therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o â—…ord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o amongst-god_o reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n proposition_n 1_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1.23_o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5.26_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n proposition_n 2_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n proposition_n 3_o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n proposition_n 4_o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n proposition_n 5_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n
may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n object_n 1_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o first_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a object_n 2_o if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o ephes_n 1.22_o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o
etc._n as_o flow_v from_o his_o spiritual_a relation_n unto_o they_o yea_o and_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o all_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o manner_n yet_o we_o say_v institute_v privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n but_o be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n mediate_o and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n ordain_v and_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_o require_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o the_o church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n yet_o both_o the_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o also_o the_o institute_v form_n and_o order_n of_o church-society_n have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o order_n government_n form_n of_o visible_a church-society_n to_o which_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n do_v belong_v can_v just_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n cathoilck_n or_o any_o respect_n of_o reason_n or_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o only_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n institute_v the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o such_o society_n to_o who_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o hence_o the_o argument_n for_o a_o national_a form_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a draw_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n profession_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n falls_z flat_a to_o the_o ground_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v then_o be_v in_o family_n only_o now_o as_o it_o be_v about_o abraham_n time_n proposition_n 6_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o great_a dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o to_o what_o church_n the_o actual_a administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n belong_v do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n unity_n visibility_n or_o any_o other_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o the_o true_a state_n lie_v here_o concern_v the_o nature_n order_n form_n of_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o christ_n jesus_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v reduce_v his_o visible_a member_n unto_o for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n and_o therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly-learned_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o conceive_v many_o large_a dispute_n in_o this_o question_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o issue_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o intend_v for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n as_o mr._n ball_n say_v be_v one_o that_o have_v part_v visibiles_fw-la be_v a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la 2_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o totum_fw-la genericum_fw-la in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n as_o species_n specialissimae_fw-la of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o general_a which_o respect_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o sense_n we_o free_o consent_v unto_o but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la as_o some_o contend_v though_o we_o conceive_v in_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o entangle_v in_o their_o own_o logical_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o can_v get_v out_o without_o break_v they_o and_o fly_v to_o theological_a consideration_n yet_o we_o say_v what_o if_o that_o also_o be_v attain_v 3_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n also_o the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la 4_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v also_o by_o such_o dispute_n that_o the_o key_n and_o officer_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v first_o to_o this_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_v we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o what_o our_o brethren_n contend_v for_o be_v by_o all_o this_o obtain_v for_o first_o if_o the_o universal_a number_n of_o visible_a believer_n be_v one_o totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v one_o institute_v and_o political_a society_n that_o can_v enjoy_v visible_a communion_n together_o in_o visible_a worship_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o more_o hard_a to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o govern_v as_o one_o totum_fw-la second_o what_o though_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o they_o and_o constitute_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o one_o political_a body_n before_o they_o combine_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n three_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v first_o give_v the_o key_n ordinance_n promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o christ_n first_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o what_o else_o soever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o christ_n look_v at_o this_o catholic_n church_n first_o as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a he_o ordain_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o cause_n for_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n so_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o priority_n the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a as_o visible_a for_o christ_n no_o doubt_n first_o intend_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v all_o ordain_v rather_o then_o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o contain_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o key_n and_o institute_v ordinance_n belong_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o invisible_a church_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la can_v be_v that_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n belong_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n quâ_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la catholic_n can_v be_v this_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o intention_n be_v last_o in_o execution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o christ_n propound_v this_o end_n to_o himself_o to_o gather_v edify_v perfect_a sanctify_v