second_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v so_o at_o the_o first_o too_o luther_n and_o other_o first_o spread_v the_o gospel_n first_o some_o of_o our_o own_o love_a believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o by_o their_o preach_n and_o then_o they_o persuade_v other_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o our_o english_a at_o amsterdam_n can_v show_v any_o better_a calling_n to_o their_o church_n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v that_o in_o england_n our_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o proclamation_n and_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n as_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n &_o so_o be_v do_v by_o compulsion_n and_o be_v not_o voluntary_a i_o answer_v first_o some_o do_v come_v voluntary_o and_o glad_o and_o therefore_o at_o least_o for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o true_a constitution_n second_o the_o compulsion_n that_o be_v use_v be_v only_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n not_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v very_o justifiable_a josiah_n compel_v ill_a that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.33_o but_o they_o say_v that_o be_v at_o the_o restore_n not_o at_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n i_o answer_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o true_a restore_n why_o shall_v it_o destroy_v the_o true_a plant_n but_o we_o say_v queen_n elizabeth_n act_n be_v a_o restore_n too_o for_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n here_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n though_o under_o persecution_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a then_o there_o be_v no_o compulsion_n to_o ouâ—_n religion_n nor_o such_o government_n service_n ministry_n or_o people_n among_o the_o protestant_n as_o they_o now_o except_v against_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o restore_n put_v case_n the_o separatist_n have_v any_o child_n or_o servant_n that_o be_v negligent_a cold_a and_o backward_o in_o frequent_v holy_a assembly_n or_o perform_v religious_a duty_n public_a or_o private_a and_o upon_o admontion_n they_o will_v not_o reform_v what_o will_v they_o do_v in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o utter_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o rather_o will_v they_o not_o punish_v they_o and_o thereby_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o to_o obedience_n thereunto_o wherein_o if_o god_n do_v bless_v their_o labour_n so_o that_o through_o his_o mercy_n such_o child_n or_o servant_n do_v afterward_o labour_v in_o the_o mean_n sound_o and_o conscionable_o shall_v this_o be_v nought_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v thereto_o by_o compulsion_n no_o sure_o it_o be_v great_a comfort_n to_o the_o compeller_n that_o they_o take_v that_o course_n and_o it_o be_v great_a comfort_n to_o the_o compel_v that_o they_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o so_o the_o compulsion_n use_v in_o restore_v the_o church_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a against_o all_o their_o clamour_n and_o exception_n second_o answ_n they_o except_v against_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a government_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n but_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a for_o than_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o a_o true_a government_n make_v a_o true_a church_n which_o be_v not_o true_a the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o if_o they_o have_v say_v it_o make_v a_o faulty_a church_n they_o have_v say_v true_a but_o that_o it_o make_v a_o false_a antichristian_a church_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a slander_n but_o say_v they_o your_o officer_n be_v anti-christian_n i_o answer_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o spurn_v at_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v before_o antichrist_n three_o they_o except_v against_o our_o service_n of_o god_n they_o say_v we_o have_v a_o false_a service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n i_o answer_v if_o they_o mean_v only_o some_o part_n of_o our_o service_n as_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o to_o traduce_v it_o all_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o mean_v all_o than_o the_o antecedent_n be_v notorious_o untrue_a no_o part_n of_o our_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v prove_v false_a it_o be_v perform_v of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a among_o we_o in_o truth_n and_o understanding_n and_o affection_n they_o except_v first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v carnal_a i_o answer_v haply_o in_o some_o those_o that_o have_v carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o in_o itself_o nor_o so_o in_o the_o conscionable_a performer_n thereof_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o god_n a_o eternal_a infinite_a spirit_n our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o go_v to_o he_o to_o cry_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o son_n second_o they_o say_v it_o be_v idolatrous_a your_o service_n book_n be_v your_o idol_n say_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v no_o idol_n nor_o our_o service_n thereby_o idolatry_n three_o they_o say_v we_o have_v a_o will_v worship_v invent_v by_o man_n i_o answer_v we_o worship_v not_o god_n by_o any_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n as_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o only_o as_o outward_a carriage_n thereof_o and_o these_o also_o be_v such_o as_o our_o church_n be_v persuade_v be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n answer_v four_o they_o except_v against_o our_o stint_a prayer_n i_o answer_v they_o have_v not_o the_o church_n always_o use_v stint_v prayer_n look_v into_o these_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o numb_a 6.23_o there_o be_v a_o stint_a prayer_n appoint_v to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n withal_o thus_o shall_v you_o bless_v the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o &c_n &c_n deut._n 26.3_o to_o the_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o prayer_n set_v down_o which_o the_o people_n be_v to_o use_v when_o they_o bring_v the_o first_o fruit_n 1_o chron._n 16.7_o to_o the_o 36._o there_o be_v a_o psalm_n which_o david_n do_v appoint_v to_o give_v thanks_n unto_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o asaph_n &_o his_o brethren_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n &c_n &c_n and_o psal_n 92._o be_v entitle_v a_o psalm_n for_o the_o sabbath_n appoint_v to_o be_v sing_v that_o day_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o stint_a prayer_n luk._n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n &c_n &c_n and_o likewise_o himself_o use_v a_o stint_a prayer_n matth._n 26.44_o and_o he_o pray_v the_o three_o time_n say_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o stint_a prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o let_v to_o we_o for_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v also_o direct_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v conceive_v prayer_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o special_o from_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o confine_v to_o those_o set_a prayer_n but_o that_o we_o may_v and_o do_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n before_o and_o after_o preach_v enlarge_v add_v alter_v and_o supply_v as_o occasion_n require_v and_o that_o as_o free_o zealous_o and_o spiritual_o as_o any_o may_v do_v in_o other_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o your_o service_n be_v all_o take_v out_o of_o the_o portesse_n or_o mass_n book_n contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n levit._n 18.2.3_o deut._n 12.30_o &c_n &c_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o in_o that_o time_n there_o be_v some_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o as_o that_o church_n fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o her_o integrity_n so_o that_o form_n by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v corrupt_v now_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v 〈…〉_z be_v to_o be_v reform_v too_o and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a be_v retain_v partly_o for_o peace_n sake_n that_o the_o better_a sort_n may_v still_o be_v hold_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o special_o because_o it_o be_v of_o good_a use_n even_o before_o popery_n so_o that_o we_o take_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o what_o may_v in_o a_o charitable_a construction_n be_v well_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v most_o question_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o
