the_o faithful_a or_o the_o call_v or_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n my_o business_n be_v not_o to_o defend_v or_o to_o except_v against_o any_o of_o these_o either_o in_o their_o truth_n or_o fullness_n but_o to_o propose_v whether_o these_o and_o the_o like_a have_v any_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o save_a grace_n which_o to_o affirm_v i_o think_v be_v not_o without_o evident_a danger_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n rest_v upon_o i_o 1._o that_o external_a call_n profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o faith_n have_v no_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o save_a grace_n 2._o that_o these_o be_v true_a and_o real_a in_o their_o kind_n as_o to_o visible_a membership_n when_o not_o save_v 1._o for_o external_a call_n the_o very_a sound_n and_o notion_n thereof_o 114._o efficacitas_fw-la vocationis_fw-la duplex_fw-la una_fw-la salutaris_fw-la electorum_fw-la proprio_fw-la altera_fw-la non_fw-la salutaris_fw-la ad_fw-la vocatos_fw-la communiter_fw-la spectans_fw-la inst_z theol._n p._n 114._o sufficient_o prove_v its_o independency_n upon_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o inward_a and_o save_a calling_n it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o indeed_o effectual_a as_o trelcatius_n note_n i_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_o argue_v before_o 2._o neither_o can_v any_o doubt_n but_o that_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n be_v also_o general_o do_v without_o save_a grace_n and_o for_o its_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a and_o real_a profession_n when_o not_o save_v this_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o which_o or_o rather_o from_o which_o this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v weigh_v 3._o therefore_o whereas_o the_o external_a call_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n have_v both_o be_v large_o handle_v before_o and_o this_o common_a faith_n have_v be_v often_o touch_v upon_o as_o again_o will_v be_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v now_o once_o for_o all_o humble_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v true_a and_o real_a in_o its_o kind_n though_o not_o save_v arg._n 1._o this_o appear_v first_o from_o the_o authority_n second_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o scripture_n 1._o from_o scripture-authority_n thus_o 1._o the_o scripture_n intimate_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o heathen_a be_v believer_n 1_o cor._n 7_o 14._o as_o even_o all_o affirm_v that_o interpret_v the_o place_n against_o the_o anabaptist_n for_o indeed_o the_o question_n be_v not_o apol._n existimant_fw-la reformati_fw-la quod_fw-la soedcralis_fw-la quaedam_fw-la fanctitas_fw-la qua_fw-la jus_o habent_fw-la illi_fw-la qui_fw-la hoc_fw-la modo_fw-la sancti_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la media_fw-la salutis_fw-la &_o sacramentum_fw-la baptismi_fw-la &_o qua_fw-la ab_fw-la ethnicis_fw-la turcis_n similibusque_fw-la all_o iis_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la seperantur_fw-la 1_o cor._n 7._o 14_o toti_n nationi_fw-la seu_fw-la populo_fw-la comunicetur_fw-la cvi_fw-la deus_fw-la tabulas_fw-la svi_fw-la soederis_fw-la ita_fw-la imper_n do_fw-mi easdem_fw-la suscipiant_fw-la &_o profiteantur_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la statum_fw-la visibilis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la suae_fw-la vocat_fw-la &_o ducit_fw-la rom._n 11._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o blakes_n seal_n p._n 118._o out_o of_o apol._n touch_v continuance_n with_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a if_o profess_v religion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v heathen_n i._n e._n out_o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n or_o no_o church-member_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v synonimous_a let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a mat._n 18._o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tit._n 5._o 8._o but_o now_o there_o be_v may_v person_n within_o the_o church_n who_o though_o they_o be_v without_o save_a grace_n may_v not_o be_v term_v heathen_n 1._o the_o scandal_n of_o person_n within_o may_v declare_v they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n yet_o the_o punishment_n at_o last_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o such_o be_v but_o to_o put_v they_o into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n therefore_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o heathen_a before_o 2._o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v a_o wicked_a church-member_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o infidel_n or_o a_o unbeliever_n worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n because_o he_o profess_v and_o ow_v the_o faith_n with_o his_o mouth_n which_o he_o deny_v and_o wound_n by_o his_o ungodly_a life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o infidel_n be_v thereby_o conclude_v to_o be_v no_o infidel_n for_o a_o comparison_n must_v needs_o be_v betwixt_o two_o for_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o comparison_n or_o a_o compare_v thing_n one_o with_o another_o and_o he_o that_o be_v no_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n or_o will_v be_v enforce_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 15._o what_o part_n have_v the_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o infidel_n or_o one_o without_o the_o church_n 3._o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a instance_n in_o simon_n magus_n it_o first_o affirm_v that_o he_o believe_v and_o then_o witness_v that_o he_o notwithstanding_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n 73._o they_o have_v indeed_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o their_o kind_n but_o not_o the_o justify_v faith_n of_o the_o elect._n boultons_n deceit_n p._n 73._o and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n 4._o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a luke_n 8._o 13._o in_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o the_o stony_a ground_n which_o for_o a_o while_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n fall_v away_o i._o e._n from_o that_o state_n of_o faith_n wherein_o they_o stand_v a_o while_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o say_v by_o their_o fall_v away_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v estate_n upon_o this_o luk_n 2._o 13._o master_n perkins_n note_v three_o thing_n 1._o their_o faith_n they_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v for_o a_o season_n 2._o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o faith_n they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n 3._o their_o unsoundnesse_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o fall_v away_o mark_v say_v he_o here_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n yet_o not_o save_v faith_n epist_n before_o his_o declarat_fw-la of_o a_o man_n estate_n at_o all_o or_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v before_o viz._n infidel_n but_o he_o affirm_v they_o do_v believe_v 2._o again_o that_o this_o be_v a_o real_a faith_n for_o he_o say_v they_o fall_v away_o from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o which_o be_v not_o last_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n imply_v that_o before_o that_o time_n they_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o else_o the_o blast_n of_o temptation_n can_v not_o have_v throw_v they_o down_o as_o also_o those_o that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n be_v suppose_v 1._o to_o have_v have_v the_o faith_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v lose_v it_o 2._o to_o have_v have_v no_o save_a faith_n for_o than_o they_o will_v not_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v whether_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o