save_v his_o catholic_n church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o &_o 5.26_o and_o therefore_o institute_n all_o ordinance_n as_o mean_n to_o far_o and_o attain_v this_o great_a design_n but_o in_o execution_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o give_v the_o key_n and_o ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n to_o any_o form_n of_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o institute_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o will_v prove_v the_o least_o society_n soon_o than_o a_o great_a and_o see_v our_o brethren_n otherwise_o mind_v make_v much_o use_n of_o simile_n in_o this_o dispute_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o illustrate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o a_o similitude_n â—…tly_o to_o make_v our_o conceiving_n the_o more_o plain_a to_o all_o who_o edification_n we_o seek_v and_o partly_o to_o discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o many_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o because_o similia_fw-la arguunt_fw-la fidemque_fw-la faciunt_fw-la as_o he_o say_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o right_o apply_v we_o will_v therefore_o propound_v it_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n the_o similitude_n be_v this_o genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o as_o the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n and_o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o catholic_n number_n of_o
there_o be_v suppose_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v prosecute_v and_o there_o determine_v as_o in_o the_o high_a sanhedrin_n of_o israel_n but_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o like_v to_o be_v such_o a_o supreme_a court_n where_o such_o appeal_n may_v be_v end_v ergo._fw-la objection_n 2_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n except_o they_o err_v but_o then_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o their_o power_n be_v go_v answ_n on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o in_o heaven_n without_o appeal_n for_o they_o may_v err_v and_o that_o not_o only_o rare_o but_o frequent_o witness_v the_o complaint_n of_o nazianzen_n and_o other_o of_o the_o time_n pass_v yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v consider_v the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v yea_o though_o they_o may_v have_v better_a eye_n yet_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n if_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a or_o be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n neither_o classical_a national_n or_o oecumeniall_a counsel_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v grow_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a and_o be_v miserable_o divide_v as_o well_o as_o a_o congregationall_a church_n other_o church_n may_v admonish_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o counsel_n when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n want_v light_a and_o moderate_a if_o desire_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n but_o still_o the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v add_v but_o see_v this_o controversy_n as_o we_o hope_v will_v be_v more_o full_o and_o purposely_o dispute_v by_o a_o far_o better_a hand_n therefore_o we_o shall_v fall_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o scripture_n and_o some_o few_o general_a argument_n which_o we_o meet_v withal_o in_o mr._n ball_n brief_o propound_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o author_n more_o large_o insist_v upon_o which_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v up_o we_o think_v other_o reason_n and_o scripture_n of_o less_o force_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o and_o first_o we_o find_v cant._n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n to_o prove_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n visible_a to_o be_v one_o ministerial_a body_n because_o it_o be_v call_v one_o compare_v to_o a_o army_n terrible_a with_o banner_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o describe_v as_o be_v a_o organical_a body_n have_v eye_n hair_z tooth_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la except_o it_o can_v be_v make_v clear_a that_o the_o parable_n be_v apply_v according_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o no_o further_o which_o here_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o evince_v we_o know_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n be_v various_o apply_v by_o good_a interpreter_n loc._n brightman_n none_o of_o the_o mean_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o scripture_n apply_v this_o place_n to_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n and_o the_o time_n of_o pure_a church_n to_o arise_v after_o it_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o discipline_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o warlike_a power_n whereby_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v defend_v itself_o 2_o but_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n visible_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v one_o ministerial_a church_n for_o first_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o catholic_a ministerial_a body_n as_o well_o in_o the_o day_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o by_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o organical_a body_n as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o cant._n 5.10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n do_v allegorical_o describe_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n in_o several_a organ_n and_o part_n but_o we_o suppose_v though_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o humane_a nature_n have_v member_n yet_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o member_n of_o his_o humane_a body_n but_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o lover_n who_o be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o their_o spouse_n in_o all_o their_o member_n when_o the_o spouse_n say_v cant._n 1.1_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o christ_n the_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n three_o and_o last_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v one_o the_o only_a one_o of_o her_o mother_n though_o it_o be_v true_a she_o be_v one_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o set_v out_o her_o excellency_n as_o rare_a and_o but_o one_o than_o her_o unity_n and_o so_o the_o other_o description_n all_o tend_v to_o set_v forth_o her_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o esteem_v of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n terrible_a with_o banner_n for_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n vers_fw-la the_o last_o she_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o company_n of_o mahanaim_n or_o two_o army_n which_o be_v all_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o mahanaim_n consist_v of_o two_o army_n gen._n 32.1_o 2_o 3._o where_o jacob_n host_n meet_v a_o host_n of_o angel_n he_o call_v the_o place_n mahanaim_n or_o two_o host_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v terrible_a with_o two_o army_n of_o banner_n as_o one_o answ_n a_o second_o and_o chief_a