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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n church_n sufficient_a tradition_n 2,809 5 9.0363 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69777 The intercourses of divine love betwixt Christ and his Church, or, The particular believing soul metaphorically expressed by Solomon in the first chapter of the Canticles, or song of songs : opened and applied in several sermons, upon that whole chapter : in which the excellencies of Christ, the yernings of his gospels towards believers, under various circumstances, the workings of their hearts towards, and in, communion with him, with many other gospel propositions of great import to souls, are handles / by John Collinges ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1683 (1683) Wing C5324; ESTC R16693 839,627 984

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reason_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v pretend_v to_o more_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n than_o other_o and_o the_o profane_a scoff_v and_o mock_n of_o a_o more_o silly_a part_n of_o it_o at_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n some_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n be_v under_o the_o mere_a conduct_n of_o reason_n and_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o mere_a information_n of_o that_o natural_a eye_n some_o know_a less_o have_v blaspheme_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n count_v their_o own_o ignorance_n a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o blasphemy_n none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n aright_o but_o he_o that_o be_v under_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n take_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o soul_n know_v this_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v under_o a_o further_o teach_v than_o that_o of_o the_o 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christ_n yet_o go_v on_o to_o defy_v he_o to_o crucify_v he_o afresh_o and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n or_o he_o who_o every_o lord_n day_n hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o read_v of_o it_o yet_o never_o meditate_v upon_o it_o never_o suffer_v his_o soul_n by_o contemplation_n to_o pierce_v into_o the_o height_n or_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o who_o heart_n be_v never_o true_o affect_v with_o it_o so_o as_o he_o have_v any_o love_n kindle_v in_o his_o soul_n towards_o christ_n no_o breathe_n after_o he_o who_o exercise_v no_o faith_n no_o hope_n in_o he_o he_o that_o live_v not_o in_o his_o measure_n up_o to_o it_o leave_v his_o vain_a conversation_n worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n
beside_o the_o blot_n which_o these_o eruption_n of_o corruption_n leave_v upon_o the_o particular_a soul_n they_o leave_v also_o a_o blackness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v in_o it_o some_o of_o unsanctified_a heart_n who_o as_o judas_n tell_v we_o be_v spot_n in_o our_o feast_n of_o charity_n and_o where_o they_o prevail_v in_o number_n they_o bring_v in_o also_o another_o blackness_n upon_o the_o church_n by_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n 2._o particular_a soul_n be_v also_o black_a through_o act_n of_o mortification_n the_o people_n of_o god_n live_v a_o die_a life_n i_o die_v daily_o say_v paul_n they_o keep_v under_o their_o body_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o their_o spirit_n now_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v a_o soul_n to_o look_v more_o white_a and_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o nothing_o make_v they_o appear_v more_o black_a and_o unlovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n look_v upon_o christian_n chastise_v themselves_o with_o fast_v and_o tear_n in_o their_o dejection_n and_o humiliation_n as_o very_o black_a but_o this_o be_v indeed_o no_o real_a but_o a_o appear_a blackness_n to_o such_o as_o understand_v no_o loveliness_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o sensuality_n 3._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v often_o black_a through_o affliction_n job_n speak_v of_o affliction_n say_v job_n 30._o 30._o my_o skin_n be_v black_a upon_o i_o and_o my_o bone_n be_v burn_v with_o heat_n hence_o the_o afflict_a face_n be_v say_v to_o gather_v blackness_n joel_n 1._o 6._o nahum_n 2._o 10._o the_o skin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o her_o affliction_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v as_o black_a as_o a_o raven_n lam._n 5._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o afflict_a nazarite_n lam._n 4._o 8._o that_o their_o visage_n be_v more_o black_a than_o a_o coal_n so_o that_o you_o see_v affliction_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v blackness_n now_o there_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n exempt_v from_o affliction_n such_o as_o be_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n immediate_o of_o which_o nature_n be_v desertion_n terror_n and_o soul_n trouble_v of_o several_a sort_n bodily_a distemper_n etc._n etc._n or_o from_o satan_n more_o immediate_o of_o which_o nature_n be_v temptation_n or_o from_o the_o world_n in_o persecution_n and_o injury_n by_o it_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o spouse_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o these_o for_o she_o add_v my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o as_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o blackness_n so_o be_v the_o church_n 1._o through_o a_o mixture_n of_o ill_a member_n such_o as_o to_o use_n judes'_v phrase_n be_v spot_n in_o the_o church_n feast_n of_o charity_n such_o no_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v free_a from_o in_o any_o age_n some_o that_o be_v corrupt_a in_o their_o tenet_n and_o principle_n other_o that_o be_v so_o in_o their_o conversation_n god_n denominate_v his_o church_n from_o the_o sincere_a and_o better_a part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n always_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o cry_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la they_o be_v all_o alike_o hence_o there_o be_v no_o man_n cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o reproach_v and_o evil_o speak_v of_o as_o person_n profess_v to_o religion_n and_o membership_n in_o church_n and_o live_v loose_o o●growing_a corrupt_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n 2._o the_o church_n become_v black_a through_o the_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n all_o deviation_n from_o the_o divine_a rule_n where_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n be_v the_o blackness_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o prone_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v to_o this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o more_o infallible_a rule_n and_o more_o plain_a in_o this_o case_n than_o any_o other_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o ever_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n continue_v in_o it_o in_o purity_n fourscore_o year_n the_o long_a be_v the_o time_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n who_o each_o of_o they_o reign_v forty_o year_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o solomon_n time_n it_o admit_v of_o much_o corruption_n there_o be_v a_o great_a toleration_n of_o idolatry_n as_o you_o read_v in_o the_o story_n and_o you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o church_n in_o how_o few_o king_n reign_n the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o grove_n be_v take_v away_o and_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o in_o one_o king_n reign_n how_o soon_o they_o grow_v in_o fashion_n again_o in_o the_o next_o though_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n so_o severe_o smart_v nor_o against_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v more_o severe_o declare_v by_o the_o prophet_n god_n send_v among_o they_o if_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n you_o look_v over_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n you_o will_v again_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a every_o deviation_n from_o truth_n or_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n will_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n the_o lord_n hate_v put_v away_o concern_v idolatry_n i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v whoredom_n and_o go_v a_o whore_v and_o as_o divorce_n be_v lawful_a in_o case_n of_o carnal_a adultery_n so_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v as_o to_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o god_n have_v say_v to_o a_o people_n lo-ammi_a you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n who_o be_v lapse_v to_o idolatry_n but_o for_o other_o fail_n though_o the_o lord_n like_v they_o not_o but_o have_v something_o against_o every_o church_n that_o admit_v any_o corruption_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o spot_n and_o blemish_n and_o how_o far_o a_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n may_v be_v lawful_a or_o be_v sinful_a be_v a_o great_a question_n i_o think_v a_o total_a separation_n be_v not_o but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o task_n at_o present_a to_o discourse_v 3._o the_o church_n also_o may_v be_v black_a through_o persecution_n the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o lie_v among_o the_o pot_n psal_n 68_o 13._o probably_n there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n may_v enjoy_v some_o tranquillity_n and_o enjoy_v a_o more_o serene_a quiet_a and_o fix_a state_n than_o it_o have_v yet_o enjoy_v or_o do_v at_o this_o day_n enjoy_v when_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o encumber_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o those_o tribulation_n by_o which_o christian_n have_v hitherto_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v some_o both_o more_o ancient_a and_o modern_a divine_n who_o have_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o yet_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n shall_v reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n a_o thousand_o year_n but_o whether_o that_o time_n which_o we_o call_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v last_v so_o long_o or_o those_o thousand_o year_n shall_v be_v a_o space_n of_o time_n precede_v the_o last_o judgement_n whether_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v usual_o interpret_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o opinion_n signify_v christ_n being_n have_v in_o person_n or_o only_o a_o quiet_a and_o more_o tranquil_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v question_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v but_o as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n hitherto_o justify_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o state_n of_o affliction_n and_o blackness_n so_o most_o divine_v be_v pretty_a well_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o until_o those_o thousand_o year_n do_v begin_v so_o as_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v look_v to_o see_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n black_a however_o white_a she_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n now_o thus_o the_o spouse_n be_v black_a not_o in_o god_n eye_n who_o judge_v not_o according_a to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o according_a to_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o his_o judgement_n of_o man_n count_v none_o the_o worse_o for_o what_o happen_v to_o they_o from_o the_o world_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o he_o can_v look_v upon_o iniquity_n in_o the_o best_a so_o as_o to_o approve_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o fail_n but_o