a_o relative_a or_o in_o a_o qualitative_a sense_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o relative_a or_o if_o any_o have_v rather_o a_o federal_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n allow_v by_o all_o but_o anabaptist_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o parent_n church-membership_a obj._n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o parent_n and_o not_o in_o the_o child_n answ_n i_o must_v have_v leave_n to_o deny_v it_o a_o account_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v more_o large_o hereafter_o in_o brief_a here_o thus_o 1._o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o personal_a habitual_a or_o qualitative_a faith_n this_o faith_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o child_n be_v foederal_a 2._o the_o child_n be_v as_o true_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v by_o relation_n to_o his_o father_n by_o grace_n as_o of_o filiation_n or_o sonship_n which_o he_o have_v also_o by_o relation_n from_o his_o father_n by_o nature_n 3._o yea_o this_o faith_n be_v more_o firm_o seat_v in_o the_o child_n than_o his_o camero_n one_o sort_n of_o real_a holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o bare_a relation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o birth_n within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o parent_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n black_a scal_n p._n 150._o out_o of_o camero_n filiation_n for_o this_o die_v with_o the_o parent_n that_o do_v not_o which_o show_v that_o the_o child_n have_v its_o faith_n as_o well_o be_v relation_n to_o
the_o very_a ground_n of_o the_o question_n be_v go_v indeed_o here_o be_v practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n but_o not_o profession_n contrary_a to_o profession_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n may_v consist_v with_o profession_n for_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n though_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n profess_v and_o so_o the_o profession_n appear_v counterfeit_a i_o crave_v leave_n to_o ask_v once_o more_o whether_o faith_n here_o be_v take_v objectiuè_fw-la or_o subjectiuè_fw-la if_o objectiuè_fw-la for_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v believe_v then_o it_o may_v still_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o outward_a own_n of_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o conversation_n contrary_a thereunto_o then_o why_o may_v not_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v contrary_a either_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o yet_o profess_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v assignable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o sensu_fw-la formali_fw-la vel_fw-la subjectivo_fw-la and_o that_o a_o wicked_a conversation_n declare_v that_o the_o professor_n do_v not_o believe_v as_o he_o profess_v and_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v therefore_o as_o a_o counterfeit_n once_o more_o i_o demand_v whether_o this_o faith_n profess_v be_v consider_v as_o save_v or_o as_o common_a if_o as_o save_v than_o mr._n will_v his_o cause_n be_v yield_v who_o be_v now_o oppose_v reverend_a master_n baxter_n with_o this_o assertion_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v formal_o because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o unregeneracy_n but_o material_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n if_o as_o common_a or_o as_o other_o historical_a or_o dogmatical_a then_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o those_o who_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o real_a common_a or_o historical_a faith_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o i_o deny_v the_o hypothesis_n that_o all_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o real_a common_a faith_n that_o common_a faith_n be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o true_a common_a faith_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o life_n be_v two_o proposition_n as_o little_o doubt_v by_o most_o divine_n as_o much_o confirm_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o treatise_n follow_v sunt_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la coetu_fw-la viz._n ecclesiae_fw-la visibilis_fw-la multi_fw-la electi_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la non_fw-la sancti_fw-la sed_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la verâ_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la consentientes_fw-la phil._n melanct._n part_n sept._n p._n 33._o other_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o think_v that_o such_o scandalous_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n that_o will_v come_v to_o religion_n thereby_o and_o because_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n scandal_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o church_n thus_o draw_v a_o blot_n and_o disparagement_n upon_o herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v her_o bosom_n to_o any_o vile_a unclean_a unreformed_a person_n and_o true_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o those_o already_o within_o cause_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o why_o ought_v she_o not_o to_o have_v the_o like_a care_n touch_v those_o she_o be_v about_o to_o let_v in_o or_o why_o shall_v those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o community_n that_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v present_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o communion_n but_o i_o presume_v this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o from_o the_o premise_n it_o seem_v at_o least_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o respect_n unto_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n she_o be_v about_o to_o admit_v into_o communion_n though_o i_o donbt_v not_o to_o assert_v with_o our_o brethren_n n._n e._n and_o reverend_a master_n baxter_n that_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o this_o save_a condition_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o expect_v without_o any_o far_a positive_a proof_n of_o conversion_n 4._o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v requisite_a to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o previledge_n thereof_o before_o god_n though_o no_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o give_v visible_a interest_n before_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o trite_a distinction_n of_o right_n here_o coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o ecclâ—sia_n for_o the_o church_n judgement_n of_o man_n right_n must_v pass_v with_o her_o administration_n upon_o visible_a or_o appear_a sign_n by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o god_n upon_o real_a for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v real_o a_o church_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o invisible_a though_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o profession_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o design_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o new_a castle_n be_v yet_o god_n know_v his_o wickedness_n and_o count_v he_o a_o dog_n eat_v the_o child_n bread_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n deceive_v by_o his_o falseness_n but_o not_o err_v because_o profession_n be_v her_o only_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o be_v more_o require_v beside_o profession_n to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o 343._o multi_fw-la enim_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la renaâ—i_fw-la vel_fw-la hypocritae_fw-la consentientes_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la &_o ritibus_fw-la extcrnis_fw-la sen_fw-la est_fw-la coetus_fw-la consentientium_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la habens_fw-la multa_fw-la membra_fw-la mortua_fw-la sen_fw-la