much_o more_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a promise_n to_o our_o public_a labour_n herein_o and_o therefore_o these_o reason_n consider_v it_o follow_v that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o for_o instruction_n second_o diverse_o for_o reproof_n the_o use_n for_o instruction_n be_v these_o first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n then_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o lawful_o &_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v withal_o england_n without_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o danger_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o we_o must_v not_o only_o know_v but_o we_o must_v practice_v it_o all_o those_o that_o live_v within_o this_o land_n and_o so_o have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n they_o may_v and_o must_v come_v and_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o repair_v to_o our_o assembly_n and_o hear_v our_o minister_n and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o our_o faith_n god_n require_v this_o deut._n 12.5_o you_o shall_v seek_v the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o your_o tribe_n to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o and_o there_o to_o dwell_v and_o thither_o thou_o shall_v come_v and_o as_o god_n command_v it_o so_o his_o child_n have_v practise_v it_o as_o david_n psal_n 26_o 5_o 6_o 8_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n oh_o lord_n &_o compass_v thy_o altar_n oh_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thy_o honour_n dwell_v and_o so_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v new_o convert_v act._n 2.42_o continue_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o 47._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v not_o join_v to_o our_o church_n must_v resolve_v to_o join_v and_o those_o that_o be_v already_o join_v must_v continue_v their_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o there_o be_v also_o many_o particular_a motive_n to_o induce_v to_o it_o which_o i_o allege_v not_o as_o reason_n to_o prove_v direct_o that_o necessary_o we_o must_v join_v but_o they_o may_v serve_v only_o as_o persuasion_n to_o a_o man_n well_o affect_v and_o not_o carry_v away_o with_o prejudice_n church_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n first_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o this_o it_o be_v sufficient_a we_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o second_o motive_n be_v this_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o save_v faith_n teach_v among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n true_o profess_v if_o any_o church_n can_v teach_v any_o one_o substantial_a article_n of_o sound_a religion_n that_o we_o profess_v not_o than_o we_o may_v more_o colourable_o be_v forsake_v but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o pretence_n but_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o whither_o will_v they_o go_v we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o peter_n say_v to_o our_o saviour_n john_n 6.68_o three_o we_o have_v a_o powerful_a ministry_n to_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n etc._n etc._n to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v want_v to_o increase_v and_o confirm_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o to_o renounce_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v restitution_n of_o wrong_n and_o to_o be_v sound_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o rightousnes_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o all_o good_a duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ●o_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n where_o the_o ministry_n be_v thus_o powerful_a and_o if_o we_o forsake_v she_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o our_o former_a error_n
administration_n of_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o respective_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n carry_v the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o of_o god_n work_n that_o be_v who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n do_v very_o close_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o we_o now_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n christ_n second_o the_o order_n be_v as_o natural_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o far_o near_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a then_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o god_n in_o general_a for_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n christ_n be_v the_o purchaser_n the_o church_n his_o possession_n he_o be_v the_o shepherd_n they_o his_o sheep_n he_o be_v the_o vine_n they_o the_o branch_n he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o his_o body_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o be_v his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o will_v dis-sund_a these_o who_o god_n have_v join_v most_o near_o together_o after_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o christ_n it_o follow_v next_o and_o immediate_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o church_n you_o hear_v in_o the_o second_o question_n that_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o be_v to_o hear_v who_o they_o be_v for_o who_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o do_v accomplish_v this_o work_n of_o mediation_n and_o those_o be_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n handle_v in_o the_o second_o question_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o do_v handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n three_o together_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n compare_v and_o lay_v together_o the_o order_n be_v very_o natural_a join_v they_o all_o together_o and_o they_o sweet_o and_o orderly_o express_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n god_n do_v save_v his_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n god_n be_v the_o author_n that_o save_v christ_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n by_o who_o he_o save_v the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v save_v god_n purpose_v to_o save_v his_o church_n but_o not_o without_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o church_n but_o not_o without_o warrant_n from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v save_v but_o not_o without_o god_n nor_o without_o christ_n but_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 2._o cor._n 5.9_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o where_o god_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n in_o the_o second_o and_o in_o the_o three_o the_o reconcile_a world_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o introduction_n the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o order_n to_o be_v very_o natural_a the_o second_o branch_n be_v this_o importance_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n for_o first_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o second_o the_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o it_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a first_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o for_o direction_n second_o for_o confirmation_n three_o for_o confutation_n and_o four_a for_o consolation_n and_o first_o for_o direction_n direction_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n general_o most_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o else_o they_o can_v have_v no_o salvation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n general_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n do_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o none_o else_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o must_v search_v the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o learn_v there_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a right_a assembly_n that_o safe_o and_o bold_o thou_o may_v join_v thyself_o unto_o therefore_o for_o direction_n this_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a faith_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o howsoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sufficient_a witness_n that_o the_o faith_n we_o embrace_v be_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n yet_o our_o weakness_n require_v also_o some_o outward_a witness_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o the_o best_a and_o only_o witness_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o this_o true_a church_n be_v and_o then_o find_v that_o it_o do_v embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o we_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o be_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_a faith_n adversary_n three_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o adversary_n for_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o brownist_n on_o the_o other_o do_v lay_v hard_a against_o we_o that_o either_o we_o be_v no_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v they_o and_o to_o justify_v our_o own_o church_n and_o our_o stand_n in_o it_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n consolation_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o what_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n own_o church_n i_o must_v first_o therefore_o know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v before_o ever_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o sound_a comfort_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o in_o these_o respect_v the_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a respect_n and_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n second_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a for_o first_o many_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o reckless_a and_o will_v not_o join_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o ask_v they_o the_o cause_n they_o will_v answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o second_o other_o will_v fain_o join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o know_v not_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n three_o other_o mistake_v the_o false_a church_n for_o the_o true_a and_o so_o join_v to_o the_o false_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a and_o so_o run_v headlong_o from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n from_o truth_n and_o salvation_n to_o error_n and_o condemnation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n misunderstand_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n use_v whereby_o to_o entangle_v man_n in_o popery_n and_o this_o one_o allegation_n have_v make_v more_o to_o become_v papist_n and_o to_o continue_v papist_n than_o any_o ten_o of_o their_o best_a allegation_n and_o pretence_n beside_o last_o those_o that_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o stand_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o not_o and_o not_o know_v the_o true_a church_n be_v easy_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o church_n that_o be_v worse_a or_o to_o a_o false_a church_n so_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n we_o have_v lamentable_a experience_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o in_o these_o day_n some_o turn_v papist_n some_o brownist_n some_o become_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o even_o for_o this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o best_a and_o most_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a and_o fearful_a of_o their_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o right_o acquaint_v with_o this_o
on_o earth_n for_o the_o reas_n 4_o world_n sake_n that_o must_v stand_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o dissolution_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v long_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o it_o for_o who_o sake_n only_o it_o be_v uphold_v for_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v isa_n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o can_v be_v utter_o destroy_v five_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o nursery_n for_o heaven_n reas_n 5_o now_o in_o heaven_n be_v many_o mansion_n to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o day_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a supply_n from_o the_o nursery_n on_o earth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a war_n betwixt_o the_o reas_n 6_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a the_o serpent_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n truth_n be_v elder_a than_o falsehood_n righteousness_n be_v before_o sin_n god_n church_n be_v ancient_a than_o all_o profane_a assembly_n whatsoever_o cain_n be_v ancient_a be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n but_o his_o parent_n the_o church_n in_o paradise_n be_v ancient_a eve_n and_o adam_n hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o so_o commit_v sin_n soon_o after_o the_o creation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n before_o their_o fall_n when_o they_o believe_v and_o rest_v on_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o be_v righteous_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n before_o that_o ●ie_v else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pervert_v with_o his_o lye_n this_o serve_v first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n that_o charge_v we_o with_o novelty_n to_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n and_o challenge_v antiquity_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o true_a church_n which_o be_v both_o lie_v for_o they_o be_v the_o novellist_n not_o we_o we_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v novelty_n and_o a_o new_a sect._n second_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a be_v most_o true_a as_o be_v immediate_o and_o original_o from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n the_o pure_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o contrary_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v less_o ancient_a be_v from_o some_o corrupt_a channel_n degenerate_a from_o the_o original_a sincerity_n now_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o pure_a and_o therefore_o let_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n hide_v their_o head_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o and_o yield_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o pure_a truth_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o true_a and_o right_o ancient_a use_v 2_o second_o as_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o it_o prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o all_o other_o congregation_n so_o it_o shall_v see_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o all_o other_o congregation_n but_o itself_o shall_v continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o continual_a succession_n where_o the_o father_n be_v go_v there_o child_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o child_n child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v many_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o these_o change_n if_o the_o church_n fail_v in_o paradise_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o paradise_n if_o israel_n fall_v away_o yet_o judah_n shall_v stand_v if_o the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o though_o popery_n turkism_n and_o judaism_n and_o paganism_n abound_v and_o fill_v the_o world_n and_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o shelter_v his_o church_n in_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v both_o from_o their_o persecution_n and_o infection_n the_o three_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a use_v 3_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o continuance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a prosperity_n like_a to_o a_o green_a bay_a tree_n but_o in_o time_n and_o sometime_o very_o quick_o they_o shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o consume_v as_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n and_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v of_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o psal_n 102.28_o they_o may_v be_v afflict_v persecute_a and_o distress_a on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v forsake_v nor_o give_v over_o utter_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o wicked_a murder_n some_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v some_o of_o they_o remain_v still_o let_v persecutor_n draw_v out_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n child_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o bloody_a hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o some_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v still_o send_v they_o a_o new_a supply_n so_o than_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v second_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o they_o need_v not_o say_v on_o their_o deathbed_n as_o worldling_n do_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o my_o child_n and_o good_n after_o i_o be_o go_v they_o need_v not_o say_v so_o of_o their_o spiritual_a good_n let_v god_n alone_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o he_o the_o faithful_a seed_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o themselves_o be_v seize_v on_o in_o their_o life_n time_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o to_o the_o right_a heir_n heir_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n add_v raise_v up_o he_o will_v find_v heir_n for_o they_o successive_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o last_o end_n then_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v come_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v last_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n on_o earth_n begin_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o last_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n finish_v it_o up_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n have_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o by_o his_o own_o power_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o end_n then_o no_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n yet_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o here_o so_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o far_o safe_a and_o happy_a and_o more_o glorious_a estate_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o this_o world_n psal_n 102.28_o use_v 4_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o discouragement_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o persecutor_n in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v against_o god_n church_n what_o can_v they_o do_v against_o it_o root_n it_o out_o as_o many_o time_n they_o say_v they_o will_v no_o do_v they_o what_o they_o can_v by_o themselves_o by_o their_o instrument_n they_o can_v never_o root_v it_o out_o let_v king_n and_o ruler_n and_o gentile_n and_o people_n fret_v and_o rage_n and_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o
save_v by_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n before_o the_o law_n and_o david_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n the_o same_o say_v be_v we_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a save_v by_o from_o christ_n ascension_n till_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o some_o hold_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o he_o be_v zealous_a in_o it_o no_o diverse_a religion_n make_v diverse_a church_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v save_v by_o use_v 2_o second_o be_v the_o church_n but_o one_o then_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o maintain_v the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o beware_v of_o faction_n and_o division_n either_o of_o make_v or_o follow_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a bane_n of_o this_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o pride_n and_o singularity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o common_a mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o dissension_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v paul_n and_o what_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v they_o teach_v one_o faith_n they_o preach_v one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n crucify_v they_o have_v receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ministration_n therefore_o embrace_v they_o all_o as_o one_o ministry_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n what_o if_o god_n bestow_v diverse_a gift_n on_o diverse_a person_n and_o one_o more_o excellent_a than_o another_o will_v thou_o abuse_v god_n gift_n to_o the_o make_n of_o rent_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n no_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o profit_v the_o more_o by_o he_o that_o have_v more_o gift_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n the_o more_o for_o they_o and_o not_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o and_o maintain_v sect_n by_o they_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n why_o god_n give_v they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o do_v thus_o abuse_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a end_n use_v 3_o three_o this_o reprove_v the_o papist_n for_o they_o make_v two_o head_n and_o consequent_o two_o church_n except_o they_o will_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v two_o head_n and_o but_o one_o body_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o earth_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v but_o one_o head_n some_o of_o the_o jesuit_n have_v be_v press_v with_o this_o argument_n and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v it_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n so_o gross_a and_o blasphemous_a have_v they_o be_v so_o the_o turk_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o erect_v church_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o this_o church_n they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n nor_o have_v any_o part_n in_o this_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v that_o have_v no_o part_n in_o this_o church_n they_o be_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n four_o state_n this_o teach_v that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n use_v 4_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n but_o hold_v one_o faith_n with_o they_o we_o be_v still_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o church_n first_o difference_n of_o state_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n though_o some_o church_n be_v great_a some_o small_a though_o some_o be_v in_o their_o cradle_n other_o in_o their_o full_a age_n some_o before_o christ_n other_o after_o christ_n some_o pure_a some_o impure_a yea_o though_o some_o be_v in_o heaven_n triumph_v other_o some_o in_o earth_n fight_v yet_o all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o be_v the_o same_o wheat_n thresh_v in_o the_o floor_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o garner_n and_o the_o same_o gold_n dig_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n with_o some_o dross_n and_o try_v and_o fine_v by_o the_o fire_n second_o time_n difference_n of_o time_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o after_o the_o law_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o church_n all_o be_v one_o three_o person_n nor_o the_o difference_n of_o person_n jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a male_a and_o female_a poor_a and_o rich_a all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n four_o place_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o place_n jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n england_n france_n denmark_n yea_o paradise_n earth_n and_o heaven_n all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n five_o ceremony_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n some_o worship_v at_o one_o time_n and_o place_n some_o in_o one_o habit_n some_o in_o another_o so_o long_o as_o all_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n six_o fundamental_a no_o nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o point_n not_o absolute_o fundamental_a do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n so_o long_o as_o all_o hold_n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head-corner-stone_n that_o knit_v they_o all_o together_o into_o one_o building_n so_o much_o of_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o holy_a the_o second_o note_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v a_o holy_a company_n and_o every_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a 1._o pet._n 2.9_o they_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o five_o verse_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a city_n not_o that_o in_o heaven_n only_o revelat._n 21.2_o but_o that_o on_o earth_n too_o math._n 4.5_o and_o in_o ephes_n 5.27_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n etc._n etc._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o saint_n on_o earth_n as_o psal_n 16.3_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n psalm_n 89.5_o and_o their_o head_n and_o ruler_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o they_o be_v not_o holy_a in_o profession_n only_o for_o so_o be_v hypocrite_n too_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o be_v holy_a indeed_o they_o be_v true_o sanctify_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n heb._n 3.1_o and_o this_o holiness_n be_v partly_o impute_v heb._n 10.10_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o colos_n 1.21_o 21._o and_o partly_o inherent_a 1._o thess_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v begin_v here_o but_o not_o perfect_v till_o we_o have_v put_v off_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o god_n the_o father_n be_v most_o holy_a himself_o he_o sanctify_v his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o make_v they_o holy_a this_o christ_n pray_v for_o joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n etc._n etc._n jude._n 1._o sanctify_a of_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a reas_n 2_o second_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v holy_a and_o he_o sanctify_v and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 1.2_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o thirty_o verse_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o sanctification_n and_o eph._n 5.25.26_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o reas_n 3_o three_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enliven_a quicken_v and_o rule_v be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 6.11_o but_o now_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o rom._n 15.16_o four_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o the_o reas_n 4_o seed_n whereby_o they_o be_v beget_v be_v a_o holy_a word_n 2._o pet._n 2.21_o it_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a commandment_n
and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a five_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o be_v reas_n 5_o holy_a effect_n holy_a motion_n and_o holy_a desire_n holy_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o holy_a jude_n 20._o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a six_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o holiness_n 1._o pet._n 1.2_o and_o therefore_o reas_n 6_o they_o be_v holy_a seven_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o to_o holiness_n reas_n 7_o and_o therefore_o can_v sin_v 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_o eph._n 2.9_o we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v the_o essential_a difference_n use_v 1_o betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o all_o other_o congregation_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v holy_a and_o all_o other_o be_v unholy_a and_o this_o holiness_n carry_v a_o kind_n of_o reciprocation_n with_o god_n church_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o holy_a and_o every_o congregation_n that_o be_v holy_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v true_o holy_a though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o know_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o holy_a though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v in_o great_a place_n and_o of_o great_a gift_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o not_o if_o we_o have_v holiness_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n else_o we_o be_v not_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v every_o one_o holy_a that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o in_o some_o measure_n first_o or_o last_o second_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o holiness_n use_v 2_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n to_o our_o comfort_n in_o heaven_n nor_o by_o faith_n here_o on_o earth_n psal_n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n the_o prophet_n ask_v this_o question_n lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n or_o who_o shall_v rest_v in_o thy_o holy_a mountain_n the_o answer_n be_v even_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n revel_v 21.27_o there_o shall_v enter_v no_o unclean_a thing_n into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n there_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v see_v god_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n it_o shall_v teach_v we_o therefore_o first_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v it_o for_o it_o be_v filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o opposite_a to_o holiness_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n and_o satan_n to_o god_n himself_o let_v every_o one_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v they_o leave_v their_o lie_v and_o swear_v and_o covetousness_n and_o labour_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o resist_v the_o enticement_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o rebellion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o corruption_n to_o break_v forth_o but_o to_o root_v they_o out_o put_v off_o your_o shoe_n for_o you_o stand_v on_o holy_a ground_n lay_v by_o your_o sin_n and_o wicked_a affection_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a church_n that_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n therefore_o remember_v what_o god_n say_v jer._n 11.15_o what_o shall_v my_o belove_a tarry_n in_o my_o house_n see_v they_o have_v commit_v a_o abomination_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o room_n for_o they_o in_o my_o house_n if_o they_o commit_v abomination_n and_o psalm_n 50.16_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v say_v god_n to_o the_o wicked_a to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v therefore_o say_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 6.5_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o then_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o and_o as_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o fly_v sin_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a etc._n etc._n think_v on_o those_o thing_n phil._n 4.8_o give_v yourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n frequent_a good_a company_n and_o exercise_n use_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n be_v conversant_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n that_o he_o may_v make_v your_o heart_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o live_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a that_o so_o as_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v saint_n so_o you_o may_v live_v like_o saint_n last_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o graceless_a and_o use_v 3_o reckless_a people_n of_o the_o world_n that_o scoff_n at_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n people_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o cup_n or_o upon_o the_o stage_n or_o in_o their_o pastime_n or_o in_o their_o ordinary_a talk_n if_o they_o can_v have_v a_o lest_o at_o the_o holy_a brethren_n in_o it_o though_o without_o cause_n or_o sense_n it_o make_v they_o all_o merry_a it_o season_v all_o their_o business_n but_o first_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o god_n church_n for_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a and_o further_o let_v they_o know_v 3_o that_o they_o must_v be_v either_o saint_n or_o devil_n either_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o know_v that_o as_o they_o scoff_v at_o we_o unjust_o so_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n do_v most_o just_o deride_v they_o and_o will_v one_o day_n laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v to_o they_o a_o token_n of_o perdition_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a token_n too_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o without_o holiness_n themselves_o but_o they_o hate_v it_o and_o deride_v it_o in_o other_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o salvation_n both_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o holiness_n and_o also_o that_o we_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o word_n very_o grave_o which_o they_o do_v so_o deride_v he_o call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v daunt_v by_o their_o scoff_v at_o we_o as_o that_o it_o may_v rather_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v more_o holy_a let_v we_o say_v as_o david_n do_v to_o michal_n when_o she_o scoff_v at_o he_o for_o dance_v before_o the_o ark_n be_o i_o vile_a in_o thy_o eye_n for_o this_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o vile_a so_o let_v we_o say_v do_v our_o holiness_n displease_v you_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o holy_a let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o grow_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n from_o one_o measure_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o scoff_n that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o holy_a place_n whereinto_o none_o unholy_a nor_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v the_o five_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o point_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o we_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o shall_v understand_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o out_o of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n that_o article_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o i_o note_v six_o thing_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v mark_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o for_o so_o say_v the_o nicen_n creed_n and_o so_o this_o article_n intend_v when_o it_o say_v church_n and_o not_o church_n second_o that_o
it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n four_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n sixth_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o two_o of_o these_o adjunct_n for_o so_o i_o call_v they_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a catholic_a now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o three_o adjunct_n catholic_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a in_o handle_v of_o this_o point_n we_o will_v first_o show_v how_o this_o word_n catholic_a have_v be_v wrong_v second_o we_o will_v right_v it_o and_o three_o we_o will_v draw_v such_o observation_n from_o thence_o as_o it_o will_v fit_o minister_v wrong_v first_o it_o have_v be_v much_o wrong_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o by_o many_o first_o by_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n second_o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o church_n first_o way_n it_o have_v be_v wrong_v and_o corrupt_v exceed_o by_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o they_o false_o challenge_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o alone_o second_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n three_o in_o that_o they_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o it_o that_o because_o they_o have_v this_o name_n therefore_o they_o be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a church_n and_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n first_o the_o word_n be_v wrong_v in_o that_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v false_o challenge_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o if_o their_o church_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o else_o and_o as_o if_o their_o faith_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o other_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a catholic_n and_o none_o but_o they_o if_o they_o be_v catholic_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o may_v give_v other_o leave_v to_o be_v call_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o only_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n be_v false_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o and_o flatter_o yield_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o friend_n and_o fellow_n but_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v no_o catholic_n at_o all_o second_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o they_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v and_o vaunt_v themselves_o of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o they_o take_v it_o in_o great_a snuff_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o call_v yea_o if_o you_o call_v they_o papist_n or_o such_o other_o like_o name_n i_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fly_v in_o your_o face_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v true_o affirm_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o case_n to_o be_v boast_v of_o but_o quiet_o and_o sober_o to_o be_v enjoy_v god_n best_a grace_n in_o we_o be_v not_o vain_o to_o be_v boast_v of_o much_o less_o any_o outward_a name_n which_o be_v but_o cast_v upon_o we_o lest_o of_o all_o such_o as_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o desert_n three_o they_o wrong_v it_o 3.5_o in_o that_o they_o put_v much_o confidence_n in_o this_o name_n that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v therefore_o say_v bristol_n and_o the_o rhemist_n we_o be_v the_o undoubted_o true_a church_n &_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pillar_n of_o popery_n the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o catholic_a they_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n that_o popery_n build_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o name_n make_v not_o the_o man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o a_o man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o name_n import_v therefore_o 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catholic_a but_o proper_o and_o right_o it_o be_v not_o so_o also_o there_o may_v be_v a_o catholic_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v consider_v in_o one_o common_a notion_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o apostolic_a which_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n contain_v only_o those_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o church_n to_o repute_v catholic_a namely_o that_o which_o be_v general_a scatter_a and_o disperse_v over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o not_o any_o particular_a church_n much_o less_o may_v any_o one_o particular_a man_n be_v call_v proper_o catholic_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o papist_n to_o say_v that_o their_o church_n be_v catholic_a it_o be_v a_o 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christian_a bear_v and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o their_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a but_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o so_o then_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n yoke-fellowe_n all_o church_n receive_v denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v now_o then_o religion_n be_v as_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o name_n and_o be_v therefore_o look_v what_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n profess_v and_o such_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v repute_v there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n as_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n profess_v such_o religion_n be_v false_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o worship_n false_a god_n and_o so_o embrace_v false_a religion_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saracen_n that_o erect_v and_o set_v up_o mahomet_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o deny_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v false_a church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o church_n that_o embrace_v party_n religion_n in_o part_n true_a and_o in_o part_n false_a yea_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a that_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o some_o error_n and_o what_o church_n be_v there_o so_o impure_a that_o profess_v not_o some_o notable_a heavenly_a truth_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v what_o truth_n and_o what_o error_n they_o hold_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v soon_o decide_v without_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o no_o true_a church_n 1._o joh._n 5.12_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o whether_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 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the_o church_n itself_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v several_o divide_v into_o diverse_a and_o several_a kind_n but_o distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a respect_n and_o principal_o for_o these_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n distinguish_v or_o compass_v of_o it_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o the_o several_a estate_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v unto_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n sometime_o know_v sometime_o unknown_a first_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a universal_a that_o be_v universal_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n a_o earth_n but_o this_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o reach_v to_o heaven_n itself_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o both_o in_o the_o adjunct_n catholic_a and_o also_o in_o handle_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v trust_v your_o memory_n for_o that_o point_n and_o not_o speak_v more_o here_o of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v particular_a every_o particular_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v several_a by_o themselves_o of_o several_a time_n and_o place_n be_v but_o particular_a church_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o proper_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o will_v respite_n it_o till_o then_o second_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o define_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o several_a state_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fight_v or_o warfare_n and_o the_o second_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v crown_v and_o triumph_v and_o according_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a on_o earth_n that_o do_v continual_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v thus_o fight_v for_o though_o hypocrite_n and_o sometime_o those_o that_o do_v persecute_v the_o gospel_n do_v fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o so_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v repute_v part_n of_o this_o militant_a church_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o colourable_o and_o outward_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n not_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n nor_o in_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n nor_o in_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o speak_v proper_o none_o be_v true_a part_n of_o this_o church_n militant_a respect_n but_o the_o faithful_a only_o second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o though_o sometime_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o faithful_a oppugn_v they_o in_o their_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n yet_o it_o be_v mere_o in_o a_o spiritual_a respect_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o hurt_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n or_o life_n of_o grace_n &_o so_o likewise_o when_o the_o faithful_a defend_v their_o body_n or_o outward_a estate_n against_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o maintain_v their_o reputation_n or_o their_o life_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n second_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v in_o this_o fight_n for_o they_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a on_o both_o part_n the_o adversary_n weapon_n be_v temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o faithful_a their_o weapon_n be_v the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_n of_o the_o field_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v spirit_n god_n good_a spirit_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o satan_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n on_o the_o wicked_n side_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o this_o warfare_n must_v be_v exercise_v continual_o for_o the_o envious_a man_n
