give_v assent_v 3._o they_o give_v assent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o promise_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n ep._n to_o his_o declare_v of_o a_o man_n estate_n and_o add_v mark_v here_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o not_o save_v faith_n either_o first_o that_o the_o call_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o renounce_v idol_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n hystorical_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o depend_v on_o christ_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o salvation_n be_v no_o real_a work_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o common_a sense_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a with_o our_o eye_n or_o second_o that_o these_o common_a work_n be_v also_o save_v work_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o experience_n which_o sad_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n may_v go_v so_o far_o and_o yet_o no_o further_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o else_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n or_o three_o that_o these_o common_a grace_n do_v not_o real_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o this_o will_v be_v against_o what_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v or_o four_o and_o last_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o worker_n of_o these_o common_a effect_n by_o his_o word_n which_o will_v indeed_o be_v against_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o those_o know_v and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o amesius_n hence_o say_v he_o even_o visible_a 168._o hinc_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etiam_fw-la visibiles_fw-la &_o particulares_fw-la ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la quam_fw-la profiteutur_fw-la rect_v è_fw-fr dicun_fw-fr tur_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la patre_fw-la &_o in_fw-la domino_fw-la jesus_n christo_fw-la 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o 2_o thes_n 1._o 1._o medul_a p._n 168._o and_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o also_o i_o may_v add_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la qua_fw-la but_o ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la quam_fw-la profitentur_fw-la that_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n which_o they_o profess_v through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v rectè_fw-la or_o true_o say_v to_o be_v in_o god_n without_o any_o further_a consideration_n of_o any_o save_a grace_n by_o which_o they_o believe_v receive_v from_o he_o chap._n vii_o the_o argument_n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o efficient_a be_v take_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o cause_n efficient_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o dispensation_n or_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o thus_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a influence_n therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o his_o body_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o connexion_n here_o be_v most_o evident_a but_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o the_o antecedent_n require_v as_o well_o a_o modest_a inquisition_n as_o strong_a demonstration_n see_v it_o be_v easy_o note_v to_o cross_v many_o plain_a expression_n of_o eminent_a divine_n in_o this_o antecedent_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a branch_n first_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o pass_v second_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o consider_v without_o necessary_a respect_v to_o save_a influence_n this_o be_v my_o task_n which_o i_o shall_v humble_o undertake_v after_o i_o have_v get_v a_o fair_a understanding_n with_o my_o reader_n therein_o for_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v heed_v that_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n full_o without_o save_a influence_n but_o as_o it_o be_v express_v true_o i._n e._n in_o some_o measure_n true_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o observe_v that_o true_o here_o stand_v not_o in_o opposition_n to_o mystical_o but_o to_o false_o or_o to_o seem_o only_a for_o though_o our_o divine_n do_v usual_o mean_v by_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o doubtless_o master_n cotton_n as_o be_v well_o note_v of_o he_o by_o other_o also_o do_v not_o speak_v improper_o when_o he_o term_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n a_o mystical_a body_n and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o visible_a church_n though_o not_o particular_a may_v also_o challenge_v the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n than_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v its_o mystical_a head_n beside_o if_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o none_o do_v doubt_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o head_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v physical_o or_o mathematical_o take_v which_o none_o will_v affirm_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o mystical_o 3._o further_o may_v it_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n to_o the_o church_n true_o without_o save_v influence_n in_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o any_o will_v assert_v a_o church_n invisible_a i_o be_o not_o bind_v at_o all_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o say_v that_o this_o church_n invisible_a also_o have_v true_a influence_n from_o its_o head_n christ_n which_o be_v not_o save_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v imagine_v 4._o last_o neither_o do_v i_o offer_v to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n visible_a without_o save_a influence_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o consider_v without_o respect_n thereunto_o see_v there_o be_v influence_n not_o save_v which_o yet_o descend_v from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n upon_o his_o body_n the_o church_n and_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n because_o in_o whatsoever_o sense_n christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o leave_v the_o influence_n of_o a_o head_n upon_o his_o church_n the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o body_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v true_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o christ_n do_v real_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n when_o he_o do_v not_o give_v save_v grace_n it_o will_v thence_o easy_o follow_v of_o itself_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o his_o body_n