the_o very_a ground_n of_o the_o question_n be_v go_v indeed_o here_o be_v practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n but_o not_o profession_n contrary_a to_o profession_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o profession_n may_v consist_v with_o profession_n for_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n though_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n profess_v and_o so_o the_o profession_n appear_v counterfeit_a i_o crave_v leave_n to_o ask_v once_o more_o whether_o faith_n here_o be_v take_v objectiuè_fw-la or_o subjectiuè_fw-la if_o objectiuè_fw-la for_o the_o doctrine_n profess_v or_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v believe_v then_o it_o may_v still_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o outward_a own_n of_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o conversation_n contrary_a thereunto_o then_o why_o may_v not_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v contrary_a either_o to_o their_o profession_n or_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o yet_o profess_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v assignable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o sensu_fw-la formali_fw-la vel_fw-la subjectivo_fw-la and_o that_o a_o wicked_a conversation_n declare_v that_o the_o professor_n do_v not_o believe_v as_o he_o profess_v and_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v therefore_o as_o a_o counterfeit_n once_o more_o i_o demand_v whether_o this_o faith_n profess_v be_v consider_v as_o save_v or_o as_o common_a if_o as_o save_v than_o mr._n will_v his_o cause_n be_v yield_v who_o be_v now_o oppose_v reverend_a master_n baxter_n with_o this_o assertion_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v formal_o because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o unregeneracy_n but_o material_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n if_o as_o common_a or_o as_o other_o historical_a or_o dogmatical_a then_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o all_o those_o who_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o real_a common_a or_o historical_a faith_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o i_o deny_v the_o hypothesis_n that_o all_o wickedness_n be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o real_a common_a faith_n that_o common_a faith_n be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o true_a common_a faith_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o life_n be_v two_o proposition_n as_o little_o doubt_v by_o most_o divine_n as_o much_o confirm_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o large_o discourse_v in_o the_o treatise_n follow_v sunt_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la coetu_fw-la viz._n ecclesiae_fw-la visibilis_fw-la multi_fw-la electi_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la non_fw-la sancti_fw-la sed_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la verâ_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la consentientes_fw-la phil._n melanct._n part_n sept._n p._n 33._o other_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o think_v that_o such_o scandalous_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o scandal_n that_o will_v come_v to_o religion_n thereby_o and_o because_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n scandal_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o church_n thus_o draw_v a_o blot_n and_o disparagement_n upon_o herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v her_o bosom_n to_o any_o vile_a unclean_a unreformed_a person_n and_o true_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o those_o already_o within_o cause_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o why_o ought_v she_o not_o to_o have_v the_o like_a care_n touch_v those_o she_o be_v about_o to_o let_v in_o or_o why_o shall_v those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o community_n that_o now_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v present_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o communion_n but_o i_o presume_v this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o from_o the_o premise_n it_o seem_v at_o least_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o respect_n unto_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n she_o be_v about_o to_o admit_v into_o communion_n though_o i_o donbt_v not_o to_o assert_v with_o our_o brethren_n n._n e._n and_o reverend_a master_n baxter_n that_o a_o sober_a and_o humble_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o baptism_n be_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o this_o save_a condition_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o expect_v without_o any_o far_a positive_a proof_n of_o conversion_n 4._o yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v requisite_a to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o previledge_n thereof_o before_o god_n though_o no_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o give_v visible_a interest_n before_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o trite_a distinction_n of_o right_n here_o coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o ecclâ—sia_n for_o the_o church_n judgement_n of_o man_n right_n must_v pass_v with_o her_o administration_n upon_o visible_a or_o appear_a sign_n by_o their_o outward_a profession_n but_o god_n upon_o real_a for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v real_o a_o church_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o invisible_a though_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o profession_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o design_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o new_a castle_n be_v yet_o god_n know_v his_o wickedness_n and_o count_v he_o a_o dog_n eat_v the_o child_n bread_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n deceive_v by_o his_o falseness_n but_o not_o err_v because_o profession_n be_v her_o only_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o be_v more_o require_v beside_o profession_n to_o give_v real_a interest_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o 343._o multi_fw-la enim_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la renaâ—i_fw-la vel_fw-la hypocritae_fw-la consentientes_fw-la tamen_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la &_o ritibus_fw-la extcrnis_fw-la sen_fw-la est_fw-la coetus_fw-la consentientium_fw-la de_fw-la doctrina_fw-la habens_fw-la multa_fw-la membra_fw-la mortua_fw-la sen_fw-la non_fw-la regeneratos_fw-la maâ—_n 7._o 21._o mat._n 13._o 24._o par_fw-fr in_o urs_n cat_n 343._o have_v at_o large_a answer_v in_o the_o treatise_n that_o in_o adult_a person_n about_o to_o be_v admit_v a_o real_a actual_a and_o not_o feign_a consent_n but_o in_o person_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o now_o at_o the_o adult_n estate_n a_o non-dissent_n a_o not_o dissent_v from_o or_o a_o not_o reject_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o least_o for_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o way_n either_o negative_o or_o positive_o consentientes_fw-la too_o true_a doctrine_n as_o melancton_n before_o as_o well_o as_o outward_a professor_n of_o it_o 4._o yet_o i_o must_v still_o hold_v my_o main_a proposition_n till_o i_o see_v more_o reason_n to_o let_v it_o go_v that_o unregenerate_a person_n once_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o unregeneracy_n or_o their_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n real_o or_o true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o by_o heresy_n schism_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o both_o apostasy_n or_o at_o least_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o church-censure_n what_o reason_n what_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n i_o show_v for_o it_o and_o what_o absurdity_n i_o allege_v against_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o your_o censure_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o treatise_n only_o that_o it_o may_v pass_v here_o a_o little_a the_o more_o free_o i_o can_v but_o add_v the_o remembrance_n of_o one_o or_o two_o late_a most_o eminent_a and_o full_a testimony_n mr._n hooker_n of_o new_a england_n say_v 36._o survey_v of_o church_n discipline_n p._n 36._o that_o external_o those_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o church_n who_o express_v their_o repentance_n with_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n engage_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o present_a that_o sound_a work_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o may_v be_v never_o shall_v have_v it_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o master_n norton_n also_o a_o minister_n of_o n._n e._n to_o this_o very_a question_n whether_o truth_n 3._o against_o apol._n p._n 3._o of_o grace_n be_v require_v to_o visible_a church-membership_a answer_v one_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o external_a or_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o real_a inward_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o that_o