refuse_v to_o come_v no_o let_v we_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o relinquish_v our_o call_v let_v we_o not_o look_v back_o for_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n use_v 4_o four_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o no._n every_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n be_v thou_o call_v yes_o why_o then_o thou_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o sense_n so_o far_o as_o thou_o be_v call_v so_o far_o thou_o be_v of_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a call_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a member_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a call_n than_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o have_v this_o effectual_a call_n or_o not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v it_o do_v thou_o find_v god_n spirit_n work_v effectual_o in_o thou_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o leave_v thy_o sin_n to_o stir_v thou_o up_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o faith_n and_o to_o do_v good_a work_n as_o thou_o have_v a_o new_a name_n so_o have_v thou_o by_o this_o call_n a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n and_o new_a motion_n and_o affection_n &_o new_a course_n if_o thou_o have_v than_o thy_o call_n be_v effectual_a else_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n the_o sure_a mark_n of_o all_o be_v thy_o conscience_n do_v that_o check_n thou_o for_o every_o know_a sin_n and_o infirmity_n and_o do_v thou_o labour_v in_o truth_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o renounce_v and_o overcome_v that_o sin_n thy_o conscience_n check_v thou_o for_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o effectual_a call_v for_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o quicken_v and_o purge_v thou_o and_o do_v instruct_v thou_o and_o deal_v effectual_o with_o thy_o conscience_n and_o frame_v thou_o to_o obedience_n to_o it_o here_o be_v a_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o effectual_a call_n if_o we_o flee_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o a_o course_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n if_o we_o join_v with_o our_o virtue_n faith_n etc._n etc._n this_o make_v our_o call_n sure_a and_o our_o election_n too_o 2._o pet._n 1.5_o 9_o 10._o and_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v use_v 5_o the_o last_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n or_o confutation_n of_o such_o as_o deny_v we_o and_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n we_o have_v a_o true_a call_n and_o that_o from_o god_n to_o sanctification_n by_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n this_o they_o can_v deny_v ainsworth_n and_o other_o among_o themselves_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v their_o call_v here_o yea_o their_o effectual_a call_v and_o they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o be_v a_o true_a call_v therefore_o so_o be_v we_o and_o so_o our_o church_n a_o true_a church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a i_o answer_v what_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o it_o the_o mean_n be_v ordinary_a as_o the_o word_n preach_v read_v and_o confer_v on_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o prayer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n it_o be_v extraordinary_a when_o we_o be_v call_v without_o mean_n or_o by_o rare_a and_o strange_a mean_n but_o the_o mean_n here_o be_v ordinary_a therefore_o the_o calling_n be_v so_o too_o beside_o many_o thousand_o in_o our_o church_n have_v a_o true_a and_o effectual_a call_v the_o mean_n be_v daily_o powerful_a through_o god_n mercy_n either_o to_o win_v or_o to_o confirm_v not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o thousand_o therefore_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v ordinary_a yea_o but_o say_v they_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n too_o many_o be_v call_v there_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o true_a church_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o will_v blind_v themselves_o so_o wilful_o and_o not_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o so_o notorious_o differ_v for_o first_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n few_o or_o none_o be_v convert_v here_o in_o our_o church_n be_v many_o second_o they_o have_v only_o a_o general_n call_v to_o a_o confuse_a notice_n of_o god_n we_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o precise_a knowledge_n of_o every_o article_n and_o point_n of_o religion_n needful_a to_o salvation_n three_o they_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n the_o word_n true_o preach_v nor_o read_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n we_o have_v therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o shall_v once_o open_v their_o mouth_n to_o make_v such_o a_o absurd_a comparison_n the_o second_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n title_n there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o name_n and_o the_o title_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o sometime_o the_o name_n be_v call_v the_o title_n and_o the_o title_n the_o name_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v with_o person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o quality_n they_o have_v their_o name_n and_o their_o title_n too_o as_o paul_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n paul_n there_o be_v his_o name_n a_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v his_o title_n and_o so_o it_o be_v general_o with_o all_o thing_n of_o any_o great_a note_n they_o have_v their_o name_n whereby_o they_o be_v ordinary_o call_v and_o their_o title_n whereby_o some_o extraordinary_a or_o special_a matter_n be_v attribute_v to_o they_o and_o affirm_v of_o they_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n concern_v the_o saint_n or_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o name_n church_n do_v propound_v they_o bare_o or_o simple_o to_o our_o understanding_n the_o title_n raise_v we_o up_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o further_a matter_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o name_n do_v import_v and_o therefore_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o name_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v many_o worthy_a and_o goodly_a title_n ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v say_v psalm_n 87.3_o goodly_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o oh_o city_n of_o god_n many_o as_o be_v much_o variety_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o glorious_a as_o every_o title_n commend_v the_o grace_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n reason_n and_o the_o lord_n do_v adorn_v she_o with_o these_o many_o glorious_a title_n for_o many_o cause_n as_o first_o to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n no_o one_o title_n be_v able_a to_o express_v all_o the_o particular_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o lord_n use_v many_o that_o what_o be_v want_v in_o some_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n second_o that_o he_o may_v express_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o extend_v in_o many_o excellent_a kind_n require_v many_o and_o glorious_a title_n to_o express_v it_o by_o it_o be_v true_a that_o none_o indeed_o though_o never_o so_o many_o and_o glorious_a can_v express_v it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o love_n but_o these_o that_o we_o have_v do_v full_o express_v it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o capacity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v three_o because_o by_o these_o many_o glorious_a title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n will_v enamour_v we_o with_o her_o love_n and_o allure_v we_o to_o her_o communion_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o be_v associate_v and_o gather_v unto_o she_o and_o the_o more_o sweet_o and_o comfortable_o repose_v ourselves_o in_o her_o bosom_n when_o we_o hear_v so_o many_o and_o so_o glorious_a thing_n speak_v of_o she_o i_o can_v relate_v much_o less_o handle_v all_o the_o title_n affirm_v of_o the_o church_n only_o i_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o certain_a head_n and_o cull_v forth_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o out_o of_o each_o testament_n sort_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o some_o be_v absolute_a that_o concern_v the_o church_n simple_o in_o itself_o second_o some_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a but_o respective_a which_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o iâ—_n
convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o and_o they_o like_o live_a member_n receive_v this_o life_n and_o perform_v their_o several_a office_n both_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o many_o other_o title_n there_o be_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o tend_v to_o show_v not_o a_o communion_n only_o as_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o he_o and_o i_o be_o he_o but_o a_o union_n rather_o as_o they_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o so_o his_o righteousness_n be_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v call_v christ_n christ_n 1._o co._n 12.12_o so_o much_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o title_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o micah_n 4.8_o all_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tower_n of_o the_o flock_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v all_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n resort_v to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o a_o strong_a hold_n or_o tower_n and_o if_o they_o recover_v that_o there_o be_v perfect_a safety_n so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 14.32_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v zion_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n shall_v trust_v in_o it_o so_o in_o gal._n 4.26_o she_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o she_o be_v a_o fruitful_a mother_n have_v many_o child_n not_o the_o mother_n of_o one_o nation_n only_o as_o agar_n but_o of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o she_o be_v a_o very_a love_a mother_n give_v her_o child_n suck_v out_o of_o her_o own_o breast_n the_o two_o testament_n and_o thereby_o nourish_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a strength_n yea_o till_o they_o be_v of_o a_o perfect_a and_o full_a age_n in_o jesus_n christ_n earth_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n isa_n 6.13_o so_o long_o as_o the_o holy_a seed_n stand_v so_o long_o the_o world_n stand_v when_o it_o decay_v the_o substance_n be_v go_v and_o the_o world_n perish_v so_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n lam._n 2.10_o when_o the_o church_n thrive_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o howsoever_o many_o man_n grudge_v at_o this_o when_o the_o church_n prosper_v yet_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v at_o it_o themselves_o have_v no_o right_a to_o any_o blessing_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o their_o fellowship_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o it_o be_v call_v a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n thorn_n can._n 2.2_o which_o show_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a and_o goodly_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o as_o the_o lily_n that_o be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o royalty_n exceed_v the_o bramble_n the_o bush_n and_o thorn_n and_o second_o it_o show_v also_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o church_n much_o ado_n to_o be_v hatch_v and_o easy_o hurt_v in_o the_o world_n even_o as_o the_o lily_n be_v among_o the_o thorn_n truth_n and_o so_o it_o show_v the_o harshness_n and_o troublesomenesse_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v like_o prick_a thorn_n and_o scratch_a bramble_n to_o she_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o we_o must_v not_o take_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o for_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v rather_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n say_v christ_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o truth_n which_o peter_n have_v profess_v of_o christ_n before_o will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v it_o thus_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o sure_a and_o safe_a custody_n that_o neither_o satan_n nor_o all_o his_o instrument_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v live_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n candlestick_n revel_v 1.20_o not_o as_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o light_n but_o the_o bearer_n up_o and_o holder_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n now_o that_o we_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o show_v they_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n we_o will_v draw_v they_o into_o a_o head_n in_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o company_n doct._n 2_o and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bless_a beautiful_a and_o glorious_a assembly_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n be_v plentiful_a in_o this_o argument_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v enlarge_v our_o heart_n and_o thought_n to_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o title_n we_o speak_v of_o before_o which_o all_o prove_v this_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o place_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o you_o may_v read_v it_o private_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 2._o esdras_n 5.22_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o reason_n again_o and_o i_o begin_v to_o talk_v with_o the_o most_o high_a again_o and_o i_o say_v oh_o lord_n of_o every_o forest_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o tree_n thereof_o thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o only_a vineyard_n and_o of_o all_o the_o land_n in_o the_o world_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o pit_n and_o of_o all_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o ground_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o lily_n etc._n etc._n in_o exod._n 19.5_o god_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o chief_a treasure_n above_o all_o people_n as_o if_o many_o pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v enamel_v in_o beat_a gold_n and_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o body_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a body_n but_o such_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n god_n do_v more_o high_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n then_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o trash_n &_o dross_n and_o dung_n the_o lord_n set_v nothing_o by_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o church_n isai_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n shall_v create_v upon_o every_o place_n of_o mount_n zion_n and_o upon_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o a_o cloud_n and_o smoke_n by_o day_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o a_o flame_a fire_n by_o night_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o be_v glorious_a yea_o glory_n itself_o all_o other_o pomp_n and_o glory_n without_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n be_v baseness_n and_o smoke_n and_o misery_n see_v the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v in_o the_o law_n exod._n 25.8.9_o by_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o tabernacle_n thing_n first_o there_o be_v the_o ark_n verse_n 10._o second_o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n put_v into_o the_o ark._n verse_n 16._o three_o there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n verse_n 17._o four_o the_o cherubin_n verse_n 18._o five_o god_n speak_v from_o betwixt_o the_o cherubin_n ver_fw-la 22._o six_o the_o table_n verse_n 23._o seven_o the_o shewbread_n verse_n 30._o last_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 31._o these_o do_v all_o figure_n out_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o ark_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o same_o god_n there_o be_v the_o testimony_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o god_n presence_n that_o he_o ever_o be_v and_o will_v be_v present_a there_o and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n to_o witness_v god_n continual_a presence_n with_o us._n there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o
shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o thou_o ought_v yea_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a church_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o thy_o want_n and_o infirmity_n be_v cover_v and_o supply_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n three_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v like_a to_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v against_o thou_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o we_o will_v never_o see_v we_o overthrow_v last_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v as_o the_o offscowring_a of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o unjust_a censure_n yet_o in_o god_n sight_n who_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o give_v we_o content_v against_o all_o the_o scoff_n and_o nickname_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v so_o bless_v and_o beautiful_a in_o god_n eye_n what_o need_v we_o care_v though_o we_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o five_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n that_o persecute_v use_v 5_o and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n church_n they_o know_v not_o who_o it_o be_v they_o make_v their_o force_n against_o it_o be_v even_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a and_o bless_a company_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o first_o they_o may_v be_v dismay_v for_o they_o rush_v against_o a_o rock_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v good_a success_n yea_o second_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o fierce_a and_o full_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n because_o they_o resist_v the_o lord_n and_o oppose_v his_o glorious_a and_o anoint_a one_o use_v 6_o the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n be_v to_o reprove_v the_o perverse_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o grace_n nor_o beauty_n in_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o wicked_a jew_n that_o will_v not_o see_v any_o form_n or_o beauty_n in_o christ_n isai_n 53._o they_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o deformity_n and_o misery_n but_o if_o they_o can_v look_v within_o there_o be_v perfect_a glory_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v but_o your_o word_n we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o can_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n among_o you_o why_o do_v you_o then_o face_n it_o out_o thus_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o with_o these_o limitation_n first_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v see_v it_o because_o they_o want_v this_o eye_n to_o discern_v it_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o church_n thus_o they_o shall_v perceive_v perfect_a glory_n christ_n himself_o be_v perfect_o glorious_a and_o he_o cover_v