he_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o great_a concernment_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n or_o any_o order_n they_o shall_v think_v meet_a to_o appoint_v last_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o it_o depend_v on_o three_o thing_n in_o believer_n themselves_o 1_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v find_v in_o obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hereby_o they_o find_v themselves_o indispensible_o oblige_v unto_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o state_n and_o that_o all_o believer_n shall_v absolute_o at_o any_o time_n live_v in_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n though_o they_o may_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v 2_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v so_o associate_v themselves_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o they_o in_o they_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o unto_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o all_o outward_a obedience_n be_v suit_v unto_o those_o inward_a principle_n and_o inclination_n which_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v hence_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o therefore_o none_o of_o his_o true_a disciple_n since_o he_o have_v a_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v or_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o obedience_n singular_o and_o personal_o but_o will_v venture_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o for_o communion_n with_o other_o and_o the_o associate_a themselves_o with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o way_n for_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n the_o martyr_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o old_a lose_v more_o of_o their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n than_o for_o personal_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o also_o have_v other_o do_v under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a plea_n among_o they_o who_o engage_v in_o the_o persecution_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v keep_v their_o opinion_n their_o conscience_n and_o faith_n unto_o themselves_o without_o meeting_n for_o communion_n or_o public_a worship_n and_o herein_o they_o suppose_v they_o deal_v friendly_a and_o gentle_o with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v of_o old_a that_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o power_n over_o we_o but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o our_o own_o will_n we_o willing_o choose_v to_o be_v and_o to_o continue_v what_o they_o take_v advantage_n to_o give_v we_o trouble_v for_o and_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o and_o their_o law_n every_o day_n but_o we_o like_v it_o not_o we_o can_v purchase_v outward_a peace_n and_o quietness_n at_o any_o such_o rate_n but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o inward_a instinct_n of_o believer_n from_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o do_v efficacious_o lead_v and_o incline_v they_o unto_o their_o joint_a exercise_n in_o society_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o increase_v of_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o they_o when_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o communion_n lead_v unto_o and_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o they_o find_v themselves_o under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n unto_o it_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o composition_n for_o their_o outward_a peace_n and_o to_o purchase_v quietness_n with_o forego_v any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v be_v a_o mean_n and_o cause_n on_o the_o part_n of_o believer_n themselves_o of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n for_o this_o instinct_n of_o believer_n lead_v they_o unto_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n give_v direction_n how_o and_o in_o what_o way_n it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v and_o exercise_v bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o unto_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o state_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o this_o inward_a principle_n in_o they_o that_o profess_v christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o almost_o only_a ground_n of_o its_o neglect_n 3._o the_o open_a evidence_n there_o be_v that_o sundry_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n can_v never_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o where_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n which_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n require_v of_o they_o what_o these_o duty_n be_v will_v afterward_o appear_v on_o these_o sure_a ground_n be_v found_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n under_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o far_o secure_v as_o that_o nothing_o needs_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n do_v but_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o live_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o word_n for_o a_o perpetual_a law_n unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o charter_n to_o convey_v spiritual_a privilege_n unto_o they_o that_o he_o abide_v to_o communicate_v gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n unto_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n and_o have_v any_o internal_a principle_n incline_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n namely_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o no_o man_n be_v desire_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o state_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o maintain_v that_o the_o continuation_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v sole_o on_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o church_n officer_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o down_o throughout_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o they_o say_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o convey_v church_n power_n from_o one_o time_n to_o another_o so_o as_o that_o if_o it_o fail_v all_o church-state_n order_n and_o power_n must_v fall_v never_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v recover_v there_o be_v they_o say_v a_o flux_n of_o power_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ordainer_n unto_o the_o ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o outward_a ordination_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v howbeit_o those_o who_o use_v this_o plea_n be_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_a in_o and_o unto_o this_o successive_a ordination_n some_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o peter_n only_o and_o he_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n alone_o from_o who_o person_n therefore_o all_o their_o ordination_n must_v be_v derive_v some_o think_v and_o those_o on_o various_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o all_o and_o only_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v and_o begin_v be_v very_o uncertain_a other_o require_v no_o more_o unto_o it_o but_o that_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n who_o be_v reject_v in_o their_o plea_n by_o both_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o other_o difference_n almost_o innumerable_a among_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mind_v may_v be_v reckon_v up_o but_o whereas_o this_o whole_a argument_n about_o personal_n successive_a ordination_n have_v be_v full_o handle_v and_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o disprove_v by_o the_o chief_a protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o because_o i_o design_v not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o what_o other_o think_v and_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o what_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o pretence_n and_o pass_v on_o unto_o what_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v before_o all_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o therefore_o its_o continuation_n can_v depend_v on_o their_o successive_a ordination_n it_o be_v so_o as_o essential_o consider_v though_o its_o be_v organical_a be_v simultaneous_a with_o their_o ordination_n extraordinary_a officer_n be_v before_o the_o