the_o world_n of_o infidel_n viz._n of_o such_o as_o live_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v first_o that_o such_o as_o own_o the_o say_v christian_a profession_n be_v most_o proper_o oppose_v to_o and_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o second_o that_o such_o be_v most_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o of_o this_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v up_o with_o this_o item_n that_o though_o haply_o this_o discourse_n may_v tend_v to_o some_o insensible_a advantage_n in_o the_o main_a question_n yet_o the_o stress_n of_o it_o rest_v not_o upon_o this_o point_n for_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n whether_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n to_o be_v most_o proper_o a_o church_n or_o not_o therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n true_o in_o the_o question_n we_o shall_v now_o make_v bold_a to_o inquire_v into_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o term_n true_o or_o the_o church_n true_o so_o call_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o predicate_v in_o question_n or_o that_o which_o be_v question_v of_o this_o subject_n the_o visible_a church_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o question_n true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n wherein_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v first_o that_o which_o be_v more_o direct_o question_v in_o these_o word_n true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o condition_n or_o limitation_n thereof_o in_o the_o word_n annex_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o a_o good_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o term_n true_o or_o how_o the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_o so_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a subserviency_n to_o a_o happy_a decision_n of_o the_o main_a controversy_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o enlarge_v my_o sense_n and_o notion_n thereof_o to_o as_o much_o plainness_n as_o i_o be_o able_a 1._o truth_n as_o predicable_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v sometime_o express_v by_o vera_fw-la and_o sometime_o by_o verè_fw-la by_o vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v usual_o mean_v the_o church_n not_o only_o endue_v vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la vera_fw-la with_o the_o truth_n of_o be_v but_o endow_v also_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o goodness_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o well-being_n and_o under_o some_o excellency_n of_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n or_o both_o by_o verè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v usual_o intend_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n verè_fw-la verè_fw-la alone_o and_o not_o the_o quality_n unless_o so_o far_o it_o intend_v the_o evil_a quality_n of_o any_o church_n as_o to_o secure_v its_o be_v against_o they_o according_o divine_v use_v to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o yet_o retain_v the_o essence_n or_o be_v of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v verè_fw-la or_o true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la or_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v a_o pure_a or_o a_o holy_a church_n as_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v verus_fw-la homo_fw-la a_o true_a man_n and_o a_o thief_n who_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n be_v doubtless_o verè_fw-la homo_fw-la and_o as_o true_o a_o man_n as_o any_o other_o verè_fw-la serve_v to_o express_a truth_n as_o natural_a and_o vera_fw-la as_o moral_a yet_o with_o leave_n though_o this_o distinction_n may_v serve_v to_o explain_v against_o the_o distinction_n except_v against_o our_o meaning_n i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v well-known_a to_o all_o that_o be_v scholar_n that_o both_o these_o term_n vera_fw-la and_o verè_fw-la may_v be_v lawful_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o thing_n while_o the_o physical_a be_v thereof_o be_v not_o whole_o perish_v though_o the_o defect_n in_o moral_n be_v never_o so_o notorious_a if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o subject_n under_o that_o notion_n and_o of_o truth_n as_o attribute_v thereunto_o in_o its_o physical_a acceptation_n a_o thief_n be_v doubtless_o a_o true_a man_n as_o well_o as_o true_o a_o man_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o thief_n quatenus_fw-la homo_fw-la as_o a_o man_n and_o not_o as_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n moral_o true_a or_o false_a thus_o also_o the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o well_o a_o true_a as_o true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n while_o its_o essential_o remain_v in_o it_o and_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o lose_v its_o natural_a be_v be_v it_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o moral_a concernment_n or_o never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v in_o any_o such_o respect_n for_o if_o the_o church_n have_v its_o ens_fw-la it_o must_v be_v allow_v its_o verum_fw-la also_o 3._o but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o question_n carry_v the_o weak_a term_n viz._n true_o as_o that_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v yield_v unto_o by_o such_o as_o be_v likely_a to_o dissent_v upon_o the_o whole_a whereby_o it_o easy_o question_n the_o term_n apply_v to_o the_o question_n appear_v to_o the_o reader_n what_o be_v inquire_v after_o in_o the_o question_n namely_o not_o whether_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a or_o a_o perfect_a church_n or_o a_o true_a church_n in_o a_o moral_a capacity_n but_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o its_o natural_a be_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n or_o whether_o the_o bei_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o save_a qualification_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v also_o heed_v that_o though_o the_o question_n run_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o reason_n whereof_o may_v appear_v hereafter_o yet_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o consideration_n for_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o question_n rest_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o in_o our_o mind_n or_o conception_n only_o this_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n without_o our_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la without_o a_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n viz._n consideration_n but_o the_o question_n proper_o be_v de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la visibilis_fw-la as_o the_o metaphysic_n speak_v in_o essendo_fw-la 8._o veritatem_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la