without_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v thus_o true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n i_o think_v appear_v thus_o arg._n 1._o christ_n true_o dispense_v gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o many_o particular_a member_n thereof_o arg._n 1_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v as_o he_o be_v a_o head_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a influence_n the_o antecedent_n which_o be_v alone_z to_o be_v prove_v have_v three_o part_n 1._o that_o christ_n do_v true_o dispense_v gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o none_o that_o know_v what_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n preach_v heal_a etc._n etc._n or_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o illumination_n conviction_n common_a faith_n and_o common_a love_n be_v will_v offer_v to_o deny_v 2._o that_o christ_n bestow_v these_o both_o gift_n and_o grace_n upon_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v this_o also_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o 1._o concerngift_n in_o judas_n and_o in_o those_o that_o be_v reserve_v to_o cry_v out_o another_o day_n we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v 22_o mat._n 7._o 22_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o second_o concern_v grace_n if_o we_o but_o once_o shall_v think_v upon_o that_o sad_a catalogue_n the_o apostle_n record_v heb._n 6_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o christ_n bestow_v these_o gift_n and_o grace_n not_o save_v 57_o profession_n of_o say_v before_o a_o visible_a church_n unit_v to_o christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o the_o person_n be_v sincere_a or_o no_o cobbet_n of_o inf._n bapt._n p._n 57_o as_o a_o head_n which_o be_v also_o very_o evident_a 1._o because_o they_o be_v gift_n and_o grace_n abound_v in_o the_o church_n alone_o 2._o because_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o ordinance_n which_o
sometime_o fit_a and_o sometime_o not_o fit_v when_o the_o church_n be_v a_o actual_a meeting_n and_o not_o fit_a when_o she_o have_v adjourn_v to_o another_o time_n therefore_o this_o definition_n a_o society_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v fit_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n both_o of_o the_o universal_a and_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o state_n thereof_o it_o may_v i_o think_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a definition_n thereof_o now_o to_o draw_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o further_o intimate_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v true_o consider_v to_o be_v such_o and_o true_o applicable_a to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n as_o appear_v to_o the_o very_a first_o glance_n of_o our_o observation_n from_o the_o definition_n fix_v upon_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v â—ut_v of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o will_v be_v so_o venturous_a as_o to_o question_v either_o the_o fitness_n of_o this_o definition_n or_o its_o applicablenesse_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o part_n that_o be_v either_o essential_a or_o necessary_a or_o fit_a for_o this_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v appear_v before_o to_o be_v thus_o true_o applicable_a thereunto_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o likewise_o 2._o all_o particular_a definition_n now_o mention_v except_o one_o be_v to_o be_v true_o consider_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n without_o any_o colour_n of_o question_n much_o less_o controversy_n and_o that_o one_o viz_o of_o ames_n be_v nothing_o against_o we_o see_v ames_n his_o judgement_n be_v for_o we_o and_o himself_o allow_v such_o person_n a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v if_o we_o understand_v he_o any_o place_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o before_o be_v note_v 3._o therefore_o these_o very_a author_n take_v occasion_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o church_n which_o they_o thus_o define_v contain_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o abundant_o to_o make_v to_o appear_v when_o we_o speak_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o humane_a testimony_n chap._n xvi_o objection_n answer_v and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n consider_v who_o say_v the_o invisible_a church_n be_v only_o the_o true_a church_n before_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v term_v inartificial_a namely_o from_o authority_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o consider_v a_o few_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v call_v artificial_a and_o leave_v the_o other_o objection_n which_o arise_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v handle_v i_o think_v more_o methodical_o after_o my_o argument_n thence_o the_o first_o and_o indeed_o the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o i_o be_v this_o object_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o true_a church_n but_o now_o the_o church_n invisible_a can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n visible_a answ_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o general_a this_o argument_n be_v just_o exceptible_a against_o because_o before_o it_o reach_v the_o conclusion_n of_o my_o opponent_n it_o evident_o conclude_v that_o which_o i_o presume_v himself_o renounce_v viz._n that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v in_o no_o respect_n at_o all_o either_o with_o or_o without_o save_a grace_n to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v most_o obvious_a from_o the_o two_o first_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a 2._o the_o invisible_a be_v one_o true_a church_n what_o now_o do_v force_v itself_o from_o hence_o but_o therefore_o the_o visible_a be_v no_o visible_a church_n somewhat_o a_o strange_a conclusion_n unknown_a i_o think_v to_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n before_o we_o and_o such_o as_o impose_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v entrust_v this_o whole_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o false_a church_n 2._o hereby_o also_o we_o have_v a_o quick_a dispatch_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n for_o what_o need_v we_o reach_v any_o further_a after_o the_o thing_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n if_o it_o be_v first_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n at_o all_o 3._o but_o more_o direct_o i_o answer_v by_o deny_v at_o least_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n either_o 1._o that_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v