non_fw-la regeneratos_fw-la maâ—_n 7._o 21._o mat._n 13._o 24._o par_fw-fr in_o urs_n cat_n 343._o have_v at_o large_a answer_v in_o the_o treatise_n that_o in_o adult_a person_n about_o to_o be_v admit_v a_o real_a actual_a and_o not_o feign_a consent_n but_o in_o person_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o now_o at_o the_o adult_n estate_n a_o non-dissent_n a_o not_o dissent_v from_o or_o a_o not_o reject_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o least_o for_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o way_n either_o negative_o or_o positive_o consentientes_fw-la too_o true_a doctrine_n as_o melancton_n before_o as_o well_o as_o outward_a professor_n of_o it_o 4._o yet_o i_o must_v still_o hold_v my_o main_a proposition_n till_o i_o see_v more_o reason_n to_o let_v it_o go_v that_o unregenerate_a person_n once_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o unregeneracy_n or_o their_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n real_o or_o true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o by_o heresy_n schism_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o both_o apostasy_n or_o at_o least_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o church-censure_n what_o reason_n what_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n i_o show_v for_o it_o and_o what_o absurdity_n i_o allege_v against_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o your_o censure_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o treatise_n only_o that_o it_o may_v pass_v here_o a_o little_a the_o more_o free_o i_o can_v but_o add_v the_o remembrance_n of_o one_o or_o two_o late_a most_o eminent_a and_o full_a testimony_n mr._n hooker_n of_o new_a england_n say_v 36._o survey_v of_o church_n discipline_n p._n 36._o that_o external_o those_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o church_n who_o express_v their_o repentance_n with_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n engage_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o present_a that_o sound_a work_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o may_v be_v never_o shall_v have_v it_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o master_n norton_n also_o a_o minister_n of_o n._n e._n to_o this_o very_a question_n whether_o truth_n 3._o against_o apol._n p._n 3._o of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o visible_a church-membership_a answer_v one_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o external_a or_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o real_a inward_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o that_o
sometime_o fit_a and_o sometime_o not_o fit_v when_o the_o church_n be_v a_o actual_a meeting_n and_o not_o fit_a when_o she_o have_v adjourn_v to_o another_o time_n therefore_o this_o definition_n a_o society_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v fit_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n both_o of_o the_o universal_a and_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o state_n thereof_o it_o may_v i_o think_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v a_o proper_a definition_n thereof_o now_o to_o draw_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o further_o intimate_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v true_o consider_v to_o be_v such_o and_o true_o applicable_a to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n as_o appear_v to_o the_o very_a first_o glance_n of_o our_o observation_n from_o the_o definition_n fix_v upon_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v â—ut_v of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o will_v be_v so_o venturous_a as_o to_o question_v either_o the_o fitness_n of_o this_o definition_n or_o its_o applicablenesse_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o part_n that_o be_v either_o essential_a or_o necessary_a or_o fit_a for_o this_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v appear_v before_o to_o be_v thus_o true_o applicable_a thereunto_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o likewise_o 2._o all_o particular_a definition_n now_o mention_v except_o one_o be_v to_o be_v true_o consider_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n without_o any_o colour_n of_o question_n much_o less_o controversy_n and_o that_o one_o viz_o of_o ames_n be_v nothing_o against_o we_o see_v ames_n his_o judgement_n be_v for_o we_o and_o himself_o allow_v such_o person_n a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v if_o we_o understand_v he_o any_o place_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o before_o be_v note_v 3._o therefore_o these_o very_a author_n take_v occasion_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o church_n which_o they_o thus_o define_v contain_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elect_n and_o that_o with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o abundant_o to_o make_v to_o appear_v when_o we_o speak_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o humane_a testimony_n chap._n xvi_o objection_n answer_v and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n consider_v who_o say_v the_o invisible_a church_n be_v only_o the_o true_a church_n before_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v term_v inartificial_a namely_o from_o authority_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o consider_v a_o few_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v call_v artificial_a and_o leave_v the_o other_o objection_n which_o arise_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v handle_v i_o think_v more_o methodical_o after_o my_o argument_n thence_o the_o first_o and_o indeed_o the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o i_o be_v this_o object_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o true_a church_n but_o now_o the_o church_n invisible_a can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o neither_o the_o church_n visible_a answ_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o general_a this_o argument_n be_v just_o exceptible_a against_o because_o before_o it_o reach_v the_o conclusion_n of_o my_o opponent_n it_o evident_o conclude_v that_o which_o i_o presume_v himself_o renounce_v viz._n that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v in_o no_o respect_n at_o all_o either_o with_o or_o without_o save_a grace_n to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v most_o obvious_a from_o the_o two_o first_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a 2._o the_o invisible_a be_v one_o true_a church_n what_o now_o do_v force_v itself_o from_o hence_o but_o therefore_o the_o visible_a be_v no_o visible_a church_n somewhat_o a_o strange_a conclusion_n unknown_a i_o think_v to_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n before_o we_o and_o such_o as_o impose_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v entrust_v this_o whole_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o false_a church_n 2._o hereby_o also_o we_o have_v a_o quick_a dispatch_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n for_o what_o need_v we_o reach_v any_o further_a after_o the_o thing_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n if_o it_o be_v first_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n at_o all_o 3._o but_o more_o direct_o i_o answer_v by_o deny_v at_o least_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n either_o 1._o that_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v the_o church_n invisible_a or_o 2._o that_o though_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a yea_o and_o this_o invisible_a church_n can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v not_o be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n 1._o i_o may_v deny_v with_o fairness_n enough_o that_o the_o one_o true_a church_n be_v proper_o the_o church_n invisible_a until_o my_o argument_n above_o for_o the_o contrary_n be_v answer_v till_o when_o