know_v any_o three_o sense_n pretend_v to_o among_o interpreter_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o parable_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o bad_a a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n shall_v be_v refuse_v admittance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o its_o communion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v so_o little_a that_o man_n can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o such_o a_o discouragement_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o set_v they_o back_o again_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o very_a little_a grace_n in_o its_o beginning_n which_o they_o have_v a_o thing_n point_fw-fr blank_a against_o that_o admonition_n and_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 18.10_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o the_o query_n be_v double_a i_o shall_v answer_v to_o that_o first_o which_o be_v first_o and_o do_v say_v the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a as_o the_o whole_a differ_v from_o a_o part_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o a_o part_n differ_v from_o the_o whole_a for_o otherwise_o they_o be_v material_o the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o contain_v all_o visible_a church_n matter_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v than_o what_o make_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o as_o such_o 2._o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v one_o single_a congregation_n than_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o those_o of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v do_v now_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o its_o existence_n possible_o it_o may_v but_o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v so_o many_o single_a worship_a congregation_n as_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n in_o a_o city_n province_n or_o kingdom_n then_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o church_n universal_a by_o this_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o which_o it_o be_v otherwise_o unite_a than_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o such_o be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n and_o in_o other_o great_a city_n to_o have_v be_v the_o scripture_n so_o account_v they_o when_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o more_o single_a worship_a assembly_n than_o one_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v on_o several_a account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o congregationalist_n make_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o make_v it_o the_o form_n or_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v another_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o particular_a if_o their_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n be_v admit_v concern_v it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o church_n covenant_n or_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o each_o one_o of_o their_o single_a congregation_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o and_o they_o account_v this_o so_o necessary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v person_n otherwise_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o themselves_o to_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v under_o this_o engagement_n to_o they_o or_o some_o other_o sister_n church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v do_v and_o require_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n as_o the_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v free_a from_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o thing_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o only_o as_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o scruple_n they_o as_o there_o be_v to_o scruple_n this_o practice_n upon_o those_o term_n there_o be_v two_o text_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o more_o especial_o and_o principal_o they_o ground_n this_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o one_o be_v 2_o cor._n 8.5_o which_o dr._n o._n to_o this_o end_n quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o late_a book_n the_o word_n be_v these_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v st._n paul_n and_o timotheus_n from_o who_o this_o epistle_n come_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n give_v themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n and_o timothy_n possible_o signify_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o among_o themselves_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o strange_a also_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o constitute_v themselves_o church_n when_o as_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v do_v then_o when_o they_o be_v already_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a context_n from_o ver_fw-la 1._o do_v show_v and_o if_o their_o give_a themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v more_o than_o paul_n and_o timothy_n hope_v for_o than_o such_o a_o confederation_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o their_o existence_n as_o church_n this_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v be_v more_o than_o they_o hope_v for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o so_o great_a a_o necessity_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o impertinent_o this_o scripture_n be_v allege_v but_o the_o whole_a context_n show_v that_o the_o thing_n st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o liberality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o zeal_n in_o be_v otherwise_o serviceable_a to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n wherein_o they_o do_v indeed_o exceed_v the_o expectation_n of_o paul_n and_o timothy_n for_o their_o poverty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o suster_v for_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o st._n paul_n it_o seem_v scarce_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o earnest_a entreaty_n that_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o only_o thus_o give_v above_o their_o ability_n but_o beside_o their_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o ready_a to_o suffer_v further_o for_o he_o if_o call_v to_o it_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n &_o timothy_n also_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o charitable_a work_n they_o have_v in_o hand_n by_o their_o further_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o among_o other_o for_o they_o entreat_v paul_n and_o timothy_n earnest_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o manage_n of_o that_o affair_n and_o procure_v they_o to_o send_v titus_n to_o corinth_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o business_n as_o appear_v by_o ver_fw-la 6._o this_o scripture_n though_o so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o this_o opinion_n as_o you_o see_v yet_o be_v that_o which_o so_o far_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v perceive_v be_v chief_o depend_v upon_o in_o this_o cause_n they_o bring_v in_o also_o as_o favour_v their_o notion_n and_o practice_n the_o say_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o the_o christian_n you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o they_o do_v it_o seem_v suppose_v that_o these_o live_a stone_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o as_o to_o to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a
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 of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o
the_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o wood._n and_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v law_n direct_v how_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v accoutre_v in_o their_o ministration_n as_o of_o what_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o fashion_n their_o garment_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o when_o put_v on_o and_o when_o put_v off_o and_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o like_a thing_n in_o other_o case_n but_o now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o there_o we_o be_v direct_v indeed_o in_o the_o substance_n and_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o external_n circumstance_n of_o administration_n thereof_o we_o have_v very_o little_a of_o particular_a direction_n therein_o but_o the_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o guide_v and_o determine_v herself_o and_o she_o own_o action_n by_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o edification_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o such_o external_n sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o natural_a religion_n will_v direct_v man_n in_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o particular_a direction_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o christian_n however_o distinguish_v but_o do_v more_o and_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v more_o in_o the_o external_n manner_n of_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v particular_a direction_n for_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o command_n for_o baptise_v disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n but_o no_o particular_a direction_n what_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v or_o what_o instruction_n shall_v be_v give_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n nor_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o form_n the_o party_n baptize_v shall_v by_o himself_o or_o parent_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a direction_n what_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v or_o instruction_n give_v or_o exhortation_n make_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o nor_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o element_n be_v to_o be_v consecrate_a otherwise_o than_o by_o recite_v the_o word_n of_o institution_n nor_o how_o in_o particular_a the_o cup_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v nor_o what_o gesture_n shall_v be_v use_v nor_o when_o and_o how_o often_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v in_o these_o thing_n church_n in_o several_a nation_n may_v and_o do_v vary_v more_o or_o less_o and_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o do_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v to_o general_a rule_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o keep_v to_o in_o these_o and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n under_o several_a different_a circumstance_n and_o this_o none_o can_v deny_v and_o so_o far_o public_a prayer_n though_o we_o have_v particular_a rule_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o who_o and_o in_o who_o name_n to_o be_v make_v and_o likewise_o for_o the_o internal_a manner_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o external_n manner_n and_o circumstance_n save_o that_o of_o be_v make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n as_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o a_o set_a form_n or_o without_o except_o the_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o whether_o with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o it_o or_o whether_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o how_o many_o shall_v be_v make_v at_o one_o church_n assembly_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o