and_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o deformity_n and_o present_v we_o as_o glorious_a to_o god_n his_o father_n three_o it_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o our_o desire_n and_o god_n account_v then_o in_o actual_a possession_n four_o we_o have_v not_o thâ—s_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n here_o but_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o beauty_n and_o some_o glory_n here_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.2_o and_o then_o christ_n shall_v present_v we_o a_o glorious_a body_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n ephes_n 5.27_o which_o because_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o already_o and_o the_o rest_n shall_v sure_o obtain_v hereafter_o and_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o here_o already_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v just_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o her_o part_n now_o and_o of_o all_o hereafter_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o beautiful_a the_o church_n be_v and_o bless_v and_o glorious_a though_o the_o world_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o she_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v require_v that_o when_o once_o we_o do_v know_v the_o name_n of_o a_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v call_v and_o the_o title_n that_o it_o be_v grace_v withal_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o thus_o entitle_v for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n may_v and_o be_v ofttimes_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v proper_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o name_n and_o title_n set_v it_o forth_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o esteem_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o nature_n will_v more_o full_o express_v it_o and_o make_v we_o the_o highly_o to_o esteem_v of_o it_o the_o name_n bear_v diverse_a signification_n in_o ordinary_a method_n ought_v to_o be_v divide_v first_o and_o define_v after_o but_o because_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v apt_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o one_o general_a description_n and_o because_o the_o division_n have_v a_o more_o near_a dependence_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v make_v a_o ready_a step_n and_o passage_n thereunto_o we_o will_v first_o define_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o our_o order_n set_v down_o to_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a kind_n and_o branch_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v thing_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a general_a nature_n thereof_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v they_o second_o by_o their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n cause_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v because_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o it_o first_o to_o salvation_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o end_n second_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o the_o church_n ofttimes_o be_v call_v god_n choose_v psal_n 33.12_o even_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o psal_n 132.13_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v his_o church_n and_o rom._n 8.33_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o by_o that_o express_a name_n god_n choose_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n choose_v titus_n 1.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n choose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o call_v rather_o than_o by_o their_o choose_v as_o in_o the_o first_o lecture_n because_o they_o be_v a_o company_n call_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o choose_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o that_o
of_o elias_n yet_o in_o this_o very_a time_n god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o a_o flourish_a one_o too_o in_o his_o eye_n though_o man_n can_v not_o discern_v it_o afterwards_o in_o that_o general_a apostasy_n when_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v both_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o here_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o here_o be_v one_o out_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o out_o of_o a_o tribe_n to_o worship_n god_n jer._n 3.13_o 14._o so_o in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n when_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o overwhelm_v as_o it_o be_v jerusalem_n be_v so_o distress_v religion_n deface_v all_o turn_v into_o a_o miserable_a desolation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v never_o the_o like_a be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o my_o sorrow_n say_v the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n lam._n 1.12_o yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v both_o teacher_n and_o embracer_n as_o jeremy_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o daniel_n and_o many_o other_o at_o our_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n when_o the_o law_n and_o the_o temple_n priest_n and_o people_n the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v yet_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n joseph_n and_o marie_n simeon_n and_o anna_n true_a beleevere_n and_o right_a worshipper_n of_o god_n last_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n by_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n yet_o god_n have_v some_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o loathe_v her_o golden_a cup_n some_o that_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o her_o fornication_n but_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a virgin_n and_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sweet_o embrace_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o god_n always_o have_v a_o church_n and_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v that_o as_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v so_o he_o now_o have_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v many_o flourish_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o germany_n france_n england_n and_o scotland_n many_o in_o all_o these_o place_n that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n yea_o under_o popery_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o true_a christian_n yea_o even_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o infidel_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v yeâ—_n remain_v some_o that_o worship_n god_n with_o we_o no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o fire_n among_o those_o burn_a ash_n some_o polish_a stone_n of_o these_o decay_a church_n some_o gold_n among_o all_o that_o dross_n some_o that_o serve_v the_o lord_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n now_o at_o this_o day_n of_o some_o that_o live_v under_o popery_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o profess_v our_o religion_n so_o the_o second_o part_n be_v prove_v that_o god_n now_o have_v his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n the_o last_o part_n and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v prove_v this_o point_n by_o example_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o fulfil_v yet_o we_o have_v as_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o as_o example_n we_o have_v god_n own_o word_n for_o it_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v many_o prediction_n in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o do_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o i_o say_v we_o have_v god_n word_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o love_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o say_v this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n god_n will_v dwell_v and_o rest_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o his_o church_n as_o himself_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o his_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o so_o math._n 28.20_o i_o be_o with_o you_o ever_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o actual_o present_a with_o you_o now_o so_o i_o will_v still_o continue_v unto_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n it_o be_v nor_o so_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n yet_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v with_o we_o effectual_o to_o all_o save_a purpose_n joh._n 14.16_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o vers_fw-la 17._o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o opposer_n of_o god_n church_n man_n and_o devil_n and_o many_o time_n they_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o bridle_v and_o curb_v and_o the_o church_n still_o so_o protect_v and_o defend_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v utter_o to_o disannul_v it_o math._n 16.18_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o reason_n therefore_o we_o will_v pass_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n that_o god_n ever_o have_v now_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o we_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o who_o be_v truth_n and_o can_v lie_v if_o that_o be_v too_o little_a we_o have_v his_o oath_n for_o it_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v psal_n 132.11_o 12._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n to_o david_n and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o