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church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o
come_v to_o that_o supper_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o examine_v themselves_o about_o in_o order_n to_o their_o communicate_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v about_o these_o thing_n especial_o as_o i_o conceive_v viz._n whether_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n and_o for_o what_o end_n our_o lord_n do_v institute_n it_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v like_a to_o find_v themselves_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o they_o which_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v he_o most_o worthy_a of_o their_o love_n and_o thanks_o for_o such_o love_n of_o he_o to_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v live_v unto_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o little_a before_o his_o exhort_v they_o to_o examine_v themselves_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o ordinance_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v examine_v themselves_o by_o it_o whether_o they_o have_v apprehension_n suitable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v and_o demean_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o those_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n great_o blame_v those_o of_o this_o church_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o communicate_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o which_o and_o for_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n he_o say_v that_o many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o they_o and_o many_o dead_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o man_n but_o of_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o avoid_v be_v guilty_a of_o like_a abuse_n the_o first_o abuse_v of_o this_o kind_a the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v their_o schismaticalness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n by_o which_o they_o defeat_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o great_a end_n of_o it_o in_o chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 17._o he_o charge_v their_o come_n together_o in_o their_o church-assembly_n to_o be_v not_o for_o the_o better_a but_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o this_o he_o do_v upon_o this_o account_n because_o when_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v division_n among_o they_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 20._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o communicate_v so_o divide_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v for_o in_o ver_fw-la 21._o he_o say_v every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n by_o which_o word_n consider_v with_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o context_n several_a author_n have_v understand_v the_o schismatical_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a party_n into_o which_o that_o church_n be_v divide_v in_o communicate_v apart_o one_o from_o another_o for_o although_o they_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o one_o party_n make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o communicate_v before_o another_o have_v begin_v they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o such_o author_n for_o this_o against_o which_o the_o dissenter_n can_v have_v least_o exception_n cartwright_n upon_o the_o place_n in_o his_o confutation_n of_o the_o rhemists_n translation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n deliver_v his_o sense_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o double_a abuse_n among_o they_o one_o in_o their_o love_n feast_n etc._n etc._n while_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v serve_v for_o the_o knit_n the_o knot_n of_o love_n be_v use_v to_o cut_v the_o cord_n thereof_o in_o that_o every_o one_o as_o himself_o list_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o he_o will_v have_v to_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o the_o other_o either_o not_o tarry_v for_o or_o thrust_v out_o when_o they_o come_v especial_o the_o root_n the_o other_o abuse_v pull_v in_o by_o the_o former_a be_v for_o that_o those_o which_o be_v companion_n at_o one_o table_n in_o the_o common_a feast_n communicate_v also_o in_o the_o sacred_a with_o the_o same_o separation_n and_o severalty_n dr._n mayor_n say_v thus_o it_o seem_v this_o good_a order_n be_v pervert_v among_o the_o corinthian_n one_o company_n be_v of_o one_o sect_n come_v before_o another_o and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o their_o own_o supper_n in_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n depart_v and_o then_o come_v another_o company_n do_v likewise_o mr._n sam._n cradock_n in_o his_o apostolical_a history_n pag._n 72._o deliver_v his_o sense_n thus_o in_o those_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n at_o the_o end_n whereof_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v celebrate_v they_o do_v not_o now_o observe_v the_o true_a church_n communion_n but_o every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o faction_n or_o division_n be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v present_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v what_o they_o bring_v in_o company_n of_o their_o own_o party_n not_o mind_v or_o regard_v other_o whereupon_o this_o holy_a feast_n be_v neither_o celebrate_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o all_o nor_o in_o holy_a concord_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a union_n of_o christian_n signify_v thereby_o unto_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o dutch_a annotator_n upon_o the_o place_n own_o supper_n that_o be_v a_o supper_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o common_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v hold_v but_o which_o be_v hold_v private_o by_o some_o alone_a every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o hold_v with_o they_o and_o st._n paul_n word_n in_o ver_fw-la 33_o 34._o seem_v strong_o to_o back_o the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o author_n his_o word_n be_v these_o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o come_v not_o together_o to_o condemnation_n now_o unless_o one_o party_n have_v feast_v and_o communicate_v together_o before_o another_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o admonition_n of_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o individual_n do_v eat_v their_o own_o supper_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n single_o and_o apart_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o that_o phrase_n of_o their_o come_n together_o to_o eat_v show_v they_o do_v not_o eat_v single_o and_o apart_o this_o sacrament_n by_o tend_v to_o awaken_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o all_o his_o member_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o by_o die_v for_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o unite_n and_o knit_v they_o all_o one_o to_o another_o in_o mutual_a