but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 2_o 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v into_o solâ—mne_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v answer_n yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esau_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezâ—k._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeb_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezâ—k_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n iosh._n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n iosh._n 5._o 3_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n 3_o and_o therefore_o not_o like_o our_o chuâ—ch-covenants_n whiâ—h_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concerning_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church_n covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o answer_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duâ—ies_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o eâ—ification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v oâ—_z god_n lev._n 19_o 17_o deut._n 29_o â—8_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o alâ—_z the_o coâ—gregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_fw-mi 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o beborne_a and_o proselyâ—es_v that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver._n 14_o 15._o like_o as_o our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o they_o that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o hereafter_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n when_o jehojada_n make_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n 2_o king_n 11._o 17._o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o they_o all_o both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o king_n promise_v but_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n righteous_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n so_o rule_v now_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o they_o and_o of_o they_o to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o as_o god_n require_v in_o his_o covenant_n both_o of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o another_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o this_o place_n of_o deut._n 29._o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o church-covenant_n in_o these_o day_n 4._o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a tâ—stament_n must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_n also_o as_o will_v afterwards_o appear_v 2._o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o pregnant_a place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o unlawful_a for_o whatsoever_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n but_o be_v of_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a equity_n the_o same_o bind_v we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n though_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o marry_v his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o necessary_a for_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v sabbath-breaking_n blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n unto_o infant_n or_o to_o admit_v woman_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v speak_v little_a in_o these_o case_n only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v direction_n and_o light_n about_o they_o lev._n 18._o and_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o and_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o and_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 6._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v all_o according_a to_o moral_a equity_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o express_o for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n for_o that_o a_o company_n shall_v be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o body_n in_o way_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n by_o way_n of_o mutual_a free_a covenant_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a or_o agrâ—eable_a to_o moral_a equity_n nay_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n that_o freeman_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o authority_n or_o power_n over_o free_a man_n without_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o voluntary_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o another_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o be_v deut._n 26._o 16_o 17_o 18._o with_o deut._n 27._o 9_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v these_o statute_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n
profess_v thereof_o outward_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o admit_n of_o they_o unto_o baptiâ—me_n now_o this_o word_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ver._n 38._o 39_o and_o to_o obedience_n in_o sever_a themselves_o from_o other_o and_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o untoward_a generation_n ver._n 40._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o glad_o receive_v this_o word_n there_o be_v a_o open_a profess_n of_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n ver._n 40._o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o church-covenant_n yea_o and_o further_o their_o very_a preparation_n to_o this_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o true_a compunction_n and_o sorrow_n of_o soul_n be_v also_o open_o make_v manifest_a ver._n 37._o but_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o long_a narration_n of_o every_o one_o several_o as_o now_o be_v use_v reply_n when_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o church-covenant_n when_o each_o one_o make_v a_o good_a long_a speech_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_a answ._n as_o be_v show_v before_o that_o they_o do_v open_o profess_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n in_o the_o length_n or_o largeness_n of_o their_o speâ—ches_n in_o express_v of_o themselves_o that_o can_v make_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n majus_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la non_fw-la diversisicant_fw-la speciem_fw-la and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v brief_a because_o there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n they_o shall_v be_v long_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o their_o time_n and_o we_o first_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n present_a to_o hear_v their_o confession_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o who_o be_v man_n of_o very_o good_a discern_a and_o therefore_o brief_a express_v of_o man_n self_n may_v suffice_v whereas_o the_o best_a christian_n yea_o the_o best_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o need_v more_o time_n for_o study_n and_o for_o preparation_n for_o our_o sermon_n then_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o we_o need_v more_o time_n to_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o man_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v add_v withal_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a christian_n man_n of_o such_o excellent_a discern_a be_v sometime_o deceive_v and_o can_v not_o always_o so_o discern_v but_o that_o some_o hypocrite_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n do_v witness_n how_o much_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o day_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o try_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o they_o that_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n second_o