christian_a church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n be_v not_o arm_v with_o any_o secular_a coercive_a power_n and_o if_o it_o have_v no_o spiritual_a power_n neither_o how_o shall_v it_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v have_v no_o spiritual_a power_n if_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o it_o for_o who_o then_o will_v regard_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n value_v its_o censure_n or_o reverence_v its_o authority_n and_o government_n spiritual_a power_n be_v exercise_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o respect_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o temporal_a power_n govern_v the_o outward_a man_n and_o respect_v this_o present_a life_n now_o all_o the_o power_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o take_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v no_o power_n at_o all_o if_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v as_o safe_a out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o it_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a only_a respect_n church-communion_n and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n too_o depend_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o communion_n some_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n other_o receive_v into_o the_o number_n of_o penitent_n of_o which_o albaspinaeus_n reckon_v four_o degree_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o christian_a communion_n now_o how_o easy_o may_v a_o man_n who_o believe_v no_o necessity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n despise_v all_o this_o authority_n and_o all_o these_o censure_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o great_o endanger_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n call_v this_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 19_o 16_o mat._n 19_o and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n now_o how_o can_v the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n to_o let_v in_o or_o to_o shut_v out_o be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a relation_n between_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v also_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v in_o it_o have_v a_o title_n also_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n either_o by_o their_o own_o choice_n or_o by_o a_o just_a censure_n have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o that_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v but_o one_o communion_n and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v transplant_v into_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n but_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v to_o die_a person_n under_o censure_n be_v call_v the_o viaticum_fw-la or_o a_o kind_n of_o pass_n into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n so_o express_o assert_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n if_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v we_o will_v understand_v put_v out_o or_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o i_o far_o observe_v that_o what_o in_o st._n matthew_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v in_o st._n john_n call_v retain_v or_o remit_v sin_n whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v 20.23_o joh._n 20.23_o they_o be_v remit_v and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o expound_v this_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n as_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o must_v then_o to_o remit_v sin_n be_v to_o restore_v man_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o retain_v they_o be_v to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o under_o church-censure_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o sin_n be_v forgive_v only_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o whatever_o other_o reason_n our_o lord_n may_v have_v in_o confine_v salvation_n ordinary_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n among_o which_o the_o promote_a of_o catholic_n love_n and_o charity_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o which_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o can_v be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o schism_n yet_o here_o be_v one_o manifest_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o the_o authority_n and_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v well_o subsist_v do_v whole_o depend_v on_o it_o if_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n and_o invest_v it_o with_o such_o authority_n and_o power_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v itself_o and_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o church-society_n and_o the_o church_n as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n can_v have_v no_o other_o power_n and_o have_v no_o other_o give_v it_o by_o christ_n but_o what_o result_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_n that_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o everlasting_a life_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n can_v preserve_v itself_o nor_o govern_v its_o own_o member_n can_v neither_o instruct_v reprove_v nor_o censure_n with_o any_o authority_n and_o effect_n without_o this_o which_o by_o the_o way_n show_v we_o how_o effectual_o those_o man_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o a_o pure_a discipline_n overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o pretence_n and_o tear_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o church-authority_n for_o if_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o slight_a and_o indifferent_a a_o matter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o any_o man_n who_o be_v uneasy_a or_o humersom_a or_o ungovernable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v leave_v it_o if_o he_o please_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o other_o communion_n or_o set_v up_o a_o new_a communion_n of_o his_o own_o without_o any_o danger_n and_o in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v keep_v people_n together_o but_o some_o great_a art_n and_o cunning_a in_o their_o guide_n or_o some_o secular_a advantage_n or_o arbitrary_a covenant_n and_o i_o think_v the_o independent_o have_v great_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n to_o found_v a_o particular_a church_n on_o a_o particular_a church_n covenant_n if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a and_o