the_o present_a objection_n can_v challenge_v no_o answer_n 2._o but_o here_o i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o consequence_n and_o that_o though_o i_o grant_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v true_o consider_v as_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n yet_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o attribute_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a though_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o church_n yet_o in_o diverse_a respect_n which_o appear_v by_o this_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n and_o visibility_n be_v as_o none_o will_v deny_v a_o inseparable_a adjunct_n of_o the_o church_n then_o there_o be_v no_o invisible_a church_n for_o to_o say_v as_o ames_n say_v the_o church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n if_o visible_a and_o invisible_a here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a respect_n wherein_o the_o same_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a detect_v the_o fallacy_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n thus_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o save_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o person_n that_o have_v this_o save_a faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a this_o faith_n be_v not_o see_v and_o these_o person_n not_o to_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o again_o the_o same_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o profession_n and_o the_o person_n therein_o that_o own_o the_o same_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o church_n invisible_a and_o a_o church_n visible_a and_o again_o though_o this_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n see_v it_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v invisible_a because_o of_o its_o save_a grace_n and_o the_o subject_n thereof_o can_v be_v see_v or_o certain_o know_v by_o man_n yet_o this_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a consideration_n or_o as_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n see_v that_o which_o render_v it_o thus_o visible_a have_v no_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o save_a grace_n as_o reverend_a hudson_n say_v well_o the_o church_n be_v consider_v to_o be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a à _fw-la duplici_fw-la modo_fw-la communionis_fw-la externae_fw-la &_o internae_fw-la visible_a with_o respect_n to_o its_o external_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v not_o suppose_v save_v grace_n and_o invisible_a with_o regard_n to_o its_o internal_a way_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v suppose_v save_v grace_n this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n as_o be_v clear_o state_v by_o that_o eminent_a patron_n thereof_o 165_o med._n p._n 165_o dr._n ames_n his_o word_n be_v know_v the_o militant_a church_n
whether_o there_o be_v a_o church_n invisible_a i._n e._n such_o in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v in_o a_o high_a sense_n the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n than_o other_o who_o may_v also_o be_v call_v a_o church_n in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o visible_a professor_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deni_v and_o the_o reform_v assert_v and_o maintain_v against_o they_o neither_o indeed_o be_v the_o controversy_n so_o much_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a as_o about_o the_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n about_o the_o head_n about_o the_o succession_n and_o about_o the_o visibility_n of_o pomp_n and_o multitude_n and_o about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yet_o about_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o small_a the_o whole_a burden_n thereof_o rest_v upon_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v my_o reader_n one_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o from_o the_o great_a late_a controversy_n of_o the_o present_a point_n in_o france_n betwixt_o mons_fw-la mestrezate_n and_o cardinal_n perron_n as_o be_v to_o read_v at_o large_a in_o a_o excellent_a treatise_n write_v in_o french_a by_o that_o learned_a mounseur_fw-fr whereof_o please_v yet_o to_o take_v this_o short_a account_n he_o begin_v his_o book_n with_o a_o necessity_n of_o distinguishingâ—he_a â—he_z church_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o his_o distinction_n be_v found_v in_o divers_a respect_n viz._n 1._o â—he_n internal_a 2._o the_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n viz._n 1._o for_o a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n 2._o the_o invisible_a condition_n of_o christian_n the_o first_o he_o build_v on_o these_o place_n col._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 12_o 19_o 23._o act_n 14._o 22._o gal._n 1._o 13._o act._n 8._o 3._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o 2_o thes_n 1._o 1._o apoc._n 1._o 4._o and_o 2._o 23._o the_o second_o he_o build_v upon_o eph._n 5._o 25_o 23._o eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o eph._n 5._o 29_o 30._o heb._n 12._o 23._o according_a to_o this_o distinct_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n he_o proceed_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o church_n more_o proper_o which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o nuptial_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n less_o proper_o be_v the_o outward_a communion_n &_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n than_o he_o address_v to_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o diverse_o consider_v the_o first_o say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n or_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o god_n according_a 4_o lib._n 1._o cap._n 4_o to_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o his_o election_n have_v draw_v out_o of_o their_o natural_a corruption_n and_o perdition_n by_o the_o minstery_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n incorporate_n they_o into_o jesus_n christ_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o sanctification_n unto_o life_n eternal_a now_o upon_o this_o rest_v the_o dispute_n for_o the_o last_o viz._n the_o visible_a church_n he_o agree_v in_o most_o part_n with_o the_o cardinal_n in_o this_o definition_n the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v unto_o salvation_n 1_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o sincere_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o lawful_a minister_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o much_o about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o the_o monsieur_n have_v here_o define_v but_o chief_o about_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o before_o i_o close_o here_o methinks_v i_o be_o tempt_v to_o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o i_o have_v now_o hit_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a they_o clear_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o distinct_o consider_v this_o one_o church_n in_o its_o strict_a and_o large_a acceptation_n church_n for_o the_o militant_a and_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o all_o one_o in_o state_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v in_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o whites_n way_n to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a that_o any_o one_o that_o give_v the_o light_a observation_n thereunto_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o their_o definition_n thereof_o do_v more_o than_o accidental_o differ_v and_o therefore_o essential_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v reconcile_v only_o by_o grant_v that_o when_o they_o define_v the_o church_n strict_o take_v they_o define_v but_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n when_o large_o take_v and_o when_o they_o define_v the_o church_n large_o take_v they_o