he_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o upon_o like_a term_n we_o may_v suppose_v he_o have_v baptise_a simon_n magus_n a_o little_a before_o vers_n 13._o concern_v who_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o he_o say_v he_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v here_o of_o the_o eunuch_n but_o that_o he_o do_v indeed_o believe_v then_o simon_n himself_o also_o believe_v say_v the_o text._n and_o so_o do_v those_o mention_v john_n 2.23_o and_o so_o do_v those_o who_o be_v liken_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n for_o they_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n but_o after_o fall_v away_o luk._n â—_o 13_o and_o many_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n also_o believe_v on_o christ_n who_o yet_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o john_n 12.42_o so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o do_v not_o always_o and_o necessary_o imply_v a_o save_a faith_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n or_o a_o invisible_a church-state_n man_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_a who_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v be_v regenerate_v by_o their_o believe_v or_o in_o the_o invisible_a church-state_n as_o simon_n magus_n for_o instance_n and_o yet_o such_o believe_a or_o profess_v to_o believe_v qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n and_o when_o philip_n here_o require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n a_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v baptise_a we_o can_v reasonable_o think_v that_o he_o mean_v more_o thereby_o if_o he_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o his_o be_v baptise_a than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v serious_a and_o real_a in_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o dissemble_v for_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o think_v the_o eunuch_n be_v then_o capable_a of_o know_v concern_v himself_n and_o therefore_o no_o more_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o but_o then_o such_o a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v no_o argument_n from_o which_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o therefore_o either_o he_o or_o any_o other_o in_o he_o or_o low_a circumstance_n that_o do_v so_o believe_v be_v therefore_o save_o regenerate_v for_o it_o may_v very_o rational_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o general_o who_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v baptise_a though_o many_o of_o they_o unregenerate_a yet_o do_v real_o believe_v in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v dissemble_v when_o they_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v baptise_a and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n when_o yet_o as_o the_o time_n be_v then_o they_o can_v have_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n in_o prospect_n as_o a_o motive_n for_o they_o to_o dissemble_v and_o to_o profess_v and_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v what_o they_o know_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o such_o a_o believe_v as_o be_v real_a and_o not_o dissemble_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o nor_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n or_o sincerity_n in_o a_o moral_a sense_n will_v be_v yet_o render_v the_o more_o credible_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o a_o case_n not_o much_o unlike_o this_o under_o consideration_n it_o be_v say_v of_o all_o juda_n and_o berjamin_n and_o of_o the_o stranger_n out_o of_o ephraim_n manasseth_n and_o simeon_n that_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o a_o oath_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n 2_o chron._n 15.12_o and_o it_o be_v say_v again_o at_o the_o 15_o vers_fw-la that_o all_o juda_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n now_o this_o covenant_n and_o oath_n enter_v into_o be_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o worship_v of_o strange_a god_n in_o which_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v tardy_a till_o asa_n the_o king_n set_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o we_o may_v see_v chap._n 14.3_o and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o juda_n do_v thus_o covenant_n and_o swear_v with_o all_o then_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n import_v no_o more_o in_o recerence_n to_o many_o of_o they_o than_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o do_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v real_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o mind_n concur_v with_o their_o verbal_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n for_o no_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v that_o this_o covenant_v by_o all_o the_o man_n of_o juda_n without_o limitation_n or_o exception_n can_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o regenerate_v or_o spiritual_a life_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o or_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o say_v to_o do_v it_o and_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o if_o not_o than_o the_o covenant_v with_o sll_a the_o heart_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o do_v it_o real_o and_o without_o dissemble_v the_o matter_n i_o allege_v all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o man_n may_v do_v thing_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n in_o religion_n when_o yet_o what_o they_o so_o do_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o if_o they_o may_v than_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o though_o philip_n shall_v be_v understand_v to_o require_v a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o conditional_a qualification_n for_o baptism_n that_o therefore_o he_o require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o by_o which_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v regenerate_v before_o he_o may_v due_o desire_v baptism_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o such_o raw_a disciple_n as_o be_v general_o baptise_a and_o of_o such_o short_a stand_v as_o to_o be_v baptise_a the_o same_o day_n and_o sometime_o near_o the_o same_o hour_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v able_a to_o know_v before_o they_o be_v baptise_a that_o they_o do_v indeed_o save_o believe_v and_o if_o not_o it_o can_v not_o be_v reasonable_a to_o require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n concern_v themselves_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o desire_v or_o require_v baptism_n man_n may_v easy_o know_v their_o own_o mind_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o so_o may_v be_v able_a to_o profess_v without_o dissimulation_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v when_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v so_o but_o because_o many_o that_o do_v in_o those_o time_n and_o do_v in_o these_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o send_v of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o then_o nor_o be_v now_o true_o renew_v by_o it_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o satisfy_v himself_o touch_v the_o soundness_n and_o savingness_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o