inherent_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o depend_v upon_o private_a contract_n now_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o wonder_v why_o humane_a law_n inflict_v such_o severe_a punishment_n upon_o rebel_n whatever_o other_o good_a quality_n they_o may_v have_v as_o that_o christ_n shall_v so_o severe_o punish_v schismatic_n who_o may_v upon_o other_o account_n pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o very_o good_a man_n the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o the_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o rebellion_n and_o schism_n so_o destructive_a to_o all_o government_n that_o those_o man_n deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n who_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o schism_n be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o rebellion_n as_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v of_o much_o great_a concernment_n than_o their_o temporal_a ease_n and_o felicity_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o church-power_n and_o now_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o main_a seat_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o i_o and_o mr._n job_n mr._n humphrey_n and_o mr._n baxter_n not_o to_o
which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v for_o each_o other_o so_o that_o christian-charity_n necessary_o preserve_v christian-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o whoever_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n be_v void_a of_o this_o christian-charity_n this_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o my_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n etc._n defence_n p._n 183._o etc._n etc._n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o add_v numerous_a quotation_n more_o to_o this_o purpose_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n st._n augustine_n insist_o on_o he_o frequent_o apply_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v how_o unavailable_a all_o other_o attainment_n be_v without_o charity_n passim_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la l._n 1._o cap._n 9_o l._n 3._o cap._n 16._o &_o alibi_fw-la passim_fw-la to_o signify_v such_o a_o charity_n as_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v every_o where_n assert_v that_o that_o man_n be_v void_a of_o charity_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n if_o then_o christian_a charity_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o other_o good_a quality_n schismatic_n may_v have_v they_o want_v the_o chief_a branch_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o holy_a man_n shall_v never_o miscarry_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n yet_o a_o schismatic_a with_o all_o his_o other_o good_a quality_n may_v 3._o since_o the_o best_a man_n must_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n or_o merit_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n only_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v it_o be_v all_o free_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o no_o man_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v his_o own_o term_n heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o the_o best_a man_n setting_z aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o many_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n can_v challenge_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o best_a service_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v under_o no_o other_o obligation_n to_o bestow_v heaven_n on_o any_o man_n but_o his_o own_o promise_v make_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v oblige_v no_o far_o than_o his_o own_o promise_n reach_v if_o any_o hard_a and_o pityable_a case_n happen_v he_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o can_v do_v as_o he_o himself_o please_v but_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o he_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o be_v apt_a to_o confound_v man_n notion_n concern_v the_o undertake_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o it_o run_v some_o man_n into_o socinianism_n to_o deny_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o who_o can_v be_v so_o subtle_a as_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o out_o of_o so_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o believe_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o die_v as_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a life_n for_o we_o yet_o have_v no_o clear_a conception_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o which_o will_v not_o well_o comply_v with_o those_o other_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o natural_a obligation_n not_o to_o call_v it_o natural_a necessity_n to_o love_v and_o reward_v good_a man_n i_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v god_n goodness_n to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o love_n to_o true_a holiness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o as_o i_o do_v any_o article_n of_o my_o creed_n but_o then_o i_o consider_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a happiness_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a reward_n of_o a_o earthly_a creature_n as_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o best_a man_n consider_v as_o a_o man_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o virtue_n shall_v translate_v he_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o wing_n to_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o visit_v the_o several_a planet_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o god_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v to_o bestow_v such_o a_o happiness_n on_o innocent_a or_o deserve_a creature_n as_o their_o nature_n be_v make_v for_o that_o be_v a_o earthly_a happiness_n on_o a_o earthly_a creature_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v promise_v adam_n in_o paradise_n a_o immortal_a happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o free_a grace_n that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v neither_o due_a to_o our_o nature_n nor_o what_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o our_o maker_n man_n in_o innocence_n be_v but_o a_o earthly_a creature_n 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o the_o first_o adam_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o earthy_a and_o a_o earthly_a creature_n can_v challenge_v as_o his_o natural_a birthright_n