convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o and_o they_o like_o live_a member_n receive_v this_o life_n and_o perform_v their_o several_a office_n both_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o many_o other_o title_n there_o be_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o tend_v to_o show_v not_o a_o communion_n only_o as_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o he_o and_o i_o be_o he_o but_o a_o union_n rather_o as_o they_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o so_o his_o righteousness_n be_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v call_v christ_n christ_n 1._o co._n 12.12_o so_o much_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o title_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o micah_n 4.8_o all_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tower_n of_o the_o flock_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v all_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n resort_v to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o a_o strong_a hold_n or_o tower_n and_o if_o they_o recover_v that_o there_o be_v perfect_a safety_n so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 14.32_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v zion_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n shall_v trust_v in_o it_o so_o in_o gal._n 4.26_o she_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o she_o be_v a_o fruitful_a mother_n have_v many_o child_n not_o the_o mother_n of_o one_o nation_n only_o as_o agar_n but_o of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o she_o be_v a_o very_a love_a mother_n give_v her_o child_n suck_v out_o of_o her_o own_o breast_n the_o two_o testament_n and_o thereby_o nourish_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a strength_n yea_o till_o they_o be_v of_o a_o perfect_a and_o full_a age_n in_o jesus_n christ_n earth_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n isa_n 6.13_o so_o long_o as_o the_o holy_a seed_n stand_v so_o long_o the_o world_n stand_v when_o it_o decay_v the_o substance_n be_v go_v and_o the_o world_n perish_v so_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n lam._n 2.10_o when_o the_o church_n thrive_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o howsoever_o many_o man_n grudge_v at_o this_o when_o the_o church_n prosper_v yet_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v at_o it_o themselves_o have_v no_o right_a to_o any_o blessing_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o their_o fellowship_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o it_o be_v call_v a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n thorn_n can._n 2.2_o which_o show_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a and_o goodly_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o as_o the_o lily_n that_o be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o royalty_n exceed_v the_o bramble_n the_o bush_n and_o thorn_n and_o second_o it_o show_v also_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o church_n much_o ado_n to_o be_v hatch_v and_o easy_o hurt_v in_o the_o world_n even_o as_o the_o lily_n be_v among_o the_o thorn_n truth_n and_o so_o it_o show_v the_o harshness_n and_o troublesomenesse_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v like_o prick_a thorn_n and_o scratch_a bramble_n to_o she_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o we_o must_v not_o take_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o for_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v rather_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n say_v christ_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o truth_n which_o peter_n have_v profess_v of_o christ_n before_o will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v it_o thus_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o sure_a and_o safe_a custody_n that_o neither_o satan_n nor_o all_o his_o instrument_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v live_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n candlestick_n revel_v 1.20_o not_o as_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o light_n but_o the_o bearer_n up_o and_o holder_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n now_o that_o we_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o show_v they_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n we_o will_v draw_v they_o into_o a_o head_n in_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o company_n doct._n 2_o and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bless_a beautiful_a and_o glorious_a assembly_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n be_v plentiful_a in_o this_o argument_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v enlarge_v our_o heart_n and_o thought_n to_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o title_n we_o speak_v of_o before_o which_o all_o prove_v this_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o place_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o you_o may_v read_v it_o private_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 2._o esdras_n 5.22_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o reason_n again_o and_o i_o begin_v to_o talk_v with_o the_o most_o high_a again_o and_o i_o say_v oh_o lord_n of_o every_o forest_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o tree_n thereof_o thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o only_a vineyard_n and_o of_o all_o the_o land_n in_o the_o world_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o pit_n and_o of_o all_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o ground_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o lily_n etc._n etc._n in_o exod._n 19.5_o god_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o chief_a treasure_n above_o all_o people_n as_o if_o many_o pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v enamel_v in_o beat_a gold_n and_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o body_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a body_n but_o such_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n god_n do_v more_o high_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n then_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o trash_n &_o dross_n and_o dung_n the_o lord_n set_v nothing_o by_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o church_n isai_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n shall_v create_v upon_o every_o place_n of_o mount_n zion_n and_o upon_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o a_o cloud_n and_o smoke_n by_o day_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o a_o flame_a fire_n by_o night_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o be_v glorious_a yea_o glory_n itself_o all_o other_o pomp_n and_o glory_n without_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n be_v baseness_n and_o smoke_n and_o misery_n see_v the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v in_o the_o law_n exod._n 25.8.9_o by_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o tabernacle_n thing_n first_o there_o be_v the_o ark_n verse_n 10._o second_o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n put_v into_o the_o ark._n verse_n 16._o three_o there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n verse_n 17._o four_o the_o cherubin_n verse_n 18._o five_o god_n speak_v from_o betwixt_o the_o cherubin_n ver_fw-la 22._o six_o the_o table_n verse_n 23._o seven_o the_o shewbread_n verse_n 30._o last_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 31._o these_o do_v all_o figure_n out_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o ark_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o same_o god_n there_o be_v the_o testimony_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o god_n presence_n that_o he_o ever_o be_v and_o will_v be_v present_a there_o and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n to_o witness_v god_n continual_a presence_n with_o us._n there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o