can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o discover_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o naughtiness_n than_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n sermon_n xxxv_o canticle_n 1._o 5._o i_o be_o black_a but_o comely_a o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o raise_v from_o these_o word_n i_o have_v no_o more_o time_n in_o my_o last_o discourse_n then_o to_o handle_v the_o former_a prop._n there_o be_v time_n when_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o own_o their_o grace_n and_o to_o declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o time_n when_o good_a christian_n must_v not_o only_o say_v they_o be_v black_a but_o also_o own_o that_o they_o be_v comely_a that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n appear_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a writ_n psal_n 66._o 16._o come_v and_o hear_v all_o you_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o indeed_o what_o be_v most_o of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n but_o declaration_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o paul_n speech_n before_o festus_n and_o agrippa_n etc._n etc._n but_o whatsoever_o i_o intend_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v bring_v under_o the_o explication_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n the_o question_n be_v qu._n when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n be_v christian_n concern_v to_o own_o acknowledge_v and_o declare_v unto_o other_o their_o grace_n and_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o i_o say_v of_o the_o other_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n so_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o this_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o god_n 2._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o 1._o to_o god_n this_o be_v their_o unquestionable_a duty_n at_o all_o time_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n if_o we_o have_v any_o comeliness_n it_o be_v christ_n comeliness_n put_v upon_o we_o and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o question_n neither_o be_v this_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o text_n she_o be_v here_o speak_v not_o unto_o god_n but_o to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n also_o in_o some_o case_n to_o own_o our_o comeliness_n through_o grace_n unto_o man_n 2._o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o particular_a christian_n 1._o to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o upon_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o 2._o upon_o our_o readmission_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o we_o find_v in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v ordinary_o such_o a_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n it_o be_v say_v mat._n 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a of_o john_n be_v baptise_a in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n matth._n 3._o 6._o after_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n we_o read_v of_o the_o three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v first_o prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o say_v to_o peter_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o in_o act_n 8._o 36._o when_o the_o eunuch_n say_v to_o philip_n here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n answer_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o those_o first_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v require_v as_o necessary_a and_o previous_a to_o baptism_n by_o which_o person_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o although_o the_o first_o admission_n into_o gospel_n church_n be_v only_o of_o grow_v person_n able_a to_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v always_o do_v upon_o such_o admission_n yet_o the_o child_n of_o such_o person_n so_o baptise_a have_v be_v always_o take_v to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o whether_o complete_a member_n or_o no_o have_v be_v a_o question_n and_o indeed_o general_o deny_v and_o something_o further_o require_v of_o they_o before_o they_o have_v be_v take_v into_o a_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n for_o that_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v say_v of_o circumcision_n with_o reference_n to_o abraham_n rom._n 4._o 11._o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o none_o have_v a_o right_n unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n those_o that_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n can_v discern_v the_o lord_n body_n by_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n under_o those_o sensible_a sign_n and_o representation_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n can_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n while_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o body_n they_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n hence_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o whoso_o eart_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n unto_o himself_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o evidence_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o regeneration_n be_v judge_v necessary_a to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o full_a communion_n in_o this_o ordinance_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a evidence_n whereof_o be_v undoubted_o a_o holy_a conversation_n that_o a_o verbal_a declaration_n in_o this_o case_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a i_o can_v say_v which_o may_v be_v make_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o it_o make_v signify_v nothing_o if_o not_o confirm_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o it_o can_v be_v make_v in_o truth_n and_o with_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v doubtless_o exceed_v satisfactory_a both_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o god_n of_o who_o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v faithful_a distribute_v their_o master_n good_n according_a to_o their_o master_n order_n and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o which_o they_o be_v join_v but_o i_o by_o no_o mean_n think_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o to_o many_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v under_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o despondency_n but_o evidence_n the_o change_n of_o their_o heart_n by_o a_o holiness_n of_o life_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v a_o little_a digress_v to_o give_v you_o my_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v how_o little_o the_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n be_v betwixt_o brethren_n will_v they_o calm_o listen_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o understand_v one_o another_o and_o not_o judge_v each_o other_o not_o hear_v 2._o upon_o our_o readmission_n or_o restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o judicial_a separation_n of_o scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o no_o person_n unholy_a in_o their_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o presumptive_a member_n of_o it_o or_o if_o you_o will_v visible_a member_n that_o be_v such_o as_o in_o outward_a appearance_n be_v so_o but_o when_o by_o any_o open_a action_n they_o discover_v the_o contrary_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o and_o not_o restore_v without_o repentance_n of_o which_o repentance_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n have_v no_o rule_n of_o judgement_n but_o be_v force_v to_o trust_v to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n join_v with_o a_o visible_o reform_a conversation_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v trust_v any_o account_n we_o have_v have_v of_o it_o have_v require_v both_o 1._o a_o verbal_a declaration_n of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o the_o offend_a party_n work_v in_o he_o or_o her_o a_o godly_a shame_n
2_o cor._n 12._o 6._o lest_o as_o he_o say_v any_o shall_v think_v of_o i_o above_o that_o which_o he_o see_v in_o i_o or_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o i_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o other_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o 3._o look_v to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o the_o end_n of_o thy_o action_n this_o will_v indeed_o be_v much_o regulate_v from_o the_o principle_n if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a the_o end_n will_v be_v so_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o out_o of_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n but_o his_o end_n will_v be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o the_o principle_n be_v self-love_n the_o end_n will_v be_v our_o own_o honour_n praise_n and_o applause_n to_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o now_o if_o thy_o end_n be_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o be_v no_o other_o way_n attainable_a but_o either_o by_o the_o predication_n of_o his_o goodness_n or_o by_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n either_o in_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o or_o the_o prevent_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n or_o uphold_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n but_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v more_o full_o before_o sermon_n xxxvi_o cant._n 1._o 6._o look_v not_o upon_o i_o because_o i_o be_o black_a etc._n etc._n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o observe_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o from_o those_o word_n look_v not_o upon_o i_o because_o i_o be_o black_a where_o the_o spouse_n or_o rather_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o she_o do_v not_o forbid_v all_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n whether_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n or_o the_o particular_a believe_a soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o blackness_n but_o some_o particular_a looking_n and_o