the_o church_n invisible_a or_o 2._o that_o though_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a yea_o and_o this_o invisible_a church_n can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v not_o be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n 1._o i_o may_v deny_v with_o fairness_n enough_o that_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v proper_o the_o church_n invisible_a until_o my_o argument_n above_o for_o the_o contrary_n be_v answer_v till_o when_o the_o present_a objection_n can_v challenge_v no_o answer_n 2._o but_o here_o i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o that_o though_o i_o grant_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v true_o consider_v as_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n yet_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o attribute_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a though_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o church_n yet_o in_o diverse_a respect_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n and_o visibility_n be_v as_o none_o will_v deny_v a_o inseparable_a adjunct_n of_o the_o church_n then_o there_o be_v no_o invisible_a church_n for_o to_o say_v as_o ames_n say_v the_o church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n if_o visible_a and_o invisible_a here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a respect_n wherein_o the_o same_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a detect_v the_o fallacy_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n thus_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o save_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o person_n that_o have_v this_o save_a faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a this_o faith_n be_v not_o see_v and_o these_o person_n not_o to_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o again_o the_o same_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o profession_n and_o the_o person_n therein_o that_o own_o the_o same_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o church_n invisible_a and_o a_o church_n visible_a and_o again_o though_o this_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n see_v it_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v invisible_a because_o of_o its_o save_a grace_n and_o the_o subject_n thereof_o can_v be_v see_v or_o certain_o know_v by_o man_n yet_o this_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a consideration_n or_o as_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n see_v that_o which_o render_v it_o thus_o visible_a have_v no_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o save_a grace_n as_o reverend_a hudson_n say_v well_o the_o church_n be_v consider_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la communionis_fw-la externae_fw-la &_o internae_fw-la visible_a with_o respect_n to_o its_o external_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v not_o suppose_v save_v grace_n and_o invisible_a with_o regard_n to_o its_o internal_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v suppose_v save_v grace_n this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n as_o be_v clear_o state_v by_o that_o eminent_a patron_n thereof_o 165_o med._n p._n 165_o dr._n ames_n his_o word_n be_v know_v the_o militant_a church_n
whether_o there_o be_v a_o church_n invisible_a i._n e._n such_o in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v in_o a_o high_a sense_n the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n than_o other_o who_o may_v also_o be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o visible_a professor_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deni_v and_o the_o reform_v assert_v and_o maintain_v against_o they_o neither_o indeed_o be_v the_o controversy_n so_o much_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a as_o about_o the_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n about_o the_o head_n about_o the_o succession_n and_o about_o the_o visibility_n of_o pomp_n and_o multitude_n and_o about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yet_o about_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o small_a the_o whole_a burden_n thereof_o rest_v upon_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v my_o reader_n one_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o from_o the_o great_a late_a controversy_n of_o the_o present_a point_n in_o france_n betwixt_o mons_fw-la mestrezate_n and_o cardinal_n perron_n as_o be_v to_o read_v at_o large_a in_o a_o excellent_a treatise_n write_v in_o french_a by_o that_o learned_a mounseur_fw-fr whereof_o please_v yet_o to_o take_v this_o short_a account_n he_o begin_v his_o book_n with_o a_o necessity_n of_o distinguishingâ—he_a â—he_z church_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o his_o distinction_n be_v found_v in_o divers_a respect_n viz._n 1._o â—he_n internal_a 2._o the_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n viz._n 1._o for_o a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n 2._o the_o invisible_a condition_n of_o christian_n the_o first_o he_o build_v on_o these_o place_n col._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 12_o 19_o 23._o act_n 14._o 22._o gal._n 1._o 13._o act._n 8._o 3._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o 2_o thes_n 1._o 1._o apoc._n 1._o 4._o and_o 2._o 23._o the_o second_o he_o build_v upon_o eph._n 5._o 25_o 23._o eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o eph._n 5._o 29_o 30._o heb._n 12._o 23._o according_a to_o this_o distinct_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n he_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o church_n more_o proper_o which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o nuptial_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n less_o proper_o be_v the_o outward_a communion_n &_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n than_o he_o address_v to_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o diverse_o consider_v the_o first_o say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n or_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o god_n according_a 4_o lib._n 1._o cap._n 4_o to_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o his_o election_n have_v draw_v out_o of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n and_o perdition_n by_o the_o minstery_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n incorporate_n they_o into_o jesus_n christ_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o sanctification_n unto_o life_n eternal_a now_o upon_o this_o rest_v the_o dispute_n for_o the_o last_o viz._n the_o visible_a church_n he_o agree_v in_o most_o part_n with_o the_o cardinal_n in_o