Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n ancient_a church_n true_a 2,421 5 5.1957 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

There are 33 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

on_o earth_n for_o the_o reas_n 4_o world_n sake_n that_o must_v stand_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o dissolution_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v long_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o it_o for_o who_o sake_n only_o it_o be_v uphold_v for_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v isa_n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o can_v be_v utter_o destroy_v five_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o nursery_n for_o heaven_n reas_n 5_o now_o in_o heaven_n be_v many_o mansion_n to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o day_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a supply_n from_o the_o nursery_n on_o earth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a war_n betwixt_o the_o reas_n 6_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a the_o serpent_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n truth_n be_v elder_a than_o falsehood_n righteousness_n be_v before_o sin_n god_n church_n be_v ancient_a than_o all_o profane_a assembly_n whatsoever_o cain_n be_v ancient_a be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n but_o his_o parent_n the_o church_n in_o paradise_n be_v ancient_a eve_n and_o adam_n hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o so_o commit_v sin_n soon_o after_o the_o creation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n before_o their_o fall_n when_o they_o believe_v and_o rest_v on_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o be_v righteous_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n before_o that_o ●ie_v else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pervert_v with_o his_o lye_n this_o serve_v first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n that_o charge_v we_o with_o novelty_n to_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n and_o challenge_v antiquity_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o true_a church_n which_o be_v both_o lie_v for_o they_o be_v the_o novellist_n not_o we_o we_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v novelty_n and_o a_o new_a sect._n second_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a be_v most_o true_a as_o be_v immediate_o and_o original_o from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n the_o pure_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o contrary_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v less_o ancient_a be_v from_o some_o corrupt_a channel_n degenerate_a from_o the_o original_a sincerity_n now_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o pure_a and_o therefore_o let_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n hide_v their_o head_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o and_o yield_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o pure_a truth_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o true_a and_o right_o ancient_a use_v 2_o second_o as_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o it_o prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o all_o other_o congregation_n so_o it_o shall_v see_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o all_o other_o congregation_n but_o itself_o shall_v continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o continual_a succession_n where_o the_o father_n be_v go_v there_o child_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o child_n child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v many_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o these_o change_n if_o the_o church_n fail_v in_o paradise_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o paradise_n if_o israel_n fall_v away_o yet_o judah_n shall_v stand_v if_o the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o though_o popery_n turkism_n and_o judaism_n and_o paganism_n abound_v and_o fill_v the_o world_n and_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o shelter_v his_o church_n in_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v both_o from_o their_o persecution_n and_o infection_n the_o three_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a use_v 3_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o continuance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a prosperity_n like_a to_o a_o green_a bay_a tree_n but_o in_o time_n and_o sometime_o very_o quick_o they_o shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o consume_v as_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n and_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v of_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o psal_n 102.28_o they_o may_v be_v afflict_v persecute_a and_o distress_a on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v forsake_v nor_o give_v over_o utter_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o wicked_a murder_n some_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v some_o of_o they_o remain_v still_o let_v persecutor_n draw_v out_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n child_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o bloody_a hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o some_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v still_o send_v they_o a_o new_a supply_n so_o than_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v second_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o they_o need_v not_o say_v on_o their_o deathbed_n as_o worldling_n do_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o my_o child_n and_o good_n after_o i_o be_o go_v they_o need_v not_o say_v so_o of_o their_o spiritual_a good_n let_v god_n alone_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o he_o the_o faithful_a seed_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o themselves_o be_v seize_v on_o in_o their_o life_n time_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o to_o the_o right_a heir_n heir_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n add_v raise_v up_o he_o will_v find_v heir_n for_o they_o successive_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o last_o end_n then_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v come_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v last_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n on_o earth_n begin_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o last_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n finish_v it_o up_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n have_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o by_o his_o own_o power_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o end_n then_o no_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n yet_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o here_o so_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o far_o safe_a and_o happy_a and_o more_o glorious_a estate_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o this_o world_n psal_n 102.28_o use_v 4_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o discouragement_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o persecutor_n in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v against_o god_n church_n what_o can_v they_o do_v against_o it_o root_n it_o out_o as_o many_o time_n they_o say_v they_o will_v no_o do_v they_o what_o they_o can_v by_o themselves_o by_o their_o instrument_n they_o can_v never_o root_v it_o out_o let_v king_n and_o ruler_n and_o gentile_n and_o people_n fret_v and_o rage_n and_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o
and_o so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v in_o but_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o uncharitable_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o not_o to_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o true_a church_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o true_o preach_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n so_o right_o administer_v nor_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o sincere_o yield_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o be_v not_o more_o except_o 2_o know_n than_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disable_v by_o your_o own_o rule_n before_o give_v from_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n for_o see_v that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v more_o know_v so_o they_o must_v be_v first_o know_v i_o know_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o by_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o church_n by_o their_o faith_n only_o and_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o i_o know_v a_o musician_n because_o of_o his_o music_n not_o the_o music_n by_o the_o musician_n and_o so_o much_o for_o reproof_n of_o these_o first_o sort_n of_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n exception_n second_o it_o reprove_v other_o that_o object_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o mark_n require_v as_o well_o as_o these_o as_o first_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o say_v they_o there_o except_o 1_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v presuppose_v and_o intend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a mark_n answ_n when_o we_o say_v except_o 2_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v answ_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o special_o discipline_n except_o 3_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o good_a mark_n answ_n but_o not_o essential_a the_o church_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o well-being_n discipline_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a i_o confess_v where_o that_o discipline_n want_v that_o god_n call_v for_o in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o far_o that_o church_n be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n but_o yet_o not_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n his_o sinew_n be_v weak_a his_o hand_n tremble_v his_o joint_n be_v not_o sound_o knit_v together_o this_o be_v a_o craze_a and_o disease_a man_n not_o a_o false_a man_n so_o that_o church_n that_o want_v discipline_n be_v not_o well_o and_o sound_o tie_v together_o in_o the_o joint_n and_o so_o be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n not_o a_o false_a church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o their_o corruption_n for_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o let_v we_o judge_v charitable_o and_o not_o say_v such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o false_a church_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a church_n they_o three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v other_o adversary_n here_o reprove_v that_o object_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v the_o papist_n they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o mark_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o other_o be_v more_o require_v than_o these_o and_o that_o as_o better_a mark_n they_o allege_v four_o first_o antiquity_n second_o succession_n three_o multitude_n last_o unity_n or_o consent_n these_o be_v strange_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n first_o for_o antiquity_n can_v that_o find_v i_o out_o the_o true_a church_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v ancient_a therefore_o it_o be_v antiquity_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o place_n or_o people_n look_v what_o church_n maintain_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n so_o that_o antiquity_n separate_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n cain_n and_o satan_n be_v ancient_a yet_o no_o true_a church_n but_o join_v this_o note_n with_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a word_n preach_v which_o be_v one_o of_o our_o note_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n second_o for_o succession_n what_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o one_o chair_n be_v this_o a_o note_n without_o the_o word_n or_o with_o it_o if_o they_o say_v without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v fals●●f_a with_o the_o word_n than_o still_o they_o run_v upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
administration_n of_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o respective_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n carry_v the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o of_o god_n work_n that_o be_v who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n do_v very_o close_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o we_o now_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n christ_n second_o the_o order_n be_v as_o natural_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o far_o near_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a then_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o god_n in_o general_a for_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n christ_n be_v the_o purchaser_n the_o church_n his_o possession_n he_o be_v the_o shepherd_n they_o his_o sheep_n he_o be_v the_o vine_n they_o the_o branch_n he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o his_o body_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o be_v his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o will_v dis-sund_a these_o who_o god_n have_v join_v most_o near_o together_o after_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o christ_n it_o follow_v next_o and_o immediate_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o church_n you_o hear_v in_o the_o second_o question_n that_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o be_v to_o hear_v who_o they_o be_v for_o who_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o do_v accomplish_v this_o work_n of_o mediation_n and_o those_o be_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n handle_v in_o the_o second_o question_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o do_v handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n three_o together_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n compare_v and_o lay_v together_o the_o order_n be_v very_o natural_a join_v they_o all_o together_o and_o they_o sweet_o and_o orderly_o express_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n god_n do_v save_v his_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n god_n be_v the_o author_n that_o save_v christ_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n by_o who_o he_o save_v the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v save_v god_n purpose_v to_o save_v his_o church_n but_o not_o without_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o church_n but_o not_o without_o warrant_n from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v save_v but_o not_o without_o god_n nor_o without_o christ_n but_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 2._o cor._n 5.9_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o where_o god_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n in_o the_o second_o and_o in_o the_o three_o the_o reconcile_a world_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o introduction_n the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o order_n to_o be_v very_o natural_a the_o second_o branch_n be_v this_o importance_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n for_o first_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o second_o the_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o it_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a first_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o for_o direction_n second_o for_o confirmation_n three_o for_o confutation_n and_o four_a for_o consolation_n and_o first_o for_o direction_n direction_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n general_o most_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o else_o they_o can_v have_v no_o salvation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n general_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n do_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o none_o else_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o must_v search_v the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o learn_v there_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a right_a assembly_n that_o safe_o and_o bold_o thou_o may_v join_v thyself_o unto_o therefore_o for_o direction_n this_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a faith_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o howsoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sufficient_a witness_n that_o the_o faith_n we_o embrace_v be_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n yet_o our_o weakness_n require_v also_o some_o outward_a witness_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o the_o best_a and_o only_o witness_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o this_o true_a church_n be_v and_o then_o find_v that_o it_o do_v embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o we_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o be_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_a faith_n adversary_n three_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o adversary_n for_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o brownist_n on_o the_o other_o do_v lay_v hard_a against_o we_o that_o either_o we_o be_v no_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v they_o and_o to_o justify_v our_o own_o church_n and_o our_o stand_n in_o it_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n consolation_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o what_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n own_o church_n i_o must_v first_o therefore_o know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v before_o ever_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o sound_a comfort_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o in_o these_o respect_v the_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a respect_n and_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n second_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a for_o first_o many_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o reckless_a and_o will_v not_o join_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o ask_v they_o the_o cause_n they_o will_v answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o second_o other_o will_v fain_o join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o know_v not_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n three_o other_o mistake_v the_o false_a church_n for_o the_o true_a and_o so_o join_v to_o the_o false_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a and_o so_o run_v headlong_o from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n from_o truth_n and_o salvation_n to_o error_n and_o condemnation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n misunderstand_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n use_v whereby_o to_o entangle_v man_n in_o popery_n and_o this_o one_o allegation_n have_v make_v more_o to_o become_v papist_n and_o to_o continue_v papist_n than_o any_o ten_o of_o their_o best_a allegation_n and_o pretence_n beside_o last_o those_o that_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o stand_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o not_o and_o not_o know_v the_o true_a church_n be_v easy_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o church_n that_o be_v worse_a or_o to_o a_o false_a church_n so_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n we_o have_v lamentable_a experience_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o in_o these_o day_n some_o turn_v papist_n some_o brownist_n some_o become_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o even_o for_o this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o best_a and_o most_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a and_o fearful_a of_o their_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o right_o acquaint_v with_o this_o