this_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o deliver_v proposition_n general_o which_o yet_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o limit_a and_o restrain_v sense_n of_o which_o a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v mat._n 18._o 3._o except_o you_o ●e_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n as_o little_a child_n you_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o where_o christ_n say_v my_o doctrine_n be_v not_o i_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o i_o alone_o and_o again_o if_o i_o give_v testimony_n of_o myself_o that_o be_v if_o i_o alone_o give_v testimony_n of_o myself_o my_o testimony_n be_v not_o true_a so_o often_o in_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n when_o thou_o make_v a_o feast_n say_v our_o saviour_n luk._n 14._o 12._o call_v not_o thy_o friend_n or_o thy_o brethren_n or_o thy_o kindred_n that_o be_v not_o they_o alone_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o exhortation_n or_o prohibition_n so_o here_o when_o she_o say_v look_v not_o upon_o i_o her_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o dissuade_v all_o intuition_n and_o behold_v she_o in_o her_o blackness_n but_o to_o caution_n we_o how_o to_o look_v upon_o she_o hence_o the_o proposition_n be_v prop._n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o particular_a child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v black_a what_o the_o blackness_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v i_o have_v heretofore_o large_o discourse_v both_o of_o they_o be_v black_a through_o affliction_n and_o black_a through_o corruption_n the_o corruption_n of_o particular_a soul_n be_v personal_a the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n collective_a through_o the_o mixture_n of_o undue_a and_o corrupt_a teacher_n or_o member_n the_o reception_n of_o false_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a worship_n or_o rite_n etc._n etc._n in_o some_o sense_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o look_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o cast_n of_o our_o eye_n upon_o obvious_a object_n that_o be_v before_o we_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o pity_v and_o compassionate_v they_o and_o contribute_v what_o we_o be_v able_a towards_o their_o help_n and_o recovery_n but_o in_o other_o sense_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o the_o business_n as_o to_o which_o i_o be_o to_o instruct_v you_o under_o this_o proposition_n be_v how_o true_o to_o divide_v betwixt_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n the_o eye_n be_v the_o window_n of_o the_o soul_n through_o which_o most_o of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n show_v themselves_o pride_n discover_v itself_o by_o the_o eye_n hence_o you_o read_v of_o a_o generation_n who_o eye_n be_v l●f●y_a prov._n 30._o 13._o and_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o o_o lord_n my_o heart_n be_v not_o haughty_a nor_o my_o eye_n lofty_a psal_n 131._o 1._o love_n and_o wantonness_n discover_v itself_o by_o the_o eye_n hence_o peter_n tell_v we_o of_o eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n and_o job_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n that_o he_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o a_o maid_n covetousness_n and_o immoderate_a desire_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o eye_n prov._n 27._o 29._o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v never_o satisfy_v the_o joy_n pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n my_o eye_n also_o shall_v see_v my_o desire_n on_o my_o enemy_n psal_n 92._o 11._o hope_n look_v through_o the_o eye_n hence_o david_n express_v his_o hope_n in_o god_n by_o the_o action_n of_o his_o eye_n my_o eye_n be_v towards_o the_o lord_n psal_n 25._o 15._o and_o in_o many_o other_o text_n pity_v sorrow_n and_o compassion_n be_v discover_v and_o express_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o eye_n for_o sorrow_n wax_v dim_a and_o run_v down_o with_o tear_n the_o outward_a man_n move_v according_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o a_o man_n will_n stand_v bend_v and_o his_o affection_n be_v incline_v so_o he_o move_v so_o he_o act_v and_o this_o will_n of_o man_n and_o his_o affection_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o eye_n the_o motion_n of_o that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o several_a affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o spouse_n in_o this_o text_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o caution_n the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n against_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o their_o eye_n with_o reference_n to_o she_o but_o 1._o against_o those_o unkind_a ●_z towards_o she_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o her_o state_n and_o condition_n 2._o against_o those_o unkind_a effect_n and_o action_n which_o ordinary_o follow_v such_o affection_n i_o put_v in_o those_o word_n unkind_a and_o unsuitable_a because_o there_o be_v affection_n and_o action_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n towards_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o blackness_n this_o will_v lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v two_o point_n under_o this_o proposition_n 1._o the_o du●y_n of_o christian_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n black_a with_o affliction_n or_o through_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o corruption_n and_o towards_o particular_a christian_n under_o affliction_n or_o lapse_n 2._o how_o christian_n may_v sin_v in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o one_o or_o the_o other_o under_o such_o circumstance_n first_o let_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o what_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n in_o the_o ease_n that_o i_o shall_v resolve_v in_o this_o general_a position_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n so_o far_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a christian_a in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o blackness_n as_o they_o may_v be_v thereby_o affect_v with_o that_o due_a compassion_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o quicken_v to_o those_o act_n which_o brotherly_a love_n and_o compassion_n calt_v to_o they_o for_o thus_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a be_v our_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a here_o lie_v in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o sympathy_n or_o fellow_n feel_v of_o a_o church_n or_o christian_n burden_n and_o misery_n the_o eye_n natural_o affect_v the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n which_o it_o see_v nature_n itself_o teach_v a_o sympathy_n betwixt_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n no_o one_o member_n can_v be_v afflict_v or_o pain_v but_o the_o whole_a body_n feel_v it_o and_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v compare_v the_o church_n the_o
church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o god_n have_v a_o church_n or_o a_o believer_n upon_o the_o earth_n nor_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v concern_v such_o providence_n he_o that_o condemn_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n for_o some_o particular_a corruption_n and_o undue_a mixture_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o yet_o god_n own_v and_o christ_n own_v by_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o his_o father_n institution_n in_o it_o nor_o yet_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n and_o that_o in_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n all_o which_o have_v their_o corruption_n and_o undue_a mixture_n yet_o be_v own_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o true_a church_n where_o indeed_o idolatry_n be_v own_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n and_o ordinary_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o church_n or_o establish_v as_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o i_o can_v well_o tell_v what_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o idolatry_n be_v ever_o establish_v as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o judah_n though_o i_o find_v it_o several_a time_n tolerate_v and_o during_o some_o wicked_a prince_n reign_v practise_v among_o they_o but_o not_o universal_o nor_o so_o steady_o but_o a_o succeed_a prince_n quick_o revive_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v the_o idol_n idolatry_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o unchurc●e_n h_o a_o church_n and_o make_v a_o people_n not_o to_o be_v own_v by_o god_n as_o his_o people_n but_o that_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o no_o true_a church_n where_o this_o be_v not_o find_v be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n though_o there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n not_o so_o far_o corrupt_v a_o great_a many_o corruption_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n duty_n not_o to_o join_v with_o they_o where_o christ_n be_v own_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v own_v and_o publish_v and_o the_o main_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v perform_v there_o be_v some_o comeliness_n so_o far_o a_o particular_a christian_a though_o we_o see_v some_o particular_a fail_n in_o he_o and_o such_o as_o may_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o he_o from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o suspect_a leper_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o too_o censorious_a a_o eye_n to_o restore_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n lest_o we_o also_o be_v tempt_v 2._o we_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o glad_a and_o satisfy_v eye_n it_o be_v inhuman_a to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o affliction_n of_o any_o but_o irreligious_a to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o affliction_n of_o any_o belong_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o edomite_n for_o which_o god_n so_o severe_o threaten_v they_o by_o obadiah_n v_o 12._o of_o his_o prophecy_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v look_v on_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o brother_n in_o the_o day_n that_o he_o become_v a_o stranger_n neither_o shall_v thou_o have_v rejoice_v over_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ezek._n 35._o 15._o as_o thou_o do_v rejoice_v at_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n because_o it_o be_v desolate_a so_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o thou_o shall_v be_v desolate_a and_o v_o 14._o when_o the_o whole_a earth_n rejoice_v i_o will_v make_v thou_o desolate_a i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o this_o ill_a humour_n in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o hatred_n to_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o those_o church_n which_o walk_v most_o strict_o