scripture_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o divers_a author_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o that_o church_n wherein_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n etc._n etc._n be_v set_v be_v a_o organical_a church_n but_o those_o be_v set_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n ergo._fw-la for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o attend_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o come_v now_o to_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o church_n have_v write_v unto_o he_o about_o chap._n 7.1_o &_o 8.1_o &_o 12.1_o and_o this_o about_o spiritual_a gift_n wherein_o they_o abound_v chap._n 1.7_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o their_o contention_n and_o disorder_n chap._n 1.12_o 13._o hence_o he_o be_v studious_a the_o more_o to_o reunite_v they_o again_o chap._n 12.13_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o improve_v their_o gift_n orderly_o to_o edification_n chap._n 14._o and_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o persuade_v their_o mind_n to_o unity_n who_o be_v divide_v partly_o through_o pride_n in_o their_o own_o gift_n partly_o by_o disdain_n of_o other_o not_o so_o gift_v hence_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n 1_o what_o once_o they_o be_v follow_v dumb_a idol_n 2_o that_o all_o gift_n be_v from_o the_o free_a dispensation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n 3_o that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v dispense_v great_a variety_n of_o gift_n operation_n and_o administration_n 4_o that_o all_o be_v give_v to_o profit_v withal_o and_o these_o thing_n he_o illustrate_v by_o a_o simile_n take_v from_o a_o natural_a body_n which_o have_v large_o present_v and_o apply_v to_o this_o church_n vers_fw-la 27._o he_o conclude_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o administration_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o so_o much_o differ_v chap._n 1.12_o 13._o god_n have_v set_v say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n not_o only_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n &_o c_o no_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v give_v you_o variety_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o therefore_o chap._n 3._o to_o quiet_v they_o he_o say_v paul_n a_o apostle_n apollo_n a_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v you_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o we_o see_v nothing_o in_o the_o chapter_n but_o be_v appliable_a to_o corinth_n in_o particular_a yea_o apply_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o what_o he_o speak_v vers_fw-la 22._o of_o one_o body_n he_o apply_v to_o
they_o vers_n 27._o what_o he_o speak_v vers_fw-la 28._o of_o apostle_n and_o other_o gift_n set_v in_o the_o church_n he_o apply_v also_o to_o they_o chap._n 14._o whereas_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o divers_a gift_n in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o vers_n 23_o so_o he_o speak_v the_o same_o of_o himself_o a_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 6._o when_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n we_o take_v notice_n of_o divers_a reason_n allege_v from_o the_o chapter_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enforce_v it_o for_o grant_v such_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o sense_n viz._n that_o in_o it_o god_n work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o all_o be_v true_o applyable_a unto_o it_o this_o church_n come_v behind_o in_o no_o good_a gift_n chap._n 1.7_o this_o church_n be_v one_o body_n vers_fw-la 27._o and_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n need_v the_o help_n one_o of_o another_o must_v not_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o body_n must_v care_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n yea_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o other_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.6_o so_o that_o from_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o office_n and_o gift_n may_v be_v and_o be_v set_v in_o corinth_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n will_v not_o evince_v a_o catholic_n organical_a body_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o apostle_n be_v wedge_v in_o here_o but_o they_o be_v set_v also_o in_o every_o church_n as_o also_o teacher_n be_v in_o every_o church_n but_o each_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n the_o one_o limit_v the_o other_o not_o second_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o this_o discourse_n the_o apostle_n also_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o intend_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o christ_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o these_o gift_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o organical_a church_n for_o what_o be_v this_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o one_o christ_n into_o who_o all_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v proper_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o all_o age_n and_o so_o contain_v the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o catholic_n body_n of_o all_o age_n can_v proper_o make_v a_o organical_a body_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o body_n be_v visible_a have_v visible_a ordinance_n baptize_v and_o drink_v into_o one_o body_n yet_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o â—…eall_a union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o 〈…〉_z understand_v spiritual_a and_o effectual_a baptism_n contain_v the_o inward_a virtue_n with_o the_o outward_a sign_n again_o the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o gather_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o elect_a among_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o prove_v not_o all_o those_o elect_v who_o also_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n sheep_n john_n in_o â—â—_o be_v a_o organical_a church_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o till_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n have_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a they_o be_v intentional_o ordain_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o set_v in_o it_o as_o one_o organical_a body_n for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a administration_n of_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o it_o but_o thus_o 〈…〉_z as_o gather_v into_o such_o church_n society_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o end_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o agree_v with_o 〈◊〉_d mr._n 〈…〉_z of_o the_o right_n 〈…〉_z pag._n 2â—…1_n aâ—â—_n say_v he_o to_o what_o â—…nd_n and_o to_o what_o first_o principal_a subject_n have_v the_o lord_n give_v reason_n and_o the_o faâ—…ulty_n to_o discoâ—…_n as_o it_o be_v peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o to_o they_o as_o for_o their_o good_a no_o no_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n the_o case_n be_v just_a so_o here_o 1._o cor._n 12._o â—…8_n god_n have_v set_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n we_o say_v also_o it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o as_o god_n have_v give_v