observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o â—_z the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_v unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptize_v child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church_n duty_n or_o enjoy_v church-priviledge_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a corsent_a thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8._o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o waâ—_n the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o dâ—ys_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o preclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v
for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n and_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v â—o_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o boâ—n_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o â—_z and_o to_o be_v confirm_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o join_v himself_o unto_o or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o refuse_v communion_n by_o unwarrantable_a condition_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o many_o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o papacy_n in_o all_o the_o western_a empire_n it_o be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n unto_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n voluntary_o and_o of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o in_o and_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o shall_v now_o far_o confirm_v 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o be_v before_o declare_v do_v lie_v in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n can_v exercise_v the_o principal_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o which_o he_o be_v create_v and_o whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o glorify_v god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o they_o without_o a_o consent_n and_o conjunction_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o communion_n and_o society_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o 2._o the_o way_n whereby_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v god_n have_v declare_v and_o reveal_v from_o the_o beginning_n by_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n through_o the_o addition_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n of_o worship_n unto_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o this_o give_v the_o true_a state_n and_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o a_o divine_a addition_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o any_o church-state_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o those_o institution_n which_o be_v constitutive_a of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o new_a 3._o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n found_v in_o and_o on_o a_o especial_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n exod._n 24._o unto_o this_o church_n every_o one_o that_o will_v please_v god_n and_o walk_v before_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v himself_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n namely_o by_o circumcision_n and_o their_o lay_n hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n exod._n 12.48_o isa._n 56.4_o and_o this_o join_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v call_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n isa._n 56.6_o jerem._n 50.5_o as_o be_v the_o mean_v thereof_o without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v herein_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o 4._o as_o a_o new_a church-state_n be_v prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n ezek._n 34.25_o 26_o 27._o isa._n 66.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a so_o it_o be_v actual_o erect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v introduce_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n all_o the_o command_n promise_n and_o threaten_n give_v or_o annex_v unto_o that_o church-state_n concern_v the_o conjunction_n of_o man_n unto_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o it_o be_v transfer_v unto_o this_o of_o the_o new_a erection_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o although_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v reduce_v from_o that_o which_o be_v national_o congregational_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o its_o institute_v worship_n be_v change_v with_o new_a rule_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o the_o command_n promise_n and_o threaten_n make_v and_o give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o church_n be_v all_o in_o full_a force_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o new_a church-state_n and_o we_o need_v no_o new_a command_n to_o render_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o join_v in_o evangelical_n church_n for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n 5._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v dispose_v all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o edification_n unto_o these_o church_n so_o that_o ordinary_o and_o under_o a_o expectation_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o they_o and_o concurrence_n unto_o their_o efficacy_n they_o be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v enjoy_v such_o be_v the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n be_v to_o despise_v his_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o provide_v for_o his_o eternal_a welfare_n 6._o he_o have_v prescribe_v sundry_a duty_n unto_o we_o both_o as_o necessary_a and_o as_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v his_o disciple_n such_o as_o can_v be_v orderly_o perform_v but_o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n this_o also_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v 7._o the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o render_v his_o kingdom_n visible_a or_o conspicuous_a in_o distinction_n from_o and_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n declare_v himself_o a_o subject_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o solemn_o engage_v in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o constitute_v a_o legal_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o life_n in_o some_o outward_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v solemn_o to_o express_v his_o allegiance_n in_o the_o way_n appoint_v by_o the_o law_n for_o that_o end_n nor_o will_v it_o constitute_v a_o regular_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v profess_v and_o so_o profess_v a_o general_a compliance_n therewith_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o testify_v his_o subjection_n by_o the_o way_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o
