savinâ—_n qualification_n in_o themselves_o how_o few_o of_o god_n truth-humbled_n and_o save_o qualify_a people_n will_v dare_v to_o come_v do_v they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o such_o a_o principle_n that_o they_o that_o can_v certain_o conclude_v that_o their_o grace_n be_v save_v may_v not_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o receive_v but_o aught_o to_o abstain_v and_o who_o will_v press_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o in_o the_o great_a number_n to_o this_o holy_a table_n but_o such_o as_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o by_o presumption_n and_o self-conceitedness_n 3._o because_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o can_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o sacrament_n will_v seem_v to_o agree_v rather_o with_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o church-triumphant_a where_o there_o be_v grace_n without_o sin_n spirit_n without_o flesh_n assurance_n without_o doubt_v then_o with_o the_o frail_a sinful_a tempt_a doubt_v estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o trouble_a and_o militant_a church_n on_o earth_n 4._o yea_o methinks_v the_o text_n itself_o with_o it_o be_v context_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o the_o contrary_a to_o bear_v much_o gainsaying_n the_o text_n be_v give_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o sin_n v._n 27._o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o which_o it_o stand_v knit_v by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o judgement_n ver_fw-la 29._o 30._o of_o sickness_n weakness_n death_n which_o many_o have_v suffer_v before_o for_o want_v of_o this_o due_a self-examination_n now_o in_o v._o 31._o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o reason_n why_o self-examination_n must_v needs_o prevent_v this_o sin_n and_o punishment_n because_o he_o that_o judge_v himself_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n or_o in_o his_o own_o word_n for_o if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n of_o the_o lord_n as_o unworthy_a receiver_n be_v and_o consequent_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v unworthy_a receiver_n then_o 1._o here_o we_o may_v easy_o note_v that_o such_o examination_n as_o issue_n in_o self-judging_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o unworthy_a receive_n 2._o then_o where_o man_n attain_v to_o this_o effect_n of_o self-examination_n as_o to_o judge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v deal_v with_o by_o god_n as_o unworthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o do_v in_o examine_v themselves_o judge_v themselves_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o fear_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n yea_o be_v here_o invite_v yea_o command_v to_o come_v so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n 4._o then_o it_o seem_v that_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a cause_n of_o self-judging_a be_v the_o object_n of_o self-examining_a rather_o than_o our_o grace_n so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v but_o find_v out_o our_o sin_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o and_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o we_o may_v warrantable_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o sacrament_n though_o we_o can_v discover_v our_o grace_n 5._o then_o unless_o self-judging_a be_v self-acquitting_a or_o self-condemning_a be_v self-approving_a self-justifying_a a_o person_n may_v warrantable_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o discovery_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o his_o self-examining_a the_o sum_n be_v will_v a_o man_n escape_v the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n let_v he_o so_o far_o examine_v himself_o as_o to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o judge_n sentence_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o the_o same_o for_o if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v last_o this_o be_v excellent_o note_v and_o judicious_o state_v as_o well_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v one_o say_v they_o who_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o due_a preparation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n may_v have_v interest_n in_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o assure_v thereof_o and_o in_o god_n account_n have_v it_o if_o he_o be_v due_o affect_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o case_n because_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o relief_n even_o of_o weak_a and_o doubt_a christian_n he_o be_v to_o bewail_v his_o unnbelife_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v his_o doubt_n resolve_v and_o so_o do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o he_o may_v be_v further_o strengthen_v p._n 141._o chap._n xxxviii_o the_o term_n of_o public_a admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n so_o much_o for_o the_o term_n of_o private_a accession_n let_v we_o now_o inquire_v what_o my_o former_a proposition_n infer_v about_o public_a admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o may_v in_o general_n be_v offer_v thus_o if_o save_v grace_n appear_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o declare_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o our_o public_a admission_n by_o the_o church_n to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o connexion_n be_v because_o visible_a right_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n declare_v visible_a right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o consequent_o to_o this_o of_o the_o supper_n and_o if_o a_o person_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n doubtless_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o a_o visible_a be_v in_o covenant_n to_o visible_a right_n to_o the_o seal_n for_o who_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n this_o consequence_n be_v i_o presume_v deny_v by_o none_o some_o do_v indeed_o deny_v the_o present_a and_o actual_a possession_n of_o the_o supper_n to_o some_o church-member_n as_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v yet_o they_o deny_v not_o question_v not_o the_o right_a even_o of_o such_o church-member_n thereunto_o but_o rather_o distinguish_v of_o right_a and_o say_v that_o such_o church-member_n as_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v have_v yet_o a_o remote_a and_o fundamental_a right_n though_o not_o such_o a_o right_a as_o give_v claim_v to_o immediate_a possession_n other_o seem_v to_o plead_v for_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o church-member_n but_o this_o most_o evident_o flow_v from_o a_o opinion_n that_o all_o church-member_n as_o such_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n without_o distinction_n of_o right_n or_o ordinance_n the_o minor_a therefore_o viz._n that_o those_o that_o declare_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n may_v be_v church-member_n be_v general_o deny_v by_o such_o as_o make_v such_o evidence_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o alone_o the_o church_n may_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n whereby_o they_o evident_o grant_v the_o consequence_n also_o but_o this_o proposition_n that_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a requisite_n to_o visible_a church-membership_a do_v necessary_o depend_v upon_o principle_n of_o anabaptism_n as_o be_v former_o note_v and_o necessary_o engage_v the_o assertor_n thereof_o against_o all_o the_o stream_n of_o my_o former_a discourse_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o before_o head_n of_o the_o sole_a objection_n and_o argument_n against_o we_o herein_o which_o be_v this_o object_n those_o say_v they_o that_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n have_v no_o visible_a right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n answ_n but_o those_o that_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n appear_v not_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n now_o this_o i_o have_v still_o deny_v and_o labour_v against_o this_o be_v it_o that_o involve_v the_o objector_n in_o the_o former_a labyrinth_n for_o 1._o either_o child_n appear_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n or_o not_o if_o not_o how_o then_o have_v they_o a_o visible_a right_n to_o the_o seal_n and_o if_o where_o be_v there_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n again_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v essential_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o neither_o to_o visible_a right_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o this_o very_a objection_n press_v but_o if_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v say_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o visible-church-membership_a how_o then_o be_v infant_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o my_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n answer_v