particular_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o man_n to_o use_v one_o or_o another_o according_a as_o the_o exigence_n of_o circumstance_n shall_v require_v or_o their_o governor_n order_n and_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o intend_v to_o have_v allow_v such_o a_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o worship_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n but_o think_v he_o will_v have_v be_v as_o particular_a in_o determine_v they_o as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n itself_o which_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o church_n guide_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o good_a to_o pitch_v upon_o the_o selfsame_a circumstance_n of_o administration_n where_o they_o have_v only_o general_a rule_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n and_o according_o experience_n show_v that_o among_o good_a man_n some_o have_v think_v such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n best_a to_o agree_v with_o general_a rule_n when_o other_o as_o good_a as_o they_o have_v think_v other_o to_o do_v so_o and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n both_o can_v be_v best_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o that_o which_o be_v not_o best_o in_o itself_o may_v be_v best_a to_o be_v use_v as_o circumstance_n may_v fall_v out_o as_o when_o that_o which_o be_v not_o best_o can_v be_v refuse_v without_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o the_o use_n of_o that_o rather_o than_o a_o better_a do_v amount_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n then_o have_v leave_v his_o people_n at_o so_o much_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o we_o see_v he_o have_v it_o argue_v sufficient_o that_o the_o use_n of_o different_a circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o at_o all_o displease_v unto_o he_o so_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n especial_o when_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o breach_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n unity_n and_o good_a will_n in_o the_o church_n do_v influence_n the_o choice_n if_o there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o liberty_n leave_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o use_v different_a circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o answer_v to_o the_o general_a rule_n as_o none_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n deny_v but_o there_o be_v than_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o christian_n so_o to_o contend_v for_o one_o of_o these_o circumstantial_a mode_n of_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o separate_v and_o break_v communion_n about_o it_o and_o thereby_o to_o involve_v the_o church_n in_o unpeaceable_a strife_n and_o contention_n disaffection_n and_o feud_n when_o it_o be_v but_o matter_n of_o liberty_n to_o use_v one_o or_o another_o and_o not_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o use_v one_o only_a and_o not_o the_o other_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o a_o public_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o only_a matter_n of_o liberty_n when_o to_o do_v so_o cause_v a_o brother_n to_o offend_v be_v severe_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o liberty_n to_o be_v blame_v when_o it_o tend_v to_o a_o great_a and_o public_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n say_v brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n we_o speak_v of_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o show_v itself_o and_o play_v its_o part_n be_v sad_o visible_a in_o that_o variance_n strife_n emulation_n and_o envy_v which_o have_v be_v cause_v thereby_o which_o be_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o too_o that_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o liberty_n to_o contend_v so_o much_o for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o external_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n when_o another_o be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o that_o and_o when_o to_o do_v so_o tend_v to_o strife_n and_o division_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o charity_n than_o it_o must_v be_v alike_o abuse_v of_o liberty_n to_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o another_o when_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o or_o like_o evil_a or_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v the_o imposition_n of_o that_o prescribe_v by_o the_o liturgy_n be_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o object_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o liberty_n one_o way_n by_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o imposition_n do_v not_o at_o all_o privilege_n the_o abuse_n of_o a_o liberty_n by_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a 2._o the_o imposition_n they_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n
the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a justify_v save_a faith_n before_o such_o admission_n and_o hereby_o faith_n in_o this_o question_n be_v not_o mean_v faith_n objective_o but_o subjective_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o a_o profession_n of_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n doctrinal_o consider_v be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a by_o baptism_n in_o the_o adult_n which_o if_o believe_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 20.31_o act_n 8.37_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o belief_n of_o save_a doctrine_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a than_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v some_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n upon_o the_o appearance_n and_o probable_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v a_o due_a judgement_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n the_o one_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o call_v a_o faith_n initial_a or_o inchoate_n the_o other_o a_o faith_n consummate_v or_o complete_a the_o initial_a faith_n stand_v in_o such_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n as_o have_v not_o yet_o through_o its_o power_n over_o the_o will_n renew_v the_o whole_a man_n so_o as_o to_o become_v regenerate_v or_o a_o new_a creature_n but_o the_o faith_n consummate_v or_o complete_a lie_n in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o which_o through_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o the_o will_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v in_o its_o inclination_n motion_n and_o affection_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o sin_n and_o duty_n this_o difference_n between_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v fair_o set_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n st._n james_n chap._n 2._o treat_n of_o a_o faith_n that_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o of_o that_o also_o which_o will_n the_o one_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v alone_o or_o by_o itself_o verse_n 15._o which_o have_v not_o yet_o purify_v the_o heart_n from_o earthly_a affection_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v dead_a and_o remain_v barren_a but_o the_o other_o faith_n which_o will_v avail_v to_o justification_n be_v operative_a and_o vigorous_a produce_v internal_a and_o external_a act_n of_o christian_a obedience_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a ver_fw-la 22._o that_o be_v it_o be_v thereby_o make_v to_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o this_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v thereby_o consummate_a or_o make_v perfect_a gal._n 5._o for_o the_o greek_a word_n according_a to_o learned_a author_n be_v in_o the_o middle_a voice_n and_o may_v be_v take_v active_o or_o passive_o or_o rather_o both_o it_o work_v by_o love_n be_v thereby_o consummate_a or_o make_v perfect_a dr._n hammond_n understand_v it_o in_o a_o passive_a sense_n and_o read_v it_o thus_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v by_o love_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o can_v not_o write_v to_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o division_n they_o live_v in_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o his_o word_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o man_n may_v be_v babe_n in_o christ_n by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o fell_v short_a of_o purify_n the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n and_o which_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o when_o s._n peter_n say_v add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o he_o suppose_v it_o very_o possible_a for_o some_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o faith_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o christian_a virtue_n there_o enumerate_v and_o to_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o follow_v verse_n 8_o 9_o and_o we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n to_o who_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o joh._n 2.23_o and_o of_o other_o who_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n john_n 12.42_o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o magus_n that_o simon_n himself_o also_o believe_v act._n 8.13_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v justify_v and_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o improve_v this_o to_o show_v how_o unlikely_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v receive_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v to_o have_v a_o justify_v faith_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n shall_v ordinary_o if_o at_o all_o in_o their_o first_o beginning_n to_o believe_v believe_v unto_o justification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o space_n of_o time_n between_o their_o first_o believe_v and_o their_o believe_v unto_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o can_v be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n who_o baptise_a man_n present_o and_o when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o believe_v will_v baptise_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o have_v already_o believe_v unto_o justification_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o such_o man_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o believe_v do_v then_o believe_v unto_o justification_n be_v this_o because_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v unto_o justification_n until_o their_o faith_n have_v wrought_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o by_o which_o they_o become_v regenerate_v as_o i_o have_v show_v for_o we_o can_v say_v god_n justify_v unregenerate_a man_n while_o they_o be_v such_o now_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v not_o ordinary_o if_o at_o all_o wrought_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o man_n begin_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o believe_v of_o which_o this_o change_n be_v wrought_v do_v not_o effect_v it_o physical_o but_o moral_o by_o cause_v such_o thought_n and_o consideration_n to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o do_v by_o degree_n alter_v and_o change_v the_o moral_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o he_o cause_v this_o change_n by_o work_v upon_o man_n thought_n and_o by_o bring_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n they_o believe_v whereunto_o they_o tend_v and_o how_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o man_n discern_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o consequent_o their_o thought_n and_o consideration_n about_o they_o be_v bring_v on_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o light_n come_v in_o be_v confuse_o and_o indistinct_o discern_v at_o first_o and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v can_v exceed_v the_o mind_n discern_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o one_o be_v weak_a the_o other_o will_v be_v weak_a also_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o weak_a so_o far_o its_o operation_n upon_o the_o will_v to_o alter_v and_o change_v it_o will_v be_v but_o weak_a likewise_o as_o the_o one_o be_v wrought_v gradual_o so_o be_v the_o other_o man_n may_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o conviction_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o yet_o the_o will_n be_v not_o thereby_o prevail_v upon_o to_o consent_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n for_o some_o considerable_a time_n and_o sometime_o never_o and_o let_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o belief_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o until_o it_o prevail_v over_o the_o will_v which_o be_v the_o great_a wheel_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v motion_n both_o to_o a_o man_n affection_n and_o action_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v it_o as_o to_o its_o prevail_a bent_n and_o