reason_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n to_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o individuâ—â—_n so_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o mystical_a church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o as_o chief_o intend_v by_o christ_n apostles_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o as_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d all_o dispense_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n reason_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o such_o body_n as_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o descend_v to_o john_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o john_n peter_n and_o all_o the_o individuall_n that_o so_o by_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a kind_n of_o reasonable_a man_n may_v be_v make_v up_o and_o the_o end_n attain_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n in_o give_v officer_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n first_o yet_o in_o execution_n give_v these_o officer_n and_o set_v they_o in_o particular_a church_n that_o by_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v attain_v three_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o all_o gift_n and_o office_n in_o general_a and_o indefinite_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n indefinite_o consider_v but_o particular_a officer_n paul_n cephas_n apollo_n titus_n arabippus_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v or_o set_v in_o particular_a church_n we_o mean_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o office_n as_o unto_o bee_n in_o general_a ingiver_n a_o power_n to_o gather_v honey_n and_o order_n themselves_o in_o their_o hive_n but_o in_o their_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o several_a swarm_n in_o the_o hive_n who_o have_v their_o queen_n etc._n etc._n to_o order_n themselves_o but_o as_o this_o power_n in_o general_n make_v not_o a_o universal_a organical_a body_n of_o bee_n no_o more_o here_o a_o universal_a organical_a church_n last_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o place_n in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n of_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n that_o one_o body_n into_o which_o all_o be_v baptize_v vers_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v one_o political_a church_n where_o some_o organ_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o common_a and_o every_o part_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o whole_a for_o although_o the_o mystical_a church_n have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v one_o political_a body_n for_o the_o invisible_a church_n conjoin_v with_o the_o visible_a have_v political_a officer_n set_v in_o it_o and_o give_v to_o it_o as_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n general_a designation_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o to_o this_o whole_a church_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v one_o political_a body_n by_o actual_a combination_n thereunto_o actual_a combination_n we_o say_v for_o although_o christ_n institution_n must_v warrant_v and_o prescribe_v all_o form_n of_o political_a body_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o political_a society_n without_o actual_a combination_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a whether_o national_a or_o more_o particular_a the_o mystical_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v organical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n among_o they_o in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o every_o part_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a spiritual_o though_o not_o political_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v one_o political_a body_n but_o mystical_a political_a officer_n may_v and_o must_v suppose_v some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v visible_a but_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v political_a for_o the_o apostle_n by_o extraordinary_a commission_n for_o their_o time_n be_v officer_n of_o visible_a believer_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o combination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a combination_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o visible_a believer_n exist_v out_o of_o combination_n be_v a_o political_a society_n that_o
nor_o of_o such_o doctrinal_a power_n oâ—…_n the_o paâ—â—ern_a act_n 15._o hold_v forth_o and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o learned_a 482._o mâ—…_n rutherford_n conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o a_o general_a council_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v very_o i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v whâ—â—_n power_n of_o jurisdiction_n tâ—…_n censure_n scandal_n can_v be_v in_o a_o general_a council_n there_o maâ—…ke_v some_o 〈◊〉_d doctrinal_a power_n in_o such_o a_o câ—…uncell_n if_o such_o can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o how_o a_o national_n provincial_n or_o classical_a synod_n be_v lesser_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v put_v forth_o such_o act_n as_o the_o whole_a can_v do_v ipsi_fw-la vidâ—…rint_fw-la it_o be_v tâ—…ue_a a_o particular_a church_n may_v formal_o cast_v out_o a_o scandalous_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18._o yet_o the_o argument_n from_o proportion_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o great_a assembly_n against_o any_o particular_a church_n offend_v though_o other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o if_o excommunication_n cast_v out_o a_o offender_n out_o of_o all_o church_n than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v except_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n last_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o be_v say_v but_o a_o cross_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v to_o put_v forth_o its_o suppose_a intâ—…insecall_n power_n then_o let_v the_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v that_o power_n till_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v a_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v institute_v such_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o catholic_n body_n which_o aâ—…_n be_v say_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la shall_v be_v till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o many_o age_n and_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o orderly_o meet_v to_o this_o day_n objection_n 3_o if_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n but_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o good_a of_o every_o part_n redoâ—…nding_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a yea_o if_o some_o pastoral_a care_n also_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o church_n and_o to_o fetch_v in_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o not_o of_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o plâ—…ce_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o former_o open_v by_o we_o but_o if_o this_o argument_n intend_v that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n as_o of_o one_o political_a church_n than_o we_o deny_v the_o assumption_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o pastoral_n office_n