to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unâ—o_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n 24.14_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4_o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel_n privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterwards_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n called_n sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o priledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a influance_n yet_o be_v they_o mere_a member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o also_o mere_a to_o be_v esteeâ—ed_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o none_o be_v exclude_v but_o such_o as_o concern_v who_o rule_n be_v give_v either_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o â—ut_v of_o church_n society_n or_o be_v express_o exclude_v by_o god_n himself_o from_o any_o share_n in_o the_o prieiledge_n of_o his_o covenant_n psal._n 50.16_o 17._o but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o wâ—rds_n behind_o thou_o advertisement_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v far_o in_o a_o book_n late_o publish_v entitle_v tâ—e_v true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n â—y_a the_o same_o author_n wherein_o those_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n unto_o or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o
heal_v even_o babylon_n itself_o by_o a_o reduction_n of_o all_o thing_n unto_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o it_o will_v be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o and_o if_o not_o we_o be_v to_o forsake_v she_o and_o reform_v ourselves_o rev._n 18.4_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o pretence_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o infallible_a continuation_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o head_n of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o the_o truth_n be_v invincible_o confirm_v may_v be_v brief_o touch_v on_o 1._o there_o be_v express_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n for_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v continue_v always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o matth._n 16.13_o rev._n 21.3_o the_o ministry_n matth._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o baptism_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o as_o for_o other_o institution_n public_a prayer_n preach_v the_o word_n the_o lord_n day_n sing_v of_o god_n praise_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n with_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v only_o direct_v and_o apply_v unto_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o worship_n by_o rule_n of_o especial_a institution_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v than_o the_o original_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n can_v so_o do_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o plead_v yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la the_o true_a state_n of_o gospel-churche_n and_o their_o whole_a worship_n as_o unto_o its_o original_a institution_n do_v fail_v under_o the_o papal_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o may_v do_v so_o again_o i_o answer_v 1._o we_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v always_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a wherein_o all_o protestant_a writer_n do_v agree_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o unto_o public_a view_n observation_n and_o notoriety_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v lose_v under_o the_o papacy_n and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o under_o a_o renew_a apostasy_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v be_v real_o at_o all_o time_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o church_n may_v fail_v not_o only_o as_o unto_o visibility_n but_o as_o unto_o their_o existence_n but_o this_o supposition_n of_o a_o failure_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n and_o worship_n i_o grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n from_o innumerable_a divine_a promise_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingly_a office_n that_o there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n great_a or_o lesser_a of_o sincere_a believer_n that_o open_o profess_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o 2._o that_o in_o these_o person_n there_o reside_v a_o indefeazable_a right_n always_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o church_n state_n and_o to_o administer_v all_o gospel_n ordinance_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o ensue_a argument_n depend_v on_o this_o right_n and_o not_o on_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n 3_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v accept_v of_o church_n in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n and_o of_o worship_n much_o deprave_v until_o they_o have_v new_a mean_n for_o their_o reformation_n nor_o will_v i_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o unto_o their_o eternal_a condition_n who_o walk_v in_o church_n so_o corrupt_v and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o worship_n so_o deprave_v but_o as_o unto_o they_o who_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a it_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o revel_v 18.4_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n require_v and_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n therein_o with_o a_o power_n in_o they_o in_o who_o that_o right_n do_v indefeazable_o reside_v that_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o into_o exercise_n and_o practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o external_a impediment_n which_o in_o some_o place_n at_o some_o time_n may_v interrupt_v its_o exercise_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v the_o church-state_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o profess_v consist_v it_o do_v so_o in_o opposition_n 1._o unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o hereby_o do_v man_n call_v jesus_n lord_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.3_o and_o avow_v their_o subjection_n unto_o his_o kingly_a power_n 2._o unto_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n and_o this_o state_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v unalterable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a state_n that_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n plain_o prove_v that_o hereby_o the_o believe_a church_n be_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n â—hat_n be_v unto_o its_o consummation_n in_o the_o most_o complete_a perfection_n that_o god_n have_v design_v unto_o it_o on_o this_o side_n glory_n heb._n 7._o â—1_n 19_o for_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a head_n of_o it_o its_o constitution_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o wâ—rship_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v it_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v therefore_o liable_a to_o no_o intercision_n or_o alteration_n 3._o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o this_o church-state_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o law_n therein_o a_o kingdom_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v until_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n depend_v on_o this_o one_o assertion_n we_o need_v not_o here_o concern_v ourselves_o what_o notion_n some_o man_n have_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a affair_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o rutilio_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a consist_v in_o the_o law_n he_o have_v give_v the_o institution_n he_o have_v appoint_v the_o rule_n or_o polity_n he_o have_v prescribe_v with_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v make_v constitute_v and_o be_v the_o