by_o some_o competent_a time_n of_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o by_o its_o effect_n in_o purify_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o work_v by_o love_n we_o understand_v by_o st._n james_n and_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o know_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v yet_o undue_o promise_v themselves_o justification_n and_o salvation_n from_o such_o their_o believe_v when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o such_o work_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o by_o which_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o many_o such_o there_o be_v as_o be_v just_o to_o be_v fear_v now_o in_o our_o day_n these_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o deceive_v their_o own_o heart_n as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o but_o not_o in_o think_v they_o do_v believe_v for_o they_o know_v they_o do_v but_o in_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a and_o barren_a say_v not_o produce_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o conversation_n now_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o believe_a jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o messiah_n or_o he_o by_o who_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o a_o undissembled_a profession_n of_o this_o belief_n that_o qualify_v man_n for_o baptism_n however_o it_o prove_v afterward_o as_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o in_o operation_n and_o this_o real_a
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
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
undissembled_a belief_n be_v that_o i_o doubt_v not_o which_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o the_o eunuch_n answer_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v baptise_a by_o philip_n do_v intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o only_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o this_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v due_o infer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o give_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o inquiry_n oppose_v there_o be_v objection_n or_o plea_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o which_o be_v well_o answer_v by_o mr._n thomas_n lamb_n as_o some_o of_o these_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o also_o be_v in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o independency_n and_o thus_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o other_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o so_o in_o god_n account_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o almighty_a god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v account_v and_o ow_v such_o to_o be_v his_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o or_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o if_o god_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o such_o then_o so_o must_v his_o servant_n likewise_o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n account_v they_o such_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o do_v so_o too_o who_o profess_v to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n after_o that_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v thing_n thus_o let_v not_o any_o man_n now_o say_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o confound_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o this_o will_v but_o reflect_v after_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o number_v bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o external_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o worshipper_n of_o he_o secret_n hypocrite_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o visible_o such_o and_o yet_o none_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o such_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o count_v this_o a_o confound_a god_n kingdom_n with_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o visible_a and_o invisible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o god_n have_v he_o but_o those_o hypocrite_n whether_o secret_a or_o more_o open_a which_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v not_o of_o his_o visible_a but_o of_o his_o invisible_a kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o seek_v to_o establish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o confound_v god_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o devil_n visible_a kingdom_n one_o with_o another_o much_o less_o their_o invisible_a kingdom_n for_o those_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o profess_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o son_n and_o only_a mediator_n though_o otherwise_o bad_a but_o such_o as_o worship_v idol_n other_o god_n and_o other_o mediator_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n worship_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o such_o worship_n those_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n count_v of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n or_o dominion_n in_o which_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n idol-worship_n and_o the_o rite_n of_o that_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v count_v god_n kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o public_a authority_n own_a and_o establish_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o when_o idol_n worship_n be_v put_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o several_a territory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n to_o be_v come_v rev._n 12.9_o 10._o and_o again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n when_o idol-worship_n which_o be_v devilish_a worship_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o kingdom_n revel_v 11.15_o not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o carnal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o though_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v own_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o government_n or_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o be_v account_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o devil_n however_o many_o of_o those_o inhabitant_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o those_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o our_o saviour_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.12_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o query_n ix_o whither_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a that_o such_o have_v right_a to_o they_o before_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o they_o by_o church-censure_n those_o will_v grant_v who_o yet_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o by_o god_n allowance_n but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o right_n by_o god_n allowance_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o we_o now_o suppose_v we_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o our_o former_a enquiry_n viz._n that_o god_n himself_o do_v own_o very_a many_o such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o invisible_a than_o it_o will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o do_v allow_v they_o a_o share_n in_o the_o external_a and_o