save_v by_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n before_o the_o law_n and_o david_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n the_o same_o say_v be_v we_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a save_v by_o from_o christ_n ascension_n till_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o some_o hold_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o he_o be_v zealous_a in_o it_o no_o diverse_a religion_n make_v diverse_a church_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v save_v by_o use_v 2_o second_o be_v the_o church_n but_o one_o then_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o maintain_v the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o beware_v of_o faction_n and_o division_n either_o of_o make_v or_o follow_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a bane_n of_o this_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o pride_n and_o singularity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o common_a mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o dissension_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v paul_n and_o what_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v they_o teach_v one_o faith_n they_o preach_v one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n crucify_v they_o have_v receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ministration_n therefore_o embrace_v they_o all_o as_o one_o ministry_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n what_o if_o god_n bestow_v diverse_a gift_n on_o diverse_a person_n and_o one_o more_o excellent_a than_o another_o will_v thou_o abuse_v god_n gift_n to_o the_o make_n of_o rent_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n no_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o profit_v the_o more_o by_o he_o that_o have_v more_o gift_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n the_o more_o for_o they_o and_o not_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o and_o maintain_v sect_n by_o they_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n why_o god_n give_v they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o do_v thus_o abuse_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a end_n use_v 3_o three_o this_o reprove_v the_o papist_n for_o they_o make_v two_o head_n and_o consequent_o two_o church_n except_o they_o will_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v two_o head_n and_o but_o one_o body_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o earth_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v but_o one_o head_n some_o of_o the_o jesuit_n have_v be_v press_v with_o this_o argument_n and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v it_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n so_o gross_a and_o blasphemous_a have_v they_o be_v so_o the_o turk_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o erect_v church_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o this_o church_n they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n nor_o have_v any_o part_n in_o this_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v that_o have_v no_o part_n in_o this_o church_n they_o be_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n four_o state_n this_o teach_v that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n use_v 4_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n but_o hold_v one_o faith_n with_o they_o we_o be_v still_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o one_o church_n first_o difference_n of_o state_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n though_o some_o church_n be_v great_a some_o small_a though_o some_o be_v in_o their_o cradle_n other_o in_o their_o full_a age_n some_o before_o christ_n other_o after_o christ_n some_o pure_a some_o impure_a yea_o though_o some_o be_v in_o heaven_n triumph_v other_o some_o in_o earth_n fight_v yet_o all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o be_v the_o same_o wheat_n thresh_v in_o the_o floor_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o garner_n and_o the_o same_o gold_n dig_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n with_o some_o dross_n and_o try_v and_o fine_v by_o the_o fire_n second_o time_n difference_n of_o time_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o after_o the_o law_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o church_n all_o be_v one_o three_o person_n nor_o the_o difference_n of_o person_n jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a male_a and_o female_a poor_a and_o rich_a all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n four_o place_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o place_n jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n england_n france_n denmark_n yea_o paradise_n earth_n and_o heaven_n all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n five_o ceremony_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n some_o worship_v at_o one_o time_n and_o place_n some_o in_o one_o habit_n some_o in_o another_o so_o long_o as_o all_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n six_o fundamental_a no_o nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o point_n not_o absolute_o fundamental_a do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n so_o long_o as_o all_o hold_n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head-corner-stone_n that_o knit_v they_o all_o together_o into_o one_o building_n so_o much_o of_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o holy_a the_o second_o note_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v a_o holy_a company_n and_o every_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a 1._o pet._n 2.9_o they_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o five_o verse_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a city_n not_o that_o in_o heaven_n only_o revelat._n 21.2_o but_o that_o on_o earth_n too_o math._n 4.5_o and_o in_o ephes_n 5.27_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n etc._n etc._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o saint_n on_o earth_n as_o psal_n 16.3_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n psalm_n 89.5_o and_o their_o head_n and_o ruler_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o they_o be_v not_o holy_a in_o profession_n only_o for_o so_o be_v hypocrite_n too_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o be_v holy_a indeed_o they_o be_v true_o sanctify_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n heb._n 3.1_o and_o this_o holiness_n be_v partly_o impute_v heb._n 10.10_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o colos_n 1.21_o 21._o and_o partly_o inherent_a 1._o thess_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v begin_v here_o but_o not_o perfect_v till_o we_o have_v put_v off_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o god_n the_o father_n be_v most_o holy_a himself_o he_o sanctify_v his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o make_v they_o holy_a this_o christ_n pray_v for_o joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n etc._n etc._n jude._n 1._o sanctify_a of_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a reas_n 2_o second_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v holy_a and_o he_o sanctify_v and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 1.2_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o thirty_o verse_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o sanctification_n and_o eph._n 5.25.26_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o reas_n 3_o three_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enliven_a quicken_v and_o rule_v be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 6.11_o but_o now_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o rom._n 15.16_o four_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o the_o reas_n 4_o seed_n whereby_o they_o be_v beget_v be_v a_o holy_a word_n 2._o pet._n 2.21_o it_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a commandment_n
christian_a bear_v and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o their_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a but_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o so_o then_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n yoke-fellowe_n all_o church_n receive_v denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v now_o then_o religion_n be_v as_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o name_n and_o be_v therefore_o look_v what_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n profess_v and_o such_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v repute_v there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n as_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n profess_v such_o religion_n be_v false_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o worship_n false_a god_n and_o so_o embrace_v false_a religion_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saracen_n that_o erect_v and_o set_v up_o mahomet_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o deny_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v false_a church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o church_n that_o embrace_v party_n religion_n in_o part_n true_a and_o in_o part_n false_a yea_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a that_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o some_o error_n and_o what_o church_n be_v there_o so_o impure_a that_o profess_v not_o some_o notable_a heavenly_a truth_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v what_o truth_n and_o what_o error_n they_o hold_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v soon_o decide_v without_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o no_o true_a church_n 1._o joh._n 5.12_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o whether_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o in_o it_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n profess_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o false_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o profess_v falsehood_n in_o it_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n overthrow_v in_o it_o i_o answer_v sure_o it_o may_v till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o false_a church_n have_v get_v the_o upperhand_n and_o make_v law_n for_o her_o error_n and_o against_o the_o other_o truth_n with_o sentence_n of_o abandon_v all_o those_o out_o of_o their_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o truth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n revel_v 3.1_o 4._o she_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o take_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n whatsoever_o church_n embrace_v christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o taint_v with_o many_o error_n beside_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o church_n believe_v not_o this_o be_v a_o false_a church_n though_o it_o hold_v many_o other_o excellent_a truth_n beside_o so_o much_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o god_n have_v so_o many_o several_a kind_n of_o church_n for_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o remain_v now_o and_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n therefore_o when_o we_o mention_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v several_o divide_v into_o diverse_a and_o several_a kind_n but_o distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a respect_n and_o principal_o for_o these_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n distinguish_v or_o compass_v of_o it_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o the_o several_a estate_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v unto_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n sometime_o know_v sometime_o unknown_a first_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a universal_a that_o be_v universal_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n a_o earth_n but_o this_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o reach_v to_o heaven_n itself_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o both_o in_o the_o adjunct_n catholic_a and_o also_o in_o handle_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v trust_v your_o memory_n for_o that_o point_n and_o not_o speak_v more_o here_o of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v particular_a every_o particular_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v several_a by_o themselves_o of_o several_a time_n and_o place_n be_v but_o particular_a church_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o proper_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o will_v respite_n it_o till_o then_o second_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o define_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o several_a state_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fight_v or_o warfare_n and_o the_o second_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v crown_v and_o triumph_v and_o according_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a on_o earth_n that_o do_v continual_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v thus_o fight_v for_o though_o hypocrite_n and_o sometime_o those_o that_o do_v persecute_v the_o gospel_n do_v fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o so_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v repute_v part_n of_o this_o militant_a church_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o colourable_o and_o outward_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n not_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n nor_o in_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n nor_o in_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o speak_v proper_o none_o be_v true_a part_n of_o this_o church_n militant_a respect_n but_o the_o faithful_a only_o second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o though_o sometime_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o faithful_a oppugn_v they_o in_o their_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n yet_o it_o be_v mere_o in_o a_o spiritual_a respect_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o hurt_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n or_o life_n of_o grace_n &_o so_o likewise_o when_o the_o faithful_a defend_v their_o body_n or_o outward_a estate_n against_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o maintain_v their_o reputation_n or_o their_o life_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n second_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v in_o this_o fight_n for_o they_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a on_o both_o part_n the_o adversary_n weapon_n be_v temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o faithful_a their_o weapon_n be_v the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_n of_o the_o field_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v spirit_n god_n good_a spirit_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o satan_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n on_o the_o wicked_n side_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o this_o warfare_n must_v be_v exercise_v continual_o for_o the_o envious_a man_n
ephes_n 1.22_o 23._o compare_v with_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o saint_n holy_a catholic_a the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o proportional_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a 51._o the_o whole_a receive_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n doctr._n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o strait_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v either_o not_o appear_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o do_v very_o hardly_o appear_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v hardly_o appear_v for_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o it_o be_v never_o see_v as_o faith_n and_o election_n for_o the_o heart_n wherein_o these_o be_v can_v be_v discover_v as_o these_o be_v always_o invisible_a so_o likewise_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o hide_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o but_o sometime_o for_o sometime_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o apparent_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o here_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o prove_v peremptory_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o visible_a and_o apparent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v large_a and_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o point_n must_v stand_v thus_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n and_o in_o such_o time_n where_o the_o church_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v as_o where_o the_o true_a church_n have_v late_o be_v and_o where_o it_o have_v flourish_v or_o where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministry_n or_o where_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o not_o be_v outward_o discern_v and_o so_o consequent_o if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o at_o other_o place_n and_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o probability_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o strike_v home_n at_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o true_a church_n so_o notorious_o apparent_a and_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n where_o it_o have_v be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v be_v even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v hide_v and_o not_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o elias_n time_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o such_o a_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o his_o day_n as_o that_o he_o say_v be_v himself_o be_v leave_v alone_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n any_o where_o in_o those_o time_n sure_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o israel_n where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o church_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v than_o it_o be_v any_o where_o else_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 15.3_o israel_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n without_o a_o true_a god_n without_o a_o priest_n to_o teach_v without_o law_n then_o they_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v find_v the_o papist_n will_v reply_v in_o judah_n if_o not_o with_o israel_n judah_n prevail_v against_o israel_n because_o they_o stay_v upon_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 13.18_o well_o yet_o they_o be_v bad_a enough_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 14.3_o 5._o they_o have_v their_o strange_a god_n and_o their_o image_n and_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n in_o all_o their_o city_n which_o asa_n take_v away_o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o israel_n that_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n too_o and_o so_o in_o other_o church_n yea_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n afterward_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 28.23_o 24.25_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ahaz_n that_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o damascus_n and_o to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o king_n of_o aram_n he_o break_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v he_o altar_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o every_o city_n of_o judah_n he_o make_v high_a place_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o other_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o judah_n be_v worse_o than_o israel_n nay_o than_o the_o very_a heathen_a that_o be_v before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o chron._n 33.9_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o manasseh_n make_v israel_n to_o err_v and_o to_o do_v worse_o than_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o so_o you_o see_v here_o be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o judah_n nor_o in_o israel_n if_o not_o in_o they_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v now_o point_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o say_v i_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n whereunto_o i_o may_v and_o must_v join_v myself_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a branch_n than_o there_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o any_o other_o church_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o they_o too_o but_o the_o papist_n will_v object_v that_o this_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n only_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o also_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o not_o sometime_o only_o but_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n revel_v 12.6_o 14._o the_o woman_n be_v say_v there_o to_o be_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n that_o at_o several_a time_n to_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v be_v drive_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n and_o forlorn_a place_n how_o then_o shall_v man_n see_v it_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o secret_a place_n so_o in_o the_o revel_v 13.7_o 8._o the_o beast_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o over_o every_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n where_o be_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o these_o time_n and_o in_o the_o 2._o thes_n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v and_o sit_v in_o god_n temple_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o cunning_a that_o he_o shall_v set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o god_n temple_n that_o be_v in_o god_n church_n where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v but_o to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o god_n so_o that_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o so_o likewise_o that_o in_o luk._n 18.8_o prove_v this_o point_n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n if_o faith_n be_v so_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n where_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v find_v but_o where_o shall_v he_o not_o find_v faith_n in_o india_n or_o in_o rome_n only_a no_o not_o only_o in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n but_o not_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o the_o son_n of_o man._n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o gift_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o the_o scripture_n have_v another_o way_n and_o a_o better_a joh_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o church_n than_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o he_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o judgement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o whereas_o before_o his_o care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o search_v it_o out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o other_o company_n that_o be_v not_o may_v and_o do_v brag_v ofttimes_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o direct_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v where_o be_v it_o that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_a as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v be_v the_o only_a way_n or_o at_o least_o the_o chief_a way_n to_o find_v out_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o case_n be_v this_o we_o say_v the_o true_a religion_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o true_a church_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o that_o they_o say_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a in_o a_o better_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n show_v the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o cause_n show_v the_o effect_n but_o the_o church_n show_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o effect_n show_v the_o cause_n as_o for_o example_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o day_n prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v now_o one_o man_n may_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o say_v the_o sun_n shine_v therefore_o it_o be_v day_n another_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v day_n therefore_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o both_o say_v true_a but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o more_o forcible_a kind_n of_o reason_v when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n so_o when_o i_o reason_n thus_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o the_o true_a church_n