say_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v up_o thy_o throne_n for_o ever_o he_o have_v swear_v it_o and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o recant_v which_o although_o it_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o seed_n yet_o in_o truth_n &_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v renew_v jer._n 33.17_o 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o man_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o and_o 21._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o can_v break_v my_o covenant_n of_o the_o day_n and_o my_o covenant_n of_o the_o night_n than_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v break_v with_o david_n my_o servant_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o promise_n be_v irrevocable_a so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v day_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v night_n on_o the_o earth_n so_o long_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n his_o word_n and_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v break_v no_o say_v our_o saviour_n heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v fail_v but_o my_o word_n shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o church_n for_o ever_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o her_o adversary_n second_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n reas_n 2_o shall_v never_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n therefore_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v abolish_v from_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n may_v fail_v but_o that_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o witness_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o feel_v the_o save_a power_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o testify_v it_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o fail_v the_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n fatherly_a care_n over_o reas_n 3_o his_o church_n even_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o love_v they_o and_o they_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v all_o destroy_v except_o the_o lord_n can_v forget_v his_o own_o people_n his_o darling_n which_o be_v impossible_a four_o he_o do_v preserve_v his_o church_n
god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o vers_fw-la there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n circumcision_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n there_o be_v abraham_n obedience_n he_o circumcise_a ishmael_n and_o all_o the_o male_n in_o his_o house_n so_o likewise_o when_o god_n send_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n first_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o word_n by_o moses_n exo._n 3.15_o and_o 6.6_o and_o he_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o passeover_n exo._n 12.3_o and_o in_o the_o eight_o and_o twenty_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v and_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n even_o so_o do_v they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n but_o even_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o people_n a_o precise_a promise_n of_o obedience_n even_o before_o he_o prescribe_v they_o either_o law_n or_o sacrifice_n this_o we_o may_v see_v he_o do_v exod._n 19.5.8_o god_n send_v moses_n to_o the_o people_n there_o before_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o law_n and_o before_o he_o prescribe_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v or_o not_o and_o they_o say_v they_o will_v so_o that_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o people_n and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o joshua_n renew_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n jos_n 1.16.18_o redress_v the_o thing_n amiss_o and_o bring_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o passove_a and_o the_o people_n they_o promise_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o as_o they_o obey_v moses_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3_o 21_o 22_o 23._o when_o josiah_n restore_v the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o he_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 21._o verse_n there_o the_o king_n restore_v the_o passeover_n so_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n there_o be_v their_o obedience_n for_o the_o king_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n as_o you_o may_v read_v chap._n 7.8_o and_o also_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o &_o 9_o they_o restore_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n wherein_o they_o profess_v their_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v restore_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o then_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n and_o note_n whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o institute_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o also_o in_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o with_o a_o camp_n in_o the_o field_n who_o as_o they_o be_v gather_v at_o the_o first_o to_o their_o colour_n and_o banner_n 27._o so_o likewise_o if_o the_o camp_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o the_o enemy_n the_o general_n hang_v out_o and_o display_v his_o colour_n and_o ensign_n that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v may_v gather_v to_o they_o again_o and_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o camp_n as_o before_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n church_n when_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o worst_a when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o pollute_v he_o display_v the_o ensign_n and_o banner_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o so_o whosoever_o be_v fall_v away_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n again_o and_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o fight_v under_o god_n banner_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v before_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a testament_n that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o pattern_n or_o example_n only_o in_o two_o church_n and_o by_o they_o you_o may_v esteem_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.14_o 41_o 42._o in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v peter_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o verse_n 41._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o verse_n 42._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o name_n of_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o corinth_n 1.13_o there_o be_v baptism_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 11.23_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o chap._n 15.1_o there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o also_o their_o obedience_n for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o receive_v and_o continue_v in_o so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o principal_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o where_o these_o be_v the_o word_n true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o in_o effect_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 29_o but_o there_o must_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o and_o indeed_o even_o the_o papist_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n do_v grant_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o clear_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o can_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n and_o also_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n too_o yes_o very_o well_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n as_o also_o the_o infallible_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o day_n and_o so_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a 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it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o 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prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o matter_n of_o substance_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o nor_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n nay_o there_o be_v example_n against_o it_o because_o we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o government_n in_o all_o church_n for_o some_o want_v that_o which_o other_o have_v and_o so_o by_o this_o rule_n one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v sin_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n there_o be_v only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n name_v so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o every_o church_n precise_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