and_o his_o visible_a member_n in_o which_o covenant_n god_n on_o his_o part_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o and_o to_o confer_v eternal_a life_n on_o they_o upon_o condition_n they_o take_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o man_n on_o their_o part_n covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o take_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v he_o those_o word_n i_o will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n both_o on_o god_n part_n and_o man_n part_n heb._n 8.10_o the_o mutual_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o his_o israel_n of_o old_a be_v thus_o describe_v thou_o have_v avouch_v this_o day_n the_o lord_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n deut._n 26_o 17_o 18._o this_o mutual_a covenant_n be_v the_o copulative_a or_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o conjunction_n be_v make_v between_o the_o head_n and_o his_o member_n christ_n and_o his_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o party_n covenant_v and_o to_o convey_v a_o mutual_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o say_v god_n ezek._n 16.8_o and_o this_o tie_n or_o knit_v together_o by_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o i_o may_v multiply_v place_n to_o show_v that_o man_n be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o scripture_n be_v by_o covenant_v with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n thus_o jer._n 50.5_o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v also_o isa_n 56.6_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n every_o one_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o union_n be_v thus_o make_v by_o contract_n and_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n we_o may_v the_o rather_o believe_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o conceive_v because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n delight_v to_o resemble_v and_o illustrate_v the_o union_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n which_o be_v a_o union_n by_o mutual_a contract_n and_o covenant_v the_o one_o to_o take_v the_o woman_n for_o his_o wife_n the_o other_o to_o take_v the_o man_n for_o her_o husband_n with_o promise_n to_o deport_v themselves_o towards_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mutual_a relation_n between_o they_o ephes_n 5.28_o isa_n 54.5_o jer._n 31.31_o hos_fw-la 2.19_o and_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o relate_v to_o he_o nor_o he_o to_o they_o as_o his_o church_n and_o people_n ephes_n 2.12_o and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v and_o remember_v once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n unite_v they_o to_o those_o also_o who_o be_v already_o one_o with_o he_o by_o covenant_n union_n with_o the_o head_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o union_n with_o all_o those_o member_n which_o make_v the_o body_n of_o that_o head_n like_v as_o a_o man_n by_o become_v a_o covenant_n servant_n to_o a_o master_n become_v a_o member_n of_o that_o family_n and_o a_o fellow-servant_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o that_o master_n query_n iu._n how_o and_o when_o be_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n enter_v into_o by_o which_o people_n be_v external_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o visible_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n this_o covenant_v be_v transact_v when_o people_n be_v baptise_a for_o baptism_n be_v a_o sacred_a rite_n institute_v by_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o covenant_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v solemn_o enter_v into_o as_o for_o almighty_a god_n he_o have_v prevent_v man_n on_o his_o part_n in_o covenant_v with_o they_o and_o stand_v open_o declare_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o all_o those_o to_o pardon_v and_o save_v they_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v become_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o have_v also_o authorize_v his_o minister_n to_o transact_v with_o man_n in_o his_o name_n according_a to_o that_o declaration_n by_o bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o church_n for_o to_o that_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n deliver_v to_o they_o viz._n to_o open_v the_o door_n and_o to_o let_v such_o into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o do_v as_o steward_n of_o god_n house_n now_o whenever_o man_n take_v hold_v on_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o open_o and_o public_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n then_z and_z by_o that_o mean_n be_v their_o visible_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o church_n constitute_v and_o make_v and_o all_o this_o a_o be_v visible_o baptise_a in_o his_o name_n do_v imply_v for_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o their_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 28.19_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o name_n as_o that_o signify_v its_o be_v do_v by_o their_o authority_n but_o also_o into_o their_o name_n as_o that_o signify_v their_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o they_o as_o then_o god_n who_o they_o covenant_n to_o worship_n and_o serve_v and_o therefore_o from_o thenceforth_o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a like_a as_o a_o wife_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o her_o husband_n from_o that_o very_a moment_n in_o which_o the_o marriage-covenant_n be_v complete_v isa_n 4.1_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o for_o by_o that_o they_o put_v on_o his_o name_n and_o put_v on_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o for_o this_o visible_a membership_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o visible_a relation_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v visy_o relate_v to_o he_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v plant_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6._o which_o be_v another_o metaphor_n by_o which_o our_o external_n union_n with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n be_v signify_v and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o those_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n show_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n when_o he_o say_v the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o i_o find_v that_o which_o be_v here_o translate_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v render_v by_o other_o the_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o by_o some_o the_o question_n or_o question_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n now_o if_o the_o greek_a will_v bear_v or_o countenance_v these_o several_a reading_n answer_v stipulation_n question_v yet_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v thus_o well_o accommodate_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o somewhat_o propose_v or_o put_v questionwise_a to_o be_v resolve_v or_o answer_v to_o by_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o promise_n stipulation_n or_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o god_n as_o when_o it_o be_v propose_v or_o put_v questionwise_a to_o the_o party_n to_o be_v baptise_a whether_o he_o do_v believe_v jesus_n
god_n now_o as_o ever_o circumcision_n do_v the_o circumcise_a heretofore_o and_o it_o be_v now_o as_o much_o the_o benefit_n of_o person_n to_o be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o baptism_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o former_o by_o circumcision_n now_o as_o touch_v that_o warrant_n or_o authority_n which_o christian_n have_v to_o oblige_v their_o infant_n child_n by_o baptise_v they_o to_o become_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o their_o part_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v active_a therein_o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o of_o this_o kind_a christian_n have_v with_o what_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o other_o have_v for_o their_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o it_o but_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n have_v only_o a_o favourable_a allowance_n and_o grant_n that_o in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v they_o 48._o exod._n 12_o 48._o that_o then_o in_o order_n to_o this_o attainment_n the_o father_n or_o man_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o all_o his_o male_n but_o otherwise_o as_o circumcision_n be_v not_o enjoin_v the_o gentile_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o prophet_n or_o other_o be_v send_v abroad_o among_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o jewish_a church_n only_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o the_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n but_o its_o probable_a it_o be_v but_o from_o among_o other_o jew_n to_o make_v he_o of_o their_o sect_n to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a our_o saviour_n commissionated_a his_o apostle_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o now_o if_o this_o commission_v extend_v to_o the_o baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_a parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a parent_n themselves_o then_o here_o be_v warrant_n and_o authority_n enough_o for_o such_o parent_n to_o engage_v their_o child_n by_o baptise_v they_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o this_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o authorise_a the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v such_o little_a child_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o in_o another_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o it_o address_n from_o p._n 29._o to_o p._n 80._o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o to_o show_v what_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o baptise_v in_o this_o latitude_n 2._o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o extensive_a sense_n and_o that_o they_o do_v practice_n according_o unto_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o very_o