here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o forcible_a and_o better_a reason_n then_o to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o true_a church_n therefore_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v but_o to_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n now_o what_o serve_v that_o for_o but_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n then_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n now_o the_o candlestick_n be_v not_o see_v at_o all_o without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n though_o it_o be_v of_o gold_n so_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o candlestick_n if_o it_o hold_v not_o forth_o the_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n it_o can_v be_v see_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n make_v it_o visible_a then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n nor_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n but_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n be_v it_o so_o that_o every_o congregation_n open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o here_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o precise_a rule_n to_o measure_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o the_o definition_n contain_v all_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o no_o more_o therefore_o look_v wheresoever_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o look_v where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v for_o these_o hold_n in_o reciprocal_a term_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o will_v prove_v any_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o reprove_v and_o convince_v any_o for_o a_o false_a we_o must_v lay_v it_o to_o this_o rule_n so_o whether_o they_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o according_o esteem_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a church_n here_o certain_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o what_o 1._o do_v you_o say_v that_o a_o company_n profess_v the_o save_a truth_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n will_v profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o it_o be_v require_v answ_n that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v among_o they_o indeed_o else_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n second_o that_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o profess_v three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o outward_o profess_v but_o inward_o embrace_v too_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o 2._o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o what_o say_v you_o if_o they_o profess_v it_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n be_v such_o a_o church_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n a_o fearful_a state_n be_v all_o such_o church_n in_o for_o god_n can_v be_v more_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n more_o grieve_v his_o gospel_n more_o reproach_v his_o child_n more_o offend_v satan_n and_o all_o god_n enemy_n more_o gratify_v and_o advantage_v then_o by_o this_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o fall_n away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o that_o some_o do_v live_v as_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o us._n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o not_o to_o be_v outward_o discern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a and_o impure_a one_o 3._o the_o three_o exception_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o certain_a some_o cross_a opinion_n which_o overthrow_n it_o answ_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o manner_n of_o opinion_n these_o be_v which_o that_o church_n hold_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o whether_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n three_o whether_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o
neighbour_n church_n then_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n than_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n shall_v burn_v 1._o cor._n 3.12_o 15._o but_o yet_o they_o shall_v remain_v still_o a_o true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o be_v great_a matter_n error_n that_o do_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v yet_o if_o upon_o admonition_n of_o other_o neighbour_n church_n they_o do_v recant_v and_o reform_v their_o error_n than_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o any_o to_o forsake_v they_o be_v in_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n to_o they_o live_v in_o they_o deu._n 12.5_o at_o least_o we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o consent_n and_o communion_n of_o profession_n the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v the_o former_a exception_n clear_a as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o your_o own_o read_n of_o they_o use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v this_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o touch_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v a_o good_a pledge_n and_o witness_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n here_o than_o thou_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o and_o so_o likewise_o how_o to_o become_v a_o member_n first_o therefore_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o to_o know_v understand_v and_o believe_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o frequent_v public_a christian_a assembly_n and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o his_o save_a truth_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o he_o will_v also_o lead_v thou_o therein_o second_o thou_o must_v labour_v as_o thou_o know_v it_o so_o likewise_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v open_a show_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o royal_a call_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angls_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o shame_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n church_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o glory_n and_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o reproach_n persecution_n temptation_n all_o outward_a misery_n which_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o endure_v if_o we_o be_v know_v to_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n christ_n jesus_n do_v bold_o oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o soldier_n yea_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o death_n itself_o and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v thyself_o to_o some_o few_o outward_a danger_n for_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v for_o ourselves_o in_o the_o end_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v wise_a and_o do_v not_o rash_o thrust_v thyself_o into_o any_o danger_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v just_a occasion_n and_o a_o call_v from_o god_n shun_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n let_v not_o thy_o false_a heart_n betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n his_o cause_n but_o rely_v upon_o god_n power_n promise_n and_o protection_n stand_v to_o it_o resolute_o and_o with_o a_o good_a christian_a courage_n and_o say_v i_o be_o a_o professor_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o i_o will_v continue_v by_o his_o assistance_n even_o unto_o the_o very_a death_n though_o i_o be_v crucify_v even_o as_o he_o be_v three_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o in_o hypocrisy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o cankerworm_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o professor_n therefore_o profess_v the_o truth_n sincere_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o see_v and_o search_v the_o reins_n do_v it_o as_o the_o only_a cause_n whereby_o we_o may_v and_o must_v be_v save_v and_o whereby_o thou_o look_v for_o thy_o reward_n in_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n do_v it_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o complice_n four_o as_o we_o must_v do_v it_o without_o hypocrisy_n so_o we_o must_v see_v we_o practise_v it_o and_o that_o open_o for_o our_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o titus_n 1.16_o that_o in_o their_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o by_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o that_o be_v their_o work_n stand_v up_o against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n that_o which_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n we_o must_v practice_v with_o our_o life_n put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o man_n be_v at_o odds_n one_o man_n say_v one_o thing_n another_o man_n prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o plain_a and_o evident_a argument_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o he_o that_o profess_v in_o his_o word_n only_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o another_o which_o do_v practice_v it_o in_o his_o work_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o god_n truth_n sure_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o in_o his_o work_n five_o as_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o peter_n luk._n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n which_o when_o i_o think_v on_o it_o can_v but_o admonish_v i_o of_o my_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o do_v we_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o that_o good_a which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o be_v convert_v she_o labour_v to_o draw_v all_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o especial_o we_o shall_v labour_v with_o our_o own_o family_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n as_o joshua_n do_v i_o and_o my_o house_n say_v he_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o have_v true_a visible_a church_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o own_o house_n howsoever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o land_n or_o country_n or_o parish_n where_o we_o dwell_v use_v 4_o last_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o thankfulness_n for_o our_o state_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v so_o gracious_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n for_o many_o year_n that_o the_o whole_a save_a truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o that_o by_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v countenance_v among_o we_o church_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o sin_n in_o our_o life_n defect_n in_o our_o state_n and_o we_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o groan_n under_o they_o and_o pray_v with_o sigh_n and_o tear_n against_o they_o and_o we_o trust_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o redress_v these_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n among_o we_o yet_o through_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o schismatic_n and_o papist_n and_o slanderer_n whatsoever_o every_o one_o may_v see_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a of_o god_n that_o still_o this_o profession_n be_v maintain_v be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o honour_n god_n for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o well_o and_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n to_o all_o generation_n the_o blessing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o thankworthy_a blessing_n
if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o this_o land_n from_o the_o beginning_n before_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o gentile_n and_o so_o without_o christ_n and_o second_o even_o since_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o even_o pagan_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n like_o nimrods_n and_o giant_n most_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o bring_v to_o grace_n three_o when_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o but_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v more_o pure_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o her_o decline_a day_n and_o they_o can_v teach_v no_o better_o than_o they_o have_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v be_v gentile_n and_o pagan_n and_o afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o we_o i_o say_v shall_v profess_v god_n save_v truth_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n four_o england_n have_v be_v as_o true_a a_o slave_n to_o popery_n and_o the_o king_n of_o england_n as_o true_a slave_n to_o the_o pope_n as_o spain_n or_o any_o other_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o this_o day_n five_o consider_v when_o reformation_n begin_v king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o luther_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n the_o king_n oppose_v he_o and_o threaten_v that_o if_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n will_v not_o punish_v he_o he_o will_v fetch_v he_o thence_o by_o the_o ear_n six_o consider_v how_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n abbey_n and_o monastery_n fill_v the_o land_n that_o be_v build_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o romish_a purple_a whore_n seven_o consider_v that_o king_n edward_n that_o first_o restore_v religion_n among_o we_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n ordain_v strength_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o truth_n among_o us._n eight_o his_o life_n be_v but_o short_a what_o follow_v as_o bloody_a a_o persecution_n as_o ever_o be_v all_o be_v bend_v against_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v his_o church_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o thanks_o for_o the_o bloodshed_n than_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v it_o many_o by_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n than_o be_v convert_v and_o many_o by_o read_v their_o story_n since_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n intend_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o establish_v it_o among_o us._n nine_o come_v to_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n she_o go_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o be_v very_o hardly_o preserve_v yet_o at_o length_n she_o obtain_v she_o right_n and_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o she_o establish_v god_n truth_n among_o we_o against_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o satan_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a woman_n much_o endanger_v yet_o still_o preserve_v and_o by_o her_o mean_n god_n continue_v his_o truth_n long_o among_o us._n ten_o come_v to_o our_o king_n james_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o in_o peace_n though_o it_o be_v his_o right_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o have_v prevail_v with_o we_o and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n else_o there_o be_v a_o heart-burn_n betwixt_o that_o nation_n and_o we_o we_o have_v be_v enemy_n there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o bloody_a war_n or_o else_o some_o civil_a dissension_n which_o will_v have_v make_v a_o foul_a wrack_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o destruction_n of_o god_n church_n among_o us._n last_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o favourite_n popery_n have_v have_v and_o that_o of_o man_n of_o state_n and_o authority_n which_o have_v labour_v under_o hand_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n again_o and_o yet_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o withstand_v all_o his_o enemy_n continue_v his_o saving-truth_n among_o we_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o great_a thankfulness_n we_o can_v consider_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o have_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v his_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o ten_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o until_o we_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n for_o than_o we_o know_v a_o thing_n right_o and_o in_o its_o kind_n when_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o point_n be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v look_v into_o because_o we_o be_v challenge_v and_o indict_v by_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o our_o church_n have_v not_o her_o be_v from_o such_o cause_n as_o it_o shall_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v a_o false_a church_n now_o upon_o the_o discovery_n and_o view_n of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v and_o will_v ingenuous_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o have_v the_o right_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v such_o sort_n as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o purposely_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o sometime_o beside_o sometime_o against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o cause_n first_o sort_n first_o god_n overrule_v some_o thing_n to_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o bent_n &_o intendment_n as_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o accident_n it_o further_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o a_o man_n ordinary_a business_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n diverse_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4_o 7._o she_o come_v about_o her_o ordinary_a business_n to_o draw_v water_n at_o jacob_n well_o now_o this_o in_o itself_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n for_o she_o hear_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o run_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o they_o come_v also_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v matter_n of_o affliction_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o over_o rule_v by_o god_n that_o it_o cause_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n luk._n 15.17_o he_o may_v have_v perish_v in_o his_o affliction_n yet_o god_n make_v this_o a_o because_o to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o death_n of_o some_o great_a man_n that_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n act._n 12.23.24_o what_o be_v the_o death_n of_o herod_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n more_o than_o the_o death_n of_o a_o hog_n yet_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o beside_o it_o own_o intendment_n it_o be_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n second_o some_o thing_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o
and_o burn_v up_o god_n water_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n thereof_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o work_n to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v dismay_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o daunt_v satan_n himself_o for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n yea_o against_o his_o special_a hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v the_o wicked_a after_o the_o flood_n when_o they_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o confusion_n but_o these_o fight_n against_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v though_o they_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o church_n yet_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v comfort_v the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o persecution_n temptation_n and_o distress_n whatsoever_o because_o that_o they_o be_v build_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o like_o mount_n zion_n they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v remove_v and_o likewise_o they_o be_v continual_o assist_v by_o god_n hand_n so_o that_o their_o enemy_n can_v hurt_v they_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o 2._o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o observation_n arise_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o point_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o doct._n 2_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v effectual_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o due_a success_n there_o certain_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n first_o i_o say_v where_o they_o be_v effectual_a for_o sometime_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v present_a yet_o not_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a effectual_a but_o where_o they_o be_v effectual_a only_o there_o they_o cause_v a_o church_n second_o i_o say_v by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o success_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o point_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o church_n be_v there_o as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o they_o be_v effectual_a verse_n 41._o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a verse_n 47._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o verse_n 47._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 11._o from_o 20._o to_o 26._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o be_v also_o so_o call_v vers_fw-la 26._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n saint_n by_o calling_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v a_o call_v then_o and_o this_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v 1.16_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v seven_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christ_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o star_n that_o be_v his_o minister_n uphold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb_n 4.12_o and_o these_o be_v effectual_a too_o the_o star_n be_v uphold_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n so_o where_o these_o be_v thus_o effectual_a there_o be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o cause_n do_v always_o prove_v the_o effect_n necessary_o where_o it_o have_v her_o work_n and_o be_v not_o resist_v now_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o resist_v therefore_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n too_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v there_o be_v the_o definition_n reas_n 2_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v joint_o the_o save_a truth_n now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n three_o whosoever_o live_v in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o these_o reas_n 3_o cause_n be_v walk_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a to_o obey_v these_o mean_n he_o be_v certain_o save_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whosoever_o live_v out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v these_o mean_n ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v then_o where_o these_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o without_o the_o church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o our_o adversary_n that_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o deal_v against_o in_o this_o case_n confess_v it_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o conserve_n it_o therefore_o we_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n separation_n against_o the_o separation_n that_o deny_v it_o for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n because_o that_o we_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v effectual_a yea_o and_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n if_o they_o except_v against_o we_o they_o must_v deny_v and_o say_v either_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o effectual_a or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n some_o deny_v some_o of_o these_o and_o some_o deny_v all_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v we_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o they_o say_v we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n discipline_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o you_o want_v discipline_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o only_o wait_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o they_o so_o much_o require_v answ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o happy_o not_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a a_o church_n for_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o though_o you_o have_v the_o word_n among_o you_o call_v yet_o you_o have_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n for_o your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_n they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o extraordinary_a call_n we_o neither_o have_v answ_n nor_o look_v for_o but_o such_o ordinary_a call_n as_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v have_v in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o same_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o since_o that_o time_n and_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v never_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o object_n but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v your_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rome_n i_o