ipsis_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la illâ_fw-la denominantur_fw-la verae_fw-la suar._n disp_n 8._o which_o be_v define_v truth_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o truth_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n without_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o state_n the_o church_n a_o real_a thing_n thing_n seeing_z competere_fw-la alicui_fw-la atra_fw-la mentis_fw-la operationem_fw-la be_v the_o know_a definition_n of_o real_a esse_fw-la last_o this_o common_a expression_n true_o a_o church_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v keep_v unto_o to_o keep_v out_o those_o troublesome_a and_o disputable_a term_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la aequivoca_fw-la and_o ecclesia_fw-la presumptiva_fw-la which_o be_v wont_a to_o perplex_v this_o controversy_n to_o both_o of_o which_o this_o verè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o itself_o stand_v in_o as_o evident_a as_o direct_v opposition_n for_o the_o aequivocal_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o most_o of_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o i_o have_v no_o truth_n of_o be_v at_o all_o and_o the_o presume_a church_n depend_v upon_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o consider_v it_o and_o have_v not_o that_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v certain_o know_v and_o consider_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o question_n but_o more_o plain_o 1._o the_o evasion_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la presumptiva_fw-la be_v thus_o anticipate_v whether_o it_o import_v the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a church_n 1._o if_o by_o this_o presume_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o visible_a which_o in_o favour_n and_o charity_n we_o presume_v to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o spalatensis_n and_o after_o he_o davenant_n seem_v to_o some_o to_o imply_v though_o we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v true_a member_n thereof_o because_o we_o know_v not_o who_o among_o they_o have_v save_v grace_n then_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o presumption_n beg_v the_o question_n it_o be_v evident_o build_v upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o be_v main_o in_o controversy_n viz._n that_o one_o can_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o save_a grace_n this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n take_v up_o that_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n which_o
be_v invisible_a and_o visible_a this_o distinction_n be_v a_o distribution_n of_o the_o adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o divers_a respect_n the_o one_o internal_a the_o other_o external_a i_o confess_v the_o reform_a divine_n i_o mean_v many_o of_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v only_o revera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o true_a church_n but_o their_o meaning_n i_o humble_o conceive_v must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n which_o with_o all_o humility_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o unfold_v in_o a_o few_o distinction_n as_o near_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o with_o as_o much_o of_o their_o spirit_n as_o i_o be_o able_a the_o distinction_n which_o may_v help_v we_o herein_o may_v be_v either_o of_o the_o epithet_n true_a or_o the_o subject_n the_o church_n 1._o truth_n as_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n be_v take_v respectu_fw-la naturali_fw-la well_fw-mi entitatis_fw-la morali_fw-la velure_n status_fw-la well_fw-mi finis_fw-la now_o i_o humble_o offer_v whether_o the_o reform_a divine_n assert_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n can_v possible_o be_v though_o to_o exclude_v the_o visible_a church_n from_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o division_n viz._n in_o that_o natural_a sense_n whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o be_v and_o existence_n why_o then_o do_v they_o still_o define_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o give_v it_o all_o its_o 2._o profession_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o certain_a note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n hildersham_n on_o joh._n 4._o p._n 161_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o wickliff_n husse_n and_o other_o who_o therefore_o define_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o elect_v not_o for_o that_o they_o think_v they_o only_o to_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o other_o but_o because_o they_o only_o pertain_v unto_o it_o principal_o full_o effectual_o and_o final_o field_n on_o the_o church_n p._n 13._o distinct_a 2._o real_a cause_n why_o do_v they_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n why_o do_v none_o of_o they_o assert_v that_o the_o visible_a be_v not_o true_o a_o church_n or_o that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v alone_o the_o church_n true_o so_o call_v yea_o in_o that_o they_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v visible_a they_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v real_a see_v we_o can_v see_v that_o that_o be_v not_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v grant_v to_o mean_v only_o that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v only_o true_a with_o respect_n to_o her_o state_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o her_o end_n salvation_n that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n alone_o be_v certain_o and_o infallible_a instate_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v save_v their_o controversy_n with_o the_o papist_n engage_v they_o to_o both_o these_o in_o their_o defence_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o perseverance_n but_o no_o further_o for_o though_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o ever_o come_v to_o question_n whether_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o the_o centrary_a be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n the_o church_n invisible_a then_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o this_o moral_a sense_n it_o only_o be_v true_o in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o sure_a of_o salvation_n but_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o true_a in_o a_o natural_a sense_n it_o be_v real_o and_o true_o a_o church_n of_o god_n or_o 2._o truth_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n be_v so_o simpliciter_fw-la secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la truth_n as_o take_v in_o general_a large_a or_o simple_a acceptation_n may_v be_v easy_o conceive_v to_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o reform_a divine_n even_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o its_o kind_n with_o such_o a_o truth_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o think_v none_o will_v deny_v this_o nor_o affirm_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o restrain_a sense_n of_o truth_n in_o order_n to_o some_o particular_a determination_n of_o it_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o which_o our_o divine_n must_v needs_o mean_v whatever_o it_o be_v yet_o general_o they_o explain_v themselves_o as_o bullinger_n do_v himself_o revera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la say_v he_o viz._n fideles_fw-la electi_fw-la dei_fw-la viva_fw-la membra_fw-la connexa_fw-la christo_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la vinculis_fw-la &_o externis_fw-la notis_fw-la sed_fw-la spiritu_fw-la &_o fide_fw-la in_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o express_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a way_n of_o be_v knit_v to_o christ_n 1._o fide_fw-la &_o spiritu_fw-la 2._o vinculis_fw-la &_o externis_fw-la notis_fw-la the_o first_o of_o which_o he_o intend_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o true_a church_n viz._n that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o