catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
be_v that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o it_o and_o concern_v church-communion_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o church-division_n and_o separation_n in_o great_a part_n where_o such_o notion_n have_v be_v entertain_v my_o present_a design_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o pursue_v in_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a measure_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v the_o more_o steady_o and_o with_o the_o more_o certainty_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o those_o separation_n in_o church-communion_n which_o have_v be_v make_v and_o applaud_v by_o some_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o what_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o then_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v man_n become_v member_n of_o it_o after_o this_o i_o shall_v inquire_v further_a what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o and_o which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o external_a communion_n in_o this_o church_n as_o exercise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o likewise_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o catholick-communion_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o national-constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o christian_a religion_n query_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a be_v that_o body_n company_n or_o society_n of_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o join_v or_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o head_n by_o a_o religious_a bond._n and_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n different_a from_o that_o in_o which_o all_o other_o people_n stand_v relate_v to_o he_o and_o this_o relation_n be_v a_o religious_a relation_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o god_n than_o all_o other_o people_n be_v all_o other_o people_n be_v relate_v as_o humane_a creature_n to_o god_n as_o their_o creator_n and_o governor_n but_o these_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o bond_n &_o obligation_n such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n of_o which_o i_o be_o to_o say_v more_o afterward_o and_o then_o as_o this_o relation_n be_v external_n and_o visible_a so_o that_o by_o which_o this_o relation_n be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v be_v something_o visible_a also_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o relation_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v visible_a now_o the_o person_n thus_o visible_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o all_o religious_o relate_v to_o he_o alike_o some_o of_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o unite_v to_o he_o internal_o and_o invisible_o by_o a_o invisible_a bond_n of_o union_n over_o and_o beside_o their_o visible_a relation_n to_o he_o by_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a when_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v relate_v to_o he_o only_o external_o or_o if_o in_o any_o respect_n internal_o also_o yet_o not_o so_o or_o by_o such_o a_o relation_n as_o will_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o internal_a and_o best_a sort_n of_o privilege_n of_o god_n people_n such_o as_o justification_n reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n but_o yet_o this_o difference_n do_v not_o make_v this_o body_n of_o people_n which_o be_v external_o one_o by_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a to_o become_v two_o universal_a church_n for_o all_o which_o essential_o belong_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v not_o limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n do_v differ_v from_o and_o excel_v the_o other_o for_o the_o external_n relation_n to_o god_n without_o which_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o exist_v be_v common_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o better_a by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v two_o church_n and_o be_v but_o one_o one_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n differ_v from_o another_o indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n before_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a from_o thence_o that_o as_o touch_v their_o external_n and_o visible_a state_n they_o be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o same_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o of_o which_o more_o afterward_o we_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o word_n visible_a and_o invisible_a use_v in_o scripture_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o different_a state_n of_o man_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n but_o yet_o we_o have_v those_o different_a state_n of_o they_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o we_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o need_v not_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v sufficient_o and_o common_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o mention_v they_o afterward_o query_n ii_o what_o be_v it_o which_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v something_o previous_a to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o relation_n in_o man_n to_o god_n be_v wrought_v which_o make_v they_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o do_v capacitate_v they_o for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v their_o be_v external_o call_v by_o god_n to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n person_n lare_fw-la first_o to_o become_v disciple_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o their_o become_a disciple_n and_o their_o be_v call_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n in_o which_o that_o relation_n be_v lay_v and_o upon_o which_o that_o which_o do_v effect_v it_o be_v build_v and_o people_n be_v thus_o call_v either_o 1._o when_o they_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o false_a religion_n to_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o pagan_n be_v call_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v disciple_n or_o 2._o when_o almighty_a god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o those_o be_v who_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n external_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o the_o jewish_a people_n from_o abraham_n time_n downward_o be_v call_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o to_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o according_o they_o be_v style_v god_n call_v once_o by_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 48.12_o harken_v to_o i_o o_o jacob_n and_o israel_n my_o call_v and_o how_o be_v they_o call_v abraham_n indeed_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o by_o god_n who_o appear_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n before_o he_o dwell_v in_o charran_n act._n 7.2_o but_o his_o posterity_n be_v call_v by_o be_v bear_v to_o and_o educate_v in_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v of_o and_o so_o be_v his_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thus_o have_v it_o be_v in_o call_v person_n to_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n as_o christian_a man_n be_v extraordinary_o call_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o they_o be_v call_v and_o convert_v from_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n to_o own_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o since_o the_o time_n of_o first_o plant_v the_o gospel_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n god_n ordinary_a and_o common_a method_n of_o call_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v by_o their_o christian_a parent_n educate_v they_o in_o it_o and_o indeed_o their_o be_v bear_v of_o parent_n in_o a_o especial_a relation_n to_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o providential_a call_v which_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v so_o relate_v also_o for_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o now_o style_v a_o holy_a seed_n that_o be_v a_o seed_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n world_n to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o the_o female_n of_o the_o jew_n become_v church-member_n and_o by_o this_o be_v their_o male_n qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n further_a mention_n will_v be_v make_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o inquiry_n query_n iii_o what_o may_v that_o be_v by_o which_o people_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n that_o by_o which_o people_n be_v constitute_v complete_o visible_a church-member_n be_v a_o mutual_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o they_o between_o christ_n