love_n as_o copartner_n together_o in_o the_o same_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o render_v they_o all_o dear_a one_o to_o another_o because_o they_o be_v so_o to_o he_o when_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o they_o all_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o to_o use_v this_o sacrament_n therefore_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o division_n as_o they_o do_v be_v to_o pervert_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o to_o act_n contradictious_o to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n which_o our_o saviour_n design_v his_o people_n by_o it_o consider_v then_o that_o their_o communicate_v thus_o divide_o be_v that_o which_o make_v their_o come_n together_o to_o be_v not_o for_o the_o better_o but_o for_o the_o worse_o ver_fw-la 17.18_o and_o to_o be_v a_o come_n together_o for_o condemnation_n ver_fw-la 33_o 34._o it_o high_o concern_v those_o among_o we_o who_o divide_v themselves_o in_o their_o sacramental_a communion_n from_o their_o brethren_n thorough_o to_o review_v and_o examine_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o lest_o their_o come_n together_o shall_v be_v find_v before_o god_n to_o be_v a_o come_n together_o not_o for_o the_o better_a but_o for_o the_o worse_o and_o a_o come_n together_o to_o condemnation_n this_o factious_a communicate_v of_o these_o corinthian_n the_o apostle_n we_o see_v do_v insist_v on_o more_o than_o on_o any_o other_o their_o sacramental_a abuse_n repeat_v this_o and_o conclude_v with_o a_o particular_a caution_n and_o admonition_n against_o it_o which_o be_v more_o than_o he_o do_v concern_v any_o other_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o schismatical_a communicate_v be_v such_o as_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o avoid_v the_o like_a as_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v the_o other_o abuse_n at_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v their_o neglect_v and_o despise_v their_o poor_a brethren_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o
catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o examine_v themselves_o be_v about_o their_o capacity_n of_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o do_v it_o for_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o eat_v that_o bread_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o and_o likewise_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n touch_v unworthy_a communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o will_v inquire_v alittle_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o what_o by_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o what_o by_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n 1._o the_o unworthy_a eat_n of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v signify_v the_o receive_v those_o sacred_a symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n with_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n incongruous_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o feast_n and_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o it_o or_o it_o be_v a_o receive_v those_o consecrate_a element_n with_o such_o a_o unsuitable_a mind_n as_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o receive_v that_o benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n design_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o use_n of_o that_o ordinance_n 2._o not_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n nor_o our_o lord_n design_n in_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o that_o ordinance_n as_o when_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o the_o break_v the_o lord_n body_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v signify_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o pour_v out_o of_o wine_n in_o that_o sacrament_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o discern_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o a_o perpetual_a commemoration_n of_o his_o transcendent_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o now_o if_o no_o more_o than_o this_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n man_n of_o common_a illumination_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o a_o common_a faith_n concern_v they_o may_v undoubted_o escape_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unworthiness_n in_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup._n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v in_o this_o sense_n discern_v the_o lord_n body_n more_o clear_o and_o more_o distinct_o than_o many_o of_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o can_v and_o if_o second_o by_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n shall_v be_v also_o mean_v as_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v the_o unsutableness_n of_o man_n affection_n to_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v by_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n yet_o man_n by_o common_a grace_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n discern_v the_o lord_n body_n by_o have_v some_o degree_n of_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o that_o ordinance_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o under_o consideration_n man_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n when_o they_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o his_o great_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o than_o as_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n suffer_v by_o he_o and_o for_o such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o man_n who_o have_v but_o initial_a faith_n and_o common_a grace_n may_v eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o much_o more_o suitable_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n than_o this_o come_v to_o for_o they_o may_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n have_v some_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n upon_o their_o mind_n in_o die_v for_o they_o and_o some_o hope_n of_o be_v save_v by_o his_o death_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v have_v some_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o stir_v in_o they_o even_o such_o as_o may_v draw_v some_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o love_n from_o they_o and_o some_o present_a purpose_n of_o live_v more_o to_o he_o such_o as_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o sin_v less_o until_o that_o sense_n be_v wear_v off_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o mat._n 10.37_o he_o suppose_v some_o may_v love_v he_o to_o a_o degree_n who_o yet_o love_n somewhat_o else_o more_o and_o thereby_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v by_o he_o now_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n as_o this_o which_o man_n but_o of_o common_a grace_n may_v have_v at_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n have_v a_o very_a fair_a tendency_n in_o it_o towards_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o such_o love_n which_o be_v save_v indeed_o and_o be_v in_o a_o