a_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a state_n of_o life_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n though_o innocent_a and_o pure_a can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o gross_a earthly_a body_n can_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o dwell_v in_o those_o pure_a region_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o challenge_v heaven_n as_o its_o natural_a portion_n and_o inheritance_n than_o it_o can_v that_o god_n shall_v change_v its_o nature_n and_o refine_v a_o earthy_a into_o a_o spiritual_a body_n if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o his_o lapse_v state_n he_o have_v forfeit_v even_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n and_o can_v now_o challenge_v a_o immortal_a life_n in_o this_o world_n much_o less_o in_o the_o next_o for_o what_o natural_a reason_n can_v there_o be_v when_o we_o suffer_v death_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o god_n to_o raise_v our_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n again_o into_o a_o immortal_a life_n so_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n a_o immortal_a life_n after_o death_n can_v be_v the_o natural_a reward_n of_o it_o for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n notion_n of_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n or_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o man_n be_v now_o design_v for_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n so_o much_o advance_v above_o the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o there_o be_v require_v a_o divine_a holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v he_o for_o this_o supernatural_a happiness_n upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n so_o earnest_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n as_o be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o original_a attainment_n of_o a_o earthly_a and_o fleshly_a nature_n as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n for_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n be_v true_a in_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n innocent_a flesh_n be_v flesh_n still_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v into_o a_o divine_a state_n than_o innocent_a flesh_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o must_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o mind_n as_o raise_v we_o above_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o angelical_a state_n of_o life_n for_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o virtue_n fit_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o man_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n be_v the_o same_o that_o degree_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o use_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n innocent_o and_o happy_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v a_o man_n above_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o contemn_v all_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o earthly_a satisfaction_n
the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n of_o christianity_n will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o earthly_a state_n be_v we_o to_o live_v always_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n be_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a state_n we_o can_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n but_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o folly_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v above_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n will_v be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o whatever_o be_v so_o can_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v it_o always_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o govern_v all_o his_o appetite_n and_o desire_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o that_o signify_v to_o correct_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o a_o earthly_a state_n he_o may_v indulge_v himself_o to_o the_o full_a in_o all_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o himself_o nor_o to_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v his_o sensual_a inclination_n nor_o to_o deny_v they_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v no_o big_a or_o divine_a happiness_n to_o expect_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o die_v to_o this_o world_n while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n can_v be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o duty_n in_o any_o earthly_a state_n much_o less_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v of_o unseen_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v no_o unseen_a thing_n promise_v to_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o have_v our_o portion_n at_o present_a and_o expect_v only_o a_o circular_a and_o endless_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o enjoyment_n the_o law_n of_o virtue_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v alter_v and_o vary_v with_o it_o that_o which_o become_v a_o earthly_a creature_n who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o this_o body_n which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o become_v one_o who_o must_v put_v off_o this_o body_n and_o life_n in_o this_o world_n not_o as_o his_o home_n and_o place_n of_o rest_n but_o as_o a_o probation-state_n for_o a_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a life_n that_o virtue_n which_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o must_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o must_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o earth_n and_o heaven_n as_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n the_o first_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n inhabit_v a_o earthly_a body_n without_o any_o expectation_n of_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a life_n the_o second_o include_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o angelical_a happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n the_o religion_n then_o of_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o much_o above_o nature_n as_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v which_o be_v reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v some_o more_o divine_a principle_n to_o raise_v we_o into_o this_o divine_a life_n than_o mere_a nature_n be_v for_o nature_n can_v never_o act_v above_o