have_v or_o be_v cut_v off_o that_o be_v never_o on_o or_o cast_v out_o that_o be_v never_o within_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v my_o opponent_n judgement_n that_o excommunication_n do_v cut_v a_o person_n whole_o off_o this_o can_v consist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o deny_v viz._n that_o wickedness_n do_v so_o too_o for_o that_o which_o be_v already_o do_v can_v be_v do_v again_o i_o mean_v according_a to_o the_o same_o act_n but_o if_o wickedness_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n do_v put_v a_o man_n whole_o out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o out_o before_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n proceed_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v before_o the_o penalty_n and_o consequent_o excommunication_n be_v prevent_v in_o its_o work_n and_o do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n learned_a willet_n see_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o consequence_n wherefore_o have_v first_o conclude_v that_o excommunication_n do_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n he_o add_v that_o therefore_o wicked_a man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n will._n synop._n second_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n church_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la though_o not_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la till_o cut_v off_o according_o by_o excommunication_n 3._o yea_o if_o my_o opponent_n affirm_v that_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v yet_o not_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n thereby_o than_o my_o conclusion_n gain_v advantage_n and_o force_v itself_o with_o great_a strength_n for_o if_o excommunication_n which_o suppose_v wickedness_n procure_v it_o do_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o much_o less_o do_v wickedness_n do_v so_o of_o itself_o without_o this_o censure_n add_v to_o it_o and_o if_o wicked_a person_n excommunicate_v have_v not_o lose_v all_o title_n to_o membership_n much_o less_o have_v wicked_a person_n not_o excommunicate_a thus_o lose_v it_o object_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v here_o that_o wicked_a person_n be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la cast_v out_o before_o man_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la before_o god_n answ_n this_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o of_o the_o two_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v first_o viz._n in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o censure_n of_o god_n can_v be_v first_o in_o time_n the_o promise_n be_v that_o god_n will_v bind_v what_o the_o church_n bind_v evang_n bind_v heaven_n wait_v and_o expect_v the_o priest_n sentence_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o lord_n follow_v the_o servant_n and_o what_o the_o servant_n right_o bind_v and_o lose_v here_o on_o earth_n that_o the_o lord_n confirm_v in_o heaven_n chrysost_n hom._n 5._o in_o isa_n vid._n greg_n hom_o 26_o in_o evang_n intimate_v that_o in_o ordinary_a course_n of_o proceed_v the_o church_n must_v censure_v and_o bind_v first_o and_o then_o what_o she_o bind_v on_o earth_n god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o word_n will_v bind_v in_o heaven_n god_n who_o use_v to_o work_v by_o mean_n do_v this_o also_o of_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o mean_n or_o mediation_n of_o his_o church_n act_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la beside_o that_o god_n do_v account_n wicked_a person_n not_o excommunicate_a to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o wickedness_n have_v i_o presume_v so_o full_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o word_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o more_o can_v need_v to_o be_v add_v either_o to_o this_o answer_n or_o this_o chapter_n chap._n xxxii_o excommunication_n do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n whole_o out_o of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o excommunication_n do_v root_n up_o membership_n or_o break_v off_o all_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n it_o have_v be_v a_o long_a question_n betwixt_o the_o reform_a divine_n and_o the_o papist_n whether_o excommunication_n whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o save_v though_o by_o catholic_n the_o one_o side_n mean_v the_o invisible_a church_n and_o the_o other_o the_o visible_a our_o divine_n do_v unanimous_o assert_v and_o undeniable_o evince_v that_o excommunication_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n invisible_a though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o do_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o mince_v their_o assertion_n with_o a_o conditionaliter_fw-la and_o say_v that_o upon_o condition_n and_o hope_n of_o repentance_n as_o trelcatius_n or_o potentia_fw-la as_o willet_n a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o however_o i_o presume_v they_o have_v as_o good_a deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n altogether_o for_o what_o do_v conditionaliter_fw-la or_o potentia_fw-la add_v to_o the_o excommunicate_a more_o than_o will_v fit_v a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a as_o well_o as_o they_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v of_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a that_o he_o be_v upon_o condition_n of_o repentance_n or_o in_o potentia_fw-la a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a for_o indeed_o a_o person_n that_o be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n then_o upon_o condition_n of_o repentance_n or_o in_o power_n whether_o excommunicate_a or_o not_o be_v no_o more_o a_o member_n then_o a_o heathen_a that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v and_o the_o power_n be_v reduce_v into_o act_n for_o though_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o power_n and_o there_o be_v a_o near_a power_n in_o the_o excommunicate_a then_o in_o heathen_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v only_o so_o in_o power_n it_o can_v only_o be_v say_v that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o and_o thereby_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o at_o all_o for_o the_o present_a divine_n do_v general_o distinguish_v of_o two_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a if_o this_o distinction_n be_v allow_v our_o present_a question_n concern_v the_o lesser_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n for_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n as_o the_o great_a call_v anathema_n maranatha_n this_o do_v in_o the_o usual_a understanding_n of_o it_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o add_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o in_o the_o use_n and_o extent_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o divine_n it_o belong_v to_o such_o only_a as_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_z puts_z man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n without_o hope_n of_o repentance_n and_o as_o accurse_a till_o our_o lord_n shall_v come_v whereby_o it_o be_v render_v impossible_a to_o be_v inflict_v by_o man_n before_o that_o day_n of_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v by_o necessity_n cut_v off_o from_o our_o practice_n may_v be_v very_o well_o exempt_a from_o our_o present_a discourse_n of_o choice_n now_o concern_v the_o common_a censure_n call_v the_o lesser_a or_o the_o lesser_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n which_o yet_o i_o yield_v to_o be_v more_o than_o suspension_n i_o renew_v the_o question_n whether_o this_o do_v whole_o dismember_v or_o cut_v one_o whole_o off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o for_o the_o negative_a i_o offer_v reas_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n than_o the_o first_o degree_n do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n whole_o out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o great_a and_o last_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n be_v a_o church-censure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o and_o lesser_a now_o if_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n do_v whole_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o iâ—â—here_o room_n for_o the_o second_o if_o by_o the_o first_o they_o be_v put_v whole_o out_o how_o shall_v the_o latter_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v they_o for_o what_o have_v she_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v without_o therefore_o she_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o with_o this_o last_o censure_n also_o they_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v within_o in_o some_o sonse_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o judgement_n though_o under_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n before_o now_o that_o there_o be_v two_o such_o degree_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o question_v by_o most_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o oppose_v i_o in_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o this_o may_v serve_v at_o least_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o they_o reas_n 2._o but_o to_o the_o thing_n such_o excommunication_n as_o we_o discourse_v of_o do_v not_o sever_v a_o man_n from_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v its_o essence_n nor_o yet_o whole_o from_o its_o communion_n or_o its_o formal_a action_n so_o that_o a_o person_n though_o