this_o respect_n of_o be_v knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n leave_v room_n for_o any_o to_o conclude_v beside_o that_o such_o as_o be_v knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o outward_a bond_n alone_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o true_o knit_v as_o to_o be_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a though_o not_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v true_a outward_o externis_fw-la vinculis_fw-la by_o which_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v true_o his_o church_n and_o true_a save_o whereby_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o that_o respect_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o question_a truth_n may_v also_o be_v distinguish_v for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o these_o divine_n herein_o the_o church_n be_v take_v strict_o large_o consist_v of_o the_o elect_a regenerate_a 347_o distinct_a 1._o hac_fw-la autem_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la latius_fw-la accepta_fw-la quatenus_fw-la &_o bonos_fw-es &_o malos_fw-la continet_fw-la zanch._n the_o eccl_n p._n 65._o militans_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la rursus_fw-la consideratur_fw-la dupliciter_fw-la vel_fw-la enim_fw-la strictius_fw-la considerata_fw-la vel_fw-la latius_fw-la &_o malos_fw-la complexa_fw-la bul._n dec._n 350._o vox_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ambigui_fw-la strict_a latissime_fw-la minus_fw-la late_a in_fw-la quo_fw-la electi_fw-la &_o hypocrite_n ravanel_n etc._n etc._n objicis_fw-la sit_v scio_fw-la hypocritas_fw-la i_o numerasse_fw-la etc._n etc._n dec._n p._n 347_o good_a and_o bad_a this_o we_o may_v the_o bold_a insist_v upon_o because_o it_o be_v of_o so_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o reform_a divine_v themselves_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o as_o they_o themselves_o explain_v it_o the_o church_n strict_o take_v be_v the_o church_n invisible_a consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_n as_o trelcatius_n bullinger_n etc._n etc._n or_o of_o the_o elect-regenerate_a and_o call_v as_o ames_n and_o other_o and_o the_o church_n large_o take_v consist_v of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a believer_n and_o hypocrite_n good_a and_o bad_a as_o their_o general_a language_n be_v to_o apply_v it_o when_o these_o divine_n affirm_v that_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n can_v they_o be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o this_o close_a strict_a and_o save_a sense_n as_o the_o church_n be_v take_v strict_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o intend_v only_o to_o shut_v hypocrite_n out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o strict_a and_o save_a sense_n and_o as_o plain_a that_o they_o allow_v they_o a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v large_o take_v which_o large_a acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o themselves_o general_o express_v to_o be_v ecclesia_fw-la bonos_fw-es &_o malos_fw-la amplexa_fw-la bullinger_n frame_v a_o objection_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o occasion_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o point_n his_o objection_n be_v how_o can_v hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o satan_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n he_o answer_v by_o distinguish_v of_o hypocrite_n some_o say_v he_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v these_o be_v not_o other_o do_v not_o so_o but_o neither_o hate_v nor_o fly_v from_o nor_o persecute_v the_o church_n do_v outward_o join_v with_o it_o and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n a_o while_n with_o it_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o fall_v away_o and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o
with_o the_o essence_n thereof_o 2._o again_o that_o which_o evidence_v a_o person_n communion_n in_o the_o essential_a and_o formal_a action_n of_o the_o church_n do_v also_o thereby_o evidence_n such_o a_o person_n interest_n in_o the_o essence_n of_o or_o his_o essential_a union_n with_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v have_v or_o carry_v a_o strong_a tincture_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o the_o formal_a or_o essential_a action_n thereof_o which_o immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 3._o then_o further_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o community_n respect_v communion_n in_o god_n truth_n and_o ordinance_n and_o the_o formal_a action_n of_o this_o community_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v this_o communion_n 4._o now_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n appear_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o essential_a action_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 5._o these_o premise_n thus_o lay_v i_o find_v my_o answer_n upon_o they_o to_o the_o question_n thus_o that_o therefore_o that_o person_n that_o do_v not_o plain_o renounce_v the_o truth_n and_o open_o submit_v unto_o and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v do_v thus_o appear_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n indeed_o be_v save_v grace_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o person_n can_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o member_n thereof_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o see_v we_o have_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o we_o add_v whatsoever_o evil_a quality_n he_o may_v otherwise_o bear_v as_o a_o man_n live_v within_o such_o a_o dominion_n and_o be_v either_o bear_v there_o or_o else_o be_v know_v to_o be_v naturalize_v and_o make_v free_a according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n and_o high_o obnoxious_a to_o law_n and_o punishment_n yet_o if_o he_o renounce_v not_o his_o subjection_n or_o declare_v not_o against_o the_o government_n be_v notwithstanding_o know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n politic_a or_o a_o lawful_a subject_n of_o that_o dominion_n or_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o member_n remain_v in_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o in_o its_o essential_a action_n though_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a or_o wound_v or_o leprous_a member_n yet_o be_v know_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o real_a member_n so_o a_o man_n that_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o rot_a member_n be_v yet_o hereby_o evidence_v to_o be_v real_o a_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a visible_a body_n the_o church_n for_o this_o sufficient_o evidence_v that_o common_a faith_n which_o though_o it_o avail_v not_o to_o justication_n yet_o be_v find_v effectual_a so_o far_o as_o to_o constitute_v or_o interest_n in_o visible_a church-membership_a obj._n it_o may_v be_v hence_o urge_v that_o than_o child_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v church-member_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n answ_n may_v not_o a_o child_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o be_v bear_v therein_o and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n intimate_v as_o much_o concern_v a_o child_n bear_v in_o zion_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o q._n d._n that_o this_o man_n be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o citizen_n of_o the_o city_n or_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v there_o or_o by_o birth-priviledge_n or_o be_v bear_v free_a 2._o child_n have_v visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o parent_n profession_n as_o ames_n teach_v sunt_fw-la participes_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la profesfession_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v some_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o person_n also_o in_o that_o first_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o