temporary_a privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n except_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v a_o exception_n for_o otherwise_o god_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o privilege_n of_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o relation_n itself_o extend_v for_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o relation_n go_v together_o except_o in_o case_n of_o forfeiture_n by_o miscarriage_n the_o union_n of_o part_n do_v of_o itself_o infer_v right_a to_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a the_o right_a of_o those_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o visible_a church-priviledge_n do_v arise_v i_o conceive_v from_o that_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o in_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n on_o that_o condition_n now_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v covenant_n with_o god_n in_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o so_o far_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v so_o he_o allow_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v a_o share_n in_o his_o household_n fare_n and_o in_o the_o provision_n for_o his_o family_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n if_o they_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o own_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o
visible_a church_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a also_o can_v be_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o gift_n and_o such_o common_a grace_n as_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o a_o man_n own_o salvation_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o defend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n against_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o instruct_n other_o in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o it_o be_v but_o insincere_o by_o some_o as_o well_o as_o for_o be_v preach_v in_o truth_n by_o other_o phil._n 1.18_o for_o the_o more_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n among_o man_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n have_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o other_o to_o abet_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o though_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v main_o influence_v therein_o by_o motive_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o interest_n the_o more_o credit_n in_o general_n and_o the_o more_o reputation_n it_o will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o further_a it_o will_v spread_v as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o popery_n have_v have_v man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o of_o interest_n otherwise_o to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o the_o far_o it_o have_v spread_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o other_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o that_o of_o arianism_n when_o time_n be_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o more_o good_a man_n be_v back_v in_o their_o promulge_v sound_a and_o save_a doctrine_n by_o man_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o worship_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a as_o the_o other_o be_v the_o more_o christian_n religion_n gain_v among_o man_n and_o if_o all_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o it_o the_o church_n power_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v quick_o be_v thereby_o exceed_o weaken_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o great_o obstruct_v we_o have_v not_o now_o miracle_n the_o extraordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o unbelieved_n and_o blind_a world_n will_v have_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v now_o the_o more_o need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o visible_a likewise_o but_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a the_o success_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o instrrument_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v but_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o goodness_n that_o if_o that_o be_v but_o sufficient_o discover_v though_o but_o by_o man_n defective_a in_o their_o moral_n it_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o commend_v itself_o very_o much_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o man_n if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n and_o have_v cause_v my_o people_n to_o hear_v my_o word_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n say_v god_n concern_v the_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 23.22_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christian_a parent_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o by_o parent_n too_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o of_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n shall_v count_v when_o he_o write_v up_o the_o people_n that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o psal_n 87.5_o 6._o how_o many_o worthy_a child_n have_v the_o church_n have_v and_o of_o great_a use_n in_o it_o who_o yet_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o parent_n of_o but_o small_a account_n for_o religion_n so_o that_o such_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o true_o religious_a man_n and_o by_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o such_o man_n as_o these_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o chureh_n education_n by_o their_o parent_n be_v deprive_v of_o membership_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o church_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o useful_a member_n as_o these_o prove_v to_o be_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n 3._o another_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o to_o take_v other_o into_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o such_o as_o be_v or_o be_v credible_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a tend_v much_o more_o to_o the_o security_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o exclude_v all_o such_o will_v do_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a over_o and_o beside_o such_o as_o be_v of_o it_o as_o invisible_a those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a will_v be_v in_o much_o more_o danger_n than_o now_o they_o be_v of_o be_v devour_v by_o those_o numerous_a enemy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n flock_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n comparative_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o and_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a that_o of_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o be_v but_o few_o choose_v now_o then_o if_o when_o with_o the_o help_n of_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v far_o the_o great_a number_n those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o subsist_v in_o the_o world_n without_o be_v root_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v what_o can_v we_o think_v will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o ruin_n without_o a_o stand_a miracle_n to_o secure_v they_o if_o those_o who_o be_v but_o only_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v enemy_n