very_a near_o capacity_n of_o be_v so_o improve_v as_o to_o become_v such_o and_o doubtless_o be_v so_o in_o many_o a_o one_o for_o which_o cause_n such_o shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o frequent_v this_o sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n with_o the_o best_a preparation_n they_o can_v make_v 3._o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o all_o they_o be_v who_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n unworthy_o ver_fw-la 27._o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o profane_v of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n by_o use_v and_o receive_v the_o sacred_a symbol_n and_o sign_n thereof_o with_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n altogether_o unsuitable_a to_o what_o be_v signify_v and_o represent_v thereby_o and_o this_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o affect_v at_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n than_o as_o if_o his_o death_n have_v be_v the_o death_n but_o of_o a_o common_a man_n nor_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o thing_n represent_v by_o that_o sacrament_n in_o the_o eat_n that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n than_o as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o at_o a_o common_a meal_n they_o be_v thus_o guilty_a when_o they_o be_v stupid_a sottish_a and_o irreverent_a at_o that_o action_n and_o void_a of_o a_o affect_a sense_n of_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o even_o then_o when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o that_o ordinance_n which_o be_v purposely_o institute_v to_o perpetuate_v and_o preserve_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o profane_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o be_v as_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o as_o all_o unworthy_a receive_v that_o sacrament_n be_v as_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o st._n paul_n word_n when_o he_o assign_v the_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n at_o any_o time_n eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n unworthy_o in_o the_o 29._o ver_fw-la but_o now_o man_n by_o common_a illumination_n and_o faith_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o discern_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o person_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o end_v of_o his_o death_n and_o the_o person_n and_o death_n of_o other_o man_n and_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v at_o other_o table_n and_o of_o be_v otherwise_o affect_v with_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o common_a thing_n consider_v then_o that_o the_o unworthy_a eat_n of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v consist_v in_o such_o a_o unsuitable_a frame_n of_o mind_n in_o do_v so_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o man_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n but_o profane_v it_o and_o the_o facred_a sign_n and_o symbol_n of_o it_o and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o danger_n of_o thus_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup_n unworthy_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o exhort_v they_o to_o examine_v themselves_o before_o they_o
hunger_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n one_o be_v hungry_a another_o be_v drink_v despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o which_o have_v not_o these_o also_o be_v such_o unworthy_a act_n as_o christian_n by_o common_a grace_n may_v easy_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a now_o all_o these_o outward_a act_n of_o unworthiness_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o right_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v either_o as_o not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o as_o not_o be_v due_o affect_v with_o what_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o for_o remedy_n for_o time_n to_o come_v he_o put_v they_o upon_o examine_v themselves_o concern_v the_o apprehension_n the_o sense_n and_o affection_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v touch_v those_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o external_a act_n of_o unworthy_a communicate_v proceed_v from_o their_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n by_o examination_n find_v themselves_o in_o a_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n to_o answer_v our_o lord_n end_n in_o this_o his_o institution_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o his_o table_n in_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v communicant_n of_o it_o for_o man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n worthy_o or_o unworthy_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o thereby_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o remember_v our_o bless_a saviour_n query_n x._o why_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v it_o be_v conceive_v do_v almighty_a god_n own_v and_o allow_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a and_o well-becoming_a the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o such_o as_o render_v it_o high_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o man_n as_o 1._o because_o it_o tend_v more_o abundant_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o invisible_a church_n member_n than_o it_o will_v if_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a or_o worthy_o repute_v to_o be_v so_o that_o it_o have_v this_o tendency_n need_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v have_v of_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o convert_v man_n above_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o other_o way_n experience_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v that_o abundant_a more_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o man_n have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o out_o of_o it_o and_o after_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v than_o before_o more_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v make_v good_a and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o be_v in_o it_o than_o have_v be_v make_v so_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o how_o rare_o have_v any_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n while_o out_o of_o the_o church_n since_o miracle_n cease_v how_o seldom_o do_v we_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o jew_n or_o profess_a infidel_n become_v real_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n though_o they_o live_v among_o christian_n and_o where_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v any_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o as_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o multitude_n of_o conversion_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n after_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n convert_v many_o so_o as_o of_o bad_a to_o make_v they_o real_o holy_a and_o good_a before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o as_o their_o call_v be_v extraordinary_a