think_v fit_a to_o commend_v she_o for_o as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n second_o positive_o she_o be_v so_o abominable_a in_o her_o lukewarmnesse_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o her_o carnal_a security_n and_o selfconfidence_n and_o slight_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o riches_n and_o treasure_n ver_fw-la 16_o 17._o his_o stomach_n even_o rise_v against_o she_o so_o that_o he_o threaten_v to_o spew_v she_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n ver_fw-la 15._o yet_o second_o observe_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o from_o heaven_n and_o even_o now_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o his_o heat_n and_o anger_n against_o she_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v she_o and_o call_v she_o a_o church_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n he_o can_v as_o well_o have_v direct_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o church_n or_o that_o pretend_a church_n or_o have_v leave_v the_o superscription_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o his_o servant_n john_n who_o in_o charity_n may_v have_v cure_v and_o have_v style_v she_o a_o church_n who_o indeed_o be_v none_o but_o lo_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o he_o that_o have_v just_a now_o tell_v this_o same_o church_n that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n v._o 14._o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o flatter_v she_o that_o a_o wicked_a people_n may_v yet_o be_v own_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o church_n 2._o thus_o the_o antecedent_n appear_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v that_o therefore_o a_o 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 be_v as_o full_o manifest_v by_o two_o short_a consideration_n 1._o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v whether_o it_o can_v reasonable_o or_o indeed_o possible_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n or_o christ_n do_v intimate_v by_o own_v such_o a_o wicked_a people_n as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o wickedness_n abound_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v save_o sanctify_v or_o have_v save_v grace_n and_o yet_o clear_o thus_o it_o must_v have_v be_v if_o a_o people_n can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n unto_o this_o sanctify_a or_o save_v grace_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n unto_o their_o save_a grace_n when_o he_o ow_v they_o thus_o for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n than_o it_o will_v hence_o easy_o follow_v that_o god_n do_v own_o such_o a_o people_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n upon_o other_o term_n and_o respect_n than_o this_o of_o save_a grace_n and_o than_o who_o see_v not_o the_o undeniablenesse_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o former_a consequence_n 2._o again_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a and_o forceable_a if_o we_o add_v this_o to_o the_o former_a consideration_n that_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n quoad_fw-la homines_fw-la or_o as_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v of_o it_o then_o we_o may_v reason_v thus_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n call_v a_o people_n his_o people_n and_o his_o church_n that_o give_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o their_o save_a grace_n then_o we_o be_v doubtless_o to_o account_v a_o people_n sometime_o at_o least_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o account_v of_o a_o people_n relation_n to_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o now_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v that_o a_o people_n visible_o wicked_a and_o consequent_o without_o any_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v a_o people_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o we_o also_o be_v to_o reckon_v a_o visible_o wicked_a people_n and_o a_o people_n that_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o their_o save_a grace_n sometime_o to_o be_v a_o people_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o how_o apparent_o and_o irresistible_o must_v it_o need_v follow_v that_o as_o a_o people_n may_v be_v know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o people_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n so_o they_o may_v be_v true_o consider_v to_o be_v thus_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 save_a grace_n see_v god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o on_o which_o we_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n particular_o insist_v anon_o to_o ground_n a_o true_a and_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o people_n interest_n and_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o people_n and_o church_n beside_o this_o sincere_a or_o save_a grace_n chap._n xviii_o the_o second_o argument_n from_o scripture_n such_o as_o the_o word_n declare_v to_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n it_o give_v title_n equivalent_a to_o church-membership_a that_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o search_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o present_a controversy_n we_o shall_v now_o descend_v to_o consider_v the_o title_n which_o all_o allow_v to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a and_o to_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n the_o scripture_n appli_v they_o which_o with_o the_o more_o fairness_n and_o fitness_n of_o reason_v will_v be_v dispatch_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o follow_a argument_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ascribe_v such_o title_n as_o be_v true_o equivalent_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a unto_o such_o person_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v testify_v to_o have_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o evidence_n at_o least_o of_o save_v grace_n then_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 respect_n to_o save_a grace_n in_o this_o consequence_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n beg_v which_o yet_o i_o think_v none_o will_v deny_v i_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v good_a argue_v from_o the_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o whole_a but_o consider_v that_o 1._o the_o church_n entitive_o take_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o company_n of_o member_n 2._o that_o the_o whole_a difference_n in_o dispute_n rest_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n thereof_o and_o 3._o that_o chief_o as_o it_o have_v rationem_fw-la subjecti_fw-la in_o which_o sense_n minister_n and_o all_o within_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 4._o that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o great_a controversy_n be_v evident_o practice_n which_o be_v only_o conversant_a about_o particular_a person_n or_o member_n my_o consequence_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v except_v against_o but_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ascribe_v such_o title_n as_o be_v true_o equivalent_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a to_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v testify_v to_o have_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o evidence_n at_o least_o of_o save_v grace_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o proposition_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o dispute_n expect_v to_o to_o be_v prove_v which_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o many_o particular_n 1._o brother_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 8._o equivalent_a to_o church-member_n yet_o even_o there_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o that_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n you_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v and_o that_o your_o brethren_n those_o that_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v their_o brethren_n give_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o some_o that_o do_v wrong_a and_o defraud_v their_o brethren_n be_v even_o by_o the_o scripture_n call_v brethren_n for_o if_o the_o defraud_a be_v brethren_n to_o the_o defrauder_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o relation_n the_o defrauder_n be_v brethren_n to_o the_o defraud_a but_o the_o defraud_a be_v brethren_n to_o the_o defrauder_n your_o brethren_n therefore_o the_o defrauder_n be_v brethren_n to_o they_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v express_v to_o be_v verse_n 6._o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n 2._o call_v be_v a_o title_n in_o scripture_n equivalent_a to_o church-member_n but_o our_o saviour_n therein_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o be_v call_v that_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n even_o some_o that_o neither_o then_o have_v any_o save_a grace_n nor_o ever_o shall_v for_o more_o be_v assert_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v call_v then_o be_v elect_v but_o no_o more_o either_o now_o have_v or_o ever_o shall_v have_v save_v grace_n then_o be_v elect_v therefore_o some_o