their_o time_n also_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o their_o christianity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o excommunication_n ioh._n 9_o 22._o of_o imprisonment_n act._n 4._o 3._o and_o 5._o 18._o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o to_o see_v man_n now_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v so_o hate_v and_o who_o himself_o but_o a_o while_n before_o be_v crucify_v this_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a matter_n and_o therefore_o in_o word_n man_n may_v be_v the_o brief_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o time_n in_o new_a england_n do_v not_o persecute_v christ_n and_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o countenance_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n now_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a in_o examination_n of_o man_n estate_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n esth._n 8._o 17._o but_o why_o be_v there_o so_o little_a proof_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 7._o 1._o suppose_v the_o new_a testament_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o answ._n yet_o it_o may_v have_v ground_n sufficient_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_a will_n in_o those_o day_n that_o a_o company_n shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o now_o likewise_o unless_o covenant_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n indeed_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n but_o be_v some_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o case_n also_o a_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v necessary_a as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v any_o change_n or_o variation_n from_o what_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v national_a church_n but_o congregational_a and_o not_o one_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v matter_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v warrant_n for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o so_o we_o have_v but_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o any_o levitical_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o give_v warrant_v for_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o 2._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o want_v good_a warrant_n for_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o 1._o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v it_o isa_n 56_o 6_o 7_o and_o 44_o 5._o and_o ier._n 50._o 5._o ezâ—k_n 20._o 37._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o only_o let_v those_o word_n of_o isa._n 44._o 5._o be_v well_o consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o solemn_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenâ—nt_fw-la to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o open_v profess_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o open_a bind_n of_o man_n self_n by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o need_v be_v more_o 2._o the_o apostâ—es_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v practise_v in_o heir_n day_n 〈◊〉_d how_o shall_v we_o understand_v that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o breadth_n phil._n 1._o 5._o if_o this_o combine_n into_o church_n fellowship_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v steadfast_o or_o as_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o may_v well_o be_v translate_v they_o strong_o do_v cleave_v together_o or_o hold_v together_o in_o such_o a_o fellowship_n which_o be_v not_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o sacrament_n noâ—_z prayer_n but_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o all_o these_o if_o this_o combine_v themselves_o into_o a_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o understand_v it_o nor_o what_o that_o fellowship_n shall_v mean_v if_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v particular_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o the_o fellowship_n in_o which_o they_o so_o steadfast_o cleave_v together_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o their_o come_n together_o to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n and_o their_o communion_n therein_o but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o fellowship_n mention_v among_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v not_o confound_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o by_o
a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concerning_o church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_v resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen_n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concerning_o church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer._n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_a or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o selfrighteousness_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concerning_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rom._n 2._o 29._o and_o israelite_n gal._n 6._o 16._o ioh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o a_o con_n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5_o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o tâ—eir_n return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_n but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n togethâ—r_v in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concerning_o which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o iâ—ports_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_v unto_o god_n any_o thing_n back_o again_o thus_o the_o preserve_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o of_o the_o woâ—ld_v from_o be_v drown_v any_o more_o by_o a_o flood_n the_o interchangeable_a succession_n of_o day_n and_o night_n the_o give_n of_o the_o priesthood_n unto_o phinâ—as_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o showbread_n every_o sabbath_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o give_n of_o the_o heave-offering_n unto_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o covenant_n or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o 18._o and_o 9_o 9_o 10._o 11._o ier._n 33._o 20._o num._n 25._o 12_o 13_o 〈◊〉_d 24._o 8._o num._n 18._o 19_o but_o sometime_o covenant_n be_v take_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o a_o agreement_n which_o god_n do_v make_v with_o man_n when_o he_o promise_v some_o blessing_n unto_o man_n and_o binâ—es_v they_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n back_o again_o to_o he_o take_a thus_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o some_o blessing_n on_o god_n part_n second_o restipulation_n or_o promise_n or_o bindâ—â—g_n oâ—_z man_n unto_o duty_n back_o again_o on_o his_o part_n both_o these_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o god_n thou_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n and_o so_o gen._n 17._o 1._o and_o v._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o covenant_n take_v thus_o be_v either_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o again_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v personal_a private_a and_o particular_a between_o god_n and_o one_o particular_a soul_n make_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o either_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n or_o at_o other_o time_n of_o which_o we_o read_v 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o and_o psal._n 119._o 106._o and_o 66._o 13_o 14._o and_o 27._o 8._o and_o psal._n 119._o 7_o 8_o second_o it_o be_v general_a and_o public_a