so_o be_v their_o ministry_n by_o which_o those_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v attest_v to_o come_v from_o heaven_n by_o multitude_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o marvellous_a gift_n and_o therefore_o those_o conversion_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o extraordinary_a mean_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o extraordinary_a conversion_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o thing_n extraordinary_o do_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o have_v the_o like_a do_v in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o under_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o unreasonableness_n as_o those_o we_o call_v seeker_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o can_v find_v as_o they_o think_v no_o true_a church_n extant_a or_o visible_a because_o not_o call_v by_o man_n qualify_v with_o like_a extraordinary_a gift_n as_o those_o or_o many_o of_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v by_o who_o churches_n be_v then_o gather_v and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n convert_v those_o who_o they_o do_v convert_v be_v extraordinary_a it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v succeed_v in_o their_o undertake_n as_o they_o do_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v they_o from_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o forefather_n unto_o a_o new_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v so_o great_o different_a from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v especial_o from_o that_o of_o paganism_n from_o which_o most_o of_o their_o conversion_n probable_o be_v make_v but_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n gather_v our_o saviour_n a_o church_n all_o over_o the_o know_a world_n and_o settle_v particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a as_o the_o event_n show_v that_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o convert_v man_n shall_v be_v continue_v for_o when_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_v man_n way_n be_v make_v for_o convert_v they_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n then_o that_o which_o be_v extratraordinary_a cease_v like_a as_o the_o give_v the_o israelite_n manna_n from_o heaven_n cease_v when_o they_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v supply_v with_o food_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o there_o have_v be_v but_o few_o conversion_n make_v in_o those_o without_o the_o church_n but_o most_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o those_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o though_o god_n be_v please_v i_o doubt_v not_o to_o plant_v true_a save_v grace_n in_o some_o in_o their_o early_a day_n by_o the_o benefit_n of_o godly_a education_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o other_o who_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o more_o than_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n if_o so_o much_o find_v in_o they_o when_o grow_v up_o but_o among_o these_o there_o be_v many_o who_o in_o time_n be_v bring_v on_o or_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o under_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v by_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o man_n this_o be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n since_o that_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a cease_v and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n almost_o all_o the_o conversion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n to_o a_o save_a christian_a faith_n and_o to_o a_o faithful_a practice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o person_n baptize_v and_o within_o the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a because_o wrought_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o i_o have_v show_v yet_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o that_o prove_v effectual_a at_o last_o be_v but_o only_a beginning_n and_o preparatory_a to_o a_o second_o and_o thorough_a conversion_n of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v carry_v quite_o through_o and_o make_v effectual_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n after_o
they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v no_o other_o apprehension_n of_o those_o conversion_n or_o many_o of_o they_o for_o we_o find_v they_o earnest_o persuade_v those_o christian_n to_o put_v away_o such_o practice_n the_o retain_v of_o which_o can_v not_o well_o consist_v with_o a_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n which_o argue_v that_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o put_v they_o off_o though_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o col_n 3.8_o 9_o but_o now_o you_o also_o put_v off_o all_o these_o anger_n wrath_n malice_n blasphemy_n filthy_a communication_n out_o of_o your_o mouth_n lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n that_o be_v they_o have_v engage_v to_o do_v so_o in_o baptism_n see_v the_o like_a again_o ephes_n 5.3_o and_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o cor._n 6.15_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o then_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n god_n forbid_v what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o a_o harlot_n be_v one_o body_n chap._n 10.21_o 22._o you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o chap._n 15.33_o 34._o be_v not_o deceive_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o sin_n not_o for_o some_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o your_o shame_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17._o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o chap._n 12.20_o 21._o for_o i_o fear_v lest_o when_o i_o come_v i_o shall_v not_o find_v you_o such_o as_o i_o will_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o you_o such_o as_o you_o will_v not_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n envy_n wrath_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n tumult_n and_o lest_o when_o i_o come_v again_o my_o god_n will_v humble_v i_o among_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o which_o have_v sin_v already_o and_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o uncleaness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v phil._n 2.22_o all_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o by_o the_o general_a epistle_n which_o st._n james_n write_v not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v very_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a that_o the_o faith_n which_o very_o many_o of_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v but_o a_o dead_a and_o unavailable_a faith_n and_o such_o as_o will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v they_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a faith_n such_o as_o do_v neither_o purify_v the_o heart_n nor_o reform_v the_o life_n be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o doer_n for_o for_o all_o their_o knowledge_n and_o their_o