and_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v here_o refute_v that_o hold_v this_o error_n that_o they_o offend_v not_o in_o manner_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o far_o high_a strain_n than_o ever_o the_o apostle_n attain_v to_o for_o they_o err_v all_o in_o manner_n they_o all_o forsake_v christ_n and_o flee_v matth._n 26.56_o but_o this_o be_v before_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o do_v they_o so_o afterward_o yes_o even_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o err_v in_o manner_n john_n the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v will_v have_v worship_v the_o angel_n reu._n 19.10_o and_o again_o even_o after_o admonition_n he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a in_o chap._n 22.8_o and_o so_o very_o likely_a he_o do_v it_o after_o repentance_n too_o and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o peter_n be_v reprove_v to_o his_o face_n by_o paul_n for_o his_o sin_n galat._n 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o in_o the_o green_a tree_n alas_o alas_o what_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o dry_a when_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v have_v their_o fall_n shall_v any_o puritan_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o shameless_a as_o to_o boast_v of_o perfection_n this_o point_n shall_v need_v no_o further_o refutation_n all_o god_n child_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o will_v ondemne_v this_o assertion_n by_o their_o own_o contrary_n clamentable_a experience_n in_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o their_o life_n i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o papist_n anabaptist_n and_o familist_n be_v infect_v with_o this_o presumption_n at_o this_o day_n use_v 3_o last_o this_o serve_v for_o the_o refutation_n of_o papist_n that_o challenge_n to_o their_o church_n and_o head_n the_o pope_n a_o immunity_n yea_o a_o impossibility_n of_o err_v in_o doctrine_n as_o if_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o they_o hold_v whereas_o this_o we_o be_v able_a to_o show_v how_o that_o they_o have_v err_v from_o themselves_o in_o many_o thing_n hold_v one_o thing_n this_o year_n another_o thing_n the_o next_o and_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o except_o two_o contrary_n may_v be_v true_a they_o must_v needs_o err_v in_o the_o one_o or_o in_o the_o other_o but_o of_o this_o more_o shall_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o first_o point_n handle_v at_o large_a that_o the_o church_n militant_a howsoever_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a privilege_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exempt_v from_o error_n but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n and_o doct._n 2_o therein_o see_v how_o the_o church_n may_v not_o err_v the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o though_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n yet_o it_o can_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o first_o not_o fundamental_o psal_n 62.2_o he_o be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o salvation_n and_o my_o defence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o be_v move_v that_o be_v fundamental_o nor_o obstinate_o psal_n 19.13_o lord_n keep_v i_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n nor_o final_o psal_n 55.22_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o fall_v for_o ever_o he_o may_v fall_v but_o not_o for_o ever_o nor_o general_o in_o all_o her_o part_n but_o still_o some_o be_v reserve_v that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 19.18_o these_o two_o final_o and_o general_o be_v never_o find_v in_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n haply_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o but_o never_o final_o and_o general_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v cast_v off_o which_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o our_o outward_a preservation_n here_o as_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o intend_v it_o then_o much_o more_o of_o our_o preservation_n from_o sin_n and_o error_n that_o though_o we_o do_v fall_v yet_o not_o final_o for_o ever_o and_o psal_n 125.1_o they_o which_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v like_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v clear_v by_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n matth._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overcome_v it_o he_o say_v not_o shall_v not_o touch_v it_o but_o only_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o psal_n 102._o last_o verse_n the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o thy_o sight_n so_o then_o the_o church_n militant_a though_o haply_o it_o do_v fall_v fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o yet_o it_o can_v fall_v final_o and_o general_o the_o reason_n first_o it_o be_v christ_n promise_n that_o the_o reas_n 1_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overcome_v it_o matth._n 16.18_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a reas_n 2_o but_o second_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 16.8_o and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v matth._n 7.25_o reas_n 3_o three_o christ_n god_n and_o man_n knit_v and_o unite_v we_o and_o if_o god_n knit_v the_o knot_n who_o shall_v unknit_v it_o reas_n 4_o four_o chirst_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v luk._n 22.23_o and_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v reas_n 5_o five_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n he_o admit_v none_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o who_o he_o love_v now_o who_o god_n love_v once_o he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n john_n 13._o reas_n 6_o six_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o joh._n 16.13_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v continual_o present_a with_o they_o enlighten_v quicken_a direct_n persuade_v and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n whereunto_o if_o we_o add_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o all_o matter_n both_o for_o life_n and_o doctrine_n what_o other_o direction_n can_v we_o have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o err_v final_o and_o general_o reas_n 7_o the_o last_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o own_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o it_o be_v much_o disparage_v and_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v any_o where_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n therefore_o still_o the_o truth_n be_v alive_a at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o church_n can_v fall_v final_o and_o general_o for_o then_o the_o truth_n must_v fall_v too_o use_v the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a that_o howsoever_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o dark_a and_o blind_a prone_a to_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o untoward_a to_o grace_v and_o goodness_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a faith_n unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v like_o silly_a sheep_n ready_a to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o wolf_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a shepherd_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o he_o have_v still_o a_o eye_n on_o we_o and_o look_n after_o we_o and_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v quite_o lose_v he_o will_v bring_v we_o home_o on_o his_o own_o shoulder_n luke_n 15._o satan_n may_v and_o do_v seek_v to_o devour_v we_o and_o to_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a but_o god_n have_v set_v he_o his_o stint_n so_o that_o neither_o altogether_o nor_o for_o ever_o he_o can_v prevail_v against_o we_o john_n 10.28.29_o christ_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o he_o will_v give_v they_o eterternall_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v etc._n etc._n if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o point_n god_n will_v reveal_v it_o if_o we_o be_v doubtful_a god_n will_v resolve_v it_o if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o will_v admonish_v and_o reclaim_v we_o we_o shall_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o etc._n etc._n isaiah_n 30.21_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o use_v 2_o lutheran_n which_o hold_v that_o the_o very_o choose_a may_v fall_v away_o and_o that_o final_o which_o can_v be_v hold_v without_o blasphemy_n for_o by_o this_o they_o wrong_v god_n make_v his_o election_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a casual_a thing_n depend_v on_o man_n goodness_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a wrong_n to_o the_o faithful_a for_o if_o they_o may_v