considerable_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n take_v from_o the_o unanimous_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o the_o defection_n into_o popery_n now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n unless_o they_o have_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o send_v by_o they_o in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o place_n the_o apostle_n go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v our_o saviour_n witness_n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o his_o commission_n their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n 1.6.23_o rom._n 10._o col._n 1.6.23_o and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o all_o place_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o their_o first_o receive_v this_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n there_o as_o 1._o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o one_o place_n from_o another_o where_o the_o christian_n live_v make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o usage_n by_o combination_n or_o imitation_n of_o one_o another_o 2._o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o language_n make_v it_o impossible_a that_o this_o sameness_n of_o practice_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o any_o mutual_a correspondence_n or_o intelligence_n hold_v by_o they_o 3._o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o make_v it_o impossible_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o diversity_n of_o language_n may_v have_v hold_v such_o correspondence_n as_o by_o agreement_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o a_o practice_n as_o they_o have_v not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o at_o first_o by_o some_o innovator_n yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a it_o shall_v steal_v into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o where_o without_o some_o know_a opposition_n from_o some_o good_a man_n or_o other_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v apostolical_a we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o office_n and_o out_o of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o innovation_n as_o this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o innovation_n without_o such_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o some_o author_n or_o other_o who_o live_v in_o or_o near_o such_o time_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n since_o than_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o practice_n short_a of_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o it_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o christian_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o have_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n have_v yet_o all_o along_o agree_v in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o very_a few_o only_o except_v and_o those_o chief_o or_o rather_o only_o as_o have_v appear_v since_o luther_n day_n or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n practise_v record_v in_o scripture_n of_o their_o baptise_v whole_a household_n give_v we_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o their_o do_v so_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o all_o church_n first_o plant_v by_o they_o and_o in_o those_o succeed_v they_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o remain_v little_a reason_n for_o any_o impartial_a man_n to_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v practice_v infant_n baptism_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n query_n vi._n whither_o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o query_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o matter_n discuss_v in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o that_o union_n and_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o they_o become_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o he_o with_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o little_a child_n be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a with_o intent_n thereby_o so_o to_o oblige_v they_o then_o i_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o demand_v of_o the_o parent_n
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the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o in_o point_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a may_v yet_o in_o some_o sort_n real_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v touch_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n yea_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o suffering_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o these_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v and_o undissemble_o profess_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o profess_a infidel_n do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
as_o they_o own_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n according_a to_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v great_a guilt_n upon_o they_o this_o still_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o though_o the_o immorality_n of_o this_o people_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v such_o in_o other_o respect_n as_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v in_o covenant_v and_o in_o a_o partial_a performance_n of_o covenant_n can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yet_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o partial_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o a_o worship_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n do_v denominate_v they_o in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a respect_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o by_o the_o way_n then_o if_o those_o of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v style_v saint_n a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o other_o account_n and_o in_o other_o respect_n than_o their_o be_v real_o and_o inherent_o holy_a as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v by_o inspire_a man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o style_v they_o saint_n the_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o same_o epithet_n and_o appellation_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a in_o both_o they_o signify_v a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o pagan_a unbelieve_a world_n unto_o god_n among_o who_o some_o be_v more_o so_o and_o some_o less_o some_o by_o external_a covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o some_o by_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n i_o the_o rather_o note_v this_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o because_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o st._n paul_n still_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v saint_n for_o the_o prove_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o sanctify_a be_v church-matter_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o church-member_n except_o when_o it_o be_v do_v through_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o have_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n how_o thing_n stand_v relate_v touch_v visible_a church-membership_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v declare_v touch_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a and_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o person_n adult_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n visible_a church-member_n unless_o they_o be_v reputative_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o become_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n by_o their_o voluntary_a covenant_v by_o baptism_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o they_o to_o denominate_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v and_o to_o hope_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n when_o they_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o too_o god_n but_o whether_o their_o due_a admission_n thereto_o do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o admit_v they_o or_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v be_v refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o desire_v it_o in_o case_n those_o who_o office_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v man_n thereto_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o save_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n or_o thus_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v require_v by_o way_n of_o condition_n without_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a for_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o for_o other_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o suspect_v he_o will_v do_v it_o with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v short_a of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o to_o have_v a_o evil_a design_n in_o desire_v it_o to_o betray_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o enemy_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o suspicion_n its_o probable_a the_o disciple_n refuse_v saul_n join_v with_o they_o after_o his_o conversion_n though_o he_o desire_v it_o until_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a satisfaction_n concern_v he_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o as_o have_v only_o some_o general_n and_o in_o distinct_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v desire_v admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o that_o way_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o thorough_a save_a work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v be_v preparatory_a and_o dispository_n thereto_o but_o yet_o have_v something_o though_o not_o all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o who_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o dissemble_v know_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v saving_o regenerate_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v unregenerate_a man_n receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o such_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v as_o well_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o regenerate_v i_o shall_v offer_v several_a thing_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o first_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o proof_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a by_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o qualification_n enjoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o do_v so_o when_o all_o the_o male_n at_o age_n in_o abraham_n house_n be_v command_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o male-stranger_n buy_v with_o their_o money_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o when_o the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v require_v to_o circumcise_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o male_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n enjoin_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o so_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n also_o command_v joshua_n to_o circumcise_v all_o the_o hebrew_n male_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v a_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o without_o any_o condition_n of_o such_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a nay_o almighty_a god_n at_o another_o time_n command_v all_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o their_o camp_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o into_o his_o oath_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o command_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a also_o and_o without_o condition_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n require_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o do_v already_o true_o fear_v he_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o forbear_v no_o