be_v as_o opposite_a to_o the_o popish_a church_n the_o true_a church_n be_v sometime_o though_o not_o always_o invisible_a which_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o sense_n above_o specify_v so_o that_o the_o church_n even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n invisible_a be_v also_o after_o a_o sort_n visible_a too_o that_o be_v it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a and_o plain_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o visible_a because_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o some_o though_o hardly_o and_o so_o consequent_o those_o papist_n that_o make_v the_o visiblenes_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sometime_o such_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v know_v agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n direct_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n visible_a now_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o general_a advertisement_n here_o concern_v the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a whereby_o you_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v and_o understand_v the_o whole_a business_n first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v whether_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v it_o for_o god_n choose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v nor_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o as_o i_o have_v heretofore_o show_v second_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o know_a professor_n on_o earth_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o universal_a invisible_a church_n and_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v these_o follow_v church_n 1._o the_o invisible_a contain_v all_o good_a wheat_n without_o chaff_n 1._o the_o visible_a contain_v good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o chaff_n together_o 2._o the_o invisible_a be_v partly_o in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o visible_a only_o on_o earth_n 3._o the_o invisible_a be_v of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o visible_a be_v only_o of_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n asunder_o 4._o the_o invisible_a have_v many_o sheep_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v into_o the_o fold_n 4._o the_o visible_a have_v many_o within_o the_o fold_n that_o profess_v to_o be_v sheep_n yet_o indeed_o be_v wolf_n 5._o against_o the_o invisible_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v 5._o against_o the_o visible_a they_o may_v and_o do_v prevail_v in_o a_o sore_a measure_n sometime_o utter_o root_a it_o out_o in_o some_o particular_a place_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n they_o may_v prevail_v against_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o horrible_a defile_n and_o destroy_v of_o they_o but_o so_o they_o can_v do_v against_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n the_o second_o advertisement_n be_v this_o that_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v live_v in_o the_o world_n whether_o profess_v or_o not_o profess_v the_o truth_n whereof_o though_o some_o part_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v open_a profession_n yet_o all_o can_v be_v see_v or_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a or_o professor_n for_o this_o be_v partly_o visible_a may_v have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o even_o whole_a hundred_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o save_v faith_n yet_o so_o secret_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o their_o number_n or_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o the_o timorousness_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a at_o once_o visible_a as_o make_v some_o profession_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v see_v to_o some_o and_o yet_o invisible_a too_o as_o not_o make_v that_o open_a profession_n that_o public_a notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o it_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a at_o once_o of_o the_o visible_a as_o his_o profession_n be_v partly_o see_v and_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o his_o election_n faith_n and_o other_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o see_v the_o three_o advertisement_n be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v therefore_o save_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o then_o all_o of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o that_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n but_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o likewise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v no_o member_n either_o of_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o damn_v because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o four_o advertisement_n be_v this_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o diverse_a sense_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a as_o that_o in_o matth._n 13.47_o 48._o where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o net_n which_o gather_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n for_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n contain_v only_o the_o elect_n have_v no_o bad_a fish_n in_o it_o again_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o in_o cant._n 4.7_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o no_o visible_a church_n but_o have_v many_o spot_n therefore_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a only_o and_o so_o likewise_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o heretofore_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o again_o some_o thing_n of_o both_o and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n as_o matth._n 8.12_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o shall_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o yet_o be_v apply_v abusive_o to_o the_o invisible_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereas_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v cast_v off_o but_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v so_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o in_o the_o first_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o live_a church_n how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n but_o be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v among_o they_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o rom._n 10.21_o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.1_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o last_o verse_n israel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o place_n before_o some_o thing_n be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o analogical_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o come_v into_o the_o barn_n and_o see_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n among_o the_o chaff_n i_o may_v say_v true_o it_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n though_o the_o most_o of_o it_o be_v chaff_n name_v it_o from_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n when_o the_o visible_a church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n the_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n
ephes_n 1.22_o 23._o compare_v with_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o saint_n holy_a catholic_a the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o proportional_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a 51._o the_o whole_a receive_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n doctr._n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o strait_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v either_o not_o appear_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o do_v very_o hardly_o appear_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v hardly_o appear_v for_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o it_o be_v never_o see_v as_o faith_n and_o election_n for_o the_o heart_n wherein_o these_o be_v can_v be_v discover_v as_o these_o be_v always_o invisible_a so_o likewise_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o hide_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o but_o sometime_o for_o sometime_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o apparent_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o here_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o prove_v peremptory_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o visible_a and_o apparent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v large_a and_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o point_n must_v stand_v thus_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n and_o in_o such_o time_n where_o the_o church_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v as_o where_o the_o true_a church_n have_v late_o be_v and_o where_o it_o have_v flourish_v or_o where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministry_n or_o where_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o not_o be_v outward_o discern_v and_o so_o consequent_o if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o at_o other_o place_n and_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o probability_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o strike_v home_n at_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o true_a church_n so_o notorious_o apparent_a and_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n where_o it_o have_v be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v be_v even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v hide_v and_o not_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o elias_n time_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o such_o a_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o his_o day_n as_o that_o he_o say_v be_v himself_o be_v leave_v alone_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n any_o where_o in_o those_o time_n sure_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o israel_n where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o church_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v than_o it_o be_v any_o where_o else_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 15.3_o israel_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n without_o a_o true_a god_n without_o a_o priest_n to_o teach_v without_o law_n then_o they_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v find_v the_o papist_n will_v reply_v in_o judah_n if_o not_o with_o israel_n judah_n prevail_v against_o israel_n because_o they_o stay_v upon_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 13.18_o well_o yet_o they_o be_v bad_a enough_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 14.3_o 5._o they_o have_v their_o strange_a god_n and_o their_o image_n and_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n in_o all_o their_o city_n which_o asa_n take_v away_o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o israel_n that_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n too_o and_o so_o in_o other_o church_n yea_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n afterward_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 28.23_o 24.25_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ahaz_n that_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o damascus_n and_o to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o king_n of_o aram_n he_o break_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v he_o altar_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o every_o city_n of_o judah_n he_o make_v high_a place_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o other_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o judah_n be_v worse_o than_o israel_n nay_o than_o the_o very_a heathen_a that_o be_v before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o chron._n 33.9_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o manasseh_n make_v israel_n to_o err_v and_o to_o do_v worse_o than_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o so_o you_o see_v here_o be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o judah_n nor_o in_o israel_n if_o not_o in_o they_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v now_o point_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o say_v i_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n whereunto_o i_o may_v and_o must_v join_v myself_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a branch_n than_o there_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o any_o other_o church_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o they_o too_o but_o the_o papist_n will_v object_v that_o this_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n only_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o also_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o not_o sometime_o only_o but_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n revel_v 12.6_o 14._o the_o woman_n be_v say_v there_o to_o be_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n that_o at_o several_a time_n to_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v be_v drive_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n and_o forlorn_a place_n how_o then_o shall_v man_n see_v it_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o secret_a place_n so_o in_o the_o revel_v 13.7_o 8._o the_o beast_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o over_o every_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n where_o be_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o these_o time_n and_o in_o the_o 2._o thes_n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v and_o sit_v in_o god_n temple_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o cunning_a that_o he_o shall_v set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o god_n temple_n that_o be_v in_o god_n church_n where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v but_o to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o god_n so_o that_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o so_o likewise_o that_o in_o luk._n 18.8_o prove_v this_o point_n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n if_o faith_n be_v so_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n where_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v find_v but_o where_o shall_v he_o not_o find_v faith_n in_o india_n or_o in_o rome_n only_a no_o not_o only_o in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n but_o not_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o the_o son_n of_o man._n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v
outward_o discern_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o austen_n and_o the_o father_n mean_v lucif_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v sometime_o in_o a_o eclipse_n so_o darken_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v so_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n too_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o they_o all_o strengthen_v one_o another_o especial_o the_o first_o three_o must_v be_v lay_v together_o else_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a apart_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o very_a few_o they_o be_v always_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o sometime_o they_o be_v few_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o noah_n family_n now_o that_o which_o few_o do_v except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v little_a observable_a to_o the_o world_n reas_n 2_o second_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o withal_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n now_o that_o which_o poor_a and_o mean_a one_o do_v be_v general_o neglect_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a exploit_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o which_o they_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o notorious_a thing_n that_o the_o world_n regard_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v after_o except_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o true_a member_n that_o seek_v to_o join_v with_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o or_o else_o by_o persecutor_n and_o such_o seek_v after_o it_o only_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v after_o christ_n matth._n 2.13_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v four_o their_o persecutor_n many_o time_n bring_v they_o to_o reas_n 4_o this_o low_a scantling_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o dioclesian_n time_n all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v find_v be_v put_v to_o death_n their_o body_n be_v burn_v and_o their_o temple_n be_v overthrow_v where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n persecution_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o low_a scantling_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o this_o be_v shadow_v to_o we_o in_o matth._n 8.24_o by_o the_o ship_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o that_o be_v cover_v with_o wave_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v yet_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o yet_o it_o live_v five_o sometime_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o reas_n 5_o church_n and_o they_o sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o overcome_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o arius_n with_o his_o heresy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o itself_o to_o see_v itself_o become_v a_o arian_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n set_v it_o down_o where_o can_v a_o man_n say_v now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o i_o must_v join_v six_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v and_o indeed_o reas_n 6_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o fearful_a and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o profession_n but_o fly_v away_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v matth._n 26.56_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v like_o fearful_a man_n where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o seven_o counterfeit_v and_o deceiver_n be_v very_o cunning_a reas_n 7_o and_o will_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n on_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n on_o hypocrisy_n and_o on_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v do_v on_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o false_a apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 11.13_o 14._o and_o mat._n 24.24_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v because_o of_o these_o deceiver_n reas_n 8_o eight_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o suffer_v itself_o easy_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n be_v go_v as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o estate_n sometime_o reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n for_o they_o can_v abide_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v flourish_v so_o much_o as_o outward_o reu._n 12.4_o to_o 14._o who_o drive_v the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n but_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n reas_n 10_o the_o ten_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n merciful_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o hide_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n and_o yet_o be_v content_v to_o let_v they_o lie_v hide_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o breathe_a time_n from_o persecution_n and_o that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o bend_v their_o force_n against_o they_o therefore_o ofttimes_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o god_n hide_v the_o faithful_a secret_o in_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o persecute_v they_o as_o also_o thereby_o he_o try_v the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o by_o appearance_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n many_o will_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o than_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o man_n will_v walk_v faithful_o or_o no._n likewise_o god_n do_v it_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n he_o leave_v they_o just_o without_o any_o apparent_a teach_n or_o profession_n of_o better_a religion_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o he_o can_v see_v no_o better_o any_o where_o else_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o no_o better_a religion_n than_o their_o own_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o so_o just_o perish_v last_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n only_o for_o the_o perpetuity_n reas_n 11_o of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o be_v of_o it_o not_o for_o any_o flourish_a outward_a estate_n matth._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o may_v do_v to_o it_o they_o may_v deface_v it_o suppress_v it_o banish_v it_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a corner_n but_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v it_o they_o may_v and_o do_v destroy_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visiblenesse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v never_o destroy_v thus_o far_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o tie_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o further_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o papist_n use_v 1_v that_o hold_v a_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n some_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o therefore_o it_o refute_v those_o that_o do_v their_o speech_n be_v large_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v as_o notorious_o visible_a as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o multitude_n succession_n pomp_n visibility_n headship_n and_o that_o at_o rome_n
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a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n 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must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
neighbour_n church_n then_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n than_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n shall_v burn_v 1._o cor._n 3.12_o 15._o but_o yet_o they_o shall_v remain_v still_o a_o true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o be_v great_a matter_n error_n that_o do_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v yet_o if_o upon_o admonition_n of_o other_o neighbour_n church_n they_o do_v recant_v and_o reform_v their_o error_n than_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o any_o to_o forsake_v they_o be_v in_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n to_o they_o live_v in_o they_o deu._n 12.5_o at_o least_o we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o consent_n and_o communion_n of_o profession_n the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v the_o former_a exception_n clear_a as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o your_o own_o read_n of_o they_o use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v this_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o touch_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v a_o good_a pledge_n and_o witness_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n here_o than_o thou_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o and_o so_o likewise_o how_o to_o become_v a_o member_n first_o therefore_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o to_o know_v understand_v and_o believe_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o frequent_v public_a christian_a assembly_n and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o his_o save_a truth_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o he_o will_v also_o lead_v thou_o therein_o second_o thou_o must_v labour_v as_o thou_o know_v it_o so_o likewise_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v open_a show_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o royal_a call_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angls_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o shame_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n church_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o glory_n and_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o reproach_n persecution_n temptation_n all_o outward_a misery_n which_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o endure_v if_o we_o be_v know_v to_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n christ_n jesus_n do_v bold_o oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o soldier_n yea_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o death_n itself_o and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v thyself_o to_o some_o few_o outward_a danger_n for_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v for_o ourselves_o in_o the_o end_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v wise_a and_o do_v not_o rash_o thrust_v thyself_o into_o any_o danger_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v just_a occasion_n and_o a_o call_v from_o god_n shun_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n let_v not_o thy_o false_a heart_n betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n his_o cause_n but_o rely_v upon_o god_n power_n promise_n and_o protection_n stand_v to_o it_o resolute_o and_o with_o a_o good_a christian_a courage_n and_o say_v i_o be_o a_o professor_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o i_o will_v continue_v by_o his_o assistance_n even_o unto_o the_o very_a death_n though_o i_o be_v crucify_v even_o as_o he_o be_v three_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o in_o hypocrisy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o cankerworm_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o professor_n therefore_o profess_v the_o truth_n sincere_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o see_v and_o search_v the_o reins_n do_v it_o as_o the_o only_a cause_n whereby_o we_o may_v and_o must_v be_v save_v and_o whereby_o thou_o look_v for_o thy_o reward_n in_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n do_v it_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o complice_n four_o as_o we_o must_v do_v it_o without_o hypocrisy_n so_o we_o must_v see_v we_o practise_v it_o and_o that_o open_o for_o our_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o titus_n 1.16_o that_o in_o their_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o by_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o that_o be_v their_o work_n stand_v up_o against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n that_o which_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n we_o must_v practice_v with_o our_o life_n put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o man_n be_v at_o odds_n one_o man_n say_v one_o thing_n another_o man_n prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o plain_a and_o evident_a argument_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o he_o that_o profess_v in_o his_o word_n only_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o another_o which_o do_v practice_v it_o in_o his_o work_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o god_n truth_n sure_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o in_o his_o work_n five_o as_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o peter_n luk._n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n which_o when_o i_o think_v on_o it_o can_v but_o admonish_v i_o of_o my_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o do_v we_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o that_o good_a which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o be_v convert_v she_o labour_v to_o draw_v all_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o especial_o we_o shall_v labour_v with_o our_o own_o family_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n as_o joshua_n do_v i_o and_o my_o house_n say_v he_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o have_v true_a visible_a church_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o own_o house_n howsoever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o land_n or_o country_n or_o parish_n where_o we_o dwell_v use_v 4_o last_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o thankfulness_n for_o our_o state_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v so_o gracious_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n for_o many_o year_n that_o the_o whole_a save_a truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o that_o by_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v countenance_v among_o we_o church_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o sin_n in_o our_o life_n defect_n in_o our_o state_n and_o we_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o groan_n under_o they_o and_o pray_v with_o sigh_n and_o tear_n against_o they_o and_o we_o trust_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o redress_v these_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n among_o we_o yet_o through_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o schismatic_n and_o papist_n and_o slanderer_n whatsoever_o every_o one_o may_v see_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a of_o god_n that_o still_o this_o profession_n be_v maintain_v be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o honour_n god_n for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o well_o and_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n to_o all_o generation_n the_o blessing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o thankworthy_a blessing_n
full_a of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v carnal_a people_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o there_o be_v fornicator_n and_o one_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 1._o so_o there_o be_v depravers_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n how_o horrible_o do_v they_o abuse_v it_o 1_o cor._n 11.21_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o though_o there_o be_v such_o notorious_a offender_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o if_o you_o will_v find_v out_o false_a brethren_n you_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o the_o church_n gal._n ●_o 4_o so_o for_o heretic_n you_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o the_o church_n too_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o revel_v 2.6_o 14_o 15_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v the_o nicholaitan_o and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n there_o be_v they_o that_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_o so_o for_o schismatic_n they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n too_o before_o they_o be_v separate_v 1_o cor._n 11.18_o there_o be_v dissension_n among_o they_o nay_o i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o antichrist_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o text_n intend_v he_o must_v be_v so_o 2_o thes_n 2.4_o he_o must_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n diverse_a divine_n tire_v themselves_o with_o opinion_n upon_o this_o place_n some_o say_v he_o must_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o that_o answer_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o he_o must_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o say_v other_o he_o may_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n because_o some_o faithful_a lie_n hide_v within_o it_o but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n till_o he_o be_v utter_o corrupt_a and_o full_o discover_v and_o no_o question_n but_o that_o many_o year_n after_o antichrist_n fate_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o hypocrite_n and_o castaway_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v &_o may_v be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o that_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v reprobate_n and_o castaway_n for_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n to_o some_o and_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n to_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n draw_v they_o on_o to_o profess_v and_o to_o embrace_v it_o for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o make_v they_o to_o give_v over_o and_o to_o fall_v away_o at_o last_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o they_o reas_n 2_o second_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o christian_a profession_n be_v such_o that_o general_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o even_o the_o wicked_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v such_o and_o so_o they_o join_v to_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v but_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n three_o it_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o rest_v in_o shadow_n but_o leave_v the_o substance_n so_o reas_n 3_o that_o if_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n they_o rest_v in_o that_o and_o go_v no_o further_o foolish_o flatter_a themselves_o that_o all_o be_v well_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o want_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n and_o so_o whereas_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n they_o be_v in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o hell_n four_o it_o be_v from_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n reas_n 4_o he_o it_o be_v that_o sow_n the_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a corn_n matth._n 13.28_o he_o seek_v above_o all_o the_o disgrace_n and_o spoil_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v more_o than_o by_o draw_v the_o member_n and_o professor_n thereof_o into_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n five_o else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n at_o all_o unless_o reas_n 5_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n for_o he_o can_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n unless_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n six_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v only_o of_o man_n now_o reas_n 6_o man_n can_v see_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o if_o hypocrite_n join_v to_o the_o church_n she_o can_v disburden_v herself_o till_o she_o know_v they_o by_o their_o outward_a course_n and_o therefore_o till_o then_o she_o be_v constrain_v to_o nourish_v they_o as_o her_o own_o member_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n seven_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o reas_n 7_o hypocrite_n heretic_n and_o false_a brethren_n be_v among_o they_o to_o prove_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11.19_o god_n will_v try_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o in_o his_o word_n or_o they_o in_o their_o heresy_n and_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v among_o we_o even_o as_o the_o canaanite_n be_v leave_v among_o the_o israelite_n to_o prove_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o not_o judg._n 2.22_o and_o chap._n 3.1.12_o reas_n 8_o eighthly_a god_n goodness_n and_o readiness_n to_o all_o intendr_v to_o all_o sort_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o matth._n 22.10_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v bring_v into_o the_o wedding_n feast_n he_o will_v have_v the_o bad_a to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o tender_a of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v so_o because_o god_n will_v have_v the_o argument_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o hypocrite_n within_o his_o church_n that_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o practise_v upon_o they_o it_o may_v strike_v a_o great_a reverence_n of_o god_n into_o their_o heart_n matth._n 22.13_o 1_o cor._n 11.30_o 32._o that_o when_o the_o wicked_a be_v punish_v the_o righteous_a may_v take_v warning_n therefore_o there_o be_v reprobate_n in_o the_o church_n reas_n 10_o last_o such_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o discipline_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o cut_v they_o off_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 7._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o such_o must_v be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v be_v win_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v admonish_v by_o their_o example_n and_o may_v take_v heed_n by_o their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n for_o when_o the_o wicked_a be_v punish_v the_o righteous_a will_v beware_v use_v 1_o the_o first_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v without_o hypocrite_n and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n be_v promiscuous_o and_o confuse_o scatter_a and_o mingle_v together_o the_o utter_a and_o thorough_a separation_n of_o they_o be_v respite_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o pass_v the_o skill_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o angel_n at_o christ_n direction_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n matth._n 13.39_o 40._o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o bad_a must_v be_v endeavour_v by_o we_o here_o in_o this_o life_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o we_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o separate_v but_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v all_o that_o be_v wicked_a second_o for_o those_o we_o do_v know_v it_o be_v impossible_a also_o to_o be_v quite_o separate_v from_o
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o 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that_o be_v govern_v some_o ambitious_o seek_v for_o high_a place_n than_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o some_o be_v envious_a malign_v and_o spite_v their_o superior_n some_o be_v sensual_a despise_v government_n some_o be_v ill-tongued_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n some_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a resist_v their_o order_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o neck_n under_o any_o yoke_n last_o some_o be_v humourous_a and_o peevish_a deny_v that_o power_n set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v for_o innovation_n and_o change_n and_o new_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v contrary_a to_o that_o already_o establish_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n have_v the_o enemy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n wrought_v upon_o