may_v err_v and_o how_o can_v the_o papist_n maintain_v their_o doubt_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o not_o err_v of_o the_o church_n yes_o say_v they_o though_o we_o know_v what_o we_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a what_o we_o shall_v be_v whether_o we_o shall_v continue_v so_o or_o not_o but_o yet_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o time_n present_a though_o not_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o how_o also_o can_v they_o maintain_v the_o fall_n away_o of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o not_o err_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v choose_v of_o god_n but_o some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v only_o call_v if_o then_o the_o choose_a faithful_a may_v fall_v away_o than_o those_o that_o be_v only_o call_v much_o more_o yes_o say_v hosius_n every_o particular_a member_n may_v fall_v away_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o only_a bar_n to_o stay_v man_n from_o final_a fall_v away_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n election_n which_o be_v tie_v no_o more_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o general_a than_o it_o be_v to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a but_o they_o retort_v this_o on_o we_o you_o say_v they_o deny_v the_o final_a fall_v away_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o yet_o affirm_v the_o final_a fall_v away_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o also_o you_o call_v the_o church_n the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a i_o answer_v when_o we_o say_v the_o faithful_a can_v fall_v away_o for_o ever_o we_o understand_v the_o choose_a faithful_a but_o when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n may_v fall_v away_o we_o mean_v only_o the_o faithful_a by_o profession_n and_o by_o call_v only_o not_o by_o election_n &_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o understand_v it_o proper_o of_o the_o whole_a member_n not_o of_o any_o visible_a congregation_n and_o for_o that_o which_o they_o object_n that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o because_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o do_v belong_v proper_o to_o the_o whole_a militant_a church_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o only_o by_o proportion_n that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o faithful_a and_o choose_v be_v find_v in_o it_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v sin_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v err_v too_o for_o god_n kingdom_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o truth_n and_o that_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n against_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n against_o error_n he_o be_v a_o sanctifier_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inlightener_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v concern_v the_o first_o doubt_n and_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no._n 451._o the_o second_o matter_n of_o doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v salvation_n and_o hence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o any_o may_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o for_o this_o be_v one_o singular_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n that_o whosoever_o be_v of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v out_o of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o question_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o inward_a communion_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o choose_a it_o be_v simple_o true_a that_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n at_o all_o and_o so_o also_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o call_v it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o ordinary_o and_o usual_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v true_a proper_o of_o the_o whole_a militant_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o visible_a thus_o far_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n if_o he_o join_v not_o with_o it_o ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v doct._n take_v then_o the_o observation_n thus_o that_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n understand_v it_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o proportionable_o of_o the_o church_n visible_a isaiah_n 60.1.2_o 3._o as_o there_o be_v light_n in_o goshen_n when_o all_o egypt_n beside_o be_v in_o darkness_n so_o be_v there_o light_a and_o salvation_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o damnation_n and_o as_o all_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o ark_n perish_v in_o the_o flood_n so_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v save_v but_o must_v needs_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n say_v be_v true_a that_o they_o which_o have_v not_o the_o church_n for_o their_o mother_n have_v not_o god_n for_o their_o father_n and_o sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n shall_v never_o be_v of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o church_n be_v the_o fold_n reas_n 1_o they_o that_o be_v not_o within_o this_o fold_n be_v no_o sheep_n neither_o have_v they_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o shepherd_n second_o election_n the_o promise_n of_o grace_n christ_n himself_o reas_n 2_o the_o holy_a spirit_n save_v faith_n holiness_n righteousness_n the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n all_o these_o be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v therefore_o they_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o these_o and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o salvation_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v use_v 1_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v profess_v and_o do_v not_o join_v ourselves_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o damnable_a sin_n every_o one_o will_v labour_v to_o be_v of_o that_o company_n that_o have_v best_a and_o most_o privilege_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o have_v the_o most_o and_o best_a privilege_n and_o labour_n also_o to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o church_n special_o those_o that_o be_v thy_o own_o labour_n that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o salvation_n love_n zion_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n second_o let_v those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o state_n let_v they_o use_v 2_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n while_o they_o have_v it_o lest_o it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o then_o they_o can_v tell_v whither_o they_o go_v three_o here_o we_o see_v the_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o use_v 3_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v else_o never_o so_o wealthy_a witty_a mighty_a glorious_a or_o otherwise_o worldly_a privilege_v yet_o they_o be_v no_o better_o then_o of_o the_o damn_a crew_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o salvation_n without_o god_n and_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n four_o this_o teach_v those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a use_v 4_o church_n that_o as_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o profession_n so_o also_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o faith_n else_o as_o good_a not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o have_v our_o part_n in_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o church_n use_v 5_o last_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n as_o man_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v without_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v have_v no_o salvation_n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o 6_o general_a point_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v namely_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o namely_o of_o the_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n above_o all_o other_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o no_o other_o company_n in_o