faith_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o writing_n that_o their_o lust_n remain_v still_o lusty_a and_o strong_a that_o war_v in_o their_o member_n the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n their_o unworthy_a compliance_n to_o keep_v friendship_n with_o the_o world_n pride_n envy_n and_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v one_o another_o with_o their_o unruly_a tongue_n and_o curse_v and_o swear_v and_o such_o like_a distemper_n it_o seem_v do_v abound_v among_o they_o and_o st._n james_n by_o this_o epistle_n to_o they_o endeavour_v their_o thorough_a conversion_n and_o encourage_v the_o sincere_a among_o they_o to_o endeavour_v it_o likewise_o say_v if_o any_o see_v his_o brother_n err_v and_o one_o convert_v he_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o which_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o likewise_o find_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n but_o what_o have_v defile_v their_o garment_n have_v indeed_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o nothing_o which_o our_o saviour_n can_v commend_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o say_v when_o we_o find_v this_o and_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n in_o the_o apostle_n write_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v be_v not_o thorough_o convert_v till_o after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o many_o such_o be_v so_o after_o and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n make_v such_o haste_n as_o they_o do_v to_o baptize_v person_n after_o they_o have_v once_o gain_v their_o consent_n to_o turn_v christian_n without_o stay_v for_o any_o far_a trial_n but_o that_o they_o think_v their_o thorough_a conversion_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v effect_v within_o the_o church_n than_o without_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o false_a religion_n to_o a_o bare_a or_o notitional_a belief_n of_o the_o true_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v convert_v from_o that_o to_o a_o right_n practical_a belief_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n through_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n and_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o who_o yet_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n such_o be_v those_o joh._n 2.23_o and_o those_o joh._n 12.42_o 43._o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o who_o st._n james_n speak_v that_o have_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o these_o day_n who_o have_v no_o other_o faith_n for_o some_o time_n and_o yet_o afterward_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o lively_a practical_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n convert_v go_v little_a or_o nothing_o far_o than_o to_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n until_o after_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o have_v so_o little_a time_n of_o learn_v before_o as_o general_o they_o have_v but_o be_v carry_v on_o further_a to_o a_o more_o particular_a distinct_a and_o practical_a belief_n by_o after-teaching_a when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v not_o disagreeable_a to_o what_o i_o have_v former_o note_v from_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n touch_v a_o double_a teach_n the_o one_o to_o make_v man_n become_v disciple_n which_o go_v before_o baptism_n the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o live_v as_o christian_n which_o follow_v after_o it_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o but_o however_o whatever_o thorough_a and_o effectual_a conversion_n the_o apostle_n may_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n effect_n in_o man_n while_o they_o be_v without_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o since_o that_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n have_v be_v discontinue_v abundant_o more_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o they_o have_v there_o enjoy_v than_o have_v be_v among_o those_o without_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a or_o than_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v so_o before_o such_o admission_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v conceive_v almighty_a god_n allow_v many_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a be_v because_o so_o to_o do_v be_v more_o useful_a for_o the_o propagate_a and_o spread_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o
house_n be_v do_v by_o their_o confederation_n and_o covenant_n as_o the_o cement_n by_o which_o the_o christian_n be_v unite_v and_o combine_v in_o one_o particular_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v ephes_n 2._o but_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o here_o speak_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o when_o he_o say_v you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n but_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bethynia_n as_o appear_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o no_o one_o sure_o can_v think_v that_o these_o christian_n thus_o scatter_v and_o at_o this_o distance_n can_v become_v one_o particular_a church_n by_o such_o a_o mutual_a confederation_n as_o these_o hold_v necessary_a for_o the_o form_v a_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o not_o it_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o somewhat_o else_o than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n covenant_n as_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n think_v to_o find_v here_o by_o which_o christian_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v build_v up_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o that_o doubtless_o must_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n become_v one_o spiritual_a house_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.21_o and_o to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o sen_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.6_o house_n in_o these_o place_n can_v signify_v less_o than_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n who_o be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v all_o these_o christian_n become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o by_o be_v join_v and_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o thereby_o to_o one_o another_o among_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o be_v worship_v as_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o by_o this_o they_o all_o become_v one_o body_n which_o be_v but_o another_o metaphor_n under_o which_o to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o make_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o qualify_v they_o for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o that_o be_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o to_o make_v any_o other_o covenant_n beside_o this_o so_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n as_o to_o make_v this_o of_o god_n own_o appointment_n insufficient_a for_o that_o end_n be_v a_o great_a impeachment_n of_o