above_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o anticipate_v any_o that_o shall_v restrain_v and_o limit_v this_o covenant-holinesse_n consistent_a with_o actuai_fw-fr wickedness_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o apostle_n peter_n have_v take_v the_o very_a same_o passage_n and_o make_v its_o application_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o peter_n 2._o 9_o if_o yet_o any_o possible_a scruple_n remain_v serious_o weigh_v that_o method_n of_o reason_v god_n be_v please_v with_o in_o psalm_n 50._o 7._o god_n threaten_v there_o to_o testify_v against_o israel_n a_o sufficient_a note_n of_o israel_n wickedness_n yet_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n god_n ow_v israel_n a_o competent_a token_n of_o israles_n holiness_n but_o how_o dâ—th_v god_n own_o wicked_a israel_n not_o in_o covenant_n yea_o doubtless_o in_o both_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n hear_v o_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v speak_v o_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v testify_v against_o thou_o i_o be_o god_n even_o thy_o god_n here_o be_v sufficient_a doubtless_o infinite_o to_o supersede_n what_o can_v lawful_o be_v argue_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o wicked_a israelite_n his_o be_v in_o covenant_n from_o v._o 16_o 17._o so_o much_o insist_v on_o 3._o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o trite_a in_o reform_a writer_n especial_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n than_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n holy_a vel_fw-la actu_fw-la vel_fw-la orasione_n professione_n debita_fw-la holiness_n real_a and_o relative_a habitual_a and_o impute_v foederal_a and_o inherent_a who_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o person_n be_v holy_a in_o a_o relative_a foederal_a and_o impute_a sense_n and_o by_o profession_n obligation_n separation_n and_o calling_n that_o be_v not_o holy_a real_o as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o relative_o actual_o personal_o or_o inherent_o who_o be_v yet_o only_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n take_v the_o word_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ut_fw-la sint_fw-la sancti_fw-la as_o paraeus_n aretius_n and_o divers_a other_o do_v in_o which_o sense_n master_n baxter_n word_n be_v ordinary_o quote_v that_o there_o be_v 105_o his_o rest_n p._n 105_o many_o saint_n or_o sanctify_a man_n that_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o heaven_n who_o be_v only_a saint_n by_o their_o separation_n from_o paganism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whence_o also_o chamier_n proportionable_o reason_n quomodo_fw-la paulus_n dicebat_fw-la romae_fw-la i._n e._n omnes_fw-la svi_fw-la temporis_fw-la judaeos_fw-la esse_fw-la sanctos_fw-la quod_fw-la eorum_fw-la truncus_fw-la i._n e._n abraham_n sanctos_fw-la fuisset_fw-la 4._o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o prove_v particular_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v that_o foederal_a holiness_n do_v proceed_v into_o the_o adult_n estate_n see_v those_o church_n viz._n of_o new_a england_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o suspicion_n in_o this_o controversy_n have_v express_o declare_v for_o it_o or_o at_o least_o very_o strong_o 51._o mr._n cotton_v way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n pag._n 51._o intimate_v in_o these_o word_n those_o say_v they_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o any_o church_n may_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o former_a interest_n require_v the_o supper_n in_o that_o church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n to_o examine_v themselves_o which_o yet_o master_n baxter_n have_v somewhat_o more_o clear_o for_o say_v he_o their_o be_v baptize_v person_n if_o at_o age_n or_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n into_o which_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v baptize_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n to_o the_o supper_n till_o they_o do_v by_o heresy_n 104_o his_o rest_n p._n 104_o or_o scandal_n blot_v that_o evidence_n which_o assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o confident_a issue_n of_o much_o doubt_n dispute_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n 5._o yea_o that_o prudent_a ordinance_n call_v confirmation_n though_o of_o singular_a use_n in_o the_o hurch_n if_o well_o manage_v and_o that_o only_a thing_n that_o seem_v against_o we_o in_o this_o part_n of_o dispute_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mean_a of_o pass_v from_o the_o infant_n to_o the_o adult_n estate_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a this_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o want_v a_o fit_a and_o ready_a answer_n at_o their_o examination_n present_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o admit_v the_o rest_n upon_o a_o new_a account_n into_o church-membership_a they_o be_v sufficient_o so_o before_o for_o they_o style_v this_o exercise_n not_o a_o admission_n but_o a_o confirmation_n or_o if_o in_o any_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o admission_n the_o term_n thereof_o be_v only_o into_o the_o company_n of_o adult_n church-member_n or_o to_o some_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o supper_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o state_n or_o society_n of_o church-member_n as_o such_o neither_o do_v such_o examinant_n intend_v at_o least_o a_o direct_a search_v for_o evidence_n of_o grace_n but_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n or_o at_o utmost_a a_o renew_v of_o that_o covenant_n or_o promise_n personal_o and_o active_o which_o before_o in_o their_o infancy_n they_o be_v only_o passive_o and_o in_o their_o surety_n bind_v unto_o which_o promise_n have_v for_o the_o object_n of_o it_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o be_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o promise_n that_o be_v respect_v the_o future_a and_o be_v make_v for_o something_o yet_o to_o be_v do_v rather_o suppose_v that_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v nor_o enter_v upon_o a_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o yet_o suppose_v to_o have_v any_o save_a grace_n though_o think_v fit_a upon_o such_o a_o promise_n to_o pass_v by_o confirmation_n of_o their_o examinant_n out_o of_o their_o infant_n into_o their_o adult_n estate_n 6._o if_o those_o that_o do_v not_o render_v this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v no_o long_o within_o the_o church_n i_o demand_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o state_n of_o infancy_n or_o only_a seem_o so_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o they_o be_v only_a seem_o so_o then_o infant_n interest_n in_o the_o church_n by_o foederal_a holiness_n be_v not_o a_o real_a interest_n which_o be_v plain_o anabaptistical_n or_o at_o least_o but_o dependent_o and_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o future_a save_a grace_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o plain_o against_o the_o scripture_n for_o after_o heaven_n have_v reveal_v that_o ishmael_n be_v none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n with_o isaac_n and_o that_o to_o abraham_n 17_o vid._n gen._n 17_o himself_o he_o be_v yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relative_a foederal_a holiness_n from_o his_o father_n family_n and_o in_o plain_a obedience_n to_o god_n command_n circumcise_v by_o abraham_n the_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o bond_n woman_n and_o her_o son_n who_o indeed_o be_v ishmael_n be_v clear_o intimate_v to_o be_v within_o gal._n 4._o 30._o where_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o where_o also_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o history_n of_o ishmael_n and_o isaac_n be_v allegorical_a and_o serve_v to_o conclude_v that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v ishmaels_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o apostle_n argue_v v._o 29._o from_o then_o to_o now_o 2._o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o be_v real_o visible_a member_n before_o in_o their_o infant_n estate_n but_o now_o they_o want_v that_o which_o their_o adult_n estate_n require_v to_o continue_v this_o their_o membership_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o so_o i_o then_o must_v demand_v whether_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o on_o course_n and_o by_o any_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o state_n or_o whether_o they_o cease_v or_o rather_o be_v make_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o by_o violent_a censure_n or_o excommunication_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_a member_n of_o themselves_o without_o any_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o i_o humble_o conceive_v here_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o lose_v church-membership_a viz._n by_o ignorance_n wickedness_n etc._n etc._n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o age_n of_o any_o church_n before_o 2._o then_o idiot_n and_o distract_a person_n cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n at_o their_o adult_n estate_n 3._o what_o shadow_n of_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o ignorance_n for_o which_o
