they_o be_v convoy_v on_o a_o part_n of_o their_o journey_n by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o christian_a affectionate_a courtesy_n and_o respect_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o church_n so_o mr._n locky_a himself_n expon_v it_o pag._n 2._o l._n 1_o 2_o 3._o forget_v himself_o in_o so_o short_a bound_n 2._o what_o hint_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o least_o conjecture_n can_v he_o point_v we_o at_o in_o the_o text_n that_o these_o commissioner_n when_o they_o tell_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v set_v up_o some_o of_o those_o gentile_n before_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o pass_v to_o be_v discourse_v with_o try_v and_o examine_v concern_v their_o soul-complexion_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n their_o experience_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n nugae_fw-la 3._o he_o will_v have_v those_o gentile_n who_o he_o think_v the_o commissioner_n bring_v thus_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o be_v the_o same_o by_o who_o they_o be_v bring_v on_o their_o way_n but_o first_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o those_o that_o bring_v they_o on_o their_o way_n be_v gentile_n and_o not_o jew_n for_o sure_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o gentile_n only_o and_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o antioch_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o be_v thus_o set_v up_o again_o how_o will_v it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o those_o who_o bring_v they_o on_o their_o way_n go_v so_o far_o on_o with_o they_o as_o phenice_n and_o samaria_n where_o the_o declaration_n be_v make_v hug._n grot._n a_o man_n well_o skilled_a in_o the_o greek_a language_n though_o little_a to_o be_v respect_v in_o dogmatics_n of_o divinity_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o contrary_a from_o the_o genuine_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n alioquousque_fw-la deducti_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la fidelium_fw-la nam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d non_fw-la est_fw-la se_fw-la comitem_fw-la dare_v itineri_fw-la sed_fw-la honoris_fw-la causâ_fw-la aliquòusque_fw-la prosequi_fw-la much_o more_o may_v be_v note_v in_o this_o passage_n but_o enough_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o indifferent_a reader_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v what_o a_o man_n himself_o fancy_n if_o not_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v one_o thing_n be_v omit_v by_o mr._n locky_a in_o this_o pretty_a fiction_n which_o as_o be_v the_o old_a scottish_a proverb_n be_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o trump_n for_o to_o all_o that_o he_o make_v to_o have_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n declaration_n he_o shall_v have_v add_v this_o also_o as_o speak_v by_o they_o and_o we_o assure_v you_o that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gentile_n convert_v to_o christian_a religion_n at_o least_o all_o of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o visible_a church_n not_o one_o of_o they_o except_v no_o not_o one_o in_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v just_o such_o as_o these_o you_o see_v of_o that_o same_o soul-complexion_n etc._n etc._n without_o this_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o give_v a_o certain_a sound_n to_o his_o purpose_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o this_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v nec_fw-la vola_fw-la nec_fw-la vestigium_fw-la section_n 10_o we_o proceed_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a work_n viz._n of_o true_a save_a grace_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o i_o judge_v will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v with_o my_o text_n these_o scripture_n act._n 11._o 20_o 21_o 23._o ans_fw-fr 1._o mr._n locky_a suppose_v at_o least_o ought_v suppose_v if_o he_o will_v have_v his_o argument_n here_o hold_v good_a that_o these_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o text_n and_o these_o speak_v of_o act._n 11._o 20._o the_o grecian_n be_v the_o same_o person_n but_o first_o some_o judicious_a interpreter_n namely_o the_o nether-dutches_n understand_v by_o these_o the_o jew_n that_o use_v the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o indeed_o the_o name_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ordinary_o use_v for_o those_o and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o the_o gentile_n though_o i_o know_v beza_n and_o other_o judge_v otherways_o but_o however_o understand_v we_o gentile_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o they_o speak_v of_o in_o mr._n lockiers_n text_n who_o hugo_n grotius_n on_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n reckon_v up_o thus_o n._n cornelii_n antiochensium_fw-la cypriorum_fw-la pisidarum_fw-la pamphiliorum_fw-la lycaniorum_n lyciorum_fw-la 2._o what_o ever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o act._n 11._o yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o verse_n cite_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v a_o effectual_a work_n of_o save_a grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n nay_o nor_o will_v the_o author_n himself_o abide_v by_o so_o much_o but_o will_v come_v present_o in_o with_o this_o qualification_n according_a to_o what_o christian_n can_v discern_v of_o christian_a which_o may_v be_v no_o effectual_a save_a work_n at_o the_o heart_n at_o all_o i_o deny_v not_o absolute_o that_o there_o be_v such_o effectual_a work_n wrought_v in_o heart_n among_o they_o but_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o text_n import_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o you_o will_v say_v what_o then_o mean_v these_o expression_n 1._o the_o hand_n i._n e._n the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o viz._n that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 21._o 2._o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n ibidem_fw-la 3._o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n v._o 23._o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v no_o small_a work_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v these_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v effectual_a to_o more_o only_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v not_o from_o the_o text_n that_o it_o be_v effectual_a to_o both_o in_o a_o like_a extension_n 2._o we_o know_v that_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v in_o respect_n of_o serious_a profession_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o be_v here_o also_o save_v heart-believing_a and_o conversion_n but_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o text_n that_o all_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v convert_v in_o this_o sense_n 3_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v be_v mean_v the_o effectual_a work_n thereof_o in_o bring_v so_o many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o also_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n captivate_v heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o say_v nay_o the_o very_a word_n of_o barnabas_n exhortation_n may_v seem_v to_o give_v a_o hint_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v otherways_o with_o some_o of_o they_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n say_v beza_n non_fw-la frigidè_fw-la nec_fw-la simulatè_fw-la sed_fw-la syncero_fw-la &_o ardenti_fw-la study_v quod_fw-la hebraei_n totius_fw-la cordis_fw-la appellatione_fw-la significant_a ut_fw-la veâ—…runt_fw-la syrus_n &_o arab_n interpretes_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o profess_v now_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v that_o you_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o profession_n alone_o which_o may_v evanish_v but_o adhere_v to_o he_o with_o a_o sincere_a fervent_a constant_a heart-resolution_n section_n 11_o the_o author_n go_v on_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n thus_o the_o next_o verse_n viz._n act_v 11._o 25._o tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v out_o saul_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o this_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o abide_v a_o whole_a year_n and_o these_o convert_v be_v first_o call_v christian_n barnabas_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o able_a to_o taste_v his_o communion_n and_o he_o and_o paul_n together_o may_v be_v competent_o able_a to_o give_v a_o judgement_n what_o they_o find_v among_o these_o first_o christian_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o say_v that_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v apprehend_v these_o first_o christian_n have_v not_o both_o name_n and_o thing_n for_o which_o commend_v and_o in_o which_o by_o these_o worthy_n joy_v in_o pag._n 5._o answ_n here_o be_v i_o may_v