in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o in_o point_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a may_v yet_o in_o some_o sort_n real_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v touch_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n yea_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o suffering_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o these_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v and_o undissemble_o profess_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o profess_a infidel_n do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n before_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n unto_o this_o hour_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v say_v st._n paul_n concern_v some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o he_o afterward_o admonish_v to_o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8.7_o &_o 10.14_o now_o if_o a_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v true_o regenerate_v have_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o have_v govern_v themselves_o in_o baptise_v of_o man_n suspicion_n will_v hardly_o have_v suffer_v philip_n to_o have_v baptise_a such_o a_o one_o as_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n without_o some_o considerable_a trial_n of_o he_o and_o consider_v what_o discern_a man_n the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v discern_v none_o of_o those_o unfit_a to_o be_v baptise_a who_o yet_o they_o do_v baptise_v that_o be_v very_o bad_a before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o still_o short_o after_o i_o say_v this_o will_v seem_v strange_a in_o case_n nothing_o less_o have_v qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n than_o a_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v regenerate_v these_o circumstance_n consider_v together_o with_o the_o plain_a rule_n the_o apostle_n have_v in_o their_o commission_n who_o to_o baptise_v to_o wit_n disciple_n as_o such_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o that_o rule_n and_o baptise_a those_z they_o do_v baptise_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o disciple_n or_o such_o as_o be_v learning_n to_o be_v christian_n without_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v 5._o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v not_o judge_v according_a to_o outward_a appearance_n but_o according_a to_o his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v account_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n who_o yet_o he_o know_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o invisible_a this_o i_o gather_v from_o his_o own_o word_n john_n 15.2_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n he_o take_v away_o by_o which_o he_o suppose_v and_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o will_v be_v many_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o by_o be_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o to_o be_v take_v away_o be_v therefore_o not_o of_o the_o invisible_a for_o by_o their_o be_v in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o mean_v of_o their_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o but_o by_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n for_o by_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o he_o baptise_a into_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v gal._n 3.27_o and_o plant_v in_o he_o by_o baptism_n rom._n 6.5_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n judge_v and_o account_v man_n to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n we_o may_v we_o must_v so_o account_v they_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o other_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o by_o be_v unite_a and_o relate_v to_o he_o either_o by_o external_a covenant_v with_o he_o or_o by_o internal_a renovation_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n such_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n unless_o any_o three_o sense_n of_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n can_v be_v find_v out_o in_o scripture_n which_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o 6._o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n own_v such_o to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a by_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o there_o be_v such_o gift_n pour_v out_o upon_o such_o man_n as_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v yet_o not_o to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v evident_a by_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n mat._n 7.22_o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o suppose_v that_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v so_o bad_a as_o quite_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o christian_a profession_n heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o pour_v out_o such_o gift_n upon_o such_o man_n do_v own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o these_o be_v make_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v and_o only_o to_o such_o mark_v 16.17_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v those_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n by_o confer_v upon_o such_o believer_n who_o faith_n do_v not_o operate_v to_o regeneration_n he_o set_v his_o seal_n upon_o they_o as_o mark_v for_o his_o in_o a_o visible_a relation_n for_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n ephe._n 1.13_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o one_o by_o inward_a sanctification_n or_o renew_v man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n of_o this_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o seal_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o belong_v then_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o a_o visible_a mark_n or_o seal_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o and_o by_o which_o god_n own_v they_o as_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o confer_v upon_o they_o some_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o be_v unregenerate_a as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o that_o have_v special_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o seven_o of_o mat._n and_o 6_o of_o heb._n forementioned_a these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n than_o miracle_n gift_n of_o healing_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n by_o which_o those_o that_o have_v they_o bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v own_v by_o god_n to_o be_v so_o the_o confer_v miraculous_a gift_n upon_o such_o man_n as_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o christ_n at_o last_o as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n argue_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n in_o a_o sense_n because_o they_o wrought_v their_o miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v that_o such_o sign_n as_o they_o show_v shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v mark_v 16.17_o second_o that_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o that_o miraculous_a power_n be_v confer_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v and_o preach_v the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v vers_n 20._o beside_o our_o saviour_n bring_v they_o in_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n three_o they_o be_v believer_n professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o by_o baptism_n make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v own_v they_o for_o such_o by_o confer_v on_o they_o such_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o unbeliever_n 7._o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o our_o saviour_n own_v some_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o his_o servant_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o call_v they_o servant_n though_o slothful_a servant_n mat._n 25_o 26._o unprofitable_a servant_n vers_n 30._o evil_a servant_n mat._n 24.48_o wicked_a
of_o their_o be_v already_o qualify_v with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a man_n by_o baptism_n itself_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n external_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o to_o new_a enjoyment_n also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v our_o saviour_n call_v baptism_n a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n as_o a_o birth_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n of_o he_o with_o nicodemus_n about_o baptism_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o jew_n custom_n of_o receive_v proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o by_o circumcision_n who_o do_v reckon_v they_o be_v thereby_o bear_v again_o as_o it_o be_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n as_o be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o although_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n for_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o yet_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o bear_v when_o they_o be_v baptise_a but_o most_o of_o they_o afterward_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a again_o another_o scripture_n be_v act._n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n now_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v argue_v hence_o that_o since_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n alone_o without_o repentance_n here_o require_v with_o it_o will_v not_o avail_v for_o the_o obtain_v such_o remission_n that_o therefore_o a_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n always_o suppose_v repentance_n in_o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a answer_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v hence_o be_v that_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n and_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n be_v direct_v to_o and_o enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o that_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v available_a to_o this_o end_n be_v enjoin_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v baptise_a and_o by_o that_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o the_o adult_n a_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o time_n to_o come_v be_v always_o require_v before_o baptism_n but_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n alone_o avail_v not_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o the_o promise_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o future_a will_v prove_v be_v uncertain_a to_o those_o who_o receive_v person_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v receive_v such_o raw_a disciple_n to_o baptism_n as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o this_o counsel_n be_v here_o give_v upon_o like_a term_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n receive_v the_o multitude_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o