whether_o in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o to_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o somewhat_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o whether_o likewise_o such_o answer_n from_o the_o parent_n shall_v not_o be_v expect_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o demand_n and_o further_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o infant_n can_v be_v so_o well_o or_o so_o direct_o and_o proper_o oblige_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n by_o what_o sponsor_n which_o be_v not_o their_o parent_n then_o do_v to_o oblige_v they_o as_o they_o may_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n themselves_o may_v do_v to_o that_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposal_n or_o question_n be_v this_o 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person_n act_v the_o part_n of_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n seem_v more_o proper_a and_o better_a to_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n sponsor_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a in_o case_n parent_n of_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v dead_a as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n from_o which_o perhaps_o that_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n there_o be_v other_o case_n in_o which_o sponsor_n or_o pro-parent_n may_v be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o hardly_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v parent_n from_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o submission_n to_o those_o of_o better_a judgement_n and_o more_o authority_n have_v only_o offer_v they_o to_o consideration_n query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_n say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o 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of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a by_o this_o much_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n membership_n lie_v and_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v arise_v now_o that_o the_o internal_a christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o internal_a change_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o apprehension_n inclination_n motion_n and_o operation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o various_a object_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v produce_v or_o obtain_v a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a union_n of_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o this_o internal_a renovation_n of_o soul_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o union_n with_o god_n by_o adhesion_n for_o by_o it_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o be_v join_v to_o he_o he_o that_o be_v join_v or_o he_o that_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v render_v by_o both_o word_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o for_o a_o man_n firm_o and_o resolve_o to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n in_o worship_v love_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o in_o place_v his_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o his_o only_a god_n and_o saviour_n come_v what_o will_v which_o be_v his_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a union_n with_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o this_o internal_a renovation_n work_v a_o invisible_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o which_o participation_n man_n be_v moral_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o they_o be_v thereby_o renew_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n or_o one_o in_o spirit_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n or_o of_o one_o spirit_n for_o so_o far_o as_o such_o a_o one_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o renovation_n he_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o god_n judge_v and_o love_n and_o hate_v and_o design_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v 3._o by_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n man_n come_v to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o which_o their_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v complete_v the_o holy_a spirit_n first_o prepare_v they_o as_o live_a temple_n or_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o by_o renew_v they_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n and_o then_o come_v and_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o afford_v they_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n and_o assistance_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n dwell_v both_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o they_o the_o union_n between_o they_o become_v more_o intimous_a and_o more_o entire_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o as_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o make_v so_o much_o by_o their_o contiguity_n or_o close_o join_v as_o by_o be_v all_o animate_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n so_o it_o be_v
i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o great_a or_o lesser_a voluntary_a association_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o seem_v very_o inconsiderable_a because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n then_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o necessity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a not_o but_o that_o they_o long_v for_o and_o pray_v for_o such_o king_n as_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o small_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o at_o last_o they_o obtain_v it_o in_o constantine_n a_o christian_a cesar_n who_o use_v that_o power_n of_o he_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o for_o the_o order_n and_o regulate_v many_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o more_o commodious_a and_o orderly_o carry_v on_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o existent_a in_o the_o empire_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n express_v themselves_o thus_o upon_o that_o occasion_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n as_o i_o show_v before_o rev._n 12.10_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n for_o man_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o new_a testament_n time_n consider_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n nation_n reform_v from_o paganism_n and_o popery_n be_v style_v god_n kingdom_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n style_v the_o same_o people_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n sometime_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o call_v a_o christian_a nation_n a_o church_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v it_o a_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o the_o scripture_n style_v so_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v observe_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o popery_n be_v before_o such_o reformation_n be_v make_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o much_o of_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v then_o own_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n be_v indict_v we_o see_v style_v they_o so_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o then_o in_o their_o unreformed_a state_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o own_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o same_o creed_n which_o the_o reform_a churches_n themselves_o use_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n style_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n when_o as_o under_o their_o reform_a state_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n like_a as_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n esteem_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n but_o as_o ethiopian_n unto_o he_o amos_n 9.7_o and_o tell_v they_o by_o another_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v your_o god_n hos_n 1.10_o for_o though_o they_o have_v his_o ordinance_n among_o they_o and_o boast_v of_o their_o temple-worship_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n jer._n 7._o they_o divide_v their_o worship_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o baal_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o