outward_a act_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o outward_a act_n according_a to_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o deed_n do_v but_o as_o they_o be_v do_v from_o such_o principle_n faith_n and_o love_n and_o for_o such_o a_o end_n the_o glorify_v and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o argue_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o the_o doer_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o man_n can_v positive_o judge_v of_o another_o regeneration_n by_o they_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v someway_o to_o be_v do_v out_o of_o such_o principle_n and_o for_o such_o a_o end_n 3._o that_o act_v good_a upon_o the_o matter_n may_v in_o some_o probability_n at_o least_o appear_v to_o other_o to_o be_v do_v from_o such_o principle_n and_o to_o such_o a_o end_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v the_o man_n own_o word_n and_o assertion_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o good_a time_n of_o they_o and_o that_o under_o some_o variety_n of_o case_n and_o condition_n and_o some_o tentation_n for_o to_o act_v right_a for_o a_o start_n or_o to_o act_v right_a even_o for_o a_o good_a time_n a_o man_n come_v under_o no_o alteration_n of_o condition_n or_o be_v under_o small_a or_o no_o tentation_n do_v not_o give_v much_o appearance_n to_o man_n without_o that_o these_o act_n be_v right_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o end_n it_o be_v evenness_n and_o constancy_n in_o alteration_n of_o case_n and_o under_o tentation_n assault_v to_o turn_v off_o the_o way_n that_o carry_v appearance_n of_o discovery_n of_o this_o 4._o that_o the_o great_a part_n even_o of_o true_a convert_v be_v not_o eminent_a saint_n but_o weakling_n and_o but_o as_o child_n and_o that_o unregenerat_a civilian_o and_o hypocrite_n may_v in_o outward_n go_v far_o beyond_o many_o sound_a gracious_a christian_n 5._o yea_o that_o many_o true_a convert_v may_v be_v under_o the_o prevalency_n of_o some_o sinful_a infirmity_n and_o affection_n so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o for_o a_o long_a time_n may_v be_v even_o to_o their_o last_o day_n as_o to_o live_v though_o not_o with_o inward_a like_n and_o allow_v which_o be_v not_o see_v by_o other_o yet_o to_o the_o outward_a commit_v in_o know_v sinful_a act_n as_o for_o example_n may_v not_o gracious_a christian_n be_v thus_o subject_a to_o a_o outward_a course_n of_o know_a cankerdnesse_n or_o some_o other_o the_o like_a distemper_n let_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v and_o lay_v together_o and_o tellme_n if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o general_a rule_n whereby_o there_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o judicial_a trial_n and_o positive_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n desire_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v their_o regeneration_n or_o non-regeneration_n wherefore_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v both_o the_o judicious_a and_o moderate_a determination_n of_o mr._n norton_n who_o when_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o judgement_n it_o to_o be_v pass_v upon_o person_n about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o relation_n to_o admit_v they_o to_o church-fellowship_n wherein_o yet_o i_o can_v join_v with_o he_o as_o be_v too_o straight_o and_o rigid_a and_o come_v to_o define_v what_o sort_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o he_o say_v we_o must_v not_o judge_v positive_o but_o negative_o and_o practical_o i._n e._n say_v he_o not_o judge_v evil_a of_o they_o 2._o to_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o in_o common_a duty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v good_a where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o judgement_n he_o require_v no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o judge_v not_o man_n unregenerat_v and_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o upon_o the_o matter_n but_o that_o same_o which_o we_o determine_v instate_v the_o question_n viz._n that_o in_o admit_v of_o person_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o and_o take_v for_o sufficient_a qualification_n such_o or_o such_o outward_a profession_n prescind_v or_o abstract_n simplici_fw-la abstractione_n from_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a estate_n of_o the_o man_n for_o when_o i_o do_v not_o positive_o judge_v a_o man_n regenerate_v or_o real_o gracious_a but_o only_a judge_n not_o he_o unregenerat_v and_o graceless_a certain_o i_o abstract_a from_o both_o section_n 22_o i_o will_v not_o here_o slip_v by_o what_o i_o apprehend_v myself_o and_o while_o i_o be_o write_v this_o i_o find_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o tomb_n have_v distinct_o for_o until_o this_o time_n i_o have_v much_o long_v for_o it_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o the_o occasion_n to_o see_v that_o piece_n which_o may_v be_v reply_v to_o that_o i_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n though_o it_o come_v not_o up_o to_o that_o mâ—_n locky_a and_o other_o of_o his_o way_n will_v be_v at_o this_o reverend_a author_n i_o find_v say_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o may_v and_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o true_a believer_n p._n 1._o c._n 27._o pag._n 73._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o little_a after_o because_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n therefore_o they_o true_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v by_o his_o own_o external_a discovery_n that_o any_o man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a and_o a_o little_a after_o therefore_o if_o a_o convert_a jew_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o to_o the_o church_n upon_o his_o profession_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o except_o his_o profession_n seem_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o so_o sincere_a 2._o that_o the_o judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v upon_o a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o purum_fw-la that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n but_o modale_n that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n pag._n 93._o 3._o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o judgement_n he_o say_v be_v this_o a_o serious_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o we_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n he_o mean_v as_o before_o probable_o i_o do_v much_o reverence_n and_o honour_n in_o my_o estimation_n this_o judicious_a acute_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n much_o oblige_v to_o he_o under_o god_n especial_o for_o his_o learned_a and_o profitable_a pain_n in_o vindicate_v the_o right_a of_o infant_n baptism_n yet_o i_o do_v confess_v in_o sundry_a thing_n i_o can_v be_v of_o his_o judgement_n which_o i_o know_v by_o his_o frequent_a and_o serious_a expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o will_v not_o take_v ill_a have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o distraction_n otherwise_o and_o particular_o by_o this_o unseasonable_a piece_n and_o i_o may_v say_v both_o uncharitable_a to_o this_o church_n and_o unsatisfactory_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n i_o will_v make_v bold_a ere_o now_o modest_o to_o have_v represent_v to_o himself_o consideration_n upon_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v find_v in_o his_o other_o piece_n and_o may_v be_v if_o god_n grant_v we_o both_o continuance_n of_o life_n and_o i_o some_o leisure_n i_o shall_v do_v that_o yet_o and_o add_v some_o thing_n also_o out_o of_o this_o piece_n last_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n section_n 23_o but_o now_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n 1._o the_o learned_a author_n and_o i_o be_v full_o agree_v upon_o the_o matter_n concern_v the_o outward_a ground_n upon_o which_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n viz._n a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n include_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o and_o that_o person_n make_v this_o profession_n be_v without_o delay_n or_o search_v for_o trial_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o heart-conversion_n to_o be_v admit_v the_o passage_n he_o cit_v for_o this_o purpose_n p._n 2._o c._n 8_o pag._n 126_o 127._o be_v clear_a for_o it_o i_o do_v hearty_o approve_v his_o weighty_a exhortation_n subjoin_v thereunto_o to_o these_o of_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o present_v the_o same_o to_o mr._n locky_a to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o he_o as_o in_o the_o lord_n sight_n see_v the_o margin_n he_o margin_n oh_o that_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v