for_o baptism_n and_o they_o be_v baptise_a confess_v their_o sin_n they_o confess_v themselves_o such_o sinner_n as_o need_v amendment_n and_o profess_a sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v and_o by_o receive_v baptism_n engage_v themselves_o to_o amend_v for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o according_o he_o be_v say_v to_o baptise_v they_o unto_o repentance_n mat._n 3.11_o but_o very_o many_o of_o they_o fall_v short_a afterward_o of_o perform_v their_o engagement_n john_n 5.35_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n as_o save_v be_v not_o inseparable_a in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n if_o a_o man_n do_v effectual_o repent_v though_o it_o be_v not_o till_o long_o after_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o his_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n will_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v save_v be_v not_o of_o necessity_n before_o baptism_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v infer_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v man_n visible_a church-membership_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o credibility_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a as_o that_o it_o will_v much_o rather_o prove_v the_o direct_a contrary_n viz._n that_o the_o credibility_n of_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a for_o it_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o in_o this_o matter_n can_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n until_o they_o be_v first_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a by_o baptism_n for_o we_o see_v man_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o repent_v to_o obtain_v it_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o be_v save_v be_v elsewhere_o make_v unto_o a_o be_v baptise_a as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16.16_o and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o man_n can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o through_o his_o own_o default_n be_v not_o baptise_a by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n without_o this_o than_o he_o can_v be_v due_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o the_o invisible_a church-state_n because_o there_o be_v none_o in_o that_o church-state_n but_o what_o be_v pardon_v if_o any_o shall_v allege_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o and_o infer_v that_o none_o be_v by_o baptism_n or_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v new_a creature_n the_o answer_n to_o they_o be_v this_o if_o by_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n be_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o be_v in_o he_o as_o be_v save_v than_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o true_o regenerate_v but_o then_o that_o be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o our_o present_a inquiry_n but_o if_o you_o read_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o margin_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n than_o this_o text_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o if_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v new_a creature_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o covenant-ingagement_n when_o they_o be_v plant_v into_o he_o by_o baptism_n act._n 2.37_o it_o be_v likewise_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n such_o as_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v requy_v as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n and_o visible_a church-membership_n for_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 baptise_a philip_n say_v unto_o he_o 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 christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o philip_n seem_v to_o make_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o admit_v the_o eunuch_n to_o baptism_n and_o what_o less_o can_v a_o believe_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v than_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n such_o as_o philip_n be_v do_v indeed_o suppose_v and_o expect_v a_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o adult_n person_n who_o they_o baptise_a into_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v nor_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o press_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v very_o hearty_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o undertake_n the_o christian_a profession_n when_o they_o baptise_a they_o into_o it_o and_o so_o do_v philip_n here_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o for_o all_o that_o philip_z baptise_a this_o eunuch_n upon_o his_o bare_a profess_v that_o he_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o
out_o of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o dispute_n and_o by_o desert_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o correct_v open_a and_o notorious_a scandal_n and_o lesser_a disorder_n for_o else_o if_o both_o be_v punish_v alike_o when_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o criminal_a or_o if_o lesser_a disorder_n shall_v be_v strict_o look_v after_o and_o severe_o punish_v and_o great_a connive_v at_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o government_n in_o man_n reverence_n and_o esteem_v and_o so_o weaken_v the_o fence_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o render_v communion_n with_o she_o less_o desirable_a by_o such_o as_o will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v unequal_o deal_v with_o by_o she_o but_o as_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o its_o peace_n and_o to_o unity_n in_o its_o communion_n so_o be_v obedience_n to_o such_o government_n without_o which_o government_n lose_v its_o end_n but_o when_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v equal_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o will_v consist_v with_o the_o due_a end_n of_o it_o then_o if_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o disobedient_a under_o it_o they_o will_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o sober_a man_n if_o fit_v course_n be_v take_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v government_n in_o the_o church_n will_v signify_v little_a thus_o much_o concern_v our_o inquiry_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o unity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n be_v necessary_a and_o why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v entire_a and_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o without_o fracture_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v this_o because_o its_o be_v such_o and_o so_o keep_v and_o maintain_v tend_v great_o to_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n and_o bigness_n of_o its_o body_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o member_n for_o next_o to_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n the_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n among_o christian_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v general_o find_v in_o they_o will_v attract_v and_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o like_n and_o love_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o lovely_a effect_n it_o produce_v in_o they_o man_n can_v hardly_o think_v otherwise_o than_o well_o of_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o they_o find_v man_n be_v make_v more_o peaceable_a and_o love_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o all_o good_a office_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o man_n than_o other_o be_v or_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v before_o they_o engage_v hearty_o and_o serious_o in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o concord_n and_o good_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n have_v so_o happy_a a_o tendency_n as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n &_o love_n of_o that_o same_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o reason_n why_o and_o for_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o union_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o thing_n their_o religien_n teach_v they_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o world_n will_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o neither_o pray_v i_o for_o these_o alone_a but_o for_o they_o also_o which_o shall_v believe_v on_o i_o through_o their_o word_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o have_v have_v its_o contrary_a effect_n for_o where_o have_v any_o such_o numerous_a addition_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v find_v from_o among_o the_o pagan_a world_n since_o the_o great_a division_n which_o have_v rise_v and_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n while_n catholic_n communion_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n without_o any_o considerable_a interruption_n nay_o have_v not_o the_o unreasonable_a division_n and_o fierce_a contention_n which_o have_v break_v out_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n especial_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o to_o turn_v atheist_n or_o sceptic_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o more_o general_a flow_a of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v accomplish_v but_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o be_v until_o by_o humility_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n and_o good_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o virtue_n they_o make_v a_o better_a representation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v than_o they_o do_v at_o this_o day_n when_o god_n almighty_a turn_n to_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n than_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v they_o will_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v