the_o bad_a from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o church_n but_o from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o world_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o grow_v together_o in_o the_o church_n till_o harvest_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o strengthen_v this_o they_o allege_v our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o be_v the_o world_n mat._n 13.38_o and_o this_o indeed_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o i_o think_v it_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o the_o field_n indeed_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v be_v the_o world_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mar._n 16.15_o but_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v this_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v present_o baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v among_o these_o that_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o many_o of_o they_o prove_v bad_a christian_n so_o that_o the_o seed_n be_v first_o sow_o in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o common_a field_n but_o yet_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o become_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o enclose_a garden_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o harvest_n shall_v come_v when_o these_o tare_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n our_o saviour_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ver._n 41._o where_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o grow_v till_o this_o harvest_n and_o what_o be_v this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o his_o visible_a church_n the_o history_n of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v do_v plain_o lay_v open_a the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o that_o of_o the_o draw-net_n and_o other_o like_a parable_n in_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o this_o parable_n in_o particular_a show_v further_a that_o these_o tare_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n say_v he_o you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o tare_n grow_v with_o the_o wheat_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n matter_n of_o security_n to_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o more_o danger_n by_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o than_o by_o their_o grow_v together_o with_o it_o in_o more_o danger_n of_o bein_z root_v up_o or_o root_v out_o and_o this_o seem_v full_o to_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a that_o reason_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o why_o all_o unregenerate_a christian_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hear_v say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o but_o few_o in_o number_n do_v yet_o subsist_v yea_o and_o abundant_o increase_v too_o though_o they_o have_v no_o humane_a or_o worldly_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o when_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v against_o they_o and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o do_v so_o now_o though_o none_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n shall_v be_v any_o defence_n unto_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o world_n continue_v and_o increase_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o back_n and_o abet_v they_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v i_o mean_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o then_o procure_v the_o christian_n great_a reputation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o which_o do_v still_o attract_v and_o draw_v in_o more_o to_o their_o party_n than_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o persecution_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a power_n which_o be_v then_o infidel_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o miraculous_a wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o in_o those_o time_n the_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v so_o astonish_v and_o affect_v that_o they_o favour_v they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o ruler_n be_v put_v under_o some_o awe_n for_o we_o read_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a great_a grace_n or_o favour_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n all_o the_o christian_n act_n 4.33_o and_o chap._n 5.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o so_o that_o the_o ruler_n when_o they_o have_v otherwise_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o find_v not_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n for_o all_o man_n glorify_v god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v chap._n 4.21_o and_o in_o chap._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bring_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n that_o they_o bring_v they_o without_o violence_n because_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v stone_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n they_o obtain_v among_o the_o people_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o the_o numerous_a miracle_n they_o wrought_v believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o ruler_n chap._n 5.14_o and_o that_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v make_v from_o among_o the_o heathen_a also_o be_v attribute_v by_o st._n paul_n unto_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a way_n i_o will_v not_o dare_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o wrought_v by_o i_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a by_o word_n and_o deed_n through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.18_o 19_o but_o if_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o be_v not_o countenance_v and_o protect_v by_o christian_a state_n and_o governor_n and_o by_o a_o multitude_n more_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o themselves_o than_o be_v of_o like_a sincerity_n in_o that_o profession_n they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n extirpate_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o insidel_n and_o antichristian_a party_n in_o it_o when_o the_o papal_a defection_n befall_v the_o church_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o great_a part_n perhaps_o of_o the_o then_o visible_a church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a and_o become_v their_o enemy_n in_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o exterminate_n and_o root_n out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a christian_n which_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n to_o show_v how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v desert_v by_o those_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o of_o it_o or_o if_o those_o be_v reject_v as_o no_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o thereby_o make_v their_o enemy_n 4._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n in_o another_o respect_n of_o reckon_v none_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o to_o admit_v man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v already_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a tend_v great_o to_o betray_v many_o soul_n into_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o self-deceiving_a for_o if_o this_o rule_n of_o admission_n shall_v be_v observe_v many_o mistake_n will_v be_v commit_v either_o through_o fallibility_n or_o partiality_n of_o judgement_n in_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o and_o so_o many_o will_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o receive_v under_o the_o approbation_n of_o
christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whether_o he_o will_v reform_v his_o sinful_a life_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n henceforth_o live_v unto_o god_n according_a to_o his_o teach_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v assertory_n and_o promissory_a covenant-wise_a make_v viz._n that_o he_o do_v so_o believe_v and_o that_o through_o god_n assistance_n he_o will_v so_o reform_v and_o so_o live_v to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o he_o bind_v himself_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o name_n now_o when_o such_o a_o promissory_a answer_n as_o this_o proceed_v from_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o do_v produce_v or_o will_v produce_v effect_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o answer_n or_o undertake_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o st._n peter_n may_v well_o say_v as_o here_o we_o suppose_v he_o do_v that_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n when_o accompany_v with_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o be_v salvation_n to_o they_o through_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o ever_o noah_n &_o his_o family_n entrance_n into_o the_o ark_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o escape_v perish_a by_o water_n that_o be_v the_o figure_n to_o which_o st._n peter_n here_o liken_n baptism_n and_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o bring_v person_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o institutive_a by_o covenant_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n do_v but_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o abraham_n day_n and_o after_o for_o the_o gather_a god_n a_o visible_a church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o that_o be_v do_v by_o circumcision_n then_o which_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n now_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o enter_v person_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v call_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n by_o st._n stephen_n act._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v the_o badge_n by_o which_o they_o be_v mark_v and_o difference_v from_o other_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n by_o covenant_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o gen._n 17.11_o and_o just_o so_o be_v baptism_n now_o which_o be_v come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o circumcision_n we_o see_v then_o how_o excellent_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n agree_v in_o this_o point_n that_o ever_o since_o god_n have_v have_v a_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n by_o institution_n he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o become_a member_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o a_o initiate_a ordinance_n query_n v._o how_o can_v infant_n become_v visible_a church-member_n by_o covenant_v with_o god_n since_o they_o seem_v natural_o uncapable_a of_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n while_o infant_n this_o inquiry_n seem_v necessary_a in_o this_o place_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o former_a query_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o the_o circumcise_a be_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o god_n covenant-wise_a by_o be_v circumcise_a be_v past_a dispute_n but_o then_o there_o will_v another_o question_n arise_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n or_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n we_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n active_a in_o covenant_v with_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o they_o be_v by_o circumcision_n engage_v to_o god_n covenant-wise_a but_o then_o yet_o a_o further_a question_n will_v arise_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o those_o infant_n be_v oblige_v by_o their_o parent_n enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o consent_v to_o it_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v oblige_v at_o all_o which_o none_o deny_v but_o they_o be_v the_o child_n be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o oblige_v they_o suppose_v the_o thing_n lawful_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n common_o understand_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v so_o account_v by_o god_n also_o i_o will_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o both_o 1._o the_o jew_n do_v so_o esteem_v it_o and_o that_o appear_v by_o what_o they_o do_v to_o oblige_v their_o seed_n after_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o day_n of_o purim_n esther_n 9.27_o the_o jew_n ordain_v and_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o upon_o their_o seed_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o as_o join_v themselves_o unto_o they_o so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o fail_v that_o they_o will_v keep_v these_o two_o day_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o appoint_a time_n every_o year_n and_o that_o these_o day_n shall_v be_v remember_v and_o keep_v throughout_o every_o generation_n every_o family_n every_o province_n and_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o day_n of_o purim_n shall_v not_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o perish_v from_o their_o seed_n so_o again_o 1_o sam._n 20.42_o and_o jonathan_n say_v to_o david_n go_v in_o peace_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v swear_v both_o of_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o between_o my_o seed_n and_o thy_o seed_n for_o ever_o 2._o almighty_a god_n do_v account_n and_o hold_v the_o child_n oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v or_o have_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o oblige_v they_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o several_a case_n first_o the_o lord_n do_v hold_v the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v oblige_v by_o that_o covenant_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n for_o there_o be_v three_o year_n of_o famine_n send_v by_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n for_o that_o saul_n and_o his_o house_n have_v slay_v the_o gibeonite_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v make_v with_o they_o though_o it_o be_v several_a hundred_o of_o year_n before_o 2_o sam._n 21.1_o second_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o their_o little_a one_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o of_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o little_a one_o and_o your_o wife_n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o their_o parent_n since_o or_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n that_o their_o little_a one_o do_v so_o by_o oblige_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o observe_v and_o keep_v that_o covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o understand_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o little_a one_o that_o be_v but_o infant_n can_v otherwise_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o if_o not_o than_o we_o see_v from_o this_o instance_n likewise_o that_o god_n do_v account_v the_o little_a child_n oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v on_o their_o behalf_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o oblige_v they_o which_o be_v yet_o far_o confirm_v from_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 14._o and_o 15._o verse_n in_o these_o word_n neither_o with_o you_o only_o do_v i_o make_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o oath_n but_o with_o he_o that_o stand_v here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n before_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o also_o with_o he_o that_o be_v not_o here_o with_o we_o this_o day_n mean_v their_o posterity_n yet_o to_o come_v as_o be_v general_o understand_v for_o it_o seem_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v to_o oblige_v the_o posterity_n to_o come_v to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n by_o bring_v their_o forefather_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n defection_n to_o idolatry_n be_v aggravate_v thus_o they_o reject_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n 2_o king_n 17.15_o and_o in_o this_o 29._o of_o deut._n 25._o then_o shall_v man_n say_v because_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n how_o can_v