itself_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v renew_a and_o sanctify_a and_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n form_v in_o we_o and_o this_o be_v above_o nature_n no_o consider_v man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n be_v under_o any_o natural_a obligation_n as_o our_o maker_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o we_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o a_o divine_a and_o immortal_a state_n of_o life_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o whole_o owe_v to_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n god_n may_v dispense_v it_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v and_o we_o must_v expect_v it_o only_o in_o that_o way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v now_o on_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o all_o mankind_n own_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o can_v upon_o no_o account_n challenge_v without_o a_o promise_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o condition_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o be_v promise_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n which_o we_o can_v challenge_v from_o the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o his_o natural_a relation_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o must_v thankful_o accept_v of_o it_o in_o what_o way_n god_n please_v to_o give_v it_o and_o not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o in_o his_o way_n 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o a_o church-state_n this_o be_v so_o full_o 399._o discourse_v of_o our_o union_n etc._n etc._n to_o christ_n chap._n 4._o sect_n 1._o 142_o defence_n &_o continuat_fw-la c._n 5._o p._n 399._o and_o hitherto_o so_o unanswerable_o prove_v by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o that_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o will_v man_n be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v to_o those_o book_n there_o need_v be_v nothing_o say_v to_o it_o here_o however_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v not_o be_v whole_o defective_a in_o so_o material_a a_o point_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o brief_o to_o it_o and_o refer_v those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o debate_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a discourse_n 1_o then_o that_o christ_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o one_o religious_a society_n be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a trouble_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v no_o man_n deny_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n and_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v one_o only_o the_o seeker_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o now_o methinks_v if_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n wherein_o he_o require_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o communicate_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o prove_v that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v only_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o church_n institute_v if_o not_o for_o a_o common_a body_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n no_o society_n can_v be_v found_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o such_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o make_v it_o desirable_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o this_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n city_n and_o family_n will_v disband_v for_o nothing_o can_v tie_v man_n together_o who_o be_v natural_o giddy_a and_o fond_a of_o innovation_n but_o some_o sensible_a advantage_n which_o they_o can_v otherwise_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v institute_v a_o church_n without_o oblige_v christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o do_v not_o 2._o and_o therefore_o i_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o particular_a man_n consider_v as_o single_a and_o scatter_a individual_n or_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n now_o in_o general_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o christ_n be_v
this_o that_o every_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a head_n and_o the_o doctor_n both_o leave_v out_o the_o word_n proper_a political_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o term_n visible_a therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n say_v he_o must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a visible_a head_n the_o interposer_n now_o to_o take_v off_o the_o shame_n from_o the_o doctor_n have_v take_v the_o right_a course_n i_o say_v for_o he_o come_v and_o do_v worse_a and_o that_o be_v put_v in_o a_o five_o term_n into_o the_o argument_n if_o every_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v say_v every_o proper_a political_a church_n only_o if_o he_o speak_v to_o mr._n baxter_n must_v have_v a_o visible_a subordinate_a constitutive_a head_n then_o must_v the_o catholic_n church_n have_v such_o a_o one_o but_o that_o not_o have_v such_o a_o one_o a_o national_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n may_v be_v without_o a_o constitutive_a head_n i_o be_v in_o a_o horrible_a fright_n when_o i_o hear_v four_o and_o five_o term_n and_o begin_v to_o blush_v at_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o business_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v this_o shame_n very_o well_o as_o for_o the_o dean_n leave_v out_o the_o term_n proper_a political_n i_o give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o that_o in_o the_o defence_n which_o mr._n h._n take_v no_o notice_n of_o for_o mr._n b._n define_v a_o proper_a political_a church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n which_o have_v one_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n and_o therefore_o the_o dean_n deny_v that_o a_o national_a church_n be_v a_o proper_a political_a church_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n in_o mr._n b_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o leave_v it_o out_o and_o yet_o to_o gratify_v mr._n h._n we_o will_v take_v it_o in_o if_o he_o will_v but_o allow_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v as_o proper_a political_n a_o church_n as_o the_o national_a church_n be_v and_o then_o the_o argument_n run_v thus_o if_o a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o national_a constitutive_a regent_n head_n