up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o produce_v a_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v when_o we_o hear_v that_o any_o evil_n betide_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o weep_v with_o those_o that_o weep_v but_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sinful_a fall_n of_o professor_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o repute_n for_o religion_n and_o godliness_n nothing_o be_v more_o against_o piety_n and_o charity_n the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o we_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o glory_n in_o the_o shame_n of_o other_o then_o in_o our_o own_o shame_n there_o be_v a_o double_a rejoice_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o the_o first_o be_v a_o rejoice_v of_o wantonness_n when_o man_n out_o of_o a_o mere_a idle_a wanton_a humour_n can_v please_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o discourse_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n fail_n the_o second_o be_v a_o rejoice_v of_o envy_n and_o malice_n when_o man_n envy_v good_a man_n their_o honour_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o watch_v for_o their_o halt_n as_o jeremiah_n 20._o v_o 10._o and_o rejoice_v when_o they_o be_v fall_v all_o rejoice_n in_o iniquity_n all_o look_v upon_o other_o to_o that_o end_n or_o of_o which_o that_o be_v a_o effect_n be_v high_o sinful_a as_o be_v against_o piety_n a_o rejoice_v in_o god_n dishonour_n and_o against_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 6_o a_o rejoice_v in_o a_o evil_n befall_v to_o thy_o brother_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o this_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n and_o this_o be_v too_o too_o frequent_a and_o no_o more_o than_o have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o always_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o from_o abel_n time_n be_v always_o fill_v with_o malice_n against_o they_o that_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n david_n deprecate_v it_o psal_n 35._o 19_o let_v not_o those_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n v_o 21._o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n wide_a against_o i_o and_o say_v aha_o aha_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v it_o and_o david_n pray_v bitter_o against_o such_o a_o generation_n l●t_v they_o be_v desolate_a for_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o shame_n that_o say_v unto_o i_o aha_o aha_o and_o so_o again_o psal_n 70._o v._n 3._o ham_n rejoice_v in_o his_o father_n nakedness_n how_o dreadful_o do_v the_o lord_n revenge_v it_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a curse_n of_o his_o father_n g●n_n 9_o 25_o 26._o i_o have_v not_o without_o tremble_v see_v people_n make_v sport_n at_o the_o natural_a defect_n of_o person_n so_o reproach_v god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n whereas_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o bless_v god_n upon_o such_o sight_n who_o may_v have_v make_v they_o like_a unto_o such_o imperfect_a creature_n not_o without_o more_o tremble_a sometime_o see_v and_o hear_v man_n rejoice_v and_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o the_o moral_a defect_n and_o profancness_n of_o other_o their_o oath_n and_o 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paraphra_v expound_v the_o term_n in_o the_o text_n of_o false_a prophet_n ahab_n and_o jezebel_n have_v 300_o of_o they_o at_o a_o time_n a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o relapse_n into_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n as_o they_o have_v any_o prince_n that_o will_v either_o tolerate_v or_o encourage_v it_o jeremiah_n and_o micaiah_n and_o amos_n and_o elijah_n and_o all_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n find_v that_o their_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o so_o do_v those_o that_o be_v good_a people_n among_o they_o the_o priest_n be_v a_o snare_n upon_o mizpeh_n and_o a_o net_n spread_v upon_o tabor_n to_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o attend_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o christ_n little_a company_n there_o be_v a_o judas_n a_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o there_o be_v many_o that_o follow_v he_o but_o for_o the_o loaf_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n there_o be_v a_o demas_n a_o hymeneus_n and_o a_o philetus_n a_o simon_n magus_n many_o false_a apostle_n that_o oppose_v paul_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n propehsy_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o lesser_a plenty_n of_o they_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n 1._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o expect_v otherwise_o consider_v 1._o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_a and_o true_a saint_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v say_v the_o apostle_n heresy_n among_o you_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a false_a brethren_n discover_v themselves_o either_o by_o the_o broach_n of_o false_a doctrine_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o by_o bring_v in_o undue_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o superstition_n to_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o by_o a_o looseness_n of_o conversation_n discover_v the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o 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your_o soul_n a_o high_a estimate_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o say_v christ_n any_o man_n love_v i_o i_o will_v come_v to_o he_o and_o make_v my_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 21._o the_o soul_n that_o true_o love_v christ_n shall_v never_o be_v ignorant_a where_o to_o find_v he_o 4._o last_o study_v holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o spouse_n say_v that_o he_o feed_v among_o the_o lily_n the_o lily_n be_v white_a and_o fruitful_a let_v your_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n withdraw_n the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o your_o soul_n be_v no_o temptation_n to_o you_o to_o withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o yourselves_o to_o he_o though_o you_o may_v find_v it_o more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o that_o you_o can_v do_v your_o duty_n with_o so_o much_o ease_n yet_o do_v it_o if_o you_o can_v do_v what_o you_o will_v yet_o do_v what_o you_o can_v if_o as_o you_o think_v you_o do_v not_o you_o can_v overtake_v 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the_o remnant_n of_o the_o flock_n jer._n 23._o 2._o the_o lord_n have_v visit_v his_o flock_n zech._n 10._o 3._o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n luke_n 12._o 32._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 2._o so_o in_o many_o other_o text_n the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d indifferent_o signify_v any_o company_n of_o lesser_a cattle_n whether_o sheep_n or_o goat_n though_o it_o be_v most_o ordinary_o apply_v to_o sheep_n as_o in_o 1_o sam._n 15._o 2._o jer_n 50._o 6._o jer._n 31._o 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v ordinary_o the_o lesser_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n not_o many_o noble_a not_o many_o wise_a but_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o lord_n choose_v the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o the_o herd_n not_o of_o the_o flock_n 1_o a_o flock_n be_v a_o term_n of_o multitude_n god_n people_n be_v not_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o great_a number_n god_n in_o the_o worst_a time_n which_o be_v those_o of_o ahab_n have_v 7000_o in_o israel_n who_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n st._n john_n see_v 144000_o seal_v rev._n 7._o 4._o there_o be_v two_o great_a breeder_n of_o god_n ancient_a flock_n leah_n and_o rachel_n these_o two_o do_v build_v up_o the_o house_n of_o god_n from_o these_o come_v threescore_o and_o ten_o soul_n who_o god_n send_v to_o pasture_n in_o egypt_n there_o they_o be_v kill_v up_o apace_o yet_o they_o multiply_v to_o a_o exceed_o great_a number_n from_o thence_o they_o be_v lead_v like_o a_o flock_n through_o the_o wilderness_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n in_o canaan_n they_o also_o increase_v till_o for_o their_o sin_n god_n let_v in_o wolf_n upon_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v true_a all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n but_o yet_o they_o all_o constitute_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o that_o little_a flock_n to_o who_o it_o be_v the_o father_n will_n to_o give_v a_o kingdom_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o flock_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n those_o other_o sheep_n mention_v john_n 10._o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a fold_n begin_v to_o be_v add_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o commission_n grant_v to_o 12_o principal_a shepherd_n under_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o multitude_n be_v add_v to_o this_o flock_n since_o that_o time_n the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o forest_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o it_o seed_v in_o several_a country_n and_o place_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v many_o 2._o a_o flock_n be_v a_o term_n of_o unity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o yet_o but_o one_o body_n unite_v by_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o under_o on_o head_n all_z the_o true_a member_n of_o it_o have_v one_o shepherd_n one_o law_n and_o rule_v the_o true_a church_n therefore_o be_v doubtless_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o footstep_n you_o all_o know_v be_v the_o print_n of_o the_o foot_n the_o course_n of_o boliness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n can_v signify_v nothing_o but_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n which_o have_v go_v before_o