thus_o be_v enter_v they_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n so_o far_o thereby_o until_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v more_o object_n 2._o however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v thus_o exclude_v answ_n not_o so_o for_o though_o the_o excommunicate_a shall_v have_v no_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o fundamental_a and_o habitual_a communion_n with_o it_o as_o a_o palsy_n member_n be_v yet_o a_o real_a member_n and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v a_o habitual_a communion_n with_o the_o body_n though_o at_o present_a its_o actual_a partake_n of_o the_o animal_n influence_n be_v deny_v or_o suspend_v or_o as_o a_o man_n out-lawd_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n fundamental_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o he_o have_v no_o present_a actual_a benefit_n thereby_o which_o indeed_o the_o violence_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n have_v bring_v he_o unto_o but_o second_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o secret_a actual_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o body_n and_o a_o palsy_n member_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o person_n outlaw_v and_o likewise_o betwixt_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o the_o church_n which_o may_v also_o be_v know_v for_o that_o the_o palsy_n member_n have_v some_o influence_n from_o the_o body_n appear_v by_o its_o warmth_n that_o the_o person_n outlaw_v have_v some_o benefit_n by_o the_o law_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o secure_v his_o life_n it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o and_o that_o the_o excommunicate_a have_v some_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o care_n thereof_o and_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o salvation_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o as_o a_o brother_n 3._o the_o excommunicate_a last_o i_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v not_o heretical_a have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o preparatione_fw-la animi_fw-la and_o in_o their_o desire_n which_o be_v only_o suspend_v for_o their_o good_a a_o while_n with_o hope_n of_o repentance_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o thereupon_o readmission_n as_o the_o palsy_n member_n in_o the_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n of_o nature_n be_v ready_a as_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o suspend_v influence_n from_o the_o body_n again_o viz._n upon_o the_o unlock_v and_o open_v of_o obstruction_n which_o a_o member_n whole_o cut_v off_o or_o dead_a have_v not_o chap._n xxx_o what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v whole_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ignorance_n we_o proceed_v last_o have_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o constitute_v and_o evidence_n visible_a church-membership_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o dissolve_v it_o and_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v that_o which_o whole_o dismember_v or_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v negative_o and_o positive_o ans_fw-fr 1._o neg._n first_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v which_o be_v common_o term_v ignorance_n do_v not_o simple_o or_o of_o itself_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v reas_n 1._o because_o such_o a_o knowledge_n do_v not_o go_v into_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o we_o have_v find_v to_o consist_v in_o society_n or_o community_n reas_n 2._o because_o evidence_n or_o appearance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a or_o essential_a requisite_a to_o discover_v church-membership_a for_o then_o none_o may_v take_v another_o for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o knowledge_n which_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a thing_n therefore_o ignorance_n or_o the_o want_n of_o such_o knowledge_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o no_o church-member_n the_o consequence_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a rule_n eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la contrariorum_fw-la reas_n 3._o because_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o assert_v it_o which_o alone_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n the_o scripture_n do_v often_o charge_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o ignorance_n but_o do_v never_o either_o say_v that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v church-member_n or_o that_o ignorance_n do_v cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o indeed_o so_o much_o that_o ignorant_a person_n ought_v mere_o for_o their_o
once_o the_o holy_a city_n but_o where_o these_o mean_n be_v yet_o continue_v we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n rev._n 2._o 12_o 13._o more_o or_o less_o corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o abuse_v of_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n bish_n usher_n sum_n of_o divin_n p._n 398._o church_n along_o with_o they_o yet_o observe_v though_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v the_o elect_a be_v save_v many_o of_o the_o former_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o dissolve_v join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n and_o differ_v only_o by_o a_o new_a administration_n of_o ordinance_n with_o their_o own_o church_n before_o now_o of_o any_o other_o way_n wherein_o god_n do_v direct_o and_o formal_o reject_v or_o divorce_v a_o person_n or_o people_n beside_o these_o i_o think_v we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n chap._n xxxiv_o how_o a_o man_n may_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n viz._n by_o heresy_n and_o schism_n the_o destruction_n of_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o not_o only_o meritorious_o but_o sometime_o efficient_o and_o so_o in_o order_n thereunto_o be_v his_o cut_a himself_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o doubt_v our_o question_n be_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v usual_o consider_v in_o a_o entitive_a or_o organical_a apacity_n according_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o two_o property_n profession_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o entitive_a and_o communion_n in_o worship_n as_o organical_a respective_a hereunto_o a_o man_n may_v violate_v his_o right_n in_o the_o church_n and_o dismember_v himself_o 1._o by_o heresy_n deny_v the_o faith_n he_o cut_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n entitive_a 2._o by_o schism_n rent_v himself_o from_o its_o comunion_n in_o worship_n he_o break_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n organical_a so_o that_o my_o general_a answer_n here_o be_v that_o a_o person_n may_v whole_o cut_v himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o two_o mean_n viz._n heresy_n and_o schism_n by_o the_o first_o he_o go_v off_o the_o foundation_n which_o lie_v in_o doctrine_n by_o the_o last_o he_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n which_o lie_v in_o worship_n of_o these_o a_o little_a more_o distinct_o 1._o heresy_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o break_v the_o great_a ames_n haeresis_fw-la opponitur_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o schisma_fw-la charitati_fw-la ames_n bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n viz._n faith_n and_o as_o it_o necessary_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o want_n of_o that_o historical_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o its_o object_n and_o which_o none_o do_v doubt_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a requisite_a to_o a_o true_a church-member_n therefore_o the_o jew_n 195_o buxtor_n lex_fw-la cald._n talm._n &_o rab._n p._n 195_o hold_v that_o a_o heretical_a israelite_n have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o why_o