fruit_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o never_o give_v over_o not_o though_o himself_o be_v foil_v and_o cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n for_o there_o he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n vers_n 13._o nor_o yet_o though_o the_o woman_n be_v carry_v away_o from_o he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o there_o he_o persecute_v she_o vers_fw-la 14._o and_o 15._o not_o yet_o though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o attempt_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o over_o but_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n vers_fw-la 16.17_o so_o that_o this_o place_n teach_v every_o particular_a the_o point_n observe_v see_v it_o yet_o more_o plain_o affirm_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n and_o set_v down_o as_o a_o ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o gen._n 3.15_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n he_o shall_v break_v thy_o head_n thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n betwixt_o satan_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o church_n and_o her_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v continual_a for_o when_o his_o head_n be_v break_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4._o in_o overcome_v he_o in_o his_o temptation_n but_o special_o at_o his_o death_n yet_o still_o he_o seek_v to_o assault_v the_o church_n and_o to_o bruise_v her_o heel_n and_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n be_v justify_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n john_n 16.33_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v affliction_n but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n &c_n &c_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o long_o as_o you_o be_v in_o the_o world_n look_v for_o affliction_n it_o be_v your_o portion_n here_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o assault_v with_o many_o adversary_n yet_o last_o of_o all_o see_v it_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n vers_fw-la 7.8_o when_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n and_o the_o arabian_n and_o the_o ammonite_n and_o the_o ashdodim_v hear_v that_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v repair_v they_o conspire_v altogether_o to_o come_v and_o to_o fight_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o so_o in_o heb._n 11.35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v this_o that_o many_o be_v stone_v many_o rack_v other_o hew_v asunder_o and_o other_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 49._o to_o the_o 13._o speak_v of_o the_o like_a opposition_n that_o the_o church_n meet_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v as_o man_n appoint_v to_o death_n a_o gaze_a stock_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n &c_n &c_n make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off_o scour_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o thes_n 2.18_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v come_v unto_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n assault_v the_o church_n continual_o and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n so_o in_o psal_n 2.1.2_o etc._n etc._n the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n murmur_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n band_n themselves_o and_o the_o prince_n be_v assemble_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o in_o act._n 4.27_o in_o both_o these_o place_n christ_n himself_o be_v propound_v for_o a_o example_n in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o profess_v he_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n all_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o all_o his_o member_n if_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v he_o they_o will_v hate_v and_o oppose_v they_o for_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n what_o church_n ever_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o what_o one_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v no_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n either_o in_o captivity_n or_o out_o of_o it_o either_o under_o the_o law_n or_o before_o the_o law_n or_o after_o the_o law_n either_o apostle_n prophet_n or_o patriarch_n all_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o yea_o adam_n himself_o in_o paradise_n see_v how_o he_o be_v encounter_v and_o overcome_v and_o so_o cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o all_o mankind_n rue_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o place_n not_o state_n but_o heaven_n free_a there_o and_o no_o where_o but_o there_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v triumphant_a there_o she_o be_v always_o militant_a assault_v and_o fight_v against_o by_o many_o adversary_n that_o seek_v to_o disquiet_v her_o peace_n and_o hinder_v her_o good_a proceed_n so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n reas_n 1_o upon_o the_o serpent_n for_o when_o god_n ordain_v that_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o justice_n as_o a_o judge_n inflict_v this_o be_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o serpent_n because_o he_o seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o opposition_n light_v heavy_o and_o just_o on_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o hit_v they_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o byblow_n for_o their_o chastisement_n the_o main_a stroke_n be_v inflict_v on_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n reas_n 2_o second_o satan_n spite_n and_o envy_n against_o good_a man_n and_o good_a thing_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v he_o that_o stir_v up_o and_o blow_v all_o these_o coal_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v it_o be_v gall_n and_o death_n to_o he_o to_o see_v either_o good_a man_n or_o good_a thing_n prosper_v and_o therefore_o he_o bend_v himself_o against_o they_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o might_n reas_n 3_o three_o the_o church_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v contrary_a mover_n the_o world_n have_v flesh_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n the_o church_n have_v grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n and_o so_o they_o have_v contrary_a will_n the_o one_o set_v upon_o good_a the_o other_o whole_o upon_o evil_n and_o so_o also_o they_o have_v contrary_a end_n the_o church_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n and_o at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o wicked_a at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o they_o tend_v to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a opposition_n of_o the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o in_o all_o their_o course_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a reas_n 4_o four_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o good_a to_o be_v cross_v and_o oppose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o trouble_v and_o vex_v and_o hurt_v and_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o reas_n 5_o five_o christ_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o luk._n 2.34_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o can_v but_o be_v mighty_o oppose_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o militanâ—_n head_n but_o also_o for_o that_o very_a cause_n because_o they_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o reas_n 6_o six_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o faith_n first_o of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n even_o among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v among_o you_o may_v be_v know_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.12_o think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v among_o you_o to_o prove_v you_o so_o likewise_o these_o opposition_n be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o of_o our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o we_o love_v he_o unfaigned_o and_o mere_o for_o himself_o or_o for_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o good_a and_o safety_n for_o if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o these_o then_o when_o these_o fail_n
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v look_v well_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o mark_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n and_o attempt_v not_o high_o than_o thou_o can_v reach_v without_o strain_v too_o much_o for_o many_o strive_v to_o reach_v high_a than_o their_o strength_n and_o ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o have_v overreach_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o rome_n 12.3.4_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o understand_v above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v itself_o but_o that_o he_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n second_o in_o the_o business_n itself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o we_o must_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o and_o consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o consistence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o word_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o and_o compare_v sense_n with_o sense_n and_o phrase_n with_o phrase_n and_o if_o thy_o skill_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o go_v to_o the_o original_n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v the_o sense_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n sensible_o as_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fountain_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o contain_v dark_a speech_n high_a matter_n and_o doubtful_a word_n how_o can_v the_o unlearned_a then_o expound_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o for_o fundamental_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n they_o be_v most_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o place_n as_o always_o we_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n still_o confirm_v every_o truth_n by_o the_o â—outh_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n other_o point_n