of_o god_n we_o believe_v that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o flock_n a_o number_n that_o have_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v and_o will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o they_o have_v be_v under_o various_a dispensation_n sometime_o more_o and_o sometime_o less_o perspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o rome_n ever_o since_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o it_o to_o blot_v out_o the_o print_n of_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n we_o therefore_o reasonable_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o direction_n of_o christ_n overlook_v the_o church_n of_o this_o and_o former_a age_n the_o practice_n of_o those_o of_o rome_n in_o this_o and_o late_a age_n we_o know_v to_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o former_a age_n we_o be_v incertain_a of_o 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with_o other_o course_n 1._o let_v we_o first_o consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v jest_v we_o the_o footstep_n of_o his_o flock_n in_o holy_a writ_n and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o among_o other_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o have_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o the_o instruction_n of_o david_n the_o word_n of_o the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o david_n record_v under_o several_a circumstance_n not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o epistle_n but_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o their_o practice_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o their_o example_n oblige_v we_o in_o nothing_o wherein_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n wherein_o they_o use_v a_o liberty_n that_o law_n be_v dead_a with_o christ_n but_o through_o a_o gracious_a indulgence_n allow_v for_o a_o time_n till_o the_o believe_a jew_n can_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o abolition_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o gain_v the_o jew_n and_o walk_v towards_o they_o without_o offence_n upon_o which_o account_n paul_n both_o circumcise_a timothy_n and_o purify_v himself_o nor_o be_v their_o example_n our_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostle_n or_o as_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v miracle_n or_o speak_v with_o tongue_n for_o as_o we_o can_v do_v the_o latter_a so_o we_o want_v their_o mission_n and_o more_o extraordinary_a commission_n to_o do_v the_o former_a hence_o minister_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v fix_v no_o where_o but_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v church_n yet_o in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o private_a christian_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o their_o action_n upon_o sacred_a record_n for_o our_o instruction_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15._o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o scripture_n 2_o tim_n 3._o 16._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o most_o safe_a and_o certain_a rule_n the_o two_o great_a thing_n that_o commend_v a_o rule_n give_v with_o reference_n to_o any_o end_n be_v the_o security_n of_o it_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n flock_n record_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v a_o safe_a rule_n no_o man_n need_v fear_n sin_v against_o god_n by_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n direction_n and_o prescription_n of_o it_o sin_n must_v be_v something_o contrary_n to_o the_o divine_a rule_n in_o follow_v other_o rule_n man_n may_v err_v in_o follow_v of_o this_o rule_n they_o can_v err_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o rule_n much_o commend_v it_o if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o incertain_a sound_n who_o shall_v prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o battle_n if_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o a_o rule_n who_o can_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o let_v we_o now_o compare_v this_o rule_n as_o to_o this_o case_n what_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o do_v especial_o in_o a_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o distress_n to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v his_o
work_n thou_o give_v i_o to_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o general_a one_o and_o the_o same_o work_n to_o glorify_v god_n though_o if_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a action_n by_o which_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n christ_n glorify_v his_o father_n by_o performance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o our_o redemption_n according_a to_o his_o father_n will_n we_o by_o those_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v command_v yet_o in_o the_o general_a scope_n viz._n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o general_a mean_a by_o which_o this_o general_a end_n be_v attain_v viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o the_o same_o christ_n glorify_v his_o father_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n the_o child_n of_o god_n glorifi_v god_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n both_o of_o they_o glorify_a god_n by_o the_o praedication_n of_o his_o name_n by_o praise_v he_o etc._n etc._n christ_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o become_v obedient_a phil._n 2._o 7_o 8._o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v by_o birth_n a_o servant_n and_o by_o covenant_n a_o servant_n there_o be_v that_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o but_o they_o be_v both_o servant_n both_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o both_o by_o that_o obedience_n serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o glorify_v god_n which_o justify_v the_o notion_n though_o the_o act_n of_o their_o obedience_n differ_v according_a to_o their_o several_a sphere_n and_o station_n in_o a_o great_a family_n you_o know_v they_o be_v all_o fellow-servant_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v a_o more_o some_o a_o less_o noble_a employment_n 3._o christ_n be_v their_o fellow-worker_n their_o fellow-helper_n not_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o father_n as_o they_o both_o work_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o by_o the_o same_o general_a 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as_o it_o be_v the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v eat_v their_o meat_n in_o those_o country_n we_o may_v from_o it_o observe_v this_o plain_a proposition_n prop._n that_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v upon_o christ_n conjunction_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o proposition_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n confirmation_n and_o application_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n we_o will_v only_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o gracious_a soul_n fruitfulness_n or_o the_o gospel_n church_n fruitfulness_n 1._o the_o particular_a soul_n fruitfulness_n lie_v in_o its_o bring_v forth_o 13._o of_o good_a work_n you_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o body_n deut._n 28._o 4._o and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n deut._n 7._o 13._o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o carnal_a marriage_n so_o the_o fruit_n of_o 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the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o its_o bring_v forth_o many_o son_n unto_o god_n the_o more_o soul_n be_v convert_v the_o more_o fruitful_a the_o church_n be_v but_o without_o christ_n conjunction_n with_o it_o it_o bring_v forth_o none_o if_o christ_n presence_n be_v in_o his_o church_n it_o bring_v forth_o many_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v not_o present_a it_o bring_v forth_o no_o child_n this_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o you_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o principal_o efficient_a sole_a cause_n nor_o can_v be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o instrumental_a cause_n 2._o that_o upon_o experience_n it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o where_o christ_n do_v not_o concur_v they_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o first_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o to_o its_o part_n and_o as_o to_o its_o privilege_n as_o to_o what_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o it_o and_o what_o god_n have_v betrust_v to_o it_o as_o to_o its_o part_n so_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o officer_n and_o member_n as_o to_o its_o privilege_n so_o there_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o these_o but_o have_v or_o may_v have_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v a_o instrumental_a causation_n in_o bring_v forth_o child_n unto_o god_n or_o in_o bring_v of_o they_o up_o but_o none_o of_o they_o have_v a_o principal_a efficiency_n none_o of_o they_o have_v a_o sole_a efficiency_n nor_o can_v produce_v the_o effect_n without_o christ_n conjunction_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o they_o several_o 1._o look_v first_o upon_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v extraordinary_a such_o as_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o these_o have_v a_o instrumental_a causation_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n be_v plain_a they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n eph._n 4._o 12._o for_o the_o perfect_a their_o number_n and_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o their_o grace_n paul_n call_v they_o father_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o and_o say_v he_o beget_v the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v the_o same_o of_o onesimus_n but_o alas_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o old_a so_o minister_n now_o have_v no_o more_o than_o a_o instrumentality_n in_o this_o production_n paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o god_n be_v all_o he_o that_o plant_v nothing_o he_o that_o water_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n be_v all_o v_o 7._o v._n 9_o they_o be_v but_o waterer_n together_o with_o god_n worker_n together_o with_o he_o hence_o though_o paul_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o all_o yet_o he_o be_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n to_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o his_o earnest_a desire_n be_v to_o convert_v his_o own_o nation_n it_o be_v his_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v rom._n 10._o 1._o yet_o he_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v under_o a_o special_a ordination_n of_o god_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o conversion_n can_v do_v no_o more_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v grant_v of_o private_a member_n who_o endeavour_n in_o quicken_n other_o though_o they_o may_v be_v sometime_o bless_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o end_n yet_o doubtless_o be_v not_o more_o efficient_a to_o it_o then_o the_o labour_n of_o minister_n nor_o yet_o in_o a_o equal_a tendency_n with_o they_o unto_o so_o great_a a_o end_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v to_o it_o mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o understand_v ever_o by_o the_o first_o term_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o second_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o three_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v the_o term_n be_v more_o generical_a and_o not_o so_o to_o be_v restrain_v i_o only_o for_o distinction_n sake_n so_o restrain_v they_o at_o present_a nor_o do_v i_o meddle_v here_o with_o the_o dispute_n whether_o the_o dispensation_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o only_o to_o officer_n nor_o yet_o to_o which_o of_o the_o officer_n i_o shall_v only_o