also_o to_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a as_o doubtless_o they_o will_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o as_o none_o of_o christ_n church_n on_o earth_n how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o popish_a party_n in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o those_o who_o be_v but_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a or_o how_o unable_a will_v they_o be_v to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o all_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n if_o the_o bulk_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o outward_a form_n and_o profession_n do_v not_o stand_v as_o a_o screen_n between_o they_o and_o those_o enemy_n our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v root_v up_o if_o the_o tare_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v have_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n mat._n 13._o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v hereby_o no_o more_o do_v i_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v a_o bar_n against_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o capital_a offender_n by_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o by_o tare_n its_o probable_a he_o mean_v carnal_a gospeler_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n such_o as_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o pleafure_n of_o this_o life_n choke_v the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o which_o they_o profess_v so_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_o i_o must_v remove_v a_o objection_n which_o otherwise_o lie_v against_o the_o use_n which_o i_o here_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o this_o parable_n make_v nothing_o against_o gather_v
of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o hurt_n of_o man_n soul_n thereby_o and_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o its_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n 3._o although_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n yet_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n by_o law_n to_o attend_v it_o it_o will_v doubtless_o be_v much_o more_o neglect_v by_o many_o than_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o more_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o attend_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o more_o hope_n and_o probability_n there_o be_v of_o their_o be_v saving_o wrought_v upon_o 4._o if_o whosoever_o shall_v pretend_v himself_o qualify_v for_o it_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o congregation_n it_o will_v be_v the_o leave_v open_o a_o door_n of_o opportunity_n to_o seducer_n to_o subvert_v man_n soul_n and_o to_o fill_v a_o nation_n with_o variety_n of_o sect_n and_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o it_o will_v be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v man_n and_o to_o this_o day_n we_o feel_v the_o very_a sad_a effect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o liberty_n sometime_o indulge_v thus_o we_o see_v for_o what_o reason_n true_a religion_n shall_v be_v promote_v by_o national_a authority_n and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o nation_n have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o promote_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v man_n to_o use_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o have_v to_o further_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o indeed_o christian_n of_o all_o pesuasion_n be_v willing_a enough_o to_o have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o exert_v itself_o in_o further_a their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n the_o people_n of_o new_a england_n who_o once_o be_v as_o much_o for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o any_o yet_o soon_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o incorporate_v the_o civil_a power_n with_o the_o ecclesiastic_a for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o as_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n for_o the_o purpose_n aforesaid_a do_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o have_v the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n on_o its_o side_n so_o it_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o countenance_n from_o supernatural_a revelation_n 1._o when_o almighty_a god_n say_v to_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v i_o make_v thou_o gen._n 17._o he_o declare_v his_o intention_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n in_o a_o national_a way_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v afterward_o by_o the_o first_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o his_o performance_n herein_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o as_o of_o other_o divine_a prediction_n by_o the_o after_o event_n which_o answer_v they_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a way_n of_o understand_a prediction_n when_o such_o event_n take_v place_n almighty_a god_n make_v abraham_n first_o a_o father_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o issue_v out_o of_o his_o own_o loin_n for_o when_o his_o posterity_n who_o by_o circumcision_n covenant_v to_o take_v abraham_n god_n only_o for_o their_o god_n grow_v very_o numerous_a in_o egypt_n god_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o open_o and_o public_o in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o by_o his_o visible_a own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n by_o extraordinary_a favour_n show_v they_o he_o design_v to_o make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o to_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v now_o in_o that_o abraham_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o many_o nation_n shall_v descend_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n by_o natural_a generation_n as_o that_o many_o nation_n in_o time_n shall_v after_o his_o example_n come_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o so_o st._n paul_n understand_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n when_o he_o make_v abraham_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n as_o well_o those_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a respect_n and_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n assert_v abraham_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v never_o circumcise_a as_o those_o that_o be_v ver._n 11_o 12._o and_o thus_o god_n make_v abraham_n a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n as_o he_o promise_v he_o will_v and_o a_o father_n of_o nation_n not_o only_o for_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o descend_v from_o he_o for_o so_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o that_o descend_v from_o abraham_n predecessor_n and_o successor_n as_o well_o as_o from_o abraham_n but_o he_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o nation_n by_o be_v make_v by_o god_n the_o head_n the_o beginning_n and_o great_a example_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n and_o other_o consequent_a evil_n so_o as_o his_o progenitor_n be_v not_o to_o encourage_v which_o work_n in_o the_o world_n god_n invest_v abraham_n that_o lead_v the_o way_n herein_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v