this_o definition_n the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v unto_o salvation_n 1_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o sincere_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o lawful_a minister_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o much_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o the_o monsieur_n have_v here_o define_v but_o chief_o about_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o before_o i_o close_o here_o methinks_v i_o be_o tempt_v to_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o i_o have_v now_o hit_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a they_o clear_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o distinct_o consider_v this_o one_o church_n in_o its_o strict_a and_o large_a acceptation_n church_n for_o the_o militant_a and_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o all_o one_o in_o state_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o whites_n way_n to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a that_o any_o one_o that_o give_v the_o light_a observation_n thereunto_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o their_o definition_n thereof_o do_v more_o than_o accidental_o differ_v and_o therefore_o essential_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v reconcile_v only_o by_o grant_v that_o when_o they_o define_v the_o church_n strict_o take_v they_o define_v but_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n when_o large_o take_v and_o when_o they_o define_v the_o church_n large_o take_v they_o conclude_v the_o church_n strict_o take_v under_o some_o general_a attribution_n which_o equal_o or_o at_o least_o joint_o admit_v both_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a which_o be_v heterogeneous_a matter_n yet_o unite_v in_o one_o society_n the_o visible_a church_n as_o before_o be_v explicate_v yet_o will_v i_o with_o all_o modesty_n submit_v this_o and_o what_o else_o i_o have_v or_o shall_v conceive_v and_o write_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o able_a brethren_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n chap._n xvii_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o scripture_n god_n call_v a_o wicked_a people_n his_o people_n and_o his_o church_n the_o argument_n usual_o term_v artificial_a with_o their_o objection_n have_v be_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o we_o shall_v therefore_o descend_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v the_o evidence_n of_o testimony_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o record_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o testimony_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o our_o first_o argument_n be_v offer_v thus_o god_n be_v please_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o own_o such_o a_o people_n for_o his_o people_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a for_o his_o church_n which_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n he_o himself_o universal_o brand_v as_o wicked_a rebellious_a evil-doer_n backsliders_a etc._n etc._n and_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o therefore_o sure_o a_o people_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o people_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n unto_o and_o upon_o other_o term_n beside_o save_v grace_n here_o now_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o read_v over_o again_o and_o again_o yet_o must_v i_o serious_o profess_v that_o i_o can_v foresee_v any_o colourable_a answer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o argument_n he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o slight_a knowledge_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v needs_o confess_v the_o antecedent_n and_o he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o very_a slight_a reason_n i_o think_v can_v but_o yield_v the_o consequence_n 1._o for_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n that_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v thus_o acknowledge_v a_o wicked_a people_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o their_o wickedness_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o people_n and_o church_n be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o true_o to_o heap_v instance_n and_o proof_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o weaken_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o fix_v my_o reader_n upon_o one_o undeniable_a instance_n in_o each_o testament_n according_a to_o the_o part_n of_o my_o proposition_n that_o in_o v._o t._n be_v isa_n 1._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o where_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v very_o eminent_o and_o above_o all_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n both_o charge_n and_o acknowledge_v a_o people_n as_o before_o be_v assert_v 1._o then_o observe_v how_o he_o be_v please_v to_o charge_v they_o and_o 2._o to_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o the_o charge_n be_v observable_a in_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o charge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a ver_fw-la 3._o rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n that_o nourish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o and_o bring_v they_o up_o v._o 2._o or_o magnify_v and_o exalt_v they_o as_o the_o interlineary_a translate_v it_o or_o bring_v up_o and_o arabic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o arabic_a exalt_v as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a
same_o ground_n viz._n without_o a_o censure_n may_v it_o not_o answ_n i_o must_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n and_o to_o say_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v indeed_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o have_v not_o god_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o dispose_v i_o affirm_v that_o person_n find_v ignorant_a may_v be_v deniedt_fw-mi his_o communion_n without_o a_o church_n censure_n upon_o the_o foresay_a ground_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o so_o also_o may_v the_o scandalous_a but_o that_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o they_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o scandalous_a person_n must_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o thus_o deny_v this_o sacrament_n what_o be_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o examine_v themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o scandal_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o head_n viz._n of_o censure_n and_o the_o case_n of_o ignorance_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v