also_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o proportionable_a capacity_n i_o say_v not_o to_o every_o capacity_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o matter_n concern_v salvation_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v enough_o but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n you_o do_v but_o as_o heretic_n use_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o have_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n the_o fault_n have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n many_o pray_v but_o they_o pray_v amiss_o as_o s._n james_n say_v spirit_n shall_v not_o we_o pray_v because_o of_o that_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n be_v this_o we_o must_v go_v and_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n who_o understand_v they_o and_o best_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 16._o and_o therefore_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v true_a say_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n be_v by_o name_n christ_n substitute_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o business_n john_n 14.25_o 26._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o look_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n luke_n 24.32_o 45._o he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n now_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o &_o our_o understand_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o &_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o have_v you_o he_o spirit_n say_v the_o papist_n yea_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o learnede_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v but_o a_o scoff_n of_o they_o to_o say_v you_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n have_v you_o the_o spirit_n three_o we_o must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v to_o those_o know_a ground_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o sense_n to_o cross_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o marrow_n of_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o scripture_n itself_o only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o a_o brief_a form_n that_o so_o our_o eye_n may_v the_o better_o be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o portion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o four_o we_o must_v use_v all_o industry_n diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o study_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n these_o help_n procure_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o carnal_a business_n and_o so_o will_v do_v much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n labour_n for_o the_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 6.27_o last_o make_v use_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o and_o of_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o scripture_n both_o old_a and_o new_a the_o papist_n bely_v we_o when_o they_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o scorn_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n no_o we_o harken_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v much_o rule_v by_o her_o judgement_n yet_o not_o to_o build_v only_o or_o chief_o thereon_o but_o to_o be_v instruct_v thereby_o and_o to_o be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o dissent_v for_o who_o among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o the_o three_o place_n after_o we_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v do_v after_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v do_v then_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o fayling_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o labour_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o it_o second_o meditation_n we_o must_v meditate_v of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o mary_n do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o
and_o this_o rule_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o same_o power_n so_o the_o point_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v certain_a outward_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o some_o reas_n 1_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o church_n no_o religion_n can_v possible_o be_v carry_v without_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o who_o shall_v ordain_v these_o but_o themselves_o as_o best_o know_v their_o own_o state_n as_o in_o a_o private_a family_n who_o shall_v ordain_v order_n for_o it_o but_o those_o of_o the_o family_n second_o no_o right_n be_v universal_a to_o hold_v every_o reas_n 2_o where_o in_o all_o church_n no_o that_o be_v impossible_a because_o diverse_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a state_n and_o therefore_o every_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n for_o themselves_o three_o no_o ceremony_n be_v perpetual_a in_o one_o and_o the_o reas_n 3_o same_o church_n every_o church_n in_o time_n differ_v from_o itself_o by_o the_o change_n of_o occasion_n and_o state_n and_o then_o the_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o now_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o their_o state_n shall_v require_v last_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ordain_v reas_n 4_o certain_a rite_n the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n now_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o of_o he_o if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v let_v they_o show_v where_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o give_v the_o church_n now_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o use_v 1_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o take_v their_o liberty_n herein_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v bound_v and_o bridle_v that_o they_o go_v not_o too_o far_o either_o for_o multitude_n unprofitablenesse_n superstiton_n or_o the_o like_a the_o limit_n and_o bound_n therefore_o that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o in_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o be_v these_o first_o they_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n word_n second_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o heretofore_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o do_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o four_o they_o must_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o church_n must_v be_v wary_a herein_o for_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a yet_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o 32._o five_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 26._o last_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o as_o in_o exod._n 28.40_o aaron_n son_n must_v have_v coat_n and_o girdle_n and_o bonnet_n make_v they_o for_o glory_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n do_v aim_v at_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o end_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o the_o last_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v bridle_v thyself_o from_o dislike_n special_o from_o refusal_n yet_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o offend_v the_o weak_a herein_o be_v wisdom_n yet_o rather_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n though_o with_o offence_n for_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v none_o offence_n because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o i_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v then_o to_o be_v do_v must_v he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n no_o first_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v second_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n three_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v overbear_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n till_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o then_o in_o disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o disobey_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n except_o i_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a now_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v doubtful_a of_o now_o shall_v i_o run_v into_o a_o know_a sin_n because_o i_o will_v avoid_v a_o sin_n only_o fear_v so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o point_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o eyghth_n point_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o six_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o 9_o point_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o handle_v 8._o of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nine_o and_o that_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o knnow_v of_o those_o congreagtion_n that_o profess_v not_o christianity_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o pagan_n that_o profess_v heathenish_a religion_n no_o christian_n the_o jew_n that_o profess_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o turk_n that_o profess_v that_o abominable_a idol_n mahomet_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n these_o we_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o the_o outward_a name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v assembly_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o have_v no_o christ_n not_o somuch_o as_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n that_o be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v have_v be_v so_o plain_o and_o full_o deliver_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v easy_o apply_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o those_o that_o be_v religious_a &_o judicious_a but_o yet_o because_o diverse_a christian_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a condition_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o as_o well_o in_o time_n as_o in_o place_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a reach_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n both_o in_o teacher_n &_o hearer_n be_v this_o to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o stand_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o for_o your_o better_a direction_n both_o to_o help_v your_o judgement_n concern_v other_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v your_o resolution_n church_n touch_v the_o goodness_n and_o soundness_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o live_v in_o i_o will_v endeavour_v god_n will_v to_o make_v application_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o to_o all_o church_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o church_n of_o we_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v twofold_a first_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o so_o some_o be_v eastern_a and_o the_o