the_o church_n have_v a_o head_n so_o it_o have_v but_o one_o head_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n so_o likewise_o if_o there_o be_v two_o or_o many_o head_n to_o one_o body_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o excess_n now_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v but_o one_o head_n three_o this_o our_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o alone_a for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o head_n if_o we_o shall_v assign_v any_o other_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o set_v upon_o it_o the_o head_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n against_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n and_o as_o a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n beyond_o nature_n by_o excess_n so_o for_o a_o body_n to_o have_v a_o head_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v against_o nature_n &_o be_v as_o monstrous_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o way_n be_v beat_v out_o plain_a to_o this_o natural_a observation_n which_o follow_v doctr._n namely_o that_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v his_o true_a mystical_a body_n as_o we_o have_v teach_v before_o so_o proportionable_o he_o be_v also_o the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v of_o all_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v open_o the_o save_v faith_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v hear_v call_v to_o mind_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n affirm_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a the_o whole_a take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o so_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v simple_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o some_o of_o those_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o christ_n be_v simple_o the_o head_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o because_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o second_o point_n that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n through_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o mean_v chief_o and_o most_o proper_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v also_o of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o of_o every_o member_n too_o that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o right_a side_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o left_a and_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n yet_o not_o simple_o and_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n but_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o communication_n that_o be_v as_o be_v a_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o a_o body_n so_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o body_n though_o diverse_a in_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o general_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n and_o also_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o that_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o communication_n as_o that_o particular_a church_n concurre_v and_o participate_v with_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n simple_o in_o itself_o christ_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o one_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v many_o head_n and_o many_o body_n as_o the_o head_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o hand_n simple_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n therefore_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o common_a as_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o plain_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n for_o your_o part_n they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v but_o member_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n they_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n consider_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o general_a with_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n ready_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o england_n and_o france_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o there_o be_v many_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v many_o body_n or_o else_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n to_o many_o body_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n proportionable_o that_o be_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o explication_n adaequatum_fw-la now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n proportionable_o of_o a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n in_o ephes_n 1.22_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o and_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a body_n that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_v and_o equal_v to_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o hold_v consequent_o and_o by_o proportion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o faithful_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o speak_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n now_o what_o body_n be_v that_o but_o only_o that_o body_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n where_o his_o ministry_n be_v public_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o ephes_n 5.23_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n that_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a for_o the_o
and_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o refuse_v they_o to_o be_v his_o body_n therefore_o what_o direction_n soever_o christ_n tender_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v obey_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v defy_v they_o and_o second_o see_v christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o whatsoever_o life_n or_o direction_n we_o have_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o fountain_n of_o they_o that_o we_o have_v they_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o from_o he_o only_o for_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o without_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o and_o by_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n phil._n 4.13_o mark_v how_o sweet_o these_o place_n agree_v together_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o he_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o he_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n therefore_o whatsoever_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v spiritual_a life_n or_o grace_n we_o must_v receive_v they_o thankful_o embrace_v they_o sweet_o use_v they_o gracious_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o thy_o head_n and_o the_o good_a &_o comfort_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o fellow-member_n so_o likewise_o for_o unprofitable_a member_n that_o dishonour_v our_o head_n we_o shall_v pray_v that_o our_o head_n christ_n jesus_n will_v either_o make_v they_o profitable_a or_o else_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o also_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o purge_v from_o his_o body_n the_o noisome_a humour_n as_o sin_n and_o superstition_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o sound_n and_o a_o healthful_a body_n three_o and_o last_o see_v christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o as_o he_o have_v a_o gracious_a care_n for_o our_o safety_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o shall_v rejoice_v when_o we_o see_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n advance_v and_o we_o shall_v mourn_v and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o see_v it_o oppose_v and_o so_o likewise_o we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o good_a or_o harm_n of_o our_o fellow-member_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o bring_v one_o another_o to_o heaven_n and_o not_o be_v careless_a whether_o they_o come_v thither_o or_o no._n use_v 4_o the_o last_o use_n be_v this_o hence_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n because_o christ_n our_o head_n spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v find_v true_o in_o our_o church_n but_o our_o adversary_n except_v against_o we_o first_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v your_o head_n we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v show_v we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o those_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o want_v but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v antichrist_n to_o be_v your_o head_n for_o you_o have_v many_o thing_n from_o he_o i_o answer_v we_o defy_v he_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v together_o with_o his_o doctrine_n we_o defy_v his_o practice_n and_o course_n if_o we_o have_v or_o use_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v or_o have_v use_v before_o we_o first_o it_o be_v either_o no_o matter_n of_o substance_n but_o only_o some_o passage_n or_o carriage_n or_o circumstance_n either_o in_o worship_n or_o government_n or_o second_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v use_v in_o pure_a time_n and_o church_n before_o antichrist_n or_o three_o it_o be_v of_o the_o best_a which_o that_o church_n be_v in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v have_v be_v a_o church_n and_o still_o pretend_v to_o continue_v the_o same_o have_v reserve_v for_o still_o they_o have_v some_o good_a thing_n and_o profess_v some_o good_a truth_n last_o at_o least_o it_o be_v thorough_o cleanse_v from_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o that_o still_o we_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o our_o church_n and_o his_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o beget_v spiritual_a life_n in_o many_o of_o we_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o twelve_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o point_n propound_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o concern_v the_o find_v out_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v touch_v the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o i_o show_v you_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n and_o that_o every_o body_n consist_v of_o certain_a member_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v exact_o know_v the_o body_n we_o must_v know_v the_o member_n now_o the_o member_n be_v take_v either_o in_o a_o more_o general_a sense_n include_v the_o head_n or_o else_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a sense_n be_v consider_v as_o a_o diverse_a thing_n from_o the_o head_n now_o because_o we_o will_v carry_v the_o matter_n full_o before_o we_o we_o take_v it_o in_o both_o those_o sense_n and_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n where_o we_o show_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o particular_a sense_n sort_n be_v consider_v as_o a_o diverse_a thing_n from_o the_o head_n and_o thus_o consider_v the_o member_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n first_o some_o be_v member_n by_o right_a only_o and_o not_o by_o possession_n second_o some_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n not_o by_o right_a and_o three_o some_o be_v member_n both_o by_o right_n and_o by_o possession_n first_o some_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o right_a only_o not_o by_o possession_n for_o some_o member_n have_v a_o good_a right_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v kind_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o they_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v diverse_a kind_n ir_v general_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n live_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o call_v for_o the_o church_n be_v they_o and_o the_o word_n be_v they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v they_o and_o the_o ministry_n be_v they_o the_o lord_n special_o intend_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a though_o indeed_o they_o themselves_o be_v notable_a so_o much_o as_o to_o know_v their_o own_o right_n in_o they_o much_o less_o be_v they_o able_a to_o reach_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o claim_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o yet_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o a_o time_n in_o which_o he_o will_v call_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n they_o be_v by_o right_n true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o actual_o possess_v of_o it_o and_o thus_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n malignant_a and_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o profession_n and_o by_o right_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n purpose_n a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n true_a visible_a body_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o saul_n who_o by_o his_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o right_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n second_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o right_n and_o not_o by_o possession_n be_v such_o as_o only_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o little_a smatch_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n only_o their_o foot_n be_v in_o the_o porch_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v within_o the_o holy_a place_n they_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o that_o after_o that_o time_n the_o church_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o from_o thence_o forward_o to_o be_v her_o child_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v she_o to_o be_v our_o mother_n and_o so_o we_o be_v incorporate_v and_o become_v member_n of_o that_o body_n so_o then_o those_o that_o have_v only_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v some_o little_a smatch_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v just_o be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n yet_o
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o natural_o can_v yield_v no_o such_o bad_a fruit_n but_o occasional_o as_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n the_o fault_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o govern_v first_o the_o governor_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a contemn_v their_o inferior_n strive_v with_o equal_n aspire_v to_o the_o high_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o papal_a government_n and_o some_o token_n of_o bad_a governor_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o as_o covetous_a give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n abuse_v their_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o the_o act_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n second_o there_o be_v fault_n in_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v some_o ambitious_o seek_v for_o high_a place_n than_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o some_o be_v envious_a malign_v and_o spite_v their_o superior_n some_o be_v sensual_a despise_v government_n some_o be_v ill-tongued_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n some_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a resist_v their_o order_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o neck_n under_o any_o yoke_n last_o some_o be_v humourous_a and_o peevish_a deny_v that_o power_n set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v for_o innovation_n and_o change_n and_o new_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v contrary_a to_o that_o already_o establish_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n have_v the_o enemy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n wrought_v upon_o
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n example_n will_v clear_v it_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v err_v in_o some_o kind_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o in_o paradise_n as_o also_o in_o christ_n time_n yea_o even_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n have_v their_o error_n but_o some_o church_n may_v err_v and_o other_o have_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o take_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o a_o example_n that_o once_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o call_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o yet_o it_o err_v in_o the_o apostle_n johns_n time_n yea_o it_o be_v now_o utter_o and_o fina_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n to_o mahomet_n and_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o foundation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v recover_v again_o and_o so_o her_o fall_n be_v not_o final_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v recover_v through_o god_n providence_n at_o the_o last_o yea_o but_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v her_o fall_n be_v as_o well_o final_a as_o fundamental_a and_o that_o which_o be_v her_o case_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o sure_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o walk_v in_o her_o step_n revelat._n 2.5_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o many_o other_o primitive_a church_n how_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n some_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n some_o to_o the_o donatist_n some_o to_o the_o novatian_n etc._n etc._n the_o lamentable_a estate_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n prove_v this_o point_n without_o exception_n they_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n christ_n error_n like_o a_o gangrene_n sometime_o overgrow_a all_o but_o some_o may_v say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n may_v err_v but_o we_o say_v that_o their_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o yea_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o this_o confute_v themselves_o for_o first_o they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v err_v for_o so_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o err_v by_o excommunication_n when_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n other_o of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o err_v in_o canonise_a of_o saint_n when_o they_o canonize_v some_o for_o saint_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v devil_n in_o hell_n second_o they_o confess_v that_o counsel_n may_v err_v too_o and_o three_o that_o their_o pope_n may_v err_v too_o and_o last_o that_o their_o people_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n