have_v from_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v before_o anti-christ_n there_o be_v many_o speech_n in_o the_o father_n of_o it_o but_o we_o retain_v it_o not_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v idolatrous_o no_o the_o imposer_n protest_v against_o that_o but_o for_o a_o ancient_a custom_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v they_o retain_v it_o not_o for_o superstition_n they_o have_v turn_v it_o out_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o it_o be_v use_v in_o that_o sacrament_n too_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v retrayn_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a ceremony_n four_o they_o except_v against_o our_o ministry_n answer_v and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n i_o answer_v our_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o justifiable_a if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o part_n of_o it_o we_o will_v justify_v it_o against_o they_o better_o than_o they_o can_v justify_v they_o against_o we_o but_o say_v they_o your_o ordination_n whence_o have_v you_o it_o but_o from_o the_o pope_n i_o answer_v first_o either_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o luther_n and_o other_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thus_o call_v may_v ordain_v other_o or_o second_o else_o it_o be_v ordinary_a from_o the_o popish_a church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v true_a among_o they_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o separatist_n so_o be_v ordination_n they_o hold_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v among_o they_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o hold_v that_o they_o which_o be_v ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o have_v a_o lawful_a ordination_n then_o for_o their_o gift_n let_v any_o church_n show_v better_a gift_n than_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bestow_v on_o our_o minister_n then_o look_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o have_v many_o idle_a back_n and_o slow_a belly_n that_o will_v not_o labour_v but_o that_o be_v their_o personal_a fault_n but_o we_o have_v many_o public_a exercise_n and_o many_o minister_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a painful_a in_o preach_v read_v visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n last_o look_v into_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o we_o can_v show_v the_o scale_n of_o our_o ministry_n in_o many_o that_o be_v call_v and_o that_o ordinary_o by_o our_o public_a ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o ordination_n be_v good_a answer_v last_o they_o except_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a people_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n they_o say_v our_o people_n be_v profane_o gather_v and_o live_v profane_o in_o our_o church_n for_o their_o gather_n i_o have_v answer_v before_o for_o their_o live_n profane_o i_o answer_v that_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a church_n i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n then_o true_a believer_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o these_o be_v open_o wicked_a and_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o your_o church_n and_o to_o your_o sacrament_n i_o answer_v though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o we_o if_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o open_a notorious_a sin_n by_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o that_o upon_o profession_n of_o repentance_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o all_o that_o they_o can_v except_v against_o we_o be_v for_o petty_a matter_n or_o else_o they_o be_v personal_a fault_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o fault_n but_o may_v be_v redress_v and_o by_o this_o government_n which_o be_v in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v man_n personal_a sin_n for_o by_o law_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o learned_a ministry_n and_o that_o those_o which_o sin_n open_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o this_o be_v charge_v on_o our_o church_n we_o have_v many_o abuse_n in_o our_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o church_n and_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v god_n to_o sweep_v they_o out_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o thereupon_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o false_a church_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o our_o note_n stand_v true_a against_o all_o the_o exception_n both_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o separatist_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v be_v through_o god_n mercy_n not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n finis_fw-la matth._n 28._o ruth_n 3.11_o first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n be_v natural_a first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o question_n â—econdly_o in_o reâ—ect_n of_o christ_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n together_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n first_o for_o direction_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n three_o for_o the_o confute_v of_o adversary_n four_o for_o consolation_n the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a in_o four_o respect_n four_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o church_n 1._o the_o name_n vide_fw-la field_n lib._n 1._o p._n 12._o 15._o 16._o musculus_fw-la 555._o bullinger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d intend_v three_o thing_n four_o division_n of_o calling_n first_o general_a and_o particular_a second_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a three_o outward_a and_o inâ—ard_o four_o effectual_a and_o not_o effectual_a call_v not_o effectual_a five_o way_n the_o second_o general_a thing_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v the_o title_n many_o title_n give_v she_o for_o three_o reason_n the_o title_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o absolute_a without_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o first_o a_o garden_n second_o a_o spring_n or_o fountain_n three_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n set_v at_o liberty_n two_o sort_n of_o title_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n be_v respective_a as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o some_o other_o thing_n else_o and_o these_o be_v of_o five_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v first_o god_n mountain_n second_o the_o city_n of_o god_n three_o the_o house_n of_o god_n four_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n five_o the_o people_n of_o god_n second_o such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v first_o his_o love_n second_o his_o sister_n three_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n four_o a_o queen_n five_o his_o sheep_n six_o his_o body_n seven_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o eight_o christ_n three_o such_o as_o be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o these_o be_v first_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o flock_n second_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o four_o such_o as_o be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o these_o â—râ—_n first_o thâ—_n substance_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n three_o a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n five_o be_v such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v first_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n second_o a_o candlestick_n the_o church_n of_o god_n shadow_v in_o the_o law_n by_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o tabernacle_n in_o eight_o thing_n vide_fw-la piscat_fw-la in_o exo._n 25._o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n in_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o the_o profession_n second_o in_o her_o practice_n three_o in_o her_o order_n four_o in_o her_o unity_n the_o three_o general_a thing_n concern_v the_o church_n be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o with_fw-mi reynolds_n thes_n p_o 642._o and_o rhem._n vesâ—â—m_n 1._o tim._n 3_o 10._o thâ—_n nature_n of_o the_o church_n describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n second_o by_o their_o number_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v the_o holy_a angel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o true_a châ—_n prove_v and_o 〈…〉_z doctrine_n that_o christ_n be_v mediator_n for_o the_o angel_n and_o how_o the_o angel_n fall_v be_v personal_a the_o angel_n have_v their_o part_n in_o christ_n mediation_n in_o four_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o thing_n do_v to_o we_o which_o redound_v to_o they_o and_o in_o diverse_a thing_n do_v more_o direct_o to_o themselves_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n and_o choose_a which_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o they_o be_v partly_o in_o heaven_n partly_o in_o earth_n first_o those_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n second_o those_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n hyper._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 yeâ—_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