to_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n appoint_v and_o secure_v this_o continuation_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o the_o supreme_a cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o father_n grant_v of_o a_o perpetual_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 72.5_o 7_o 15_o 16_o 17._o isa_n 9.7_o zech._n 6.13_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n plead_v as_o his_o warranty_n for_o the_o foundation_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 28_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o this_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v he_o by_o the_o irrevocable_a grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v three_o way_n 1_o as_o unto_o the_o real_a subject_n of_o it_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o christ._n of_o these_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n and_o divine_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o in_o every_o age_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o perhaps_o no_o small_a multitude_n but_o such_o as_o the_o internal_a rule_n over_o they_o may_v be_v right_o and_o honourable_o term_v a_o kingdom_n for_o as_o that_o which_o formal_o make_v they_o such_o subject_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o no_o outward_a appearance_n or_o visibility_n so_o if_o in_o a_o time_n of_o the_o universal_a prevalency_n of_o idolatry_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o of_o these_o in_o the_o small_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n undiscerned_a and_o invisible_a unto_o the_o most_o eagle-eyed_a prophet_n who_o live_v in_o their_o day_n what_o number_n may_v we_o just_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o christ_n dominion_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o worst_a dark_a most_o profligate_v and_o idolatrous_a time_n that_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o this_o kingdom_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n christ_n ever_o have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v in_o all_o age_n some_o yea_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o true_a real_a spiritual_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n nor_o the_o rage_n or_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o accurse_a apostasy_n of_o many_o or_o of_o all_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n must_v have_v a_o perpetual_a continuation_n in_o this_o world_n mat._n 16.18_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o also_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n grant_v he_o of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v to_o have_v it_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o its_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o glory_n the_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o he_o have_v still_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n depend_v on_o his_o rule_n see_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o dan._n 7.13_o 14._o wherefore_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o indispensible_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o age_n be_v ever_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o who_o open_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o command_n so_o it_o have_v always_o be_v so_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o one_o church_n fall_v under_o a_o particular_a denomination_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o may_v utter_o fail_v or_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n upon_o the_o suppose_a or_o real_a error_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o profession_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n as_o those_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o injurious_a unto_o they_o but_o enemy_n unto_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ._n 3._o this_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o these_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1_o that_o believer_n as_o they_o be_v internal_a spiritual_a real_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v together_o act_v that_o faith_n and_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o unto_o his_o glory_n i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o true_a believer_n may_v together_o and_o in_o society_n act_n all_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n wherein_o both_o as_o unto_o faculty_n and_o exercise_n their_o internal_a spiritual_a subjection_n unto_o christ_n do_v consist_v and_o as_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n do_v most_o eminent_o consist_v namely_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n and_o augmentation_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o from_o this_o especial_a end_n of_o these_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o they_o or_o belong_v to_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n or_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o grace_n in_o who_o exercise_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v glorify_v and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o so_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o constitution_n be_v lose_v so_o be_v those_o church_n to_o be_v make_v up_o fundamental_o and_o material_o of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a 2_o their_o second_o end_n be_v that_o those_o who_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o second_o consideration_n as_o visible_o profess_v subjection_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o may_v express_v that_o subjection_n in_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n for_o this_o alone_a can_v be_v do_v in_o particular_a church_n be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n that_o those_o who_o join_v in_o they_o do_v it_o on_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o this_o end_n of_o they_o also_o be_v lose_v those_o i_o say_v who_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o express_v it_o regular_o and_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n wherein_o alone_o those_o commandment_n of_o he_o in_o who_o observance_n our_o profession_n consist_v do_v take_v place_n be_v such_o society_n as_o wherein_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o his_o worship_n be_v perform_v and_o his_o rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v wherefore_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n also_o without_o which_o both_o the_o other_o be_v imperfect_a belong_v unto_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n whereby_o a_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o it_o be_v secure_v nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o weight_n to_o object_n that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n such_o the_o visible_a apostasy_n of_o many_o of_o they_o unto_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n and_o of_o other_o into_o a_o worldly_a carnal_a conversation_n with_o vain_a tradition_n innumerable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v apprehend_v where_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o this_o kind_n preserve_v and_o continue_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a intercision_n of_o they_o all_o for_o i_o answer_v 1_o no_o individual_a man_n nay_o no_o company_n of_o man_n that_o come_v together_o can_v give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o every_o place_n of_o it_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v so_o as_o that_o what_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o church_n universal_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o surmise_v 2_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o readiness_n in_o most_o to_o judge_v the_o
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