but_o because_o communion_n suppose_v union_n and_o union_n with_o israel_n or_o the_o true_a church_n be_v lose_v with_o faith_n they_o also_o hold_v as_o master_n selden_n note_v that_o a_o israelite_n turn_v a_o heretic_n i._n e._n deny_v any_o of_o the_o thirteen_o fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o do_v therefore_o permit_v a_o jew_n to_o lend_v 10_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la nat._n &_o gent._n l._n 6._o c._n 10_o he_o upon_o usury_n as_o to_o a_o heathen_a and_o why_o but_o because_o he_o have_v renounce_v the_o law_n which_o chief_o if_o not_o only_o differ_v a_o jew_n from_o a_o heathen_a not_o that_o every_o error_n be_v so_o dangerous_a for_o every_o error_n be_v not_o heresy_n nor_o yet_o every_o heresy_n only_o such_o as_o be_v so_o general_a and_o desperate_a as_o that_o it_o take_v one_o whole_o off_o from_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o doctrinal_a foundation_n ult_n eph._n 2._o ult_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n whether_o heresy_n do_v whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n or_o not_o upon_o which_o counsel_n have_v contradict_v and_o contra-decreed_n the_o african_a bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n hold_v that_o heresy_n hieron_n as_o mr._n hooker_n observe_v out_o of_o fortunat._n secundin_fw-mi &_o hieron_n do_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o opinion_n be_v afterward_o condemn_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a even_o by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o author_n thereof_o themselves_o mr._n hooker_n who_o incline_v to_o the_o negative_a seem_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o father_n so_o far_o as_o they_o appear_v on_o the_o contrary_a side_n if_o the_o 87._o ecclesias_fw-la pol._n p._n 87._o father_n say_v he_o do_v any_o where_o as_o oftentimes_o they_o do_v make_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o heretical_a company_n opposite_a they_o be_v to_o be_v construe_v as_o separate_a heretic_n not_o altogether_o from_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n but_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o sound_a believer_n however_o i_o presume_v the_o controversy_n may_v be_v easy_o end_v viz._n by_o part_a stake_n and_o allow_v some_o truth_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v true_a that_o heretic_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o may_v be_v true_a that_o heretic_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o latitude_n in_o heresy_n paget_n thus_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v for_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o that_o heresy_n which_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o trinity_n do_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n paget_n some_o heresy_n which_o absolute_o deni_v some_o particular_a fundamental_a truth_n and_o take_v up_o some_o one_o or_o few_o stone_n thereof_o be_v consistent_a with_o church-interest_n and_o other_o heresy_n which_o rase_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n deny_v most_o or_o the_o most_o chief_a if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v inconsistent_a therewith_o object_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v than_o that_o heresy_n do_v not_o un-church_n for_o if_o deny_v of_o some_o particular_a fundamental_a truth_n do_v not_o than_o heresy_n proper_o do_v not_o for_o that_o be_v proper_o heresy_n and_o that_o which_o rase_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n seem_v more_o than_o heresy_n and_o may_v be_v apostasy_n answ_n a_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n be_v indeed_o scripture-apostacy_n though_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o expression_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n intend_v as_o well_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o schism_n as_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n by_o heresy_n and_o indeed_o both_o these_o viz._n perfect_a heresy_n and_o perfect_a schism_n make_v proper_a apostasy_n as_o reverend_a hudson_n observe_v for_o a_o man_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n either_o entitive_a by_o disclaim_v the_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v heresy_n or_o organical_a by_o refuse_v to_o join_v to_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v schism_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o apostasy_n 2._o but_o i_o conclude_v though_o a_o man_n deny_v not_o all_o the_o main_a article_n 64._o the_o difference_n betwixt_o heresy_n and_o infidelity_n and_o apostasy_n the_o two_o latter_a be_v the_o deny_v or_o renounce_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o former_a of_o any_o one_o single_a part_n of_o it_o han._n paraen_fw-la p._n 64._o of_o christianity_n without_o which_o he_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o apostate_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_n yet_o by_o deny_v many_o or_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a fundamental_o whereby_o he_o may_v fit_o be_v say_v to_o tear_v up_o the_o foundation_n though_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o every_o stone_n thereof_o a_o man_n may_v cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 3._o beside_o do_v not_o apostasy_n imply_v the_o height_n of_o schism_n as_o well_o as_o heresy_n can_v a_o person_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v a_o apostate_n if_o we_o speak_v as_o other_o do_v that_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o ordinance_n why_o then_o may_v not_o a_o person_n that_o renounce_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o he_o yet_o refuse_v not_o communion_n ames_n ita_fw-la ut_fw-la hereticus_fw-la quis_fw-la possit_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la ames_n in_o ordinance_n be_v rather_o say_v to_o be_v a_o heretic_n than_o a_o apostate_n but_o i_o dispute_v not_o for_o word_n be_v it_o grant_v i_o that_o such_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o any_o personal_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_a to_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o therefrom_o it_o will_v not_o trouble_v i_o to_o
can_v judge_v only_o according_a to_o appearance_n in_o his_o visible_a worship_n save_v grace_n be_v a_o invisible_a thing_n then_o what_o necessary_a use_n can_v there_o be_v thereof_o in_o such_o visible_a effect_n as_o may_v be_v do_v without_o it_o and_o such_o as_o in_o their_o present_a consideration_n respect_v only_o such_o creature_n as_o can_v discern_v thing_n invisible_a i_o grant_v that_o save_a conversion_n of_o visible_a church-member_n be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o first_o grace_n do_v most_o especial_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o if_o well_o heed_v rather_o help_v then_o hinder_v my_o design_n for_o it_o evident_o suppose_v the_o visible_a church_n and_o visible_a church_n membership_n to_o have_v its_o be_v before_o his_o conversion_n or_o save_v grace_n of_o executione_fw-la finis_fw-la est_fw-la postorior_fw-la medio_fw-la in_o executione_fw-la which_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o end_n be_v after_o the_o mean_n in_o execution_n chap._n ix_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n hitherto_o of_o the_o external_a cause_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o argument_n thence_o arise_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o cause_n thereof_o remain_v which_o be_v call_v internal_a viz._n the_o matter_n and_o form_n from_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o general_n i_o argue_v thus_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v true_o to_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n therefore_o to_o be_v true_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n thereunto_o this_o consequence_n simple_o take_v i_o confess_v be_v not_o so_o warrantable_a because_o the_o matter_n do_v praeexist_a