of_o their_o be_v already_o qualify_v with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a man_n by_o baptism_n itself_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n external_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o to_o new_a enjoyment_n also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v our_o saviour_n call_v baptism_n a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n as_o a_o birth_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n of_o he_o with_o nicodemus_n about_o baptism_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o jew_n custom_n of_o receive_v proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o circumcision_n who_o do_v reckon_v they_o be_v thereby_o bear_v again_o as_o it_o be_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n as_o be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o although_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o yet_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o bear_v when_o they_o be_v baptise_a but_o most_o of_o they_o afterward_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a again_o another_o scripture_n be_v act._n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v argue_v hence_o that_o since_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n alone_o without_o repentance_n here_o require_v with_o it_o will_v not_o avail_v for_o the_o obtain_v such_o remission_n that_o therefore_o a_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n always_o suppose_v repentance_n in_o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a answer_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v hence_o be_v that_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n and_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n be_v direct_v to_o and_o enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o that_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v available_a to_o this_o end_n be_v enjoin_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v baptise_a and_o by_o that_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o the_o adult_n a_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v always_o require_v before_o baptism_n but_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n alone_o avail_v not_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o the_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o future_a will_v prove_v be_v uncertain_a to_o those_o who_o receive_v person_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v receive_v such_o raw_a disciple_n to_o baptism_n as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o this_o counsel_n be_v here_o give_v upon_o like_a term_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n receive_v the_o multitude_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o for_o baptism_n and_o they_o be_v baptise_a confess_v their_o sin_n they_o confess_v themselves_o such_o sinner_n as_o need_v amendment_n and_o profess_a sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v and_o by_o receive_v baptism_n engage_v themselves_o to_o amend_v for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o according_o he_o be_v say_v to_o baptise_v they_o unto_o repentance_n mat._n 3.11_o but_o very_o many_o of_o they_o fall_v short_a afterward_o of_o perform_v their_o engagement_n john_n 5.35_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n as_o save_v be_v not_o inseparable_a in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o a_o man_n do_v effectual_o repent_v though_o it_o be_v not_o till_o long_o after_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o his_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n will_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v save_v be_v not_o of_o necessity_n before_o baptism_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v infer_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v man_n visible_a church-membership_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o credibility_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a as_o that_o it_o will_v much_o rather_o prove_v the_o direct_a contrary_n viz._n that_o the_o credibility_n of_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a for_o it_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o in_o this_o matter_n can_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v first_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a by_o baptism_n for_o we_o see_v man_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o repent_v to_o obtain_v it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v be_v elsewhere_o make_v unto_o a_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16.16_o and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o man_n can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o through_o his_o own_o default_n be_v not_o baptise_a by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n without_o this_o than_o he_o can_v be_v due_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o invisible_a church-state_n because_o there_o be_v none_o in_o that_o church-state_n but_o what_o be_v pardon_v if_o any_o shall_v allege_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o infer_v that_o none_o be_v by_o baptism_n or_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v new_a creature_n the_o answer_n to_o they_o be_v this_o if_o by_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n be_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o be_v in_o he_o as_o be_v save_v than_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o true_o regenerate_v but_o then_o that_o be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o present_a inquiry_n but_o if_o you_o read_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o margin_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n than_o this_o text_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o if_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v new_a creature_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o covenant-ingagement_n when_o they_o be_v plant_v into_o he_o by_o baptism_n act._n 2.37_o it_o be_v likewise_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n such_o as_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v requy_v as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n and_o visible_a church-membership_n for_o when_o the_o eunuch_n say_v to_o philip_n here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptise_a philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o philip_n seem_v to_o make_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o admit_v the_o eunuch_n to_o baptism_n and_o what_o less_o can_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v than_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n such_o as_o philip_n be_v do_v indeed_o suppose_v and_o expect_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o they_o baptise_a into_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v nor_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o press_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v very_o hearty_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o undertake_n the_o christian_a profession_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o into_o it_o and_o so_o do_v philip_n here_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o for_o all_o that_o philip_z baptise_a this_o eunuch_n upon_o his_o bare_a profess_v that_o he_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o
i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o great_a or_o lesser_a voluntary_a association_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o seem_v very_o inconsiderable_a because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n then_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o necessity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a not_o but_o that_o they_o long_v for_o and_o pray_v for_o such_o king_n as_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o at_o last_o they_o obtain_v it_o in_o constantine_n a_o christian_a cesar_n who_o use_v that_o power_n of_o he_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o more_o commodious_a and_o orderly_o carry_v on_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o existent_a in_o the_o empire_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n express_v themselves_o thus_o upon_o that_o occasion_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n as_o i_o show_v before_o rev._n 12.10_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n for_o man_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o new_a testament_n time_n consider_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n nation_n reform_v from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n be_v style_v god_n kingdom_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n style_v the_o same_o people_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n sometime_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o call_v a_o christian_a nation_n a_o church_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v it_o a_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n style_v so_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o popery_n be_v before_o such_o reformation_n be_v make_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o much_o of_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v then_o own_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v indict_v we_o see_v style_v they_o so_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o then_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o own_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o same_o creed_n which_o the_o reform_a churches_n themselves_o use_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n style_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n when_o as_o under_o their_o reform_a state_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n like_a as_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n esteem_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n but_o as_o ethiopian_n unto_o he_o amos_n 9.7_o and_o tell_v they_o by_o another_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n hos_n 1.10_o for_o though_o they_o have_v his_o ordinance_n among_o they_o and_o boast_v of_o their_o temple-worship_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n jer._n 7._o they_o divide_v their_o worship_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o baal_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o 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