gentile_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n the_o argument_n be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n have_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o circumcise_a jew_n and_o without_o put_v difference_n purify_n their_o heart_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v by_o the_o gospel_n alone_o without_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o they_o as_o not_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o sole_a intention_n and_o drift_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n for_o mr._n lockiers_fw-mi purpose_n for_o howsoever_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o text_n that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o effectual_a save_a grace_n among_o these_o gentile_n speak_v of_o and_o i_o do_v agree_v with_o he_o this_o far_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a yea_o most_o clear_o false_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n to_o affirm_v that_o these_o expression_n may_v not_o mean_v effectual_a save_a grace_n yet_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o this_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o constitute_a person_n capable_a of_o visible_a church-membership_a 2._o albeit_o in_o these_o expression_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n there_o be_v not_o definite_o a_o restriction_n to_o some_o only_a as_o mâ—_n locky_a will_v seem_v to_o insinuate_v that_o we_o say_v yet_o the_o expression_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v verify_v be_v understand_v of_o some_o only_a and_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o because_o they_o be_v indefinitè_fw-fr any_o boy_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o rudiment_n of_o logic_n know_v that_o there_o be_v enunciation_n particular_a which_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o a_o kind_n definite_o and_o enunciation_n universal_a which_o speak_v of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o a_o kind_n definite_o and_o enunciation_n indefinitè_fw-fr which_v in_o their_o form_n speak_v neither_o of_o some_o only_a nor_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o a_o kind_n definite_o but_o indefinite_o of_o the_o kind_n and_o that_o such_o indefinite_a enunciation_n may_v be_v true_o expon_v either_o particular_o of_o some_o only_a or_o universal_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o proratione_fw-la materiae_fw-la contingentis_fw-la vel_fw-la necessariae_fw-la according_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n contingent_a or_o necessary_a lead_v we_o but_o now_o will_v the_o author_n upon_o serious_a deliberation_n say_v that_o which_o he_o have_v utter_v here_o viz._n that_o what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o gentile_n indefinite_o viz._n that_o god_n have_v purify_v their_o heart_n by_o believe_v must_v be_v understand_v universal_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v turn_v to_o christianity_n nay_o i_o know_v he_o will_v salve_v the_o matter_n with_o his_o qualification_n according_a to_o what_o christian_n can_v discern_v of_o christian_n and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n etc._n etc._n but_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o text_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o insinuation_n in_o the_o text._n 2._o yea_o the_o text_n speak_v clear_o of_o such_o a_o purify_n of_o heart_n as_o be_v in_o veritate_fw-la rei_fw-la seu_fw-la objecti_fw-la i._n e._n indeed_o because_o it_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n who_o judgement_n be_v always_o according_a to_o truth_n but_o man_n esteem_v to_o have_v heart_n purify_v in_o the_o charitative_a judgement_n of_o man_n let_v they_o be_v the_o most_o discern_a man_n may_v notwithstanding_o not_o have_v purify_v heart_n indeed_o section_n 14_o the_o author_n have_v do_v with_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v consider_v conclude_v and_o draw_v towards_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v thus_o painful_o and_o plain_o lay_v the_o foundation_n by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o a_o simple_a and_o sincere_a judgement_n thereupon_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n to_o any_o party_n or_o self-interest_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o know_v to_o who_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o my_o way_n i_o desire_v humble_o to_o refer_v myself_o i_o build_v thereupon_o this_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 7._o to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v to_o speak_v of_o his_o painfulness_n and_o plainness_n etc._n etc._n and_o suffer_v the_o deed_n to_o speak_v alone_o for_o itself_o and_o other_o man_n to_o judge_v thereupon_o remember_v that_o let_v another_o man_n praise_v thou_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o mouth_n but_o to_o pass_v this_o grant_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o painfulness_n in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n yet_o if_o therein_o there_o have_v be_v plain_o or_o at_o all_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o ensue_a doctrine_n i_o submit_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o impartial_a discern_a man_n upon_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v answer_v thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o section_n wherein_o if_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a yet_o i_o desire_v and_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v pardon_v it_o consider_v that_o the_o discourse_n i_o have_v be_v examine_v be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n follow_v and_o that_o beside_o the_o text_n sundry_a other_o scripture_n bring_v in_o to_o make_v the_o text_n speak_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v section_n ii_o mr._n lockyer_n doctrine_n ponder_v and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_a brethren_n touch_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n clear_v section_n 1_o mr._n lockiers_n determination_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v pag._n 7._o fine_a and_o pag._n 8._o propound_v in_o these_o word_n the_o proper_a and_o allow_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v person_n true_o convert_v such_o as_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n can_v bear_v witness_n of_o as_o indeed_o seal_v for_o his_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o far_o he_o have_v in_o a_o different_a character_n and_o then_o add_v it_o will_v seem_v by_o way_n of_o some_o explication_n i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o matter_n we_o ought_v now_o to_o take_v to_o raise_v again_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o david_n and_o none_o other_o not_o one_o other_o no_o not_o in_o a_o whole_a church_n so_o far_o as_o man_n true_o convert_v and_o very_o spiritual_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v section_n 2_o first_o i_o desire_v humble_o to_o know_v of_o the_o author_n why_o he_o restrict_v this_o doctrine_n touch_v this_o point_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o 1_o i_o have_v ever_o think_v it_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o all_o orthodox_n reform_a divine_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a test_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o to_o essential_o and_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o stand_v in_o accidental_n only_o 2._o why_o do_v many_o of_o his_o way-bring_a argument_n for_o this_o his_o tenet_n touch_v the_o allow_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n from_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a test_n speak_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o then_o church_n 3._o if_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o old_a test_n may_v have_v consist_v of_o other_o as_o allow_v matter_n then_o be_v describe_v here_o which_o his_o restriction_n insinuate_v i._n e._n of_o person_n not_o true_o convert_v etc._n etc._n then_o to_o borrow_v his_o argument_n bring_v afterward_o 1._o either_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o church_n not_o a_o building_n be_v and_o bear_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o superstruction_n or_o else_o then_o there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o symmetry_n but_o antilogie_n and_o antistasie_n no_o agreement_n but_o a_o fight_n of_o the_o material_n of_o the_o build_n with_o the_o foundation_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o building_n may_v stand_v well_o enough_o such_o incongruous_a superstruction_n and_o unsuiteable_a to_o the_o foundation_n be_v good_a enough_o then_o 2._o either_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n such_o as_o in_o which_o god_n live_v dwell_v and_o walk_v or_o then_o god_n do_v live_v and_o dwell_v in_o dead_a person_n who_o only_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o either_o the_o church_n be_v