consent_n prove_v not_o always_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o a_o true_a religion_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n true_a because_o they_o all_o consent_v to_o crucify_v christ_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n cry_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o here_o be_v consent_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o bloody_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a peter_n &_o paul_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o false_a church_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o they_o dissent_v and_o contend_v sharp_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o yea_o we_o see_v oft_o time_n that_o the_o worst_a matter_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o great_a consent_n and_o the_o best_a with_o great_a dissension_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o sound_a body_n that_o strive_v most_o to_o expel_v hurtful_a humour_n so_o that_o be_v the_o sound_a church_n that_o be_v most_o exercise_v with_o bicker_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v dissension_n and_o heresy_n that_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 19_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o papist_n exception_n which_o they_o take_v against_o we_o for_o this_o dissension_n difference_n now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o show_v what_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o dissension_n and_o difference_n sure_o though_o we_o will_v not_o name_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v many_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o first_o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o our_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o mourn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n dishonour_v and_o his_o truth_n blaspheme_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o distract_v by_o man_n infirmity_n frailty_n and_o dissension_n second_o this_o discover_v the_o devil_n malice_n that_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o prosperous_o forward_a but_o set_v even_o the_o builder_n themselves_o at_o variance_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o building_n and_o from_o join_v together_o with_o one_o hand_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n yea_o he_o carry_v they_o into_o such_o outrage_n of_o passion_n and_o speech_n that_o thereby_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n be_v much_o disgrace_v before_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o his_o outrage_n they_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n then_o of_o god_n three_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n if_o not_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v disclaim_v their_o error_n and_o put_v up_o disgraceful_a and_o opprobrious_a speech_n they_o pass_v not_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n on_o fire_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o never_o come_v forth_o but_o encumber_v with_o many_o opposition_n both_o within_o and_o without_o and_o still_o mingle_v with_o some_o error_n and_o contention_n even_o in_o the_o chief_a professor_n themselves_o last_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o that_o do_v restrain_v the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n that_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v in_o some_o point_n yet_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o chief_a as_o in_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o and_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o yet_o each_o of_o we_o agree_v against_o antichrist_n and_o popery_n with_o a_o common_a hand_n though_o not_o so_o thorough_o as_o otherwise_o we_o may_v do_v yet_o so_o as_o neither_o of_o we_o yield_v one_o jot_n to_o the_o papist_n though_o they_o expect_v long_o ere_o this_o to_o have_v devour_v both_o they_o and_o we_o as_o a_o prey_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v sleep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n as_o we_o say_v work_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o former_a dissension_n they_o the_o three_o point_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o error_n and_o dissension_n surlev_n if_o we_o shall_v condemn_v they_o as_o false_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a and_o wicked_a for_o they_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n under_o god_n of_o our_o call_n therefore_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n beside_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o much_o for_o see_v they_o affirm_v direct_o the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o hard_a sentence_n against_o they_o therefore_o let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n own_o church_n and_o let_v we_o commiserate_v their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o let_v we_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o let_v we_o pass_v by_o the_o wrong_n they_o offer_v we_o and_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o let_v we_o entreat_v god_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o pacify_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v these_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o to_o knit_v our_o heart_n together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o own_o church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o special_a reach_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n we_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_a church_n that_o we_o be_v as_o well_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n as_o any_o church_n it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o reform_v in_o the_o best_a and_o weighty_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n confess_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v fail_v in_o discipline_n as_o they_o say_v yet_o the_o substance_n be_v sound_n the_o danger_n be_v the_o less_o discipline_n make_v only_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o doâ—h_n the_o presence_n of_o it_o make_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o absence_n of_o it_o can_v mar_v the_o life_n &_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o reform_v herein_o as_o we_o shall_v for_o some_o reformation_n we_o have_v many_o point_n and_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v far_o better_o among_o we_o then_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a i_o will_v deliver_v the_o point_n by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sayling_n and_o weakness_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n first_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v many_o fayling_n &_o weakness_n in_o our_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v smooth_v up_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n as_o many_o do_v with_o all_o be_v well_o when_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o or_o justify_v every_o particular_a because_o we_o have_v many_o good_a thing_n among_o we_o no_o if_o there_o be_v any_o baal_n among_o we_o let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o i_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o measure_n church_n special_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n as_o we_o show_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o very_o unsound_a but_o we_o be_v true_a &_o sound_a too_o &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o want_n of_o which_o difference_n right_o observe_v reason_n have_v cause_v many_o uncharitable_a censure_n to_o pass_v from_o we_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n &_o from_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o three_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o seem_v strange_a in_o some_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v call_v one_o church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o national_a church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v mere_o a_o humane_a invention_n not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o justify_v this_o speech_n against_o their_o exception_n take_v these_o