ignorance_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n we_o read_v that_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n have_v no_o understanding_n but_o where_o be_v it_o say_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v they_o be_v not_o israel_n or_o because_o they_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o be_v none_o of_o my_o people_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o read_v also_o that_o some_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v of_o who_o indeed_o it_o add_v that_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v likely_a at_o least_o to_o perish_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o thus_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o they_o be_v no_o church-member_n yea_o do_v it_o not_o rather_o acknowledge_v even_o these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v member_n when_o the_o whole_a be_v call_v the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o salute_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o also_o of_o some_o christian_a hebrew_n that_o have_v need_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o mean_n that_o one_o shall_v teach_v they_o again_o what_o be_v the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o once_o charge_v both_o with_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n yet_o add_v nothing_o of_o their_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v no_o long_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n call_v they_o yet_o babe_n yea_o and_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o laodicea_n be_v charge_v with_o blindness_n she_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o christ_n for_o heaven_n now_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o judge_v without_o god_n law_n reas_n 4._o last_o if_o knowledge_n as_o such_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n to_o visible_a church-membership_a than_o no_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v a_o curch-member_n for_o none_o can_v be_v a_o member_n without_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_o require_v thereunto_o but_o all_o will_v grant_v except_o anabaptist_n that_o some_o ignorant_a person_n viz._n child_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v and_o actual_o be_v church-member_n therefore_o also_o none_o mere_o for_o their_o ignorance_n be_v no_o church-member_n for_o then_o every_o such_o one_o will_v be_v equal_o exclude_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n a_o quatenus_fw-la add_v omni_fw-la valet_fw-la argumentum_fw-la object_n but_o child_n stand_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o their_o parent_n right_a who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v knowledge_n answ_n 1._o a_o infant_n right_a in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v three_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o rise_n or_o ground_n 2._o in_o its_o conveyance_n 3._o in_o its_o receptaculum_fw-la or_o seat_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v convey_v and_o seat_v it_o be_v grant_v principal_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n who_o promise_n be_v free_o make_v both_o to_o we_o and_o our_o seed_n it_o be_v indeed_o convey_v to_o such_o and_o such_o infant_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o their_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o promise_n be_v first_o to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o our_o seed_n but_o last_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o child_n itself_o who_o be_v a_o church-member_n as_o well_o as_o his_o parent_n therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o our_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o seed_n distinct_a to_o we_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o according_o the_o seal_n also_o 2._o that_o the_o infant_n right_o be_v seat_v in_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o its_o parent_n further_o appear_v thus_o 1._o because_o otherwise_o the_o child_n shall_v have_v no_o right_n at_o all_o for_o the_o accident_n do_v inhaerere_fw-la in_o subjecto_fw-la to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o the_o child_n which_o be_v the_o accident_n be_v not_o in_o the_o child_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o where_n nothing_o at_o all_o possession_n may_v be_v in_o another_o for_o my_o use_n 2._o a_o right_a to_o the_o same_o thing_n lie_v yet_o in_o common_a and_o not_o actual_o divide_v to_o the_o partner_n may_v be_v seat_v in_o two_o or_o more_o howbeit_o every_o one_o of_o these_o partner_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o whole_a if_o it_o be_v divisible_a but_o rather_o in_o it_o 3._o a_o right_n may_v be_v transfer_v from_o one_o to_o another_o yet_o when_o the_o right_n be_v thus_o transfer_v it_o now_o reside_v no_o long_a in_o he_o that_o before_o have_v it_o but_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v the_o property_n be_v alter_v 4._o right_o may_v be_v seat_v in_o one_o for_o another_o use_n as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n or_o person_n of_o trust_n yet_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o one_o right_o be_v seat_v in_o another_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o one_o have_v a_o right_a and_o yet_o he_o have_v none_o for_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la can_v be_v separate_v from_o i_o &_o te_fw-la and_o i_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o myself_o 2._o as_o person_n be_v seal_v so_o they_o have_v a_o right_n in_o the_o church_n but_o child_n be_v seal_v i._n e._n baptize_v in_o their_o own_o person_n therefore_o their_o right_n be_v seat_v also_o in_o their_o own_o person_n 3._o child_n have_v lawful_a possession_n in_o their_o own_o person_n therefore_o the_o right_n by_o which_o they_o thus_o possess_v be_v seat_v in_o their_o own_o person_n membris_fw-la calvin_n speak_v the_o reform_a sense_n say_v dicimus_fw-la ccclesiae_fw-la filios_fw-la nasci_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la utero_fw-la reputari_fw-la in_o christi_fw-la membris_fw-la for_o nothing_o can_v legitmate_v possession_n and_o make_v it_o lawful_a but_o a_o right_n seat_v in_o the_o possessor_n that_o child_n have_v lawful_a possession_n of_o membership_n in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v deny_v by_o none_o but_o anabaptist_n see_v according_a to_o scripture_n they_o be_v general_o allow_v to_o be_v disciple_n in_o covenant_n to_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v to_o he_o all_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a 4._o if_o the_o child_n have_v no_o right_a but_o in_o its_o parent_n it_o shall_v have_v no_o possession_n but_o in_o its_o parent_n and_o the_o parent_n church-membership_a and_o seal_v of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a ergo_fw-la object_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a objection_n come_v now_o to_o be_v remove_v it_o lie_v thus_o consent_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n for_o their_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n but_o knowledge_n be_v require_v to_o consent_n therefore_o knowledge_n be_v requisite_a for_o a_o adult_n person_n be_v in_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o church_n answ_n neither_o of_o these_o proposition_n may_v safe_o pass_v without_o exception_n or_o at_o least_o distinction_n upon_o they_o first_o therefore_o we_o distinguish_v of_o consent_n as_o requisite_a to_o covenant_v and_o thus_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o proposition_n and_o second_o of_o knowledge_n as_o requisite_a to_o consent_v and_o thus_o answer_v to_o the_o latter_a proposition_n three_o of_o a_o adult_n person_n be_v in_o covenant_n which_o may_v be_v helpful_a also_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o whole_a consent_v be_v positive_a or_o negative_a knowledge_n be_v implicit_a or_o explicit_a and_o this_o again_o be_v clear_a or_o cloudy_a full_a or_o but_o in_o part_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o adult_n person_n be_v either_o such_o as_o they_o receive_v in_o their_o infant_n state_n or_o such_o as_o they_o receive_v after_o they_o be_v in_o year_n according_a to_o these_o distinction_n i_o apply_v my_o answer_n thus_o 1._o a_o positive_a consent_n be_v a_o express_v or_o profess_a consent_n and_o this_o i_o affirm_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o that_o will_v enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n or_o his_o church_n at_o the_o adult_n estate_n so_o far_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n especial_o if_o we_o note_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o consent_v unto_o to_o be_v but_o enter_v into_o god_n covenant_n and_o among_o his_o covenant_n people_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n thereof_o in_o general_n 2._o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v a_o negative_a consent_n which_o be_v but_o non-actual_a dissent_n or_o a_o non-renouncing_a of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v such_o in_o covenant_n as_o before_o be_v admit_v whether_o in_o their_o infant_n or_o adult_n estate_n though_o we_o grant_v