the_o 40._o vers_fw-la they_o beat_v they_o and_o command_v they_o again_o not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n what_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v do_v more_o against_o the_o gospel_n as_o thing_n than_o stand_v all_o these_o place_n both_o the_o former_a and_o these_o latter_a prove_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o their_o person_n and_o their_o profession_n both_o but_o the_o former_a be_v more_o direct_o against_o their_o person_n the_o latter_a more_o direct_o against_o their_o profession_n so_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o our_o person_n and_o against_o our_o profession_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o they_o oppose_v against_o religion_n for_o itself_o but_o they_o oppose_v against_o our_o person_n for_o our_o religion_n second_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n opposition_n they_o do_v it_o sometime_o open_o sometime_o secret_o open_o so_o do_v saul_n act_n 9.1_o 2._o when_o he_o go_v with_o open_a mouth_n to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o secret_o secret_o that_o be_v when_o either_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o with_o such_o safety_n to_o themselves_o and_o such_o hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o their_o enemy_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o galat._n 2.4_o the_o false_a brethren_n creep_v in_o crafty_o into_o the_o church_n to_o spy_v out_o their_o liberty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o kind_n of_o opposition_n act._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o where_o certain_a of_o the_o synagogue_n dispute_v with_o stephen_n and_o think_v to_o have_v bear_v he_o down_o open_o but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v than_o they_o secret_o suborn_v witness_n to_o accuse_v he_o false_o second_o again_o open_v sometime_o they_o oppose_v by_o strong_a hand_n as_o herod_n act_v 12.1.2_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o kill_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o john_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o when_o satan_n do_v thus_o oppose_v he_o be_v a_o lion_n sometime_o by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n he_o oppose_v the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o in_o act_n 7.19_o stephen_n say_v the_o egyptian_n deal_v subtle_o with_o the_o israelite_n therein_o the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o weapon_n whereby_o they_o fight_v against_o god_n church_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_a i_o shall_v touch_v those_o only_a that_o be_v most_o material_a and_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v carnal_a reason_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a weapon_n for_o carnal_a man_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o ready_a against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n see_v how_o they_o flourish_v with_o this_o weapon_n first_o with_o multitude_n you_o can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n say_v they_o for_o but_o few_o embrace_v it_o the_o multitude_n be_v against_o you_o and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o as_o they_o say_v to_o paul_n act_v 28.22_o again_o say_v the_o false_a church_n we_o have_v far_o great_a pomp_n and_o glory_n and_o great_a riches_n revelat._n 17.4_o beside_o say_v they_o you_o have_v no_o great_a man_n to_o applaud_v you_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n believe_v in_o he_o say_v the_o jew_n john_n 7.48_o last_o there_o be_v say_v they_o no_o point_n of_o your_o religion_n either_o please_a to_o nature_n or_o almost_o justifiable_a by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o say_v carnal_a reason_n you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o right_a way_n if_o these_o kind_n of_o weapon_n prevail_v not_o miracle_n than_o they_o take_v other_o kind_n of_o weapon_n and_o close_o in_o near_a with_o we_o force_v we_o with_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o strive_v to_o beat_v we_o with_o our_o own_o weapon_n they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n so_o do_v the_o devil_n matth._n 4.6_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n as_o the_o wicked_a jew_n do_v jerem._n 7_o 4._o so_o for_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v they_o have_v they_o too_o they_o have_v the_o effectual_a work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n 2._o thes_n 2.9_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n 8_o 39_o and_o to_o be_v moses_n scholar_n and_o disciple_n john_n 9.28_o yea_o to_o be_v god_n own_o seed_n joh._n 8.41_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v prophet_n revelat._n 2.20_o yea_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v angel_n of_o light_n verse_n 14._o and_o for_o outward_a holiness_n they_o will_v have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v matth._n 23.27_o and_o for_o simplicity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a note_n of_o christ_n sheep_n they_o will_v so_o cunning_o pretend_v it_o that_o you_o will_v take_v they_o for_o sheep_n of_o christ_n own_o fold_n and_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v raven_a wolf_n till_o they_o bewray_v it_o in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v deal_n matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o fail_v this_o way_n than_o they_o will_v fall_v to_o more_o gross_a deal_n flatter_a we_o with_o fair_a promise_n as_o the_o devil_n deal_v with_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.9_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v you_o if_o you_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o seduce_v we_o with_o lie_n and_o error_n as_o the_o serpent_n do_v eve_n gens_n 3.4_o 5._o or_o else_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o corrupt_v our_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v mat._n 15.3_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o way_n than_o they_o will_v raise_v up_o flander_n and_o false_a report_n against_o our_o person_n howsoever_o we_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o they_o do_v against_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 11.18_o our_o saviour_n ●ame_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o drunkard_n and_o a_o glutton_n john_n baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n so_o they_o raise_v up_o false_a report_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n rom._n 3.8_o some_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o will_v breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o we_o as_o saul_n do_v against_o the_o church_n act_v 9.1_o if_o that_o serve_v not_o their_o turn_n they_o will_v procure_v law_n and_o decree_n against_o we_o as_o they_o do_v against_o daniel_n dan._n 6.7_o 8._o and_o letter_n of_o state_n as_o saul_n do_v act_v 2.9_o and_o their_o last_o and_o sore_a and_o common_a weapon_n of_o all_o be_v blow_n persecution_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o all_o the_o punishment_n they_o can_v devise_v as_o their_o hatred_n be_v deadly_a against_o we_o so_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o pursue_v we_o to_o the_o very_a death_n cruel_a bloodsucker_n they_o be_v for_o when_o they_o can_v suck_v religion_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n yet_o they_o will_v suck_v our_o life_n and_o our_o blood_n out_o of_o our_o body_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n catch_v at_o it_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o as_o a_o weapon_n in_o their_o fury_n to_o hurt_v and_o strike_v at_o god_n child_n withal_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o silliness_n reas_n 1_o and_o nakedness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o condition_n in_o this_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v every_o way_n expose_v and_o of_o themselves_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o enemy_n something_n they_o can_v do_v to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n as_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o simple_a and_o weak_a and_o other_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o do_v for_o want_v of_o warrant_n from_o god_n without_o which_o their_o tender_a conscience_n dare_v do_v nothing_o whereas_o if_o they_o can_v and_o may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o by_o hook_n or_o by_o crook_n as_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a safeguard_n to_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o enemy_n assault_v we_o every_o way_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n can_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a assurance_n now_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n bring_v we_o thereto_o and_o itself_o lean_v thereon_o for_o if_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o than_o i_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o church_n say_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n stand_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o ambition_n seek_v it_o but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v low_o enough_o his_o head_n be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n who_o then_o think_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o church_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v of_o that_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n second_o answer_v it_o meet_v with_o they_o for_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o these_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o heretical_a &_o schismatical_a say_v they_o what_o if_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v true_a church_n as_o we_o show_v before_o for_o heresy_n as_o i_o will_v not_o precise_o condemn_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v i_o altogether_o acquitte_v they_o but_o as_o for_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o rome_n but_o only_o they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o quarrel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v their_o neck_n under_o the_o pope_n yoke_n and_o see_v they_o and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o body_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a bishop_n except_o they_o have_v depart_v when_o they_o have_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v find_v in_o these_o greek_a church_n which_o the_o papist_n take_v in_o their_o state_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a note_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v succession_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v as_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n as_o in_o rome_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n succession_n in_o rome_n be_v a_o certain_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o good_a succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o at_o rome_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o either_o let_v they_o disclaim_v this_o in_o the_o one_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v this_o succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n of_o purpose_n to_o abate_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n build_v so_o direct_o upon_o that_o allegation_n it_o will_v else_o have_v be_v a_o far_o more_o colourable_a plea_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o use_v 2_o reason_n in_o other_o do_v plain_o answer_v themselves_o turk_n the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n these_o greek_a church_n have_v live_v many_o a_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o government_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o buy_v and_o sell_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n the_o foul_a idol_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v in_o regard_n of_o government_n they_o live_v under_o what_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n be_v it_o what_o a_o bloody_a service_n how_o many_o persecution_n disgrace_n indignity_n tax_n and_o oppression_n horrible_a wrong_n and_o miserable_a slavery_n do_v they_o undergo_v they_o be_v buy_v sell_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o slavery_n they_o live_v in_o and_o yet_o behold_v god_n have_v uphold_v his_o church_n among_o they_o all_o to_o this_o day_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o israel_n preservation_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o more_o miraculous_a than_o this_o of_o these_o christian_n under_o the_o turk_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n christ_n
they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n which_o be_v a_o most_o pestilent_a religion_n &_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n admit_v no_o colour_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v reject_v mahomet_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o mahomet_n we_o must_v reject_v christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v show_v himself_o a_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sore_a enemy_n preserve_v his_o faith_n and_o church_n even_o whe●e_v satan_n throne_n be_v world_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o of_o pergamus_n reu._n 2.13_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n so_o consider_v that_o it_o general_o abound_v and_o swarm_n overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o place_n the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o remnant_n that_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o follow_v not_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v 7000._o in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n rom._n 11.4_o so_o he_o have_v many_o thousand_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o mahomet_n three_o religion_n consider_v the_o pleasingness_n of_o that_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n a_o great_a enchanter_n of_o nature_n yet_o still_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v some_o that_o choose_v rather_o with_o moses_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v for_o a_o season_n all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o ever_o mahomet_n can_v ever_o promise_v or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o sure_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o such_o flourish_a church_n in_o achaia_n macedonia_n corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n shall_v come_v to_o that_o miserable_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n that_o mahomet_n us._n shall_v reign_v among_o they_o so_o general_o in_o christ_n own_o territory_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o unprofitablenes_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v they_o and_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o fear_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o like_a befall_v not_o we_o for_o our_o unprofitablenesse_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o withal_o see_v how_o in_o wrath_n god_n remember_v mercy_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o satan_n turk_n and_o mahomet_n and_o other_o instrument_n he_o pluck_v out_o some_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v professor_n of_o his_o save_a faith_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n both_o improper_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v observation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n which_o be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n some_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o sundry_a other_o that_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o other_o renounce_v his_o headship_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o deformity_n corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a in_o every_o particular_a look_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v the_o daughter_n ezech._n 16.44_o we_o will_v deliver_v her_o state_n in_o two_o observation_n first_o we_o will_v show_v what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n second_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n too_o and_o find_v judgement_n against_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o church_n doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v just_o repute_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n consider_v right_o of_o the_o note_n first_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v it_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v judge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o we_o say_v not_o a_o sound_a church_n no_o that_o we_o flat_o deny_v as_o untrue_a but_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o a_o man_n though_o he_o be_v wound_v faint_a and_o die_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o life_n in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o true_a live_a man_n not_o a_o false_a though_o he_o be_v a_o unsound_a and_o die_a man_n church_n three_o we_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n in_o that_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o right_a belief_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o faction_n do_v and_o these_o be_v mingle_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o ●●ue_a church_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o be_v in_o our_o saviors_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o sway_v all_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o their_o course_n marry_o simeon_n anna_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_o a_o few_o more_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n join_v or_o rather_o they_o with_o he_o as_o live_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o whole_a be_v right_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o they_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v right_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o better_a spirit_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o papacy_n and_o popish_a faction_n alone_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o a_o true_a church_n be_v these_o first_o reas_n 1_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n direct_o affirm_v every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o it_o yea_o church_n in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n they_o express_o affirm_v it_o still_o and_o therefore_o may_v true_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a enough_o rom._n 1.8_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v no_o sound_n arguement_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v so_o still_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n that_o must_v make_v a_o congregation_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o become_v a_o false_a one_o and_o with_o more_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o to_o be_v censure_v that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n than_o other_o congregation_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n that_o be_v but_o only_o come_v on_o in_o the_o say_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o possess_v of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o her_o first_o love_n revel_v 2.5_o and_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o love_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a reu._n 3_o 1._o and_o yet_o god_n call_v they_o true_a church_n still_o a_o church_n in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v fall_v not_o utter_o fall_v be_v still_o a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a and_o die_a church_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v still_o entitle_v a_o true_a church_n well_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o this_o they_o do_v they_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o sound_v of_o word_n they_o profess_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o creed_n that_o we_o do_v yea_o they_o profess_v in_o word_n the_o very_a same_o foundation_n before_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n in_o effect_n look_v into_o the_o rhemists_n testament_n &_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o upon_o those_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o &_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v right_o acknowledge_v