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
in_o heaven_n contain_v as_o well_o angel_n as_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o by_o themselves_o and_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n then_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o in_o handle_v this_o point_n we_o propound_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v too_o first_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n consist_v of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o themselves_o second_o of_o those_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n by_o themselves_o three_o of_o both_o those_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n together_o concern_v the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o show_v that_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n of_o receipt_n for_o all_o god_n choose_v after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o namely_o earth_n that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n consist_v of_o man_n which_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o point_n and_o first_o of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n on_o earth_n for_o although_o there_o be_v the_o same_o choose_v now_o in_o heaven_n which_o sometime_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o the_o same_o now_o in_o earth_n which_o sometime_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o church_n or_o choose_v in_o heaven_n do_v not_o make_v a_o several_a church_n by_o themselves_o nor_o those_o in_o earth_n a_o several_a church_n by_o themselves_o but_o both_o together_o make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a consideration_n incident_a to_o that_o in_o heaven_n which_o they_o on_o earth_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o likewise_o some_o other_o particular_a consideration_n incident_a to_o that_o on_o earth_n which_o they_o in_o heaven_n have_v already_o pass_v from_o therefore_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o part_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n before_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o on_o earth_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o define_v this_o on_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v apparent_o define_v before_o in_o the_o general_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n than_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v live_v on_o earth_n doctr._n all_o that_o i_o will_v speak_v concern_v this_o point_n shall_v be_v contrive_v into_o one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o god_n always_o have_v have_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o have_v now_o and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n upon_o earth_n belong_v to_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n you_o see_v that_o the_o observation_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n first_o that_o god_n ever_o have_v second_o that_o he_o have_v now_o and_o three_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o company_n etc._n etc._n first_o god_n always_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n example_n be_v fit_a and_o strong_a proof_n this_o be_v then_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n already_o do_v it_o be_v best_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o example_n take_v out_o of_o history_n of_o several_a time_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o paradise_n how_o prove_v you_o that_o why_o first_o there_o be_v god_n the_o preacher_n second_o there_o be_v our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n the_o hearer_n and_o three_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o commandment_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o there_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o strict_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n which_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v by_o now_o what_o be_v here_o want_v to_o the_o full_a be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o here_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o people_n and_o the_o word_n and_o such_o a_o word_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o their_o salvation_n therefore_o in_o paradise_n god_n have_v his_o church_n also_o out_o of_o paradise_n god_n still_o have_v his_o church_n for_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o preacher_n god_n the_o same_o hearer_n adam_n and_o eve_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n though_o not_o the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o yet_o here_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n fit_v their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n a_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o special_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n genes_n 3.16_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n so_o here_o god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o 535._o to_o pass_v from_o they_o to_o abel_n there_o be_v abel_n sacrifice_a and_o his_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v god_n presence_n and_o acceptance_n as_o we_o may_v see_v gen._n 4.4_o compare_v with_o heb._n 11.4_o now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n afterwards_o in_o the_o time_n of_o seth_n it_o be_v say_v gen._n 4_o 25._o that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v man_n do_v then_o begin_v more_o zealous_o to_o worship_n god_n so_o here_o god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o let_v we_o pass_v from_o seth_n to_o enoch_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o he_o please_v god_n genes_n 5.24_o heb._n 11.5_o now_o where_o there_o be_v man_n walk_v with_o god_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o please_v he_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n god_n have_v his_o church_n still_o heb._n 11.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v set_v down_o as_o it_o be_v of_o purpose_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n namely_o that_o god_n have_v a_o church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n further_o we_o will_v omit_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o question_n there_o be_v then_o not_o embracer_n only_o of_o the_o heavenly_a truth_n but_o professor_n too_o in_o great_a number_n and_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o those_o time_n that_o be_v most_o obscure_a when_o there_o be_v the_o least_o likelihood_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n than_o the_o point_n will_v be_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v always_o have_v a_o church_n we_o will_v therefore_o instance_n in_o they_o first_o at_o the_o flood_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n gen._n 6.12_o and_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o cruelty_n verse_n 13._o yet_o in_o that_o desperate_a time_n there_o be_v find_v noah_n a_o just_a and_o upright_o man_n in_o that_o generation_n verse_n 9_o so_o god_n have_v his_o church_n then_o let_v we_o pass_v from_o these_o time_n and_o come_v to_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n when_o god_n peculiar_a people_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o most_o profane_a idolatrous_a and_o cruel_a nation_n so_o that_o they_o have_v neither_o liberty_n nor_o time_n nor_o mean_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o goshen_n when_o palpable_a darkness_n be_v over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n beside_o so_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o gross_a ignorance_n sin_n and_o error_n yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n among_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v some_o midwife_n fear_v god_n exod._n 1.21_o and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o cry_v and_o pray_v and_o sigh_v to_o god_n and_o be_v hear_v of_o he_o exod._n 2.23_o 24._o so_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o those_o time_n likewise_o in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n when_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a ebb_n the_o prophet_n can_v see_v no_o more_o leave_v but_o himself_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v eye_n to_o discern_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n 751._o and_o so_o god_n have_v his_o true_a church_n then_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o but_o the_o lord_n see_v seven_o thousand_o more_o that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n vers_fw-la 18._o in_o this_o desperate_a time_n when_o they_o kill_v god_n prophet_n and_o break_v down_o his_o altar_n and_o seek_v the_o life_n