it_o which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a fault_n in_o determine_v controvert_v point_n while_o as_o he_o speak_v thus_o allow_v matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n or_o relation_n viz._n either_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o be_v incumbent_n to_o a_o man_n himself_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n before_o god_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o be_v requisite_a in_o he_o by_o way_n of_o qualification_n in_o the_o outward_a ecclesiastic_a court_n whereupon_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v in_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v that_o none_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n allow_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n or_o relation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o so_o far_o as_o man_n most_o spiritual_a can_v discern_v or_o judge_v but_o also_o in_o very_a deed_n true_a convert_v and_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n in_o profess_v christianity_n and_o adjoin_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v with_o his_o heart_n as_o he_o profess_v with_o his_o mouth_n otherwise_o he_o be_v matter_n not_o approven_v not_o allow_v of_o god_n but_o i_o believe_v its_o another_o thing_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n allow_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n and_o think_v that_o advise_v man_n among_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n will_v say_v the_o same_o in_o the_o general_a yet_o i_o trow_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v afterward_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o stream_n of_o our_o author_n argument_n run_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n touch_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n section_n 7_o to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o more_o clear_a discovery_n of_o this_o and_o to_o the_o effect_n we_o may_v in_o the_o whole_a ensue_a disput_n know_v what_o we_o be_v do_v and_o not_o fight_v in_o the_o dark_a andabatarum_n more_o it_o be_v necessary_a before_o we_o proceed_v further_a to_o open_v up_o and_o bind_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o mr._n locky_a have_v not_o do_v i_o can_v tell_v upon_o what_o intention_n or_o if_o upon_o any_o design_n at_o all_o and_o not_o rather_o out_o of_o pure_a neglect_n or_o some_o other_o such_o thing_n if_o he_o say_v he_o be_v preach_v to_o people_n and_o not_o dispute_v in_o the_o school_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a nor_o become_v scholastical_o to_o state_n a_o controversy_n i_o answ_n whether_o in_o pulpit_n or_o school_n his_o purpose_n be_v to_o draw_v his_o hearer_n of_o this_o nation_n from_o a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v learned_a and_o profess_v before_o the_o world_n to_o a_o new_a way_n sure_o ingenuous_a deal_n will_v have_v require_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o refute_v and_o to_o take_v they_o off_o shall_v be_v once_o at_o least_o plain_o and_o simple_o propound_v and_o present_v before_o they_o this_o he_o do_v not_o all_o along_o but_o in_o effect_n speak_v so_o indirect_o as_o if_o we_o allow_v all_o mere_a professor_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n well_o what_o he_o have_v not_o do_v we_o shall_v endeavour_v according_a to_o our_o weakness_n to_o do_v and_o shall_v deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o his_o side_n than_o he_o his_fw-mi do_v with_o we_o now_o then_o let_v these_o consideration_n be_v premise_v section_n 8_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o controversy_n be_v not_o about_o the_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a invisible_a church_n or_o of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o inward_a state_n but_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o such_o or_o of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o external_a state_n the_o church_n mystical_a invisible_a or_o according_a to_o its_o inward_a state_n be_v the_o society_n of_o man_n effectual_o call_v unto_o save_a communion_n with_o christ_n to_o which_o do_v belong_v in_o the_o intention_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o salvation_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o consider_v according_a to_o its_o external_a state_n be_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o communion_n in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o effectual_a call_v and_o engraff_n man_n into_o christ_n admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o according_a to_o its_o external_a state_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v man_n and_o so_o not_o see_v the_o inward_a constitution_n and_o condition_n of_o heart_n must_v look_v at_o thing_n obvious_a to_o the_o sense_n in_o their_o administration_n of_o this_o work_n whence_o one_o may_v be_v orderly_a and_o lawful_o admit_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o about_o this_o our_o adversary_n i_o conceive_v at_o least_o such_o as_o be_v most_o sound_a and_o intelligent_a among_o they_o will_v make_v no_o controversy_n further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_a brethren_n much_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o be_v debate_v between_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o orthodox_n concern_v church-member_n the_o state_n of_o thâ—_n controversy_n with_o papist_n which_o they_o and_o namely_o bellarmine_n involve_v with_o many_o sophism_n be_v true_o and_o real_o this_o as_o the_o judicious_a aim_n have_v well_o observe_v bellar._n eneru._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la cap._n 1._o thesi_fw-la 10_o other_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v whether_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o professor_n comprehend_v as_o well_o unregenerate_a hypocrite_n and_o reprobat_n as_o true_a elect_a believer_n be_v that_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o proper_o do_v belong_v all_o these_o excellent_a thing_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o lead_v by_o tâ—e_v holy_a spirit_n partaker_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o albeit_o papist_n dare_v not_o state_n the_o question_n in_o these_o term_n yet_o the_o affirmative_a thereof_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o intend_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n at_o all_o time_n illustrious_o visible_a infallible_a and_o unfailable_a and_o that_o there_o roman_a be_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o far_a other_o matter_n that_o be_v debate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o present_a adversary_n viz._n what_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o account_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a according_a to_o its_o outward_a state_n so_o that_o these_o who_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n use_v by_o orthodox_n writer_n in_o show_v that_o not_o wicked_a hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n but_o only_o the_o elect_a true_a believer_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n against_o we_o for_o affirm_v that_o all_o who_o outward_o do_v serious_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o account_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v clear_o in_o a_o great_a mistake_n and_o impertinency_n section_n 9_o 2._o consider_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v visible_a church-membership_a in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o use_v these_o term_n and_o shall_v explain_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o they_o by_o the_o actus_fw-la primus_fw-la of_o church-membership_a i_o mean_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o person_n as_o make_v that_o now_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v and_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n pastor_n or_o professor_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n without_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o a_o stranger_n and_o alien_n but_o as_o a_o brother_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o consequent_o may_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v oversee_v care_v for_o and_o feed_v by_o the_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o by_o private_a professor_n deal_v with_o in_o duty_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o and_o his_o capacity_n the_o actus_fw-la secundus_fw-la of_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o fruitio_fw-la i._n e._n the_o fruition_n and_o actual_a use_n of_o church_n privilege_n ordinance_n