count_v the_o father_n of_o nation_n and_o a_o public_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o seed_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v design_n far_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n only_o appear_v by_o other_o predicticton_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o that_o isa_n 55.5_o behold_v thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n that_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o chap._n 52.15_o he_o shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n the_o king_n shall_v shut_v their_o mouth_n at_o he_o chap._n 49.23_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o their_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n zech._n 8.22_o many_o people_n and_o strong_a nation_n shall_v come_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n chap._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o man_n visible_a church-membership_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v visible_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o when_o many_o nation_n be_v national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v well_o be_v count_v national_o his_o people_n or_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v then_o national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o nation_n do_v incorporate_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o the_o national_a government_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o christian_a religion_n become_v commodious_o and_o with_o more_o certainty_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o future_a generation_n in_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v for_o the_o time_n be_v by_o that_o which_o be_v existent_a just_a as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v
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
if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o communion_n 3._o catholic_n communion_n consist_v also_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n which_o christian_n give_v to_o and_o receive_v one_o from_o another_o couch_v in_o that_o one_o word_n fellowship_n in_o the_o description_n of_o catholic_n communion_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o our_o version_n be_v here_o translate_a fellowship_n be_v by_o the_o dutch_a in_o their_o version_n translate_v communion_n and_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n it_o signify_v both_o to_o communicate_v and_o to_o participate_v to_o distribute_v and_o to_o receive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n every_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o the_o which_o if_o due_o observe_v by_o all_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o thus_o communicate_v and_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o other_o will_v be_v receive_v back_o again_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o from_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o like_a succour_n service_n and_o assistance_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v as_o they_o themselves_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o serve_v every_o fellow-christian_a so_o according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o and_o this_o give_v and_o receive_v assistance_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v communicate_v with_o he_o phil._n 4.15_o if_o this_o catholic_n communion_n be_v but_o due_o maintain_v among_o all_o christian_n how_o like_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n will_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v even_o now_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o then_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o christian_n thus_o to_o exchange_v office_n of_o love_n with_o one_o another_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o if_o i_o be_o hereby_o bind_v to_o love_v every_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o so_o be_v every_o neighbout_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o love_v i_o as_o they_o love_v themselves_o and_o how_o delightful_a a_o commerce_n will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o hit_v on_o it_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o love_n in_o which_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n do_v consist_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o the_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o the_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a mind_v the_o visit_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a the_o relieve_v one_o another_o want_n the_o bear_n on_o another_o burden_n the_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o like_a together_o with_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o yield_n and_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o enjoy_v communion_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o it_o by_o draw_v on_o themselves_o deserve_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o those_o ordinance_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o little_a child_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o much_o brief_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n commumunion_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v preserve_v there_o be_v two_o bond_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 1_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n 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 col._n 3.14_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v man_n heart_n together_o and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o affection_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n as_o as_o it_o be_v express_v col._n 2.2_o and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v one_o in_o communion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v act_v 4.32_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n charity_n we_o see_v be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o perfect_a state_n in_o her_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n by_o love_n make_v perfect_a in_o one_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o joh._n 17.23_o and_o the_o union_n in_o communion_n which_o be_v make_v by_o love_n be_v union_n in_o its_o perfection_n nothing_o unite_v christian_n so_o entire_o and_o firm_o as_o love_n do_v if_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v this_o love_n and_o union_n by_o love_n will_v last_v there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n in_o the_o oneness_n of_o communion_n until_o there_o be_v first_o a_o failure_n in_o love_n charity_n must_v needs_o unite_v and_o knit_v christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n forementioned_a do_v spring_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o by_o these_o christian_n take_v fast_o hold_v one_o of_o another_o charity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v communicative_a of_o the_o good_a it_o have_v and_o the_o good_a it_o can_v do_v and_o by_o that_o it_o do_v attract_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v charity_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o christian_n inner_a man_n by_o which_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o though_o absent_a love_n be_v of_o a_o win_a