of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o of_o which_o this_o text_n ier._n 50._o 5._o seem_v most_o proper_o to_o speak_v as_o also_o that_o deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o and_o many_o other_o a_o covenant_n take_v thus_o general_o when_o it_o respect_v spiritual_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v church-covenant_n which_o church-covenant_n differ_v not_o in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v from_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o particular_a soul_n but_o only_o in_o some_o other_o respect_n as_o first_o the_o one_o be_v of_o one_o christian_a in_o particular_a the_o other_o of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o second_o if_o right_a order_n be_v observe_v a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n till_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o personal_a estate_n three_o the_o one_o be_v usual_o do_v in_o private_a as_o in_o a_o man_n closet_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o other_o in_o some_o public_a assembly_n four_o the_o one_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_n the_o other_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o concerning_o church-covenant_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n thereof_o first_o the_o description_n of_o it_o second_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o the_o former_a it_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v viz._n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n before_o the_o lord_n whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v by_o the_o power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o and_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o cleave_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o defirous_a to_o partake_v together_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v in_o confidence_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n in_o christ_n bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o to_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o holy_a worship_n in_o he_o and_o of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o this_o description_n there_o be_v comprâ—â—ed_v six_o thing_n first_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a
promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_n into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christian_n not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal._n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 21._o 27._o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o else_o they_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n together_o as_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o act._n 14._o 27._o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n cleave_v together_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o act._n 4._o 32._o if_o they_o differ_v namely_o in_o opinion_n or_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o shall_v join_v in_o this_o covenant_n breach_n faction_n rent_n and_o schism_n will_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o join_v thing_n so_o unlike_o will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_o hold_v together_o dan._n 2._o 43_o desirous_a to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o join_n in_o covenant_n together_o psal._n 110._o 3._o willing_a and_o not_o pride_n nor_o gain_v nor_o the_o like_a four_o the_o act_n bind_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v say_v now_o as_o psal._n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o as_o num._n 30._o 2._o if_o he_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o vow_n five_o the_o matter_n promise_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o mutual_a edification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n they_o bind_v not_o themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o device_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v it_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v and_o presumption_n to_o promise_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o in_o general_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o special_o such_o duty_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o concern_v church-state_n which_o now_o they_o enter_v into_o six_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v confidence_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n through_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o our_o way_n god_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v pro._n 3._o 6._o and_o much_o more_o in_o such_o special_a matter_n of_o weight_n if_o man_n in_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n look_v for_o acceptance_n through_o any_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o or_o promise_v duty_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o show_v themselves_o like_o to_o the_o pharisee_n luk._n 18._o 10_o 11._o and_o turn_v the_o church-covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n do_v become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o a_o church_n second_o this_o be_v that_o by_o take_v hold_n whereof_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v afore_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o every_o christian_a church_n must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver._n 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver._n 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plainâ—y_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver._n 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver._n 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n 1._o for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n answer_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregational_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num._n 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o outlive_v joshua_n josh._n 24._o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver._n 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n
have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n take_v heed_n and_o harken_v o_o israel_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v become_v the_o pâ—ople_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n this_o scripture_n plain_o show_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o here_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o that_o avouch_v of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o god_n be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n ver._n 17._o 18._o 2._o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n together_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n 26._o 18._o and_o 27._o 9_o 3_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o thereby_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n ver._n 9_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n so_o ezech._n 16._o 8._o prove_v the_o same_o likewise_o i_o entâ—ed_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o thou_o becamâ—st_a mine_n here_o also_o be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o man_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o personal_a but_o of_o a_o company_n for_o it_o be_v with_o jerusalem_n ver._n 2._o which_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v multiply_v as_o the_o bud_n of_o the_o seldom_o ver._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o do_v prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n ver._n 13._o and_o therefore_o not_o mean_v only_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o