assert_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o assign_v to_o all_o these_o some_o instrumentality_n as_o to_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o child_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a 1._o concern_v the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n james_n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n rom._n 6._o 3._o gal._n 3._o 27._o and_o again_o act_v 2._o 38._o to_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o assert_v it_o a_o convert_v ordinance_n yet_o unquestionable_o it_o have_v its_o instrumentality_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n for_o censure_n they_o have_v also_o their_o instrumentality_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o the_o end_n of_o their_o administration_n be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o they_o have_v but_o a_o instrumental_a causation_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o they_o they_o do_v nothing_o hence_o james_n 2._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n john_n 1._o 13._o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n john_n 3._o 5._o except_o you_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n you_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o truth_n be_v evidence_v from_o scripture_n and_o scriptural_a reason_n 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v all_o experience_n wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preach_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v church_n censure_v due_o execute_v so_o long_o as_o christ_n have_v grant_v his_o presence_n with_o the_o administration_n they_o have_v be_v make_v mighty_a in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o soul_n unto_o god_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v withdraw_v his_o presence_n either_o as_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o person_n under_o the_o external_a administration_n or_o as_o to_o any_o particular_a soul_n they_o have_v signify_v nothing_o isaiah_n do_v but_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n ch._n 6._o 10._o he_o complain_v that_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v his_o strength_n for_o nothing_o and_o in_o vain_a saint_n paul_n gospel_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n 3000_o be_v convert_v at_o st._n peter_n sermon_n while_o christ_n be_v in_o his_o bed_n with_o his_o church_n but_o few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n act_n 19_o they_o be_v harden_v christ_n be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o it_o be_v now_o no_o long_o green_a and_o flourish_v no_o more_o but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o application_n the_o proposition_n may_v be_v apply_v various_o 1._o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o conjunction_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o be_v unquestionable_o necessary_a and_o of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o man_n will_n ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la spiritual_fw-la to_o produce_v that_o which_o be_v spiritual_o good_a and_o that_o a_o moral_a suasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o soul_n 2._o we_o may_v from_o hence_o observe_v the_o
same_o numerical_a act_n of_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n we_o conceive_v it_o stand_v upon_o no_o such_o bottom_n that_o it_o deserve_v any_o pain_n in_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a notion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o not_o a_o exclusive_a of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o term_n to_o more_o now_o this_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v christ_n house_n the_o invisible_a church_n be_v so_o and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v christ_n house_n appear_v 1._o from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o that_o thou_o mayess_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n timothy_n charge_n be_v not_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 3._o 6._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n who_o house_n say_v he_o we_o be_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o hypocritical_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v aequivocal_a or_o univocal_a member_n sure_o i_o be_o take_v those_o together_o with_o the_o sincere_a professor_n and_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v his_o house_n dominium_fw-la but_o second_o look_v which_o way_n you_o will_v upon_o the_o church_n it_o be_v christ_n house_n he_o have_v the_o dominion_n of_o it_o and_o he_o use_v it_o as_o his_o house_n he_o have_v buy_v it_o act._n 20._o 28._o he_o have_v redeem_v it_o with_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n it_o be_v give_v he_o it_o be_v his_o house_n by_o right_a of_o donation_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v give_v he_o by_o his_o father_n the_o stone_n of_o it_o be_v he_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o lively_a stone_n build_v up_o into_o this_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n his_o blood_n be_v as_o the_o mortar_n and_o cement_n by_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o make_v one_o each_o with_o other_o the_o builder_n be_v his_o spirit_n eph._n 2._o 22._o consider_v a_o house_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v also_o his_o house_n be_v a_o house_n the_o place_n where_o a_o man_n abide_v and_o usum_fw-la dwell_v so_o be_v the_o church_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v he_o dwell_v of_o old_a in_o mount_n zion_n isa_n 8._o 18._o there_o he_o abide_v be_v the_o house_n a_o man_n rest_a place_n so_o be_v zion_n to_o god_n 2_o chron._n 6._o 41._o psal_n 132._o 8_o 13_o 14._o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o be_v the_o house_n a_o man_n feed_v place_n where_o he_o dine_v and_o sup_v and_o feed_v so_o be_v the_o church_n cant._n 2._o 16._o he_o feed_v among_o the_o lily_n when_o the_o spouse_n desire_v to_o be_v inform_v where_o christ_n feed_v her_o answer_n be_v go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n cant._n 1._o 7._o be_v that_o a_o man_n house_n where_o he_o keep_v his_o wife_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n such_o be_v the_o church_n there_o christ_n keep_v his_o child_n his_o servant_n his_o spouse_n be_v a_o man_n house_n the_o place_n where_o he_o spend_v what_o he_o have_v such_o be_v the_o church_n there_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n give_v out_o grace_n and_o glory_n yea_o and_o every_o good_a thing_n last_o be_v a_o man_n house_n the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v protect_v and_o defend_v such_o be_v the_o church_n to_o christ_n there_o he_o expel_v protection_n for_o his_o great_a name_n his_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v show_v you_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o metaphor_n but_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_a christ_n house_n but_o it_o be_v the_o believer_n house_n too_o not_o the_o believer_n house_n as_o to_o dominion_n and_o title_n but_o as_o to_o use_v no_o man_n but_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o have_v a_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v but_o minister_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o believer_n house_n it_o be_v the_o place_n where_o he_o dwell_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n psal_n 84._o 10._o hear_v david_n express_v himself_o psal_n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o believer_n but_o he_o must_v forthwith_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a none_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n but_o he_o immediate_o by_o his_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n make_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o he_o will_v desire_v to_o unite_v himself_o to_o the_o particular_a assembly_n which_o be_v part_n of_o that_o catholic_n body_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o st._n peter_n sermon_n act._n 2._o 41._o but_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o they_o dwell_v v_o 42._o they_o continue_v steadfast_o 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 no_o soon_o be_v paul_n convert_v act._n 9_o 26._o but_o he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o v_o 28._o he_o be_v with_o they_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o four_o word_n this_o notion_n speak_v the_o church_n 1._o dignity_n 2._o duty_n 3._o security_n 4._o probability_n of_o reformation_n 1_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o notion_n speak_v the_o church_n dignity_n it_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n when_o jacob_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o padan-aram_n have_v have_v that_o notable_a vision_n he_o break_v out_o in_o the_o morning_n into_o this_o expression_n v_o 17._o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n i_o be_o not_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o local_a notion_n but_o of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o the_o number_n of_o visible_a professor_n let_v the_o world_n vilify_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v they_o be_v a_o noble_a society_n those_o who_o have_v clean_a hand_n and_o pure_a heart_n who_o have_v not_o lift_v up_o their_o soul_n unto_o vanity_n nor_o swear_v deceitful_o they_o shall_v receive_v blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o god_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o jacob_n psal_n 24._o 4_o 5_o 6._o believer_n may_v have_v their_o infirmity_n and_o a_o profess_v peope_n may_v have_v their_o great_a fail_n the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o professor_n of_o england_n for_o they_o but_o yet_o take_v they_o notwithstanding_o all_o and_o they_o be_v the_o best_a people_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o lord_n habitation_n he_o have_v pitch_v his_o tent_n among_o they_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o 2._o second_o as_o it_o speak_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o speak_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n psal_n 93._o 5._o holiness_n become_v thy_o house_n o_o lord_n the_o wise_a man_n command_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o foot_n when_o we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n eccles_n 5._o and_o god_n bid_v moses_n put_v off_o the_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o he_o be_v upon_o holy_a ground_n he_o be_v near_o the_o burn_a bush_n where_o god_n make_v himself_o a_o temporary_a habitation_n those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n stand_v concern_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o those_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o stand_v concern_v