conclude_v the_o church_n strict_o take_v under_o some_o general_a attribution_n which_o equal_o or_o at_o least_o joint_o admit_v both_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a which_o be_v heterogeneous_a matter_n yet_o unite_v in_o one_o society_n the_o visible_a church_n as_o before_o be_v explicate_v yet_o will_v i_o with_o all_o modesty_n submit_v this_o and_o what_o else_o i_o have_v or_o shall_v conceive_v and_o write_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o able_a brethren_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n chap._n xvii_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o scripture_n god_n call_v a_o wicked_a people_n his_o people_n and_o his_o church_n the_o argument_n usual_o term_v artificial_a with_o their_o objection_n have_v be_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o we_o shall_v therefore_o descend_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v the_o evidence_n of_o testimony_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o record_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o testimony_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o our_o first_o argument_n be_v offer_v thus_o god_n be_v please_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o own_o such_o a_o people_n for_o his_o people_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a for_o his_o church_n which_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n he_o himself_o universal_o brand_v as_o wicked_a rebellious_a evil-doer_n backsliders_a etc._n etc._n and_o take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o therefore_o sure_o a_o people_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o people_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n unto_o and_o upon_o other_o term_n beside_o save_v grace_n here_o now_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o read_v over_o again_o and_o again_o yet_o must_v i_o serious_o profess_v that_o i_o can_v foresee_v any_o colourable_a answer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o argument_n he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o slight_a knowledge_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v needs_o confess_v the_o antecedent_n and_o he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o very_a slight_a reason_n i_o think_v can_v but_o yield_v the_o consequence_n 1._o for_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n that_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v thus_o acknowledge_v a_o wicked_a people_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o their_o wickedness_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o people_n and_o church_n be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o true_o to_o heap_v instance_n and_o proof_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o weaken_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o fix_v my_o reader_n upon_o one_o undeniable_a instance_n in_o each_o testament_n according_a to_o the_o part_n of_o my_o proposition_n that_o in_o v._o t._n be_v isa_n 1._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o where_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v very_o eminent_o and_o above_o all_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n both_o charge_n and_o acknowledge_v a_o people_n as_o before_o be_v assert_v 1._o then_o observe_v how_o he_o be_v please_v to_o charge_v they_o and_o 2._o to_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o the_o charge_n be_v observable_a in_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o charge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a ver_fw-la 3._o rebellious_a against_o the_o lord_n that_o nourish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o and_o bring_v they_o up_o v._o 2._o or_o magnify_v and_o exalt_v they_o as_o the_o interlineary_a translate_v it_o or_o bring_v up_o and_o arabic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o arabic_a exalt_v as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a
ancient_a people_n may_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v shall_v of_o itself_o put_v the_o young_a out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o wickedness_n which_o can_v put_v elder_a person_n out_o with_o censure_n shall_v be_v thus_o effectual_a to_o exclude_v youth_n just_a at_o such_o a_o crisis_n or_o age_n 4._o why_o then_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v make_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n null_n upon_o their_o after-learning_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v rebaptised_a 5._o yea_o if_o this_o confirmation_n be_v indeed_o a_o new_a admission_n viz._n upon_o the_o account_n of_o personal_a or_o habitual_a holiness_n and_o the_o former_a ground_n of_o our_o church_n and_o covenant_n interest_n viz._n foederal_a holiness_n do_v pass_v no_o further_o than_o such_o a_o age_n why_o be_v not_o all_o at_o this_o transition_n rebaptise_v we_o be_v no_o long_o in_o covenant_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o be_v in_o covenant_n hold_v and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n hold_v no_o long_o than_o our_o be_v in_o covenant_n continue_v and_o it_o seem_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o former_a be_v in_o covenant_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o we_o enter_v covenant_n again_o upon_o our_o personal_a a_o new_a account_n why_o then_o must_v not_o we_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o entrance_n apply_v also_o viz._n baptism_n but_o last_o this_o be_v most_o express_o confute_v by_o the_o former_a instance_n of_o ishmael_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v sigillum_fw-la foederis_fw-la put_v upon_o he_o and_o therein_o he_o continue_v though_o wicked_a until_o he_o be_v by_o violence_n cast_v out_o as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v gal._n 4._o 30._o 2._o then_o there_o be_v no_o refuge_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v find_v ignorant_a etc._n etc._n at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n if_o this_o be_v say_v 1._o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v hereby_o grant_v i_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o ignorant_a person_n etc._n etc._n be_v real_a until_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o consequent_o that_o such_o person_n may_v be_v that_o be_v actual_o though_o not_o lawful_o real_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n which_o as_o much_o as_o i_o need_v desire_n in_o general_n yea_o or_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o then_o this_o church-membership_a be_v continue_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o foederal_a holiness_n not_o save_v grace_n until_o this_o violent_a accident_n of_o excommunication_n dissolve_v it_o 2._o howsoever_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o distinguish_v the_o crisis_n or_o period_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o adult_n estate_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o for_o no_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v show_v why_o ignorance_n or_o scandal_n shall_v deserve_v this_o censure_n more_o at_o this_o time_n or_o state_n of_o pass_v then_o at_o any_o other_o age_n of_o our_o life_n 3._o but_o last_o let_v i_o be_v answer_v do_v we_o ever_o read_v either_o in_o scripture_n or_o any_o history_n of_o any_o church_n that_o ignorance_n or_o unreadiness_n to_o answer_v or_o learn_v when_o catechise_v do_v render_v youth_n so_o censurable_a as_o to_o be_v whole_o extirpate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o and_o yet_o let_v we_o bethink_v ourselves_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a case_n let_v i_o conclude_v with_o plainness_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o seal_v therein_o in_o his_o infancy_n and_o therein_o continue_v until_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o