and_o trial_n as_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v the_o person_n true_o gracious_a regenerate_v and_o endue_v with_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o word_n a_o true_a inward_a saint_n or_o if_o somewhat_o else_o section_n 13_o as_o for_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n all_o of_o they_o speak_v not_o the_o same_o way_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_n 1._o c._n 2._o pag._n 20_o 21._o confess_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n be_v somewhat_o narrow_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o seem_v to_o require_v exactness_n of_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o so_o speak_v for_o a_o candid_a interpretation_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o when_o such_o phrase_n of_o they_o occur_v upon_o this_o subject_a as_o these_o only_o the_o saint_n faithful_a call_v and_o sanctify_a be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o congregation_n such_o a_o construction_n as_o this_o be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n person_n visible_o external_o such_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n not_o always_o real_o and_o internal_o such_o by_o the_o powerful_a impression_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n certain_o some_o of_o they_o have_v so_o roundly_o affirm_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v true_a internal_a saint_n that_o hardly_o can_v such_o a_o construction_n be_v put_v upon_o their_o word_n see_v d._n holmes_n and_o mr._n barclets_n expression_n set_v down_o by_o daniel_n cawdry_n in_o his_o schem_n of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n n._n 17._o and_o mr._n lockiers_n expression_n of_o this_o purpose_n along_o his_o lecture_n can_v as_o hardly_o suffer_v such_o a_o construction_n other_o of_o they_o indeed_o have_v speak_v more_o wary_o and_o in_o a_o low_a strain_n as_o mr._n hooker_n himself_o state_v the_o question_n p._n 1._o pag._n 15._o tell_v we_o person_n who_o may_v be_v be_v hypocrite_n inward_o yet_o if_o their_o conversation_n and_o expression_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v in_o charity_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v some_o spiritual_a good_a in_o they_o we_o say_v and_o hope_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o conceive_v they_o be_v saint_n these_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o discern_v by_o his_o word_n whether_o he_o mean_v a_o contrary_n a_o by_o a_o positive_a judgement_n we_o mean_v the_o elict_v of_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o affirm_v the_o man_n to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o a_o negative_a judgement_n the_o abstain_v from_o affirmation_n of_o the_o contrary_n negative_a judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o a_o positive_a his_o word_n as_o to_o this_o be_v so_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_a and_o that_o very_o remarkable_o pag._n 14._o end_n and_o 15._o begin_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o matter_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o rational_a charity_n direct_v by_o rule_n from_o the_o word_n a_o man_n can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o seed_n of_o some_o spiritual_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n here_o if_o we_o look_v at_o these_o word_n a_o man_n can_v not_o but_o conclude_v one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o positive_a judgement_n be_v intend_v for_o that_o expression_n do_v import_v a_o necessity_n of_o elict_v positive_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n affirm_v of_o the_o subject_n that_o form_n touch_v which_o the_o question_n be_v but_o the_o next_o word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o may_v be_v nothing_o be_v more_o say_v there_o before_o he_o conclude_v the_o description_n of_o visible_a saint_n seem_v to_o cast_v down_o that_o and_o to_o import_v less_o then_o a_o little_a after_o he_o express_v clear_o a_o positive_a judgement_n we_o say_v and_o hope_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o conceive_v they_o be_v saint_n again_o in_o propound_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o matter_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o cloud_n we_o can_v conclude_v but_o in_o charity_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v some_o spiritual_a good_a in_o they_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v but_o etc._n etc._n one_o will_v think_v only_o a_o negative_a judgement_n be_v intend_v for_o these_o word_n import_v no_o more_o but_o a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n whereby_o the_o form_n in_o question_n be_v deny_v of_o the_o subject_n or_o the_o contrair_a thereunto_o affirm_v but_o when_o it_o be_v add_v there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v &c_n &c_n this_o seem_v to_o speak_v for_o a_o positive_a before_o it_o be_v we_o can_v but_o conclude_v and_o therewith_o there_o may_v be_v only_o now_o it_o be_v we_o can_v conclude_v but_o and_o herewith_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v i_o very_o think_v the_o godly_a man_n have_v be_v at_o a_o puzzle_n in_o his_o conception_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n who_o write_n i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o see_v mr._n nortoun_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o gulliel_n apoll._n his_o question_n be_v most_o moderate_a and_o come_v near_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o many_o particular_n he_o come_v below_o that_o which_o be_v require_v by_o most_o part_n of_o all_o other_o of_o that_o way_n particular_o in_o that_o express_o he_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o positive_a judgement_n but_o only_o negative_a that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o church-member_n c._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o positive_o to_o judge_v ill_o of_o they_o section_n 14_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o difference_n this_o in_o general_n be_v their_o common_a tenet_n that_o only_o such_o can_v be_v take_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o as_o foundational_o at_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o the_o church_n or_o as_o additional_o by_o admission_n into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v account_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n true_a heart-beleever_n have_v real_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n give_v thereof_o 1._o by_o knowledge_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o other_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o lead_v a_o life_n without_o scandal_n 2._o a_o experimental_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o a_o conversation_n not_o only_o without_o scandal_n and_o offence_n before_o man_n indeed_o norton_n go_v no_o further_a but_o also_o without_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n and_o commission_n of_o any_o know_v ill_o concern_v which_o they_o must_v be_v a_o good_a space_n try_v first_o in_o a_o way_n private_a if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o gather_n by_o one_o another_o mutual_o until_o they_o be_v mutual_o satisfy_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n touch_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o each_o other_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o additional_a member_n the_o trial_n be_v first_o by_o the_o rule_v elder_a or_o elder_n both_o by_o way_n of_o diligent_a enquiry_n for_o information_n from_o other_o and_o by_o way_n of_o conference_n with_o and_o examination_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o then_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o elder_a the_o person_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o church_n the_o people_n also_o must_v as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v they_o try_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o that_o both_o way_n too_o if_o these_o find_v no_o reality_n of_o satisfaction_n they_o present_v their_o dissatisfaction_n to_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n which_o stay_v the_o proceed_n for_o the_o present_a but_o if_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v get_v by_o elder_n and_o people_n in_o this_o private_a way_n than_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v must_v further_o every_o one_o after_o another_o if_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o the_o church_n make_v first_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n then_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o experimental_a work_n of_o their_o effectual_a vocation_n 1._o in_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 2._o in_o their_o unfeigned_a faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o then_o must_v produce_v if_o require_v a_o testimony_n of_o their_o blameless_a conversation_n for_o a_o testimony_n to_o my_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o representation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o these_o on_o the_o margin_n 58._o margin_n hooker_n survey_v p._n 1._o c._n 2._o pag._n 14_o 15_o 24_o 25._o p._n 3._o cap._n 3._o pag._n 4_o â—_o brief_a narrat_fw-la of_o the_o pract_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n._n e._n pa._n