it_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o abetter_n of_o it_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o countenance_v if_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o essential_a to_o its_o be_v and_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n when_o god_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v or_o require_v it_o so_o long_v it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o with_o a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n a_o piece_n of_o vain_a worship_n condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 15.9_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o add_v to_o god_n word_n or_o a_o say_n he_o say_v when_o he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o in_o part_n a_o make_v void_a the_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v establish_v their_o own_o tradition_n for_o whereas_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n qualify_v man_n for_o particular_a church_n membership_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o opinion_n deny_v the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n and_o set_v up_o this_o other_o confederate_v in_o its_o room_n 3._o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o unchurch_a of_o all_o those_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o unite_v by_o church_n covenant_v for_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o none_o be_v real_o church_n without_o it_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v of_o other_o thing_n now_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o confederate_a be_v a_o great_a thing_n indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o few_o year_n it_o be_v since_o such_o covenant_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o how_o inconsiderable_a a_o number_n of_o congregation_n it_o have_v be_v use_v since_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o very_a venturous_a and_o dare_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o enquiry_n touch_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o it_o thus_o 1._o it_o consist_v partly_o in_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v one_o town_n from_o another_o or_o one_o great_a neighbourhood_n from_o another_o and_o that_o be_v the_o bound_n of_o habitation_n and_o this_o distinction_n be_v as_o well_o convenient_a yea_o necessary_a for_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o peaceable_a government_n as_o it_o be_v for_o civil_a and_o do_v as_o well_o accommodate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o without_o this_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a government_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v impracticable_a even_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o universal_a empire_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o that_o at_o rome_n from_o that_o at_o corinth_n and_o that_o at_o ephesus_n from_o that_o at_o philippi_n yea_o that_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi from_o that_o at_o corinth_n which_o yet_o border_v upon_o corinth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o indeed_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o church_n and_o church_n by_o vicinity_n of_o neighbourhood_n and_o cohabitation_n do_v best_a answer_v the_o end_n of_o particular_a church_n association_n such_o as_o be_v assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o all_o christian_a office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o friendship_n but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o constitute_v christian_n dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o particular_a christian_a church_n though_o by_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o be_v as_o fit_a matter_n qualify_v for_o it_o but_o 2._o that_o which_o do_v constitute_v such_o to_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o signify_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n in_o local_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n consist_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v the_o place_n over_o they_o one_o or_o more_o church-officer_n to_o minister_v to_o they_o therein_o by_o which_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o where_o they_o assemble_v for_o worship_n they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o like_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o other_o church-officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o by_o such_o their_o joint_a local_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n administer_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o pastor_n they_o be_v unite_v with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o as_o one_o worship_v congregation_n by_o which_o union_n also_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o particular_a church_n as_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v from_o they_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a churchway_n do_v indeed_o hold_v particular_a church_n as_o such_o to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o church-officer_n over_o they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o inquiry_n concern_v church_n do_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prove_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o church_n officer_n he_o quote_v act_n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o this_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o by_o and_o by_o but_o shall_v first_o examine_v and_o try_v what_o be_v in_o the_o assertion_n itself_o which_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v will_v be_v find_v full_a of_o mistake_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v find_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o indeed_o a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o
be_v consistent_a with_o god_n true_a worship_n communion_n in_o that_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v but_o then_o the_o next_o question_n will_v be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o worship_n be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a and_o so_o what_o worship_n it_o be_v that_o communion_n in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o be_v false_a worship_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o that_o again_o be_v false_a worship_n though_o give_v to_o god_n the_o right_a object_n when_o that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a matter_n of_o worship_n be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o worship_n be_v false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n worship_n be_v then_o false_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o that_o be_v perform_v to_o god_n as_o require_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a or_o false_a worship_n when_o humane_a ordinance_n be_v impose_v and_o observe_v as_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o add_v to_o his_o word_n also_o which_o be_v forbid_v deut._n 4.2_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o and_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n