before_o and_o remain_v sometime_o after_o the_o form_n yet_o take_v it_o respective_o to_o the_o form_n afterward_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o to_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n which_o be_v chief_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o my_o present_a opponent_n we_o ready_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n that_o if_o this_o be_v feign_v so_o be_v our_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v real_a so_o be_v our_o church_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v pass_v without_o interruption_n however_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o dispatch_v do_v not_o engage_v i_o for_o the_o consequence_n though_o the_o other_o cause_n have_v be_v find_v so_o pregnant_a as_o to_o bear_v such_o a_o particular_a improvement_n only_o to_o assign_v and_o maintain_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n all_o its_o cause_n and_o therefore_o its_o existence_n true_o so_o in_o our_o consideration_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n which_o i_o presume_v have_v be_v do_v already_o as_o to_o the_o author_n the_o head_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o add_v the_o matter_n thereof_o affirm_v as_o before_o in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o have_v the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n habet_fw-la rationem_fw-la partium_fw-la subjecti_fw-la 1._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o part_n be_v the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n ecclesia_fw-la utens_fw-la and_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la as_o some_o speak_v and_o as_o we_o read_v 1_o cor._n 12._o both_o make_v up_o the_o compositum_fw-la the_o church_n and_o this_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o organical_a part_n no_o minister_n but_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o church_n invisible_a now_o may_v we_o consider_v both_o these_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n as_o true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n do_v not_o judas_n true_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o thousand_o true_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o call_v though_o not_o saving_o choose_v without_o any_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o this_o will_n more_o fit_o meet_v we_o in_o the_o next_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n as_o have_v the_o reason_n the_o subject_a matter_n next_o we_o inquire_v what_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a be_v and_o whether_o it_o also_o may_v be_v consider_v without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n 1._o what_o be_v rhen_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n trelcatius_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o and_o external_o profess_v the_o faith_n which_o i_o think_v none_o can_v choose_v but_o approve_v of_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o thing_n invisible_a and_o therefore_o not_o any_o way_n fit_v to_o commend_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o we_o as_o visible_a and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o faith_n do_v unite_v man_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o must_v still_o be_v yield_v that_o profession_n thereof_o do_v render_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a 2._o but_o here_o see_v most_o do_v consent_v that_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o will_v i_o presume_v be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o faith_n so_o profess_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o of_o these_o be_v proper_o or_o usual_a say_v to_o be_v profess_v 1._o be_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o man_n profess_v certain_o no_o for_o that_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o and_o not_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v 2._o how_o incongruous_a a_o speech_n will_v it_o be_v to_o say_v i_o profess_v that_o i_o believe_v while_o it_o be_v good_a and_o sound_a and_o relish_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n to_o say_v i_o profess_v what_o or_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v believe_v 3._o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o do_v profess_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o epithet_n true_a which_o divine_n do_v general_o annex_v to_o faith_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o profession_n and_o whereas_o they_o usual_o speak_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n they_o shall_v shall_v say_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 4._o this_o appear_v in_o its_o contrary_n out_o of_o doubt_n for_o such_o as_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o say_v to_o deny_v their_o own_o faith_n but_o the_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 2._o then_o it_o be_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o note_n or_o character_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o can_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o rigid_a sense_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o only_o require_v two_o thing_n truth_n in_o the_o object_n profess_v and_o truth_n in_o the_o subject_n profess_v i._n e._n that_o he_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a profession_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a principle_n answer_v to_o it_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o such_o a_o profession_n do_v require_v to_o make_v it_o not_o dissemble_v but_o true_a and_o real_a and_o thus_o though_o we_o do_v not_o profess_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n so_o far_o be_v consent_v to_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o true_a profession_n see_v thereby_o we_o true_o believe_v what_o we_o so_o profess_v 3._o yet_o though_o this_o faith_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a where_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v true_a the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v its_o denomination_n of_o be_v true_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o object_n or_o doctrine_n believe_v and_o according_o profess_a which_o as_o also_o what_o be_v before_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o object_n of_o proper_a profession_n or_o the_o faith_n proper_o profess_v appear_v by_o abundant_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o eunuch_n be_v be_v demand_v do_v thou_o believe_v answer_v not_o my_o faith_n be_v sincere_a but_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n 37._o act_n 8._o 37._o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o like_a do_v they_o matth._n 14._o 33._o when_o reprove_v for_o their_o unbeleef_n they_o profess_v say_v of_o a_o truth_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n also_o bare_a record_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o