thus_o excommunicate_a have_v yet_o both_o habitual_a and_o actual_a communion_n in_o part_n with_o the_o church_n either_o of_o which_o be_v far_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a conditional_a or_o potential_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o participate_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o cease_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v a_o member_n thereof_o 1._o a_o excommunicate_a person_n have_v habitual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v real_a and_o more_o than_o potential_a though_o he_o habitual_a habitual_a shall_v have_v actual_a communion_n this_o have_v large_o appear_v before_o for_o his_o communion_n be_v only_o suspend_v upon_o expectation_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o he_o have_v it_o in_o desire_n and_o in_o the_o preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n baptism_n be_v yet_o in_o force_n upon_o he_o 2._o yea_o such_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n have_v actual_a commmunion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o many_o though_o not_o all_o her_o ordinance_n actual_a actual_a 1._o as_o before_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n 2._o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v for_o he_o as_o a_o person_n in_o some_o relation_n as_o a_o brother_n to_o they_o which_o he_o may_v claim_v at_o least_o if_o he_o may_v not_o hear_v 3._o in_o the_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o doubtless_o be_v a_o ordinance_n heb._n 11._o 25._o and_o to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o excommunicate_a count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 4._o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n also_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o medicine_n to_o heal_v and_o not_o always_o as_o a_o sword_n whole_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o disease_a member_n the_o excommunicate_a be_v thereby_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 〈◊〉_d 5._o 1._o cor._n 5._o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o no_o one_o whole_o out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v yea_o some_o conceive_v that_o the_o excommunicate_a have_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o the_o supper_n and_o the_o politic_a act_n of_o the_o niddui_n niddui_n church_n niddui_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v think_v to_o answer_v to_o our_o lesser_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n do_v not_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o talmudist_n say_v though_o according_a to_o drusius_n he_o may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o synagogue_n whence_o haply_o rod._n vid._n gillesp_n aaron_n rod._n that_o form_n of_o speech_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o scripture_n yet_o joh._n coch._n think_v that_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v not_o altogether_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n neither_o but_o be_v permit_v to_o hear_v and_o in_o other_o thing_n be_v separate_v which_o yet_o have_v some_o colour_n from_o that_o proverb_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o that_o be_v under_o cherem_n or_o the_o great_a excommunication_n non_fw-la docet_fw-la non_fw-la docetur_fw-la and_o by_o this_o he_o be_v distinguish_v by_o those_o under_o niddui_n intimate_v that_o such_o though_o they_o may_v not_o teach_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v otherwise_o there_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o herein_o that_o which_o favour_v this_o opinion_n among_o we_o be_v that_o other_o ordinance_n may_v be_v dispense_v to_o heathen_n and_o publican_n a_o publican_n may_v come_v into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v and_o a_o heathen_a come_v into_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o hear_v and_o a_o person_n thus_o excommunicate_a be_v but_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o i_o presume_v not_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o so_o nice_a a_o controversy_n i_o crave_v only_o leave_v to_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o excommunicate_a hear_v only_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o pray_v only_o as_o a_o publican_n than_o not_o as_o a_o church-member_n which_o serve_v to_o cut_v this_o observation_n whole_o off_o from_o the_o present_a question_n and_o to_o break_v short_a off_o the_o thread_n of_o my_o answer_n hereto_o chap._n xxxiii_o what_o do_v whole_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n first_o on_o god_n part_n hitherto_o we_o have_v answer_v negative_o and_o labour_v to_o show_v that_o ignorance_n wickedness_n and_o excommunication_n viz._n the_o lesser_a do_v not_o whole_o root_v up_o visible_a church-membership_a come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v our_o positive_a answer_n and_o to_o show_v what_o do_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o sad_a change_n may_v be_v consider_v it_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o be_v passive_a or_o active_a in_o it_o to_o be_v passive_a in_o it_o only_o and_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o active_a also_o and_o to_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o passive_a in_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o punishment_n not_o in_o the_o sin_n the_o agent_n can_v be_v none_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o principal_a proper_o when_o the_o man_n be_v passive_a god_n be_v the_o agent_n proper_o sense_n but_o god_n for_o as_o the_o husband_n be_v say_v most_o proper_o to_o give_v the_o wife_n a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n though_o other_o viz._n the_o administer_v of_o the_o law_n be_v subservient_fw-fr also_o so_o god_n alone_o have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o admit_v into_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o own_o church_n though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v by_o god_n therein_o therefore_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o divine_n that_o when_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n err_v god_n do_v not_o bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o man_n be_v not_o real_o bind_v at_o all_o 1._o but_o god_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o give_v this_o bill_n of_o utter_a divorce_n two_o way_n first_o mediate_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o church_n god_n do_v divorce_n 1._o mediate_o by_o the_o church_n high_a act_n of_o punishment_n if_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v call_v anathema_n maranatha_n which_o god_n do_v either_o by_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o be_v do_v according_o on_o earth_n when_o the_o church_n dare_v arise_v to_o so_o great_a and_o dreadful_a a_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v say_v she_o do_v against_o julian_n and_o do_v not_o misapply_v it_o or_o else_o by_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n against_o a_o person_n know_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v sin_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n though_o not_o to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o dismal_a addition_n and_o not_o only_o a_o ratification_n of_o the_o church_n lesser_a censure_n second_o sometime_o god_n do_v put_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o sickle_n and_o whole_o cut_v off_o person_n and_o church_n more_o immedia_o i._n e._n without_o way_n 2._o immediate_o two_o way_n the_o mean_n or_o mediation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o stroke_n of_o natural_a death_n whereby_o a_o person_n if_o wicked_a be_v in_o death_n 1._o by_o death_n heavy_a judgement_n whole_o cut_v from_o the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n but_o if_o godly_a in_o much_o mercy_n whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n in_o our_o present_a respect_n viz._n as_o militant_a to_o be_v join_v to_o jerusalem_n above_o in_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n thereof_o for_o ever_o 2._o by_o remove_v his_o ordinance_n candlestick_n 2._o by_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o church-communion_n from_o the_o place_n where_o such_o a_o person_n or_o people_n who_o have_v not_o heart_n or_o fruit_n answerable_a do_v inhabit_v for_o otherwise_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v remove_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v to_o it_o indeed_o he_o have_v habitual_a communion_n with_o all_o other_o church_n and_o power_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o claim_v actual_a communion_n with_o it_o as_o none_o can_v doubt_v though_o his_o own_o former_a congregation_n be_v dissolve_v just_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n after_o many_o warning_n and_o threaten_n when_o she_o have_v stone_v the_o servant_n and_o kill_v the_o heir_n and_o yet_o still_o refuse_v she_o own_o mercy_n scorn_v to_o be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n herself_o have_v shed_v or_o heal_v by_o the_o wound_n she_o have_v make_v god_n at_o length_n give_v commission_n to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o lo_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o light_n and_o glory_n of_o israel_n the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o 398._o where_o god_n utter_o take_v away_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n and_o worship_n act_v 15._o 46_o have_v apparent_o give_v the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n isa_n 50_o 1_o then_o be_v we_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o church_n at_o all_o at_o this_o day_n in_o jerusalem_n