try_v here_o quest_n 4._o but_o who_o be_v those_o that_o appear_v by_o ignorance_n not_o able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o answ_n certain_o not_o only_o child_n fool_n and_o madman_n nor_o these_o proper_o indeed_o these_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o ignorant_a but_o even_o thereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ignorance_n be_v more_o proper_o attribute_v to_o person_n of_o year_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n then_o unto_o these_o however_o child_n etc._n etc._n be_v debar_v quia_fw-la ignorant_a the_o ignorant_a as_o such_o and_o not_o as_o child_n or_o as_o in_o any_o other_o consideration_n be_v immediate_o incapable_a of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o self-examination_n and_o therefore_o as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v all_o as_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o grow_v affect_o ignorant_a person_n can_v examine_v themselves_o as_o child_n fool_n if_o we_o know_v they_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v such_o as_o necessary_o require_v knowledge_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o knowledge_n whether_o natural_o or_o moral_o there_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o condition_n of_o right_n be_v want_v and_o consequent_o admission_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o text_n be_v conditional_a or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o none_o for_o want_v of_o self-examination_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o child_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o then_o all_o that_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v equal_o with_o they_o and_o i_o despair_v of_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o person_n quia_fw-la non-self-examining_a be_v forbid_v than_o all_o person_n non-self-examining_a be_v forbid_v and_o consequent_o all_o ignorant_a person_n whatsoever_o quest_n 5._o but_o what_o degree_n of_o ignorance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ground_n suspension_n upon_o answ_n this_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v measure_v by_o its_o influence_n upon_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n if_o a_o person_n have_v not_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n aright_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a â—ause_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o a_o person_n in_o my_o opinion_n digression_n 5._o the_o ground_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o church-member_n formal_o consider_v we_o have_v last_o consider_v the_o object_n about_o which_o this_o be_v conversant_a or_o to_o be_v exercise_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o it_o formal_o consider_v the_o authority_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v 1._o negative_o 2._o positive_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v back_o the_o ignorant_a from_o the_o reason_n the_o ground_n of_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n negative_o consider_v 1._o not_o reason_n lord_n table_n be_v not_o found_v in_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o that_o through_o ignorance_n man_n have_v no_o rational_a capacity_n of_o improve_n this_o sacrament_n therefore_o reason_n discover_v this_o shall_v warrant_v the_o church_n in_o deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o this_o be_v but_o a_o be_v wise_a for_o god_n than_o he_o be_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v but_o bad_a reason_n against_o god_n will_n if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o in_o covenant_n as_o can_v express_v consent_n and_o such_o seal_v in_o covenant_n as_o in_o reason_n can_v improve_v it_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o god_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o this_o will_v reason_v child_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n out_o of_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n as_o well_o as_o the_o supper_n who_o be_v all_o as_o capable_a of_o act_v at_o a_o few_o year_n old_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v bread_n and_o wine_n as_o of_o suffer_v at_o a_o few_o day_n old_a in_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n or_o in_o their_o church_n and_o covenant-relation_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o as_o able_a to_o improve_v that_o as_o these_o 2._o neither_o be_v this_o power_n ground_v in_o prudence_n or_o a_o prudential_a prudence_n nor_o prudence_n care_n and_o caution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o people_n soul_n who_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o prudence_n be_v a_o good_a assistant_n but_o a_o bad_a principle_n of_o church_n power_n interest_n in_o privilege_n especiul_o this_o of_o the_o supper_n fall_v under_o the_o head_n of_o spiritual_a property_n and_o right_a which_o prudence_n serve_v well_o to_o discern_v but_o not_o to_o make_v or_o alter_v prudence_n ought_v indeed_o to_o labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a that_o person_n come_v not_o to_o the_o supper_n unworthy_o but_o doubtless_o she_o go_v beyond_o her_o last_o if_o she_o once_o venture_v to_o deny_v those_o who_o god_n do_v not_o or_o who_o he_o do_v deny_v if_o she_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o matter_n of_o property_n be_v matter_n of_o necessity_n and_o justice_n as_o before_o but_o prudence_n have_v to_o do_v only_o with_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a 3._o neither_o be_v mutual_a consent_n in_o ecclesia_fw-la consederata_fw-la by_o a_o consent_n nor_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o consent_n church-covenant_n a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o thâ—s_n power_n as_o if_o because_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v agree_v together_o not_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o may_v deny_v it_o to_o such_o it_o be_v know_v that_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o learned_a man_n of_o late_a have_v m._n l._n m._n fix_v all_o church-power_n but_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o confederated_a church_n dare_v not_o trust_v themselves_o upon_o this_o foundation_n or_o venture_v their_o power_n or_o government_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v upon_o this_o bottom_n doubtless_o mutual_a consent_n be_v of_o great_a power_n in_o all_o society_n and_o may_v dispose_v even_o of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n but_o be_v deny_v sacracrament_n cast_v out_o church_n etc._n etc._n thing_n indifferent_a the_o person_n under_o church_n power_n be_v