zeph._n 3.9_o not_o while_o they_o treat_v one_o another_o with_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a language_n which_o smell_n of_o wrath_n and_o disdain_n of_o envy_n spite_n and_o contempt_n not_o while_o by_o word_n they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o disgrace_v one_o another_o but_o by_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o the_o good_a agreement_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a healthful_a state_n and_o its_o grow_a up_o to_o a_o great_a stature_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n for_o where_o peace_n and_o good_a agreement_n be_v in_o the_o several_a office_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n there_o love_n be_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n which_o hold_v they_o fast_o together_o and_o love_n be_v a_o radical_a grace_n out_o of_o which_o other_o grace_n grow_v in_o so_o much_o that_o love_n be_v make_v the_o summary_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.8.10_o charity_n edifi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o like_a god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o it_o tend_v to_o edify_v the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v set_v and_o on_o which_o it_o exercise_v itself_o it_o tend_v to_o build_v up_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o be_v this_o further_a reason_n why_o a_o peaceable_a agreement_n in_o one_o catholic_n communion_n tend_v to_o increase_v the_o church_n in_o her_o spiritual_a riches_n viz._n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n delight_v to_o dwell_v where_o peace_n and_o love_n dwell_v and_o there_o to_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v enrich_v but_o without_o his_o supply_n influence_n and_o operation_n there_o be_v no_o thrive_n in_o grace_n and_o real_a goodness_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o and_o where_o god_n take_v up_o his_o special_a residence_n he_o will_v adorn_v those_o live_a temple_n with_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a ornament_n and_o those_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o best_a sort_n of_o gift_n such_o as_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o
such_o as_o shall_v receive_v it_o be_v according_o foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o resemble_v by_o various_a parable_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n thus_o we_o have_v it_o again_o in_o another_o parable_n concern_v the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n to_o which_o both_o good_a &_o bad_a be_v invite_v and_o do_v come_v and_o the_o wedding_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o guest_n mat._n 22._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o among_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n gather_v of_o every_o kind_n bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o so_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a and_o his_o seed_n wherein_o four_o sort_n of_o hearer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v resemble_v by_o four_o sort_n of_o ground_n into_o which_o the_o seed_n fall_v of_o which_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thorough_o good_a mat._n 13._o add_v unto_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v his_o apostle_n by_o these_o parable_n what_o different_a success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n will_v meet_v with_o even_o among_o those_o that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o his_o church_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o many_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a but_o also_o tell_v they_o plain_o without_o a_o parable_n that_o many_o will_v be_v call_v and_o yet_o but_o sew_v choose_v mat._n 20.16_o wherefore_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n may_v we_o conceive_v do_v our_o saviour_n thus_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n touch_v what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n will_v be_v which_o shall_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o expectation_n nor_o be_v offend_v when_o afterward_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o a_o mixture_n or_o ever_o expect_v though_o they_o shall_v observe_v his_o rule_n for_o the_o purge_v his_o church_n to_o find_v it_o otherwise_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n appoint_v for_o a_o total_a gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o understand_v otherwise_o by_o our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o doctrine_n but_o that_o the_o worse_a as_o well_o as_o the_o better_a christian_n be_v of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o visible_a church_n their_o epistle_n to_o such_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n show_v for_o they_o count_v they_o and_o treat_v they_o as_o christian_a brethren_n in_o so_o much_o as_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v such_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v under_o it_o to_o be_v count_v as_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v as_o brethren_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o the_o apostle_n then_o be_v thus_o thorough_o instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n aforehand_o touch_v the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n of_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o they_o will_v receive_v none_o into_o the_o church_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o as_o be_v true_o regenerate_v 4._o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o apostle_n receive_v person_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n which_o render_v it_o incredible_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o receive_v any_o but_o upon_o the_o reputation_n and_o esteem_n they_o have_v of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a first_o one_o thing_n be_v the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o they_o most_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o become_v disciple_n which_o doctrine_n be_v the_o preach_v that_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o christ_n suffering_n for_o sinner_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o preach_a to_o the_o people_n that_o this_o jesus_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o his_o enemy_n have_v put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v by_o astonish_a miracle_n it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v together_o with_o this_o preach_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n also_o but_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n by_o a_o saviour_n so_o extraordinary_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v be_v new_a and_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v so_o huge_o comfortable_a as_o it_o be_v do_v so_o strong_o affect_v the_o people_n as_o make_v they_o instont_o turn_v disciple_n and_o to_o promise_v no_o doubt_n a_o reformation_n of_o life_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o perform_v while_o they_o be_v thus_o fill_v with_o joy_n but_o many_o of_o they_o after_o this_o transport_n of_o affection_n and_o newness_n of_o joy_n be_v over_o though_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o comfortable_a part_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o death_n yet_o prove_v partial_a and_o defective_a in_o reform_v their_o life_n which_o render_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o very_o doubtful_a at_o least_o or_o rather_o worse_a than_o so_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v forewarn_v and_o pre-instructed_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o upon_o their_o preach_v the_o joyful_a news_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v many_o will_v be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o joyful_o to_o become_v disciple_n and_o turn_v christian_n in_o profession_n who_o yet_o will_v afterward_o when_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v either_o apostotize_n and_o fall_v off_o or_o foul_o falter_v in_o retain_v that_o profession_n by_o carnal_a shift_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o persecution_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o this_o by_o open_v to_o they_o who_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o hearer_n he_o mean_v by_o those_o resemble_v in_o the_o parable_n to_o the_o stony_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o seed_n fall_v and_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v immediate_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o afterward_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n will_v be_v offend_v as_o not_o have_v root_n in_o themselves_o mar._n 4.16_o all_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v all_o they_o baptise_a under_o the_o notion_n of_o person_n already_o true_o regenerate_v but_o as_o disciple_n only_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n second_o another_o circumstance_n be_v the_o great_a have_v the_o apostle_n make_v to_o baptise_v person_n when_o once_o they_o have_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o consent_v to_o it_o the_o same_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o preach_v to_o those_o mention_v act._n 2._o they_o baptise_a about_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o so_o philip_n baptise_a the_o eunuch_n present_o upon_o the_o road_n after_o once_o preach_v to_o he_o and_o the_o jailor_n and_o all_o his_o be_v baptise_a straight-way_n and_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o night_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o silas_n first_o preach_v to_o they_o act._n 16.33_o i_o think_v there_o can_v no_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o their_o delay_n so_o much_o as_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n