it_o be_v bury_v up_o in_o ruin_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o basis_n of_o every_o individual_a soul_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n 3._o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o a_o house_n as_o they_o support_v the_o burden_n and_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o building_n so_o they_o also_o unite_v the_o part_n and_o side_n of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o medium_n of_o union_n to_o it_o so_o be_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o church_n the_o word_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v build_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o union_n in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o a_o explicit_fw-la covenant-union_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n i_o think_v that_o union_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o 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doctrine_n of_o faith_n own_a and_o profess_v in_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v heart_n of_o oak_n pure_a doctrine_n take_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o write_a word_n not_o sappy_a through_o the_o addition_n of_o humane_a invention_n nor_o heterogeneous_a part_n of_o it_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n part_n of_o it_o the_o mere_a fancy_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n if_o the_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n practise_v in_o it_o be_v pure_a ordinance_n if_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o mount_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o pure_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o church_n be_v fair_a and_o glorious_a and_o strong_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o clay_n of_o humane_a fancy_n and_o error_n if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n practise_v in_o it_o be_v full_a of_o the_o sap_n of_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n the_o church_n be_v a_o decline_a decay_a church_n and_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o she_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n will_v not_o continue_v with_o such_o a_o church_n the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o the_o church_n god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o therefore_o she_o shall_v not_o fall_v now_o they_o must_v be_v golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o god_n walk_v but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v you_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o metaphor_n let_v i_o short_o apply_v this_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o other_o proposition_n 1_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n they_o be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n hew_v out_o frame_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o building_n by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o masterbuilder_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o lay_v by_o he_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10_o 11._o say_v that_o as_o a_o wise_a masterbuilder_n 11._o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o another_o build_v thereon_o v._n 11._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o already_o lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o church_n fundamentum_fw-la its_o foundation_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lapis_fw-la angularis_fw-la the_o corner_n stone_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o behold_v i_o lie_v in_o 6._o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n ele●t_n and_o precious_a the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o he_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a 16._o work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n eph._n 4._o 16._o our_o divine_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o he_o be_v fundamentum_fw-la salutis_fw-la the_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n the_o salvation_n of_o every_o soul_n lie_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n act._n 4._o 12._o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o 2._o he_o be_v fundamentum_fw-la 1●_n fidei_fw-la &_o cultus_fw-la the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o worship_n and_o order_n the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n i_o say_v and_o as_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n of_o salvation_n than_o christ_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o lay_v any_o other_o beam_n of_o doctrine_n or_o institution_n for_o worship_n but_o what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v christ_n by_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n lay_v these_o foundation_n and_o beam_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v draw_v the_o article_n for_o the_o first_o and_o the_o canon_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o whole_a building_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o these_o foundation_n and_o beam_n let_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o purity_n of_o worship_n fail_v from_o the_o church_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o it_o present_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v into_o a_o antichristian_a synagogue_n now_o i_o say_v this_o commend_v to_o every_o christian_a the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o entity_n or_o be_v hence_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v which_o give_v be_v to_o a_o thing_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o least_o not_o such_o have_v a_o great_a excellency_n in_o it_o and_o the_o more_o noble_a the_o thing_n be_v to_o which_o be_v be_v give_v the_o more_o excellent_a be_v the_o form_n by_o which_o it_o have_v such_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n give_v be_v to_o a_o man_n the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n a_o piece_n of_o clay_n the_o soul_n inform_v and_o inlve_v and_o give_v a_o humane_a be_v to_o it_o separate_v that_o from_o it_o and_o the_o man_n be_v no_o more_o some_o philosopher_n have_v vain_o dream_v of_o a_o amma_fw-la mundi_fw-la a_o general_a soul_n of_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v give_v form_n life_n motion_n to_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n now_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o any_o soul_n of_o beast_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a be_v so_o doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o universal_a soul_n which_o give_v life_n be_v motion_n form_n union_n to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v a_o more_o excellent_a substance_n than_o any_o
particular_a soul_n be_v but_o god_n himself_o supply_v that_o place_n now_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v not_o anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o be_v anima_fw-la e●clesiae_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n they_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n let_v this_o therefore_o engage_v every_o christian_n to_o prize_v the_o word_n and_o to_o prize_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n 2._o hence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n you_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n of_o a_o decay_a church_n and_o by_o this_o you_o may_v also_o discern_v a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a church_n look_v as_o in_o a_o building_n there_o be_v some_o 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exercise_n of_o some_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o to_o circumcision_n but_o yet_o the_o church_n that_o want_v such_o ordinance_n be_v imperfect_a and_o lame_a and_o again_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n of_o a_o decay_a church_n when_o either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v deny_v or_o corrupt_v in_o it_o for_o these_o be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o the_o house_n and_o every_o one_o grant_v that_o house_n to_o be_v a_o decay_a decline_a house_n where_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n be_v rot_v we_o need_v no_o further_a evidence_n of_o this_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o god_n epistle_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n record_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n be_v a_o decay_a church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v hold_v in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v a_o decay_a church_n for_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o but_o a_o while_n after_o these_o rafter_n and_o beam_n be_v decay_v these_o house_n of_o god_n fall_v and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n lie_v in_o their_o rubbish_n from_o that_o time_n that_o jeroboam_n set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n set_v up_o altar_n in_o grove_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o decline_a decay_a church_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o and_o member_n of_o it_o have_v no_o heart_n timely_a to_o repair_v and_o reform_v it_o the_o house_n fall_v it_o be_v true_a god_n raise_v it_o again_o after_o the_o captivity_n but_o it_o decay_v the_o second_o time_n fell_a and_o lie_v bury_v in_o its_o ruin_n this_o day_n three_o from_o this_o notion_n may_v be_v draw_v a_o great_a argument_n both_o for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n unity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n uniformity_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o doctrine_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o press_v in_o scripture_n scarce_o be_v there_o any_o one_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o press_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o double_a union_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o the_o first_o be_v unit_fw-la as_o fidei_fw-la the_o unity_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o second_o be_v unit_fw-la as_o charit_n at_o be_v quoad_fw-la affectum_fw-la the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o the_o affection_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o have_v be_v high_o plead_v for_o in_o these_o sinful_a and_o woeful_o divide_v time_n and_o indeed_o never_o more_o need_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v not_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o man_n the_o former_a union_n must_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o latter_a for_o as_o all_o love_n be_v found_v in_o some_o similitude_n so_o this_o love_n and_o affection_n where_o it_o have_v any_o where_o grow_v up_o to_o its_o due_a height_n we_o shall_v find_v have_v be_v found_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la it_o be_v evident_a that_o among_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o have_v seldom_o be_v a_o entireness_n of_o cordial_a affection_n indeed_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v therefore_o i_o do_v not_o commend_v they_o nor_o yet_o blame_v the_o exhortation_n of_o brethren_n of_o divide_a principle_n to_o a_o union_n in_o affection_n forbear_v