god_n joh._n 1._o 34._o so_o nathael_n profess_v say_v thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n v._o 49._o but_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o eminent_a profession_n of_o peter_n with_o loc_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la super_fw-la have_v firmam_fw-la confessionem_fw-la tuam_fw-la qua_fw-la confiteris_fw-la &_o credis_fw-la i_o esse_fw-la christum_fw-la filium_fw-la dei_fw-la viventis_fw-la edificabo_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la meam_fw-la as_o bucer_n in_o loc_fw-la christ_n his_o approbation_n annex_v to_o it_o matth._n 16._o 16_o 18._o thou_o be_v say_v he_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n answer_v upon_o this_o rock_n upon_o this_o rock_n as_o some_o eminent_a expositor_n conceive_v of_o profession_n or_o upon_o this_o profession_n as_o upon_o a_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n christ_n than_o it_o seem_v will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n of_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o as_o be_v build_v thereupon_o be_v true_a stone_n in_o his_o house_n and_o the_o true_a subject_a matter_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o those_o that_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n or_o of_o save_a grace_n as_o necessary_a to_o our_o enter_v the_o visible_a church_n seem_v to_o lay_v another_o foundation_n thereof_o then_o christ_n himself_o have_v lay_v therefore_o answerable_a hereunto_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n i._n e._n as_o bullinger_n teach_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n not_o their_o grace_n nor_o yet_o ult_n eph._n 2._o ult_n our_o own_o not_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o person_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o one_o foundation_n other_o than_o which_o none_o may_v lay_v viz._n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o according_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v ever_o hitherto_o be_v argue_v and_o know_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v and_o not_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o grace_n 4._o therefore_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a principle_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v but_o a_o dogmatical_a faith_n see_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n must_v needs_o fix_v upon_o the_o same_o object_n with_o that_o profession_n 135._o faith_n be_v term_v hystorical_a in_o the_o school_n that_o go_v no_o far_a than_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o story_n of_o that_o which_o god_n speak_v to_o be_v true_a culverwel_n of_o faith_n p_o 16._o vid._n rogers_n of_o faith_n p_o 6._o and_o ball_n of_o faith_n page_n 3._o temporary_a faith_n have_v more_o than_o the_o former_a add_v to_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n a_o profession_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o live_v still_o in_o their_o sinneâ—_n in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n roger_n page_n 7_o temporal_a faith_n be_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o glory_n therein_o the_o devil_n believe_v historical_o ursin_n cat._n english_a by_o par._n page_n 134_o 135._o we_o profess_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o believe_v what_o we_o profess_v viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o common_a sense_n within_o receive_v the_o same_o object_n which_o the_o outward_a organ_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o ear_n see_v or_o hear_v yet_o i_o further_o yield_v that_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o mere_o dogmatical_a or_o historical_a that_o do_v many_o time_n if_o not_o ever_o engage_v a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o believe_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n to_o the_o world_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a believe_a of_o such_o a_o truth_n that_o put_v a_o man_n on_o to_o profess_v it_o but_o usual_o something_o of_o a_o applicative_a faith_n add_v thereto_o which_o faith_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v yield_v to_o be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o a_o justify_v faith_n and_o be_v term_v by_o divine_n a_o temporary_a faith_n 5._o again_o this_o profession_n put_v on_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v but_o either_o vocal_a by_o word_n or_o real_a by_o deed_n i_o mean_v be_v attendance_n upon_o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n who_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n for_o that_o other_o profession_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v so_o indirect_a a_o profession_n and_o so_o uncertain_a a_o character_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o never_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o age_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o true_a church_n 6._o but_o by_o the_o two_o former_a branch_n of_o this_o profession_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v the_o name_n both_o of_o professor_n and_o worshipper_n which_o latter_a term_n of_o worshipper_n i_o can_v but_o express_v my_o good_a like_n to_o 1._o because_o the_o proper_a quality_n use_n end_n and_o business_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v cultus_fw-la gloriae_fw-la dei_fw-la as_o before_o viz._n to_o worship_n god_n 2._o and_o christ_n himself_o assure_v we_o that_o his_o father_n under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n seek_v a_o people_n to_o serve_v he_o by_o this_o very_a term_n namely_o to_o worship_v he_o 4._o john_n 4._o 3._o and_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v cujus_fw-la rei_fw-la propria_fw-la qualitas_fw-la in_o aliquo_fw-la composito_fw-la reperitur_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la huius_fw-la materia_fw-la 7._o but_o to_o conclude_v not_o any_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o faith_n which_o justifi_v or_o save_v grace_n a_o man_n may_v 36._o eternal_o those_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n who_o express_v their_o repentance_n with_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o sound_a work_n of_o faith_n nor_o never_o shall_v hook_n surv_v p._n 36._o true_o believe_v and_o outward_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o constant_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o worshipper_n of_o christ_n with_o outward_a worship_n and_o thus_o be_v true_o a_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o this_o without_o save_a grace_n as_o none_o can_v deny_v 8._o therefore_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v true_o consider_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n 9_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o particular_a member_n and_o not_o of_o the_o whole_a i_o conceive_v that_o so_o much_o as_o be_v already_o yield_v be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n and_o never_o yet_o do_v actual_o renounce_v his_o relation_n thereunto_o though_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o believe_v or_o vocal_o profess_v etc._n etc._n as_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o child_n ignorant_n idiot_n and_o madman_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o real_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n thereof_o for_o as_o reverend_a master_n cotton_n from_o 1._o his_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n p._n 1._o new_a england_n teach_v such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v initiate_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o destitute_a of_o spiritual_a grace_n until_o they_o just_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o fellowship_n chap._n x._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o form_n constituent_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v find_v the_o viâ—â—ble_a church_n considerable_a as_o true_o such_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o cause_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v and_o argue_v from_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o cause_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v to_o be_v true_o such_o without_o respect_n to_o save_a grace_n i_o presume_v that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o intercept_v this_o our_o conclusion_n therefrom_o viz._n then_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v consider_v 〈◊〉_d posita_fw-la forma_fw-la in_o materia_fw-la cengrua_fw-la necessario_fw-la fit_a compositum_fw-la arist_n formam_fw-la uâ—cat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v true_o such_o in_o itself_o when_o it_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v true_o such_o in_o all_o its_o cause_n without_o respect_n thereunto_o for_o forma_fw-la tribuit_fw-la essentiam_fw-la completam_fw-la composite_a it_o presuppose_v the_o matter_n inform_v by_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o perfect_v but_o even_o to_o give_v the_o very_o be_v to_o