these_o privilege_n be_v sure_o humane_a they_o be_v more_o &_o great_a than_o can_v be_v speak_v or_o understand_v yet_o because_o though_o we_o do_v enjoy_v they_o they_o be_v not_o such_o a_o comfort_n to_o we_o except_o we_o know_v they_o therefore_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o give_v you_o some_o taste_n of_o they_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v humane_a that_o be_v grant_v by_o man_n and_o some_o be_v divine_a grant_v by_o god_n himself_o first_o some_o be_v humane_a grant_v by_o man_n as_o by_o king_n and_o emperor_n counsel_n and_o state_n either_o politic_a or_o ecclesiastic_a yea_o sometime_o by_o heathenish_a state_n as_o well_o as_o christian_a for_o sometime_o god_n stir_v up_o heathen_a man_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o his_o church_n &_o these_o privilege_n be_v outward_a either_o of_o their_o person_n from_o war_n or_o of_o their_o good_n from_o tax_n or_o the_o place_n consecrat_fw-mi to_o religious_a use_n be_v free_v from_o arrest_n &_o such_o like_a hence_o come_v privilege_v place_n but_o these_o as_o they_o come_v from_o man_n so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o excellency_n nor_o comfort_n in_o they_o &_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o or_o chief_o to_o churchman_n as_o they_o call_v they_o that_o be_v the_o clergy_n but_o yet_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o observe_v god_n love_n to_o his_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o give_v israel_n favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o egyptian_n that_o they_o give_v they_o their_o jewel_n etc._n etc._n exod._n 11.3_o sort_n so_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o prince_n &_o state_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o his_o church_n but_o the_o privilege_n we_o seek_v be_v much_o more_o material_a &_o excellent_a and_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n people_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n &_o these_o be_v divine_a privilege_n grant_v immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o these_o be_v of_o diverse_a sort_n general_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v privilege_v partly_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o and_o partly_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o they_o be_v privilege_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o friend_n enemy_n who_o god_n bless_v for_o they_o and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o god_n curse_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o in_o gen._n 12.3_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o that_o bless_v thou_o and_o curse_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o yea_o they_o be_v privilege_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o world_n itself_o who_o substance_n &_o standard_n they_o be_v isaiah_n 6.13_o it_o be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v continue_v alter_v and_o shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n that_o where_o it_o enter_v and_o be_v well_o esteem_v and_o use_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o obed_n edom_n the_o place_n and_o person_n be_v bless_v by_o it_o &_o where_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_o esteem_v as_o among_o the_o philstine_o they_o be_v accurse_v by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o that_o be_v friend_n unto_o it_o be_v bless_v by_o it_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a thing_n and_o that_o they_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o it_o privilege_n be_v curse_v and_o plague_v for_o it_o second_o they_o be_v privilege_v chief_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o whereby_o they_o fare_v the_o better_a in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o these_o privilege_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o concern_v their_o outward_a and_o temporal_a estate_n other_o concern_v their_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a estate_n first_o some_o concern_v their_o outward_a and_o temporal_a estate_n as_o first_o protection_n and_o defence_n against_o adversary_n isaiah_n 4.5_o 6._o there_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o glory_n and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o universal_a protection_n to_o it_o so_o also_o defence_n from_o ordinary_a evil_n that_o befall_v other_o as_o psal_n 91._o and_o likewise_o they_o be_v privilege_v in_o regard_n of_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n as_o psal_n 149._o verse_n the_o last_o that_o they_o may_v execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n that_o be_v write_v this_o honour_n shall_v be_v to_o all_o his_o saint_n last_o of_o all_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o very_a outward_a be_v of_o the_o church_n through_o all_o age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v a_o privilege_n to_o it_o as_o in_o psal_n 46.5.6_o the_o prophet_n say_v god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v let_v the_o world_n do_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o it_o can_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o the_o outward_a be_v of_o it_o it_o may_v wax_v and_o wane_n as_o the_o moon_n do_v yet_o as_o that_o have_v always_o a_o be_v so_o shall_v the_o church_n ever_o be_v these_o be_v temporal_a privilege_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o member_n as_o concern_v our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a estate_n and_o they_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o true_a believer_n as_o the_o use_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n prayer_n fast_v gift_n of_o the_o ministry_n profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o outward_a conformity_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o as_o also_o historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n and_o some_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n heb._n 6.2_o and_o such_o other_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o in_o the_o godly_a tend_v to_o their_o eternal_a good_a but_o in_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a to_o their_o eternal_a condemnation_n second_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o believer_n only_o kind_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o such_o like_a and_o these_o be_v also_o of_o two_o sort_n first_o matter_n of_o present_a possession_n second_o matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n first_o matter_n of_o present_a possession_n and_o they_o consist_v of_o diverse_a kind_n first_o we_o be_v privilege_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o creature_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n ordinary_a deal_n in_o the_o world_n four_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_n he_o do_v for_o we_o five_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o work_v in_o we_o six_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n he_o impart_v to_o we_o and_o last_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o liberty_n he_o give_v us._n first_o they_o be_v privilege_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v he_o god_n the_o father_n be_v their_o father_n master_n and_o preserver_n they_o be_v his_o child_n creature_n and_o charge_n jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o head_n they_o be_v his_o member_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n they_o be_v his_o spouse_n he_o be_v their_o saviour_n they_o be_v his_o redeem_a he_o be_v their_o advocate_n they_o be_v his_o client_n he_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n they_o be_v his_o sheep_n yea_o they_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o so_o likewise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o be_v their_o master_n they_o be_v his_o scholar_n he_o be_v their_o leader_n they_o be_v his_o follower_n he_o be_v their_o counsellor_n they_o be_v his_o client_n he_o be_v their_o sanctifier_n they_o be_v his_o temple_n he_o be_v their_o quickener_n they_o be_v his_o frame_n and_o workmanship_n to_o a_o new_a creature_n yea_o the_o whole_a bless_a trinity_n do_v most_o gracious_o concur_v by_o their_o personal_a action_n in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o salvation_n here_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o but_o only_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o comfort_v we_o against_o all_o our_o present_a affliction_n how_o true_o then_o may_v we_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n psal_n 144._o last_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n second_o we_o be_v privilege_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o holy_a angel_n be_v servant_n and_o attendant_n upon_o the_o church_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o for_o their_o sake_n the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n acknowledge_v we_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o body_n the_o catholic_a church_n and_o do_v instant_o desire_v the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o they_o and_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_v together_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n love_v we_o pray_v for_o we_o rejoice_v at_o our_o good_a sorrow_n at_o our_o harm_n the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n oftentimes_o reverence_n and_o admire_v we_o for_o our_o holiness_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v though_o otherwise_o we_o be_v most_o odious_a to_o they_o
be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o ever_o any_o church_n be_v since_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o and_o not_o account_v curious_a so_o that_o the_o teacher_n and_o the_o learner_n have_v still_o refer_v themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o the_o scripture_n be_v usual_o refer_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o therefore_o one_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o another_o how_o then_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n yes_o it_o prove_v the_o first_o ponit_fw-la of_o the_o observation_n plain_o that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o above_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o main_a controversy_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v it_o prove_v it_o as_o sufficient_o though_o not_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n so_o plain_o for_o still_o in_o every_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v one_o high_a which_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v settle_v upon_o else_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stay_n at_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v run_v on_o infinite_o and_o without_o end_n now_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n be_v the_o high_a thing_n in_o this_o kind_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v for_o they_o cnanot_v be_v equal_a then_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v high_a and_o if_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v none_o great_a nor_o high_a as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6.13_o to_o 16._o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o but_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o because_o there_o be_v none_o great_a to_o swear_v by_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o trial_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a than_o the_o church_n but_o scripture_n be_v refer_v to_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v none_o high_a to_o be_v refer_v to_o nor_o there_o can_v be_v two_o highest_n in_o one_o kind_n for_o that_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o say_n of_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o refer_v of_o they_o to_o a_o high_a and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n use_v 1_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o usual_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o set_v they_o down_o too_o low_a and_o dote_v on_o the_o church_n advance_v it_o too_o high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o their_o own_o light_n god_n speak_v and_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o then_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v scripture_n no_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o say_v so_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o second_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o together_o with_o the_o word_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a 1_o john_n 5.6_o three_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v first_o confirm_v john_n 20.30_o 31._o four_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n that_o be_v that_o congregation_n that_o true_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o first_o not_o every_o company_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o second_o not_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o she_o say_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o that_o which_o be_v so_o believe_v be_v not_o chief_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o she_o say_v so_o but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n aftre_fw-la the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o four_a not_o formal_o or_o essential_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o outward_a instrument_n only_o five_o and_o that_o which_o she_o do_v say_v so_o she_o speak_v not_o infallible_o but_o with_o some_o fayling_n error_n and_o imperfection_n man_n corruption_n still_o betray_v its_o self_n even_o when_o he_o be_v much_o enlighten_v sixthly_a that_o which_o she_o speak_v without_o error_n be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o but_o conditional_o because_o she_o speak_v according_a
shepherd_n and_o of_o christ_n luke_n 2.19_o 51._o she_o do_v ponder_v and_o keep_v these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v ripen_v our_o thought_n &_o digest_v our_o reading_n and_o conceit_n as_o chew_v the_o cud_n separate_v the_o refuse_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a into_o good_a nourishment_n the_o three_o duty_n be_v conference_n we_o must_v confer_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v luke_n 24.4_o 32._o for_o this_o will_v revive_v our_o understanding_n and_o quicken_v our_o wit_n and_o whe●_n our_o reason_n and_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n and_o throw_v out_o the_o hide_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o husk_n and_o winnow_v away_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o four_a to_o these_o we_o must_v add_v patience_n wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o tarry_v till_o he_o give_v the_o succsse_n and_o till_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o phil._n 3.15_o all_o this_o while_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v toil_a and_o strive_v expect_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o success_n in_o god_n good_a time_n thou_o have_v use_v the_o mean_n &_o daily_o labour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v sure_a it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v reveal_v to_o thou_o yet_o thy_o former_a pain_n second_v with_o patience_n shall_v make_v thy_o state_n as_o good_a in_o god_n acceptance_n through_o christ_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v it_o five_o that_o which_o strike_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n be_v practice_v and_o experience_n a_o most_o certain_a guide_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o the_o former_a rule_n we_o must_v add_v practice_n therefore_o practise_v religion_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n in_o affliction_n in_o temptation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n in_o thy_o daily_a watch_n in_o the_o continual_a course_n and_o term_v of_o thy_o life_n john_n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o act._n 5.32_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119.100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n god_n will_v not_o see_v we_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o such_o necessary_a point_n as_o he_o see_v we_o desire_v as_o well_o to_o obey_v as_o to_o learn_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_n which_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o we_o live_v in_o those_o time_n of_o light_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o good_a help_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n learning_n tongue_n science_n history_n wit_n all_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o ripe_a now_o and_o many_o godly_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yea_o many_o church_n have_v publish_v their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v blind_a now_o let_v they_o be_v blind_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o help_v thankful_o and_o sober_o and_o let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o use_n of_o those_o seciall_a help_n before_o mention_v &_o then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o in_o any_o truth_n doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v diverse_a exception_n make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1_o first_o say_v some_o all_o this_o while_n this_o be_v but_o private_a interpretation_n flat_o forbid_v 2_o peter_n 1.20_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v private_a which_o be_v of_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o our_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n be_v frame_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v false_o call_v private_a that_o same_o spirit_n teach_v we_o which_o teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a second_o it_o be_v except_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o detraction_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o any_o private_a man_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o church_n must_v try_v the_o spirit_n so_o must_v every_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v every_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n the_o spirit_n do_v infallible_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o god_n choose_v first_o or_o last_v every_o thing_n needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n he_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v philip_n 3.15_o it_o be_v so_o in_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o doctrine_n each_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o psal_n 25.5_o lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o spirit_n to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o to_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n ob._n 3_o three_o it_o be_v except_v how_o do_v you_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v from_o god_n spirit_n or_o from_o your_o own_o fancy_n for_o any_o heretic_n can_v and_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o you_o answ_n 1_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n second_o have_v thou_o seek_v and_o attain_v that_o interpretation_n by_o prayer_n then_o out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o scorpion_n and_o poison_n when_o thou_o ask_v fish_n error_n when_o thou_o ask_v the_o truth_n three_o do_v it_o concur_v with_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n not_o doubt_v of_o than_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n object_n 4_o four_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o a_o whole_a church_n special_o the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o be_v so_o guide_v than_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o he_o answ_n answer_v yes_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o yet_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o rule_n sometime_o one_o particular_a man_n or_o two_o follow_v these_o rule_n but_o the_o present_a church_n do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wicklife_n husse_o and_o luther_n one_o or_o few_o then_o deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n because_o they_o observe_v these_o rule_n sometime_o the_o church_n do_v observe_v these_o rule_n and_o particular_a man_n do_v so_o too_o &_o then_o either_o they_o concur_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v direct_o deliver_v &_o receive_v or_o else_o they_o dissente_n and_o then_o rather_o follow_v the_o stream_n than_o one_o or_o two_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o sometime_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o one_o man_n may_v see_v more_o than_o many_o as_o paphnutius_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a again_o sometime_o the_o church_n observe_v these_o rule_n and_o some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a man_n be_v right_a heretic_n and_o the_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o all_o rest_n on_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o so_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n answ_n i_o answer_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o our_o own_o judgement_n indeed_o but_o god_n our_o frailty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v accompany_v be_v we_o only_a but_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o our_o judgement_n from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rest_v on_o god_n judgement_n now_o and_o not_o our_o own_o every_o man_n must_v have_v faith_n of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v though_o not_o of_o his_o own_o by_o work_v
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o ambition_n seek_v it_o but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v low_o enough_o his_o head_n be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n who_o then_o think_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o church_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v of_o that_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n second_o answer_v it_o meet_v with_o they_o for_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o these_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o heretical_a &_o schismatical_a say_v they_o what_o if_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v true_a church_n as_o we_o show_v before_o for_o heresy_n as_o i_o will_v not_o precise_o condemn_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v i_o altogether_o acquitte_v they_o but_o as_o for_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o rome_n but_o only_o they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o quarrel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v their_o neck_n under_o the_o pope_n yoke_n and_o see_v they_o and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o body_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a bishop_n except_o they_o have_v depart_v when_o they_o have_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v find_v in_o these_o greek_a church_n which_o the_o papist_n take_v in_o their_o state_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a note_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v succession_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v as_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n as_o in_o rome_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n succession_n in_o rome_n be_v a_o certain_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o good_a succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o at_o rome_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o either_o let_v they_o disclaim_v this_o in_o the_o one_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v this_o succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n of_o purpose_n to_o abate_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n build_v so_o direct_o upon_o that_o allegation_n it_o will_v else_o have_v be_v a_o far_o more_o colourable_a plea_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o use_v 2_o reason_n in_o other_o do_v plain_o answer_v themselves_o turk_n the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n these_o greek_a church_n have_v live_v many_o a_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o government_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o buy_v and_o sell_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n the_o foul_a idol_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v in_o regard_n of_o government_n they_o live_v under_o what_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n be_v it_o what_o a_o bloody_a service_n how_o many_o persecution_n disgrace_n indignity_n tax_n and_o oppression_n horrible_a wrong_n and_o miserable_a slavery_n do_v they_o undergo_v they_o be_v buy_v sell_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o slavery_n they_o live_v in_o and_o yet_o behold_v god_n have_v uphold_v his_o church_n among_o they_o all_o to_o this_o day_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o israel_n preservation_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o more_o miraculous_a than_o this_o of_o these_o christian_n under_o the_o turk_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n christ_n
have_v from_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v before_o anti-christ_n there_o be_v many_o speech_n in_o the_o father_n of_o it_o but_o we_o retain_v it_o not_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v idolatrous_o no_o the_o imposer_n protest_v against_o that_o but_o for_o a_o ancient_a custom_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v they_o retain_v it_o not_o for_o superstition_n they_o have_v turn_v it_o out_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o it_o be_v use_v in_o that_o sacrament_n too_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v retrayn_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a ceremony_n four_o they_o except_v against_o our_o ministry_n answer_v and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n i_o answer_v our_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o justifiable_a if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o part_n of_o it_o we_o will_v justify_v it_o against_o they_o better_o than_o they_o can_v justify_v they_o against_o we_o but_o say_v they_o your_o ordination_n whence_o have_v you_o it_o but_o from_o the_o pope_n i_o answer_v first_o either_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o luther_n and_o other_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thus_o call_v may_v ordain_v other_o or_o second_o else_o it_o be_v ordinary_a from_o the_o popish_a church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v true_a among_o they_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o separatist_n so_o be_v ordination_n they_o hold_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v among_o they_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o hold_v that_o they_o which_o be_v ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o have_v a_o lawful_a ordination_n then_o for_o their_o gift_n let_v any_o church_n show_v better_a gift_n than_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bestow_v on_o our_o minister_n then_o look_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o have_v many_o idle_a back_n and_o slow_a belly_n that_o will_v not_o labour_v but_o that_o be_v their_o personal_a fault_n but_o we_o have_v many_o public_a exercise_n and_o many_o minister_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a painful_a in_o preach_v read_v visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n last_o look_v into_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o we_o can_v show_v the_o scale_n of_o our_o ministry_n in_o many_o that_o be_v call_v and_o that_o ordinary_o by_o our_o public_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o ordination_n be_v good_a answer_v last_o they_o except_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a people_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n they_o say_v our_o people_n be_v profane_o gather_v and_o live_v profane_o in_o our_o church_n for_o their_o gather_n i_o have_v answer_v before_o for_o their_o live_n profane_o i_o answer_v that_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a church_n i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n then_o true_a believer_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o these_o be_v open_o wicked_a and_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o your_o church_n and_o to_o your_o sacrament_n i_o answer_v though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o we_o if_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o open_a notorious_a sin_n by_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o that_o upon_o profession_n of_o repentance_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o all_o that_o they_o can_v except_v against_o we_o be_v for_o petty_a matter_n or_o else_o they_o be_v personal_a fault_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o fault_n but_o may_v be_v redress_v and_o by_o this_o government_n which_o be_v in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v man_n personal_a sin_n for_o by_o law_n there_o shall_v be_v 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have_v reference_n to_o something_o else_o else_o first_o some_o be_v absolute_a without_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o garden_n the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o former_a testament_n cant._n 4.12_o it_o be_v call_v a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o here_o two_o title_n be_v give_v to_o it_o first_o it_o be_v call_v a_o garden_n for_o as_o in_o a_o garden_n grow_v many_o fragrant_a and_o goodly_a flower_n pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a to_o the_o smell_n so_o in_o the_o church_n many_o goodly_a grace_n like_o fragrant_a flower_n do_v grow_v and_o flourish_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n faith_n and_o obedience_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n these_o spiritual_a flower_n cast_v a_o wondrous_a please_a sight_n upon_o the_o eye_n and_o a_o sweet_a smell_n to_o the_o nostril_n of_o every_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o see_v into_o and_o discern_v they_o yea_o the_o lord_n 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the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n wherewith_o it_o be_v adorn_v be_v clean_o and_o pure_a not_o stain_v with_o puddle_n and_o dirt_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n three_o as_o a_o spring_n or_o fountain_n have_v water_n in_o itself_o at_o the_o first_o hand_n and_o have_v it_o not_o derive_v to_o they_o by_o any_o channel_n or_o secondary_a mean_n so_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v they_o confer_v upon_o they_o immediate_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o garden_n as_o in_o that_o cant._n 4.15_o and_o there_o be_v one_o common_a adjunct_n affirm_v of_o each_o of_o these_o title_n a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o or_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o and_o this_o be_v add_v to_o show_v the_o privateness_n or_o severalnesse_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v hedge_v in_o or_o shut_v up_o this_o show_v first_o the_o special_a protection_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n or_o people_n he_o hedge_n and_o wall_n and_o enclose_v they_o in_o and_o seal_n and_o shut_v they_o up_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v come_v at_o they_o to_o work_v their_o annoyance_n second_o this_o intend_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o world_n first_o a_o separation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o corruption_n in_o their_o manner_n and_o fashion_n but_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o society_n second_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o they_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v in_o their_o pleasant_a fruit_n and_o pure_a water_n profane_a and_o graceless_a people_n they_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o be_v restrain_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o choose_a so_o much_o of_o that_o place_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o place_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o 1._o pet._n 2.9_o liberty_n you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n set_v at_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n there_o be_v many_o other_o generation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o but_o they_o be_v reject_v these_o be_v choose_v second_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n there_o be_v another_o priesthood_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v serviceable_a and_o mean_a these_o be_v a_o royal_a princely_a divine_a priesthood_n three_o a_o holy_a nation_n there_o be_v other_o nation_n but_o they_o be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a these_o be_v holy_a separate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n four_o a_o peculiar_a people_n there_o be_v other_o people_n yea_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o common_a fashion_n fit_a for_o all_o company_n and_o course_n these_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n reserve_v only_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o their_o god_n so_o much_o of_o those_o title_n that_o be_v absolute_a and_o concern_v the_o church_n simple_o in_o itself_o god_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v respective_a title_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o some_o other_o thing_n else_o and_o these_o be_v either_o first_o such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o god_n or_o second_o such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o christ_n or_o three_o such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o faithful_a or_o four_a such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o world_n or_o five_o such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o truth_n first_o those_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v many_o isai_n 2.2_o micha_n 4.1_o it_o be_v call_v god_n mountain_n because_o god_n have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o a_o high_a and_o eminent_a place_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n and_o also_o because_o he_o have_v establish_v it_o so_o strong_o that_o as_o the_o mountain_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o so_o in_o psal_n 87.3_o it_o be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o god_n because_o he_o build_v it_o and_o make_v their_o wall_n and_o repair_v the_o breach_n make_v they_o law_n grant_v they_o privilege_n maintain_v their_o charter_n &_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o place_n where_o his_o own_o honour_n dwell_v converse_v daily_o with_o his_o people_n and_o careful_o provide_v for_o they_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n for_o his_o household_n god_n in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 3.17_o it_o be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o house_n a_o holy_a house_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o dwell_v in_o it_o be_v holy_a last_o it_o be_v call_v 1._o pet._n 2.10_o god_n the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o a_o special_a and_o mutual_a appropriation_n both_o of_o they_o that_o be_v his_o church_n to_o he_o and_o of_o he_o to_o they_o he_o be_v their_o god_n love_a and_o favour_v they_o above_o all_o other_o and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n consecrate_v whole_o and_o entire_o to_o he_o and_o his_o worship_n so_o peculiar_a they_o be_v to_o god_n that_o they_o be_v his_o inheritance_n isai_n 19.25_o all_o other_o be_v servant_n and_o underling_n and_o not_o god_n inheritance_n and_o so_o much_o for_o those_o title_n that_o have_v reference_n to_o god_n now_o second_o sister_n follow_v those_o that_o have_v reference_n to_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v many_o too_o first_o it_o be_v call_v his_o love_n can._n 4.1_o namely_o as_o christ_n love_v she_o dear_o above_o his_o own_o life_n and_o as_o the_o church_n love_v he_o dear_o above_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o can._n 4.9_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o sister_n as_o partake_v together_o he_o with_o she_o of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o nature_n and_o she_o with_o he_o adopt_a into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o state_n of_o god_n child_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n she_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n he_o marry_v she_o unto_o himself_o in_o righteousness_n christ_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n as_o the_o prophet_n show_v we_o hos_fw-la 2.19.20_o queen_n and_o thereupon_o she_o obtain_v the_o title_n of_o a_o queen_n ps_n 1.45_o 19_o and_o good_a reason_n she_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o joh._n 10.27_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n sheep_n as_o he_o feed_v and_o rule_v they_o like_o a_o faithful_a shepherd_n and_o they_o as_o good_a sheep_n hear_v follow_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o none_o other_o eph._n 1.23_o she_o be_v call_v his_o body_n body_n as_o he_o like_v a_o perfect_a head_n
mediator_n who_o we_o have_v there_o be_v the_o cherubin_n and_o have_v not_o we_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o our_o good_a there_o be_v god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v and_o instruct_v we_o 25._o there_o be_v a_o table_n and_o have_v not_o we_o a_o solemn_a invitation_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o faithful_a pro._n 9.1.2_o there_o be_v the_o shewbread_n a●_n what_o figure_v that_o but_o god_n people_n because_o they_o always_o and_o before_o god_n last_o there_o be_v the_o golden_a candlestick_n with_o seven_o branch_n which_o signify_v the_o manifold_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o glorious_a be_v shadow_v under_o the_o law_n how_o much_o more_o glorious_a be_v it_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o comparison_n in_o hebr._n 12._o show_n plain_o that_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a then_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o 22_o 23_o and_o 24_o verse_n he_o say_v but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_n sinai_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o celestial_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o company_n of_o innumerable_a angel_n and_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a and_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v better_a thing_n then_o that_o of_o abel_n see_v how_o glorious_a the_o church_n be_v here_o for_o here_o be_v whatsoever_o may_v make_v up_o a_o perfect_a glory_n and_o thus_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a be_v god_n church_n look_v upon_o she_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o will_v either_o within_o or_o without_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o she_o within_o why_o then_o it_o be_v say_v ps_n 45.13_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o if_o without_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o psalm_n her_o garment_n be_v all_o of_o broider_a gold_n you_o shall_v see_v her_o glory_n further_o in_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n second_o in_o her_o practice_n three_o practice_n in_o her_o order_n four_a in_o her_o unity_n first_o in_o her_o profession_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a profession_n for_o they_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o other_o religion_n and_o profess_v the_o only_a pure_a and_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v glorious_a and_o beautiful_a for_o they_o be_v religious_a to_o god_n wise_a to_o themselves_o charitable_a to_o their_o brethren_n merciful_a to_o all_o depend_v on_o god_n believe_v in_o christ_n obey_v his_o spirit_n pray_v blessing_n exhort_v instruct_v comfort_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o their_o way_n have_v and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o offer_v their_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o clean_a pure_a and_o glorious_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n order_n so_o their_o practice_n be_v glorious_a three_o for_o their_o order_n they_o be_v glorious_a and_o gracious_a psalm_n 68.24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v o_o god_n thy_o go_n the_o go_n of_o my_o god_n and_o my_o king_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n after_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o the_o timbrel_n this_o be_v but_o in_o a_o shadow_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o true_a church_n cant_n 4.2_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n which_o go_v up_o in_o good_a order_n from_o the_o wash_n now_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o spiritual_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o orderly_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o own_o rank_n not_o be_v rebellious_a nor_o meddle_v in_o other_o man_n business_n not_o loose_v nor_o negligent_a in_o their_o own_o place_n but_o every_o one_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n impose_v on_o he_o the_o superior_n they_o rule_v with_o modesty_n the_o underling_n they_o obey_v reverent_o and_o christ_n himself_o as_o their_o king_n keep_v they_o all_o within_o their_o compass_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12._o in_o the_o whole_a chapter_n speak_v of_o this_o order_n show_v what_o a_o excellent_a thing_n it_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v the_o foot_n say_v to_o the_o head_n i_o be_o above_o thou_o or_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o no_o but_o every_o member_n keep_v his_o rank_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v the_o office_n impose_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a church_n rom._n 12.3_o 4._o unity_n etc._n etc._n four_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o unity_n psal_n 122.2_o 3._o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v or_o at_o unity_n together_o in_o itself_o meaning_n that_o god_n church_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n who_o member_n be_v all_o knit_v together_o by_o a_o near_a union_n be_v one_o body_n have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6._o have_v a_o sweet_a and_o love_a communion_n all_o of_o they_o with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o each_o of_o they_o with_o another_o behold_v say_v the_o prophet_n what_o a_o goodly_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2_o 3._o so_o the_o church_n you_o see_v be_v bless_v and_o beautiful_a for_o the_o unity_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n for_o they_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n one_o for_o another_o they_o rejoice_v for_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o mourn_v for_o the_o hurt_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n why_o they_o be_v so_o beautiful_a and_o reas_n 1_o glorious_a be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o because_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n psal_n 144.15_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v god_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n he_o promise_v and_o perform_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o give_v they_o many_o token_n of_o his_o love_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v his_o by_o covenant_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v and_o glorious_a because_o god_n be_v their_o lord_n second_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o they_o be_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reas_n 2_o cant._n 6.2_o i_o be_o my_o welbeloved_n and_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v i_o and_o together_o with_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v they_o all_o thing_n rome_n 8.32_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v make_v for_o their_o blessedness_n or_o glory_n be_v confer_v with_o he_o jesus_n christ_n be_v present_a in_o his_o church_n and_o he_o enlighten_v they_o with_o his_o glory_n revel_v 21.9_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v glorious_a he_o wash_v they_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v gracious_a he_o clothe_v they_o with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v beautiful_a he_o cover_v and_o impute_v not_o their_o sin_n therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v psal_n 32.1_o 2._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o as_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o any_o man_n else_o so_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o three_o god_n spirit_n he_o teach_v they_o a_o gracious_a carriage_n reas_n 3_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o bridle_v they_o from_o sin_n he_o quicken_v they_o to_o righteousness_n he_o supply_v and_o help_v their_o want_n and_o infirmity_n their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v cleanse_v sanctify_a and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a four_o they_o be_v most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a because_o reas_n 4_o all_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o
shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o thou_o ought_v yea_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a church_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o thy_o want_n and_o infirmity_n be_v cover_v and_o supply_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n three_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v like_a to_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v against_o thou_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o we_o will_v never_o see_v we_o overthrow_v last_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v as_o the_o offscowring_a of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o unjust_a censure_n yet_o in_o god_n sight_n who_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o give_v we_o content_v against_o all_o the_o scoff_n and_o nickname_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v so_o bless_v and_o beautiful_a in_o god_n eye_n what_o need_v we_o care_v though_o we_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o five_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n that_o persecute_v use_v 5_o and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n church_n they_o know_v not_o who_o it_o be_v they_o make_v their_o force_n against_o it_o be_v even_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a and_o bless_a company_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o first_o they_o may_v be_v dismay_v for_o they_o rush_v against_o a_o rock_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v good_a success_n yea_o second_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o fierce_a and_o full_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n because_o they_o resist_v the_o lord_n and_o oppose_v his_o glorious_a and_o anoint_a one_o use_v 6_o the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n be_v to_o reprove_v the_o perverse_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o grace_n nor_o beauty_n in_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o wicked_a jew_n that_o will_v not_o see_v any_o form_n or_o beauty_n in_o christ_n isai_n 53._o they_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o deformity_n and_o misery_n but_o if_o they_o can_v look_v within_o there_o be_v perfect_a glory_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v but_o your_o word_n we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o can_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n among_o you_o why_o do_v you_o then_o face_n it_o out_o thus_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o with_o these_o limitation_n first_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v see_v it_o because_o they_o want_v this_o eye_n to_o discern_v it_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o church_n thus_o they_o shall_v perceive_v perfect_a glory_n christ_n himself_o be_v perfect_o glorious_a and_o he_o cover_v and_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o deformity_n and_o present_v we_o as_o glorious_a to_o god_n his_o father_n three_o it_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o our_o desire_n and_o god_n account_v then_o in_o actual_a possession_n four_o we_o have_v not_o th●s_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n here_o but_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o beauty_n and_o some_o glory_n here_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.2_o and_o then_o christ_n shall_v present_v we_o a_o glorious_a body_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n ephes_n 5.27_o which_o because_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o already_o and_o the_o rest_n shall_v sure_o obtain_v hereafter_o and_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o here_o already_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v just_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o her_o part_n now_o and_o of_o all_o hereafter_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o beautiful_a the_o church_n be_v and_o bless_v and_o glorious_a though_o the_o world_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o she_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v require_v that_o when_o once_o we_o do_v know_v the_o name_n of_o a_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v call_v and_o the_o title_n that_o it_o be_v grace_v withal_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o thus_o entitle_v for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n may_v and_o be_v ofttimes_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v proper_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o name_n and_o title_n set_v it_o forth_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o esteem_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o nature_n will_v more_o full_o express_v it_o and_o make_v we_o the_o highly_o to_o esteem_v of_o it_o the_o name_n bear_v diverse_a signification_n in_o ordinary_a method_n ought_v to_o be_v divide_v first_o and_o define_v after_o but_o because_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v apt_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o one_o general_a description_n and_o because_o the_o division_n have_v a_o more_o near_a dependence_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v make_v a_o ready_a step_n and_o passage_n thereunto_o we_o will_v first_o define_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o our_o order_n set_v down_o to_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a kind_n and_o branch_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v thing_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a general_a nature_n thereof_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v they_o second_o by_o their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n cause_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v because_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o it_o first_o to_o salvation_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o end_n second_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o the_o church_n ofttimes_o be_v call_v god_n choose_v psal_n 33.12_o even_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o psal_n 132.13_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v his_o church_n and_o rom._n 8.33_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o by_o that_o express_a name_n god_n choose_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n choose_v titus_n 1.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n choose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o call_v rather_o than_o by_o their_o choose_v as_o in_o the_o first_o lecture_n because_o they_o be_v a_o company_n call_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o choose_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o that_o
for_o these_o reason_n first_o many_o of_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v that_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v as_o paul_n a_o elect_a vessel_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o yet_o not_o call_v and_o so_o all_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n nay_o many_o be_v choose_v that_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v as_o the_o angel_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n too_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o choose_n and_o not_o by_o their_o call_v second_o many_o be_v call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v so_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v describe_v they_o by_o their_o call_v we_o shall_v make_v such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v not_o choose_v and_o so_o be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n three_o those_o which_o be_v choose_v be_v call_v too_o their_o election_n and_o choose_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o call_v and_o not_o their_o call_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o choose_n rome_n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v therefore_o in_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v fit_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o election_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o description_n namely_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o be_v their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o mus●_n understand_v thus_o number_n first_o that_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n choose_v and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v choose_v be_v of_o the_o church_n none_o exclude_v as_o who_o shall_v say_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v all_o these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o here_o may_v be_v a_o exception_n make_v 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brain_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n eph._n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n and_o eph._n 3.15_o of_o who_o be_v name_v the_o whole_a family_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o col._n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v to_o himself_o through_o he_o i_o say_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n all_o which_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o saint_n depart_v that_o rest_n in_o heaven_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o fall_v not_o who_o have_v a_o benefit_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seat_v with_o we_o in_o the_o society_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n doctr._n now_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n more_o plain_a i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o 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except_o we_o will_v make_v they_o busibody_n to_o pry_v and_o meddle_v with_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o which_o be_v utter_o against_o their_o wisdom_n and_o uprightness_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a reas_n 1_o and_o glorious_a and_o bless_a assembly_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o the_o angel_n therefore_o that_o excel_v in_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o absolute_a happiness_n must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o fill_v reas_n 2_o all_o thing_n eph._n 1.23_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v leave_v out_o where_o be_v that_o fullness_n three_o it_o be_v against_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o christ_n and_o reas_n 3_o the_o worthiness_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v know_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o for_o themselves_o but_o the_o choose_a angel_n do_v know_v and_o embrace_v it_o worship_v he_o and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v work_v this_o mediation_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o consequent_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o they_o be_v all_o save_a benefit_n peculiar_a and_o proper_o belong_v four_o the_o evil_a angel_n that_o fall_v away_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reas_n 4_o malignant_a church_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v we_o
in_o heaven_n contain_v as_o well_o angel_n as_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o by_o themselves_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n then_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o in_o handle_v this_o point_n we_o propound_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v too_o first_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n consist_v of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o themselves_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n by_o themselves_o three_o of_o both_o those_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n together_o concern_v the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o show_v that_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o all_o god_n choose_v after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o namely_o earth_n that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n consist_v of_o man_n which_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n and_o first_o of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o although_o there_o be_v the_o same_o choose_v now_o in_o heaven_n which_o sometime_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o the_o same_o now_o in_o earth_n which_o sometime_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o church_n or_o choose_v in_o heaven_n do_v not_o make_v a_o several_a church_n by_o themselves_o nor_o those_o in_o earth_n a_o several_a church_n by_o themselves_o but_o both_o together_o make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a consideration_n incident_a to_o that_o in_o heaven_n which_o they_o on_o earth_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o likewise_o some_o other_o particular_a consideration_n incident_a to_o that_o on_o earth_n which_o they_o in_o heaven_n have_v already_o pass_v from_o therefore_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n before_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o on_o earth_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o define_v this_o on_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v apparent_o define_v before_o in_o the_o general_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n than_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v live_v on_o earth_n doctr._n all_o that_o i_o will_v speak_v concern_v this_o point_n shall_v be_v contrive_v into_o one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o god_n always_o have_v have_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o have_v now_o and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n upon_o earth_n belong_v to_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n you_o see_v that_o the_o observation_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n first_o that_o god_n ever_o have_v second_o that_o he_o have_v now_o and_o three_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o company_n etc._n etc._n first_o god_n always_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n example_n be_v fit_a and_o strong_a proof_n this_o be_v then_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n already_o do_v it_o be_v best_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o example_n take_v out_o of_o history_n of_o several_a time_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o paradise_n how_o prove_v you_o that_o why_o first_o there_o be_v god_n the_o preacher_n second_o there_o be_v our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n the_o hearer_n and_o three_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o commandment_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o there_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n which_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v by_o now_o what_o be_v here_o want_v to_o the_o full_a be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o here_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o people_n and_o the_o word_n and_o such_o a_o word_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o their_o salvation_n therefore_o in_o paradise_n god_n have_v his_o church_n also_o out_o of_o paradise_n god_n still_o have_v his_o church_n for_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o preacher_n god_n the_o same_o hearer_n adam_n and_o eve_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n though_o not_o the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o yet_o here_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n fit_v their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n a_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o special_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n genes_n 3.16_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n so_o here_o god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o 535._o to_o pass_v from_o they_o to_o abel_n there_o be_v abel_n sacrifice_a and_o his_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v god_n presence_n and_o acceptance_n as_o we_o may_v see_v gen._n 4.4_o compare_v with_o heb._n 11.4_o now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n afterwards_o in_o the_o time_n of_o seth_n it_o be_v say_v gen._n 4_o 25._o that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v man_n do_v then_o begin_v more_o zealous_o to_o worship_n god_n so_o here_o god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o let_v we_o pass_v from_o seth_n to_o enoch_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o he_o please_v god_n genes_n 5.24_o heb._n 11.5_o now_o where_o there_o be_v man_n walk_v with_o god_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o please_v he_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o heb._n 11.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v set_v down_o as_o it_o be_v of_o purpose_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n namely_o that_o god_n have_v a_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n further_o we_o will_v omit_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o question_n there_o be_v then_o not_o embracer_n only_o of_o the_o heavenly_a truth_n but_o professor_n too_o in_o great_a number_n and_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o those_o time_n that_o be_v most_o obscure_a when_o there_o be_v the_o least_o likelihood_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n than_o the_o point_n will_v be_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v always_o have_v a_o church_n we_o will_v therefore_o instance_n in_o they_o first_o at_o the_o flood_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n gen._n 6.12_o and_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o cruelty_n verse_n 13._o yet_o in_o that_o desperate_a time_n there_o be_v find_v noah_n a_o just_a and_o upright_o man_n in_o that_o generation_n verse_n 9_o so_o god_n have_v his_o church_n then_o let_v we_o pass_v from_o these_o time_n and_o come_v to_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n when_o god_n peculiar_a people_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o most_o profane_a idolatrous_a and_o cruel_a nation_n so_o that_o they_o have_v neither_o liberty_n nor_o time_n nor_o mean_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o goshen_n when_o palpable_a darkness_n be_v over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n beside_o so_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o gross_a ignorance_n sin_n and_o error_n yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v some_o midwife_n fear_v god_n exod._n 1.21_o and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o cry_v and_o pray_v and_o sigh_v to_o god_n and_o be_v hear_v of_o he_o exod._n 2.23_o 24._o so_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n likewise_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n when_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a ebb_n the_o prophet_n can_v see_v no_o more_o leave_v but_o himself_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v eye_n to_o discern_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n 751._o and_o so_o god_n have_v his_o true_a church_n then_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o but_o the_o lord_n see_v seven_o thousand_o more_o that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n vers_fw-la 18._o in_o this_o desperate_a time_n when_o they_o kill_v god_n prophet_n and_o break_v down_o his_o altar_n and_o seek_v the_o life_n
against_o his_o anoint_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v all_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n psal_n 2.1_o yet_o i_o will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v prevail_v in_o they_o shall_v prevail_v thus_o far_o to_o make_v the_o church_n more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o truth_n contrary_a to_o their_o end_n for_o behold_v when_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o the_o faithful_a when_o they_o have_v burn_v they_o to_o ash_n god_n will_v raise_v out_o of_o those_o very_a ash_n a_o new_a seed_n to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n shed_v shall_v fatten_v the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n therefore_o for_o they_o to_o threaten_v they_o and_o to_o say_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v that_o they_o will_v root_v out_o these_o professor_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o devil_n their_o good_a master_n can_v do_v himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v they_o never_o think_v to_o do_v it_o five_o this_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o use_v 5_o sight_n or_o appearance_n it_o have_v a_o be_v even_o when_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v rest_v rhou_n upon_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v where_o or_o how_o etc._n etc._n leave_v that_o to_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v hide_v from_o our_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o corn_n be_v among_o the_o chaff_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o together_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o man_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o by_o certain_a quality_n and_o circumstance_n such_o as_o may_v present_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n view_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v concern_v this_o point_n church_n therefore_o we_o will_v fetch_v these_o quality_n from_o that_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o i_o will_v reduce_v all_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a four_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n five_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o sixth_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o all_o these_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o it_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n not_o church_n and_o the_o nicen_n creed_n which_o be_v pen_v after_o this_o say_v i_o believe_v one_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o how_o be_v this_o gather_v hence_o why_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o article_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o doctr._n one_o now_o first_o of_o the_o first_o note_n it_o be_v but_o one_o for_o so_o the_o nicen_n creed_n for_o plainness_n sake_n add_v this_o particle_n one_o we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a church_n it_o be_v prove_v thus_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o general_a true_a nature_n of_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n eph._n 5.27_o 32._o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o a_o glorious_a church_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o concern_v his_o church_n and_o math._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v sometime_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o than_o it_o speak_v of_o particular_a visible_a congregation_n but_o of_o the_o general_a catholic_a church_n it_o speak_v always_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o be_v but_o one_o and_o so_o express_o ascribe_v oneness_n to_o it_o cant._n 6_o 8._o christ_n say_v to_o his_o church_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o body_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n have_v a_o threefold_a oneness_n it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v a_o oneness_n among_o the_o member_n in_o this_o place_n we_o speak_v but_o of_o the_o oneness_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o of_o the_o other_o two_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n oneness_n that_o it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n not_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n not_o temple_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v but_o one_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o but_o one_o temple_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n come_v levitic_n 17.3_o 4._o deut._n 21_o 5._o and_o 16.2_o 2._o chron._n 2.4_o so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a church_n of_o the_o faithful_a reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v take_v out_o of_o ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o there_o be_v many_o reason_n heap_v together_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n therefore_o but_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o hope_n at_o which_o all_o god_n people_n joint_o aim_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o corporation_n one_o lord_n and_o therefore_o one_o family_n one_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o life_n than_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o promise_n and_o covenant_n which_o all_o do_v make_v to_o god_n as_o one_o man_n second_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5.23_o reas_n 2_o and_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n else_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v he_o have_v one_o head_n and_o many_o body_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v her_o husband_n as_o be_v employ_v verse_n 25._o now_o christ_n shall_v have_v many_o wife_n if_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o three_o they_o have_v all_o one_o shepherd_n and_o therefore_o they_o reas_n 3_o be_v all_o but_o one_o sheepfold_a joh._n 10.16_o four_o they_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 4_o but_o one_o body_n 1._o cor._n 10.17_o five_o all_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o be_v abolish_v reas_n 5_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o ephes_n 2.14_o gal._n 3.28_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o unchangeableness_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n heavenly_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o course_n of_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n still_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o dispensation_n or_o manner_n of_o carriage_n have_v be_v some_o what_o different_a sometime_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v dark_o sometime_o clear_o sometime_o in_o ceremony_n sometime_o without_o ceremony_n sometime_o by_o the_o law_n sometime_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o tradition_n as_o before_o the_o law_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o scripture_n yet_o the_o substance_n be_v ever_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n that_o adam_n be_v
the_o faithful_a general_o disperse_v which_o indeed_o be_v plain_a in_o those_o epistle_n of_o james_n peter_n and_o jude_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n but_o not_o in_o the_o two_o last_o epistle_n of_o john_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o one_o single_a person_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_a church_n be_v general_a or_o universal_a disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n severinum_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o use_v the_o name_n catholic_a to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o name_n christian_a so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a speech_n among_o they_o christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n so_o that_o the_o word_n be_v ancient_a and_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v gather_v hence_o it_o that_o whereas_o before_o christ_n come_v the_o church_n be_v national_a contain_v only_o in_o jury_n now_o after_o christ_n come_v and_o ascension_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o become_v one_o general_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v catholic_a that_o be_v general_o or_o universal_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n three_o to_o right_v the_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o common_a receive_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v such_o as_o degenerate_v from_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o with_o construction_n it_o be_v allowable_a enough_o the_o ancient_n use_v this_o word_n catholic_a for_o true_a believe_v as_o distinguish_v from_o heretic_n and_o false_a believe_v so_o that_o catholic_a church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o true_a believe_a church_n and_o so_o from_o the_o church_n to_o a_o particular_a member_n a_o catholic_a that_o be_v no_o heretic_n but_o a_o right_a believer_n and_o that_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o common_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n show_v that_o none_o all_o that_o while_o be_v call_v true_a catholic_n but_o true_a christian_n austin_n have_v this_o say_n the_o very_a name_n of_o catholic_a say_v he_o contain_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a contain_v i_o within_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v it_o be_v one_o motive_n among_o some_o other_o to_o keep_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o the_o name_n be_v sufficient_a only_a but_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n one_o motive_n among_o other_o that_o contain_v i_o in_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v augustine_n meaning_n so_o you_o have_v see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v wrong_v and_o how_o it_o be_v right_v now_o we_o will_v here_o take_v it_o in_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o draw_v such_o observation_n as_o shall_v fit_o follow_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o general_a point_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v the_o catholic_a church_n it_o intend_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n second_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n wheresoever_o or_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o doctr._n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a or_o general_a extend_v itself_o to_o all_o believe_a person_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o all_o time_n we_o have_v show_v before_o here_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v only_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o all_o person_n and_o place_n this_o be_v so_o prophesy_v ps_n 72.8_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o land_n this_o indeed_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o so_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o father_n psal_n 2.8_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n what_o be_v christ_n heritage_n and_o possession_n but_o the_o church_n but_o his_o possession_n shall_v reach_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n must_v reach_v as_o far_o to_o all_o place_n and_o people_n that_o believe_v even_o to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n himself_o foreshow_v it_o matth._n 8.11_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n many_o shall_v come_v that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a confluence_n from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n that_o be_v from_o all_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v they_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v so_o you_o see_v how_o far_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n enlarge_v itself_o and_o joh._n 10.16_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v also_o say_v our_o saviour_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o sheepfold_a and_o one_o shepherd_n other_o sheep_n i_o have_v let_v they_o wander_v where_o they_o will_v in_o desert_n or_o unknown_a mountain_n faith_n they_o have_v and_o therefore_o sheep_n sheep_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o shepherd_n and_o his_o church_n the_o sheepfould_a that_o they_o belong_v to_o and_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o sheepefould_a so_o he_o effect_n first_o by_o himself_o ephes_n 2.14_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v make_v of_o both_o one_o and_o have_v break_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o now_o gentile_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o ●e_v effect_n it_o by_o his_o minister_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v where_o he_o both_o offer_v mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o minister_n to_o all_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o bless_v the_o mean_n some_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o also_o associate_n they_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v believe_v what_o or_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o save_v that_o be_v to_o his_o church_n unto_o who_o only_a salvation_n belong_v psal_n 3._o last_o verse_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o particular_a instance_n to_o the_o point_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_a of_o all_o believe_a person_n and_o of_o all_o place_n in_o the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n act._n 10.1_o 12_o 34_o 35._o he_o be_v a_o gentile_a and_o a_o heathen_a and_o account_v unclean_a yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o he_o have_v believe_v and_o peter_n in_o a_o vision_n see_v a_o great_a sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o four_o corner_n which_o signify_v the_o four_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o it_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o creep_a beast_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o church_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v some_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o it_o so_o that_o the_o vision_n be_v not_o only_o for_o cornelius_n but_o general_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o so_o peter_n confess_v in_o these_o 34._o and_o 35._o verse_n of_o a_o truth_n say_v he_o i_o do_v now_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o rule_n be_v pregnant_a and_o precise_o to_o the_o point_n gal._n 3.28_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o grecian_a bond_n nor_o free_a male_a nor_o female_a but_o you_o be_v all_o one_o
in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v raise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n matth._n 24.31_o the_o angel_n shall_v gather_v the_o body_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o all_o quarter_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n then_o there_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o heaven_n after_o the_o resurrection_n revel_v 7.9_o for_o there_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v i_o behold_v and_o lo_o a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n &_o tongue_n stand_v before_o the_o throne_n and_o before_o the_o lamb_n praise_v god_n and_o revel_v 21.13_o so_o the_o church_n be_v catholic_a general_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o every_o believe_a man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o ruler_n reas_n 1_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o his_o son_n who_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v as_o large_a too_o at_o least_o for_o some_o of_o all_o part_n for_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n power_n reach_v every_o where_o and_o not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n proportionable_o in_o some_o measure_n though_o not_o in_o that_o generality_n altogether_o it_o be_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o too_o second_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n require_v it_o reas_n 2_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v general_o disperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n god_n mercy_n require_v it_o who_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o all_o place_n so_o likewise_o christ_n merit_n require_v it_o for_o that_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o joh._n 2.2_o that_o be_v for_o some_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n three_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o reas_n 3_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v glorify_v much_o in_o the_o reprobate_n that_o be_v damn_v but_o he_o be_v glorify_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o place_n or_o nation_n or_o tongue_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v glorify_v in_o some_o portion_n of_o it_o even_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v believe_v therefore_o the_o church_n be_v general_a etc._n etc._n four_o satan_n kingdom_n be_v general_a and_o every_o wicked_a reas_n 4_o person_n be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o curse_a synagogue_n therefore_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v general_a too_o and_o every_o believer_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v of_o his_o church_n five_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o general_a to_o leave_v the_o wicked_a reas_n 5_o without_o excuse_n so_o that_o no_o nation_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pretend_v just_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o debar_v from_o salvation_n now_o no_o man_n able_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o be_v among_o their_o nation_n nor_o that_o none_o among_o they_o be_v save_v no_o god_n shall_v stop_v their_o mouth_n with_o many_o instance_n of_o every_o man_n own_o nation_n when_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o here_o be_v a_o member_n of_o my_o church_n even_o of_o thy_o own_o nation_n and_o why_o may_v not_o thou_o have_v be_v so_o too_o reas_n 6_o last_o without_o the_o church_n be_v no_o salvation_n therefore_o every_o believer_n whosoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o against_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o save_a faith_n confine_v to_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o none_o but_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n the_o lord_n choose_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o his_o only_a peculiar_a people_n to_o be_v glorify_v by_o they_o alone_o in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v alone_o as_o it_o be_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n yea_o but_o the_o great_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v to_o they_o the_o great_a be_v their_o unthankfulness_n to_o he_o in_o that_o they_o shake_v of_o his_o yoke_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n though_o he_o be_v send_v special_o to_o they_o but_o reject_v he_o and_o crucify_v he_o and_o to_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v abandon_v he_o as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o far_o now_o from_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o god_n love_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o he_o hate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v fortolde_v of_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n hos_n 1.9_o they_o be_v loammi_n not_o god_n people_n now_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o be_v except_v against_o as_o not_o be_v of_o god_n church_n and_o whereas_o they_o envy_v the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o part_n in_o god_n because_o they_o be_v once_o bar_v from_o the_o church_n and_o hate_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o alas_o now_o they_o must_v know_v that_o now_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v all_o one_o and_o that_o every_o people_n be_v judah_n and_o every_o faithful_a man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o every_o place_n be_v the_o temple_n and_o have_v spiritual_a altar_n for_o a_o clean_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v on_o and_o that_o now_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v mal._n 1.10_o 11._o that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v matth._n 18.20_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 4.24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o now_o be_v fullfil_v the_o say_n of_o isaiah_n isai_n 54.1_o which_o he_o foretell_v that_o the_o barren_a have_v more_o child_n than_o the_o fruitful_a woman_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o gentile_n of_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o there_o be_v jew_n and_o as_o it_o reprove_v they_o so_o it_o reprove_v the_o donatist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o in_o africa_n no_o church_n but_o they_o somewhat_o like_a unto_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o separatist_n at_o this_o day_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o they_o principal_o it_o reprove_v the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n but_o that_o of_o rome_n affirm_v that_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n be_v in_o the_o certain_a estate_n of_o damnation_n but_o this_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v restrain_v within_o they_o and_o let_v not_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o restrain_v that_o which_o god_n have_v enlarge_v but_o as_o they_o brag_v of_o peter_n so_o let_v they_o learn_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o god_n as_o peter_n be_v act._n 10.15_o not_o to_o account_v those_o unclean_a who_o god_n account_v and_o call_v clean_o and_o therefore_o see_v god_n have_v so_o far_o enlarge_v his_o bounty_n that_o he_o have_v purify_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o some_o of_o all_o part_n and_o place_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n for_o shame_n let_v they_o not_o scantle_v his_o goodness_n and_o pollute_v all_o other_o church_n as_o unclean_a except_o their_o church_n but_o let_v they_o leave_v all_o other_o to_o god_n and_o let_v they_o labour_n to_o see_v that_o themselves_o be_v purify_v lest_o as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o the_o jew_n they_o prove_v themselves_o of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o be_v none_o of_o god_n church_n the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o church_n it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v esteem_v and_o repute_v catholic_a sure_o not_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o pure_a and_o sound_a but_o that_o which_o be_v general_a that_o which_o be_v scatter_v over_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v call_v catholic_a that_o be_v a_o right_a believe_a church_n or_o catholic_a that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o