a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o grant_v that_o they_o come_v very_o near_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n almost_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n mercy_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n which_o error_n if_o they_o will_v reclaim_v few_o or_o none_o of_o we_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o this_o overthrow_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v because_o if_o man_n merit_n justify_v than_o christ_n merit_n alone_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o but_o direct_o they_o do_v not_o for_o still_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n merit_n that_o make_v they_o merit_v they_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a in_o this_o point_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v gross_a enough_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n by_o consequence_n yet_o still_o by_o consequence_n only_o not_o direct_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a against_o a_o man_n salvation_n to_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n as_o to_o deny_v he_o direct_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n as_o at_o the_o foredoor_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n yet_o i_o say_v he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v in_o god_n justice_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o see_v the_o consequent_a but_o if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o he_o that_o direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n whether_o he_o see_v it_o or_o not_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o see_v it_o not_o but_o yet_o do_v firm_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o be_v willing_a in_o reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o learn_v more_o and_o to_o obey_v better_a and_o do_v daily_o repent_v and_o beg_v mercy_n of_o god_n for_o his_o fail_n the_o lord_n do_v ordinary_o either_o enlighten_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o bring_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o do_v forgive_v he_o his_o ignorances_n and_o so_o save_v he_o so_o that_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n direct_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorances_n and_o weakness_n to_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o more_o knowledge_n may_v be_v save_v though_o they_o have_v not_o this_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a simple_a soul_n that_o heretofore_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n of_o any_o bowel_n of_o charity_n can_v suspect_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o reas_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n israel_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o state_n compare_v she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o exod._n 32.6_o there_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o calf_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o and_o in_o numb_a 25.3_o 9_o compare_v with_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o we_o see_v that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o baalpeor_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o moabite_n thus_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o look_v further_o into_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n and_o make_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la 1_o king_n 14.16_o and_o so_o in_o ahab_n time_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.30_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n do_v worse_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o so_o a_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o passove_a in_o israel_n for_o many_o year_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n still_o so_o likewise_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n retain_v some_o notable_a truth_n be_v still_o to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 23.3_o and_o yet_o their_o leven_n to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o matthew_n 16.6_o so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o corrruption_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n retain_v circumcision_n whereby_o all_o profit_n and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n be_v utter_o m_o the_o void_a that_o be_v by_o consequence_n the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.2_o that_o if_o we_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o work_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v both_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a revel_v 3.1_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o all_o these_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v thus_o corrupe_v why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o have_v many_o other_o foul_a corruption_n sardis_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n repute_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 3_o church_n the_o three_o reasen_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o many_o even_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o luther_n calvin_n zanchey_n morney_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o fiery_a and_o fierce_a against_o the_o romish_a church_n hate_v their_o abomination_n with_o as_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n as_o any_o and_o yet_o they_o confess_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n though_o a_o die_a church_n though_o her_o life_n hang_v but_o by_o a_o thread_n this_o they_o have_v confess_v of_o she_o i_o allege_v this_o not_o so_o much_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v but_o rather_o as_o a_o qualification_n to_o mitigate_v the_o odiousness_n of_o this_o speech_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o which_o do_v great_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o father_n and_o yet_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v afford_v to_o rome_n reas_n 4_o last_o their_o baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o trueness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v do_v necessary_o infer_v each_o other_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o true_a sacrament_n right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o error_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o very_a like_o point_n in_o those_o thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o than_o this_o teach_v we_o answ_n that_o those_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o baptism_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v lawful_a baptism_n but_o some_o except_a and_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v baptize_v into_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o sound_v in_o that_o that_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v general_o corrupt_a but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o into_o their_o faith_n answ_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o as_o be_v persuade_v their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o second_o i_o answer_v the_o minister_n intent_n make_v not_o the_o sacrament_n answerable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v god_n work_n and_o he_o make_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a receiver_n effectual_a to_o the_o use_n 2_o right_a use_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o unto_o ordination_n second_o it_o justify_v our_o ministry_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o papist_n
that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 4_o four_o this_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o father_n that_o have_v live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n church_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v in_o no_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v save_v far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o no_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o live_v in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o where_o sound_a in_o those_o time_n and_o now_o save_v they_o attain_v not_o to_o that_o high_a strain_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o do_v that_o they_o do_v ignorant_o or_o whether_o they_o do_v challenge_v or_o disclaim_v their_o merit_n on_o their_o death_n bed_n many_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n disclaim_v their_o merit_n now_o though_o that_o point_n now_o be_v more_o stiff_o defend_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n then_o ever_o it_o be_v much_o more_o do_v they_o do_v it_o then_o now_o to_o disclaim_v all_o their_o own_o merit_n at_o their_o death_n be_v not_o that_o both_o repentance_n of_o former_a error_n if_o any_o in_o that_o kind_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o too_o if_o any_o believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n though_o he_o hold_v but_o by_o the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n shall_v he_o perish_v sure_o no._n use_v 5_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v charity_n towards_o they_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o censure_v of_o their_o estate_n we_o be_v not_o rigorous_o and_o rash_o to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v have_v christ_n have_v do_v on_o the_o samaritan_n no_o you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o say_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v not_o rash_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v unbeliever_n but_o rather_o misbeliever_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n what_o in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n maybe_o say_v for_o that_o church_n the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o last_o point_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o church_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n after_o we_o have_v divide_v they_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o language_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o eastern_a and_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n and_o of_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n other_o have_v shake_v off_o that_o yoke_n and_o headshippe_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o she_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o her_o adherent_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n ●o_o be_v the_o daughter_n as_o i_o have_v say_v rome_n now_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o propound_v these_o two_o observation_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o first_o what_o may_v be-spoken_a in_o charity_n for_o she_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v second_o what_o in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o may_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a iugement_n against_o she_o a_o point_n very_o needful_a to_o be_v well_o clear_v and_o right_o understand_v for_o whereas_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o former_a observation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v right_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n '_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o except_v against_o it_o and_o say_v why_o then_o have_v ye●_n forsake_v it_o why_o do_v you_o not_o still_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o what_o just_a exception_n can_v you_o allege_v for_o your_o separation_n from_o she_o for_o answer_n to_o which_o exception_n doct._n 2_o i_o will_v propound_v in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o observation_n namely_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v marvelous_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o corrupt_a with_o many_o foul_a abuse_n error_n and_o abomination_n yea_o so_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o she_o the_o observation_n you_o see_v consist_v of_o two_o branch_n the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o latter_a avouch_v that_o she_o be_v pollute_v with_o many_o foul_a abomination_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o inference_n from_o the_o former_a that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a nor_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o the_o whole_a observation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o church_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o darling_n for_o as_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o charity_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n it_o be_v intend_v of_o some_o that_o be_v of_o better_a spirit_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o some_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n as_o the_o rest_n so_o now_o that_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v in_o zeal_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v so_o foul_o pollute_v that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o join_v with_o they_o factor_n it_o be_v intend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o chief_a darling_n and_o factor_n call_v the_o popish_a faction_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o general_a term_n because_o the_o church_n and_o faction_n be_v there_o mingle_v together_o in_o that_o body_n as_o when_o we_o come_v into_o a_o barn_n floor_n and_o see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chaff_n in_o the_o same_o heap_n with_o good_a wheat_n we_o may_v speak_v favourable_o of_o the_o wheat_n and_o say_v there_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o we_o may_v speak_v disgraceful_o of_o it_o too_o and_o say_v it_o be_v but_o light_a stuff_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o condemn_v her_o corruption_n doctrine_n and_o we_o will_v reduce_v all_o her_o corruption_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n first_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n second_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o though_o these_o be_v much_o incident_a one_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o for_o playnnesse_n sake_n we_o will_v distinguish_v they_o god_n will_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v first_o for_o doctrine_n the_o point_n be_v this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n understand_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n be_v very_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a full_a of_o gross_a and_o abominable_a error_n they_o have_v change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n light_n into_o darkness_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n into_o the_o eror_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o work_n and_o merit_n and_o of_o man_n tradition_n we_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v too_o much_o scripture_n only_o we_o will_v show_v it_o in_o some_o chief_a particular_n &_o that_o brief_o we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o be_v error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v concern_v the_o direct_a
consent_n prove_v not_o always_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o a_o true_a religion_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n true_a because_o they_o all_o consent_v to_o crucify_v christ_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n cry_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o here_o be_v consent_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o bloody_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a peter_n &_o paul_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o false_a church_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o they_o dissent_v and_o contend_v sharp_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o yea_o we_o see_v oft_o time_n that_o the_o worst_a matter_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o great_a consent_n and_o the_o best_a with_o great_a dissension_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o sound_a body_n that_o strive_v most_o to_o expel_v hurtful_a humour_n so_o that_o be_v the_o sound_a church_n that_o be_v most_o exercise_v with_o bicker_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v dissension_n and_o heresy_n that_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 19_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o papist_n exception_n which_o they_o take_v against_o we_o for_o this_o dissension_n difference_n now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o show_v what_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o dissension_n and_o difference_n sure_o though_o we_o will_v not_o name_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v many_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o first_o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o our_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o mourn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n dishonour_v and_o his_o truth_n blaspheme_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o distract_v by_o man_n infirmity_n frailty_n and_o dissension_n second_o this_o discover_v the_o devil_n malice_n that_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o prosperous_o forward_a but_o set_v even_o the_o builder_n themselves_o at_o variance_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o building_n and_o from_o join_v together_o with_o one_o hand_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n yea_o he_o carry_v they_o into_o such_o outrage_n of_o passion_n and_o speech_n that_o thereby_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n be_v much_o disgrace_v before_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o his_o outrage_n they_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n then_o of_o god_n three_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n if_o not_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v disclaim_v their_o error_n and_o put_v up_o disgraceful_a and_o opprobrious_a speech_n they_o pass_v not_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n on_o fire_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o never_o come_v forth_o but_o encumber_v with_o many_o opposition_n both_o within_o and_o without_o and_o still_o mingle_v with_o some_o error_n and_o contention_n even_o in_o the_o chief_a professor_n themselves_o last_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o that_o do_v restrain_v the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n that_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v in_o some_o point_n yet_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o chief_a as_o in_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o and_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o yet_o each_o of_o we_o agree_v against_o antichrist_n and_o popery_n with_o a_o common_a hand_n though_o not_o so_o thorough_o as_o otherwise_o we_o may_v do_v yet_o so_o as_o neither_o of_o we_o yield_v one_o jot_n to_o the_o papist_n though_o they_o expect_v long_o ere_o this_o to_o have_v devour_v both_o they_o and_o we_o as_o a_o prey_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v sleep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n as_o we_o say_v work_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o former_a dissension_n they_o the_o three_o point_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o error_n and_o dissension_n surlev_n if_o we_o shall_v condemn_v they_o as_o false_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a and_o wicked_a for_o they_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n under_o god_n of_o our_o call_n therefore_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n beside_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o much_o for_o see_v they_o affirm_v direct_o the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o hard_a sentence_n against_o they_o therefore_o let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n own_o church_n and_o let_v we_o commiserate_v their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o let_v we_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o let_v we_o pass_v by_o the_o wrong_n they_o offer_v we_o and_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o let_v we_o entreat_v god_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o pacify_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v these_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o to_o knit_v our_o heart_n together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o own_o church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o special_a reach_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n we_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_a church_n that_o we_o be_v as_o well_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n as_o any_o church_n it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o reform_v in_o the_o best_a and_o weighty_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n confess_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v fail_v in_o discipline_n as_o they_o say_v yet_o the_o substance_n be_v sound_n the_o danger_n be_v the_o less_o discipline_n make_v only_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do●h_n the_o presence_n of_o it_o make_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o absence_n of_o it_o can_v mar_v the_o life_n &_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o reform_v herein_o as_o we_o shall_v for_o some_o reformation_n we_o have_v many_o point_n and_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v far_o better_o among_o we_o then_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a i_o will_v deliver_v the_o point_n by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sayling_n and_o weakness_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n first_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v many_o fayling_n &_o weakness_n in_o our_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v smooth_v up_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n as_o many_o do_v with_o all_o be_v well_o when_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o or_o justify_v every_o particular_a because_o we_o have_v many_o good_a thing_n among_o we_o no_o if_o there_o be_v any_o baal_n among_o we_o let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o i_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o measure_n church_n special_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n as_o we_o show_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o very_o unsound_a but_o we_o be_v true_a &_o sound_a too_o &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o want_n of_o which_o difference_n right_o observe_v reason_n have_v cause_v many_o uncharitable_a censure_n to_o pass_v from_o we_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n &_o from_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o three_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o seem_v strange_a in_o some_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v call_v one_o church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o national_a church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v mere_o a_o humane_a invention_n not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o justify_v this_o speech_n against_o their_o exception_n take_v these_o
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o th●t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o come_v into_o a_o strange_a place_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o there_o i_o see_v people_n corporation_n civil_a assembly_n law_n and_o order_n and_o a_o general_a profession_n of_o obedience_n thereunto_o shall_v not_o i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a city_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v found_v and_o gather_v but_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o that_o sense_n also_o man_n be_v true_o call_v and_o gather_v among_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o say_v they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o gather_v at_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o now_o