consiâ—…ts_v proper_o iâ—…_n have_v a_o charge_n and_o power_n over_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n act._n 20._o â—…8_n but_o he_o have_v no_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o so_o he_o must_v give_v account_n to_o christ_n of_o the_o whole_a neither_o have_v he_o power_n over_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n be_v never_o choose_v by_o it_o â—…or_v it_o subject_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v such_o be_v make_v pastor_n by_o ordinaâ—…ion_n of_o the_o presbyâ—â—â—â—_n not_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n who_o only_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o he_o be_v either_o a_o catholic_n pastor_n that_o have_v power_n to_o intâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o we_o think_v none_o will_v yeâ—…lâ—…_n they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v pastor_n only_o in_o name_n without_o power_n which_o be_v absurd_a nor_o do_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d make_v doctor_n of_o physic_n at_o large_a by_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n help_v in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v make_v such_o â—…_n doctor_n before_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o any_o people_n to_o exercise_v this_o faculty_n which_o applyâ—…d_v to_o this_o case_n of_o a_o pastor_n â—…s_v have_v ordination_n to_o make_v he_o a_o pastor_n at_o large_a before_o election_n to_o thâ—â—_n or_o that_o people_n be_v utter_o against_o all_o example_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d actâ—…_n 1_o &_o â—…_n &_o 14_o objection_n 4_o that_o whiâ—â—_n belong_v to_o a_o little_a part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n and_o tâ—…lis_fw-la belong_v to_o a_o great_a part_n much_o more_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o immâ—…diâ—…te_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n bâ—…long_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o whole_a answ_n 1_o such_o as_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o similar_v body_n have_v need_n explicate_v theâ—…selves_n for_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o strict_o by_o this_o â—…ile_n every_o particular_a visible_a believer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o 〈…〉_z must_v have_v nomen_fw-la &_o naturam_fw-la totius_fw-la and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o church_n or_o if_o they_o so_o divide_v this_o catholic_n similar_v body_n as_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a congrâ—…gation_n that_o can_v join_v in_o god_n ordiâ—…ancâ—â—_n the_o 〈◊〉_d quoth_v stâ—…_n then_o particular_a visible_a beleeverâ—…_n consider_v as_o exist_v out_o of_o these_o congregation_n can_v be_v mâ—…mbers_n formal_o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n 2_o we_o aâ—…_n knowledge_n the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v as_o visible_a and_o invisâ—â—â—â—_n iâ—…_n one_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a body_n yet_o this_o catholic_n body_n be_v under_o â—…o_o catholic_n policy_n but_o only_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v prove_v before_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n which_o be_v spiritual_o one_o body_n be_v politicè_fw-la many_o body_n so_o that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a totum_fw-la be_v not_o distinct_a body_n 〈…〉_z for_o then_o every_o company_n of_o woman_n be_v a_o church_n body_n but_o 〈…〉_z and_o hence_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n 〈…〉_z body_n spiritual_o due_a caution_n and_o interpretation_n observe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o similar_v body_n political_o and_o hence_o every_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n hence_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o therefore_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o spiritual_a and_o so_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v spiritual_a yet_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n as_o political_a do_v not_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o political_a exempli_fw-la gradiâ—…_n consider_v a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o number_n redeem_v call_v to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o this_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o if_o any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a yeâ—…_n consider_v a_o church_n as_o a_o combine_a body_n so_o what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a for_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n to_o elect_v and_o enjoy_v constant_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o totum_fw-la the_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v indeed_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v but_o it_o be_v no_o first_o form_v political_a similar_v church_n whence_o every_o particular_a church_n immediate_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o whole_a have_v 〈…〉_z tem_fw-la talis_fw-la materiae_fw-la &_o partem_fw-la formâ—…_n answ_n objection_n 5_o if_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n between_o all_o church_n than_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n of_o all_o church_n in_o hear_v receive_v sacrament_n exhort_v one_o another_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…raâ—â—â—nall_n ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o internal_o but_o external_o without_o such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v one_o political_a combine_a body_n such_o as_o here_o we_o dispute_v of_o as_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v
that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o marvel_v how_o they_o come_v in_o so_o twist_v together_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v here_o only_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o see_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v devise_v a_o rite_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v intend_v of_o this_o promise_n of_o not_o removal_n without_o leave_n which_o promise_n be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o make_v in_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v also_o a_o mere_a mistake_n arise_v from_o the_o confound_a of_o a_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o reason_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o have_v a_o different_a scope_n for_o whereas_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o reason_n from_o the_o covenant_n hold_v with_o such_o as_o grant_v such_o a_o covenant_n lawful_a the_o answer_n say_v that_o some_o indeed_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o answer_n first_o give_v reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o second_o for_o the_o necessity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n incorporate_v which_o by_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n do_v require_v of_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o a_o people_n enjoy_v privilege_n together_o it_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_n be_v one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harsh_a and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_v upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v