church-state_n and_o worship_n inquire_v after_o wherefore_o as_o christ_n always_o hâ—â—h_v and_o ever_o will_v have_v a_o invisible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o elect_a believer_n lead_v guide_v rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n so_o he_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a kingdom_n also_o consist_v in_o a_o profess_a avow_a subjection_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n rom._n 10.10_o and_o although_o this_o kingdom_n or_o his_o kingdom_n in_o this_o sense_n may_v as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o individual_a person_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o season_n yet_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o its_o complete_a establishment_n consist_v in_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o church_n which_o he_o will_v therefore_o maintain_v unto_o the_o end_n but_o by_o visible_a in_o this_o discourse_n i_o understand_v not_o that_o which_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a unto_o all_o though_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o and_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o again_o nor_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v actual_o see_v or_o know_v by_o other_o but_o only_o that_o which_o may_v be_v so_o or_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o know_v nor_o do_v i_o assert_v a_o necessity_n hereof_o as_o unto_o a_o constant_a preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o regularity_n in_o order_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o they_o in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unalterable_a right_n and_o power_n in_o believer_n to_o
a_o guide_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o order_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-institution_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._n the_o necessity_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n ii_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n brief_o vindicate_v iu._n what_o sort_n of_o church_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o as_o unto_o entire_a communion_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1692._o a_o guide_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o order_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-institution_n chap._n i._n the_o necessity_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v himself_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a observation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o commâ—nds_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n maâ—th_n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o this_o in_o general_n be_v grâ—nted_v by_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n of_o man_n the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o mutual_a feâ—ds_n in_o religion_n plead_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n still_o suppose_v tâ—at_a it_o be_v thâ—ir_a duty_n to_o be_v of_o one_o or_o another_o yea_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o person_n ought_v to_o choose_v what_o church_n they_o will_v join_v themselves_o unto_o wherein_o they_o may_v have_v the_o best_a advantage_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n most_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v suppose_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foolish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o get_v other_o from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o â—riâ—l_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptize_v in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o eâ—crease_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a churchâ—s_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptize_v person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a
end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o whole_a nation_n in_o their_o civil_a relation_n and_o subordination_n according_a to_o law_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n but_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o kingly_a power_n and_o rule_v in_o it_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o all_o sort_n wherein_o the_o kingly_a power_n be_v act_v open_o and_o visible_o and_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n yet_o deny_v his_o homage_n unto_o these_o court_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o subject_a so_o do_v the_o whole_a visible_a profess_v church_n in_o one_o or_o more_o nation_n or_o lesser_a precinct_n of_o people_n and_o place_n constitute_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v no_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v esteem_v a_o legal_a true_a subject_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o these_o his_o court_n with_o a_o solemn_a expression_n of_o his_o homage_n unto_o he_o 8._o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v confine_v unto_o these_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v approve_v by_o who_o that_o rule_n be_v despise_v i_o shall_v not_o argue_v far_o in_o a_o case_n who_o truth_n be_v of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n record_v thing_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n with_o approbation_n unless_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n but_o such_o as_o be_v entire_a member_n of_o these_o assembly_n chap._n ii_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o his_o essence_n constitution_n and_o be_v or_o as_o unto_o its_o power_n and_o order_n when_o it_o be_v organise_v as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v its_o constituent_a part_n be_v its_o matter_n and_o form_n these_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v the_o person_n whereof_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v with_o their_o qualification_n and_o by_o its_o form_n the_o reason_n cause_n and_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o relation_n among_o they_o which_o give_v they_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o therewithal_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o a_o church_n either_o privilege_n or_o powâ—r_n as_o such_o our_o first_o enquiry_n being_n concern_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o admit_v to_o be_v the_o visible_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o our_o determination_n by_o respect_n unto_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n to_o reckon_v such_o person_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n member_n of_o his_o body_n such_o as_o he_o require_v and_o own_v for_o other_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v not_o be_v tolerate_v at_o least_o not_o approve_v in_o a_o well_o govern_v kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n 5.27_o be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o but_o it_o be_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o notorious_o and_o flagitious_o wicked_a until_o they_o become_v pâ—sts_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v they_o esteem_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v think_v little_o less_o than_o schism_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o sacred_a privilege_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o general_n represent_v the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o