allow_v this_o dommunion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v it_o by_o the_o word_n how_o can_v mutual_a consent_n warrant_v the_o church_n to_o disallow_v it_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v determine_v before_o by_o the_o word_n that_o such_o person_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v that_o wicked_a person_n shall_v be_v put_v away_o from_o among_o we_o and_o then_o the_o power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v this_o be_v plain_o derive_v thence_o i_o mean_v from_o those_o scripture_n and_o not_o from_o mutual_a consent_n though_o this_o be_v very_o useful_a quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o power_n in_o execution_n according_a to_o those_o scripture_n to_o i_o this_o seem_v nothing_o but_o a_o pretty_a device_n to_o make_v the_o confederated_a church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n between_o two_o extreme_n they_o have_v hitherto_o plead_v much_o for_o scripture_n for_o every_o circumstance_n of_o church-government_n but_o thus_o they_o shall_v stride_v too_o large_a from_o hence_o upon_o the_o sole_a ground_n of_o prudence_n and_o mutual_a consent_n for_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o former_a basis_n will_v bear_v neither_o any_o long_o 4._o neither_o be_v this_o power_n ground_v on_o mat._n 7._o 6._o or_o such_o like_a scripture_n for_o we_o here_o treat_v of_o that_o power_n to_o suspend_v such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o censure_v but_o dog_n and_o swine_n
other_o metaphor_n give_v he_o in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o also_o under_o this_o of_o a_o head_n the_o consequence_n can_v be_v deny_v see_v he_o be_v still_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o same_o mediator_n and_o represent_v under_o the_o same_o office_n by_o all_o those_o various_a metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o one_o and_o all_o and_o a_o equal_a extent_n in_o the_o meaning_n and_o application_n of_o they_o all_o now_o that_o christ_n be_v consider_v under_o all_o those_o many_o other_o metaphor_n give_v he_o in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n appear_v by_o induction_n 1._o as_o he_o be_v a_o king_n he_o have_v subject_n bad_a and_o good_a some_o to_o be_v bless_v but_o some_o to_o be_v curse_v at_o the_o great_a day_n yet_o both_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 2._o as_o he_o be_v a_o master_n he_o have_v some_o faithful_a and_o some_o slothful_a yet_o both_o his_o servant_n 3._o a_o husbandman_n that_o have_v tare_n as_o well_o as_o corn_n and_o both_o in_o his_o field_n chaff_n as_o well_o a_o wheat_n and_o both_o in_o the_o barn_n 4._o a_o fisher_n that_o have_v fish_n that_o be_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a yet_o both_o in_o the_o net_n 5._o a_o vine_n that_o have_v some_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o yet_o other_o that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n and_o yet_o both_o in_o he_o 2_o john_n 15._o 2_o 6._o a_o father_n that_o have_v rebellicus_fw-la as_o well_o as_o dutiful_a child_n yet_o both_o child_n 2._o isa_n 1._o 2._o 7._o a_o housekeeper_n that_o have_v vessel_n some_o to_o honour_n some_o to_o dishonour_n yet_o both_o vessel_n and_o within_o the_o house_n 8._o a_o bridegroom_n that_o have_v vrgin_n to_o attend_v he_o some_o with_o oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n and_o some_o with_o none_o yet_o both_o virgin_n therefore_o why_o not_o such_o a_o head_n as_o have_v some_o member_n sound_a and_o other_o rot_v and_o yet_o both_o relate_v that_o be_v mystical_o unite_v to_o he_o there_o be_v two_o special_a objection_n against_o this_o relation_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o christ_n which_o i_o hold_v myself_o bind_v to_o labour_n to_o salve_v before_o i_o pass_v on_o object_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o metaphorical_a term_n of_o body_n and_o head_n and_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o that_o member_n which_o have_v not_o life_n in_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v yet_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n be_v not_o true_o a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n unde_fw-la equivocè_fw-la agunt_fw-la membra_fw-la tribui_fw-la cadaveribus_fw-la as_o shibler_n say_v but_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o life_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o true_o but_o only_o aequivocal_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n answ_n 1._o to_o the_o proposition_n which_o have_v first_o its_o proper_a and_o second_o its_o metaphorical_a sense_n i_o allow_v it_o in_o its_o proper_a but_o i_o deny_v it_o in_o its_o metaphorical_a sense_n or_o in_o this_o rigid_a application_n 8._o in_o omni_fw-la parabola_fw-la hoc_fw-la tenendum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la utamur_fw-la parabolis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la picta_fw-la tabella_fw-la itaque_fw-la reprehendenda_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la anxiet_fw-mi as_o &_o sollicitudoeorum_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o parabolis_fw-la christi_fw-la omne_fw-la student_fw-la resccare_fw-la ad_fw-la vivum_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la interpretari_fw-la sed_fw-la vexant_fw-la camero_n praelect_v in_o mat._n 18._o 8._o of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n by_o those_o that_o see_v how_o much_o it_o be_v abuse_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v apprehension_n about_o the_o mystical_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n from_o the_o natural_a union_n betwixt_o the_o natural_a head_n and_o body_n certain_o a_o metaphor_n may_v be_v press_v to_o death_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n apply_v this_o metaphor_n of_o head_n and_o member_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n we_o may_v safe_o venture_v but_o further_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o argument_n that_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n thus_o to_o except_v against_o the_o proposition_n i_o leave_v in_o one_o word_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o but_o anabaptist_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a proposition_n that_o none_o can_v be_v true_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v not_o spiritual_a life_n in_o himself_o then_o of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o holy_a parent_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v true_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n from_o their_o parent_n holiness_n see_v that_o be_v