become_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v i_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n likewise_o ezek._n 20._o 37._o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v first_o mention_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n second_o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n ver._n 30._o 39_o three_o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o bond_n because_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o a_o people_n be_v bind_v and_o tie_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o one_o chuâ—ch_n all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n by_o which_o a_o company_n be_v so_o combine_v and_o unite_v as_o that_o they_o become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v also_o obsâ—rvable_a how_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o this_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n by_o which_o phrase_n as_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n well_o observe_v be_v mean_v trial_n and_o probation_n draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o cattle_n who_o go_v among_o their_o sheep_n or_o other_o cattle_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o therewith_o point_v out_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n holy_a use_n as_o lev._n 27._o 32._o and_o so_o hereby_o be_v note_v that_o god_n will_v not_o â—n_v the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o he_o will_v first_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n of_o due_a trial_n and_o probation_n and_o than_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o god_n or_o meet_a matter_n for_o his_o church_n shall_v solemn_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o covenant_n shall_v be_v the_o bond_n that_o shall_v combine_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o together_o into_o one_o that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n shall_v all_o become_v one_o body_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n ier._n 2._o 2._o and_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plaiâ—e_n from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o â—hurcâ—_z of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o eâ—tring_n into_o church_n estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharaoh_n daughter_n psal._n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n 1._o cant._n 6_o 9_o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o answer_n viz_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 33._o and_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n 2._o how_o many_o hundred_o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n answ._n ier._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o get_v whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n â—_z but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa._n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themseluâ—s_n to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o mâ—rriage_n do_v give_v up_o
another_o object_n because_o these_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o then_o how_o can_v covenant_n distinguish_v they_o sith_o all_o church_n be_v join_v by_o covenant_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n simple_o or_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a that_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n answer_n or_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o but_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o these_o person_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n though_o all_o marry_a couple_n be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o one_o couple_n promise_v the_o same_o duty_n that_o another_o couple_n do_v yet_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n of_o the_o duty_n covenant_v to_o this_o man_n and_o this_o woman_n in_o particular_a such_o a_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v a_o couple_n man_n and_o wife_n together_o and_o give_v they_o mutual_a power_n over_o each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o covenant_n to_o perform_v church-duty_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o such_o person_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o concerning_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n do_v become_v a_o church_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v this_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n 1._o then_o take_v hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o if_o compact_v and_o conjoin_v of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n be_v that_o that_o make_v a_o house_n than_o a_o particular_a stone_n can_v become_v a_o part_n of_o that_o house_n till_o it_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o city_n of_o god_n live_v stone_n christian_n believer_n must_v be_v compact_v together_o and_o build_v up_o together_o ephes._n 2._o 21._o 22._o psal._n 122._o 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o particular_a christian_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o part_n of_o that_o build_n by_o be_v combine_v with_o the_o rest_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n 2._o isa._n 56._o 3_o 6_o 7._o let_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n speak_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v utter_o separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n even_o they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n concerning_o which_o scripture_n note_n three_o thing_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o these_o stranger_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n true_a believer_n join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n v._n 3_o and_o v._n 6._o that_o they_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n v._n 6._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o join_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v join_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o a_o complaint_n the_o lord_n have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v._n 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v._n 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distiâ—ct_n thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v._n 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_a not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n object_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o answer_n but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_n of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 19_o 7._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o and_o 6._o 16_o 17._o hos._n 2._o 23._o and_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaâ—lites_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n