to_o baptise_v any_o after_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a this_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o very_o incredible_a that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a none_o but_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v esteem_v regenerate_v or_o that_o they_o do_v baptise_v person_n ordinary_o by_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o baptise_v those_o that_o be_v disciple_n as_o such_o if_o they_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o baptise_v none_o but_o who_o they_o can_v prudent_o esteem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v suspend_v the_o baptise_v of_o many_o at_o least_o until_o they_o have_v have_v some_o trial_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o resolution_n and_o experience_n of_o their_o reformation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v any_o good_a judgement_n of_o man_n sincerity_n by_o what_o they_o do_v on_o a_o sudden_a under_o some_o transport_n of_o affection_n and_o before_o they_o have_v have_v some_o time_n in_o cool_a thought_n to_o deliberate_v upon_o what_o they_o engage_v to_o do_v three_o their_o refuse_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a argue_v that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v none_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o refuse_v none_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n how_o notorious_o bad_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o simon_n magus_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o some_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
if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o first_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o communion_n 3._o catholic_n communion_n consist_v also_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n which_o christian_n give_v to_o and_o receive_v one_o from_o another_o couch_v in_o that_o one_o word_n fellowship_n in_o the_o description_n of_o catholic_n communion_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o our_o version_n be_v here_o translate_a fellowship_n be_v by_o the_o dutch_a in_o their_o version_n translate_v communion_n and_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n it_o signify_v both_o to_o communicate_v and_o to_o participate_v to_o distribute_v and_o to_o receive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a communion_n every_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o the_o which_o if_o due_o observe_v by_o all_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o thus_o communicate_v and_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o other_o will_v be_v receive_v back_o again_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o from_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o like_a succour_n service_n and_o assistance_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v as_o they_o themselves_o have_v contribute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o serve_v every_o fellow-christian_a so_o according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.13_o and_o this_o give_v and_o receive_v assistance_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v communicate_v with_o he_o phil._n 4.15_o if_o this_o catholic_n communion_n be_v but_o due_o maintain_v among_o all_o christian_n how_o like_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n will_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v even_o now_o for_o the_o present_a that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o then_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o christian_n thus_o to_o exchange_v office_n of_o love_n with_o one_o another_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o if_o i_o be_o hereby_o bind_v to_o love_v every_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o so_o be_v every_o neighbout_o oblige_v by_o it_o to_o love_v i_o as_o they_o love_v themselves_o and_o how_o delightful_a a_o commerce_n will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o hit_v on_o it_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o love_n in_o which_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a communion_n do_v consist_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o the_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o the_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a mind_v the_o visit_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a the_o relieve_v one_o another_o want_n the_o bear_n on_o another_o burden_n the_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o the_o like_a together_o with_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o yield_n and_o allow_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o share_v in_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o enjoy_v communion_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o worship_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o make_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o it_o by_o draw_v on_o themselves_o deserve_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a of_o the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o those_o ordinance_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v as_o little_a child_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o much_o brief_o touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n commumunion_n come_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o may_v best_o be_v preserve_v there_o be_v two_o bond_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v bind_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n 1_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v man_n heart_n together_o and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o affection_n knit_v together_o in_o love_n as_o as_o it_o be_v express_v col._n 2.2_o and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v one_o in_o communion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o beginning_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v act_v 4.32_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n charity_n we_o see_v be_v call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n for_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o perfect_a state_n in_o her_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o communion_n by_o love_n make_v perfect_a in_o one_o as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o joh._n 17.23_o and_o the_o union_n in_o communion_n which_o be_v make_v by_o love_n be_v union_n in_o its_o perfection_n nothing_o unite_v christian_n so_o entire_o and_o firm_o as_o love_n do_v if_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v this_o love_n and_o union_n by_o love_n will_v last_v there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n in_o the_o oneness_n of_o communion_n until_o there_o be_v first_o a_o failure_n in_o love_n charity_n must_v needs_o unite_v and_o knit_v christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n forementioned_a do_v spring_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o by_o these_o christian_n take_v fast_o hold_v one_o of_o another_o charity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v communicative_a of_o the_o good_a it_o have_v and_o the_o good_a it_o can_v do_v and_o by_o that_o it_o do_v attract_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o a_o near_a conjunction_n with_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v charity_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o christian_n inner_a man_n by_o which_o they_o embrace_v one_o another_o though_o absent_a love_n be_v of_o a_o win_a nature_n it_o gain_v upon_o other_o that_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n if_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v season_v a_o man_n speech_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o strong_a argument_n when_o mix_v with_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n a_o tongue_n of_o love_n be_v solomon_n tongue_n of_o health_n it_o will_v heal_v wound_n when_o another_o tongue_n do_v but_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v st._n paul_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o do_v all_o their_o thing_n with_o charity_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n upon_o they_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o cure_v the_o division_n into_o which_o they_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v again_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4.8_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n among_o other_o it_o keep_v christian_n from_o fly_v asunder_o and_o divide_v in_o their_o communion_n which_o many_o time_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o very_o small_a matter_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o evil_a mind_n that_o will_v aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o seek_v out_o matter_n to_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o but_o charity_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o spy_v fault_n or_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n nor_o to_o aggravate_v and_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n nor_o to_o harbour_v jealousy_n or_o evil_a surmise_n out_o of_o which_o breach_n be_v wont_a to_o grow_v but_o it_o will_v overlook_a man_n weakness_n mistake_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o believe_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o evil_a mind_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o love_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o extenuate_a circumstance_n in_o the_o