consist_v of_o person_n call_v saint_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n with_o manâ—_n other_o thing_n of_o alike_a nature_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o if_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o we_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o we_o understand_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o eâ—ds_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o it_o above_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o subject_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o the_o world_n in_o its_o wisdom_n know_v not_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v who_o we_o avow_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o those_o who_o know_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o profess_v that_o person_n open_o profane_a vicious_a sensual_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a be_v approve_v and_o own_a of_o christ_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n 5._o or_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o old_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o it_o be_v make_v a_o scarecrow_n to_o frighten_v man_n from_o attempt_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o a_o covert_n for_o the_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o member_n only_o some_o thing_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v unto_o what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o this_o enquiry_n as_o 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v of_o any_o as_o unto_o personal_a qualification_n in_o a_o visible_a uncontrollable_a profession_n to_o constitute_v they_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 22.26_o and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o most_o righteous_a and_o severe_a law_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v a_o good_a subject_a or_o citizen_n the_o distinction_n between_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v noâ—_n all_o negative_a qualification_n as_o that_o man_n be_v not_o oppressor_n drunkard_n reviler_n swearer_n adulterer_n etc._n etc._n be_v require_v hereunto_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o general_o more_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v such_o a_o citizen_n as_o shall_v represent_v the_o righteous_a law_n he_o live_v under_o than_o to_o constitute_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 2._o that_o whereas_o regeneration_n be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o gospel_n 5._o to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o privilege_n unto_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o kingdom_n of_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o kingdom_n in_o and_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o a_o interest_n wherein_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o better_o more_o excellent_a and_o sublime_a than_o any_o thing_n the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n pretend_v unto_o or_o prescribe_v wherefore_o it_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o outward_a rite_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n beside_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o its_o consist_v in_o any_o such_o rite_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o and_o many_o thing_n require_v unto_o good_a citizen_n be_v far_o better_o than_o the_o mere_a observation_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n of_o this_o regeneration_n baptism_n be_v the_o symbol_n the_o sign_n 3.21_o expression_n and_o representation_n wherefore_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n partaker_n of_o it_o it_o give_v all_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v until_o they_o come_v unto_o such_o season_n wherein_o the_o personal_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 19_o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n 16._o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n 2.23_o as_o unto_o its_o internal_a real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v
judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n 1.16_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constituent_v of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o mere_a member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10.11_o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n to_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o 18._o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_a member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compâ—â—â—_n church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n oâ—_n gospel-contitution_a be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5.9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church-member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v â—o_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church-member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n â—ore_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o dâ—_n eccles._n cap_n 2._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n 15._o and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n being_n disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth_n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catecuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o
office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n ix_o of_o deacon_n x._o excommunication_n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n sell_v at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n by_o william_n marshal_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n brief_o vindicated_n the_o controversy_n about_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o new_a in_o this_o age_n though_o some_o pride_n themselves_o as_o though_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o error_n whereby_o they_o be_v deny_v be_v their_o own_o in_o former_a age_n both_o in_o the_o papacy_n and_o among_o some_o of_o they_o that_o forsake_v it_o there_o be_v divers_a who_o on_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o peculiar_a spiritual_o and_o imaginary_a attainment_n in_o religion_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v unnecessary_a reject_v their_o observation_n i_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a brief_o to_o confirm_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o this_o exception_n because_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o wâ—ak_v in_o itself_o yet_o what_o it_o be_v lie_v against_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o be_v plead_v about_o but_o to_o reduce_v thing_n into_o the_o lesser_a compass_n i_o shall_v first_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o those_o argument_n or_o consideration_n which_o will_v defeat_v all_o the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v oppose_v and_o then_o confirm_v it_o by_o positive_a testimony_n and_o argument_n with_o all_o brevity_n possible_a first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o cause_n whereon_o such_o a_o cessation_n of_o church_n and_o ordinance_n be_v pretend_v for_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a and_o institution_n and_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o thing_n by_o he_o command_v if_o now_o therefore_o they_o