man_n can_v say_v that_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o the_o second_o time_n or_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o do_v disannul_v the_o first_o or_o cast_v dispaâ—agement_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n give_v to_o adam_n be_v not_o blame_v or_o sault_v because_o it_o be_v renew_v in_o sinai_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v first_o give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n after_o his_o fall_n afterward_o to_o abraham_n then_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o again_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v disannul_v the_o former_a or_o argue_v the_o same_o to_o be_v â—aulty_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o covenant_n though_o renew_v upon_o new_a occasion_n and_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n and_o the_o like_a we_o say_v concerning_o church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o a_o man_n make_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o another_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n but_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o a_o man_n subjection_n to_o that_o very_a covenant_n special_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n estate_n into_o which_o estate_n the_o man_n be_v now_o enter_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o church-covenant_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v it_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o power_n this_o ground_n be_v very_o true_a answ._n that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n of_o himself_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v but_o all_o a_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n must_v come_v of_o god_n through_o châ—ist_n 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o phil._n 2._o 13._o ioh._n 15._o 5._o but_o the_o inâ—erence_n be_v not_o good_a that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o ento_z into_o church-covenant_n for_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o promise_n be_v unlawful_a and_o all_o covenant_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n the_o covenant_n of_o service_n yea_o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n oâ—_z grace_n when_o a_o particular_a soul_n promise_v faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o no_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n which_o a_o man_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o keep_v as_o the_o adultery_n of_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n among_o other_o do_v plain_o prove_v 2._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v power_n to_o they_o that_o in_o self-denial_n seek_v it_o of_o he_o and_o trust_v to_o his_o promise_n for_o it_o ezek._n 36._o 27._o ier._n 31._o 33._o rom._n 6._o 14._o ier._n 32._o 40._o the_o true_a inference_n therefore_o from_o this_o ground_n from_o man_n disability_n to_o perform_v be_v this_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o that_o be_v peter_n fault_n in_o promise_v not_o to_o deny_v christ_n but_o to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o but_o church-covenant_n as_o also_o all_o other_o promise_n shall_v be_v enter_v into_o in_o a_o humble_a look_n up_o to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 1._o god_n disallow_v covenant_n of_o man_n make_v and_o so_o our_o church-covenant_n in_o those_o word_n 4._o but_o not_o by_o thy_o covenant_n ezek._n 16._o 61._o god_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o there_o for_o make_v covenant_n answ._n for_o than_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o to_o do_v it_o exod._n 29._o deut._n 29._o and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o psal._n 50._o 5._o yea_o and_o in_o that_o very_a place_n of_o ezek._n 16._o acknowledge_v a_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o ver._n 60._o 62._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o not_o for_o their_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o they_o have_v very_o sinful_o break_v it_o ver._n 59_o but_o even_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o for_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 36._o 32._o deut._n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o what_o force_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_v viz._n if_o god_n will_v do_v we_o good_a but_o not_o for_o our_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v church_n estate_n all_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la this_o enter_n into_o covenant_n may_v keep_v out_o many_o good_a man_n from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n 5._o because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a lay_v aside_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a answ._n but_o good_a man_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v unsatisfy_v about_o it_o till_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v warrantable_a enough_o for_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o tribe_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o altar_n set_v up_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n by_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a till_o they_o understand_v the_o intent_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o for_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v erect_v and_o then_o they_o be_v satisfy_v iosh._n 22._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n till_o they_o understand_v what_o peter_n have_v to_o say_v for_o his_o defence_n therein_o and_o then_o they_o rest_v well_o satisfy_v act._n 11._o but_o if_o man_n understand_v what_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n in_o church-estate_n for_o will_v good_a man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v they_o refuse_v to_o profess_v and_o promise_v so_o much_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n thereto_o such_o refuse_v be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v ignorance_n at_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o so_o than_o it_o may_v be_v perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o some_o want_n of_o will_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n that_o such_o will_v yield_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v it_o but_o the_o scripture_n 6._o act._n 2._o 41._o tell_v of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o 3000._o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o one_o day_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n answ._n first_o that_o 3000._o be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v do_v by_o they_o all_o in_o one_o day_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v at_o penticost_n at_o which_o time_n of_o the_o year_n the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o long_a and_o 2._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o david_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n in_o one_o day_n 2._o sam._n 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o david_n and_o the_o tribe_n and_o so_o between_o this_o 3000._o and_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v open_o declare_v and_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v by_o some_o sign_n or_o other_o express_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o in_o one_o day_n second_o as_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o indeed_o it_o be_v do_v by_o those_o 3000._o soul_n for_o it_o be_v say_v ver._n 41_o that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n receive_v it_o for_o this_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n be_v note_v as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o also_o a_o open_a profess_v that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o for_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n without_o a_o open_a