as_o they_o own_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n according_a to_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v great_a guilt_n upon_o they_o this_o still_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o though_o the_o immorality_n of_o this_o people_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v such_o in_o other_o respect_n as_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v in_o covenant_v and_o in_o a_o partial_a performance_n of_o covenant_n can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yet_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o partial_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o a_o worship_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n do_v denominate_v they_o in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a respect_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o by_o the_o way_n then_o if_o those_o of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v style_v saint_n a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o other_o account_n and_o in_o other_o respect_n than_o their_o be_v real_o and_o inherent_o holy_a as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v by_o inspire_a man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o style_v they_o saint_n the_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o same_o epithet_n and_o appellation_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a in_o both_o they_o signify_v a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o pagan_a unbelieve_a world_n unto_o god_n among_o who_o some_o be_v more_o so_o and_o some_o less_o some_o by_o external_a covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o some_o by_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n i_o the_o rather_o note_v this_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o because_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o st._n paul_n still_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v saint_n for_o the_o prove_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o sanctify_a be_v church-matter_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o church-member_n except_o when_o it_o be_v do_v through_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o have_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n how_o thing_n stand_v relate_v touch_v visible_a church-membership_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v declare_v touch_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a and_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o person_n adult_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n visible_a church-member_n unless_o they_o be_v reputative_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o become_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n by_o their_o voluntary_a covenant_v by_o baptism_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o they_o to_o denominate_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v and_o to_o hope_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n when_o they_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o too_o god_n but_o whether_o their_o due_a admission_n thereto_o do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o admit_v they_o or_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v be_v refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o desire_v it_o in_o case_n those_o who_o office_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v man_n thereto_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o save_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n or_o thus_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v require_v by_o way_n of_o condition_n without_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a for_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o for_o other_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o suspect_v he_o will_v do_v it_o with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v short_a of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o to_o have_v a_o evil_a design_n in_o desire_v it_o to_o betray_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o enemy_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o suspicion_n its_o probable_a the_o disciple_n refuse_v saul_n join_v with_o they_o after_o his_o conversion_n though_o he_o desire_v it_o until_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a satisfaction_n concern_v he_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o as_o have_v only_o some_o general_n and_o in_o distinct_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v desire_v admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o that_o way_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o thorough_a save_a work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v be_v preparatory_a and_o dispository_n thereto_o but_o yet_o have_v something_o though_o not_o all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o who_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o dissemble_v know_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v saving_o regenerate_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v unregenerate_a man_n receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o such_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v as_o well_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o regenerate_v i_o shall_v offer_v several_a thing_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o first_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o proof_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a by_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o qualification_n enjoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o do_v so_o when_o all_o the_o male_n at_o age_n in_o abraham_n house_n be_v command_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o male-stranger_n buy_v with_o their_o money_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o when_o the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v require_v to_o circumcise_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o male_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n enjoin_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o so_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n also_o command_v joshua_n to_o circumcise_v all_o the_o hebrew_n male_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v a_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o without_o any_o condition_n of_o such_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a nay_o almighty_a god_n at_o another_o time_n command_v all_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o their_o camp_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o into_o his_o oath_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o command_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a also_o and_o without_o condition_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n require_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o do_v already_o true_o fear_v he_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o forbear_v no_o