the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.11_o while_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v so_o do_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o not_o unpeaceable_o contend_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o which_o god_n perhaps_o do_v neither_o esteem_n or_o disesteem_a man_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n with_o spiritual_a blessing_n especial_o and_o as_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n enlivens_fw-la it_o with_o natural_a life_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o several_a member_n perform_v their_o several_a function_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o even_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v animate_v it_o with_o spiritual_a life_n and_o do_v so_o influence_n and_o actuate_v the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o as_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o all_o perform_v their_o several_a christian_a office_n proper_a to_o each_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o this_o vital_a power_n of_o act_v spiritual_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o each_o of_o the_o member_n as_o they_o be_v in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o as_o one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o this_o conveyance_n to_o another_o and_o each_o enable_v to_o contribute_v its_o part_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a thus_o col._n 2.19_o where_o st._n paul_n mention_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n say_v from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o bond_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n of_o the_o body_n flow_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n we_o see_v as_o have_v obtain_v it_o by_o his_o mediation_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a office-work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v the_o benesit_n obtain_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o work_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o he_o shall_v glorify_v i_o for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 16.14_o and_o this_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n as_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n by_o which_o union_n one_o member_n be_v make_v a_o channel_n of_o conveyance_n of_o nourishment_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a body_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v so_o a_o disunion_n of_o the_o part_n or_o member_n must_v needs_o obstruct_v this_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v that_o parallel_a place_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n 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 work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n be_v make_v we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v join_v together_o and_o also_o by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v be_v so_o compact_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o spiritual_a strength_n depend_v upon_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o assistance_n and_o how_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o presence_n depend_v upon_o the_o peaceable_a agreement_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v and_o if_o so_o then_o unpeaceableness_n discord_n and_o strife_n contention_n and_o divide_v into_o party_n in_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o tend_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o special_a presence_n and_o divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v thrive_v and_o increase_v in_o true_a goodness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o will_v rather_o decline_v and_o go_v backward_o though_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o love_n will_v be_v with_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v so_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n as_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_v in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n which_o will_v always_o be_v find_v in_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o will_v be_v so_o with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o so_o live_v in_o peace_n though_o they_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v indeed_o dispense_v gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v common_a to_o bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a such_o as_o these_o he_o may_v bestow_v upon_o christian_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o disorder_n and_o unpeaceable_a division_n but_o as_o for_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o constitute_v man_n true_o good_a such_o as_o love_v joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n and_o meekness_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o have_v of_o these_o and_o man_n be_v of_o a_o unpeaceable_a temper_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n be_v i_o fear_v inconsistent_a for_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o though_o st._n paul_n acknowledge_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v enrich_v with_o all_o utterance_n and_o all_o knowledge_n chap._n 1_o 5._o yet_o in_o chap._n 3.1_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 3._o because_o there_o be_v among_o they_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a say_v he_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n that_o be_v as_o other_o man_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n they_o may_v indeed_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o talk_v otherwise_o and_o better_o than_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o their_o walk_n and_o live_v be_v but_o as_o they_o while_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n be_v find_v with_o they_o for_o these_o be_v of_o those_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o those_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o these_o scripture_n measure_n it_o will_v make_v they_o on_o all_o hand_n one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o another_o to_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o find_v themselves_o but_o in_o a_o carnal_a state_n and_o of_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o sad_a time_n wherein_o envy_v strife_n and_o division_n do_v abound_v it_o be_v huge_o necessary_a that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v without_o delay_n repent_v and_o get_v out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n and_o religious_a so_o long_o as_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n query_n fourteen_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o be_v and_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o christian_n unity_n in_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o
direct_a schism_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o reconciliation_n for_o when_o it_o do_v indeed_o appear_v by_o comply_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o other_o true_o christian_a behaviour_n of_o person_n that_o through_o error_n of_o judgement_n differ_v from_o their_o brethren_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o that_o difference_n proceed_v pure_o from_o conscience_n though_o erroneous_a and_o not_o from_o a_o worse_a principle_n their_o case_n be_v true_o pitiable_a and_o call_v for_o tenderness_n towards_o they_o from_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o to_o treat_v they_o according_o be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v information_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o scruple_n whereas_o when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o treat_v with_o severity_n it_o tend_v to_o spoil_v their_o good_a temper_n and_o to_o exasperate_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o out_o of_o disgust_n to_o they_o who_o have_v so_o deal_v with_o they_o to_o unite_v into_o party_n and_o make_v head_n against_o they_o to_o the_o imbroil_v the_o church_n in_o grievous_a schism_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o and_o worse_a division_n or_o schism_n than_o mere_a difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o some_o lesser_a thing_n and_o that_o division_n lie_v more_o in_o christian_n unchristian_a manage_v their_o difference_n than_o in_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n when_o it_o be_v but_o about_o some_o thing_n wherein_o the_o good_a or_o hurt_n of_o man_n will_v be_v little_o concern_v if_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o their_o effect_n and_o this_o division_n lie_v in_o the_o immoderate_a manner_n of_o contend_v for_o that_o wherein_o christian_n differ_v as_o thus_o when_o they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o offer_v their_o argument_n fair_o and_o peaceable_o for_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o brethren_n for_o not_o submit_v to_o but_o oppose_v they_o both_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o practice_n as_o when_o they_o set_v they_o at_o naught_o and_o censure_v they_o as_o insincere_a as_o not_o true_o lover_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bias_v by_o some_o undue_a interest_n of_o honour_n reputation_n or_o gain_v or_o humour_n or_o self-will_n and_o that_o these_o prevail_v with_o they_o more_o than_o truth_n now_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v of_o a_o provoke_a nature_n and_o lay_v a_o temptation_n upon_o their_o brethren_n passion_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o alienate_v affection_n and_o minister_v to_o unpeaceable_a contending_n and_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o peace_n though_o man_n have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v schismatical_a in_o labour_v to_o propagate_v or_o to_o defend_v that_o truth_n when_o they_o go_v far_o in_o do_v so_o than_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n i_o mean_v in_o way_n of_o controversy_n though_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v move_v with_o undue_a motive_n to_o oppose_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o