gospel_n through_o obstinacy_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o they_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n remain_v which_o have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o church_n to_o this_o day_n though_o the_o mixture_n of_o manifold_a corruption_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n more_o implicit_a than_o be_v meeâ—e_n second_o because_o there_o want_v no_o good_a record_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o selden_n history_n of_o tithe_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o former_a time_n in_o england_n it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o oblation_n where_o themselves_o please_v now_o this_o pay_n of_o tithe_n be_v account_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n or_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n be_v also_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n and_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o the_o precinct_n of_o parish_n that_o do_v limit_v man_n in_o those_o day_n but_o their_o own_o choice_n three_o those_o question_n and_o answer_n minister_v at_o baptism_n speak_v of_o before_o viz._n do_v thou_o renounce_v i_o do_v renounce_v do_v thou_o believe_v i_o do_v beleseve_v do_v thou_o promise_v i_o do_v promise_v as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o other_o place_n so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o england_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o sundry_a corruption_n now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o have_v make_v personal_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v at_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o parent_n which_o course_n indeed_o afterward_o do_v grow_v into_o a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o a_o good_a order_n if_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a profession_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a prince_n do_v but_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v not_o tolerate_v within_o his_o dominion_n any_o open_a idolatry_n or_o the_o open_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o baptise_a person_n but_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o likewise_o when_o he_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o countenance_n also_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v willing_o bend_v thereunto_o ezra_n 1._o 13_o and_o 7_o 13._o and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o â—reenesse_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church-communion_n because_o one_o dutâ—e_n can_v oppose_v nor_o contradict_v another_o and_o suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shouâ—d_fw-mi seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_n of_o some_o to_o come_v in_o for_o member_n who_o be_v unfit_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o other_o who_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n desire_v it_o when_o the_o israelite_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o go_v a_o mix_a multitude_n with_o they_o many_o go_v with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o israelite_n indeed_o exod._n 12._o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mordeâ—ay_n and_o hesthâ—r_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n and_o respect_n est._n 8._o 17._o and_o so_o join_v to_o they_o not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n nor_o of_o any_o sincere_a heart_n towards_o god_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o favour_n or_o fear_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o force_a or_o feign_a join_v of_o some_o can_v not_o hinder_v those_o that_o be_v israelite_n indeed_o from_o be_v israelite_n nor_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v no_o jew_n no_o church-member_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n proclamation_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o occasion_n rather_o of_o bring_v some_o into_o the_o church_n who_o come_v not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n but_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o obtain_v favour_n yet_o this_o can_v hinder_v but_o other_o may_v voluntary_o and_o free_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o subjection_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o desire_v though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o in_o it_o if_o any_o shall_v hereupon_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v church_n than_o the_o member_n of_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n in_o new_a england_n before_o they_o join_v to_o our_o church_n such_o one_o may_v find_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o thirty-two_o question_n whereunto_o we_o do_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o this_o point_n only_o add_v this_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o man_n for_o member_n without_o personal_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o covenant_n though_o he_o have_v former_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o another_o place_n as_o be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o master_n parker_n last_o if_o any_o say_v that_o if_o these_o reason_n prove_v the_o english_a congregation_n to_o have_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o rome_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n go_v for_o true_a church_n also_o for_o some_o man_n may_v think_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v for_o they_o that_o here_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o objection_n be_v say_v for_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n such_o one_o must_v remember_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o a_o covenant_n make_v a_o company_n a_o true_a church_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o a_o covenant_n to_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v for_o who_o doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n among_o thief_n pro._n 1._o a_o confederation_n among_o god_n enemy_n psal._n 83._o a_o conspiracy_n among_o the_o arabian_n the_o ammonite_n and_o ashdodite_n to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o jerusalem_n neh._n 4._o 7_o 8._o and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o be_v make_v true_a church_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o confederacy_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n especial_o since_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o agreement_n or_o confederacy_n among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o idolatâ—y_o in_o worship_n heresy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o other_o antichristian_a pollution_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o combine_v in_o these_o thing_n such_o combination_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o true_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o but_o the_o religion_n of_o papist_n be_v so_o far_o from_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o it_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v witness_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o point_n of_o vilify_a the_o scripture_n and_o in_o point_n of_o freewill_n and_o of_o justification_n by_o work_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n in_o regard_n of_o which_o and_o such_o like_a the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o sea_n become_v as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o every_o soul_n in_o that_o sea_n die_v rev._n 16._o 3._o and_o therefore_o agreement_n in_o such_o a_o religion_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n nor_o any_o assembly_n of_o arrian_n antitrinitary_n anabaptist_n or_o famelist_n suppose_v they_o also_o to_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o but_o now_o for_o the_o assembly_n in_o england_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o hold_v and_o observe_v though_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o some_o of_o those_o article_n and_o though_o many_o person_n live_v contrary_a