case_n much_o rather_o than_o those_o which_o tend_v to_o aggravate_v a_o matter_n charity_n think_v not_o evil_a be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v charitable_a man_n have_v hold_v of_o other_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o fly_v out_o unless_o of_o very_o bad_a mind_n and_o ill_a temper_n the_o truth_n be_v charity_n be_v that_o to_o catholic_n communion_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o that_o preserve_v it_o in_o a_o healthful_a condition_n but_o so_o far_o as_o charity_n be_v want_v in_o communion_n so_o far_o that_o communion_n be_v sickly_a and_o languish_a and_o void_a of_o its_o true_a spirit_n and_o life_n 2._o the_o other_o bond_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v up_o together_o in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o we_o see_v peace_n be_v the_o bond_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v keep_v now_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o practice_n which_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o observe_v in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n and_o love_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n use_v the_o same_o worship_n and_o have_v the_o same_o love_n to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v when_o st._n paul_n beseech_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o will_v all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o ready_o understand_v his_o exhortation_n to_o refer_v to_o these_o great_a article_n of_o christianity_n the_o like_a we_o have_v in_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o save_o that_o love_n be_v there_o particular_o instance_a in_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v communion_n or_o their_o unity_n in_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v we_o see_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o preserve_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n now_o this_o peace_n consist_v chief_o in_o christian_n avoid_v difference_n among_o themselves_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o if_o difference_n do_v arise_v than_o this_o peace_n consist_v in_o such_o gentleness_n moderation_n and_o calmness_n of_o behaviour_n in_o christian_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o by_o reason_n whereof_o their_o christian_a converse_n be_v not_o interrupt_v nor_o their_o communion_n disturb_v their_o difference_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o christian_n about_o lesser_a thing_n not_o essential_a to_o communion_n especial_o concern_v such_o circumstantial_a matter_n as_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a in_o scripture_n except_o only_o by_o general_a rule_n for_o consider_v that_o more_o christian_n be_v weak_a than_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o less_o spiritual_a both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o more_o unmortified_a in_o self-will_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v difference_n among_o christian_n but_o yet_o if_o the_o great_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o slight_a and_o despise_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o prejudice_n of_o education_n nor_o violent_o oppose_v they_o but_o patient_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o wise_o insinuate_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n those_o thing_n which_o may_v help_v they_o and_o by_o condescension_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o they_o for_o their_o good_a so_o far_o as_o innocent_o they_o can_v peace_n may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o differ_v in_o many_o thing_n not_o but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v when_o the_o best_a man_n have_v do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o for_o this_o will_v fall_v out_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v those_o among_o christian_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v unmortified_a but_o i_o be_o show_v how_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o mind_n and_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n and_o that_o they_o may_v converse_v very_o love_o together_o where_o unmortified_a lust_n and_o passion_n do_v not_o prevail_v notwithstanding_o such_o difference_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a carriage_n of_o good_a man_n towards_o those_o that_o differ_v will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o if_o not_o present_o to_o reconcile_v they_o in_o opinion_n yet_o to_o charm_v they_o into_o a_o peaceable_a demeanour_n if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n of_o ill_a temper_n god_n himself_o make_v allowance_n unto_o man_n that_o differ_v conscientious_o about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o not_o out_o of_o affectation_n though_o they_o err_v in_o judgement_n so_o long_o as_o their_o error_n proceed_v not_o from_o a_o corrupt_a will_n or_o pride_n of_o mind_n rom._n 14._o and_o good_a man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n will_v do_v so_o too_o and_o such_o difference_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n about_o circumstantial_a matter_n in_o religion_n that_o break_v peace_n destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o man_n unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o pride_n envy_n and_o ill_a will_n which_o take_v the_o advantage_n thence_o to_o vent_v themselves_o against_o one_o another_o in_o irregular_a practice_n from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o brawling_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n jam._n 4.1_o though_o christian_n then_o may_v differ_v in_o opinion_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n so_o as_o that_o peace_n be_v not_o break_v by_o any_o irregular_a or_o troublesome_a behaviour_n their_o communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o fellowship_n or_o mutual_a love_n can_v suffer_v much_o by_o such_o difference_n for_o peace_n and_o charity_n support_v each_o other_o and_o propagate_v each_o other_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v very_o well_o therefore_o couple_v they_o together_o in_o his_o exhortation_n col._n 3.14_o 15._o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n the_o peace_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o body_n be_v peaceable_a live_n one_o with_o another_o 3._o beside_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o peaceable_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o the_o government_n in_o it_o both_o which_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o comfortable_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o christian_n unanimity_n in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o which_o moderation_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n as_o namely_o that_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n therein_o be_v make_v as_o easy_a as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o public_a edification_n and_o comely_a order_n for_o when_o they_o be_v so_o man_n will_v have_v no_o tolerable_a pretence_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n therein_o but_o otherwise_o some_o
or_o their_o do_n more_o to_o accomplish_v it_o than_o the_o law_n or_o government_n under_o which_o they_o be_v allow_v they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o seditious_a i_o conceive_v for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o government_n to_o be_v alter_v in_o a_o regular_a way_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o government_n or_o public_a constitution_n allow_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o two_o bond_n the_o one_o of_o peace_n the_o other_o of_o charity_n be_v break_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o division_n which_o be_v accompany_v either_o with_o faction_n or_o sedition_n nor_o how_o great_a the_o schism_n be_v that_o be_v make_v thereby_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o division_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v without_o much_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o st._n james_n have_v tell_v we_o chap._n 3.16_o 4._o another_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o a_o unjust_a separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o another_o in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n and_o this_o be_v a_o division_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n indeed_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o division_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o if_o such_o a_o division_n be_v unjust_o make_v it_o be_v point_v blank_a contrary_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o man_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o solemn_a worship_n and_o christian_a fellowship_n as_o have_v be_v former_o explain_v by_o such_o a_o division_n the_o church_n peace_n be_v break_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n great_a offence_n be_v thereby_o take_v at_o other_o and_o cause_n of_o offence_n give_v to_o they_o and_o a_o wide_a gap_n open_v for_o debate_n strife_n contention_n and_o confusion_n to_o enter_v in_o to_o a_o dreadful_a destruction_n of_o charity_n the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n without_o which_o faith_n itself_o be_v dead_a and_o all_o other_o religious_a performance_n little_o available_a it_o concern_v we_o great_o therefore_o and_o some_o man_n more_o especial_o very_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n that_o do_v abound_v in_o our_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v unjust_o or_o just_o make_v to_o do_v which_o i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o more_o compendious_a way_n than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o national_a constitution_n about_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o the_o power_n of_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o that_o such_o national_a constitution_n as_o have_v be_v make_v in_o several_a nation_n for_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v so_o far_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o do_v reckon_v and_o esteem_v those_o nation_n his_o kingdom_n upon_o that_o account_n i_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v in_o our_o twelve_o inquiry_n which_o with_o what_o else_o be_v there_o produce_v and_o argue_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o national_a constitution_n i_o take_v to_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o national_a authority_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n now_o when_o ever_o the_o form_n of_o such_o national_a constitution_n be_v undertake_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o do_v belong_v they_o must_v needs_o find_v that_o though_o the_o essential_o and_o substance_n of_o all_o divine_a worship_n be_v express_o and_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n and_o accident_n of_o worship_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o be_v not_o otherwise_o determine_v in_o scripture_n than_o by_o general_a rule_n as_o that_o edification_n order_n and_o decency_n be_v always_o observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o particular_o determine_v and_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o be_v those_o i_o instance_a in_o in_o another_o of_o our_o inquiry_n concern_v prayer_n though_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o scripture_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o where_o limit_v to_o pray_v with_o a_o set_a form_n nor_o without_o one_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v book-prayer_n to_o kneel_v or_o to_o stand_v in_o pray_v nor_o direct_v whether_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n there_o shall_v be_v several_a distinct_a and_o short_a prayer_n use_v for_o several_a thing_n or_o whether_o all_o prayer_n matter_n fit_a for_o a_o public_a assembly_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o one_o or_o more_o long_a prayer_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v touch_v several_a external_a circumstance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n it_o will_v necessary_o fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o form_n a_o public_a constitution_n for_o worship_n which_o of_o these_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o edisication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o decency_n and_o order_n whether_o to_o leave_v all_o aside_o termine_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o every_o one_o choice_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n or_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o choose_v for_o they_o and_o to_o determine_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n what_o shall_v be_v observe_v suppose_v we_o then_o that_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n and_o consultation_n they_o come_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o to_o leave_v all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o such_o undetermined_a circumstance_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n will_v tend_v to_o great_a division_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o general_a liberty_n and_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v one_o oppose_v another_o in_o their_o different_a way_n and_o make_v of_o party_n one_o against_o another_o to_o endless_a branglement_n and_o to_o the_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o suppose_v also_o that_o upon_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o they_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n to_o determine_v all_o undetermined_a circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n by_o the_o use_n of_o a_o liturgy_n except_o only_o what_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o that_o which_o tend_v most_o in_o their_o judgement_n to_o peace_n unity_n edification_n order_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o general_n they_o will_v necessary_o be_v lead_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v they_o govern_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understanding_n by_o those_o general_a rule_n which_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n order_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o and_o bring_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a issue_n they_o can_v yet_o consider_v that_o all_o man_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v fallible_a it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o circumstance_n or_o mode_n of_o administration_n of_o worship_n will_v have_v better_o and_o more_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o general_a rule_n than_o those_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o but_o yet_o if_o their_o fail_n and_o and_o mistake_v therein_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o some_o less_o useful_a circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n there_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separate_n from_o communion_n in_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n for_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v every_o lord_n day_n perform_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n according_a to_o our_o liturgy_n be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n against_o it_o if_o they_o will_v justify_v their_o separation_n from_o it_o either_o first_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v corrupt_a in_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o second_o that_o the_o fault_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o external_n manner_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o and_o
but_o quaker_n there_o be_v other_o who_o frame_n to_o themselves_o other_o reason_n of_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n in_o worship_n beside_o its_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n as_o namely_o because_o those_o congregation_n be_v not_o as_o they_o pretend_v constitute_v of_o visible_a saint_n nor_o by_o a_o church_n covenant_n who_o these_o be_v be_v well_o know_v for_o who_o sake_n several_a of_o my_o former_a inquiry_n be_v make_v in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n produce_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o may_v i_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n if_o not_o their_o prejudice_n touch_v their_o mistake_n in_o these_o opinion_n as_o for_o their_o exception_n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n as_o diocesan_n how_o they_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a congregation_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n unlawful_a upon_o that_o account_n i_o understand_v not_o unless_o they_o think_v the_o minister_n of_o those_o congregation_n by_o who_o the_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n because_o episcopal_o ordain_v and_o not_o by_o presbyter_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o scruple_n they_o may_v easy_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o consider_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v presbyter_n before_o they_o be_v bishop_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o remain_v so_o after_o for_o they_o be_v not_o devest_v of_o any_o ministerial_a power_n or_o authority_n by_o be_v make_v bishop_n but_o only_o invest_v with_o a_o superaddition_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n they_o have_v not_o before_o so_o that_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o presbyterial_a authority_n and_o more_o and_o with_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n satisfy_v themselves_o touch_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n receive_v by_o ordination_n from_o the_o bishop_n that_o then_o be_v some_o again_o dislike_v parochial_a communion_n because_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n relate_v to_o it_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o for_o that_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o leave_v whole_o to_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o long_o after_o but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v now_o as_o there_o be_v why_o they_o be_v so_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v then_o to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a power_n as_o christian_a then_o in_o be_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o promote_v christianity_n better_o any_o other_o way_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o for_o it_o be_v show_v in_o our_o last_o former_a inquiry_n but_o one_o that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n or_o state_n may_v better_o be_v provide_v for_o and_o promote_v by_o a_o national_a constitution_n than_o they_o can_v be_v without_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o in_o a_o pagan_a kingdom_n when_o we_o be_v not_o for_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v alter_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o suitable_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o the_o gesture_n of_o stand_v with_o loin_n gird_v and_o a_o staff_n in_o the_o hand_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o eat_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v eat_v in_o haste_n be_v afterward_o alter_v to_o another_o gesture_n by_o the_o church_n when_o that_o circumstance_n of_o eat_v in_o haste_n cease_v and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v eat_v it_o in_o that_o posture_n to_o which_o the_o church_n have_v change_v it_o which_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o some_o other_o case_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n cease_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n when_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v which_o have_v be_v prefigure_v by_o ceremonial_a rite_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v touch_v the_o discontinuance_n and_o disuse_n of_o anoint_v the_o sick_a wash_v disciple_n foot_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v oblige_v until_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n cease_v but_o although_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v concern_v itself_o by_o a_o national_a constitution_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o this_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v officer_n and_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a in_o order_v and_o direct_v by_o ecclesiastical_a advice_n and_o assistance_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o act_v any_o thing_n themselves_o peculiar_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o leave_v all_o such_o thing_n whole_o to_o they_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o ministerial_a authority_n reserve_v only_o to_o themselves_o a_o power_n os_fw-la restrain_v such_o man_n from_o a_o undue_a exercise_n of_o their_o office_n tend_v to_o public_a disturbance_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o dissenter_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o parochial_a assemble_v and_o that_o their_o pretence_n for_o their_o do_v so_o when_o narrow_o look_v into_o be_v find_v to_o have_v nothing_o of_o substance_n in_o they_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o allegation_n and_o reason_n i_o can_v discern_v how_o their_o separation_n can_v possible_o be_v defend_v from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v upon_o many_o account_v great_a reason_n to_o desist_v from_o engage_v far_o in_o it_o query_n xv._o svpposing_a thing_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o our_o former_a inquiry_n yet_o how_o do_v they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church_n division_n the_o answer_n to_o which_o be_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o inquiry_n be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v than_o they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church-division_n by_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o they_o and_o our_o church-separation_n be_v in_o great_a part_n at_o least_o build_v for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o one_o of_o the_o different_a party_n among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n except_o those_o call_v presbyterian_a who_o do_v not_o find_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o parish_n church_n at_o least_o principal_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o because_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o constitute_v ol_n gospel_n matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n but_o of_o such_o as_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v never_o due_o repute_v to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o their_o meaning_n be_v as_o i_o collect_v both_o from_o their_o write_n and_o converse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o nor_o since_o constitute_v of_o such_o particular_a member_n only_o as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o such_o their_o constitution_n have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n but_o of_o all_o baptize_v person_n however_o they_o prove_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o without_o any_o other_o probation_n or_o discrimination_n now_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o former_a inquiry_n then_o this_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o separation_n be_v altogether_o unsound_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o firmness_n or_o substance_n in_o it_o but_o be_v only_o imaginary_a for_o our_o parish_n congregation_n be_v constitute_v of_o person_n visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o name_n and_o thereby_o engage_v to_o be_v they_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v and_o this_o covenant_n be_v then_o and_o so_o be_v now_o the_o visible_a formal_a difference_n between_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a