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 â—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
against_o his_o anoint_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v all_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n psal_n 2.1_o yet_o i_o will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v prevail_v in_o they_o shall_v prevail_v thus_o far_o to_o make_v the_o church_n more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o truth_n contrary_a to_o their_o end_n for_o behold_v when_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o the_o faithful_a when_o they_o have_v burn_v they_o to_o ash_n god_n will_v raise_v out_o of_o those_o very_a ash_n a_o new_a seed_n to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n shed_v shall_v fatten_v the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n therefore_o for_o they_o to_o threaten_v they_o and_o to_o say_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v that_o they_o will_v root_v out_o these_o professor_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o devil_n their_o good_a master_n can_v do_v himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v they_o never_o think_v to_o do_v it_o five_o this_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o use_v 5_o sight_n or_o appearance_n it_o have_v a_o be_v even_o when_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v rest_v rhou_n upon_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v where_o or_o how_o etc._n etc._n leave_v that_o to_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v hide_v from_o our_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o corn_n be_v among_o the_o chaff_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o together_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o man_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o by_o certain_a quality_n and_o circumstance_n such_o as_o may_v present_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n view_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v concern_v this_o point_n church_n therefore_o we_o will_v fetch_v these_o quality_n from_o that_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o i_o will_v reduce_v all_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a four_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n five_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o sixth_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o all_o these_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o it_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n not_o church_n and_o the_o nicen_n creed_n which_o be_v pen_v after_o this_o say_v i_o believe_v one_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o how_o be_v this_o gather_v hence_o why_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o article_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o doctr._n one_o now_o first_o of_o the_o first_o note_n it_o be_v but_o one_o for_o so_o the_o nicen_n creed_n for_o plainness_n sake_n add_v this_o particle_n one_o we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a church_n it_o be_v prove_v thus_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o general_a true_a nature_n of_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n eph._n 5.27_o 32._o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o a_o glorious_a church_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o concern_v his_o church_n and_o math._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v sometime_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o than_o it_o speak_v of_o particular_a visible_a congregation_n but_o of_o the_o general_a catholic_a church_n it_o speak_v always_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o be_v but_o one_o and_o so_o express_o ascribe_v oneness_n to_o it_o cant._n 6_o 8._o christ_n say_v to_o his_o church_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o body_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n have_v a_o threefold_a oneness_n it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v a_o oneness_n among_o the_o member_n in_o this_o place_n we_o speak_v but_o of_o the_o oneness_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o of_o the_o other_o two_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n oneness_n that_o it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n not_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n not_o temple_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v but_o one_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o but_o one_o temple_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n come_v levitic_n 17.3_o 4._o deut._n 21_o 5._o and_o 16.2_o 2._o chron._n 2.4_o so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a church_n of_o the_o faithful_a reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v take_v out_o of_o ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o there_o be_v many_o reason_n heap_v together_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n therefore_o but_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o hope_n at_o which_o all_o god_n people_n joint_o aim_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o corporation_n one_o lord_n and_o therefore_o one_o family_n one_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o life_n than_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o promise_n and_o covenant_n which_o all_o do_v make_v to_o god_n as_o one_o man_n second_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5.23_o reas_n 2_o and_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n else_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v he_o have_v one_o head_n and_o many_o body_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v her_o husband_n as_o be_v employ_v verse_n 25._o now_o christ_n shall_v have_v many_o wife_n if_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o three_o they_o have_v all_o one_o shepherd_n and_o therefore_o they_o reas_n 3_o be_v all_o but_o one_o sheepfold_a joh._n 10.16_o four_o they_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 4_o but_o one_o body_n 1._o cor._n 10.17_o five_o all_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o be_v abolish_v reas_n 5_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o ephes_n 2.14_o gal._n 3.28_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o unchangeableness_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n heavenly_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o course_n of_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n still_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o dispensation_n or_o manner_n of_o carriage_n have_v be_v some_o what_o different_a sometime_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v dark_o sometime_o clear_o sometime_o in_o ceremony_n sometime_o without_o ceremony_n sometime_o by_o the_o law_n sometime_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o tradition_n as_o before_o the_o law_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o scripture_n yet_o the_o substance_n be_v ever_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n that_o adam_n be_v
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
the_o faithful_a general_o disperse_v which_o indeed_o be_v plain_a in_o those_o epistle_n of_o james_n peter_n and_o jude_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n but_o not_o in_o the_o two_o last_o epistle_n of_o john_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o one_o single_a person_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_a church_n be_v general_a or_o universal_a disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n severinum_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o use_v the_o name_n catholic_a to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o name_n christian_a so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a speech_n among_o they_o christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n so_o that_o the_o word_n be_v ancient_a and_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v gather_v hence_o it_o that_o whereas_o before_o christ_n come_v the_o church_n be_v national_a contain_v only_o in_o jury_n now_o after_o christ_n come_v and_o ascension_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o become_v one_o general_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v catholic_a that_o be_v general_o or_o universal_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n three_o to_o right_v