one_o another_o where_o all_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v alike_o reveal_v to_o all_o but_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o 10._o this_o be_v rather_o optandum_fw-la then_o sperandum_fw-la to_o be_v wish_v for_o rather_o than_o hope_v for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v unity_n in_o judgement_n and_o uniformity_n in_o practice_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o think_v and_o a_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o other_o union_n of_o affection_n will_v follow_v more_o ready_o o_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o this_o there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n but_o one_o true_a rule_n of_o worship_n this_o doctrine_n these_o rule_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o same_o beam_n and_o rafter_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o the_o roof_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o building_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o durable_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o beam_n and_o rafter_n while_o one_o church_n hold_v one_o thing_n in_o ma●ter_n of_o faith_n another_o church_n hold_v another_o thing_n nay_o while_o one_o particular_a christian_a believe_v one_o thing_n another_o christian_a believe_v another_o thing_n while_o this_o church_n or_o this_o christian_a worship_n god_n after_o one_o way_n and_o order_n another_o church_n or_o other_o christian_n they_o worship_n god_n after_o another_o way_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a their_o difference_n may_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o they_o may_v yet_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o both_o party_n differ_v may_v at_o lest_o be_v save_v yea_o it_o may_v be_v their_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o just_a forbear_n one_o of_o another_o provide_v all_o christian_n be_v of_o equal_a understanding_n or_o that_o they_o right_o understand_v each_o other_o yet_o doubtless_o this_o breach_n of_o unity_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o breach_n of_o uniformity_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v a_o great_a weaken_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o much_o spoil_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o o_o therefore_o study_v unity_n and_o study_v uniformity_n you_o strengthen_v the_o build_n by_o both_o these_o you_o weaken_v it_o by_o divide_v or_o disagree_v at_o least_o to_o open_a notice_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o remarkable_a that_o st._n paul_n almost_o in_o every_o epistle_n press_v these_o thing_n and_o phil._n 4._o 2._o 2._o when_o but_o two_o woman_n dissent_v he_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o his_o pain_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o i_o beseech_v euodias_n and_o i_o beseech_v syntyche_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v thou_o therefore_o o_o christian_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n among_o who_o thou_o live_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o practice_n as_o to_o fellowship_n in_o ordinance_n sit_v not_o down_o satisfy_v but_o labour_n for_o this_o unity_n for_o
body_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o body_n natural_a for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o member_n the_o mutual_a subserviency_n of_o one_o member_n to_o another_o and_o that_o sympathy_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v betwixt_o the_o member_n hence_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o rejoice_v with_o those_o who_o rejoice_v and_o to_o weep_v with_o those_o that_o weep_v and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o and_o again_o we_o be_v command_v to_o remember_v those_o who_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o and_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n as_o be_v ourselves_o in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o 1._o the_o precept_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o it_o who_o have_v make_v his_o people_n all_o one_o body_n have_v make_v they_o also_o member_n each_o of_o other_o 2._o their_o relation_n call_v to_o they_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o all_o near_a relation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a where_o as_o in_o natural_a body_n the_o natural_a union_n be_v make_v by_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n but_o where_o love_n have_v make_v a_o union_n as_o in_o the_o union_n betwixt_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v extend_v only_o to_o such_o case_n where_o the_o person_n belove_v feel_v a_o burden_n or_o misery_n but_o where_o they_o lie_v under_o it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o what_o husband_n or_o wife_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o affliction_n of_o their_o correlate_n in_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o under_o some_o distemper_n of_o which_o themselves_o possible_o have_v iittle_a or_o no_o sense_n so_o will_v every_o good_a christian_a be_v affect_v at_o the_o case_n of_o his_o brother_n fall_v though_o he_o possible_o have_v not_o that_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o fall_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v and_o at_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n under_o its_o blackness_n though_o possible_o the_o ruler_n or_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o deviation_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o blackness_n with_o a_o mournful_a pity_v and_o compassionate_a eye_n be_v very_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o what_o we_o find_v the_o constant_a and_o religious_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n 2._o we_o may_v so_o far_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n blackness_n as_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o may_v inform_v we_o better_o or_o quicken_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n on_o her_o behalf_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o james_z 5._o 15._o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o they_o be_v put_v together_o and_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v i_o plead_v for_o a_o church_n or_o a_o particular_a child_n of_o god_n if_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o their_o state_n how_o can_v i_o know_v it_o if_o i_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a indulgence_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v only_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o brethren_n also_o 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o life_n for_o they_o who_o sin_v not_o unto_o death_n all_o a_o christian_n sin_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v mortal_a and_o unto_o death_n the_o papist_n err_v in_o their_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o such_o as_o be_v mortal_a and_o such_o as_o be_v venial_a but_o no_o sin_n be_v mortal_a in_o that_o sense_n as_o it_o signify_v what_o can_v be_v forgive_v save_v only_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n gracious_a ordination_n no_o child_n of_o god_n sin_v or_o can_v sin_v unto_o death_n now_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o unto_o death_n god_n have_v promise_v we_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o if_o we_o see_v they_o sin_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o now_o if_o they_o may_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o to_o any_o purpose_n how_o shall_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v high_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o look_v both_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o blackness_n through_o affliction_n be_v any_o man_n afflict_v say_v james_n 5._o 14._o let_v he_o pray_v and_o let_v they_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o they_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v christian_n sin_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a 3._o last_o it_o be_v christian_n duty_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o spouse_n because_o she_o be_v black_a so_o far_a as_o to_o enable_v we_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o purge_n out_o their_o corruption_n a_o good_a christian_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o consider_v the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o in_o his_o place_n to_o endeavour_v its_o reformation_n and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o she_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o her_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a the_o effectual_a authoritative_a reformation_n of_o a_o national_a church_n belong_v to_o the_o ruler_n if_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o but_o every_o private_a christian_a have_v his_o part_n viz._n to_o inform_v such_o in_o who_o the_o power_n be_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o corruption_n and_o not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n in_o such_o thing_n i_o can_v grant_v that_o all_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o conclude_v it_o no_o true_a church_n and_o whole_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n in_o such_o act_n as_o without_o sin_n i_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o lapse_v brother_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o admonish_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o with_o i_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v we_o if_o our_o brother_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n to_o restore_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6._o 1._o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o i_o may_v yea_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o look_v upon_o my_o brother_n when_o he_o be_v black_a for_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v will_v the_o end_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v also_o will_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n let_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o look_v on_o the_o spouse_n in_o her_o blackness_n be_v sinful_a this_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o open_a in_o several_a particular_n 1._o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o censorious_a and_o condemn_a eye_n neither_o for_o their_o seem_a blackness_n through_o affliction_n nor_o yet_o for_o their_o real_a blackness_n through_o coorruption_n either_o break_v out_o of_o a_o christian_n heart_n or_o appear_v in_o a_o church_n judge_v not_o say_v our_o saviour_n luk._n 6._o 37._o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v he_o that_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o christian_n grace_n or_o of_o a_o church_n state_n from_o the_o more_o external_a providence_n of_o god_n either_o towards_o the_o one_o or_o towards_o the_o other_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o