either_o more_o or_o less_o pure_a four_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a exception_n 1._o exception_n 2._o exception_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n eleven_o consideration_n to_o move_v we_o in_o england_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n among_o we_o and_o they_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o blessing_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o cause_n have_v first_o speak_v of_o and_o they_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o this_o diverse_a of_o this_o diverse_a the_o first_o sort_n of_o cause_n handle_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o these_o be_v four_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n take_v the_o church_n absolute_o there_o be_v sieve_n the_o efficient_a cause_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n first_o outward_a second_o inward_a how_o all_o the_o three_o person_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o cause_v the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n justify_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n against_o the_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o a_o church_n object_n you_o want_v discipline_n your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_v you_o have_v your_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o have_v no_o covenant_n betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n you_o want_v the_o success_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a the_o first_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o it_o first_o of_o the_o head_n and_o in_o it_o three_o thing_n corpus_fw-la adaequatum_fw-la sit_fw-la christus_fw-la christiani_n caput_fw-la aug._n lib._n 3._o cont_n petil._n c._n 42._o reinolds_n confer_v 5._o the_o blasphemy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v run_v into_o in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o blow_n they_o give_v to_o christ_n therein_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n christ_n never_o give_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n papist_n plea_n for_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n answer_v place_n allege_v by_o they_o for_o this_o answer_v as_o mat._n 16.19_o and_o joh._n 21.16_o 17._o and_o mat._n 16.18_o christ_n say_v he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o none_o be_v able_a to_o wield_v and_o sway_v it_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n prove_v that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o rather_o a_o supreme_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v make_v the_o doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n do_v what_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o under_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v not_o the_o course_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o do_v the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o so_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n and_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v antichrist_n the_o pope_n take_v christ_n name_n upon_o he_o viz._n chief_a shepherd_n object_n you_o make_v the_o king_n head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v wary_o use_v because_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n many_o way_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o three_o thing_n touch_v a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o member_n thereof_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n and_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n the_o second_o sort_n and_o of_o this_o two_o sort_n the_o three_o sort_n hyper._n method_n 574._o additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o to_o one_o believer_n the_o brownist_n objection_n of_o our_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n answer_v diverse_a way_n object_n you_o let_v wicked_a one_o continue_v in_o your_o church_n without_o separation_n hyp._n 577._o 580._o etc._n etc._n bernard_n against_o brownist_n 1034._o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v bad_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v good_a there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v the_o four_o general_a thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o mark_v of_o it_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v mark_n of_o the_o church_n two_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_v to_o make_v they_o legitimate_a the_o first_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o three_o other_o tha●_n 〈◊〉_d subordinate_a to_o they_o the_o second_o qual●●●●_n of_o these_o mark_n vrsin_n 582._o vogel_n 727._o calvin_n inst_n lib._n 4_o cap._n 1_o sect_n 10._o in_o act_n 2.42_o non_fw-la secùs_fw-la ac_fw-la belli_fw-la deuce_n ut_fw-la dissipatum_fw-la call_v aliqua_fw-la exercitum_fw-la recolligant_fw-la signa_fw-la militaria_fw-la vel_fw-la accensos_fw-la ignes_fw-la ex_fw-la edito_fw-la loce_fw-la conspiciendos_fw-la proponunt_fw-la quo_fw-la pedem_fw-la referant_fw-la quotquot_fw-la ex_fw-la call_v dispersis_fw-la &_o palantes_fw-la vagantur_fw-la morn_n de_fw-fr eccles_n p._n 27._o morney_n ●6_n 29_o one_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n two_o consideration_n necessary_a bernard_n against_o separate_a 122._o 123._o ●●second_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n three_o sort_n of_o adversary_n to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n the_o papist_n and_o the_o mark_v they_o allege_v and_o answer_n to_o they_o bellar._n de_fw-fr eccles_n mili_fw-la p._n 184._o 188._o the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz_o government_n vid._n pol●●_n 426_o 459._o and_o in_o it_o five_o thing_n handle_v first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n occasional_o by_o church-government_n second_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v reason_n and_o that_o of_o some_o sort_n first_o sort_n of_o reason_n second_o sort_n of_o reason_n three_o sort_n of_o reason_n four_o sort_n of_o reason_n five_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z the_o four_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v herein_o deliver_v in_o two_o position_n the_o first_o draw_v into_o a_o observation_n two_o extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o four_o point_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o scripture_n the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n consist_v of_o three_o principal_n first_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n and_o they_o be_v six_o principal_a vid._n separate_a s●bis●_n 137._o the_o second_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v vid._n zegred_a 120._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o work_n to_o be_v do_v church_n censure_n reason_n of_o this_o how_o to_o proceed_v ●●_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d duty_n the_o six_o duty_n the_o second_o principle_n whereupon_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n general_o church-officer_n must_v have_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o they_o must_v be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o such_o office_n particular_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v first_o bishop_n first_o their_o name_n second_o their_o office_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n the_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordain_v as_o apostle_n not_o as_o bishop_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n not_o as_o bishop_n answer_v second_o in_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o second_o presbyter_n their_o office_n first_o general_o second_o more_o particular_o three_o doctor_n four_o govern_v elder_n five_o deacons_n philip_n preach_v and_o baptize_v rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n six_o widow_n eight_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n wherein_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n second_o wherein_o this_o office_n consist_v first_o general_o second_o particular_o in_o five_o thing_n the_o three_o pillar_n whereupon_o the_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o rule_n and_o law_n by_o which_o the_o governor_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n
of_o elias_n yet_o in_o this_o very_a time_n god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o a_o flourish_a one_o too_o in_o his_o eye_n though_o man_n can_v not_o discern_v it_o afterwards_o in_o that_o general_a apostasy_n when_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v both_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o here_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o here_o be_v one_o out_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o out_o of_o a_o tribe_n to_o worship_n god_n jer._n 3.13_o 14._o so_o in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n when_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o overwhelm_v as_o it_o be_v jerusalem_n be_v so_o distress_v religion_n deface_v all_o turn_v into_o a_o miserable_a desolation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v never_o the_o like_a be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o my_o sorrow_n say_v the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n lam._n 1.12_o yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v both_o teacher_n and_o embracer_n as_o jeremy_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o daniel_n and_o many_o other_o at_o our_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n when_o the_o law_n and_o the_o temple_n priest_n and_o people_n the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v yet_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n joseph_n and_o marie_n simeon_n and_o anna_n true_a beleevere_n and_o right_a worshipper_n of_o god_n last_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n by_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n yet_o god_n have_v some_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o loathe_v her_o golden_a cup_n some_o that_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o her_o fornication_n but_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a virgin_n and_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sweet_o embrace_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o god_n always_o have_v a_o church_n and_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v that_o as_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v so_o he_o now_o have_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v many_o flourish_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o germany_n france_n england_n and_o scotland_n many_o in_o all_o these_o place_n that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n yea_o under_o popery_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o true_a christian_n yea_o even_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o infidel_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v ye●_n remain_v some_o that_o worship_n god_n with_o we_o no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o fire_n among_o those_o burn_a ash_n some_o polish_a stone_n of_o these_o decay_a church_n some_o gold_n among_o all_o that_o dross_n some_o that_o serve_v the_o lord_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n now_o at_o this_o day_n of_o some_o that_o live_v under_o popery_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o profess_v our_o religion_n so_o the_o second_o part_n be_v prove_v that_o god_n now_o have_v his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n the_o last_o part_n and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v prove_v this_o point_n by_o example_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o fulfil_v yet_o we_o have_v as_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o as_o example_n we_o have_v god_n own_o word_n for_o it_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v many_o prediction_n in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o do_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o i_o say_v we_o have_v god_n word_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o love_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o say_v this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n god_n will_v dwell_v and_o rest_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o his_o church_n as_o himself_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o his_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o so_o math._n 28.20_o i_o be_o with_o you_o ever_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o actual_o present_a with_o you_o now_o so_o i_o will_v still_o continue_v unto_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n it_o be_v nor_o so_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n yet_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v with_o we_o effectual_o to_o all_o save_a purpose_n joh._n 14.16_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o vers_fw-la 17._o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o opposer_n of_o god_n church_n man_n and_o devil_n and_o many_o time_n they_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o bridle_v and_o curb_v and_o the_o church_n still_o so_o protect_v and_o defend_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v utter_o to_o disannul_v it_o math._n 16.18_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o reason_n therefore_o we_o will_v pass_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n that_o god_n ever_o have_v now_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o we_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o who_o be_v truth_n and_o can_v lie_v if_o that_o be_v too_o little_a we_o have_v his_o oath_n for_o it_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v psal_n 132.11_o 12._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n to_o david_n and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o say_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v up_o thy_o throne_n for_o ever_o he_o have_v swear_v it_o and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o recant_v which_o although_o it_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o seed_n yet_o in_o truth_n &_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v renew_v jer._n 33.17_o 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o man_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o and_o 21._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o can_v break_v my_o covenant_n of_o the_o day_n and_o my_o covenant_n of_o the_o night_n than_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v break_v with_o david_n my_o servant_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o promise_n be_v irrevocable_a so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v day_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v night_n on_o the_o earth_n so_o long_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n his_o word_n and_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v break_v no_o say_v our_o saviour_n heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v fail_v but_o my_o word_n shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o church_n for_o ever_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o her_o adversary_n second_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n reas_n 2_o shall_v never_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n therefore_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v abolish_v from_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n may_v fail_v but_o that_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o witness_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o feel_v the_o save_a power_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o testify_v it_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o fail_v the_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n fatherly_a care_n over_o reas_n 3_o his_o church_n even_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o love_v they_o and_o they_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v all_o destroy_v except_o the_o lord_n can_v forget_v his_o own_o people_n his_o darling_n which_o be_v impossible_a four_o he_o do_v preserve_v his_o church_n
the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2._o cor._n 6.17_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v none_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n last_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o control_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o romish_a use_v 6_o antichrist_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o saint_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o fellow_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o will_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o none_o must_v bless_v he_o this_o be_v abominable_a pride_n and_o insolency_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o seven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o argument_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o church_n we_o turn_v aside_o to_o expound_v the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o there_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v we_o find_v six_o adjunct_n or_o epithet_n that_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v withal_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o catholic_a four_a that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o six_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o the_o five_o former_a be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o article_n of_o which_o you_o have_v also_o heatd_v the_o six_o and_o last_o whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v be_v not_o plain_o lay_v down_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v direct_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o clause_n grow_v from_o the_o article_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_v manifest_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o doctr._n we_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a the_o true_a church_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n &_o themselves_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n and_o likewise_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o the_o profession_n of_o other_o man_n yea_o but_o their_o save_a grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v but_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o you_o see_v how_o the_o note_n stand_v first_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o three_o they_o be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o prove_v first_o god_n know_v they_o mala._n 3.16_o god_n have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v he_o john_n 10.14_o i_o know_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o in_o joh._n 13.18_o he_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o god_n own_o secret_a counsel_n to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o name_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n themselves_o second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o 1._o joh._n 3.14.19_o we_o know_v we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o 1._o joh._n 4.13_o 16._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v in_o us._n here_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v each_o other_o to_o be_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v know_v you_o or_o you_o i_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n but_o that_o all_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o state_n and_o particular_o every_o one_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v of_o it_o it_o three_o none_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o revel_v 2.17_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_a neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o within_o and_o the_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a exception_n against_o all_o outward_a show_n and_o testification_n whatsoever_o as_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o make_v any_o certain_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o jew_n indeed_o that_o be_v who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o right_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o heart_n which_o god_n alone_o and_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v express_o say_v they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o 18._o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.3_o 4._o the_o prophet_n heliah_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o he_o see_v no_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n if_o any_o can_v have_v discern_v they_o than_o the_o prophet_n may_v that_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o he_o know_v no_o such_o no_o nor_o scarce_o any_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o therefore_o only_o god_n and_o themselves_o know_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o whereby_o they_o be_v reas_n 1_o know_v to_o man_n that_o be_v their_o profession_n be_v common_a to_o hyprocrite_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o for_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v as_o far_o in_o show_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o best_a therefore_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o that_o whereby_o true_a believer_n be_v distinguish_v reas_n 2_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o inward_a affection_n can_v be_v see_v by_o man_n for_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v as_o low_a in_o sin_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o have_v truth_n in_o their_o heart_n still_o but_o none_o know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o none_o know_v this_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o three_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o he_o may_v bear_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o harbour_v secret_o some_o sin_n that_o may_v utter_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n therefore_o none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v god_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o four_o there_o be_v certain_a inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n reas_n 4_o which_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n especial_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o close_a secret_n not_o to_o be_v discern_v outwad_o only_o these_o be_v know_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o reu._n 2.17_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n that_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n may_v know_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v it_o too_o as_o of_o david_n abraham_n peter_n paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v meddle_v no_o further_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v god_n but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o joh._n 21.21_o 22._o when_o peter_n will_v inquire_v of_o another_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v our_o