the_o apostle_n who_o write_v to_o they_o you_o have_v hear_v answ_n we_o take_v what_o the_o author_n say_v that_o this_o great_a house_n be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v so_o take_v as_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o any_o other_o church_n then_o i_o say_v he_o have_v furnish_v a_o weapon_n against_o himself_o for_o if_o this_o house_n be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n to_o which_o â—he_v apostle_n write_v then_o when_o as_o write_n to_o they_o he_o â—…lled_v they_o saint_n he_o mean_v not_o that_o â—f_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o but_o speak_v it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o body_n indefinite_o and_o confuse_o why_o shall_v that_o bâ—_n understand_v universal_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o say_v here_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n be_v a_o great_a house_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o vessel_n to_o dishonour_n non-saint_n yea_o very_a reprobate_n appoint_v to_o wrath_n it_o will_v not_o salve_v the_o matter_n to_o say_v as_o mr._n locky_a insinuate_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n speak_v of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o paul_n be_v speak_v his_o judgement_n here_o too_o now_o how_o can_v these_o two_o judgement_n consist_v in_o one_o man_n to_o my_o judgement_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v real_a saint_n seal_v as_o he_o and_o yet_o i_o pronounce_v there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n some_o real_a un-saint_n very_a reprobate_n indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n here_o have_v not_o determine_v positive_o and_o purè_v but_o by_o way_n of_o suspense_n and_o modaliter_fw-la in_o this_o house_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v be_v or_o possible_o there_o be_v some_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o repugnancy_n or_o incompatibilitie_n of_o this_o with_o the_o former_a but_o he_o speak_v absolute_o and_o positive_o there_o be_v some_o vessel_n to_o dishonour_n section_n ix_o some_o further_a argument_n confirm_v our_o doctrine_n and_o evert_v the_o adverse_a opinion_n about_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n section_n 1_o mr._n locky_a have_v choose_v out_o some_o objection_n against_o his_o doctrine_n as_o make_v by_o his_o adversary_n but_o indeed_o frame_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n only_o two_o of_o they_o be_v in_o causâ_fw-la the_o other_o be_v but_o extrinsecall_v to_o the_o cause_n reflection_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o person_n this_o i_o confess_v have_v be_v witty_o do_v for_o gain_v advantage_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o hearer_n and_o reader_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o controversy_n for_o his_o own_o and_o against_o his_o adversary_n cause_n but_o it_o be_v not_o very_o ingenuous_a deal_n what_o have_v there_o never_o a_o reason_n more_o be_v bring_v against_o that_o tenet_n of_o he_o by_o learned_a man_n but_o these_o two_o i_o can_v think_v but_o he_o have_v see_v and_o read_v gul._n apolon_n consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n etc._n etc._n sâ—nt_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o westminster_n 1644._o spanhems_n epistle_n to_o mâ—_n buchanaâ—_n mr._n rutherfurd_n his_o fiâ—st_n and_o second_o book_n against_o the_o independent_a way_n however_o he_o may_v have_v read_v they_o and_o find_v therein_o beside_o other_o writing_n of_o orthodox_n divine_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o answer_v well_o because_o he_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o content_v himself_o with_o these_o two_o which_o yet_o how_o he_o have_v satisfy_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n to_o judge_v we_o shall_v add_v some_o few_o more_o not_o trouble_v ourselves_o nor_o the_o reader_n with_o repetition_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v by_o other_o section_n 2_o arg._n 1._o if_o moses_n do_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o old_a test_n man_n profess_v the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n the_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o true_a worship_n without_o enquiry_n for_o the_o work_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v true_o convert_v regenerate_a and_o gracious_a so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discern_v and_o judge_v yea_o know_v assure_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o unconvert_v and_o hard_a heart_a item_n if_o john_n the_o baptist_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o master_n builder_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v admit_v into_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o new_a test_n such_o as_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v profess_v without_o delay_n for_o try_v and_o search_v evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n then_o in_o all_o church_n person_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la for_o constitute_v one_o capable_a of_o visible-church-membership_n that_o he_o be_v true_o convert_v such_o as_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n can_v bear_v witness_n to_o as_o indeed_o seal_v for_o his_o by_o his_o spirit_n so_o far_o as_o man_n true_o convert_v and_o very_o spiritual_a be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o discern_v and_o judge_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n section_n 3_o as_o to_o the_o consequence_n or_o connexion_n of_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v likely_a mr._n locky_a will_n not_o acknowledge_v it_o upon_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n the_o manner_n and_o ground_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o his_o judgement_n as_o seem_v be_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o new_a test_n in_o this_o point_n be_v essential_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o old_a for_o he_o restrict_v his_o thesis_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o dayâ—…_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o once_o which_o to_o i_o smell_v â—…nk_v of_o anabaptist_n who_o as_o we_o know_v deny_v infant_n baptism_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o they_o can_v give_v evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v press_v with_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o infant_n church-membership_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o initiate_a sacrament_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o eschew_v if_o they_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n do_v run_v upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o deaye_v the_o consequence_n from_o practice_n in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o we_o see_v mr._n tomb_n do_v in_o his_o dispute_n with_o mr._n baxter_n i_o will_v not_o think_v that_o mr_n locky_a do_v run_v the_o anabaptist_n length_n in_o make_v use_n of_o that_o difference_n buâ—_n certaiâ—…_n if_o he_o assert_v as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v a_o essential_a difference_n 〈…〉_o one_o and_o the_o other_o he_o for_o his_o part_n give_v they_o a_o fair_a ground_n 〈…〉_o that_o argument_n use_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v for_o infant_n bapâ—…e_n but_o the_o orthodox_n have_v solide_o assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a test_n and_o new_a differ_v not_o in_o essentials_n but_o in_o accidental_n only_o if_o our_o author_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v i_o desiâ—…_n he_o to_o ponder_v and_o answer_v what_o the_o learned_a and_o acute_a divine_a mr._n baxter_n have_v on_o that_o purpose_n in_o his_o dispute_n against_o tomb_n pag._n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o and_o i_o will_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n suppose_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n even_o upon_o that_o first_o part_n of_o the_o antecedent_n to_o be_v valide_fw-la section_n 4_o as_o to_o the_o consequence_n 〈◊〉_d the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o anâ—…cedent_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n the_o apostle_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o under_o the_o new_a test_n admit_v person_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n upon_o their_o first_o profess_v faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordiâ—…nces_n without_o any_o delay_n of_o time_n for_o try_v the_o sincerity_n â—…d_v â—rutâ—_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n i_o know_v what_o use_v to_o be_v except_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o consequence_n there_o deduce_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n induâ—…_n with_o a_o eminent_a gift_n of_o discern_v and_o therefore_o although_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d admit_v man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o make_v profession_n without_o further_o deny_v or_o trial_n yet_o that_o they_o do_v this_o as_o
impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a cognition_n of_o by_o ordinary_a discern_a because_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n of_o omission_n or_o commission_n such_o to_o wit_n whereof_o as_o mr._n hooker_n himself_o speak_v he_o be_v inform_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v secret_a and_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o cognition_n of_o any_o outward_a judicatory_a mr._n norton_n say_v somewhat_o more_o purposely_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o conversation_n without_o scandal_n that_o be_v offence_n before_o man_n and_o mr._n hooker_n himself_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n waver_v from_o himself_o as_o indeed_o in_o handle_v this_o question_n about_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o church_n member_n he_o be_v exceed_o uncertain_a in_o express_v his_o mind_n he_o speak_v not_o of_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n but_o of_o commit_v some_o gross_a evil_n but_o then_o 2._o be_v freedom_n from_o live_v in_o gross_a evil_n or_o outward_a scandal_n ground_n sufficient_a with_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v a_o positive_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n that_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o real_o in_o christ_n i_o think_v indeed_o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o positive_a judge_v the_o contrary_a of_o they_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abstract_n from_o positive_a judge_v of_o their_o inward_a spiritual_a condition_n at_o all_o 3._o if_o not_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n i._n e._n live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n or_o if_o he_o will_v all_o know_a duty_n obvious_a to_o the_o notice_n of_o man_n and_o not_o live_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_v evil_a i._n e._n live_v in_o abstinence_n from_o any_o know_a evil_a or_o if_o he_o will_v obvious_a to_o the_o notice_n of_o man_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o proceed_v upon_o this_o judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v upon_o a_o man_n regeneration_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o admission_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o this_o live_n import_v a_o trade_n as_o mr._n hooker_n expon_v that_o be_v a_o continue_a course_n then_o i_o will_v inquire_v how_o long_a time_n live_v so_o be_v sufficient_a to_o ground_v the_o ecclesiastic_a judgement_n and_o less_o than_o which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v be_v determine_v that_o the_o rule_n may_v be_v certain_a i._n e._n definite_a and_o constant_a that_o the_o matter_n may_v not_o be_v devolve_v upon_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n judgement_n or_o rather_o pleasure_n here_o be_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la and_o so_o again_o the_o matter_n leave_v in_o the_o mist_n to_o press_v this_o the_o more_o and_o the_o more_o clear_o i_o put_v the_o case_n the_o person_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o church_n whether_o regenerate_v or_o not_o be_v one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o heathen_a live_v before_o and_o till_o that_o very_a time_n in_o some_o know_a sin_n as_o many_o sin_n be_v to_o heathen_a know_a sin_n of_o omission_n and_o commission_n now_o i_o inquire_v how_o long_a time_n must_v be_v take_v to_o evidence_n he_o not_o to_o be_v a_o liver_n in_o these_o know_a sin_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o a_o positive_a judgement_n may_v pass_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v let_v a_o positive_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o this_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v a_o definite_a time_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o try_v such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o have_v repentance_n for_o these_o sin_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o according_a to_o what_o mr._n norton_n speak_v conversatio_fw-la absque_fw-la scandalo_fw-la paenitentiâ_fw-la non_fw-la sanato_fw-la then_o i_o say_v repentance_n here_o must_v be_v understand_v either_o as_o comprehend_v the_o inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o this_o fall_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o under_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o outward_a court_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n or_o medium_n of_o their_o procedure_n into_o judgement_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v in_o the_o judgement_n or_o it_o must_v be_v take_v as_o only_o comprehend_v the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o i._n e._n reformation_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o perform_v of_o the_o duty_n former_o neglect_v and_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_n former_o commit_v and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v just_a where_o we_o be_v in_o the_o mist_n yet_o section_n 20_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o three_o ground_n or_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n a_o declaration_n of_o the_o experimental_a work_n of_o conversion_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n as_o mâ—_n hooker_n express_v it_o or_o as_o distinct_o the_o author_n of_o the_o narration_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n pag._n 9_o of_o their_o effectual_a vocation_n in_o their_o sound_a repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v most_o unwarrantable_a and_o rigid_a what_o must_v this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o all_o professor_n that_o they_o must_v make_v a_o declaration_n of_o this_o experimental_a work_n upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v regenerate_v and_o convert_v and_o so_o capable_a of_o admission_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o warrant_v for_o this_o in_o the_o word_n the_o place_n point_v at_o by_o that_o last_o author_n mat._n 3._o 8._o luke_n 3._o 8._o act_n 8._o 37._o do_v not_o warrant_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o former_a two_o john_n baptist_n indeed_o charge_v these_o people_n to_o perform_v real_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a imagination_n of_o interest_n in_o god_n upon_o common_a privilege_n but_o require_v not_o of_o they_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o experimental_a work_n thereof_o upon_o their_o heart_n that_o thereupon_o a_o positive_a judgement_n may_v be_v pass_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o work_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o in_o the_o place_n act_v 8_o 37._o philip_n tell_v the_o eunuch_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o susception_n of_o baptism_n that_o he_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o together_o i_o confess_v insinuate_v the_o require_v of_o a_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o that_o he_o may_v administrat_fw-la baptism_n to_o he_o but_o neither_o do_v philip_n require_v nor_o the_o eunuch_n make_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o experimental_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n in_o relation_n to_o pass_v a_o positive_a judgement_n concern_v the_o inexistence_n of_o the_o work_n in_o his_o heart_n very_o be_v this_o make_v a_o universal_a rule_n or_o ground_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o professor_n conversion_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o admission_n unto_o church_n fellowship_n many_o a_o honest_a gracious_a soul_n shall_v never_o obtain_v such_o a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o while_o they_o live_v there_o be_v many_o such_o who_o put_v they_o to_o declaration_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v say_v little_a or_o nothing_o he_o that_o be_v best_o read_v in_o practical_a tractat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v of_o these_o and_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o utterance_n shall_v carry_v the_o fair_a sentence_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o real_a work_n in_o his_o heart_n if_o he_o can_v but_o carry_v fair_a outward_o in_o his_o conversation_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v without_o scandal_n nay_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o erect_v a_o stage_n for_o hypocrite_n to_o out_o themselves_o upon_o and_o to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o honest_a heart_n not_o endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o express_v themselves_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o draw_v out_o of_o christian_n what_o experience_n they_o find_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o conference_n between_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o between_o christian_n among_o themselves_o may_v and_o ought_v prudent_o to_o be_v exercise_v for_o that_o end_n but_o i_o speak_v against_o the_o make_n of_o declaration_n of_o this_o sort_n a_o general_a rule_n and_o ground_n for_o judicial_a trial_n and_o pass_a judgement_n concern_v the_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n of_o professor_n section_n 21_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n when_o these_o particular_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v consider_v and_o lay_v together_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n be_v a_o inward_a work_n in_o the_o heart_n no_o judgement_n can_v be_v make_v thereupon_o by_o man_n but_o by_o