all_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o first_o covenant-holinesse_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o this_o his_o covenant-holinesse_n and_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n so_o long_o hold_v and_o continue_v till_o now_o thereby_o do_v now_o expire_v what_o scripture_n or_o reason_n deprive_v he_o of_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o void_a what_o can_v cast_v he_o out_o but_o excommunication_n whether_o all_o excommunication_n do_v utter_o root_v up_o covenant_n interest_n what_o can_v merit_v so_o great_a a_o penalty_n but_o know_v and_o prove_v scandal_n and_o last_o whether_o all_o or_o any_o ignorance_n at_o ripeness_n of_o age_n or_o unaptnesse_n in_o youth_n to_o learn_v the_o catechism_n be_v tolerable_o to_o be_v account_v according_a to_o scripture_n or_o the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o scandal_n or_o such_o a_o scandal_n as_o may_v be_v censure_v and_o punish_v with_o utter_a extirpation_n out_o of_o the_o church_n chap._n xx._n objection_n from_o scripture_n consider_v before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o humane_a authority_n i_o hold_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v such_o objection_n against_o my_o scripture-argument_n as_o be_v offer_v thence_o though_o i_o humble_o profess_v i_o can_v hardly_o find_v or_o think_v of_o any_o that_o have_v either_o weight_n or_o colour_n in_o they_o but_o what_o have_v have_v sufficient_a though_o occasional_a answer_n already_o or_o at_o least_o be_v anticipate_v however_o that_o this_o head_n may_v have_v some_o body_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o write_v nihil_fw-la hic_fw-la nisi_fw-la carmina_fw-la etc._n etc._n object_n 1._o it_o be_v object_v from_o john_n 8._o 37._o that_o those_o that_o be_v abraham_n seed_n be_v yet_o the_o devil_n child_n answ_n what_o then_o therefore_o some_o church-member_n be_v real_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o we_o still_o assert_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o real_o abraham_n seed_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o state_n they_o be_v real_o church-member_n and_o child_n of_o abraham_n yea_o of_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a nature_n and_o rebellious_a life_n they_o be_v as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v there_o any_o need_n we_o may_v full_o explicate_v the_o answer_n hereunto_o by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o jew_n first_o as_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o second_o as_o they_o be_v call_v the_o devil_n child_n first_o these_o jew_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n either_o carnal_o ecclesiastical_o or_o spiritual_o i._n e._n save_o as_o his_o natural_a offspring_n as_o jew_n or_o as_o bear_v of_o he_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o holy_a branch_n of_o that_o old_a root_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o last_o in_o that_o strict_a and_o save_a sense_n as_o the_o child_n of_o isaac_n or_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o promise_n elect_v to_o salvation_n 1._o now_o to_o apply_v if_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v that_o these_o jew_n be_v abraham_n seed_n only_o in_o this_o first_o sense_n viz._n bear_v of_o his_o naturaly_a body_n but_o by_o their_o heresy_n deny_v christ_n and_o their_o schism_n negative_a keep_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o positive_a raise_v themselves_o as_o a_o church_n in_o distinction_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n church_n now_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v high_o guilty_a deserve_o divorce_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n then_o i_o say_v this_o text_n reach_v not_o our_o case_n for_o though_o such_o desperate_a murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o open_a rebel_n against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o real_a church-member_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o we_o can_v consider_v other_o that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o profess_v to_o expect_v salvation_n from_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v so_o neither_o 2._o if_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n seed_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a or_o covenant-sense_n locum_fw-la this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o expositor_n for_o though_o they_o call_v these_o jew_n carnales_fw-la abrahae_fw-la posteras_fw-la yet_o they_o oppose_v carnales_fw-la here_o to_o spirituales_fw-la i._n e._n vero_n in_o their_o know_a and_o common_a sense_n vid._n expos_n in_o locum_fw-la then_o it_o either_o rest_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v here_o to_o declare_v they_o only_o nominal_o or_o equivocal_o so_o because_o he_o charge_v they_o as_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n in_o the_o world_n see_v both_o as_o before_o may_v be_v real_o predicate_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v real_o member_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o yet_o real_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o those_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v who_o go_v accurse_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n in_o another_o place_n or_o second_o it_o
non_fw-la profecto_fw-la veniet_fw-la antichristus_fw-la ex_fw-la judais_n quod_fw-la quidam_fw-la credunt_fw-la neque_fw-la ex_fw-la turcis_n sed_fw-la ex_fw-la christianis_fw-la naogeorge_n in_o loc_n heretic_n that_o be_v never_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v yet_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n numero_fw-la nomine_fw-la titulo_fw-la ex_fw-la apostalorum_fw-la societate_fw-la &_o christianorum_fw-la and_o thus_o christiani_n as_o bullinger_n say_v christiani_n olim_fw-la fuerant_fw-la quos_fw-la hic_fw-la vocavit_fw-la antichristus_fw-la they_o be_v apostolorum_fw-la discipuli_fw-la though_o ficti_fw-la and_o fratres_fw-la though_o subdoli_fw-la and_o falsi_fw-la as_o naogeorge_n say_v but_o thus_o as_o before_o be_v note_v the_o text_n concern_v not_o our_o question_n at_o all_o 2._o yet_o i_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o these_o heretic_n may_v former_o have_v own_v the_o true_a religion_n without_o these_o heresy_n or_o any_o purpose_n and_o design_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o or_o themselves_o by_o they_o but_o that_o they_o come_v on_o as_o in_o our_o age_n man_n usual_o do_v thereto_o by_o degree_n and_o that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o distinction_n before_o explain_v viz._n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o call_v though_o not_o of_o the_o elect._n loc_n tertii_fw-la vivam_fw-la habent_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicem_fw-la ac_fw-la suae_fw-la adoptionis_fw-la testimonium_fw-la penitus_fw-la fixum_fw-la in_o cordibus_fw-la gerunt_fw-la de_fw-la his_fw-la loquor_fw-la jobannes_n cum_fw-la impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la dicit_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la alienari_fw-la calv._n in_o loc_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o these_o heretic_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v by_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o so_o damnable_a a_o occasion_n that_o they_o be_v never_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v save_v or_o elect_v to_o salvation_n though_o yet_o they_o be_v once_o of_o the_o visible_a so_o ciety_n of_o christian_n or_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n from_o which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v depart_v and_o that_o real_o though_o not_o effectual_o final_o full_o or_o save_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o say_v oecumenius_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lot_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v