from_o our_o first_o constitution_n be_v vanish_v for_o now_o the_o fault_n it_o seem_v be_v find_v in_o something_o that_o have_v happen_v since_o which_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o to_o be_v true_o charge_v upon_o our_o church_n and_o second_o sufficient_a to_o destroy_v they_o otherwise_o our_o church_n be_v thus_o confess_v to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o constitute_v at_o first_o and_o nothing_o be_v find_v to_o destroy_v their_o be_v or_o truth_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n still_o let_v it_o be_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o they_o several_o allege_v against_o we_o obj._n 1_o the_o papist_n object_v that_o our_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o papist_n papist_n rome_n have_v destroy_v our_o church_n answ_n but_o this_o will_v never_o serve_v their_o turn_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n by_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o 1._o england_n be_v never_o a_o oblige_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o a_o sister_n church_n unto_o it_o second_o as_o we_o and_o rome_n be_v both_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o never_o separate_v from_o rome_n only_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o rome_n first_o separate_v from_o god_n truth_n and_o we_o 2._o that_o schism_n mere_o of_o itself_o without_o heresy_n be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v a_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n never_o affirm_v and_o which_o they_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o deny_v object_n the_o anabaptist_n object_n that_o though_o we_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v at_o first_o yet_o our_o present_a member_n be_v not_o and_o where_o anabaptist_n anabaptist_n there_o be_v no_o true_a baptism_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n answ_n but_o there_o be_v three_o rot_a pillar_n to_o uphold_v this_o argument_n which_o can_v support_v themselves_o 1._o that_o infant-baptisme_n be_v no_o lawful_a baptism_n which_o they_o themselves_o now_o see_v that_o they_o can_v evidence_n and_o be_v therefore_o now_o weary_a of_o the_o point_n and_o only_o labour_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o believer_n baptism_n 2._o that_o infant-baptisme_n may_v not_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a baptism_n though_o they_o can_v possible_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v till_o year_n of_o discretion_n fieri_fw-la non_fw-la debuit_fw-la factum_fw-la valet_fw-la be_v sometime_o a_o good_a rule_n a_o error_n in_o a_o circumstance_n do_v not_o null_a the_o action_n person_n baptize_v with_o water_n in_o infancy_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n since_o who_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v not_o baptize_v 3._o that_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o church-membership_a learned_a master_n john_n goodwin_n have_v write_v a_o treatise_n on_o purpose_n upon_o this_o subject_n show_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o suppose_v baptism_n not_o lawful_o administer_v to_o infant_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o do_v baptize_v infant_n and_o one_o have_v make_v a_o attempt_n to_o answer_v they_o but_o with_o very_o unhappy_a success_n whether_o infant-baptisme_n have_v plain_a scripture_n proof_n or_o not_o it_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n of_o lamb._n lamb._n church-member_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n but_o from_o what_o scripture_n can_v it_o be_v infer_v that_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o covenant_n cease_v to_o be_v so_o if_o not_o baptize_v i_o know_v not_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n not_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v solemnize_v with_o baptism_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o badge_n of_o this_o his_o admission_n rather_o than_o essential_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o member_n indeed_o and_o before_o god_n by_o his_o sincere_a embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o his_o heart_n though_o not_o baptize_v though_o his_o submission_n to_o baptism_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n for_o the_o church_n satisfaction_n and_o yet_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v much_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o difference_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o both_o testament_n object_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o colour_n of_o bjection_n in_o scripture_n against_o it_o that_o the_o person_n not_o circumcise_v shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 17._o 14._o but_o this_o be_v easy_o remove_v for_o both_o his_o sin_n and_o punishment_n plain_o intimate_v such_o a_o person_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n 1._o he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n that_o be_v his_o sin_n of_o which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a have_v he_o not_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o a_o person_n refuse_v circumcision_n be_v in_o covenant_n 2._o his_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o intimate_v that_o at_o present_a he_o be_v among_o god_n people_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v with_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o cut_n off_o for_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o death_n or_o excommunication_n we_o can_v thence_o only_o argue_v desert_n of_o the_o like_a punishment_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o not_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o covenant_n before_o this_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o he_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n in_o refuse_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o nor_o have_v any_o right_n unto_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v in_o covenant_n certain_o therefore_o faith_n and_o not_o circumcision_n or_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o enter_v a_o man_n into_o covenant_n with_o his_o seed_n we_o say_v baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o christianity_n yea_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o covenant_n already_o and_o consequent_o that_o person_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o they_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o cevenant_n or_o church_n object_n the_o brownist_n suppose_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o church_n brownist_n of_o brownist_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n thus_o object_v the_o true_a church_n be_v gather_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v only_o by_o queen_n eliza_n command_n and_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o goliah-objection_n yet_o with_o no_o great_a difficulty_n vanquish_v for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o we_o whole_o lose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o marian_n persecution_n the_o fundamental_a point_n touch_v god_n christ_n scripture_n ordinance_n do_v still_o shine_v through_o that_o red_a veil_n at_o least_o they_o be_v never_o cover_v much_o less_o lose_v in_o that_o popish_a rabble_n which_o god_n most_o gracious_o and_o sudden_o cleanse_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o happy_a succeed_a queen_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o reformation_n then_o a_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o then_o receive_v and_o the_o queen_n do_v no_o more_o in_o put_v for_o she_o entrust_v power_n for_o recovery_n of_o our_o former_a pure_a religion_n then_o what_o other_o scripture-prince_n have_v do_v before_o she_o with_o applause_n from_o heaven_n the_o people_n in_o josiahs_n time_n be_v far_o more_o idolatrous_a then_o in_o queen_n maries_n the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v of_o hezekiahs_n time_n see_v how_o ahaz_n and_o amon_n leave_v they_o 2_o chron._n 28._o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 23._o and_o 33._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 9_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o these_o prince_n compel_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 33._o who_o command_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n 2_o king_n 23._o 21._o and_o hezekiah_n with_o his_o parliament_n make_v a_o decree_n require_v the_o people_n from_o dan_n to_o beersheba_n to_o return_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o abraham_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v 2_o chron._n 30._o 56._o now_o who_o will_v say_v that_o israel_n be_v not_o a_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o thus_o reduce_v again_o