the_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n and_o be_v not_o inhere_v in_o the_o child_n but_o only_o relative_a to_o it_o the_o child_n have_v not_o this_o life_n in_o its_o self_n but_o in_o another_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a but_o only_o a_o aequivocal_a member_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o but_o once_o grant_v in_o the_o sense_n intend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a requisite_a to_o every_o member_n ut_fw-la vitam_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o se_fw-la that_o it_o ursin_n infant_n nati_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la sunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la contra_fw-la anabaplistas_fw-la ursin_n have_v life_n in_o itself_o and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n that_o child_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o anabaptist_n answ_n 2._o but_o we_o may_v let_v the_o metaphor_n hold_v if_o we_o distinguish_v of_o life_n in_o the_o minor_a which_o may_v with_o favour_n of_o my_o reader_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a or_o such_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o save_v or_o if_o you_o have_v rather_o invisible_a church-membership_a if_o you_o please_v you_o may_v call_v the_o first_o a_o ecclesiastical_a or_o political_a life_n the_o last_o a_o save_a or_o a_o spiritual_a life_n if_o the_o objection_n mean_v in_o the_o minor_a the_o first_o of_o these_o than_o i_o deny_v it_o viz._n that_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o life_n in_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o wicked_a man_n have_v so_o much_o life_n in_o themselves_o if_o any_o be_v requisite_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o visible_a church_n membership_n i_o confess_v life_n be_v somewhat_o unusual_o attribute_v to_o wicked_a man_n and_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o as_o such_o be_v a_o contradiction_n see_v quatenus_fw-la wicked_a they_o be_v dead_a yet_o see_v they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n 1._o as_o wicked_a man_n in_o nature_n 2._o as_o holy_a man_n in_o state_n and_o condition_n wicked_a man_n inherent_o holy_a man_n adherent_o wicked_a man_n habitual_o holy_a man_n relative_o holy_a by_o covenant_n by_o separation_n dedication_n obligation_n and_o profession_n though_o they_o be_v dead_a indeed_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n why_o may_v not_o they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v alive_a in_o the_o second_o if_o holiness_n and_o life_n be_v equivolent_a here_o as_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v and_o this_o holiness_n of_o separation_n to_o god_n by_o covenant_n and_o baptism_n and_o continue_a profession_n be_v a_o real_a thing_n as_o camero_n say_v and_o i_o think_v hitherto_o have_v hardly_o be_v deny_v in_o terminis_fw-la such_o be_v doubtless_o christian_n and_o not_o so_o far_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n as_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_n be_v they_o be_v not_o now_o 18._o ephes_n 4._o 18._o without_o christ_n or_o alien_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n or_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n or_o without_o god_n 12._o ephes_n â—_o 12._o in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o scripture-description_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o gentile_a condition_n viz._n out_o of_o the_o verge_n and_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n yea_o i_o have_v one_o and_o he_o a_o author_n not_o to_o be_v contemn_v consider_v what_o pain_n he_o take_v in_o the_o controversy_n that_o say_v express_o that_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o life_n of_o true_a member_n in_o they_o his_o word_n be_v these_o such_o may_v be_v and_z and_z be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o only_o outward_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o true_a worshipper_n this_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o submission_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v all_o in_o
by_o person_n who_o possible_o never_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o who_o have_v not_o any_o save_a grace_n the_o visible_a church_n consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o at_o the_o beginning_n we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o cain_n and_o abel_n whereupon_o our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o net_n in_o which_o be_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n with_o the_o observation_n make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o industrious_a exposition_n of_o the_o english_a article_n the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o say_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o god_n and_o some_o against_o god_n all_o of_o they_o not_o withstand_v deem_v part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o make_v no_o manifest_a and_o open_a rebellion_n against_o the_o gospel_n which_o also_o add_v that_o the_o church_n bear_v witness_v hereunto_o refer_v we_o to_o confess_v l._n hel._n v._n 1._o art_n 14._o and_o 2._o c._n 17._o bohem._n c._n 8._o gal._n art_n 11._o wittimb_v art_n 32._o survic_n art_n 15._o whereunto_o i_o also_o refer_v my_o reader_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o brownist_n and_o of_o our_o church_n against_o they_o herein_o the_o three_o more_o special_a occasion_n exact_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o be_v give_v by_o the_o brownist_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v brief_o note_v two_o thing_n to_o serve_v we_o in_o our_o passage_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o brownist_n that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v in_o save_v grace_n contrary_a to_o what_o i_o be_o labour_v to_o prove_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v judge_v a_o error_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o error_n of_o brownism_n as_o such_o by_o the_o eminent_a patron_n of_o our_o church_n and_o truth_n in_o that_o generation_n go_v only_o before_o as_o in_o the_o present_a design_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o brownist_n indeed_o viz._n that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n carry_v in_o it_o save_a grace_n most_o plentiful_o appear_v by_o their_o assert_v own_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o same_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n witness_n smith_n barrow_n ainsworth_n robinson_n johnson_n and_o cann_n &c_n &c_n who_o tell_v we_o 10_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 17_o their_o apol._n