yet_o they_o be_v true_o of_o we_o as_o augustine_n full_o and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o place_n his_o word_n be_v these_o such_o as_o will_v not_o tarry_v in_o the_o church_n but_o final_o forsake_v it_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a benefit_n they_o shall_v have_v by_o their_o temporal_a and_o small_a abode_n there_o be_v not_o of_o or_o in_o the_o church_n though_o according_a to_o this_o present_a state_n they_o be_v true_o member_n thereof_o which_o word_n be_v quote_v and_o seal_v to_o by_o fulk_n against_o the_o rhemist_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a judgement_n asperse_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o more_o full_o anon_o in_o this_o point_n those_o other_o word_n of_o augustine_n use_v by_o fulk_n upon_o this_o text_n likewise_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a these_o man_n therefore_o be_v of_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v but_o of_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o and_o this_o double_a sense_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n at_o which_o some_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v be_v clear_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a be_v as_o well_o say_v to_o be_v of_o israel_n though_o not_o israel_n by_o paul_n to_o the_o 6_o chap._n 9_o 6_o roman_n as_o those_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v of_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a also_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o field_n apt_a and_o pertinent_a word_n by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v that_o none_o but_o the_o elect_n be_v of_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o church_n p_o 14_o church_n in_o that_o principal_a and_o high_a degree_n before_o mention_v we_o may_v easy_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o meaning_n who_o say_v that_o hypocrite_n wicâ—â—d_a man_n and_o cast_v away_o be_v in_o but_o not_o of_o the_o church_n object_n 6._o the_o title_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o save_o believe_v as_o saint_n god_n child_n people_n etc._n etc._n be_v communicate_v by_o scripture_n to_o all_o church-member_n therefore_o all_o church-member_n be_v by_o scripture_n suppose_v to_o be_v true_o and_o save_o believe_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o saving_o qualify_v be_v but_o equivocal_o so_o call_v by_o scripture_n answ_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o title_n as_o these_o be_v proper_a in_o scripture_n to_o such_o only_a as_o save_o believe_v be_v too_o plain_o to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o rather_o that_o which_o have_v be_v whole_o put_v beyond_o all_o question_n by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o before_o have_v not_o we_o already_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n almost_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o suppose_v but_o express_o charge_v a_o people_n to_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a to_o own_o such_o a_o people_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o be_v god_n people_n child_n holy_a etc._n etc._n this_o may_v have_v seem_v a_o plausible_a and_o handsome_a argument_n but_o see_v it_o be_v indeed_o thus_o a_o very_a easy_a reply_n may_v serve_v it_o until_o our_o former_a argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o it_o be_v answer_v how_o such_o title_n as_o these_o become_v so_o general_o receive_v as_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o such_o only_a as_o save_o believe_v i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o guess_v however_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o fear_v that_o the_o too_o frequent_v restrain_v or_o ambiguous_a application_n thereof_o shall_v i_o say_v unadvised_o from_o our_o pulpit_n have_v have_v some_o influence_n into_o that_o sad_a and_o schismatical_a persuasion_n and_o error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n as_o well_o as_o other_o chap._n xxi_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n search_v after_o and_o first_o in_o augustine_n age_n let_v we_o now_o at_o length_n descend_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v humane_a and_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o we_o will_v indeed_o discern_v the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o famous_a controversy_n we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o much_o busy_v in_o draw_v consequence_n or_o offer_v snatch_n from_o what_o she_o have_v scatter_v by_o her_o worthy_a hand_n up_z and_o down_o upon_o other_o occasion_n but_o rather_o serious_o to_o fix_v and_o ponder_v upon_o what_o she_o have_v deliver_v about_o it_o when_o call_v by_o some_o eminent_a and_o special_a providence_n to_o speak_v punctual_o to_o it_o before_o this_o controvert_v age_n of_o we_o there_o have_v be_v three_o remarkable_a period_n of_o special_a occasion_n exact_v the_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o present_a case_n upon_o all_o which_o we_o now_o proceed_v brief_o to_o examine_v what_o judgement_n she_o have_v make_v the_o first_o eminent_a occasion_n hereof_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o donatist_n 4_o aug._n tom._n 7._o gram._n l._n 2._o c._n 3._o 4_o there_o be_v indeed_o as_o austin_n observe_v some_o slight_a motion_n of_o it_o by_o some_o schismatic_n in_o cyprian_n age_n before_o but_o donatus_n be_v the_o first_o great_a stickler_n in_o it_o who_o hold_v that_o none_o but_o the_o godly_a be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o very_a point_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v argue_v against_o but_o be_v this_o indeed_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o donatist_n if_o st._n august_n may_v be_v believe_v doubtless_o it_o be_v illud_fw-la ostendere_fw-la tentaverunt_fw-la inquit_fw-la august_n donatistae_fw-la prolatis_fw-la multis_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la donatistis_fw-la aug._n tom._n 7._o col._n cum_fw-la donatistis_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la cum_fw-la malorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la commixtione_fw-la futura_fw-la praedicta_fw-la sit_fw-la though_o drive_v by_o dispute_n at_o length_n they_o evade_v by_o limit_v their_o opinion_n to_o open_o wicked_a as_o augustine_n testify_v also_o malos_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la permixtos_fw-la esse_fw-la confessi_fw-la sunt_fw-la donatistae_fw-la sed_fw-la occultos_fw-la eos_fw-la esse_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la now_o this_o worthy_a mouth_n and_o champion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o age_n have_v note_v this_o opinion_n as_o a_o error_n and_o therefore_o not_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o as_o a_o error_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o time_n as_o abundant_o appear_v by_o his_o set_n and_o purpose_v large_a disputation_n in_o most_o of_o his_o volume_n