cease_v as_o unto_o their_o force_n efficacy_n and_o use_n it_o must_v be_v on_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o a_o limit_a time_n and_o season_n be_v fix_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v now_o expire_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church-state_n and_o ordinance_n of_o old_a they_o be_v appoint_v â—nto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a time_n prefix_v unto_o their_o duration_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o who_o approach_n they_o wax_v old_a and_o at_o length_n utter_o disappear_v chap._n 8.13_o until_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o punctual_o to_o be_v observe_v mal._n 4.4_o but_o there_o be_v many_o antecedent_n indication_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v their_o cessation_n and_o abolition_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n and_o from_o a_o pretend_a supposition_n that_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v a_o time_n prefix_v unto_o their_o duration_n do_v the_o first_o opposition_n against_o they_o arise_v for_o montanus_n with_o his_o follower_n imagine_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n only_o unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o paraclete_n or_o the_o comforter_n promise_v by_o he_o and_o add_v a_o new_a frenzy_n hereunto_o that_o that_o paraclete_n be_v then_o first_o come_v in_o montanus_n they_o reject_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v new_a law_n &_o rule_n for_o themselves_o and_o this_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a pretence_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o use_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v at_o present_a reject_v as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o efficacy_n either_o they_o have_v receive_v or_o do_v speedy_o look_v for_o such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o his_o gift_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o cease_v and_o disappear_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o this_o pretence_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o limitation_n of_o any_o time_n as_o unto_o their_o duration_n and_o continuance_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o divine-word_n promise_v declaration_n about_o they_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n themselves_o but_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o time_n to_o be_v remove_v that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v offend_v thereby_o see_v original_o they_o be_v all_o of_o immediate_a divine_a institution_n god_n do_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n as_o by_o promise_n express_a declaration_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o institutioâ—s_v themselves_o foresignify_a their_o removal_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v pretend_v concern_v the_o gospel_n church_n state_n or_o worship_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o prediction_n or_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o serve_v god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o shall_v be_v introduce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o establish_v at_o first_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o cessation_n thereof_o the_o church_n must_v be_v leave_v unto_o all_o uncertainty_n and_o utter_a ruin_n 3._o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o a_o church-state_n be_v erect_v of_o old_a and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n appoint_v therein_o that_o be_v all_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o be_v that_o the_o son_n the_o lord_n over_o his_o own_o house_n may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o thing_n his_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o the_o law_n as_o give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o if_o his_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o be_v not_o complete_a perfect_a ultimate_a unalterable_a if_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v it_o must_v be_v that_o honour_n may_v be_v give_v above_o he_o unto_o one_o great_a than_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o as_o unth_z their_o decay_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o primitive_a force_n and_o efficacy_n for_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n depend_v on_o 1._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o spiritual_a efficacy_n unto_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n or_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o church-state_n may_v be_v frame_v or_o duty_n way_n or_o mean_n of_o worship_n appoint_v by_o man_n that_o have_v not_o his_o institution_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v have_v no_o spiritual_a force_n or_o efficacy_n as_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o whilst_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n continue_v irrevocable_a and_o be_v not_o abrogate_a by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o what_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o whatever_o defect_n there_o may_v be_v as_o unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o man_n render_v they_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o however_o they_o may_v be_v corrupt_v by_o addition_n unto_o they_o or_o detraction_n from_o they_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o use_v in_o themselves_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n and_o efficacy_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n 3._o on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n matt._n 28.20_o to_o deny_v the_o continue_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o that_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o be_v the_o venom_n of_o infidelity_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o irrevocable_a divine_a institution_n if_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o their_o administration_n as_o he_o be_v of_o old_a revel_v 2.1_o there_o can_v be_v no_o abatement_n of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o proper_a end_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o instrumental_a cause_n 3._o on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n which_o give_v a_o infallible_a inseparable_a conjunction_n between_o the_o word_n or_o the_o church_n and_o its_o institution_n by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n isa._n 59.21_o god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n of_o all_o office_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n there_o unto_o belong_v they_o have_v no_o other_o end_n they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o communicate_v express_v declare_v and_o exemplify_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o people_n according_a unto_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o same_o