nature_n it_o gain_v upon_o other_o that_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n if_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v season_v a_o man_n speech_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o strong_a argument_n when_o mix_v with_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n a_o tongue_n of_o love_n be_v solomon_n tongue_n of_o health_n it_o will_v heal_v wound_n when_o another_o tongue_n do_v but_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v st._n paul_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o do_v all_o their_o thing_n with_o charity_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n upon_o they_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cure_v the_o division_n into_o which_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v again_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n among_o other_o it_o keep_v christian_n from_o fly_v asunder_o and_o divide_v in_o their_o communion_n which_o many_o time_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o very_o small_a matter_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o evil_a mind_n that_o will_v aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o seek_v out_o matter_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o but_o charity_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o spy_v fault_n or_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n nor_o to_o aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n nor_o to_o harbour_v jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n out_o of_o which_o breach_n be_v wont_a to_o grow_v but_o it_o will_v overlook_a man_n weakness_n mistake_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a mind_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o love_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o extenuate_a circumstance_n in_o the_o
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 method_n that_o first_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o way_n reformation_n and_o pure_a communion_n be_v thing_n which_o sound_v mighty_a well_o in_o good_a man_n ear_n and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o believe_v to_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a strictness_n in_o that_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o more_o general_a communion_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o hereupon_o to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o purity_n in_o it_o also_o which_o have_v be_v the_o prevail_a reason_n which_o have_v carry_v multitude_n into_o quakerism_n and_o when_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o seat_v itself_o in_o man_n mind_n they_o quick_o grow_v confident_a that_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v against_o it_o and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o fancy_v that_o every_o slight_a appearance_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o upon_o which_o they_o can_v but_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n as_o shall_v favour_v they_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n when_o impartial_o scan_v and_o have_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v oppose_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o good_a man_n be_v matter_n of_o purity_n indeed_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v one_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o if_o this_o their_o way_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n pure_a word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o what_o be_v impure_a and_o if_o it_o run_v counter_a to_o our_o lord_n method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o very_o material_a point_n than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o impure_a practice_n a_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o a_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o such_o it_o be_v if_o i_o have_v not_o
our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n do_v ever_o decline_v the_o public_a worship_n or_o the_o use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o such_o assembly_n where_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a have_v communion_n in_o they_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o bad_a with_o good_a can_v hinder_v good_a man_n from_o any_o growth_n in_o grace_n by_o those_o ordinance_n if_o they_o have_v but_o a_o due_a care_n to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o can_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o separate_n and_o new_a associate_a in_o reference_n to_o man_n own_o growth_n in_o grace_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v simple_o lawful_a which_o make_v such_o separation_n on_o the_o one_o have_v and_o associate_a on_o the_o other_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a when_o it_o cause_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o such_o obstruction_n to_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o do_v and_o will_v do_v more_o if_o it_o shall_v more_o general_o prevail_v the_o few_o name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n do_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n by_o communicate_v with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v nor_o do_v they_o thereby_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n design_v they_o by_o his_o ordinance_n either_o by_o have_v their_o mind_n discompose_v by_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o communicant_n or_o otherwise_o for_o if_o they_o have_v we_o can_v think_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n search_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n will_v have_v applaud_v they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n say_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a rev_n 3.4_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n may_v take_v offence_n at_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n nor_o at_o i_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o i_o must_v inform_v those_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v so_o of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o i_o have_v discern_v that_o what_o be_v herein_o plead_v have_v have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o some_o few_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n of_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a interpretation_n i_o shall_v not_o thus_o far_o have_v engage_v in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o as_o it_o do_v to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v the_o general_a stream_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o my_o side_n herein_o both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o make_v this_o essay_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o most_o need_v it_o second_o that_o i_o take_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n in_o these_o paper_n to_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a charity_n as_o tend_v to_o no_o man_n hurt_n but_o to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o sort_n else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o it_o for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n orthodox_n in_o divinity_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n