what_o they_o hold_v yet_o because_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n it_o lie_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n therefore_o whatever_o they_o may_v fear_v or_o suspect_v yet_o they_o shall_v forbear_v either_o to_o pronounce_v or_o insinuate_v any_o such_o hard_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o violate_v peace_n by_o cause_v unquietness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o destroy_v charity_n weaken_v yea_o wound_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v schism_n though_o it_o shall_v never_o proceed_v to_o actual_a separation_n this_o mingle_n of_o man_n passion_n and_o unchristian_a censure_n and_o insinuation_n with_o their_o argument_n hinder_v the_o due_a operation_n of_o their_o argument_n upon_o their_o antagonist_n mind_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o hinder_v it_o jam._n 1.20_o whereas_o though_o man_n do_v differ_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o propose_v and_o reply_v one_o to_o another_o no_v otherwise_o than_o as_o suppose_v both_o side_n to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n they_o may_v live_v love_o and_o peaceable_o together_o and_o enjoy_v edify_v and_o comfortable_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o their_o difference_n in_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o division_n and_o consequent_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o person_n that_o divide_v or_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o church_n unnecessary_o gather_v into_o a_o party_n and_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o together_o the_o more_o public_o and_o avowed_o to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v in_o opposition_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o industrious_o labour_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n as_o hope_v thereby_o in_o time_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v their_o opposite_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o their_o cause_n now_o if_o the_o thing_n or_o thing_n they_o after_o this_o manner_n contend_v for_o shall_v be_v unprofitable_a for_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v obtain_v or_o of_o so_o little_a use_n or_o benefit_n as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v countervail_v the_o hurt_n that_o be_v or_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o be_v obtain_v in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o grievous_a schism_n thus_o to_o divide_v and_o imbroil_v the_o church_n upon_o so_o mean_v a_o account_n a_o division_n or_o schism_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v term_v faction_n which_o be_v a_o side_v or_o make_v of_o party_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o some_o sort_n be_v the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o their_o division_n be_v factious_a division_n for_o they_o proceed_v to_o make_v of_o party_n their_o crime_n in_o this_o charge_v upon_o they_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v term_v division_n in_o our_o bibles_n but_o the_o word_n be_v faction_n in_o the_o margin_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o and_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n render_v sedition_n in_o our_o translation_n be_v division_n or_o faction_n in_o the_o margin_n gal._n 5.20_o this_o sort_n of_o division_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o faction_n or_o make_v of_o party_n be_v more_o than_o be_v find_v in_o some_o division_n which_o yet_o be_v sinful_a now_o when_o a_o schism_n grow_v up_o to_o this_o height_n to_o a_o combine_a strength_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o while_o it_o be_v act_v only_o by_o a_o few_o apart_o and_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n and_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o then_o there_o be_v more_o of_o contempt_n in_o it_o and_o more_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o community_n more_o disturb_v and_o because_o usual_o by_o endeavour_n of_o increase_v the_o party_n much_o more_o evil_a be_v perpetrate_v by_o slander_n naughty_a insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n against_o those_o they_o divide_v from_o and_o combine_v against_o than_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o division_n at_o first_o or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o error_n on_o which_o the_o division_n first_o begin_v this_o factious_a division_n be_v likewise_o aggravate_v further_o when_o it_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o sedition_n and_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n gal._n 5._o the_o same_o word_n signify_v division_n faction_n and_o sedition_n now_o sedition_n i_o conceive_v be_v a_o division_n accompany_v with_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n against_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n under_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o it_o be_v their_o act_v thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o government_n far_o than_o the_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v against_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v so_o perhaps_o by_o seek_v to_o alter_v any_o thing_n amiss_o or_o inconvenient_a in_o the_o government_n in_o a_o undue_a way_n that_o be_v by_o act_v out_o of_o their_o sphere_n or_o the_o place_n or_o rank_n in_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o their_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n in_o it_o
misrepresent_v that_o method_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o my_o inquiry_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o have_v not_o take_v wrong_a measure_n and_o unless_o very_o much_o mistake_v their_o communion_n in_o their_o state_n of_o separation_n if_o take_v altogether_o and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v must_v needs_o be_v far_o more_o impure_a than_o the_o parochial_a communion_n they_o have_v withdraw_v from_o there_o be_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o well_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o left_a and_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o man_n to_o run_v into_o the_o one_o by_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a reformation_n be_v through_o mistake_v zeal_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o a_o extreme_a on_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o into_o one_o on_o the_o left_a and_o in_o fly_v from_o babylon_n to_o run_v beyond_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n of_o do_v much_o hurt_n in_o the_o church_n by_o over_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v by_o under-doing_a and_o both_o extreme_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v the_o new_a england_n minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o mr._n davenport_n former_o mention_v do_v say_v we_o may_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o too_o much_o straiten_v and_o narrow_n the_o bound_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o visible_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n certain_o enlargement_n so_o it_o be_v a_o regular_a enlargement_n be_v a_o very_a desirable_a thing_n in_o church_n reformation_n it_o be_v a_o observable_a truth_n say_v pareus_n on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o tare_n that_o they_o which_o be_v for_o too_o much_o straitness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n the_o church_n so_o much_o they_o p._n 45._o thus_o the_o mistake_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n of_o old_a for_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o pure_a communion_n as_o be_v think_v or_o pretend_v put_v they_o upon_o separate_v from_o other_o orthodox_n christian_n which_o prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o the_o most_o unchristian_a practice_n imaginable_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o their_o undertake_a reformation_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o high_a and_o lamentable_o scandalous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o agree_v as_o we_o be_v now_o and_o differ_v most_o about_o disciplinary_a point_n as_o they_o do_v then_o such_o a_o strictness_n in_o church_n reformation_n as_o do_v so_o narrow_a and_o lessen_v the_o visible_a church_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o size_n of_o the_o invisible_a be_v many_o way_n hurtful_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o contrary_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v and_o lessen_v the_o great_a work_n of_o thorough_a and_o sound_a conversion_n in_o the_o church_n it_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o spread_a and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o tend_v to_o harden_v man_n in_o a_o unsafe_a condition_n it_o tend_v to_o deprive_v good_a man_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o it_o tend_v to_o beget_v and_o foment_n division_n contention_n feud_n envy_n strife_n and_o undue_a censuring_n among_o christian_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o church_n into_o a_o sickly_a state_n and_o such_o as_o threaten_v her_o spiritual_a life_n beside_o the_o encouragement_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v thereby_o give_v to_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o plot_n and_o attempt_v against_o we_o and_o thus_o over_n be_v indeed_o undo_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o a_o discourse_n against_o overmuch_o strictness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v strict_a towards_o himself_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o his_o be_v strict_a and_o severe_a towards_o other_o in_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o christian_a professor_n a_o man_n can_v well_o be_v too_o strict_a