church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o world_n all_o under_o this_o character_n and_o badge_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o that_o relation_n visible_a church-membership_a all_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v visible_o christian_n and_o of_o christ_n church_n how_o ancient_a and_o how_o long_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o way_n of_o constitute_v visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o god_n appoint_v i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o if_o this_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o by_o which_o person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o reputation_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o visible_a church_n member_n though_o it_o do_v qualify_v they_o for_o it_o unless_o this_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o those_o of_o which_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v constitute_v have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o those_o dissenter_n own_o mind_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o constitutute_v of_o qualify_a matter_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o this_o issue_n that_o these_o dissenter_n must_v either_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o prove_v that_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v make_v or_o else_o it_o will_v certain_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n of_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o they_o they_o must_v row_v all_o the_o way_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o strong_a tide_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o who_o always_o esteem_v baptism_n the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v pass_v through_o baptism_n be_v within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a without_o be_v first_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a proceed_v from_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o as_o touch_v man_n entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a act_v 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o mar._n 16.16_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n man_n being_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o their_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v ordinary_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n now_o one_o will_v think_v a_o notion_n so_o preposterous_a as_o this_o oppose_v appear_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v very_o unfit_a to_o make_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v church_n upon_o or_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o those_o which_o have_v a_o substantial_a foundation_n the_o scripture_n i_o mean_v but_o if_o man_n seem_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a yet_o such_o seem_a can_v be_v no_o proper_a or_o fit_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n determine_v and_o conclude_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v arbitrarious_fw-la and_o uncertain_a for_o man_n be_v or_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n and_o those_o will_v seem_v in_o some_o man_n apprehension_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o to_o other_o will_v seem_v otherwise_o and_o then_o those_o will_v be_v own_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o will_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a 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misrepresent_v that_o method_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o my_o inquiry_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v wrong_a measure_n and_o unless_o very_o much_o mistake_v their_o communion_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n if_o take_v altogether_o and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v must_v needs_o be_v far_o more_o impure_a than_o the_o parochial_a communion_n they_o have_v withdraw_v from_o there_o be_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o well_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a and_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o run_v into_o the_o one_o by_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a reformation_n be_v through_o mistake_v zeal_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o a_o extreme_a on_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o into_o one_o on_o the_o left_a and_o in_o fly_v from_o babylon_n to_o run_v beyond_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n of_o do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n by_o over_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v by_o under-doing_a and_o both_o extreme_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v the_o new_a england_n minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_n former_o mention_v do_v say_v we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straiten_v and_o narrow_n the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n in_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v pareus_n on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o they_o which_o be_v for_o too_o much_o straitness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n the_o church_n so_o much_o they_o p._n 45._o thus_o the_o mistake_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n of_o old_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a communion_n as_o be_v think_v or_o pretend_v put_v they_o upon_o 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and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v good_a man_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o foment_n division_n contention_n feud_n envy_n strife_n and_o undue_a censuring_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o sickly_a state_n and_o such_o as_o threaten_v her_o spiritual_a life_n beside_o the_o encouragement_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o plot_n and_o attempt_v against_o we_o and_o thus_o over_n be_v indeed_o undo_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o a_o discourse_n against_o overmuch_o strictness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v strict_a towards_o himself_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o his_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a towards_o other_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o christian_a professor_n a_o man_n can_v well_o be_v too_o strict_a in_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n word_n and_o way_n in_o govern_v his_o appetite_n thought_n and_o passion_n tongue_n and_o action_n nor_o do_v this_o kind_n of_o strictness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o purity_n of_o communicant_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o no_o carnal_a christian_n have_v any_o share_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o or_o rather_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a attention_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v good_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o the_o worse_o nor_o do_v fare_v the_o worse_o for_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o less_o avail_n good_a man_n that_o with_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o mind_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o though_o unregenerate_a man_n participate_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o when_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n capital_a offender_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o less_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a by_o such_o man_n share_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o shame_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o that_o dishonour_n which_o otherwise_o will_v stick_v upon_o it_o for_o tolerate_v such_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o and_o partly_o also_o for_o admonition_n to_o other_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o taint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v less_o wary_a by_o their_o ill_a example_n and_o familiar_a converse_n but_o otherwise_o bad_a man_n share_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o good_a man_n in_o grace_n or_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a bad_a man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a by_o their_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o as_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n for_o capital_a crime_n though_o not_o regenerate_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n be_v once_o receive_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o their_o conversion_n i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n no_o good_a man_n shall_v envy_v or_o grudge_v they_o this_o benefit_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o conversion_n and_o they_o especial_o shall_v not_o who_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o general_a communion_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n therein_o afford_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v man_n in_o model_v this_o new_a church_n way_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o many_o other_o for_o their_o congregation_n at_o the_o first_o and_o long_o after_o consist_v scarce_o of_o any_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v before_o their_o incorporate_n and_o associate_a in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o therein_o enjoy_v make_v such_o as_o they_o then_o be_v they_o may_v without_o doubt_n have_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o growth_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v afterward_o and_o i_o think_v much_o more_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o diligent_o and_o careful_o improve_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o they_o have_v acquire_v what_o they_o have_v then_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o those_o who_o with_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o mind_n attend_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o as_o well_o when_o unregenerate_a man_n share_v in_o they_o as_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o great_a piety_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o
nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o such_o a_o ministry_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o proper_o be_v a_o church_n without_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n st._n paul_n mention_n ephes_n 4.11.12_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o join_v they_o together_o or_o for_o the_o make_v they_o up_o or_o for_o the_o compact_n or_o knit_v they_o together_o for_o thus_o various_o be_v that_o word_n render_v by_o expositor_n but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o knit_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o their_o several_a public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o edification_n and_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v so_o call_v from_o several_a christian_n assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n their_o union_n wherein_o be_v make_v by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n in_o his_o ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n