the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a justify_v save_a faith_n before_o such_o admission_n and_o hereby_o faith_n in_o this_o question_n be_v not_o mean_v faith_n objective_o but_o subjective_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o a_o profession_n of_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n doctrinal_o consider_v be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a by_o baptism_n in_o the_o adult_n which_o if_o believe_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 20.31_o act_n 8.37_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o belief_n of_o save_a doctrine_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o visible_a church-membership_a than_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v some_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n upon_o the_o appearance_n and_o probable_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v a_o due_a judgement_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n the_o one_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o call_v a_o faith_n initial_a or_o inchoate_n the_o other_o a_o faith_n consummate_v or_o complete_a the_o initial_a faith_n stand_v in_o such_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n as_o have_v not_o yet_o through_o its_o power_n over_o the_o will_n renew_v the_o whole_a man_n so_o as_o to_o become_v regenerate_v or_o a_o new_a creature_n but_o the_o faith_n consummate_v or_o complete_a lie_n in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o which_o through_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o the_o will_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v in_o its_o inclination_n motion_n and_o affection_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o sin_n and_o duty_n this_o difference_n between_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v fair_o set_v out_o in_o the_o scripture_n st._n james_n chap._n 2._o treat_n of_o a_o faith_n that_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o of_o that_o also_o which_o will_n the_o one_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v alone_o or_o by_o itself_o verse_n 15._o which_o have_v not_o yet_o purify_v the_o heart_n from_o earthly_a affection_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v dead_a and_o remain_v barren_a but_o the_o other_o faith_n which_o will_v avail_v to_o justification_n be_v operative_a and_o vigorous_a produce_v internal_a and_o external_a act_n of_o christian_a obedience_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v perfect_a ver_fw-la 22._o that_o be_v it_o be_v thereby_o make_v to_o attain_v its_o end_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o this_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v thereby_o consummate_a or_o make_v perfect_a gal._n 5._o for_o the_o greek_a word_n according_a to_o learned_a author_n be_v in_o the_o middle_a voice_n and_o may_v be_v take_v active_o or_o passive_o or_o rather_o both_o it_o work_v by_o love_n be_v thereby_o consummate_a or_o make_v perfect_a dr._n hammond_n understand_v it_o in_o a_o passive_a sense_n and_o read_v it_o thus_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v by_o love_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o can_v not_o write_v to_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o division_n they_o live_v in_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o his_o word_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o man_n may_v be_v babe_n in_o christ_n by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o fell_v short_a of_o purify_n the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n and_o which_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o when_o s._n peter_n say_v add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o he_o suppose_v it_o very_o possible_a for_o some_o christian_n to_o have_v a_o faith_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o christian_a virtue_n there_o enumerate_v and_o to_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o follow_v verse_n 8_o 9_o and_o we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n to_o who_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o joh._n 2.23_o and_o of_o other_o who_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o will_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n john_n 12.42_o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o magus_n that_o simon_n himself_o also_o believe_v act._n 8.13_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v justify_v and_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o improve_v this_o to_o show_v how_o unlikely_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v receive_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v to_o have_v a_o justify_v faith_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o paganism_n shall_v ordinary_o if_o at_o all_o in_o their_o first_o beginning_n to_o believe_v believe_v unto_o justification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o space_n of_o time_n between_o their_o first_o believe_v and_o their_o believe_v unto_o justification_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o can_v be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n who_o baptise_a man_n present_o and_o when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o believe_v will_v baptise_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o have_v already_o believe_v unto_o justification_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o such_o man_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o believe_v do_v then_o believe_v unto_o justification_n be_v this_o because_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v unto_o justification_n until_o their_o faith_n have_v wrought_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o whole_a man_n as_o by_o which_o they_o become_v regenerate_v as_o i_o have_v show_v for_o we_o can_v say_v god_n justify_v unregenerate_a man_n while_o they_o be_v such_o now_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v not_o ordinary_o if_o at_o all_o wrought_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o man_n begin_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o believe_v of_o which_o this_o change_n be_v wrought_v do_v not_o effect_v it_o physical_o but_o moral_o by_o cause_v such_o thought_n and_o consideration_n to_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o do_v by_o degree_n alter_v and_o change_v the_o moral_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o he_o cause_v this_o change_n by_o work_v upon_o man_n thought_n and_o by_o bring_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n they_o believe_v whereunto_o they_o tend_v and_o how_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o man_n discern_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o consequent_o their_o thought_n and_o consideration_n about_o they_o be_v bring_v on_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o light_n come_v in_o be_v confuse_o and_o indistinct_o discern_v at_o first_o and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v can_v exceed_v the_o mind_n discern_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o one_o be_v weak_a the_o other_o will_v be_v weak_a also_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o weak_a so_o far_o its_o operation_n upon_o the_o will_v to_o alter_v and_o change_v it_o will_v be_v but_o weak_a likewise_o as_o the_o one_o be_v wrought_v gradual_o so_o be_v the_o other_o man_n may_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o conviction_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o yet_o the_o will_n be_v not_o thereby_o prevail_v upon_o to_o consent_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n for_o some_o considerable_a time_n and_o sometime_o never_o and_o let_v a_o man_n faith_n or_o belief_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o until_o it_o prevail_v over_o the_o will_v which_o be_v the_o great_a wheel_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v motion_n both_o to_o a_o man_n affection_n and_o action_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v it_o as_o to_o its_o prevail_a bent_n and_o