in_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o his_o own_o heart_n word_n and_o way_n in_o govern_v his_o appetite_n thought_n and_o passion_n tongue_n and_o action_n nor_o do_v this_o kind_n of_o strictness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o purity_n of_o communicant_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o no_o carnal_a christian_n have_v any_o share_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o or_o rather_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o due_a attention_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v good_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o the_o worse_o nor_o do_v fare_v the_o worse_o for_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o less_o avail_n good_a man_n that_o with_o a_o due_a frame_n of_o mind_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o though_o unregenerate_a man_n participate_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o when_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n capital_a offender_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o less_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a by_o such_o man_n share_v in_o they_o but_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o shame_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o that_o dishonour_n which_o otherwise_o will_v stick_v upon_o it_o for_o tolerate_v such_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o and_o partly_o also_o for_o admonition_n to_o other_o and_o to_o prevent_v the_o taint_n of_o such_o as_o be_v less_o wary_a by_o their_o ill_a example_n and_o familiar_a converse_n but_o otherwise_o bad_a man_n share_v in_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o good_a man_n in_o grace_n or_o their_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o administer_v to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a bad_a man_n can_v in_o the_o least_o pollute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o good_a by_o their_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n will_v have_v such_o as_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o excommunication_n for_o capital_a crime_n though_o not_o regenerate_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n be_v once_o receive_v into_o it_o by_o baptism_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o ordinance_n for_o their_o conversion_n i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n no_o good_a man_n shall_v envy_v or_o grudge_v they_o this_o benefit_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o such_o conversion_n and_o they_o especial_o shall_v not_o who_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o general_a communion_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n therein_o afford_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o case_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v man_n in_o model_v this_o new_a church_n way_n as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o many_o other_o for_o their_o congregation_n at_o the_o first_o and_o long_o after_o consist_v scarce_o of_o any_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v before_o their_o incorporate_n and_o associate_a in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n they_o therein_o enjoy_v make_v such_o as_o they_o then_o be_v they_o may_v without_o doubt_n have_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o growth_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v afterward_o and_o i_o think_v much_o more_o provide_v they_o have_v but_o diligent_o and_o careful_o improve_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o they_o have_v acquire_v what_o they_o have_v then_o attain_v to_o for_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o increase_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o will_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o those_o who_o with_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o mind_n attend_v upon_o god_n in_o they_o as_o well_o when_o unregenerate_a man_n share_v in_o they_o as_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o great_a piety_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o
church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o world_n all_o under_o this_o character_n and_o badge_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o that_o relation_n visible_a church-membership_a all_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v visible_o christian_n and_o of_o christ_n church_n how_o ancient_a and_o how_o long_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o way_n of_o constitute_v visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o god_n appoint_v i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o if_o this_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o by_o which_o person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o reputation_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o visible_a church_n member_n though_o it_o do_v qualify_v they_o for_o it_o unless_o this_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o those_o of_o which_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v constitute_v have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o those_o dissenter_n own_o mind_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o constitutute_v of_o qualify_a matter_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o this_o issue_n that_o these_o dissenter_n must_v either_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o prove_v that_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v make_v or_o else_o it_o will_v certain_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n of_o they_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o they_o they_o must_v row_v all_o the_o way_n against_o the_o stream_n and_o strong_a tide_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o who_o always_o esteem_v baptism_n the_o door_n of_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v pass_v through_o baptism_n be_v within_o the_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o man_n can_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a without_o be_v first_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a proceed_v from_o their_o seem_a to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a for_o as_o touch_v man_n entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.5_o and_o baptism_n be_v enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a act_v 2.38_o and_o 22.16_o mar._n 16.16_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o scripture_n man_n being_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o their_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v ordinary_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o baptism_n now_o one_o will_v think_v a_o notion_n so_o preposterous_a as_o this_o oppose_v appear_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v very_o unfit_a to_o make_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v church_n upon_o or_o to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o those_o which_o have_v a_o substantial_a foundation_n the_o scripture_n i_o mean_v but_o if_o man_n seem_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n visible_a yet_o such_o seem_a can_v be_v no_o proper_a or_o fit_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n determine_v and_o conclude_v who_o be_v and_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v arbitrarious_fw-la and_o uncertain_a for_o man_n be_v or_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n and_o those_o will_v seem_v in_o some_o man_n apprehension_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o to_o other_o will_v seem_v otherwise_o and_o then_o those_o will_v be_v own_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o will_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o by_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a method_n that_o first_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o way_n reformation_n and_o pure_a communion_n be_v thing_n which_o sound_v mighty_a well_o in_o good_a man_n ear_n and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o believe_v to_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a strictness_n in_o that_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o more_o general_a communion_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o hereupon_o to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o purity_n in_o it_o also_o which_o have_v be_v the_o prevail_a reason_n which_o have_v carry_v multitude_n into_o quakerism_n and_o when_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o seat_v itself_o in_o man_n mind_n they_o quick_o grow_v confident_a that_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v against_o it_o and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o fancy_v that_o every_o slight_a appearance_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o upon_o which_o they_o can_v but_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n as_o shall_v favour_v they_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n when_o impartial_o scan_v and_o have_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v oppose_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o good_a man_n be_v matter_n of_o purity_n indeed_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v one_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o if_o this_o their_o way_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n pure_a word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o what_o be_v impure_a and_o if_o it_o run_v counter_a to_o our_o lord_n method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o very_o material_a point_n than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o impure_a practice_n a_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o a_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o such_o it_o be_v if_o i_o have_v not_o