in_o or_o about_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o nor_o use_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v by_o god_n but_o profess_o use_v as_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o only_o as_o matter_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n likewise_o between_o the_o essence_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o it_o between_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a administration_n there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o vary_v in_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o like_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o address_n nor_o limit_v by_o expressness_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o one_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v express_a direction_n for_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n or_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o confession_n supplication_n petition_n thanksgiving_n and_o intercession_n but_o whether_o in_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o whether_o with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o whether_o in_o one_o or_o more_o prayer_n at_o a_o time_n or_o whether_o kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v not_o determine_v but_o in_o these_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o choose_v as_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v or_o require_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o ordinance_n themselves_o be_v particular_o command_v but_o so_o be_v not_o several_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o they_o but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o governor_n under_o general_a rule_n and_o although_o one_o way_n of_o external_a administration_n of_o worship_n may_v be_v better_o than_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v choose_v as_o best_a by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n of_o choose_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o best_o in_o itself_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o nor_o defeat_v the_o end_n and_o use_n to_o which_o a_o external_a administration_n serve_v it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v due_o esteem_v to_o be_v false_a worship_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o inferior_a in_o goodness_n unto_o the_o best_a be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v inexpedient_a when_o a_o better_a may_v have_v be_v have_v if_o they_o have_v think_v so_o by_o who_o the_o choice_n be_v make_v now_o suppose_v then_o that_o when_o the_o happy_a work_n of_o national_a reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v lay_v and_o begin_v by_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o it_o who_o memory_n be_v bless_v and_o name_n precious_a to_o good_a man_n suppose_v i_o say_v they_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o betterness_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o administration_n of_o public_a worship_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o such_o thing_n do_v not_o amount_v unto_o any_o false_a worship_n but_o be_v only_a imperfection_n in_o the_o true_a the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v prudent_a and_o become_a good_a man_n in_o this_o case_n to_o seek_v amendment_n of_o those_o suppose_a defect_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o the_o same_o national_a course_n of_o proceed_v by_o which_o the_o reformation_n be_v first_o wrought_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o god_n have_v own_v this_o way_n of_o reformation_n by_o declare_v nation_n upon_o account_n of_o it_o to_o be_v his_o kingdom_n which_o we_o can_v say_v he_o have_v do_v upon_o account_n of_o any_o reformation_n wrought_v in_o they_o any_o other_o way_n without_o this_o 2._o because_o when_o such_o a_o reformation_n be_v attempt_v in_o a_o nation_n already_o reform_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o reformation_n establish_v by_o law_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o more_o hurt_n will_v be_v do_v thereby_o than_o good_a obtain_v as_o we_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n in_o this_o nation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o party_n against_o party_n to_o the_o engender_v disaffection_n envy_v and_o strife_n and_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v as_o st._n james_n have_v tell_v we_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a decay_n and_o loss_n of_o that_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n lie_v but_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seek_v after_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a way_n be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o either_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n and_o therefore_o to_o choose_v to_o seek_v this_o sort_n of_o reformation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o by_o which_o the_o loss_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o gain_n and_o have_v since_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n doubtless_o which_o can_v become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n now_o that_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v pursue_v in_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o undue_a way_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v in_o thing_n but_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n be_v little_o concern_v one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o to_o loss_n or_o gain_n appear_v by_o this_o viz._n because_o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v very_o many_o who_o have_v live_v under_o the_o use_n of_o that_o external_a mode_n of_o worship_n without_o any_o such_o reformation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v contend_v for_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v find_v as_o much_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v as_o in_o any_o other_o who_o have_v use_v any_o other_o mode_n of_o worship_n different_a from_o it_o not_o that_o i_o be_o against_o man_n seek_v that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v best_a in_o these_o matter_n provide_v it_o be_v in_o the_o national_a way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o more_o hurt_n be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o than_o good_a can_v be_v acquire_v in_o their_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o by_o separation_n 3._o it_o be_v become_a rhe_n wisdom_n of_o good_a man_n to_o seek_v the_o amendment_n they_o desire_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o what_o be_v already_o establish_v because_o by_o so_o do_v and_o by_o seasonable_a and_o humble_a application_n to_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o reason_n soon_o obtain_v what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o meet_a to_o be_v grant_v than_o by_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o set_v up_o another_o way_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o