of_o god_n that_o one_o may_v be_v whet_v on_o and_o provoke_v by_o another_o four_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o love_n among_o the_o faithful_a which_o can_v no_o way_n so_o well_o be_v maintain_v as_o when_o we_o all_o see_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o one_o another_o last_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o the_o declaration_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v some_o fruit_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o philem_n verse_n 5._o adversary_n five_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o first_o for_o defend_v ourselves_o for_o be_v strong_o unite_v together_o as_o one_o man_n they_o can_v overcome_v we_o whereas_o if_o we_o be_v separate_v and_o disjoin_v they_o will_v easy_o overcome_v us._n second_o for_o the_o offend_a and_o oppugn_v the_o enemy_n who_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o set_v themselves_o all_o together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n against_o their_o adversary_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o overcome_v they_o as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v overcome_v of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a communion_n among_o the_o faithful_a the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v every_o use_n 1_o one_o of_o we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o god_n church_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o part_n in_o this_o communion_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o right_a to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o faith_n &_o to_o justification_n and_o to_o salvation_n and_o to_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o these_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o here_o therefore_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o one_o of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n thou_o have_v no_o right_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o here_o they_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v living-member_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o gracious_a portion_n with_o the_o faithful_a we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o they_o here_o and_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n hereafter_o marvel_v not_o then_o that_o david_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o bless_a communion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o deprive_v of_o this_o inward_a communion_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o grief_n and_o the_o very_a break_n of_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o outward_a fellowship_n and_o no_o marvel_n also_o though_o they_o do_v so_o rejoice_v when_o they_o can_v come_v to_o god_n house_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o fellowship_n for_o than_o they_o can_v reach_v out_o their_o hand_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_v sensible_o second_o as_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o this_o use_v 2_o society_n and_o communion_n so_o it_o teach_v we_o also_o to_o labour_n to_o maintain_v this_o communion_n that_o as_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o so_o we_o must_v bend_v all_o our_o force_n to_o contribute_v to_o it_o and_o to_o uphold_v it_o and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a title_n only_o but_o to_o be_v as_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o practice_v as_o we_o profess_v that_o as_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v a_o communion_n of_o state_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o communion_n of_o practice_n also_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4.3_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v as_o thou_o have_v find_v that_o favour_n with_o god_n that_o thou_o be_v associate_v by_o a_o call_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n thereof_o so_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o chief_a and_o principal_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v that_o unity_n and_o communion_n phil._n 1.27_o continue_v in_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o one_o mind_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v flinch_v not_o from_o it_o but_o as_o you_o have_v this_o communion_n so_o stand_v in_o it_o and_o maintain_v it_o communion_n and_o that_o we_o may_v so_o do_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n first_o that_o we_o separate_v nor_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o communion_n this_o be_v forbid_v heb._n 10.25_o 39_o not_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n we_o have_v among_o ourselves_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n but_o we_o be_v not_o they_o which_o withdraw_v ourselves_o unto_o perdition_n if_o we_o separate_v we_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o so_o from_o the_o head_n too_o and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v a_o head_n to_o none_o but_o his_o own_o body_n nor_o in_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o spirit_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n and_o grace_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o society_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a matter_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o namely_o that_o we_o entertain_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o leave_v it_o second_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o the_o faithful_a to_o cause_v they_o to_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o we_o by_o walk_v inordinate_o 2._o thes_n 3.6_o the_o faithful_a be_v command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o or_o by_o contention_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 11.16_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o misdemeanour_n three_o as_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o too_o apprehensive_a of_o offence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o every_o little_a quarrel_n and_o discontent_n but_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v any_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o conscience_n rather_o then_o to_o trouble_v that_o communion_n or_o to_o interrupt_v that_o fellowship_n last_o and_o principal_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o that_o we_o gather_v together_o with_o these_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o to_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n approve_v 1._o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n matth._n 18.22_o where_o two_o or_o three_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n to_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o assembly_n for_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o continue_v this_o communion_n than_o this_o and_o as_o we_o must_v come_v to_o these_o place_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v call_v upon_o one_o another_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o faithful_a shall_v do_v in_o the_o last_o day_n isai_n 2.3_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o must_v also_o rejoice_v at_o such_o occasion_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o man_n come_v willing_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n do_v psal_n 122.1_o three_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o examination_n whereby_o we_o use_v 3_o may_v try_v whether_o we_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o do_v thou_o practice_v this_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n then_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n else_o thou_o can_v never_o true_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n unless_o thou_o practise_v this_o communion_n prove_v and_o try_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o that_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o communion_n let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o point_n do_v we_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o
the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2._o cor._n 6.17_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v none_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n last_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o control_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o romish_a use_v 6_o antichrist_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o saint_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o fellow_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o will_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o none_o must_v bless_v he_o this_o be_v abominable_a pride_n and_o insolency_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o seven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o argument_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o church_n we_o turn_v aside_o to_o expound_v the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o there_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v we_o find_v six_o adjunct_n or_o epithet_n that_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v withal_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o catholic_a four_a that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o six_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o the_o five_o former_a be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o article_n of_o which_o you_o have_v also_o heatd_v the_o six_o and_o last_o whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v be_v not_o plain_o lay_v down_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v direct_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o clause_n grow_v from_o the_o article_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_v manifest_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o doctr._n we_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a the_o true_a church_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n &_o themselves_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n and_o likewise_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o the_o profession_n of_o other_o man_n yea_o but_o their_o save_a grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v but_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o you_o see_v how_o the_o note_n stand_v first_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o three_o they_o be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o prove_v first_o god_n know_v they_o mala._n 3.16_o god_n have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v he_o john_n 10.14_o i_o know_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o in_o joh._n 13.18_o he_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o god_n own_o secret_a counsel_n to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o name_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n themselves_o second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o 1._o joh._n 3.14.19_o we_o know_v we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o 1._o joh._n 4.13_o 16._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v in_o us._n here_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v each_o other_o to_o be_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v know_v you_o or_o you_o i_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n but_o that_o all_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o state_n and_o particular_o every_o one_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v of_o it_o it_o three_o none_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o revel_v 2.17_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_a neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o within_o and_o the_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a exception_n against_o all_o outward_a show_n and_o testification_n whatsoever_o as_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o make_v any_o certain_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o jew_n indeed_o that_o be_v who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o right_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o heart_n which_o god_n alone_o and_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v express_o say_v they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o 18._o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.3_o 4._o the_o prophet_n heliah_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o he_o see_v no_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n if_o any_o can_v have_v discern_v they_o than_o the_o prophet_n may_v that_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o he_o know_v no_o such_o no_o nor_o scarce_o any_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o therefore_o only_o god_n and_o themselves_o know_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o whereby_o they_o be_v reas_n 1_o know_v to_o man_n that_o be_v their_o profession_n be_v common_a to_o hyprocrite_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o for_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v as_o far_o in_o show_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o best_a therefore_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o that_o whereby_o true_a believer_n be_v distinguish_v reas_n 2_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o inward_a affection_n can_v be_v see_v by_o man_n for_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v as_o low_a in_o sin_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o have_v truth_n in_o their_o heart_n still_o but_o none_o know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o none_o know_v this_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o three_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o he_o may_v bear_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o harbour_v secret_o some_o sin_n that_o may_v utter_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n therefore_o none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v god_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o four_o there_o be_v certain_a inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n reas_n 4_o which_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n especial_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o close_a secret_n not_o to_o be_v discern_v outwad_o only_o these_o be_v know_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o reu._n 2.17_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n that_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n may_v know_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v it_o too_o as_o of_o david_n abraham_n peter_n paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v meddle_v no_o further_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v god_n but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o joh._n 21.21_o 22._o when_o peter_n will_v inquire_v of_o another_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v our_o
intendment_n diverse_a as_o the_o thing_n itself_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o god_n so_o overrule_v they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o intent_n to_o deride_v or_o scoff_n or_o cavil_v at_o they_o as_o we_o read_v of_o one_o virginius_n a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v set_v to_o write_v against_o calvin_n and_o ●eading_v over_o calvin_n book_n for_o that_o end_n he_o see_v the_o light_n so_o clear_a against_o he_o that_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o will_v write_v no_o more_o against_o he_o so_o that_o whereas_o he_o read_v over_o his_o book_n with_o intent_n to_o cavil_n at_o they_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o against_o his_o own_o intendment_n he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n thereby_o second_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_v why_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v tend_v direct_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o god_n do_v so_o over-rule_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n thus_o god_n overruled_n the_o sin_n of_o saul_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n act._n 9.4.5_o three_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o other_o from_o the_o faith_n be_v sometime_o overruled_n by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o raise_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o we_o all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n they_o fall_v away_o and_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 11.11_o four_o persecution_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v so_o overrule_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v make_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n why_o what_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecutor_n make_v those_o that_o be_v of_o any_o humanity_n to_o detest_v they_o and_o their_o course_n as_o also_o the_o constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v persecute_v win_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o even_o of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o their_o adversary_n many_o time_n to_o the_o truth_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v have_v at_o home_n in_o our_o own_o land_n when_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o fruitful_a time_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n in_o this_o land_n than_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n at_o least_o ever_o since_o by_o occasion_n of_o those_o persecution_n last_o sometime_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v occasional_o by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o mean_n of_o scatter_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o many_o place_n and_o so_o of_o cause_v many_o church_n as_o in_o act._n 8.4_o there_o be_v great_a persecution_n and_o the_o word_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o what_o can_v hurt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o this_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o many_o place_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v in_o judea_n only_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v into_o samaria_n too_o but_o all_o these_o be_v by-cause_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v only_o point_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v they_o by_o yet_o this_o be_v worthy_a herein_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a power_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o make_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o even_o beside_o and_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n serviceable_a mean_n for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n sense_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o these_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o material_a than_o the_o other_o first_o then_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v thus_o as_o a_o build_n have_v four_o principal_a cause_n so_o have_v the_o church_n first_o in_o a_o build_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n second_o the_o builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n four_a the_o form_n so_o in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v these_o four_o cause_n of_o it_o first_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o metaphorical_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o they_o teach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o as_o a_o skilful_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.20_o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o builder_n and_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n for_o so_o they_o be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.7_o the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v which_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n refuse_v and_o 1._o cor._n 3.10_o the_o teacher_n be_v call_v master_n builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n and_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n live_a stone_n for_o so_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.5_o lively_a stone_n a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o they_o be_v call_v god_n building_n last_o the_o form_n of_o the_o building_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lay_n and_o the_o couple_v of_o the_o faithful_a together_o ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n couple_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n again_o take_v the_o church_n absolute_o in_o itself_o sieve_n and_o then_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n a_o instrumental_a cause_n a_o material_a cause_n a_o formal_a cause_n and_o a_o final_a cause_n first_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n from_o which_o it_o have_v she_o be_v for_o that_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n cause_n from_o whence_o a_o thing_n have_v that_o be_v which_o it_o have_v now_o the_o efficient_a cause_n from_o whence_o the_o church_n have_v she_o be_v be_v god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o 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christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v nourish_v in_o this_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n now_o all_o these_o three_o outward_a mean_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n go_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n teach_v there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n without_o us._n inward_a now_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n within_o we_o be_v first_o repentance_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n to_o life_n second_o faith_n act._n 15.9_o and_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o after_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n and_o last_o and_o principal_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 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doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o outward_a cause_n so_o likewise_o the_o inward_a as_o first_o there_o be_v repentance_n vers_fw-la 37._o and_o 38._o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o second_o there_o be_v faith_n too_o as_o in_o the_o 41._o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v do_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o cause_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n saint_n by_o call_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.19_o as_o member_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o citizens_z the_o matter_n of_o a_o city_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v inward_a and_o outward_a that_o which_o be_v inward_a be_v the_o effectual_a call_n and_o gather_v of_o god_n people_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o outward_a communion_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o for_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n each_o to_o other_o you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o first_o their_o effectual_a call_n which_o be_v their_o inward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 41_o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n repent_v baptize_v add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o effectual_a call_n their_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 41_o 42_o 44_o 45_o 46._o verse_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o their_o outward_a communion_n these_o be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o some_o of_o adam_n seed_n may_v glorify_v the_o lord_n god_n here_o in_o his_o church_n by_o believe_v obey_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n sing_v everlasting_a praise_n to_o his_o glory_n rom._n 9.23_o that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o glory_n second_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o mankind_n cast_v away_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v but_o some_o he_o will_v have_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2.14_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v embrace_v and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a on_o earth_n that_o some_o man_n may_v not_o only_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v safe_o preserve_v first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v mangle_v or_o tear_v by_o heretic_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v deprave_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o last_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v open_o teach_v and_o practise_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n church_n four_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n when_o as_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o his_o church_n and_o when_o as_o they_o deny_v it_o as_o false_a or_o contemn_v it_o or_o at_o least_o careless_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a thing_n not_o worth_a harken_v to_o that_o then_o they_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o of_o those_o that_o cause_n it_o direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o as_o cause_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o direct_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n we_o hear_v first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o other_o cause_n be_v from_o he_o he_o note_v then_o be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o concur_v and_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o cause_v and_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o this_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o they_o special_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o be_v more_o special_o respect_v of_o god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o second_o as_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o near_o upon_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n ephes_n 4.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
hezekiah_n send_v forth_o messenger_n throughout_o all_o israel_n and_o judah_n with_o godly_a letter_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o the_o wicked_a laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v but_o the_o text_n note_v in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o judah_n so_o that_o he_o give_v they_o one_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n the_o king_n may_v have_v command_v long_o enough_o yet_o if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o people_n a_o heart_n they_o will_v never_o have_v obey_v he_o so_o that_o all_o other_o mean_n be_v utter_o void_a yea_o nothing_o without_o god_n 1_o co._n 3.7_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n now_o if_o god_n give_v we_o these_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o inward_a much_o more_o as_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o principal_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o god_n spirit_n be_v give_v we_o mere_o and_o free_o of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v of_o god_n so_o also_o the_o material_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o you_o be_v god_n building_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o formal_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n also_o the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n which_o be_v our_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n special_o the_o inward_a formal_a cause_n be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.9_o we_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o god_n word_n labour_n husbandry_n ordinance_n church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o only_o of_o and_o from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o also_o for_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o be_v the_o final_a cause_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o by-cause_n of_o the_o church_n god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o even_o in_o they_o too_o yea_o extraordinary_o in_o these_o so_o that_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o these_o than_o in_o the_o rest_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v persecution_n which_o tend_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n this_o than_o show_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o use_v be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o use_v 1_o that_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v reverent_o and_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n first_o let_v such_o congregation_n as_o have_v taste_v god_n bounty_n in_o this_o kind_n ascribe_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o their_o bless_a state_n to_o he_o alone_o and_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o whole_a congregation_n let_v every_o one_o in_o particular_a practice_n and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o congregation_n and_o special_o for_o himself_o we_o must_v not_o dote_v on_o the_o mean_n though_o they_o be_v singular_a help_n under_o god_n the_o minister_n gift_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n the_o church_n have_v it_o must_v not_o be_v dote_v upon_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v esteem_v high_o of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o acknowledge_v what_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o be_v thankful_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o i_o say_v it_o be_v all_o the_o lord_n do_v and_o let_v he_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o if_o ever_o there_o shall_v such_o a_o presumptuous_a thought_n come_v into_o our_o head_n of_o dote_v upon_o they_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v that_o in_o a_o readiness_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 3.5_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n by_o who_o we_o believe_v let_v god_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o that_o the_o church_n have_v for_o it_o be_v all_o his_o do_v second_o as_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a we_o have_v already_o receive_v so_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o prayer_n and_o continual_a call_n upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v in_o his_o good_a time_n to_o afford_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n where_o they_o be_v want_v and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v there_o god_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n will_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v increase_n and_o continue_v they_o for_o ever_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o church_n there_o to_o the_o world_n end_n alas_o what_o be_v it_o to_o have_v care_n for_o ourselves_o only_o as_o josiah_n have_v lord_n say_v he_o let_v there_o be_v peace_n in_o my_o day_n but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o our_o posterity_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v continue_v his_o church_n to_o they_o too_o and_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o that_o each_o for_o himself_o and_o one_o for_o another_o the_o minister_n he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v open_v his_o mouth_n and_o sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o and_o for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teachable_a and_o tractable_a humble_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v obey_v and_o practice_v that_o which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o minister_n and_o for_o themselves_o too_o that_o god_n will_v open_v their_o minister_n mouth_n and_o sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o to_o they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v teachable_a heart_n ready_a and_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o obey_v and_o that_o god_n will_v water_v their_o heart_n with_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fruitful_a three_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n profitable_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o not_o be_v unprofitable_a towards_o we_o much_o less_o let_v they_o be_v contemn_v of_o we_o but_o let_v we_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o as_o of_o god_n special_a ordinance_n which_o he_o will_v sure_o revenge_v if_o we_o contemn_v they_o do_v the_o lord_n bend_v himself_o whole_o and_o all_o his_o force_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o understanding_n wise_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o shall_v we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v unto_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o precious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o embrace_v it_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n now_o god_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v now_o the_o table_n be_v prepare_v the_o victual_n be_v ready_a and_o the_o guest_n be_v call_v therefore_o let_v we_o now_o quicken_v up_o ourselves_o let_v we_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n powerful_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o or_o else_o if_o we_o refuse_v and_o contemn_v it_o powerful_a to_o condemn_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o headlong_o into_o hell_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o see_v god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o constitute_v his_o church_n than_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n although_o satan_n bend_v all_o his_o force_n against_o it_o though_o the_o wicked_a malign_a and_o persecute_v it_o god_n be_v for_o it_o who_o can_v be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o despite_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o force_n it_o be_v god_n that_o plant_v his_o vine_n who_o can_v root_v it_o out_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o it_o who_o can_v break_v it_o down_o yea_o god_n be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n about_o his_o church_n therefore_o whosoever_o come_v near_o to_o hurt_v it_o shall_v be_v consume_v
and_o burn_v up_o god_n water_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n thereof_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o work_n to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v dismay_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o daunt_v satan_n himself_o for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n yea_o against_o his_o special_a hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v the_o wicked_a after_o the_o flood_n when_o they_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o confusion_n but_o these_o fight_n against_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v though_o they_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o church_n yet_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v comfort_v the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o persecution_n temptation_n and_o distress_n whatsoever_o because_o that_o they_o be_v build_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o like_o mount_n zion_n they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v remove_v and_o likewise_o they_o be_v continual_o assist_v by_o god_n hand_n so_o that_o their_o enemy_n can_v hurt_v they_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o 2._o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o observation_n arise_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o point_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o doct._n 2_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v effectual_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o due_a success_n there_o certain_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n first_o i_o say_v where_o they_o be_v effectual_a for_o sometime_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v present_a yet_o not_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a effectual_a but_o where_o they_o be_v effectual_a only_o there_o they_o cause_v a_o church_n second_o i_o say_v by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o success_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o point_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o church_n be_v there_o as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o they_o be_v effectual_a verse_n 41._o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a verse_n 47._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o verse_n 47._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 11._o from_o 20._o to_o 26._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o be_v also_o so_o call_v vers_fw-la 26._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n saint_n by_o calling_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v a_o call_v then_o and_o this_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v 1.16_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v seven_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christ_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o star_n that_o be_v his_o minister_n uphold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb_n 4.12_o and_o these_o be_v effectual_a too_o the_o star_n be_v uphold_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n so_o where_o these_o be_v thus_o effectual_a there_o be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o cause_n do_v always_o prove_v the_o effect_n necessary_o where_o it_o have_v her_o work_n and_o be_v not_o resist_v now_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o resist_v therefore_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n too_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v there_o be_v the_o definition_n reas_n 2_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v joint_o the_o save_a truth_n now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n three_o whosoever_o live_v in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o these_o reas_n 3_o cause_n be_v walk_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a to_o obey_v these_o mean_n he_o be_v certain_o save_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whosoever_o live_v out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v these_o mean_n ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v then_o where_o these_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o without_o the_o church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o our_o adversary_n that_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o deal_v against_o in_o this_o case_n confess_v it_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o conserve_n it_o therefore_o we_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n separation_n against_o the_o separation_n that_o deny_v it_o for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n because_o that_o we_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v effectual_a yea_o and_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n if_o they_o except_v against_o we_o they_o must_v deny_v and_o say_v either_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o effectual_a or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n some_o deny_v some_o of_o these_o and_o some_o deny_v all_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v we_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o they_o say_v we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n discipline_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o you_o want_v discipline_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o only_o wait_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o they_o so_o much_o require_v answ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o happy_o not_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a a_o church_n for_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o though_o you_o have_v the_o word_n among_o you_o call_v yet_o you_o have_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n for_o your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_n they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o extraordinary_a call_n we_o neither_o have_v answ_n nor_o look_v for_o but_o such_o ordinary_a call_n as_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v have_v in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o same_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o since_o that_o time_n and_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v never_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o object_n but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v your_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rome_n i_o
answer_v we_o have_v not_o our_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o from_o other_o minister_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o as_o they_o have_v answ_n this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n against_o luther_n and_o other_o minister_n that_o have_v their_o call_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n object_n it_o can_v be_v none_o against_o us._n yea_o but_o say_v they_o answ_n it_o come_v through_o their_o hand_n at_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o many_o good_a thing_n may_v come_v through_o thief_n hand_n when_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n many_o minister_n come_v through_o their_o hand_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a church_n than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o if_o we_o have_v have_v our_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v warrantable_a and_o lawful_a but_o i_o be_o sure_o we_o now_o be_v lawful_a if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v no_o covenant_n make_v betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o do_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n god_n yea_o but_o you_o be_v not_o gather_v by_o the_o word_n but_o compel_v by_o a_o proclamation_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o be_v gather_v before_o in_o king_n henery_n the_o eight_o answ_n and_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o day_n so_o that_o this_o proclamation_n be_v but_o a_o restore_n of_o we_o to_o our_o former_a estate_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 30.5_o where_o the_o people_n be_v restore_v to_o religion_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o this_o compulsion_n by_o the_o proclamation_n be_v but_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n but_o now_o in_o our_o time_n there_o be_v no_o such_o compulsion_n but_o man_n be_v gather_v by_o the_o word_n therefore_o this_o be_v unreasonable_o apply_v to_o us._n yes_o say_v ainsworth_n it_o be_v so_o still_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o compel_v it_o be_v but_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n as_o i_o have_v say_v but_o yet_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o since_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v voluntary_o join_v and_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o faithful_a be_v even_o by_o our_o adversary_n confession_n true_a member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o such_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o else_o second_o they_o say_v mean_n if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o success_n yes_o we_o have_v the_o success_n too_o for_o many_o of_o we_o feel_v it_o and_o taste_v it_o to_o our_o singular_a consolation_n many_o of_o we_o be_v convert_v answ_n comfort_v instruct_v confirm_v etc._n etc._n in_o our_o church_n yea_o many_o of_o themselves_o be_v convert_v here_o among_o we_o which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o our_o warrantable_a call_n in_o that_o we_o have_v experience_n of_o christ_n that_o speak_v in_o our_o minister_n not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o we_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o or_o three_o effectual_a they_o say_v it_o may_v be_v effectual_o sometime_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a i_o answer_v what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a for_o first_o we_o have_v many_o convert_v among_o we_o and_o second_o this_o be_v daily_o do_v and_o three_o by_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v among_o we_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o four_a this_o be_v as_o usual_a here_o as_o in_o any_o visible_a church_n yea_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o our_o church_n be_v as_o fruitful_a in_o gather_v people_n and_o beget_v child_n unto_o god_n as_o ever_o any_o church_n be_v since_o the_o apostle_n day_n they_o indeed_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_v and_o so_o a_o extraordinary_a success_n which_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o but_o we_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o it_o be_v wrought_v upon_o many_o and_o that_o day_n by_o day_n and_o also_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o also_o as_o usual_o as_o in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n therefore_o let_v none_o of_o we_o entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n into_o our_o head_n as_o to_o think_v we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a but_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o success_n which_o daily_o they_o have_v among_o we_o lest_o for_o our_o unthankfulness_n god_n deprive_v we_o of_o they_o and_o turn_v from_o we_o as_o he_o do_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o take_v his_o church_n and_o presence_n from_o among_o us._n the_o eleven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v acquaint_v you_o already_o with_o the_o definition_n as_o also_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v as_o we_o propound_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o body_n and_o every_o body_n consist_v of_o diverse_a part_n and_o member_n frame_v and_o join_v proportionable_o together_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v exact_o know_v the_o body_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v be_v well_o instruct_v touch_v the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o member_n prove_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n look_v where_o the_o member_n be_v there_o likewise_o be_v the_o body_n also_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n well_o consider_v instruct_v we_o right_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o body_n be_v to_o be_v account_v sound_n or_o unsound_a according_o as_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v affect_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v as_o well_o understand_v the_o head_n as_o the_o other_o part_n for_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n the_o head_n be_v as_o well_o a_o member_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n or_o else_o we_o may_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n beside_o the_o head_n for_o so_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a sense_n the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n be_v oppose_v against_o each_o other_o as_o they_o be_v diverse_a from_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n from_o they_o now_o because_o we_o desire_v to_o carry_v the_o matter_n full_o before_o we_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o this_o body_n in_o the_o general_a sense_n as_o include_v both_o head_n and_o member_n too_o first_o of_o the_o head_n head_n for_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a member_n be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o special_o in_o this_o case_n the_o head_n be_v here_o infinite_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o all_o the_o body_n beside_o and_o therefore_o first_o of_o that_o that_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o point_n thing_n we_o will_v contrive_v into_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v have_v a_o head_n second_o that_o it_o must_v have_v one_o head_n three_o that_o this_o head_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o alone_a first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n must_v have_v a_o head_n for_o so_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n require_v it_o for_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n a_o headless_a body_n be_v a_o monstrous_a body_n imperfect_a without_o form_n fashion_n life_n or_o government_n second_o as_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n require_v it_o so_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v endue_v with_o spiritual_a life_n therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n into_o it_o three_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n require_v it_o for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n in_o all_o his_o work_n special_o in_o his_o special_a workmanship_n that_o be_v his_o church_n what_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o stone_n will_v a_o church_n be_v if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o head_n corner_n stone_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o other_o stone_n together_o every_o one_o in_o his_o due_a place_n and_o what_o a_o disorder_a assembly_n will_v the_o church_n be_v if_o the_o member_n be_v without_o a_o head_n to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o relieve_v it_o second_o as_o
apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n wherein_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n which_o be_v only_o in_o use_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o colos_n 1.18_o there_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n as_o we_o may_v see_v vers_fw-la 25._o which_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o these_o collection_n be_v not_o strain_v against_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o speak_v to_o the_o visible_a particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n say_v plain_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o intend_v necessary_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o it_o be_v too_o with_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n else_o revel_v 1.13_o there_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n be_v describe_v together_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v her_o husband_n and_o consequent_o her_o head_n for_o how_o often_o do_v god_n threaten_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n show_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n even_o of_o their_o visible_a church_n then_o much_o more_o of_o our_o particular_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o christ_n proportionable_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o christ_n reas_n 1_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o as_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o member_n for_o then_o some_o other_o visible_a member_n must_v be_v his_o head_n which_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v he_o be_v so_o then_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v so_o now_o second_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n both_o in_o heaven_n reas_n 2_o and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n colos_n 2.10_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n be_v he_o the_o head_n of_o all_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n be_v employ_v ephes_n 1.22_o and_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n subject_a under_o his_o foot_n and_o have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n why_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o all_o thing_n special_o over_o his_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o to_o convey_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o it_o as_o the_o head_n to_o the_o body_n reas_n 3_o three_o he_o give_v life_n to_o the_o member_n and_o hold_v all_o the_o body_n together_o col._n 2.19_o and_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n reas_n 5_o five_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 5.23_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n to_o defend_v and_o to_o see_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a he_o be_v the_o only_a vanquisher_n of_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o he_o do_v so_o vanquish_v they_o as_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v free_v from_o satan_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n harm_n joh._n 14.30_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o have_v naught_o in_o i_o yea_o he_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3.15_o and_o in_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v with_o the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o overcome_v they_o now_o christ_n be_v this_o michael_n that_o overcom_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n as_o john_n 20.22_o where_o he_o breathe_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 42._o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o sanctification_n and_o inward_a grace_n as_o act._n 2.4_o &_o this_o he_o do_v for_o ever_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o now_o it_o be_v the_o head_n that_o convey_v spirit_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n therefore_o see_v every_o visible_a church_n receive_v the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n than_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o reas_n 8_o eighthly_a and_o last_o he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n 5._o the_o elder_a brother_n or_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n against_o the_o popish_a church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o as_o they_o mean_v it_o it_o be_v worse_a than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o therein_o they_o affirm_v a_o double_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n church_n and_o give_v two_o main_a blow_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o be_v head_n to_o his_o church_n at_o least_o they_o take_v his_o crown_n from_o his_o head_n and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o for_o that_o be_v tolerable_a if_o he_o will_v content_v and_o contain_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o diocese_n neither_o will_v we_o much_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o his_o bishopric_n but_o he_o look_v high_a and_o gape_v wide_a and_o say_v like_o his_o lie_a father_n the_o devil_n all_o be_v i_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n through_o the_o world_n a_o proud_a challenge_n easy_a to_o be_v make_v but_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v maintain_v you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v christ_n due_a only_a by_o right_a to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o then_o the_o pope_n will_v be_v head_n either_o he_o must_v take_v it_o from_o christ_n against_o his_o will_n antichrist_n and_o so_o he_o be_v plain_a antichrist_n as_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v or_o else_o he_o must_v have_v it_o by_o christ_n grant_n and_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o title_n but_o first_o he_o have_v it_o not_o by_o christ_n grant_n for_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n this_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o he_o give_v it_o to_o peter_n 17._o and_o so_o to_o the_o pope_n i_o answer_v no_o christ_n give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n nor_o yet_o ever_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o he_o much_o less_o to_o the_o pope_n first_o he_o give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n for_o the_o place_n which_o they_o allege_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n serve_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o matth._n 16.19_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v speak_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o peter_n joh._n 20.23_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n where_o now_o be_v the_o headship_n of_o peter_n over_o the_o whole_a
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
church_n govern_v by_o the_o word_n not_o else_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o good_a king_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v always_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o decide_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o god_n word_n decide_v but_o this_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n must_v be_v wary_o use_v because_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o chief_a governor_n be_v and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o king_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n because_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v chief_a governor_n second_o they_o except_v &_o say_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n have_v a_o visible_a head_n now_o where_o be_v this_o visible_a head_n christ_n be_v not_o visible_a i_o answer_v yes_o christ_n be_v visible_a for_o first_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v see_v if_o the_o king_n after_o he_o be_v crown_v shall_v keep_v himself_o in_o his_o closet_n all_o his_o life_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o visible_a king_n too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o his_o subject_n so_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n visible_a where_o the_o saint_n see_v he_o and_o where_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o too_o and_o that_o with_o these_o eye_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o we_o now_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v visible_a daily_o in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o these_o christ_n be_v among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o sight_n crucify_v gal._n 3.1_o three_o he_o be_v once_o visible_a and_o see_v on_o earth_n for_o many_o year_n and_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o every_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n four_o his_o minister_n together_o with_o lawful_a magistrate_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n visible_o represent_v he_o among_o us._n so_o that_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v every_o day_n among_o us._n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o god_n church_n in_o use_n 2_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o way_n it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o nearness_n it_o have_v with_o christ_n last_o it_o show_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n first_o it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n for_o see_v it_o have_v such_o a_o glorious_a head_n as_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v therefore_o the_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v glorious_a too_o the_o great_a kingdom_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o far_o as_o their_o governor_n come_v short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o mortal_a and_o sinful_a man_n come_v short_a of_o the_o eternal_a and_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n have_v a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o head_n that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a head_n so_o have_v the_o church_n in_o her_o measure_n a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n the_o body_n of_o body_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o world_n second_o it_o show_v the_o near_a conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o this_o let_v any_o or_o all_o the_o society_n in_o the_o world_n show_v i_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n as_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n servant_n have_v their_o lord_n company_n their_o master_n city_n their_o major_n subject_n their_o king_n sheep_n their_o shepherd_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o the_o church_n have_v christ_n to_o be_v her_o head_n and_o this_o be_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o can_v be_v other_o governor_n of_o other_o society_n those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o or_o conjoin_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o company_n may_v have_v hurt_v and_o yet_o they_o not_o know_v of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o they_o do_v not_o affect_v it_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v affect_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o conscience_n of_o their_o place_n only_o but_o christ_n know_v the_o harm_n and_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o church_n and_o affect_v they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o act._n 9_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o take_v the_o injury_n that_o saul_n offer_v to_o his_o church_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o necessity_n christ_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o harm_n do_v to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n be_v of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o member_n this_o the_o church_n consider_v and_o receive_v inestimable_a comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o for_o by_o this_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o christ_n near_a presence_n to_o they_o in_o their_o affliction_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n and_o also_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v relieve_v they_o of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o and_o revenge_v they_o on_o their_o enemy_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o also_o he_o will_v merciful_o recompense_v all_o our_o releever_n as_o if_o they_o have_v relieve_v he_o on_o earth_n in_o his_o great_a extremity_n this_o point_n be_v marvelous_a comfortable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o safety_n which_o we_o have_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o christ_n than_o they_o may_v prevail_v against_o we_o too_o but_o the_o one_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o too_o second_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v pass_v do_v for_o it_o be_v do_v already_o for_o christ_n our_o head_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o head_n be_v above_o water_n the_o body_n can_v possible_o be_v drown_v i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n three_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o certain_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o the_o head_n be_v there_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v also_o joh._n 17.24_o yea_o we_o be_v already_o by_o communication_n with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n ephes_n 2.6_o because_o he_o be_v our_o head_n be_v there_o already_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n that_o see_v christ_n be_v the_o use_v 3_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o must_v labour_v so_o to_o esteem_v he_o and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o reverence_v he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o head_n first_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n sense_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n let_v we_o therefore_o wait_v upon_o our_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o for_o his_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n and_o discipline_n too_o and_o also_o let_v we_o defy_v all_o other_o direction_n and_o all_o other_o counsel_n that_o do_v not_o agree_v either_o particular_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o general_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n all_o direction_n therefore_o that_o be_v against_o christ_n and_o against_o his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o head_n christ_n it_o be_v israel_n perverseness_n 1_o sam._n 8.7_o and_o the_o jew_n wilfulness_n luk._n 19.14_o that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n
king_n here_o and_o make_v we_o to_o reign_v as_o king_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o hereafter_o this_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n second_o the_o outward_a government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o direction_n that_o god_n have_v put_v over_o to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o the_o well_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n whereby_o there_o must_v be_v first_o sufficient_a and_o painful_a minister_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n teach_v they_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o second_o there_o must_v be_v other_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o religious_a man_n choose_v for_o their_o assistant_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o such_o ecclesiastical_a business_n as_o they_o may_v be_v helpefull_a in_o and_o three_o there_o must_v be_v certain_a godly_a and_o christian_a law_n and_o custom_n establish_v among_o they_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o well-doer_n and_o for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o all_o such_o ordinance_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n have_v provide_v to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o government_n which_o we_o here_o mean_v and_o which_o we_o seek_v after_o that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o direction_n and_o administration_n that_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n special_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o overseer_n thereof_o to_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v well_o order_v and_o that_o every_o member_n carry_v themselves_o godly_a and_o religious_o both_o in_o private_a especial_o in_o public_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o the_o world_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n be_v how_o needful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o good_a thereof_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n one_o absolute_a the_o other_o conditional_a absolute_a that_o be_v when_o one_o thing_n be_v so_o necessary_o require_v to_o another_o as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o it_o second_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o be_v when_o one_o thing_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o another_o as_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v without_o it_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o church_n may_v be_v without_o it_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o be_v but_o it_o can_v have_v her_o well-being_n except_o this_o concur_v the_o point_n lie_v fit_a to_o be_v handle_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o therefore_o so_o i_o will_v deliver_v it_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n that_o there_o be_v necessary_o require_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n 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member_n of_o another_o church_n for_o what_o have_v one_o church_n to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o another_o government_n except_o it_o be_v by_o advice_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n or_o in_o such_o cause_n as_o concern_v diverse_a church_n but_o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n these_o be_v the_o party_n that_o may_v and_o must_v administer_v this_o government_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o note_n stand_v upright_o namely_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v require_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o administer_v by_o man_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n in_o rom._n 12.4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o body_n and_o professor_n to_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o body_n now_o say_v he_o every_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n no_o for_o that_o be_v superfluity_n and_o will_v breed_v confusion_n but_o several_a member_n be_v tie_v to_o several_a office_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o there_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o verse_n 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o must_v be_v sundry_a office_n and_o officer_n to_o exercise_v that_o government_n and_o who_o shall_v these_o be_v but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12._o from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 21._o verse_n there_o the_o apostle_n press_v the_o same_o comparison_n further_o and_o grow_v to_o more_o particular_n call_v one_o the_o eye_n another_o the_o foot_n the_o hand_n the_o head_n etc._n etc._n of_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o part_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o some_o be_v to_o govern_v other_o to_o be_v govern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n some_o must_v govern_v other_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o still_o understand_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o govern_v must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n for_o so_o the_o comparison_n hold_v they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v set_v down_o general_o for_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 40._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o by_o order_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n express_o command_v order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v government_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o thing_n to_o be_v well_o order_v or_o well_o govern_v and_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o outward_a business_n in_o the_o church_n as_o verse_n 26._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o it_o be_v a_o charge_n let_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o all_o be_v impose_v upon_o man_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o 26_o verse_n brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o etc._n etc._n you_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o according_a to_o this_o general_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n carry_v themselves_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o say_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o he_o of_o be_v partly_o of_o outward_a government_n as_o verse_n 1._o and_o forward_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n show_v it_o plain_o he_o write_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o what_o do_v this_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v write_v particular_o to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a overseer_n in_o that_o church_n it_o consequent_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o he_o will_v not_o respite_v it_o till_o his_o come_n though_o he_o be_v to_o come_v short_o but_o for_o the_o more_o surety_n he_o write_v beforehand_o that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o so_o material_a a_o ornament_n as_o outward_a government_n be_v and_o he_o charge_v timothy_n most_o severe_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o 14._o that_o the_o same_o be_v due_o observe_v and_o so_o in_o tit._n 1.5_o there_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o creta_n say_v for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o creta_n that_o thou_o shall_v continue_v to_o redress_v the_o thing_n that_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o 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propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a church_n government_n and_o these_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v deal_v withal_o second_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v either_o general_o ratify_v by_o all_o or_o the_o most_o church_n or_o else_o but_o by_o some_o one_o or_o few_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a or_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a now_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n must_v have_v ground_n from_o one_o or_o both_o these_o warrant_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v have_v warrant_n from_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a warrant_n therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n look_v special_o into_o the_o principal_a warrant_n which_o be_v the_o word_n if_o so_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a precept_n for_o it_o then_o that_o must_v be_v do_v as_o the_o lord_n commandment_n without_o any_o further_o communicate_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
no_o more_o of_o a_o ancient_a church_n than_o of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v within_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n let_v we_o take_v the_o mean_a betwixt_o both_o these_o embrace_v they_o reverent_o where_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n in_o those_o case_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o better_a and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n rule_n the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o warrant_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v for_o many_o time_n good_a thing_n be_v mar_v by_o ill_a handle_n therefore_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v mar_v with_o ill_a handle_n observe_v touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o these_o rule_n first_o that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o second_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n three_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v four_a that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v not_o contemn_v or_o restrain_v of_o their_o right_n last_o these_o duty_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v as_o best_o fit_v the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o be_v that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o and_o they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n these_o must_v be_v first_o look_v to_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v this_o course_n he_o first_o provide_v for_o these_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o act._n 2.37_o 38_o etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o for_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o lay_v else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o build_n second_o these_o be_v the_o gatherer_n of_o god_n choose_v if_o they_o have_v not_o these_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v at_o all_o three_o these_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o where_o these_o be_v find_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v careful_o look_v into_o will_v prevent_v much_o ignorance_n and_o dissension_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n many_o there_o be_v that_o nuzzle_v the_o people_n up_o in_o ceremony_n only_o and_o go_v no_o further_o as_o the_o popish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o horrible_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n rest_v there_o and_o think_v they_o have_v religion_n enough_o if_o they_o observe_v such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v careless_a of_o true_a growth_n in_o christianity_n by_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n these_o be_v pharisaical_a course_n to_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23.23_o other_o beat_v first_o and_o chief_o on_o discipline_n and_o will_v have_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o teach_v a_o preposterous_a zeal_n which_o wrought_v much_o dissension_n as_o by_o lamentable_a experience_n we_o may_v see_v in_o our_o church_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o many_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o that_o many_o live_v discontent_n in_o it_o not_o be_v first_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o principal_a first_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o afterward_o church-government_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v rule_n all_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n for_o so_o be_v the_o express_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o first_o then_o decency_n be_v require_v in_o church-government_n this_o be_v require_v in_o civil_a and_o natural_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o christian_a and_o religious_a duty_n it_o be_v require_v much_o more_o now_o this_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v uncomely_a in_o another_o that_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v decent_a in_o any_o place_n decent_a which_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n civility_n and_o god_n word_n have_v make_v decent_a as_o for_o example_n prophesy_v with_o the_o hat_n on_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n undecent_a 1_o cor._n 11.4_o but_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n make_v decent_a by_o custom_n they_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v cover_v therefore_o still_o such_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o according_o decency_n to_o be_v esteem_v second_o order_n be_v require_v in_o churchgovernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n special_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o god_n church_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n this_o be_v it_o that_o commend_a and_o grace_v salomon_n house_n exceed_o so_o that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v ravish_v to_o see_v it_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 10.5_o and_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n want_v it_o in_o his_o house_n the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o cant._n 4.2_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n church_n show_v how_o comely_a it_o be_v thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n etc._n etc._n david_n be_v enamour_v with_o it_o psa_n 68.25_o speak_v as_o under_o a_o veil_n of_o the_o godly_a order_n which_o be_v in_o god_n church_n faith_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n come_v after_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o timbrel_n do_v now_o this_o order_n extend_v itself_o to_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v there_o must_v be_v order_n as_o in_o prophesy_v that_o one_o speak_v after_o another_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o and_o so_o in_o order_n the_o word_n must_v be_v preach_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v prayer_n must_v be_v before_o preach_v baptism_n before_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o also_o small_a matter_n must_v be_v lay_v by_o while_o great_a be_v in_o handle_v act._n 6_o 2._o sometime_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o necessity_n may_v overbeare_v this_o rule_n but_o general_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o so_o there_o must_v be_v order_n in_o person_n the_o superior_n must_v be_v first_o respect_v person_n whether_o he_o be_v superior_a in_o year_n or_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o pastor_n must_v rule_v the_o flock_n and_o not_o the_o flock_n the_o pastor_n final_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v with_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n every_o man_n be_v place_v by_o the_o captain_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o rank_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v with_o we_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o rank_n that_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o break_v out_o for_o that_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n i_o will_v this_o be_v well_o look_v into_o in_o our_o church_n that_o man_n will_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o rank_n for_o this_o breed_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n rule_n the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o trouble_v the_o apostle_n in_o ephes_n 4.3_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v to_o keep_v peace_n and_o he_o use_v a_o special_a phrase_n there_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o you_o keep_v not_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n your_o spiritual_a communion_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v soon_o dissolve_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o contentiousnes_n be_v not_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o envious_a serpent_n and_o
angel_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v live_v continual_o praise_v and_o glorify_v god_n there_o we_o shall_v have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16._o to_o conclude_v therefore_o let_v we_o not_o debase_v ourselves_o to_o sinful_a and_o vile_a and_o slavish_a course_n but_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o walk_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o such_o great_a and_o high_a privilege_n as_o these_o be_v the_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n not_o humane_a such_o as_o king_n and_o man_n endow_v the_o church_n withal_o but_o divine_a such_o as_o god_n endue_v the_o church_n withal_o and_o therein_o we_o handle_v two_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n second_o what_o these_o privilege_n be_v there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o last_o point_n namely_o what_o they_o be_v for_o there_o be_v two_o special_a privilege_n something_o questionable_a above_o the_o rest_n each_o of_o they_o subject_n to_o mistake_v and_o the_o mistake_n of_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o error_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o and_o thereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no_o the_o second_o privilege_n questionable_a be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v salvation_n and_o thereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n neither_o whether_o any_o can_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o these_o be_v the_o two_o point_n which_o i_o purpose_v to_o handle_v at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n spirit_n whereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no_o and_o because_o 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of_o they_o together_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v some_o special_a privilege_n above_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o for_o some_o kind_n of_o error_n every_o believer_n have_v a_o privilege_n in_o that_o respect_n above_o a_o unbeliever_n therefore_o all_o together_o much_o more_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o or_o two_o may_v be_v seduce_v to_o error_n yet_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o church_n consist_v of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o true_a believer_n yea_o sometime_o all_o or_o most_o of_o hypocrite_n therefore_o the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o subject_a unto_o error_n then_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n second_o concern_v the_o word_n error_n the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v every_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o every_o swerve_v from_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v error_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n because_o it_o be_v a_o go_v from_o that_o true_a and_o right_a way_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o though_o error_n proper_o signify_v a_o swerve_a from_o the_o truth_n whether_o on_o the_o right_n or_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n yet_o it_o comprehend_v ignorance_n too_o that_o be_v their_z not_o attain_v to_o some_o heavenly_a truth_n these_o error_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n sort_n especial_o four_o first_o some_o be_v either_o fundamental_a or_o in_o small_a matter_n second_o some_o be_v either_o of_o obstinacy_n or_o of_o infirmity_n three_o some_o be_v either_o finite_a and_o for_o a_o time_n other_o be_v for_o ever_o four_o some_o be_v either_o general_a or_o particular_a first_o some_o be_v either_o fundamental_a be_v or_o in_o small_a matter_n fundamental_a error_n be_v such_o which_o be_v hold_v do_v race_n the_o very_a foundation_n he_o that_o err_v in_o this_o manner_n cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v save_v such_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o gal●tia_n in_o gal._n 5.2.4_o where_o they_o join_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o 2._o verse_n that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o vers_fw-la 4._o you_o be_v abolish_v from_o christ_n whosoever_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v fall_v from_o grace_n be_v other_o error_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n as_o when_o man_n hold_v the_o foundation_n but_o yet_o err_v in_o building_n on_o it_o and_o such_o notwithstanding_o these_o error_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 3.12_o to_o 15._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o some_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n but_o shall_v this_o turn_n to_o their_o damnation_n no_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v he_o but_o what_o without_o repentance_n no_o for_o in_o the_o 13._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o day_n or_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shall_v dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v purify_v and_o purge_v away_o these_o error_n from_o they_o so_o that_o they_o must_v repent_v of_o these_o error_n but_o than_o you_o will_v say_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o those_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n for_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n shall_v be_v save_v too_o matter_n upon_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o for_o first_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n be_v seldom_o and_o hardly_o reclaim_v not_o one_o among_o a_o hundred_o but_o they_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n be_v usual_o and_o easy_o reclaim_v for_o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v overthrow_v all_o must_v be_v rear_v up_o a_o new_a but_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o be_v amiss_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o amend_v yea_o those_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v reclaim_v as_o have_v the_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o perish_v second_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n must_v repent_v particular_o of_o that_o error_n and_o must_v also_o embrace_v the_o contrary_a truth_n else_o he_o can_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n though_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o error_n in_o particular_a nay_o though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v they_o for_o who_o know_v his_o error_n yet_o if_o they_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n &_o pardon_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o these_o second_o some_o error_n be_v either_o of_o infirmity_n or_o of_o obstinacy_n of_o infirmity_n as_o when_o we_o be_v either_o by_o negligence_n ignorance_n oversight_n weakness_n as_o be_v take_v trip_v in_o a_o snare_n against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o purpose_n and_o holy_a desire_n or_o by_o other_o occasion_n such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v sudden_o fall_v into_o any_o offence_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o &c_n &c_n when_o as_o they_o see_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o if_o they_o do_v see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o weak_a desire_n and_o labour_n against_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o assault_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o their_o corruption_n so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v overcome_v it_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o infirmity_n some_o error_n be_v of_o obstinacy_n that_o be_v