now_o if_o the_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n plead_v for_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o not_o otherwise_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n than_o the_o exclude_v such_o from_o both_o will_v do_v than_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o they_o and_o this_o extent_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n tend_v to_o propagate_v and_o spread_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o without_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o narrow_a way_n can_v do_v as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o its_o matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o and_o in_o that_o this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o the_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o excommunication_n in_o reference_n to_o capital_a offender_n but_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o also_o because_o by_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o shame_n and_o so_o unto_o repentance_n when_o they_o see_v all_o sober_a christian_n ashamed_a to_o own_v they_o or_o to_o be_v number_v with_o they_o as_o be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v less_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n upon_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o than_o our_o dissent_v friend_n be_v that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o great_a uncharitableness_n towards_o gross_a sinner_n when_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v only_o i_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n rule_v observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o not_o use_v such_o severity_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o such_o from_o church-communion_n as_o may_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v unregenerate_a when_o yet_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o heresy_n scandalous_a crime_n or_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o man_n may_v give_v occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o unregeneracy_n by_o such_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o do_v good_a as_o yet_o may_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o excommunication_n neither_o be_v this_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n hurtful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v good_a but_o give_v they_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o more_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o uncharitableness_n unto_o they_o neither_o for_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v if_o nothing_o else_o do_v they_o may_v be_v as_o strict_a as_o they_o will_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o best_a man_n for_o their_o own_o improvement_n in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v beneficial_a to_o they_o by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n and_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v more_o good_a than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v for_o while_o good_a man_n do_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o formal_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o the_o better_o preserve_v their_o own_o esteem_n among_o they_o and_o the_o esteem_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o excel_v they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o they_o in_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o in_o their_o admonition_n or_o reproof_n and_o the_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n whereas_o a_o contrary_a carriage_n produce_v contrary_a effect_n for_o separation_n from_o neighbour_n as_o no_o member_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o breed_v more_o or_o less_o estrangedness_n between_o they_o and_o that_o beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n concern_v they_o as_o man_n want_v in_o true_a christian_a charity_n and_o humility_n which_o will_v make_v they_o the_o less_o value_v and_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n the_o less_o regard_v and_o their_o good_a example_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a imitation_n the_o less_o take_v with_o and_o the_o less_o gain_v upon_o such_o man_n a_o discourse_n likewise_o which_o evince_v a_o more_o extensive_a visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o god_n than_o these_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v allow_v must_v needs_o be_v matter_n of_o charity_n to_o themselves_o more_o especial_o for_o it_o tend_v to_o rescue_v and_o deliver_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o make_v they_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o good_a man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o such_o apprehension_n as_o make_v he_o troublesome_a even_o to_o good_a man_n themselves_o without_o any_o cause_n and_o from_o such_o opinion_n as_o have_v kindle_v a_o fire_n of_o contention_n and_o discord_n in_o the_o church_n destructive_a of_o that_o christian_a charity_n without_o which_o all_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a grief_n to_o all_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o any_o undue_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v very_o grateful_a to_o they_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v remove_v this_o more_o general_a way_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n be_v then_o more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o be_v and_o true_o hurtful_a to_o none_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o way_n and_o method_n so_o full_o of_o charity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o moral_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v will_v commend_v itself_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o that_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v in_o man_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v that_o evidence_n from_o supernatural_a revelation_n to_o back_n and_o authorise_v it_o which_o it_o have_v the_o consideration_n of_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o i_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o so_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v plead_v my_o excuse_n in_o every_o good_a man_n conscience_n for_o this_o undertake_n for_o indeed_o i_o that_o do_v certain_o know_v my_o own_o mind_n do_v know_v that_o i_o have_v more_o love_n and_o true_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n who_o opinion_n i_o have_v herein_o oppose_v than_o to_o wish_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o hurt_n and_o now_o methinks_v i_o may_v reasonable_o promise_v this_o to_o myself_o that_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n for_o truth_n sake_n and_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o will_v buy_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatsoever_o shall_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o self_n interest_n and_o to_o consider_v impartial_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o what_o hand_n soever_o it_o be_v prepare_v and_o yet_o that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v from_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n this_o discourse_n be_v compose_v the_o end_n