p._n 44_o counterpoison_v p._n 115._o and_o 200_o barrow_n true_a description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n p._n 2_o principle_n and_o infer_v p._n 8._o &_o 10_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o separate_a company_n of_o righteous_a man_n from_o the_o open_a wicked_a man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o can_v consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a in_o which_o no_o unclean_a thing_n or_o person_n enter_v that_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_v unseign_v that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n that_o true_o worship_n christ_n and_o ready_o obey_v he_o a_o company_n of_o convert_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o know_a sin_n practise_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n know_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o more_o full_o and_o accurate_o let_v smith_n be_v hear_v once_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o true_a form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n say_v he_o be_v partly_o inward_a and_o partly_o outward_a the_o inward_a 11_o princ._n &_o inf_n p._n 11_o part_n of_o the_o form_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o faith_n 3._o love_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o soul_n animate_v the_o whole_a body_n faith_n unit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n love_n unit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n each_o to_o other_o the_o outward_a part_n thereof_o be_v a_o vow_n promise_n oath_n or_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o saint_n 2._o now_o that_o this_o be_v hold_v the_o error_n of_o the_o brownist_n and_o a_o part_n of_o their_o brownism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o allow_a opinion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n especial_o in_o england_n appear_v abundant_o in_o the_o disputation_n of_o all_o our_o divine_n against_o they_o wherein_o we_o find_v these_o two_o proposition_n irrefragable_o prove_v 1._o that_o a_o assembly_n may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o its_o worship_n be_v very_o corrupt_a 2._o that_o person_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n though_o without_o sincere_a grace_n or_o holy_a life_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v direct_o for_o we_o and_o in_o defence_n whereof_o dayrel_n so_o smart_o reply_v to_o mr._n ainsworth_n you_o speak_v say_v he_o you_o know_v not_o what_o for_o hereby_o you_o imply_v a_o true_a visible_a 37_o dayr_n p._n 36_o 37_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v and_o practise_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o salvation_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o who_o practice_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o holy_a profession_n he_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n nor_o reprobate_a or_o any_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o thus_o you_o unaware_o confound_v the_o visible_a and_o the_o invisible_a church_n johnson_n himself_o testify_v thus_o much_o on_o our_o behalf_n even_o while_o he_o 71._o his_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n p._n 71._o say_v his_o accusation_n against_o we_o the_o forward_a preacher_n of_o england_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o separate_a company_n of_o righteous_a man_n from_o the_o open_a wicked_a of_o the_o world_n but_o may_v consist_v of_o people_n good_a and_o bad_a neither_o may_v we_o think_v that_o that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o episcopal_a conformity_n a_o book_n by_o sundry_a godly_a and_o learned_a minister_n stand_v out_o &_o suffering_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o non_fw-la conformity_n party_n alone_o for_o the_o very_a non-conformists'_a have_v a_o book_n extant_a intend_v purposely_o against_o the_o separation_n and_o therein_o near_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n they_o open_o acquit_v themselves_o of_o and_o charge_n barrow_n and_o the_o old_a separatist_n with_o this_o error_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n that_o true_o worship_n christ_n and_o ready_o obey_v he_o chap._n xxiv_o seven_o argument_n yet_o further_o prove_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n have_v always_o be_v on_o our_o side_n introduce_v by_o two_o objection_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a distinction_n by_o some_o make_a use_n of_o to_o evade_v or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n aforesaid_a 1._o it_o be_v urge_v that_o some_o eminent_a divine_n assert_v that_o hypocrite_n be_v only_o equivocè_fw-la and_o not_o verè_fw-la of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o hereunto_o we_o need_v only_o remember_v what_o have_v former_o be_v i_o think_v true_o observe_v that_o such_o divine_n understand_v by_o church_n in_o the_o proposition_n the_o church_n of_o the_o save_v which_o they_o themselves_o usual_o call_v the_o church_n catholic_n or_o the_o church_n inviand_n none_o can_v doubt_v but_o such_o church-membership_a be_v predicable_a of_o hypocrite_n only_o nominal_o or_o equivocal_o and_o not_o real_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o plead_v that_o some_o as_o eminent_a affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o hypocrite_n be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n but_o epistle_n but_o this_o tenant_n may_v seem_v to_o cross_v many_o of_o our_o own_o divines_n in_o their_o writing_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o indeed_o it_o do_v only_o seem_v so_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n which_o they_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o this_o which_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o for_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_a consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect._n hudson_n his_o epistle_n here_o we_o may_v fair_o understand_v our_o divine_n to_o mean_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o former_a and_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o this_o distinction_n q._n d._n they_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a 62_o when_o willet_n have_v let_v fall_v that_o expression_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o but_o not_o of_o the_o church_n he_o present_o correct_v himself_o add_v yea_o they_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o a_o time_n gen._n 2._o contro_fw-la of_o the_o church_n p_o 62_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v or_o as_o before_o we_o receive_v from_o doctor_n field_n we_o be_v to_o take_v they_o as_o intend_v only_o when_o