the_o world_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o adversary_n &_o opposition_n than_o they_o be_v for_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n even_o of_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a estate_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n that_o they_o consist_v of_o sweet_a and_o sour_a mingle_v together_o and_o common_o they_o which_o have_v the_o most_o sweet_a one_o way_n have_v the_o most_o sour_a another_o so_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n a_o comfortable_a estate_n the_o best_a and_o happy_a that_o this_o life_n can_v yield_v in_o respect_n of_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o no_o estate_n so_o malign_v &_o spite_v at_o by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o sore_a adversary_n as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v so_o frame_v and_o appoint_v it_o as_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n and_o obedience_n to_o see_v if_o we_o will_v receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o good_a so_o also_o to_o draw_v up_o our_o love_n &_o affection_n to_o the_o meditation_n and_o desire_n of_o a_o further_o and_o better_a state_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v all_o sweet_a no_o sour_a perfection_n of_o good_a and_o happiness_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o any_o evil_n now_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o compound_v of_o sour_a as_o well_o as_o sweet_a of_o many_o danger_n as_o well_o as_o of_o many_o privilege_n it_o be_v needful_a therefore_o first_o for_o i_o to_o speak_v of_o second_o for_o you_o to_o learn_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o first_o for_o i_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o for_o he_o be_v a_o deceitful_a merchant_n that_o in_o set_v forth_o his_o commodity_n to_o sail_v show_v only_o the_o best_a and_o conceal_v the_o worst_a so_o if_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o privilege_n only_o and_o not_o with_o the_o adversary_n too_o i_o shall_v be_v a_o deceitful_a handler_n of_o the_o word_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o you_o to_o learn_v both_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o if_o ever_o you_o come_v within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o dream_v all_o of_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n but_o make_v account_n aforehand_o to_o meet_v with_o adversary_n and_o cross_n and_o opposition_n of_o sundry_a kind_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o dismay_v any_o from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n though_o this_o have_v be_v one_o special_a mean_n to_o discourage_v many_o but_o i_o speak_v this_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o spirit_n and_o to_o fit_v and_o frame_v you_o beforehand_o for_o the_o trial_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v you_o for_o point_n that_o so_o you_o may_v fight_v that_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o all_o your_o adversary_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v this_o matter_n i_o will_v deliver_v in_o these_o five_o point_n first_o i_o will_v show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o these_o adversary_n be_v three_o i_o will_v show_v the_o deal_n of_o these_o adversary_n against_o god_n church_n four_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v the_o deal_n of_o the_o church_n the_o faithful_a against_o her_o adversary_n and_o last_o i_o will_v show_v the_o course_n and_o deal_n of_o god_n both_o how_o he_o carry_v himself_o to_o the_o adversary_n and_o also_o how_o he_o carry_v himself_o to_o his_o church_n and_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v have_v speak_v sufficient_o of_o this_o point_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o doctrine_n the_o point_n offer_v itself_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o direct_a observation_n and_o therefore_o so_o we_o will_v take_v it_o and_o so_o proceed_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v always_o encounter_v and_o assault_v with_o many_o adversary_n that_o seek_v to_o disquiet_v their_o peace_n and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n first_o i_o say_v they_o be_v adversary_n there_o be_v their_o quality_n they_o be_v adversary_n full_a of_o hatred_n second_o i_o say_v they_o be_v many_o adversary_n there_o be_v their_o number_n three_o i_o say_v that_o they_o encounter_v and_o assault_v the_o church_n there_o be_v their_o work_n four_o i_o say_v they_o do_v always_o assault_v it_o there_o be_v their_o diligence_n last_o i_o say_v they_o seek_v to_o disquiet_v their_o peace_n and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n there_o be_v their_o end_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v a_o curious_a application_n of_o any_o proof_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o many_o of_o the_o place_n bring_v for_o proof_n will_v afford_v it_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a that_o i_o prove_v the_o main_a matter_n plain_o and_o direct_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o observation_n see_v it_o first_o in_o a_o shadow_n mat._n 8.24_o where_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o ship_n upon_o the_o sea_n and_o this_o ship_n be_v trouble_v with_o tempest_n and_o overflow_v with_o wave_n now_o although_o this_o be_v but_o a_o story_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o intendment_n in_o the_o place_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o yet_o under_o this_o be_v fit_o shadow_v out_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o life_n imagine_v the_o sea_n to_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o ship_n to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o tempest_n and_o wave_n to_o be_v assault_n and_o encounter_n that_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a unto_o and_o the_o wind_n to_o be_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o this_o shadow_n the_o observation_n be_v plain_a that_o no_o ship_n be_v more_o toss_v in_o the_o sea_n with_o wind_n and_o tempest_n hinder_v their_o course_n and_o endanger_n their_o estate_n then_o the_o church_n be_v beat_v against_o by_o the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n of_o adversary_n trouble_v their_o peace_n and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n see_v it_o more_o plain_o in_o a_o comparison_n of_o god_n own_o make_v and_o apply_v cant_v 2.2_o where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n now_o the_o lily_n be_v a_o tender_a yet_o a_o glorious_a plant_n so_o glorious_a that_o christ_n prefer_v it_o before_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o royalty_n but_o the_o thorn_n be_v a_o shrubbed_a plant_n rough_a and_o full_a of_o prick_n and_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v here_o be_v a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n have_v many_o adversary_n continual_o vex_v it_o like_o so_o many_o prick_a thorn_n in_o her_o side_n even_o on_o every_o side_n round_o about_o she_o see_v it_o also_o in_o a_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v mat._n 13.25_o &c_n &c_n where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o wheat_n among_o tare_n as_o the_o wheat_n be_v among_o tare_n so_o the_o church_n be_v among_o her_o adversary_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o as_o the_o tare_n hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o take_v away_o the_o juce_n from_o the_o good_a corn_n so_o the_o wicked_a disquiet_n the_o church_n and_o seek_v to_o hinder_v and_o keep_v she_o down_o from_o grow_v and_o how_o long_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o why_o till_o the_o harvest_n vers_fw-la 30._o that_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n vers_fw-la 39_o then_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o world_n she_o shall_v be_v encounter_v and_o assault_v with_o many_o adversary_n that_o shall_v seek_v to_o suppress_v it_o as_o the_o tare_n the_o wheat_n see_v it_o yet_o more_o plain_o in_o a_o vision_n reu._n 12._o which_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a and_o empty_a vision_n like_o a_o dream_n but_o a_o behold_n of_o thing_n as_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o vers_fw-la there_o be_v a_o woman_n clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o mo●ne_n under_o her_o foot_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n there_o be_v her_o adversary_n a_o red_a dragon_n red_a with_o wrath_n against_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o adversary_n name_v but_o he_o have_v many_o head_n and_o horn_n that_o be_v many_o complice_n and_o retinue_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n there_o be_v their_o work_n the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v against_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o be_v against_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o vers_fw-la there_o be_v their_o end_n to_o devour_v the_o child_n that_o be_v to_o hinder_v all_o good_a
our_o love_n will_v fail_v too_o so_o also_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v still_o build_v and_o rest_v upon_o they_o in_o all_o our_o cross_n with_o all_o manly_a confidence_n when_o in_o outward_a appearance_n it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v and_o stand_v so_o it_o be_v also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o we_o will_v quiet_o endure_v all_o cross_n and_o opposition_n and_o speak_v against_o of_o sinner_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a deal_n for_o christ_n sake_n last_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o common_o many_o corruption_n break_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n in_o these_o opposition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o job_n who_o be_v a_o just_a and_o upright_o man_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o his_o affliction_n what_o a_o sea_n of_o corruption_n burst_v out_o of_o he_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n have_v so_o many_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o instruction_n use_v 1_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a be_v also_o the_o portion_n of_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a here_o sure_o a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o many_o adversary_n so_o that_o when_o thou_o enterest_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v that_o thou_o enterest_n into_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n and_o a_o world_n of_o opposition_n dream_v not_o therefore_o of_o outward_a peace_n and_o ease_n there_o for_o that_o state_n can_v afford_v it_o but_o look_v for_o war_n and_o bicker_n continual_o either_o within_o or_o without_o either_o with_o one_o enemy_n or_o other_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v pass_v one_o or_o many_o conflict_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o say_v now_o i_o hope_v my_o pain_n be_v past_a but_o be_v sure_a that_o so_o soon_o as_o one_o trouble_n be_v end_v another_o will_v follow_v it_o at_o the_o very_a heel_n a_o state_n of_o worldly_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a estate_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n we_o may_v fear_v that_o the_o devil_n possess_v all_o in_o peace_n there_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n 11.27_o and_o in_o luk._n 6.21_o 22._o he_o say_v bless_a be_v you_o that_o weep_v for_o you_o shall_v laugh_v bless_v be_v you_o when_o man_n hate_v you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o we_o be_v to_o you_o that_o laugh_v now_o for_o you_o shall_v wail_v and_o weep_v woe_n be_v to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o vers_n 25.26_o there_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o reprobate_n do_v we_o laugh_v and_o have_v we_o our_o pleasure_n now_o and_o do_v all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o we_o then_o certain_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o our_o estate_n be_v a_o woeful_a estate_n we_o must_v take_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n that_o to_o who_o abraham_n our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v say_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o pleasure_n to_o those_o shall_v be_v also_o say_v after_o this_o life_n now_o thou_o be_v torment_v luke_n 16._o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o estate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o lazarus_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v have_v our_o pain_n here_o he_o shall_v also_o affirm_v of_o we_o after_o this_o life_n as_o of_o he_o but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v pain_n be_v bitter_a here_o but_o they_o be_v sweet_a hereafter_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n child_n have_v many_o time_n peace_n here_o and_o yet_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o wicked_a may_v have_v many_o cross_n and_o yet_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o cross_n and_o suffering_n that_o befall_v we_o for_o christ_n cause_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n because_o we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o we_o must_v look_v for_o in_o this_o life_n as_o christ_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o luk._n 2.34_o or_o a_o butt_n to_o shoot_v at_o so_o be_v his_o church_n and_o every_o paricular_a member_n and_o this_o be_v it_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o in_o this_o world_n here_o be_v our_o warfare_n in_o heaven_n be_v our_o crown_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v here_o let_v we_o look_v for_o many_o adùersary_n and_o opposition_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v the_o cross_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v into_o hell_n for_o first_o it_o keep_v many_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n what_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o enter_v into_o so_o many_o trouble_n if_o they_o can_v separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o cross_n than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o pharisy_n in_o matth._n 27.42_o that_o say_v let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o so_o these_o man_n if_o you_o can_v separate_v christ_n from_o his_o cross_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o second_o it_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o many_o to_o make_v they_o fly_v away_o from_o the_o church_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n matth._n 26.56_o when_o their_o master_n be_v in_o trouble_n for_o his_o life_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n but_o many_o in_o the_o time_n of_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n fall_v away_o final_o from_o the_o church_n such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n mat._n 13.20.21_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n with_o joy_n for_o a_o time_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n therefore_o when_o persecution_n come_v they_o fall_v away_o three_o it_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o other_o that_o be_v beholder_n of_o these_o opposition_n cause_v they_o to_o pass_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n on_o we_o either_o scoff_o by_o way_n of_o insultation_n as_o they_o do_v over_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 27.43_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n let_v he_o deliver_v he_o now_o if_o he_o will_v have_v he_o for_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o our_o saviour_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n therefore_o they_o scoff_v at_o he_o and_o insult_v over_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o else_o it_o cause_v other_o to_o pass_v hard_a censure_n on_o we_o reproachful_o tax_v we_o as_o notorious_a sinner_n because_o we_o be_v so_o continual_o molest_v as_o they_o do_v of_o our_o saviour_n esa_n 53.34_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v plague_v and_o smite_v of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o act_n 28.4_o they_o judge_v of_o paul_n when_o the_o viper_n hang_v upon_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o live_v thus_o many_o make_v the_o persecution_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o join_v with_o the_o church_n these_o be_v all_o here_o reprove_v use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o duty_n duty_n be_v the_o church_n oppose_v with_o many_o adversary_n than_o we_o must_v learn_v first_o to_o fight_v and_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o ourselves_o with_o good_a spirit_n and_o courage_n against_o all_o our_o adversary_n the_o apostle_n 1_o cor_fw-la 16.13_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a etc._n etc._n see_v we_o be_v match_v with_o so_o many_o adversary_n we_o must_v fight_v manful_o and_o quit_v ourselves_o like_o christian_a man_n for_o shall_v they_o fight_v against_o we_o and_o that_o continual_o and_o shall_v we_o lie_v still_o either_o not_o fight_v at_o all_o or_o if_o we_o begin_v to_o fight_v shall_v we_o like_o coward_n give_v
over_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o trample_v we_o under_o their_o foot_n god_n forbid_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o and_o our_o soul_n into_o our_o enemy_n hand_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v god_n himself_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o his_o cause_n and_o religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n if_o we_o be_v oppose_v in_o a_o outward_a fight_n as_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o to_o strike_v again_o and_o to_o make_v all_o resistance_n where_o we_o shall_v not_o but_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v rather_o yield_v and_o give_v place_n and_o not_o resist_v evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o matth._n 5.39_o etc._n etc._n be_v therefore_o oppose_v as_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o express_a charge_n to_o resist_v and_o fight_v it_o out_o why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o quicken_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n if_o need_v require_v that_o so_o these_o adversary_n may_v not_o have_v their_o will_n on_o us._n second_o as_o we_o must_v fight_v so_o we_o must_v fight_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2_o 5._o that_o be_v as_o we_o must_v fight_v on_o a_o good_a ground_n so_o we_o must_v fight_v by_o good_a and_o lawful_a mean_n when_o we_o come_v to_o have_v bicker_n with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v not_o do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o do_v by_o we_o to_o quit_v they_o like_v for_o like_a if_o they_o wrong_v we_o we_o must_v not_o wrong_v they_o or_o if_o they_o slander_v or_o revile_v or_o overreach_v we_o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o like_a by_o they_o no_o we_o must_v fight_v against_o they_o by_o lawful_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v infallible_a by_o god_n word_n we_o be_v to_o deal_v so_o by_o lawful_a course_n against_o they_o as_o they_o do_v unlawful_o against_o us._n three_o that_o we_o may_v strive_v lawful_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n ephes_n 6.11_o as_o we_o must_v fight_v so_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v our_o adversary_n come_v forth_o arm_v against_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o go_v forth_o naked_a against_o they_o no_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v too_o yea_o they_o be_v in_o complete_a harness_n well_o appoint_v in_o every_o respect_n to_o hurt_v we_o and_o yet_o to_o keep_v themselves_o harmless_a so_o must_v we_o have_v complete_a armour_n too_o from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n we_o must_v have_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n and_o we_o must_v be_v sh●d_v with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o devil_n their_o captain_n so_o must_v we_o by_o god_n our_o captain_n upder_v who_o colour_n we_o fight_v we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v press_v the_o more_o upon_o we_o the_o apostle_n double_v his_o exhortation_n in_o 13._o verse_n and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n take_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n four_o we_o must_v watch_v so_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o be_v sober_a and_o watch_n we_o must_v watch_v for_o first_o our_o adversary_n be_v many_o second_o every_o one_o assault_n three_o they_o watch_v to_o overthrow_v we_o four_a they_o have_v much_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n among_o they_o even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v put_v into_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o watch_v continual_o and_o to_o stand_v on_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n open_a and_o to_o cast_v every_o way_n about_o we_o to_o discover_v and_o prevent_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o remember_v still_o that_o the_o envious_a man_n prevail_v in_o his_o purpose_n against_o the_o good_a seed_n while_o man_n be_v sleep_v matth._n 13.25_o that_o be_v while_o they_o be_v not_o watchful_a and_o wary_a to_o prevent_v he_o the_o five_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v practise_v be_v that_o with_o our_o fight_n and_o watch_v we_o take_v all_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o our_o own_o defence_n we_o must_v learn_v of_o our_o adversary_n who_o be_v exceed_o wise_a in_o do_v evil_a so_o we_o must_v be_v wise_a in_o do_v good_a as_o they_o spy_v out_o their_o best_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o best_a prepare_v and_o when_o it_o will_v be_v most_o for_o their_o benefit_n and_o our_o hurt_n and_o when_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o most_o unprovided_a not_o so_o able_a to_o make_v our_o party_n good_a against_o they_o so_o must_v we_o do_v against_o they_o special_o we_o must_v take_v such_o advantage_n as_o god_n afford_v we_o in_o his_o word_n when_o we_o read_v how_o other_o of_o god_n child_n have_v defend_v themselves_o in_o such_o assault_n let_v we_o take_v advantage_n by_o their_o example_n and_o still_o in_o all_o our_o assault_n let_v we_o lay_v up_o something_o for_o our_o defence_n against_o another_o time_n six_o let_v we_o throw_v away_o all_o hindrance_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o no_o man_n that_o war_v entangle_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n etc._n etc._n soldier_n carry_v little_a with_o they_o to_o the_o war_n but_o cast_v away_o all_o that_o be_v troublesome_a to_o they_o so_o must_v we_o throw_v away_o all_o hindrance_n that_o may_v trouble_v we_o in_o this_o fight_n as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o pleasure_n yea_o and_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v loave_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n too_o and_o throw_v they_o all_o away_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v cumber_v we_o in_o this_o battle_n we_o must_v rid_v our_o hand_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o what_o necessity_n tie_v we_o to_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o encumbrance_n in_o the_o manage_v of_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 9_o 26_o 27._o propound_v himself_o for_o a_o example_n in_o this_o case_n so_o fight_v i_o say_v he_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n etc._n etc._n he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o beat_v down_o his_o body_n and_o so_o cast_v this_o hindrance_n away_o he_o shall_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v throw_v away_o all_o that_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o manage_v of_o this_o spiritual_a fight_n the_o seven_o duty_n be_v confidence_n in_o god_n love_n we_o must_v cast_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ephes_n 6.10_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o we_o in_o this_o our_o battle_n and_o this_o faith_n and_o confidence_n be_v nor_o only_o a_o part_n of_o this_o fight_n but_o the_o very_a victory_n itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 5.4_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v call_v a_o shield_n to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 6._o the_o eight_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v from_o hence_o to_o practice_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevail_v in_o our_o fight_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v psalm_n 56.9_o when_o i_o cry_v than_o my_o enemy_n shall_v turn_v back_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n practise_v in_o his_o spiritual_a fight_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n be_v send_v to_o buffet_v he_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ephes_n 6.18_o exhort_v we_o hereunto_o in_o many_o term_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n we_o must_v have_v help_n and_o strength_n else_o we_o can_v withstand_v our_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o we_o so_o weak_a and_o whence_o shall_v we_o have_v help_n but_o from_o god_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o obtain_v it_o of_o he_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v always_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o fight_n and_o that_o he_o will_v daunt_v and_o draw_v all_o good_a success_n from_o our_o enemy_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o may_v prevail_v against_o they_o exod._n 17.11_o when_o
moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v and_o when_o he_o let_v his_o hand_n down_o amaleck_n prevail_v so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o when_o we_o hold_v up_o our_o hand_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o if_o we_o let_v down_o our_o hand_n neglect_v this_o duty_n this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n they_o will_v prevail_v against_o us._n the_o last_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v hence_o teach_v to_o practice_v be_v patience_n we_o must_v possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fight_n and_o be_v well_o content_a with_o our_o present_a portion_n sigh_v for_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o wait_v the_o lord_n good_a leisure_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o help_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o our_o cross_n and_o a_o seasonable_a and_o joyful_a deliverance_n from_o all_o our_o cross_n and_o a_o recompense_n in_o heaven_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n for_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o do_v here_o endure_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n etc._n etc._n many_o the_o second_o point_n be_v who_o and_o what_o these_o adversary_n be_v sure_o they_o be_v very_o many_o in_o number_n in_o general_n they_o be_v all_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o be_v our_o saviour_n rule_n luke_n 11.23_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o the_o particular_n be_v many_o and_o therefore_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v comprehend_v within_o one_o artificial_a division_n therefore_o take_v every_o one_o by_o themselves_o the_o first_o adversary_n or_o opposite_a be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o be_v such_o as_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o but_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o which_o give_v the_o true_a be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n jesus_n want_v of_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a material_a point_n may_v make_v a_o unwholesome_a and_o a_o unsound_a church_n but_o so_o long_o as_o christ_n jesus_n be_v true_o profess_v they_o be_v true_a church_n the_o turk_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v false_a church_n have_v a_o false_a be_v because_o christ_n be_v not_o profess_v by_o they_o sort_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o only_a infidel_n and_o reprobate_n which_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o god_n choose_v child_n before_o their_o call_n be_v bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n he_o be_v as_o great_a a_o adversary_n against_o the_o church_n till_o he_o be_v call_v as_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v sort_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o opposite_n to_o the_o church_n be_v heretic_n they_o be_v such_o as_o stiff_o maintain_v any_o gross_a opinion_n against_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o the_o church_n some_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.19_o and_o these_o opposite_n be_v of_o all_o sort_n some_o be_v great_a heretic_n other_o less_a and_o according_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o opposite_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o adversary_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n even_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n at_o least_o in_o such_o particular_n as_o they_o oppose_v all_o the_o embracer_n of_o heresy_n be_v enemy_n but_o the_o broacher_n of_o they_o most_o of_o all_o the_o 4_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v schismatic_n sort_n those_o that_o make_v a_o division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 10.34_o that_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o to_o perdition_n these_o be_v dangerous_a adversary_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o divide_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 1.13_o of_o both_o these_o opposite_n the_o heretic_n and_o the_o schismatic_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o now_o as_o heretic_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v schismtike_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o schismatic_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o special_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v the_o five_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v apostate_n sort_n that_o revolt_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o fall_v to_o their_o old_a estate_n of_o nature_n and_o sin_n such_o be_v demas_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o who_o forsake_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o embrace_v this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fearful_a estate_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o if_o they_o so_o persist_v as_o they_o hardly_o ever_o recover_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v of_o such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v hebr._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o which_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n and_o heb._n 10.26_o if_o we_o sin_v willing_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n the_o six_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v persecutor_n sort_n that_o do_v not_o only_o not_o regard_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n but_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o and_o those_o that_o love_v it_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o mean_a degree_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v bloodsucker_n and_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o either_o the_o soul_n of_o professor_n if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o their_o body_n and_o life_n if_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n the_o 7_o sort_n of_o opposite_n be_v hypocrite_n sort_n or_o counterfeit_v such_o as_o pretend_v religion_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o affect_v it_o not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o go_v to_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o single_a and_o sincere_a affection_n if_o these_o be_v minister_n than_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 11.13_o that_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o people_n they_o be_v false_a brethren_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o galat._n 2.4_o that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n to_o spy_v out_o our_o liberty_n these_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n because_o they_o be_v so_o near_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o family_n there_o be_v most_o danger_n by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o household_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o thief_n he_o may_v set_v the_o door_n open_a to_o let_v other_o in_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a as_o first_o be_v least_o suspect_v for_o if_o we_o do_v suspect_v they_o we_o will_v beware_v of_o they_o second_o as_o have_v fit_a opportunity_n to_o do_v we_o mischief_n because_o they_o know_v our_o course_n and_o so_o can_v the_o more_o easy_o betray_v we_o as_o judas_n know_v our_o saviour_n walk_n be_v the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o betray_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n john_n 18.2_o sort_n eight_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v adversary_n to_o the_o church_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o voluntary_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n as_o schismatic_n do_v yet_o be_v they_o worthy_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o these_o be_v in_o a_o fearful_a estate_n for_o they_o have_v no_o comfort_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n they_o can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v of_o as_o opposite_n as_o heathen_n and_o as_o publican_n sort_n nine_o we_o come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o people_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hate_v we_o because_o we_o be_v none_o of_o their_o society_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 15.19_o and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o in_o any_o hand_n fashion_v not_o yourselves_o according_o to_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.2_o these_o be_v
mean_n that_o he_o tender_v to_o we_o for_o our_o relief_n either_o by_o resistance_n or_o by_o escape_n if_o he_o afford_v we_o mean_n to_o fight_v and_o resist_v than_o we_o must_v withstand_v our_o enemy_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n james_n 4.7_o resist_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n if_o god_n tender_a opportunity_n by_o flight_n take_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o mean_n so_o christ_n teach_v we_o matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v into_o another_o and_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n practice_n act_v 9.25_o he_o be_v let_v down_o in_o a_o basket_n through_o the_o wall_n and_o so_o escape_v form_v his_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o of_o flight_n we_o must_v take_v it_o always_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n for_o we_o to_o take_v which_o god_n offer_v we_o opportunity_n of_o and_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o wait_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o it_o four_a we_o must_v cleave_v to_o god_n by_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n make_v and_o keep_v thy_o peace_n always_o with_o god_n whatsoever_o thou_o do_v keep_v he_o thy_o friend_n whosoever_o be_v thy_o enemy_n and_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v by_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o then_o he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o carry_v thou_o in_o their_o hand_n that_o nothing_o may_v hurt_v thou_o psalm_n 91.11_o 12._o and_o psalm_n 34.7_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o deliver_v they_o if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o labour_n to_o please_v he_o than_o thy_o enemy_n may_v go_v about_o thou_o again_o and_o again_o seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o but_o still_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o tent_n of_o god_n angel_n every_o where_o round_a about_o thou_o to_o deliver_v thou_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o every_o thing_n use_v 3_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v sure_o very_o wary_o and_o suspicious_o for_o fear_v leave_v the_o enemy_n have_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o they_o to_o entrap_v thou_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o use_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o sanctify_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v if_o not_o for_o any_o good_a and_o blessing_n that_o we_o expect_v by_o they_o yet_o at_o least_o for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o the_o enemy_n intend_v against_o we_o in_o they_o special_o we_o be_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o very_o wary_o to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o enemy_n most_o dangerous_a such_o enemy_n as_o be_v ever_o seek_v or_o ready_a to_o seek_v thy_o destruction_n have_v little_a to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o even_o as_o thou_o needs_o must_v and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a from_o their_o danger_n learn_v christ_n lesson_n matth._n 10.17_o beware_v of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o follow_v his_o example_n joh._n 2.24_o when_o many_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o of_o his_o miracle_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o there_o be_v many_o more_o particular_a duty_n to_o be_v learn_v hence_o but_o because_o they_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o next_o point_n we_o will_v refer_v they_o thither_o adversary_n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o four_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v herself_o to_o her_o adversary_n they_o must_v not_o cowardly_o lie_v down_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o trample_v on_o they_o but_o they_o must_v oppose_v against_o they_o and_o that_o not_o rash_o and_o desperate_o and_o presumptuous_o hand_n overhead_n but_o as_o their_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o religious_a so_o must_v they_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o i_o will_v deliver_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n take_v it_o thus_o god_n church_n and_o choose_a must_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o course_n against_o their_o adversary_n that_o they_o may_v manage_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o they_o such_o as_o may_v well_o beseem_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o apostle_n bid_v timothy_n fight_v out_o the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fight_n that_o we_o be_v put_v to_o and_o we_o must_v fight_v it_o out_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fight_n of_o faith_n first_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v it_o that_o be_v special_o strike_v at_o by_o our_o enemy_n and_o maintain_v by_o we_o and_o also_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a weapon_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o fight_v so_o likewise_o the_o fight_n we_o make_v must_v be_v a_o good_a fight_n well_o manage_v in_o every_o respect_n and_o that_o timothy_n may_v see_v that_o paul_n charge_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o he_o practise_v in_o himself_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v do_v so_o and_o take_v his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o it_o be_v 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v etc._n etc._n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n except_o we_o will_v be_v devour_v by_o satan_n and_o carry_v quick_a to_o hell_n we_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o that_o in_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o steadfast_a resistance_n in_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6.10_o have_v exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o strong_a if_o he_o be_v not_o well_o appoin_v with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n may_v be_v overthrow_v therefore_o in_o the_o 11._o verse_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o fight_v furnish_v we_o with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n and_o discretion_n how_o to_o use_v they_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n fight_n &c_n &c_n now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o our_o adversary_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o fight_n second_o bow_v we_o be_v to_o do_v it_o first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o double_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n defensive_a and_o offensive_a we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o to_o oppose_v our_o adversary_n thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6._o make_v mention_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n reckon_v up_o not_o only_o a_o shield_n and_o a_o helmet_n but_o a_o sword_n too_o the_o first_o work_n then_o to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n be_v defensive_a we_o be_v to_o save_v ourselves_o harmless_a for_o we_o be_v dear_a and_o tender_a to_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v defend_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o the_o best_a we_o can_v this_o counsel_n the_o apostle_n john_n give_v we_o in_o his_o 2._o epistle_n verse_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o counsel_v for_o our_o bodily_a preservation_n matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v unto_o another_o and_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o not_o one_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n shall_v perish_v we_o be_v to_o use_v all_o the_o good_a mean_n we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v otherwise_o matth._n 26.53_o he_o will_v not_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o may_v have_v have_v legion_n of_o angel_n to_o defend_v he_o i_o answer_v the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v thus_o yield_v as_o you_o may_v see_v vers_n 54._o he_o do_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v but_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o if_o lawful_o we_o can_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o god_n will_v have_v our_o life_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fin_n in_o that_o case_n to_o seek_v to_o save_v they_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n to_o loose_v they_o as_o we_o see_v matth._n 10.39_o and_o howsoever_o we_o ourselves_o speed_v though_o we_o do_v loose_v our_o life_n