to_o choose_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o person_n meet_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n act._n 6._o the_o same_o people_n who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grand_a case_n concern_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o be_v associate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o act._n 15._o the_o same_o to_o who_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n except_v some_o to_o particular_a person_n be_v write_v and_o unto_o who_o such_o direction_n be_v give_v and_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o they_o as_o suppose_v not_o only_o a_o liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o also_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o archippus_n their_o bishop_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o col._n 4._o unto_o who_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v antichrist_n spirit_n and_o false_a teacher_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n heresy_n and_o error_n 1_o joh._n chap._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n that_o people_n who_o even_o in_o follow_v age_n adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o orthodox_n profession_n of_o it_o when_o almost_o all_o their_o bishop_n be_v become_v arian_n heretic_n and_o keep_v their_o private_a conventicle_n in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o at_o constantinople_n antioch_n alexandria_n and_o other_o place_n and_o who_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o burn_v here_o in_o england_n by_o their_o own_o bishop_n on_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o present_a people_n with_o who_o the_o dr._n be_v acquaint_v be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o some_o body_n else_o beside_o their_o own_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a people_n to_o judge_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o join_v free_o in_o those_o church_n duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o which_o the_o work_n of_o it_o have_v never_o be_v carry_v on_o we_o do_v abide_v by_o and_o maintain_v yea_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n more_o fierce_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o assert_v the_o liberty_n and_o right_o of_o the_o people_n in_o reference_n unto_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o on_o this_o principle_n so_o when_o this_o people_n shall_v through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n and_o unmeetness_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n be_v keep_v and_o debar_v from_o it_o or_o when_o through_o their_o own_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o viciousness_n they_o shall_v be_v real_o uncapable_a to_o manage_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o be_v fit_a only_o to_o be_v govern_v if_o not_o as_o brute_n creature_n yet_o as_o mute_a person_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v improve_v by_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n engross_a all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a age_n if_o the_o old_a popedom_n do_v not_o return_v a_o new_a one_o will_v be_v erect_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o three_o another_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o catholic_n visible_a organical_a govern_v church_n traduce_v by_o succession_n into_o that_o of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d all_o church_n power_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v absolute_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o first_o reformer_n here_o in_o england_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o they_o constant_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o invisible_a of_o elect_a believer_n allow_v the_o external_n denomination_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o diffuse_a community_n of_o the_o baptize_v world_n so_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n that_o rome_n be_v mystical_a babylon_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o apostatise_v church_n of_o the_o gentile_n devote_v to_o destruction_n they_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o such_o church_n state_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o the_o derivation_n of_o any_o power_n and_o order_n from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o this_o principle_n so_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v reject_v as_o shall_v be_v far_o manifest_v if_o occasion_n require_v it_o this_o principle_n we_o do_v firm_o adhere_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v know_v that_o our_o fix_a judgement_n concern_v the_o divine_a institution_n nature_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o body_n organise_v in_o and_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o hierarchy_n from_o any_o pretence_n unto_o church_n state_n order_n or_o power_n and_o it_o may_v be_v hence_o judge_v who_o do_v most_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v a_o second_o absurdity_n that_o he_o charge_v on_o our_o way_n be_v that_o it_o will_v make_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a suppose_v they_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v sect._n 24._o pag._n 186._o to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o insist_o on_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n then_o our_o church_n have_v 2._o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n yet_o many_o learned_a protestant_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o our_o principle_n and_o supposition_n they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o by_o admit_v into_o their_o church_n and_o submit_v unto_o those_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n which_o be_v alone_o unto_o the_o doctor_n purpose_n or_o whether_o they_o judge_v their_o member_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o local_a communion_n with_o they_o under_o those_o imposition_n he_o do_v not_o declare_v but_o whereas_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n be_v in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o what_o the_o dr._n here_o insist_v upon_o yet_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v no_o less_o then_o that_o our_o principle_n give_v disturbance_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o conducive_v thereunto_o but_o such_o as_o without_o which_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n will_v never_o be_v attain_v 1._o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o that_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v difference_n among_o the_o church_n which_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o as_o this_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n unto_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o in_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n begin_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o person_n of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o many_o nation_n of_o divers_a tongue_n and_o language_n none_o of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o it_o shall_v otherwise_o fall_v out_o god_n also_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o cause_n know_v then_o to_o himself_o but_o since_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n a_o far_a agreement_n consider_v our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o proness_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v security_n and_o power_n may_v have_v produce_v as_o evil_a effect_n as_o the_o difference_n have_v do_v for_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o other_o have_v be_v and_o will_v have_v be_v from_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o secular_a interest_n 2._o these_o difference_n be_v principal_o in_o or_o about_o some_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n whereon_o some_o fiery_a spirit_n among_o they_o take_v occasion_n mutual_o and_o unjust_o enough_o to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o heresy_n especial_o be_v this_o do_v among_o the_o lutheran_n