never_o so_o tender_a if_o right_o inform_v as_o they_o do_v eat_v so_o with_o good_a satisfaction_n they_o may_v eat_v it_o and_o general_o what_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o positive_a laâ—_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o necessity_n require_v may_v be_v do_v and_o a_o tender_a heart_n have_v good_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o even_o in_o thing_n divine_a 2._o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o estimat_fw-la and_z define_v according_a to_o what_o shape_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v he_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o but_o according_a to_o what_o his_o own_o word_n say_v of_o his_o will_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v yield_v to_o this_o aptitude_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o conceive_a god_n shape_a of_o ordinance_n that_o baptise_v by_o private_a person_n and_o even_a midwife_n do_v spring_n from_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o ordinary_a and_o express_a rule_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o single_a congregation_n shall_v not_o exercise_v act_n of_o jurisdiction_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o associate_n eldership_n relate_v to_o the_o case_n when_o association_n may_v be_v have_v but_o when_o association_n can_v possible_o be_v have_v as_o if_o a_o congregation_n be_v in_o a_o remote_a island_n or_o divide_v from_o all_o other_o church_n by_o some_o other_o insuperable_a impediment_n of_o fellowship_n we_o say_v that_o in_o that_o case_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n to_o that_o congregation_n to_o act_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o by_o itself_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v see_v when_o it_o be_v that_o way_n alone_o it_o may_v exercise_v these_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o then_o if_o other_o congregation_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o may_v not_o exercise_v they_o alone_o it_o be_v abridge_v off_o the_o former_a liberty_n it_o have_v before_o when_o it_o be_v alone_o by_o itself_o i_o answ_v this_o be_v no_o abridgement_n of_o its_o liberty_n but_o only_o a_o strengthen_n of_o their_o power_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n as_o suppose_v there_o be_v five_o elder_n in_o a_o congregation_n while_o as_o they_o be_v only_o these_o five_o they_o may_v act_v in_o the_o government_n of_o that_o congregation_n yet_o if_o other_o fix_v be_v add_v to_o they_o they_o may_v not_o now_o act_v without_o these_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o abridge_n of_o any_o liberty_n they_o have_v but_o a_o strengthen_n of_o their_o power_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o a_o congregation_n in_o a_o incapacity_n of_o association_n with_o other_o congregation_n exercise_v and_o dispense_v all_o these_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o not_o as_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n but_o as_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n a_o congregation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o another_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n interpretatiuè_fw-la just_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o congregation_n five_o elder_n only_o these_o five_o act_n all_o thing_n belong_v to_o elder_n in_o the_o congregation_n not_o because_o they_o be_v such_o a_o definite_a competent_a number_n but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n because_o if_o they_o do_v act_n as_o be_v such_o a_o definite_a number_n they_o can_v not_o admit_v any_o more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o work_n section_n 9_o further_n it_o be_v say_v he_o confess_v by_o our_o brethren_n that_o the_o judicature_n of_o class_n and_o congregation_n do_v not_o differ_v specifical_o but_o only_o in_o extension_n then_o if_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o extension_n the_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o elder_n of_o class_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o specifical_a act_n that_o the_o one_o put_v forth_o but_o the_o other_o can_v put_v forth_o too_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v can_v ordain_v and_o excommunicate_v as_o the_o collegiate_n church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o congregationall_a church_n complete_a if_o the_o classical_a church_n be_v answ_n 1._o mr._n locky_a be_v not_o well_o enough_o acquaint_v it_o seem_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o pâ—esbyterians_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o congregationall_a and_o classical_a eldership_n when_o as_o he_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o specifical_a or_o formal_a difference_n between_o they_o if_o he_o be_v acquaint_v better_a with_o they_o he_o will_v find_v some_o to_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o though_o there_o be_v elder_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o presbytery_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v any_o pattern_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n but_o 2._o when_o as_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o presbyterian_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o extension_n he_o mistake_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o all_o presbyterian_o who_o and_o that_o indeed_o according_a to_o truth_n hold_v that_o the_o power_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n not_o only_o reach_v a_o large_a object_n i._n e._n differ_v in_o extension_n but_o also_o more_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n as_o ordination_n excommunication_n which_o the_o eldership_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o one_o single_a congregation_n can_v exercise_v and_o that_o be_v to_o differ_v intensiuè_fw-la but_o i_o suppose_v all_o be_v grant_v which_o be_v ask_v here_o that_o classical_a presbytery_n differ_v not_o specifical_o from_o congregationall_a that_o their_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n differ_v only_o extensiuè_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o specifical_a act_n exercise_v by_o the_o classical_a but_o the_o congregationall_a may_v exercise_v in_o itself_o when_o occasion_n require_v and_o so_o that_o it_o be_v complete_a this_o way_n which_o be_v just_a such_o completeness_n as_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o boy_n be_v a_o complete_a man_n though_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v do_v it_o hereupon_o follow_v that_o large_a associate_n presbytery_n juridical_a be_v useless_a device_n of_o man_n no_o way_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v exercise_v all_o these_o specifical_a act_n there_o may_v be_v many_o case_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o associate_n presbytery_n as_o when_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n when_o other_o congregation_n be_v much_o and_o near_o or_o equal_o concern_v when_o there_o be_v division_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o congregationall_a eldership_n or_o church_n that_o the_o matter_n can_v be_v agree_v upon_o and_o determine_v among_o themselves_o when_o there_o be_v a_o appeal_n propter_fw-la malam_fw-la administrationem_fw-la vel_fw-la malam_fw-la administrationem_fw-la praesumptam_fw-la etc._n etc._n section_n 10_o final_o sect_n 46._o if_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o be_v complete_a to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n without_o a_o foreign_a a_o associate_n eldership_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v mention_v something_o of_o this_o combine_n of_o eldership_n and_o when_o this_o might_n be_v sure_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n dare_v not_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o the_o one_o and_o do_v find_v the_o other_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n commend_v it_o not_o to_o associate_v elder_n but_o both_o elder_n and_o people_n as_o one_o flock_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n act._n 20._o 32._o answ_n 1._o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_a to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n yet_o 1._o be_v not_o every_o congregation_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o look_v to_o the_o work_n of_o fellow_n member_n and_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a according_a to_o its_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o power_n shall_v one_o member_n say_v to_o another_o i_o must_v see_v to_o my_o own_o work_n ought_v i_o to_o care_n for_o thou_o be_v there_o not_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n 2._o no_o particular_a church_n be_v political_o so_o complete_a as_o to_o do_v every_o work_n of_o its_o own_o in_o every_o case_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o it_o will_v in_o this_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o associate_n superior_a eldership_n 3._o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o author_n we_o refer_v to_o before_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a but_o often_o mention_v the_o thing_n of_o associate_v presbytery_n and_o all_o