be_v bear_v who_o shall_v arise_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o their_o child_n psal_n 78.5_o 6._o those_o prophecy_n forementioned_a concern_v nation_n be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n refer_v to_o time_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o event_n of_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v will_v show_v that_o they_o foretell_v christian_a nation_n their_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n national_o or_o in_o the_o course_n of_o national_a government_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o event_n which_o answer_v to_o divine_a prediction_n be_v i_o think_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a exposition_n of_o those_o prophecy_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o best_a measure_n which_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o two_o thing_n then_o will_v be_v inquire_v into_o touch_v the_o event_n we_o speak_v of_o 1._o what_o and_o which_o they_o be_v which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o pitch_v upon_o for_o those_o event_n 2._o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o some_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o be_v indeed_o of_o that_o sort_n and_o kind_n which_o the_o prophecy_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n we_o to_o i._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o which_o shall_v yet_o far_o be_v make_v be_v those_o very_a event_n or_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o they_o which_o the_o prophecy_n before_o specify_v point_v we_o to_o we_o can_v say_v that_o any_o reformation_n of_o either_o kind_n have_v be_v national_a until_o it_o have_v be_v back_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v great_a multitude_n of_o man_n during_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o pagan_a that_o be_v recover_v from_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n and_o there_o be_v many_o famous_a church_n of_o such_o but_o i_o think_v no_o one_o nation_n as_o such_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o that_o time_n though_o out_o of_o many_o kindred_n tongue_n and_o nation_n there_o be_v many_o very_o many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v but_o nation_n then_o become_v national_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v own_v as_o such_o and_o require_v to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o nation_n though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v many_o in_o those_o nation_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v from_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o those_o national_a reformation_n from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o new_a testament_n time_n and_o which_o shall_v further_o be_v make_v in_o other_o nation_n be_v those_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o the_o prophecy_n touch_v national_a conversion_n point_n at_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o observe_v first_o that_o at_o what_o time_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n fall_v into_o christian_a hand_n and_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o destruction_n and_o root_n out_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n throughout_o its_o dominion_n then_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n or_o dominion_n become_v god_n kingdom_n in_o scripture_n account_n for_o to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v that_o joyful_a acclamation_n refer_v which_o we_o have_v set_v down_o in_o chap._n 12.10_o now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n also_o the_o great_a dragon_n call_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o his_o angel_n with_o he_o ver_fw-la 9_o that_o be_v those_o ruler_n supreme_a and_o subordinate_a who_o have_v till_o then_o do_v his_o work_n in_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o support_v idolatry_n and_o persecute_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o but_o be_v not_o god_n kingdom_n come_v into_o the_o empire_n till_o now_o that_o the_o government_n be_v make_v christian_a by_o the_o emperor_n be_v a_o christian_n be_v there_o not_o many_o great_a and_o famous_a christian_a church_n within_o the_o empire_n while_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v pagan_a in_o respect_n of_o worship_n why_o yes_o there_o be_v why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n say_v to_o be_v come_v till_o the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n why_o shall_v this_o song_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o empire_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o when_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n in_o it_o and_o many_o christian_a congregation_n erect_v there_o can_v no_o other_o reason_n hereof_o be_v give_v i_o conceive_v but_o that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o far_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v employ_v against_o he_o but_o when_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n and_o engage_v itself_o in_o throw_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n and_o in_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o and_o from_o that_o time_n in_o this_o scripture_n account_n that_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o continue_v still_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o idolater_n as_o to_o their_o profession_n and_o private_a practice_n so_o that_o when_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o its_o constitution_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n continue_v idolatrous_a so_o long_o the_o empire_n itself_o be_v not_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o it_o but_o when_o once_o the_o government_n of_o it_o become_v christian_n it_o be_v then_o own_v for_o god_n kingdom_n though_o many_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o be_v no_o christian_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v &_o may_v natural_o be_v infer_v that_o in_o scripture_n notion_n kingdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n kingdom_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o national_a reformation_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o public_a government_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o nation_n but_o now_o after_o this_o reformation_n from_o paganism_n by_o the_o imperial_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o process_n of_o time_n therecame_v a_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o empire_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a worship_n unto_o a_o worship_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n make_v up_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o partly_o of_o a_o worship_n give_v unto_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o the_o ten_o king_n mention_v rev._n 17._o into_o who_o hand_n the_o empire_n become_v divide_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n for_o the_o support_n of_o this_o impure_a worship_n and_o pagan-like_a superstition_n but_o after_o this_o have_v be_v do_v and_o continue_v in_o for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n several_a of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o principality_n which_o have_v before_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n fall_v off_o and_o reassume_v that_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o then_o devote_v it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o reform_v their_o dominion_n from_o popery_n and_o in_o restore_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n throughout_o their_o dominion_n without_o any_o idolatrous_a mixture_n upon_o which_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n those_o great_a