with_o the_o essence_n thereof_o 2._o again_o that_o which_o evidence_v a_o person_n communion_n in_o the_o essential_a and_o formal_a action_n of_o the_o church_n do_v also_o thereby_o evidence_n such_o a_o person_n interest_n in_o the_o essence_n of_o or_o his_o essential_a union_n with_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v have_v or_o carry_v a_o strong_a tincture_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o the_o formal_a or_o essential_a action_n thereof_o which_o immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 3._o then_o further_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o community_n respect_v communion_n in_o god_n truth_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o formal_a action_n of_o this_o community_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v this_o communion_n 4._o now_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n appear_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o essential_a action_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 5._o these_o premise_n thus_o lay_v i_o find_v my_o answer_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o question_n thus_o that_o therefore_o that_o person_n that_o do_v not_o plain_o renounce_v the_o truth_n and_o open_o submit_v unto_o and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v do_v thus_o appear_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n indeed_o be_v save_v grace_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o person_n can_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o member_n thereof_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o we_o add_v whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v as_o a_o man_n live_v within_o such_o a_o dominion_n and_o be_v either_o bear_v there_o or_o else_o be_v know_v to_o be_v naturalize_v and_o make_v free_a according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n and_o high_o obnoxious_a to_o law_n and_o punishment_n yet_o if_o he_o renounce_v not_o his_o subjection_n or_o declare_v not_o against_o the_o government_n be_v notwithstanding_o know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n politic_a or_o a_o lawful_a subject_n of_o that_o dominion_n or_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o member_n remain_v in_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o in_o its_o essential_a action_n though_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a or_o wound_v or_o leprous_a member_n yet_o be_v know_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n so_o a_o man_n that_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o rot_a member_n be_v yet_o hereby_o evidence_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a visible_a body_n the_o church_n for_o this_o sufficient_o evidence_v that_o common_a faith_n which_o though_o it_o avail_v not_o to_o justication_n yet_o be_v find_v effectual_a so_o far_o as_o to_o constitute_v or_o interest_n in_o visible_a church-membership_a obj._n it_o may_v be_v hence_o urge_v that_o than_o child_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v church-member_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n answ_n may_v not_o a_o child_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v therein_o and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n intimate_v as_o much_o concern_v a_o child_n bear_v in_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o q._n d._n that_o this_o man_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o citizen_n of_o the_o city_n or_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v there_o or_o by_o birth-priviledge_n or_o be_v bear_v free_a 2._o child_n have_v visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o parent_n profession_n as_o ames_n teach_v sunt_fw-la participes_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la profesfession_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v some_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o person_n also_o in_o that_o first_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o thus_o be_v enter_v they_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n so_o far_o thereby_o until_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v more_o object_n 2._o however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v thus_o exclude_v answ_n not_o so_o for_o though_o the_o excommunicate_a shall_v have_v no_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o fundamental_a and_o habitual_a communion_n with_o it_o as_o a_o palsy_n member_n be_v yet_o a_o real_a member_n and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v a_o habitual_a communion_n with_o the_o body_n though_o at_o present_a its_o actual_a partake_n of_o the_o animal_n influence_n be_v deny_v or_o suspend_v or_o as_o a_o man_n out-lawd_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n fundamental_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o he_o have_v no_o present_a actual_a benefit_n thereby_o which_o indeed_o the_o violence_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n have_v bring_v he_o unto_o but_o second_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o secret_a actual_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o body_n and_o a_o palsy_n member_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o person_n outlaw_v and_o likewise_o betwixt_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o the_o church_n which_o may_v also_o be_v know_v for_o that_o the_o palsy_n member_n have_v some_o influence_n from_o the_o body_n appear_v by_o its_o warmth_n that_o the_o person_n outlaw_v have_v some_o benefit_n by_o the_o law_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o secure_v his_o life_n it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o and_o that_o the_o excommunicate_a have_v some_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o care_n thereof_o and_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o salvation_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o as_o a_o brother_n 3._o the_o excommunicate_a last_o i_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v not_o heretical_a have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o preparatione_fw-la animi_fw-la and_o in_o their_o desire_n which_o be_v only_o suspend_v for_o their_o good_a a_o while_n with_o hope_n of_o repentance_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o thereupon_o readmission_n as_o the_o palsy_n member_n in_o the_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n of_o nature_n be_v ready_a as_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o suspend_v influence_n from_o the_o body_n again_o viz._n upon_o the_o unlock_v and_o open_v of_o obstruction_n which_o a_o member_n whole_o cut_v off_o or_o dead_a have_v not_o chap._n xxx_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v whole_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n we_o proceed_v last_o have_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o constitute_v and_o evidence_n visible_a church-membership_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o dissolve_v it_o and_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v that_o which_o whole_o dismember_v or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v negative_o and_o positive_o ans_fw-fr 1._o neg._n first_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v which_o be_v common_o term_v ignorance_n do_v not_o simple_o or_o of_o itself_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v reas_n 1._o because_o such_o a_o knowledge_n do_v not_o go_v into_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o have_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o society_n or_o community_n reas_n 2._o because_o evidence_n or_o appearance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a or_o essential_a requisite_a to_o discover_v church-membership_a for_o then_o none_o may_v take_v another_o for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o knowledge_n which_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a thing_n therefore_o ignorance_n or_o the_o want_n of_o such_o knowledge_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o no_o church-member_n the_o consequence_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a rule_n eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la contrariorum_fw-la reas_n 3._o because_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o assert_v it_o which_o alone_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n the_o scripture_n do_v often_o charge_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o ignorance_n but_o do_v never_o either_o say_v that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v church-member_n or_o that_o ignorance_n do_v cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o indeed_o so_o much_o that_o ignorant_a person_n ought_v mere_o for_o their_o