bellarmine_n tend_v direct_o hereto_o and_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v it_o with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o it_o stand_v they_o upon_o for_o if_o this_o do_v not_o stand_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o their_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o true_a church_n be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a and_o therefore_o their_o church_n be_v so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o straits_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n thereof_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o do_v hardly_o appear_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o their_o church_n have_v and_o shall_v be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a then_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n their_o exception_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n if_o they_o be_v well_o consider_v i_o will_v stand_v but_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o chief_a answer_v they_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o five_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o light_n be_v always_o see_v therefore_o the_o church_n be_v always_o see_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v personal_o to_o the_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o walk_v offensive_o to_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o good_a example_n how_o do_v this_o serve_v then_o to_o prove_v the_o continual_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o i_o say_v that_o a_o light_n may_v be_v eclipse_v for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o light_n still_o the_o moon_n be_v a_o light_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o visible_a for_o sometime_o it_o be_v eclipse_v and_o yet_o then_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o light_n as_o when_o it_o be_v in_o her_o full_a brightness_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v always_o visible_a because_o it_o be_v a_o light_n further_n i_o say_v that_o by_o that_o reason_n their_o life_n for_o that_o be_v as_o well_o if_o not_o chief_o understand_v by_o the_o light_n as_o vers_n 16._o be_v also_o without_o error_n too_o as_o well_o as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o that_o always_o which_o be_v not_o so_o last_o if_o it_o do_v give_v light_a always_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n verse_n 15._o that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o easy_o grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o prove_v the_o notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o world_n 18.17_o second_o they_o allege_v the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o seventeen_o vers_fw-la where_o our_o saviour_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v always_o a_o visible_a church_n mark_v say_v campian_n here_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o a_o disease_n now_o the_o disease_n remain_v always_o and_o therefore_o the_o remedy_n must_v always_o remain_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o such_o a_o state_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v always_o perform_v even_o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n though_o there_o be_v no_o know_a visibility_n they_o may_v tell_v one_o another_o for_o it_o be_v not_o here_o mean_v that_o they_o shall_v appeal_v to_o rome_n 10.10_o their_o three_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o say_v they_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v they_o few_o or_o many_o must_v make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n else_o they_o can_v be_v save_v rom._n 10.10_o now_o if_o they_o must_v always_o make_v profession_n than_o they_o be_v always_o see_v and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v alwayy_n visible_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o must_v profess_v always_o and_o so_o they_o do_v except_o it_o be_v in_o time_n of_o their_o infirmity_n but_o must_v they_o do_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n no_o they_o may_v do_v it_o among_o themselves_o always_o though_o there_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o when_o they_o be_v many_o they_o may_v do_v it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n too_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a danger_n in_o it_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v certain_a danger_n in_o it_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v a_o call_n to_o it_o they_o be_v resolute_a even_o to_o die_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o profession_n as_o be_v require_v and_o yet_o because_o their_o number_n be_v but_o few_o and_o that_o they_o live_v in_o certain_a place_n and_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o most_o part_n obscure_v and_o simple_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o such_o general_a notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o they_o and_o those_o that_o do_v hear_v of_o they_o or_o see_v they_o be_v usual_o little_o move_v by_o their_o example_n at_o least_o they_o be_v seldom_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o join_v with_o they_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o will_v return_v upon_o they_o with_o these_o two_o point_n and_o choke_v they_o with_o these_o two_o bone_n first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v when_o antichrist_n come_v for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o in_o antichrists_n time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o desolation_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v sometime_o invisible_a yea_o but_o say_v they_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n still_o though_o it_o be_v then_o obscure_v and_o we_o say_v then_o that_o antichrist_n be_v come_v and_o our_o church_n obscure_v therefore_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n our_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o second_o be_v from_o their_o church_n which_o they_o have_v here_o among_o we_o they_o have_v a_o church_n here_o among_o we_o here_o be_v papist_n and_o mass_n archpriest_n and_o priest_n this_o themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v nay_o they_o boast_v of_o it_o sometime_o yet_o be_v their_o church_n visible_a among_o we_o they_o will_v not_o affirm_v it_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o sense_n that_o be_v that_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o countenance_v nor_o tolerate_v in_o our_o state_n so_o that_o in_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o we_o it_o be_v invisible_a and_o so_o may_v our_o church_n be_v to_o they_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o admonition_n to_o admonish_v we_o that_o use_v 2_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o expect_v a_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n outward_o this_o be_v for_o earthly_a state_n and_o kingdom_n we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n here_o for_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a not_o of_o this_o world_n the_o papist_n they_o say_v that_o it_o must_v be_v as_o glorious_a outward_o as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o show_n with_o the_o look_n of_o the_o whore_n for_o god_n kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n use_v 3_o three_o this_o may_v minister_v comfort_n to_o we_o and_o may_v stay_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v when_o satan_n rage_v most_o when_o persecutor_n be_v most_o bloody_a and_o deadly_a when_o the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v god_n altar_n destroy_v the_o covenant_n forsake_v when_o we_o see_v havoc_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n renounce_v when_o we_o see_v those_o that_o make_v great_a profession_n of_o religion_n to_o hide_v their_o head_n and_o like_a star_n to_o fall_v from_o heaven_n when_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o blood_n when_o we_o see_v antichrist_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o pomp_n in_o the_o very_a temple_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o we_o see_v heretic_n sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o schismatic_n cut_v and_o tear_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o their_o mother_n the_o church_n nay_o even_o in_o the_o general_a apostasy_n and_o revolt_n from_o all_o grace_n and_o religion_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o honesty_n nor_o conscience_n find_v among_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o dismay_v but_o rest_v thyself_o full_o content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o this_o truth_n that_o sure_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o the_o world_n though_o there_o be_v no_o
outward_a face_n nor_o appearance_n of_o it_o to_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distress_a and_o god_n glory_n so_o hide_v and_o true_a religion_n so_o decay_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v then_o as_o true_a a_o be_v as_o ever_o they_o have_v though_o not_o in_o that_o evidence_n and_o approbation_n before_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o god_n see_v it_o elias_n poor_a man_n see_v none_o leave_v with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v but_o god_n see_v many_o thousand_o what_o if_o all_o be_v so_o desolate_a as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v see_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o thyself_o that_o thou_o can_v see_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thou_o can_v safe_o join_v withal_o yet_o know_v god_n have_v his_o church_n happy_o many_o thousand_o though_o they_o make_v little_a profession_n for_o the_o time_n that_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v this_o comfort_n and_o satisfy_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o papist_n demand_n use_v 3_o when_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v in_o antichrists_n time_n that_o be_v when_o they_o think_v antichrist_n shall_v be_v they_o answer_v it_o shall_v be_v much_o obscure_v then_o but_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n then_o or_o not_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o there_o shall_v else_o their_o own_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n perpetuity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n why_o then_o may_v not_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n who_o we_o call_v antichrist_n though_o it_o be_v much_o obscure_v we_o have_v a_o church_n among_o they_o that_o do_v profess_v our_o religion_n though_o much_o obscure_v by_o they_o even_o before_o luther_n time_n to_o the_o second_o demand_n concern_v our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o their_o church_n what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o say_v the_o papist_n be_v they_o damn_v we_o answer_v many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o live_v among_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o the_o rest_n we_o leave_v they_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o many_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n that_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o before_o the_o order_n of_o the_o poison_a jesuit_n come_v up_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o they_o as_o also_o for_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o general_a point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o many_o respect_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n in_o this_o state_n we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a hardly_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o lecture_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o point_n chief_o in_o question_n therefore_o leave_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o god_n he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n believe_v it_o and_o esteem_v reverent_o thereof_o we_o proceed_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o may_v and_o be_v know_v not_o to_o god_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o especial_o of_o the_o invisible_a make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v find_v out_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o difficulty_n at_o all_o church_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v handle_v these_o point_n first_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o the_o member_n of_o it_o four_a the_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o it_o five_o the_o government_n of_o it_o sixthly_a the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seventhly_a the_o adversary_n of_o it_o eighthly_a the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n first_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o namely_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v it_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o public_a profession_n and_o three_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n they_o must_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o the_o first_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n consist_v of_o diverse_a person_n one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n of_o people_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v definitive_o as_o discover_v what_o company_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o that_o be_v universal_o understand_v but_o indefinite_o and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o capacity_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o part_n even_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n stranger_n join_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v repute_v of_o that_o church_n exod._n 12._o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v beat_v down_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o any_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o definition_n may_v make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n and_o a_o company_n call_v and_o a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v unwritten_a verity_n and_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n than_o so_o there_o be_v no_o build_n on_o they_o if_o they_o be_v verity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v and_o be_v unwritten_a we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o ob._n to_o his_o point_n we_o say_v first_o either_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v needless_a consider_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o if_o they_o be_v needful_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o certain_o they_o be_v but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o certain_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o mean_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n yes_o say_v they_o for_o substance_n you_o have_v something_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v we_o have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
conscience_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o as_o they_o have_v begin_v whatsoever_o decree_v of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o if_o any_o trouble_n do_v ensue_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o cause_n but_o in_o man_n ill_a disposition_n that_o will_v abuse_v so_o good_a a_o cause_n to_o their_o bad_a purpose_n upon_o this_o very_a protestation_n it_o be_v that_o then_o present_o and_o ever_o since_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n these_o prince_n and_o state_n and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o church_n approve_v the_o reformation_n be_v call_v protestant_n the_o name_n we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v neither_o great_o approve_v nor_o much_o dislike_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n that_o be_v that_o princely_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o hold_v out_o zealous_o for_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n against_o all_o decree_n and_o threaten_n of_o man_n we_o see_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o and_o so_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o bear_v and_o wear_v his_o title_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a handle_n of_o these_o church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n reform_v which_o all_o this_o while_n we_o special_o aim_v at_o of_o these_o reform_a church_n some_o be_v more_o some_o be_v less_o reform_v and_o each_o of_o these_o either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n for_o some_o be_v more_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n than_o other_o but_o less_o in_o discipline_n some_o be_v more_o discipline_v than_o other_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o sound_a as_o they_o reform_v who_o discipline_n be_v faulty_a the_o church_n in_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n and_o other_o of_o that_o mould_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v think_v by_o some_o the_o best_a reform_v and_o yet_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o brownist_n deny_v even_o geneva_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o first_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o much_o and_o as_o just_o against_o their_o adversary_n as_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v less_o reform_v be_v true_a church_n they_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o bestow_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n those_o that_o be_v account_v less_o reform_v be_v as_o some_o think_v the_o lutheran_n church_n the_o lutheran_n church_n be_v less_o reform_v for_o doctrine_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o maintain_v certain_a private_a opinion_n that_o luther_n hold_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n from_o we_o second_o of_o the_o tumult_n that_o have_v rise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o three_o i_o will_v show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n opinion_n notwistand_v these_o difference_n and_o first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n they_o be_v first_o more_o easy_a and_o favourable_a in_o matter_n of_o image_n than_o we_o be_v though_o they_o worship_v they_o not_o beside_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v utter_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o deny_v but_o the_o great_a and_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v every_o where_o whereas_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v and_o have_v god_n word_n for_o it_o that_o since_o his_o ascension_n his_o body_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o certain_a place_n namely_o in_o heaven_n act_v 3.21_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n they_o affirm_v that_o his_o body_n be_v real_o present_a in_o under_o and_o with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v real_o there_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n and_o only_o sacramental_o and_o spiritual_o and_o not_o bodily_a as_o john_n 6.63_o these_o two_o be_v matter_n of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o press_v they_o will_v give_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a body_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o once_o i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o discuss_v these_o point_n but_o only_o as_o fall_v in_o by_o the_o way_n haply_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v some_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o more_o full_o only_o let_v it_o suffice_v for_o the_o present_a that_o these_o their_o opinion_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o do_v direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o for_o their_o opinion_n they_o second_o the_o tumult_n and_o unnatural_a contention_n raise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n very_o bitter_a and_o uncharitable_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v bitter_a enough_o against_o they_o but_o they_o as_o man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n be_v marvelous_a bitter_a against_o we_o as_o bitter_a as_o against_o the_o papist_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o they_o be_v against_o the_o papist_n i_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n therefore_o i_o will_v suppress_v they_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v best_a if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v broach_v but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v it_o be_v best_o to_o bury_v they_o in_o silence_n and_o perpetual_a oblivion_n but_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v such_o dissension_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o exception_n the_o papist_n take_v against_o we_o for_o they_o second_o what_o use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o papist_n rejoice_v great_o at_o it_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o they_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o they_o insult_v over_o both_o party_n allege_v it_o as_o a_o firm_a exception_n that_o therefore_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n no_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a malicious_a but_o yet_o a_o very_a weak_a consequence_n it_o be_v a_o malicious_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o on_o other_o man_n ruin_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v other_o ruin_n will_v make_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o sandy_a building_n first_o diverse_o we_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o man_n and_o then_o to_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o the_o papist_n we_o answer_v what_o if_o there_o be_v dissension_n betwixt_o we_o what_o get_v they_o by_o that_o indeed_o if_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o oppose_v we_o than_o it_o be_v some_o exception_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o consubstantiaton_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v little_a vantage_n by_o that_o beside_o if_o dissension_n betwixt_o we_o make_v we_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n than_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v at_o as_o great_a dissension_n and_o as_o bitter_a one_o against_o another_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o old_a but_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jesuit_n and_o secular_a priest_n maintain_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exception_n against_o we_o it_o be_v so_o also_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v they_o with_o chirst_n in_o the_o gospel_n hypocrite_n first_o pull_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.2_o first_o let_v they_o purge_v their_o church_n of_o their_o own_o dissension_n and_o difference_n and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n itself_o that_o consent_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o do_v consent_n nor_o that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v consent_v in_o neither_o do_v dissent_n always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o do_v dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n nor_o that_o a_o false_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n dissent_v in_o first_o