covenant_n unto_o he_o they_o be_v the_o way_n mean_n and_o instrument_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n and_o other_o end_n they_o have_v none_o and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n as_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o it_o require_v on_o the_o otherâ—_n they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o erect_v any_o new_a church-state_n or_o enact_v any_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n not_o of_o his_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o church_n and_o their_o ordinance_n they_o can_v be_v alter_v they_o can_v be_v liable_a unto_o any_o decay_n unless_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v alter_v or_o decay_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o put_v final_o and_o absolute_o his_o argument_n unto_o a_o issue_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a church-state_n and_o ordinance_n be_v change_v because_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a do_v it_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v change_v and_o become_v useless_a this_o i_o suppose_v at_o present_a will_v not_o say_v concern_v the_o new_a covenant_n whereunto_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v man_n may_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n provide_v another_o cover_v for_o their_o sloth_n negligence_n unbelief_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o proud_a foolish_a imagination_n whereby_o they_o render_v the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o thereby_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o decay_n and_o uselessness_n and_o so_o reflect_v on_o the_o honour_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v at_o present_a or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v short_o to_o be_v expect_v such_o a_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o render_v all_o these_o external_a institution_n needless_a and_o consequent_o useless_a this_o also_o be_v false_o pretend_v for_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o or_o indeed_o equal_a unto_o it_o any_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n but_o yet_o then_o be_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n erect_v and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n enjoin_v 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n worship_n as_o its_o object_n and_o end_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o supply_n or_o communication_n of_o he_o can_v render_v it_o useleless_a 3._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v and_o render_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n effectual_a unto_o its_o edification_n 4._o 1_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o give_v countenance_n unto_o this_o fond_a pretence_n but_o 1._o the_o unction_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o upon_o all_o believer_n yet_o 2._o it_o be_v know_v that_o then_o they_o all_o walk_v in_o church-order_n and_o the_o sacred_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 3_o if_o it_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o woâ—d_n or_o all_o manner_n of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o to_o reduce_v religion_n into_o barbarism_n 4_o nothing_o be_v inâ—â—nded_v in_o these_o word_n buâ—_n the_o different_a way_n of_o teach_v and_o degree_n of_o success_n between_o that_o under_o the_o law_n and_o tâ—aâ—_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d at_o large_a elsewhere_o nor_o 3_o do_v they_o cease_v in_o their_o administration_n for_o want_n either_o of_o authority_n or_o ability_n in_o dispense_v they_o which_o be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n but_o neither_o be_v thiâ—_n preâ—enâ—â—_n of_o any_o force_n it_o only_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o office_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n be_v a_o institution_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o institution_n cease_v bâ—cause_v none_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v they_o be_v to_o say_v they_o must_v all_o cease_v because_o they_o be_v cease_v 2._o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v 1._o by_o the_o law_n constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n erect_v that_o office_n and_o give_v waranty_n for_o its_o continuance_n to_o the_o comsumation_n of_o all_o thing_n matt._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o 2._o by_o his_o continuance_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n to_o communicate_v spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o ministerial_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o he_o do_v so_o continue_v to_o do_v that_o be_v be_v the_o principal_a external_a evidence_n of_o his_o abide_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o of_o what_o nature_n these_o gift_n be_v i_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n 3._o on_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n or_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o choose_v call_v and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v make_v meet_a for_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n if_o all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n must_v fail_v also_o and_o consequent_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o successive_a ministry_n without_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n without_o resolve_v both_o the_o authority_n and_o office_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o do_v but_o erect_v a_o dead_a image_n or_o embrace_v a_o dead_a carcase_n instead_o of_o the_o live_n and_o life_n give_v institution_n of_o christ._n they_o take_v away_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o set_v up_o a_o skin_n stuff_v with_o straw_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v unalterable_o continue_v if_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v neither_o be_v change_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v if_o his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v impede_v if_o believer_n through_o his_o grace_n will_v continue_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o utter_a failure_n in_o this_o office_n and_o office-power_n of_o this_o ministry_n it_o may_v fail_v in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n when_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v remove_v his_o candlestiks_n but_o it_o have_v a_o live_a root_n whence_o it_o will_v spring_v again_o in_o other_o place_n and_o church_n whilst_o this_o world_n do_v endure_v neither_o 4._o do_v they_o cease_v because_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o they_o corrupt_v abuse_a and_o defile_v in_o the_o apostasy_n which_o fall_v out_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o it_o be_v full_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o this_o supposition_n will_v make_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o have_v get_v by_o any_o mâ—â—ns_n the_o outward_a possession_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o a_o pack_n of_o wicked_a judge_n shall_v for_o a_o season_n pervert_v justice_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v so_o overthrow_v thereby_o as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v restore_v 2._o it_o will_v make_v all_o the_o dâ—â—ies_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o wicked_a apostares_n for_o if_o they_o may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o what_o they_o hrve_v abuse_v they_o can_v never_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o â—_z of_o christ_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n all_o reformation_n of_o a_o apostarize_v church_n be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o