the_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o common_a receive_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v such_o as_o degenerate_v from_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o with_o construction_n it_o be_v allowable_a enough_o the_o ancient_n use_v this_o word_n catholic_a for_o true_a believe_v as_o distinguish_v from_o heretic_n and_o false_a believe_v so_o that_o catholic_a church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o true_a believe_a church_n and_o so_o from_o the_o church_n to_o a_o particular_a member_n a_o catholic_a that_o be_v no_o heretic_n but_o a_o right_a believer_n and_o that_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o common_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n christian_n be_v my_o name_n and_o catholic_a be_v my_o surname_n show_v that_o none_o all_o that_o while_o be_v call_v true_a catholic_n but_o true_a christian_n austin_n have_v this_o say_n the_o very_a name_n of_o catholic_a say_v he_o contain_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a contain_v i_o within_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v it_o be_v one_o motive_n among_o some_o other_o to_o keep_v i_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o the_o name_n be_v sufficient_a only_a but_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n one_o motive_n among_o other_o that_o contain_v i_o in_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v augustine_n meaning_n so_o you_o have_v see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v wrong_v and_o how_o it_o be_v right_v now_o we_o will_v here_o take_v it_o in_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o first_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o draw_v such_o observation_n as_o shall_v fit_o follow_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o general_a point_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v the_o catholic_a church_n it_o intend_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n second_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n wheresoever_o or_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o doctr._n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a or_o general_a extend_v itself_o to_o all_o believe_a person_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o all_o time_n we_o have_v show_v before_o here_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v only_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o all_o person_n and_o place_n this_o be_v so_o prophesy_v ps_n 72.8_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o land_n this_o indeed_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o so_o this_o be_v promise_v to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o father_n psal_n 2.8_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n what_o be_v christ_n heritage_n and_o possession_n but_o the_o church_n but_o his_o possession_n shall_v reach_v to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o his_o church_n must_v reach_v as_o far_o to_o all_o place_n and_o people_n that_o believe_v even_o to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n himself_o foreshow_v it_o matth._n 8.11_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n many_o shall_v come_v that_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a confluence_n from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n that_o be_v from_o all_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v they_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v so_o you_o see_v how_o far_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n enlarge_v itself_o and_o joh._n 10.16_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v also_o say_v our_o saviour_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o sheepfold_a and_o one_o shepherd_n other_o sheep_n i_o have_v let_v they_o wander_v where_o they_o will_v in_o desert_n or_o unknown_a mountain_n faith_n they_o have_v and_o therefore_o sheep_n sheep_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o have_v christ_n for_o their_o shepherd_n and_o his_o church_n the_o sheepfould_a that_o they_o belong_v to_o and_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o sheepefould_a so_o he_o effect_n first_o by_o himself_o ephes_n 2.14_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v make_v of_o both_o one_o and_o have_v break_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v pull_v down_o and_o now_o gentile_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o â—e_v effect_n it_o by_o his_o minister_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v where_o he_o both_o offer_v mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o minister_n to_o all_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o bless_v the_o mean_n some_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o also_o associate_n they_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v believe_v what_o or_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o save_v that_o be_v to_o his_o church_n unto_o who_o only_a salvation_n belong_v psal_n 3._o last_o verse_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o particular_a instance_n to_o the_o point_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_a of_o all_o believe_a person_n and_o of_o all_o place_n in_o the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n act._n 10.1_o 12_o 34_o 35._o he_o be_v a_o gentile_a and_o a_o heathen_a and_o account_v unclean_a yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o he_o have_v believe_v and_o peter_n in_o a_o vision_n see_v a_o great_a sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o four_o corner_n which_o signify_v the_o four_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o it_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o creep_a beast_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o vision_n be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o church_n to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v some_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o it_o so_o that_o the_o vision_n be_v not_o only_o for_o cornelius_n but_o general_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o so_o peter_n confess_v in_o these_o 34._o and_o 35._o verse_n of_o a_o truth_n say_v he_o i_o do_v now_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o rule_n be_v pregnant_a and_o precise_o to_o the_o point_n gal._n 3.28_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o grecian_a bond_n nor_o free_a male_a nor_o female_a but_o you_o be_v all_o one_o
of_o god_n that_o one_o may_v be_v whet_v on_o and_o provoke_v by_o another_o four_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o love_n among_o the_o faithful_a which_o can_v no_o way_n so_o well_o be_v maintain_v as_o when_o we_o all_o see_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o one_o another_o last_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o the_o declaration_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v some_o fruit_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o philem_n verse_n 5._o adversary_n five_o and_o last_o there_o be_v this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o first_o for_o defend_v ourselves_o for_o be_v strong_o unite_v together_o as_o one_o man_n they_o can_v overcome_v we_o whereas_o if_o we_o be_v separate_v and_o disjoin_v they_o will_v easy_o overcome_v us._n second_o for_o the_o offend_a and_o oppugn_v the_o enemy_n who_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o set_v themselves_o all_o together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n against_o their_o adversary_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o overcome_v they_o as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v overcome_v of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a communion_n among_o the_o faithful_a the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v every_o use_n 1_o one_o of_o we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o god_n church_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o part_n in_o this_o communion_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o right_a to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o faith_n &_o to_o justification_n and_o to_o salvation_n and_o to_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o these_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o here_o therefore_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o one_o of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n thou_o have_v no_o right_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o here_o they_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v