spiritual_a for_o you_o see_v how_o vzziah_n be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o priest_n office_n 2_o chron._n 26.16_o to_o the_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v well_o he_o escape_v so_o for_o by_o the_o law_n he_o deserve_a death_n numb_a 18.7_o word_n the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unbounded_a but_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o scantle_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v set_v mark_n and_o bound_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o overflow_v they_o job_n 38.11_o he_o have_v also_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n certain_a mark_n limit_n and_o bound_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o the_o church_n must_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n have_v power_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n contain_v herself_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o limit_n it_o go_v well_o with_o she_o god_n prosper_v she_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v a_o blessing_n to_o she_o but_o if_o she_o go_v beyond_o these_o bound_n and_o transgress_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a case_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v all_o fly_v a_o sunder_o the_o wall_n and_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o boar_n and_o wild_a beast_n enter_v in_o and_o spoil_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o all_o god_n yoke_n be_v shake_v off_o and_o then_o man_n run_v into_o strange_a outrageous_a unwarrantable_a and_o exorbitant_a course_n fit_a for_o lawless_a infidel_n then_o for_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n church_n will_v be_v degenerate_a into_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o ignorance_n superstition_n profaneness_n and_o mere_a licentiousness_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v antichrist_n himself_o have_v clyme_v up_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n 1_o sam._n 15.23_o because_o that_o they_o have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o yoke_n and_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n therefore_o god_n will_v reject_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o from_o be_v his_o church_n the_o church_n therefore_o must_v consider_v like_o a_o modest_a spouse_n that_o she_o have_v power_n indeed_o but_o to_o what_o to_o that_o that_o she_o will_v and_o list_v herself_o no_o but_o to_o that_o which_o christ_n her_o husband_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o her_o power_n she_o walk_v with_o god_n she_o may_v go_v on_o safe_o and_o bold_o but_o if_o when_o god_n stay_v she_o will_v not_o stay_v but_o still_o go_v on_o forward_o at_o her_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_v power_n and_o authority_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o people_n but_o king_n and_o prince_n must_v obey_v it_o i_o say_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o person_n that_o exercise_v this_o power_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n and_o nathan_n the_o person_n of_o nathan_n be_v subject_a to_o david_n and_o yet_o david_n subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o reproof_n second_o as_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o mean_a but_o to_o the_o high_a so_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o inward_a also_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o to_o that_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o in_o christ_n name_n do_v exercise_v last_o whereas_o no_o other_o authority_n or_o power_n reach_v so_o high_a as_o heaven_n or_o so_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o both_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n and_o again_o it_o release_v out_o of_o satan_n law_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n what_o manner_n of_o power_n this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v this_o namely_o what_o be_v it_o admit_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o double_a power_n one_o over_o person_n and_o another_o over_o thing_n over_o person_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n either_o as_o they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n as_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n also_o either_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n or_o as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n too_o either_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n or_o to_o repel_v and_o refuse_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o answer_n be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v act_v 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o to_o many_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o see_v the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v within_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n thereof_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a you_o shall_v know_v it_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o act_n 8.12_o 37._o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v philip_n which_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o verse_n 37._o philip_n say_v to_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v then_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &c_n &c_n 38._o and_o he_o baptize_v he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n matth._n 3.6_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v together_o act_v 2.37.38_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v peter_n say_v unto_o they_o amend_v your_o life_n and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v necessary_o imply_v purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o so_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v precise_o require_v exod._n 19.5_o to_o the_o 8._o where_o the_o lord_n send_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o before_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o which_o agree_v the_o practice_n of_o josiah_n and_o the_o people_n in_o the_o case_n of_o reformation_n or_o renew_v their_o admission_n when_o they_o have_v break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o he_o renew_v the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o act_n of_o admission_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v baptism_n admission_n mat._n 3.6_o act._n 8.37_o 38_o act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n above_o three_o thousand_o soul_n now_o this_o act_n be_v once_o receive_v be_v never_o to_o be_v recall_v though_o the_o covenant_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v and_o break_v for_o one_o entrance_n stand_v good_a for_o our_o whole_a estate_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o i_o fall_v after_o baptism_n and_o that_o so_o greivous_o as_o that_o i_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o return_v again_o away_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a but_o not_o baptism_n no_o more_o than_o circumcision_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o ligh_o esteem_v it_o some_o of_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o they_o pretend_v challenge_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a yea_o indeed_o a_o superior_a authority_n to_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n spripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuse_v here_o be_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v some_o authority_n concern_v scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o but_o that_o it_o have_v authority_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o will_v draw_v this_o point_n into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n which_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o above_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o place_n that_o prove_v one_o prove_v both_o joh._n 4.39_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n have_v have_v conference_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n she_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 39_o verse_n that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 41._o verse_n that_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o christ_n own_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o woman_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n she_o believe_v in_o christ_n herself_o propound_v he_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n well_o the_o people_n believe_v for_o her_o say_n but_o do_v they_o rest_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o for_o verse_n 41._o many_o more_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o word_n and_o verse_n 42._o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o their_o faith_n disclaim_v the_o former_a as_o insufficient_a now_o say_v they_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n voice_n to_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n can_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a assurance_n now_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n bring_v we_o thereto_o and_o itself_o lean_v thereon_o for_o if_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o than_o i_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o church_n say_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n stand_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o
yet_o of_o his_o own_o by_o possession_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v have_v judgement_n of_o his_o own_o too_o for_o faith_n without_o judgement_n be_v blind_a presumption_n and_o must_v i_o not_o rest_v on_o my_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o why_o not_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n too_o that_o be_v on_o god_n judgement_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v my_o mind_n and_o soul_n withal_o object_n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v this_o be_v strange_a say_v they_o we_o hear_v they_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o assure_v himself_o have_v one_o answ_n no_o more_o warrant_n than_o another_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a so_o far_o we_o do_v acquit_v all_o the_o faithful_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n final_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o strangeness_n at_o all_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v this_o point_n the_o five_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o plainness_n sake_n concern_v person_n we_o have_v do_v concern_v thing_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n matter_n of_o substance_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o have_v speak_v namely_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o last_o point_n concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n for_o though_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n either_o express_o or_o at_o least_o by_o sound_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n yet_o because_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v and_o confident_o avouch_v that_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n to_o ordain_v they_o and_o because_o some_o church_n have_v usurp_v and_o encroach_v upon_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n then_o ever_o be_v grant_v or_o comit_v to_o they_o from_o god_n therefore_o in_o handle_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o point_n also_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o concern_v faith_n teach_v we_o what_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o concern_v obedience_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o practice_v in_o each_o of_o these_o the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n where_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n go_v before_o and_o where_o she_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o according_o but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o any_o thing_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o kind_n there_o the_o church_n must_v be_v silent_a too_o and_o not_o desire_v to_o speak_v we_o will_v deliver_v the_o matter_n plain_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o doct._n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_n and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n either_o for_o faith_n or_o for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n for_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o head_n first_o sort_n some_o place_n ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o sort_n commend_v we_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o itself_o the_o three_o sort_n condemn_v all_o add_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o last_o sort_n condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v the_o first_o that_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o alone_o they_o be_v these_o james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o ordain_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o give_v law_n law_n i_o say_v of_o the_o high_a kind_n such_o as_o we_o must_v live_v and_o be_v save_v by_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o give_v these_o law_n he_o only_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o so_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v there_o describe_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o lawgiver_n now_o the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v give_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o beside_o those_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n another_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v matth._n 23.8_o 10._o be_v not_o call_v doctor_n and_o be_v not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o doctor_n and_o master_n and_o who_o be_v that_o but_o christ_n himself_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v our_o doctor_n and_o to_o be_v our_o master_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a doctor_n and_o master_n he_o alone_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o joh._n 1.18_o the_o office_n of_o reveal_v god_n to_o man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o christ_n he_o only_o declare_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v there_o employ_v because_o he_o only_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o only_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v it_o so_o that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o reveal_v any_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n he_o must_v show_v that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o god_n bosom_n else_o he_o neither_o must_v nor_o can_v speak_v in_o this_o business_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v already_o reveal_v that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o which_o ever_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v precise_o tie_v and_o and_o confine_v to_o this_o scantling_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n teacher_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v first_o teach_v the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o minister_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o matth._n 20.28_o that_o and_o nothing_o beside_o that_o yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n special_a and_o chief_a deputy_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v that_o to_o the_o people_n john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v glorify_v christ_n in_o this_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o teach_v aught_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n much_o more_o if_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o scantling_n too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o deut._n 18.15_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n unto_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o from_o among_o you_o even_o of_o your_o brethren_n unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v and_o this_o prophet_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n prove_v act_n 3.17_o and_o this_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n own_o sheep_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10.6.27_o and_o his_o only_a and_o not_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o scripture_n script_n the_o second_o sort_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v such_o as_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o
perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v in_o such_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o opposition_n in_o this_o point_n for_o that_o sufficiency_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o scripture_n it_o disanull_v all_o such_o power_n challenge_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n disanull_v that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a as_o we_o will_v prove_v by_o these_o place_n follow_v john_n 20.31_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o thing_n that_o christ_n speak_v and_o do_v be_v not_o write_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o write_v for_o quantity_n and_o enough_o for_o power_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a enough_o for_o all_o matter_n of_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o the_o whole_a scripture_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v and_o to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n here_o be_v reckon_v up_o such_o special_a work_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o teach_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o these_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n true_a say_v the_o papist_n they_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v profitable_a to_o these_o but_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a yes_o it_o be_v sufficient_a too_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o profitable_a to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o that_o thereby_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o every_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v so_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o 15._o verse_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o absolute_o forbid_v any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n from_o scripture_n as_o in_o deut_n 4.2_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v put_v nothing_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o commend_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o pro._n 30.6_o put_v nothing_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n revel_v 22.18_o 19_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n now_o than_o if_o the_o church_n can_v decree_v any_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n and_o not_o add_v to_o scripture_n nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o than_o they_o may_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o prohibition_n but_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a as_o it_o be_v than_o this_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o point_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n galat._n 3.15_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n testament_n no_o man_n will_v add_v to_o it_o much_o less_o to_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v those_o that_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n esa_n 29.13_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a complaint_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o against_o the_o people_n there_o because_o the_o religion_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o matth._n 15.9_o christ_n utter_o reject_v this_o worship_n as_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a when_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4._o scripture_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o be_v self-conceit_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n yea_o and_o not_o only_a when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o ordinary_a man_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o apostle_n nay_o a_o angel_n if_o they_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n not_o only_o that_o be_v against_o this_o but_o beside_o this_o which_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n hold_v he_o accurse_v galat._n 1.8_o 9_o so_o that_o if_o any_o either_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n deliver_v or_o teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v but_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o carry_v always_o a_o just_a correspondency_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o who_o saying_n man_n no_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o god_n speak_v faith_n hear_v it_o and_o most_o willing_o and_o sweet_o believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o but_o what_o any_o else_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o church_n or_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o powerful_a to_o beget_v save_v faith_n so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o refuse_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n and_o god_n speak_v it_o not_o second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o state_n reas_n 2_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v this_o god_n have_v endue_v our_o conscience_n through_o his_o mercy_n and_o ordinance_n with_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v the_o conscience_n well_o rectify_v yield_v to_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n which_o necessary_o must_v be_v obey_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n only_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o prescript_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n feel_v not_o the_o command_a power_n of_o god_n to_o oversway_v it_o and_o therefore_o may_v and_o must_v and_o do_v take_v the_o benefit_n of_o her_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o corinth_n 3.23_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o they_o be_v matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sure_a ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o church_n be_v itself_o subject_a to_o error_n where_o i●_n build_v not_o upon_o scripture_n be_v unable_a therefore_o to_o afford_v any_o such_o warrant_n therefore_o without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o thing_n reas_n 4_o four_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v herein_o in_o ordane_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n she_o do_v enjoin_v it_o with_o condition_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o let_v they_o be_v accurse_v that_o do_v it_o not_o but_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v threaten_v by_o any_o but_o those_o that_o have_v power_n to_o inflict_v it_o but_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n of_o herself_o to_o inflict_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o she_o to_o threaten_v it_o the_o church_n indeed_o threaten_v it_o in_o excommunication_n but_o that_o be_v not_o of_o herself_o but_o under_o god_n and_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v also_o able_a to_o inflict_v it_o as_o he_o be_v to_o threaten_v it_o in_o his_o word_n but_o we_o speak_v here_o of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n and_o therein_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o inflict_v no_o not_o instrumental_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n therefore_o not_o to_o threaten_v damnation_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o to_o decree_v any_o such_o thing_n reas_n 5_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o a_o rule_n of_o
proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n o●_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o 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papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o upon_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o such_o place_n 54._o as_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o revive_v and_o renew_v those_o that_o be_v before_o and_o that_o not_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o with_o and_o by_o the_o word_n this_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o instance_n the_o article_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v for_o many_o year_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n come_v they_o revive_v it_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o it_o but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v near_a home_n after_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o obscure_v &_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o year_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o luther_n and_o other_o which_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o that_o clear_a light_n that_o it_o be_v in_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v this_o to_o make_v new_a article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
and_o this_o rule_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o same_o power_n so_o the_o point_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v certain_a outward_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o some_o reas_n 1_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o church_n no_o religion_n can_v possible_o be_v carry_v without_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o who_o shall_v ordain_v these_o but_o themselves_o as_o best_o know_v their_o own_o state_n as_o in_o a_o private_a family_n who_o shall_v ordain_v order_n for_o it_o but_o those_o of_o the_o family_n second_o no_o right_n be_v universal_a to_o hold_v every_o reas_n 2_o where_o in_o all_o church_n no_o that_o be_v impossible_a because_o diverse_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a state_n and_o therefore_o every_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n for_o themselves_o three_o no_o ceremony_n be_v perpetual_a in_o one_o and_o the_o reas_n 3_o same_o church_n every_o church_n in_o time_n differ_v from_o itself_o by_o the_o change_n of_o occasion_n and_o state_n and_o then_o the_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o now_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o their_o state_n shall_v require_v last_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ordain_v reas_n 4_o certain_a rite_n the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n now_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o of_o he_o if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v let_v they_o show_v where_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o give_v the_o church_n now_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o use_v 1_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o take_v their_o liberty_n herein_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v bound_v and_o bridle_v that_o they_o go_v not_o too_o far_o either_o for_o multitude_n unprofitablenesse_n superstiton_n or_o the_o like_a the_o limit_n and_o bound_n therefore_o that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o in_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o be_v these_o first_o they_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n word_n second_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o heretofore_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o do_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o four_o they_o must_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o church_n must_v be_v wary_a herein_o for_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a yet_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o 32._o five_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 26._o last_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o as_o in_o exod._n 28.40_o aaron_n son_n must_v have_v coat_n and_o girdle_n and_o bonnet_n make_v they_o for_o glory_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n do_v aim_v at_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o end_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o the_o last_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v bridle_v thyself_o from_o dislike_n special_o from_o refusal_n yet_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o offend_v the_o weak_a herein_o be_v wisdom_n yet_o rather_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n though_o with_o offence_n for_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v none_o offence_n because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o i_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v then_o to_o be_v do_v must_v he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n no_o first_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v second_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n three_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v overbear_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n till_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o then_o in_o disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o disobey_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n except_o i_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a now_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v doubtful_a of_o now_o shall_v i_o run_v into_o a_o know_a sin_n because_o i_o will_v avoid_v a_o sin_n only_o fear_v so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o point_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o eyghth_n point_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o six_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o 9_o point_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o handle_v 8._o of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nine_o and_o that_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o knnow_v of_o those_o congreagtion_n that_o profess_v not_o christianity_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o pagan_n that_o profess_v heathenish_a religion_n no_o christian_n the_o jew_n that_o profess_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o turk_n that_o profess_v that_o abominable_a idol_n mahomet_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n these_o we_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o the_o outward_a name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v assembly_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o have_v no_o christ_n not_o somuch_o as_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n that_o be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v have_v be_v so_o plain_o and_o full_o deliver_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v easy_o apply_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o those_o that_o be_v religious_a &_o judicious_a but_o yet_o because_o diverse_a christian_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a condition_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o as_o well_o in_o time_n as_o in_o place_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a reach_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n both_o in_o teacher_n &_o hearer_n be_v this_o to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o stand_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o for_o your_o better_a direction_n both_o to_o help_v your_o judgement_n concern_v other_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v your_o resolution_n church_n touch_v the_o goodness_n and_o soundness_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o live_v in_o i_o will_v endeavour_v god_n will_v to_o make_v application_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o to_o all_o church_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o church_n of_o we_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v twofold_a first_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o so_o some_o be_v eastern_a and_o the_o
that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 4_o four_o this_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o father_n that_o have_v live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n church_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v in_o no_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v save_v far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o no_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o live_v in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o where_o sound_a in_o those_o time_n and_o now_o save_v they_o attain_v not_o to_o that_o high_a strain_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o do_v that_o they_o do_v ignorant_o or_o whether_o they_o do_v challenge_v or_o disclaim_v their_o merit_n on_o their_o death_n bed_n many_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n disclaim_v their_o merit_n now_o though_o that_o point_n now_o be_v more_o stiff_o defend_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n then_o ever_o it_o be_v 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well_o as_o by_o the_o spaniard_n oh_o miserable_a state_n what_o a_o bloody_a government_n and_o a_o bloody_a religion_n too_o whereby_o they_o have_v make_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v abhor_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_a so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v exceed_o unsound_a and_o pollute_a with_o many_o foul_a error_n etc._n etc._n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o it_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o inference_n of_o the_o former_a that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o she_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v some_o unsoundnesse_n in_o it_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n or_o both_o as_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o have_v some_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n in_o it_o but_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o unsound_a that_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v this_o a_o day_n maintain_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n to_o be_v have_v with_o they_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n without_o certain_a danger_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n we_o will_v proceed_v in_o the_o proof_n hereof_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o practice_n be_v both_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a we_o may_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o neither_o first_o god_n commandment_n show_v it_o for_o their_o doctrine_n be_v otherwise_o then_o that_o which_o paul_n teach_v as_o before_o be_v show_v they_o must_v be_v hold_v accurse_a gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o shall_v we_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o salvation_n as_o we_o must_v hold_v accurse_v as_o enemy_n thereto_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o express_a separation_n enjoin_v if_o any_o teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent●th_v not_o to_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o such_o separate_a thyself_o second_o they_o be_v wilful_a in_o their_o error_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v shake_v ●ff_n titus_n 3.10.11_o reject_v he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n three_o their_o sin_n be_v idolatrous_a therefore_o they_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v flee_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 10.14_o sly_a from_o idolatry_n 1_o john_n 5.21_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n yea_o the_o place_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resort_v to_o hosea_n 4.15_o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n sin_n come_v not_o you_o to_o gilgal_n neither_o go_v you_o up_o to_o bethaven_n etc._n etc._n nay_o those_o that_o be_v there_o must_v come_v forth_o from_o among_o they_o and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o unclean_a thing_n isaiah_n 48.20_o and_o 52.11_o jer._n 51.8_o go_v you_o out_o of_o babel_n &c_n &c_n and_o that_o not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o literal_a babel_n in_o the_o deliverance_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o mystical_a babel_n the_o very_a subject_n now_o in_o hand_n and_o that_o with_o a_o fearful_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n revel_v 18.4_o go_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n ●●_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n four_a the_o wickedn_n of_o their_o life_n be_v very_o great_a we_o be_v to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o enforce_v a_o separation_n from_o 2_o whole_a church_n for_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o the_o forsake_v of_o a_o whole_a church_n then_o of_o some_o private_a man_n yet_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a it_o make_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o very_o warrantable_a second_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a prove_v
esa_n 9.21_o and_o so_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o both_o against_o our_o church_n of_o england_n each_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o open_a mouth_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o stand_v therein_o and_o the_o papist_n think_v we_o can_v justify_v our_o self_n against_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n boast_v that_o we_o can_v acquit_v ourselves_o of_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o popery_n here_o than_o be_v our_o present_a task_n how_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o adversary_n that_o we_o may_v fall_v foul_a on_o neither_o they_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o both_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o several_a quarrel_n and_o each_o do_v manage_v a_o several_a fight_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v frame_v our_o several_a defence_n according_o against_o they_o the_o papist_n he_o strike_v main_o against_o our_o religion_n the_o very_a life_n of_o our_o church_n the_o separatist_n strike_v special_o at_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n the_o exception_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o altogether_o unjust_a and_o untrue_a us._n that_o of_o the_o separatist_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o more_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n but_o be_v much_o less_o dangerous_a first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o papist_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o two_o and_o his_o quarrel_n the_o great_a and_o because_o he_o except_v against_o our_o religion_n we_o will_v balance_v their_o religion_n and_o we_o together_o and_o so_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n and_o join_v in_o this_o issue_n whether_o their_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o we_o or_o our_o religion_n better_o than_o they_o and_o because_o false_a balance_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v disclaim_v they_o carnal_a reason_n outward_a pomp_n plausible_a show_n and_o probability_n be_v deceitful_a weight_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o use_n let_v we_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o equal_a and_o true_a weight_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v by_o such_o spiritual_a and_o sound_a consideration_n as_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o try_v by_o it_o be_v tedious_a if_o not_o infinite_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o i_o will_v therefore_o cull_v out_o six_o or_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a for_o instance_n and_o thereby_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v weigh_v they_o in_o four_o exceptionlesse_a balance_n and_o make_v it_o plain_a god_n willing_a in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o instance_n by_o every_o of_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o our_o religion_n will_v hold_v weight_n full_a weight_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o they_o be_v too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o beam_n balance_n the_o four_o balance_n that_o we_o will_v weigh_v these_o instance_n in_o be_v first_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n second_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n three_o the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n four_o the_o balance_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o which_o we_o will_v weigh_v in_o these_o balance_n be_v these_o be_v the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n the_o second_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n against_o man_n freewill_n the_o three_o be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n of_o merit_n the_o four_o be_v of_o christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n the_o five_o be_v 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above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n and_o see_v how_o god_n glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_a for_o thereby_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v provide_v most_o bountiful_o and_o sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o need_v no_o addition_n and_o thereby_o god_n shall_v rule_v by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o law_n and_o be_v worship_v by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n great_a honour_n but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o prefer_v or_o equal_v the_o church_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o mingle_v tradition_n with_o god_n word_n and_o all_o this_o glory_n shall_v be_v much_o eclipse_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v of_o god_n freegrace_n balance_n against_o man_n freewill_n admit_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v or_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o will_n or_o towardliness_n to_o good_a in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o right_o and_o true_o glorify_v if_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o no_o not_o to_o think_v well_o but_o that_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v both_o from_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o abilty_a or_o desire_n or_o endeavour_n but_o as_o we_o be_v effectual_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o our_o work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v here_o do_v to_o god_n be_v whole_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n alone_o but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o avouch_v that_o there_o be_v some_o freedom_n in_o our_o own_o will_n to_o good_a than_o god_n do_v the_o less_o for_o we_o and_o so_o do_v the_o less_o glorify_v himself_o on_o we_o extol_v man_n in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o dishonour_n god_n but_o dishonour_n man_n herein_o and_o extol_v god_n the_o three_o instance_n be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n balance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o we_o 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unto_o we_o the_o sufficiency_n script_n three_o such_o as_o forbid_v any_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o the_o scripture_n four_o such_o as_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n rhemist_n 15_o act_n ●_o the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n may_v coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v about_o article_n of_o faith_n hyper_n 6●_n hyper_n 54._o second_o that_o the_o church_n make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n which_o the_o papist_n hold_v this_o confute_v by_o diverse_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v prove_v by_o diverse_a thing_n four_o concern_v custom_n the_o father_n judgement_n concern_v custom_n five_o concern_v tradition_n how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v answer_n to_o the_o popish_a tenant_n concern_v traditition_n answer_n 1._o ob._n answer_v wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n answ_n 2._o answ_n 3._o their_o proof_n out_o of_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o answe_n answ_n 4._o the_o scripture_n the_o so_o only_o rule_v of_o say_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o all_o church_n general_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a trial_n of_o every_o truth_n how_o every_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n one_o of_o miracle_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v concern_v the_o same_o second_o of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o or_o second_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o what_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v therein_o the_o bound_n the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o ordain_v matter_n of_o ceremony_n 1._o 2._o use_v 2._o 1._o the_o nine_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o church_n viz._n the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n into_o eastern_a and_o westenrne_a and_o this_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_n and_o some_o latin_a church_n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n what_o a_o schismatic_a church_n be_v heretical_a church_n first_o what_o they_o be_v and_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n heresy_n of_o 2._o sort_n first_o such_o 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the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n account_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n viz_o succession_n of_o bishop_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o perserue_v of_o his_o church_n see_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n the_o misery_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n in_o many_o particular_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o persecution_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n 1._o a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n 2._o it_o overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o please_a religion_n for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v such_o famous_a church_n to_o come_v to_o ruin_v apply_v to_o us._n the_o western_a church_n and_o first_o of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o hold_v with_o she_o and_o what_o ma●_n be_v say_v and_o hold_v of_o she_o deliver_v in_o 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the_o 2._o observation_n wherein_o be_v further_o delire_v what_o may_v be_v say_v and_o hold_v further_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o this_o that_o be_v speak_v against_o thou_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a factor_n corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reduce_v to_o 2._o sort_n 1._o matter_n of_o doctrine_n reduce_v to_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n four_o head_n 1_o concern_v scripture_n and_o their_o error_n therein_o three_o thing_n 1_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o way_n 1_o teach_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n three_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n 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