the_o bad_a from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o church_n but_o from_o among_o the_o good_a in_o the_o world_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o grow_v together_o in_o the_o church_n till_o harvest_n but_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o strengthen_v this_o they_o allege_v our_o saviour_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o field_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o be_v the_o world_n mat._n 13.38_o and_o this_o indeed_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o i_o think_v it_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o the_o field_n indeed_o in_o which_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v be_v the_o world_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mar._n 16.15_o but_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v this_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v present_o baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n now_o it_o be_v among_o these_o that_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o many_o of_o they_o prove_v bad_a christian_n so_o that_o the_o seed_n be_v first_o sow_o in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o common_a field_n but_o yet_o the_o tare_n spring_v up_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o become_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o enclose_a garden_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o harvest_n shall_v come_v when_o these_o tare_n must_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n our_o saviour_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ver._n 41._o where_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o grow_v till_o this_o harvest_n and_o what_o be_v this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o his_o visible_a church_n the_o history_n of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v do_v plain_o lay_v open_a the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o that_o of_o the_o draw-net_n and_o other_o like_a parable_n in_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o this_o parable_n in_o particular_a show_v further_a that_o these_o tare_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n say_v he_o you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o tare_n grow_v with_o the_o wheat_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n matter_n of_o security_n to_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o the_o wheat_n will_v be_v in_o more_o danger_n by_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v from_o among_o it_o than_o by_o their_o grow_v together_o with_o it_o in_o more_o danger_n of_o bein_z root_v up_o or_o root_v out_o and_o this_o seem_v full_o to_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a that_o reason_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o why_o all_o unregenerate_a christian_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v a_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v hear_v say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o but_o few_o in_o number_n do_v yet_o subsist_v yea_o and_o abundant_o increase_v too_o though_o they_o have_v no_o humane_a or_o worldly_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o when_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v against_o they_o and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o do_v so_o now_o though_o none_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n shall_v be_v any_o defence_n unto_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o may_v subsist_v in_o the_o world_n continue_v and_o increase_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v provide_v they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o back_n and_o abet_v they_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v i_o mean_v those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o then_o procure_v the_o christian_n great_a reputation_n among_o the_o people_n and_o which_o do_v still_o attract_v and_o draw_v in_o more_o to_o their_o party_n than_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o persecution_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o by_o the_o high_a power_n which_o be_v then_o infidel_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o miraculous_a wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o in_o those_o time_n the_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v so_o astonish_v and_o affect_v that_o they_o favour_v they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o ruler_n be_v put_v under_o some_o awe_n for_o we_o read_v that_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a great_a grace_n or_o favour_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o to_o wit_n all_o the_o christian_n act_n 4.33_o and_o chap._n 5.13_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o so_o that_o the_o ruler_n when_o they_o have_v otherwise_o a_o mind_n to_o it_o find_v not_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n for_o all_o man_n glorify_v god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v do_v chap._n 4.21_o and_o in_o chap._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bring_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n that_o they_o bring_v they_o without_o violence_n because_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v stone_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n they_o obtain_v among_o the_o people_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o the_o numerous_a miracle_n they_o wrought_v believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o the_o ruler_n chap._n 5.14_o and_o that_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v make_v from_o among_o the_o heathen_a also_o be_v attribute_v by_o st._n paul_n unto_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a way_n i_o will_v not_o dare_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o wrought_v by_o i_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a by_o word_n and_o deed_n through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.18_o 19_o but_o if_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o to_o increase_v their_o number_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o be_v not_o countenance_v and_o protect_v by_o christian_a state_n and_o governor_n and_o by_o a_o multitude_n more_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n with_o themselves_o than_o be_v of_o like_a sincerity_n in_o that_o profession_n they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n extirpate_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o insidel_n and_o antichristian_a party_n in_o it_o when_o the_o papal_a defection_n befall_v the_o church_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o great_a part_n perhaps_o of_o the_o then_o visible_a church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a and_o become_v their_o enemy_n in_o time_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o exterminate_n and_o root_n out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o orthodox_n and_o sincere_a christian_n which_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n to_o show_v how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n if_o they_o be_v desert_v by_o those_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o of_o it_o or_o if_o those_o be_v reject_v as_o no_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o thereby_o make_v their_o enemy_n 4._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n in_o another_o respect_n of_o reckon_v none_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o to_o admit_v man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o to_o its_o communion_n but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v already_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a tend_v great_o to_o betray_v many_o soul_n into_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o self-deceiving_a for_o if_o this_o rule_n of_o admission_n shall_v be_v observe_v many_o mistake_n will_v be_v commit_v either_o through_o fallibility_n or_o partiality_n of_o judgement_n in_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o and_o so_o many_o will_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o receive_v under_o the_o approbation_n of_o