as_o essential_a to_o it_o then_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o catholic_n visible_a regent_n head_n essential_a to_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o come_v much_o to_o one_o and_o let_v mr._n b._n and_o mr._n h._n take_v their_o choice_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v with_o the_o dean_n four_o term_v the_o visible_a head_n time_n be_v when_o mr._n b._n and_o mr._n h._n think_v this_o no_o inconvenience_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o surreptitious_a four_o term_n creep_v into_o the_o argument_n but_o learned_o dispute_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o visible_a head_n as_o well_o as_o the_o national_a church_n but_o let_v we_o brief_o consider_v whether_o visible_a be_v a_o four_o term_n or_o only_o add_v as_o a_o necessary_a explication_n of_o mr._n b_n proposition_n if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o for_o i_o think_v logician_n distinguish_v between_o a_o four_o term_n and_o a_o additional_a explication_n of_o the_o term_n mr._n b._n dispute_v that_o every_o proper_a political_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o national_a church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n do_v he_o mean_v by_o this_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n or_o a_o invisible_a head_n in_o heaven_n if_o he_o mean_v christ_n as_o a_o invisible_a head_n in_o heaven_n than_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o we_o for_o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o national_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o he_o mean_v a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n then_o visible_a be_v no_o four_o term_n but_o only_o a_o explication_n of_o what_o mr._n b._n mean_n by_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n and_o then_o the_o argument_n hold_v good_a from_o a_o national_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o if_o a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n head_n on_o earth_n essential_a to_o it_o then_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o visible_a constitutive_a regent_n head_n on_o earth_n essential_a to_o it_o or_o mr._n b_n argument_n be_v not_o true_a that_o every_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o visible_a regent_n head_n on_o earth_n essential_a to_o it_o thus_o i_o think_v the_o dean_n be_v once_o more_o defend_v but_o i_o must_v speak_v one_o good_a word_n for_o myself_o too_o as_o charity_n oblige_v i_o mr._n h._n say_v i_o bring_v in_o a_o five_o term_n subordinate_a visible_a head_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o far_a explication_n of_o mr._n b_n term_n to_o prevent_v their_o cavil_v evasion_n mr._n b._n say_v every_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n do_v he_o mean_v this_o of_o christ_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o man_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o a_o subordinate_a head_n under_o christ_n if_o the_o first_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o we_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o part_n of_o his_o church_n if_o the_o second_o a_o subordinate_a head_n then_o subordinate_a be_v neither_o a_o four_o nor_o a_o five_o term_n but_o include_v in_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v that_o mr._n h_n instance_n of_o add_v monarchical_a to_o a_o visible_a subordinate_a constitutive_a regent_n head_n be_v not_o a_o parallel_n case_n because_o monarchical_a will_v be_v proper_o a_o four_o term_n as_o not_o be_v necessary_o involve_v in_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n as_o visible_a and_o subordinate_a be_v for_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n may_v be_v either_o monarchical_a or_o collective_a but_o signify_v neither_o determinate_o unless_o it_o be_v express_v i_o shall_v only_o observe_v how_o mr._n b._n and_o mr._n h._n be_v apparent_o guilty_a of_o this_o fallacy_n themselves_o of_o introduce_v a_o four_o and_o a_o five_o term_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o dean_n argument_n if_o a_o national_a church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o proper_a political_a church_n must_v have_v a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n yes_o say_v mr._n b._n and_o mr._n h._n so_o it_o have_v for_o christ_n be_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o in_o the_o antecedent_n by_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n they_o understand_v a_o visible_a subordinate_a and_o mr._n h._n say_v a_o accidental_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o consequent_a a_o supreme_a invisible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o fallacious_a a_o way_n of_o answer_v as_o it_o be_v of_o argue_v and_o now_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v where_o the_o shame_n which_o mr._n h._n so_o much_o talk_v of_o must_v at_o last_o rest_n but_o ignorance_n and_o insensibility_n 〈◊〉_d as_o great_a a_o security_n to_o some_o man_n against_o shame_n as_o impudence_n be_v to_o other_o chap._n v._o concern_v that_o one_o communion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o practicableness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o defence_n i_o brief_o state_v what_o the_o communion_n be_v which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n and_o what_o place_n there_o can_v be_v for_o this_o catholic_n communion_n in_o this_o break_a and_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n mr._n b._n in_o his_o answer_n chap._n 6._o attempt_n to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o something_o as_o need_v no_o far_a answer_n for_o it_o all_o proceed_v upon_o his_o own_o blunder_a or_o wilful_a mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o a_o supreme_a regent_n head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o both_o these_o i_o have_v discourse_v so_o full_o already_o that_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o to_o my_o reader_n shall_v i_o repeat_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o consider_v some_o few_o new_a objection_n he_o have_v start_v which_o though_o they_o be_v very_o trifle_v yet_o may_v disturb_v a_o injudicious_a reader_n i_o assert_v that_o catholic_n communion_n strict_o so_o call_v 595._o defence_n p._n 595._o consist_v 1._o in_o the_o agreement_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n among_o themselves_o and_o with_o each_o other_o here_o mr._n baxter_n 1_o play_v the_o critic_n he_o