warrant_v the_o cast_v the_o excommunicate_a out_o by_o degree_n and_o prudence_n encourage_v by_o general_a scripture_n do_v doubtless_o prescribe_v and_o urge_v this_o as_o well_o as_o that_o yea_o and_o with_o better_a advantage_n whereupon_o though_o not_o so_o early_o may_n i_o not_o say_v as_o wise_o the_o church_n afterward_o take_v up_o this_o course_n of_o mercy_n and_o gentleness_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n in_o eject_v and_o indeed_o abate_v of_o the_o former_a rigour_n severity_n and_o zeal_n in_o readmit_v by_o such_o slow_a degree_n and_o who_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o rich_a in_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n and_o the_o ministry_n stand_v in_o his_o stead_n who_o have_v all_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o ordinance_n be_v a_o mean_a of_o salvation_n our_o liberty_n be_v broad_a and_o our_o error_n less_o in_o the_o way_n of_o indulgency_n and_o clemency_n then_o of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n the_o rule_n of_o mercy_n exceed_v be_v but_o a_o error_n of_o charity_n whereas_o excess_n in_o justice_n proceed_v into_o injury_n and_o cruelty_n but_o however_o that_o be_v conclude_v this_o suffice_v my_o present_a purpose_n if_o such_o suspension_n be_v not_o lawful_a than_o excommunication_n in_o whole_a be_v necessary_a for_o the_o reject_v a_o scandalous_a person_n from_o church-priviledge_n and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a yet_o excommunication_n be_v still_o necessary_a hereunto_o see_v such_o suspension_n be_v nothing_o save_v only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o beginning_n of_o excommunication_n and_o have_v no_o warrant_n but_o in_o those_o scripture_n where_o excommunication_n be_v found_v and_o be_v indeed_o excommunication_n and_o every_o person_n reject_v regular_o from_o the_o supper_n stand_v excommunicate_a though_o but_o in_o part_n hence_o will_v easy_o flow_v some_o seasonable_a intimation_n which_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o note_v only_o 1._o it_o hence_o then_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o our_o church_n may_v not_o reject_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n from_o any_o part_n of_o our_o church-communion_n for_o their_o conversation-sake_n if_o they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o censure_v that_o be_v as_o before_o we_o explain_v if_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o some_o great_a sin_n and_o persist_v therein_o with_o obstinacy_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o from_o new-england_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o to_o censure_v but_o in_o case_n of_o know_a offence_n and_o such_o offence_n as_o can_v be_v heal_v without_o censure_n and_o what_o church_n among_o the_o very_a brownist_n and_o anabaptist_n proceed_v by_o any_o other_o rule_n let_v we_o impartial_o reckon_v of_o scandal_n and_o censure_n with_o the_o scripture_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o presume_v this_o matter_n be_v end_v we_o must_v not_o proceed_v to_o so_o high_a a_o censure_n as_o excommunication_n upon_o strict_a term_n than_o the_o scripture_n do_v nor_o take_v scandal_n as_o deserve_v so_o high_a a_o censure_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n than_o the_o scripture_n do_v 2._o then_o to_o reckon_v any_o of_o our_o member_n among_o dog_n and_o swine_n before_o they_o have_v be_v due_o admonish_v if_o not_o excommunicate_v be_v rash_a judgement_n 3._o our_o provoke_v the_o gommunicant_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o know_v save_o private_o to_o make_v public_a exception_n against_o the_o life_n or_o action_n of_o any_o that_o deserve_v admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o proper_a duty_n of_o private_a admonition_n and_o correption_n seem_v to_o cross_v our_o saviour_n direction_n matth._n 15._o 5._o in_o this_o case_n chap._n xli_o we_o may_v not_o account_v the_o member_n of_o our_o congregation_n to_o be_v without_o until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o the_o second_o inference_n touch_v censure_n be_v this_o if_o wicked_a man_n be_v indeed_o consistent_a with_o visible_a church-membership_a than_o we_o may_v not_o reckon_v any_o member_n of_o our_o congregation_n to_o be_v without_o though_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a until_o he_o be_v make_v such_o by_o church-censure_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o connexion_n be_v evident_a for_o our_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n and_o second_o the_o member_n of_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v account_v to_o be_v within_o and_o not_o without_o until_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o cast_v out_o notwithstanding_o their_o scandal_n the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v a_o invincible_a instance_n here_o it_o be_v know_v that_o he_o be_v very_o scandalous_a yer_z it_o be_v plain_a he_o be_v still_o within_o and_o according_o liable_a to_o the_o church_n judgement_n until_o cast_v out_o yea_o 3._o without_o hesitancy_n i_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n or_o mean_n or_o remedy_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o scandalous_a person_n from_o church-communion_n or_o interest_n but_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o hope_v be_v demonstrate_v before_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o only_o add_v my_o wonder_n at_o those_o that_o allow_v our_o congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o reckon_v of_o but_o even_o deal_v with_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o the_o member_n of_o such_o congregation_n as_o heathen_n before_o any_o censure_n have_v pass_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o they_o a_o easy_a way_n i_o confess_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o trouble_n of_o duty_n in_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n but_o i_o fear_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o way_n of_o satisfy_a conscience_n or_o quit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o master_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o account_n o_o that_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v what_o word_n of_o god_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v own_o such_o practice_n at_o that_o great_a day_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o general_a miscarriage_n the_o loâ—d_v awaken_v we_o to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o scandalous_a member_n to_o become_v 18._o mat._n 18._o as_o heathen_n but_o by_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n which_o presuppose_v admonition_n chap._n xlii_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o proceed_v against_o scandalous_a person_n within_o our_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o censure_n last_o if_o wickedness_n or_o scandal_n render_v not_o the_o member_n of_o our_o congregation_n to_o be_v no_o church-member_n then_o be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o proceed_v against_o the_o scandalous_a in_o our_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o censure_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o hard_a task_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a duty_n and_o the_o great_a and_o likely_a remedy_n of_o reform_v the_o scandalous_a and_o preserve_v the_o rest_n from_o leaven_n and_o destruction_n if_o person_n be_v scandalous_a and_o within_o what_o can_v free_v they_o from_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n or_o excuse_v we_o from_o judge_v they_o with_o it_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o i._o e._n quatenus_fw-la within_o and_o consequent_o all_o that_o be_v within_o be_v not_o christ_n discipline_n as_o extensive_a as_o his_o church_n or_o be_v there_o any_o room_n in_o his_o house_n not_o under_o his_o key_n any_o scholar_n in_o his_o school_n not_o under_o his_o rod_n or_o any_o subject_n in_o his_o kingdom_n not_o under_o his_o power_n where_o then_o be_v his_o glory_n yea_o do_v not_o those_o forcible_a and_o plain_a command_n tell_v thy_o brother_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n put_v away_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a person_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o these_o direct_a and_o press_a command_n convince_v reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n do_v not_o the_o rod_n of_o severe_a discipline_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o more_o perilous_a time_n lash_v our_o fearfulness_n laziness_n unbelief_n and_o neglect_v herein_o the_o good_a lord_n spare_v and_o pardon_v yet_o shame_v we_o and_o rouse_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v no_o long_o confer_v with_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n tbat_v the_o ministry_n may_v effectual_o quicken_v the_o people_n to_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o admonition_n and_o proceed_v with_o they_o to_o a_o high_a censure_n upon_o just_a complaint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v find_v obstinate_a certain_o this_o be_v the_o remedy_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o a_o reformation_n and_o while_o this_o way_n be_v obstruct_v either_o by_o we_o or_o our_o people_n it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o man_n device_n though_o never_o so_o