living-member_n of_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o gracious_a portion_n with_o the_o faithful_a we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n with_o they_o here_o and_o of_o the_o same_o glory_n hereafter_o marvel_v not_o then_o that_o david_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o bless_a communion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o deprive_v of_o this_o inward_a communion_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o grief_n and_o the_o very_a break_n of_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o outward_a fellowship_n and_o no_o marvel_n also_o though_o they_o do_v so_o rejoice_v when_o they_o can_v come_v to_o god_n house_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o fellowship_n for_o than_o they_o can_v reach_v out_o their_o hand_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_v sensible_o second_o as_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v one_o of_o this_o use_v 2_o society_n and_o communion_n so_o it_o teach_v we_o also_o to_o labour_n to_o maintain_v this_o communion_n that_o as_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o it_o so_o we_o must_v bend_v all_o our_o force_n to_o contribute_v to_o it_o and_o to_o uphold_v it_o and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a title_n only_o but_o to_o be_v as_o we_o be_v call_v and_o to_o practice_v as_o we_o profess_v that_o as_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v a_o communion_n of_o state_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o communion_n of_o practice_n also_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4.3_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v as_o thou_o have_v find_v that_o favour_n with_o god_n that_o thou_o be_v associate_v by_o a_o call_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n thereof_o so_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o chief_a and_o principal_a endeavour_n to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v that_o unity_n and_o communion_n phil._n 1.27_o continue_v in_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o one_o mind_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v flinch_v not_o from_o it_o but_o as_o you_o have_v this_o communion_n so_o stand_v in_o it_o and_o maintain_v it_o communion_n and_o that_o we_o may_v so_o do_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n first_o that_o we_o separate_v nor_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o communion_n this_o be_v forbid_v heb._n 10.25_o 39_o not_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n we_o have_v among_o ourselves_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n but_o we_o be_v not_o they_o which_o withdraw_v ourselves_o unto_o perdition_n if_o we_o separate_v we_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o so_o from_o the_o head_n too_o and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v a_o head_n to_o none_o but_o his_o own_o body_n nor_o in_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o spirit_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n and_o grace_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o society_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a matter_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o namely_o that_o we_o entertain_v not_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o leave_v it_o second_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o the_o faithful_a to_o cause_v they_o to_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o we_o by_o walk_v inordinate_o 2._o thes_n 3.6_o the_o faithful_a be_v command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o or_o by_o contention_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 11.16_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o misdemeanour_n three_o as_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o be_v not_o too_o apprehensive_a of_o offence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o every_o little_a quarrel_n and_o discontent_n but_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v any_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o conscience_n rather_o then_o to_o trouble_v that_o communion_n or_o to_o interrupt_v that_o fellowship_n last_o and_o principal_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o that_o we_o gather_v together_o with_o these_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o to_o join_v together_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n approve_v 1._o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n matth._n 18.22_o where_o two_o or_o three_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n to_o this_o communion_n and_o society_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o assembly_n for_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o continue_v this_o communion_n than_o this_o and_o as_o we_o must_v come_v to_o these_o place_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v call_v upon_o one_o another_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o faithful_a shall_v do_v in_o the_o last_o day_n isai_n 2.3_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o must_v also_o rejoice_v at_o such_o occasion_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o man_n come_v willing_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n do_v psal_n 122.1_o three_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o examination_n whereby_o we_o use_v 3_o may_v try_v whether_o we_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o not_o do_v thou_o practice_v this_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n then_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n else_o thou_o can_v never_o true_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a member_n unless_o thou_o practise_v this_o communion_n prove_v and_o try_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o that_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o communion_n let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o point_n do_v we_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o
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
be_v as_o opposite_a to_o the_o popish_a church_n the_o true_a church_n be_v sometime_o though_o not_o always_o invisible_a which_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o sense_n above_o specify_v so_o that_o the_o church_n even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n invisible_a be_v also_o after_o a_o sort_n visible_a too_o that_o be_v it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a and_o plain_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o visible_a because_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o some_o though_o hardly_o and_o so_o consequent_o those_o papist_n that_o make_v the_o visiblenes_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sometime_o such_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v know_v agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n direct_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n visible_a now_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o general_a advertisement_n here_o concern_v the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a whereby_o you_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v and_o understand_v the_o whole_a business_n first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v whether_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v it_o for_o god_n choose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v nor_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o as_o i_o have_v heretofore_o show_v second_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o know_a professor_n on_o earth_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o universal_a invisible_a church_n and_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v these_o follow_v church_n 1._o the_o invisible_a contain_v all_o good_a wheat_n without_o chaff_n 1._o the_o visible_a contain_v good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o chaff_n together_o 2._o the_o invisible_a be_v partly_o in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o visible_a only_o on_o earth_n 3._o the_o invisible_a be_v of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o visible_a be_v only_o of_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n asunder_o 4._o the_o invisible_a have_v many_o sheep_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v into_o the_o fold_n 4._o the_o visible_a have_v many_o within_o the_o fold_n that_o profess_v to_o be_v sheep_n yet_o indeed_o be_v wolf_n 5._o against_o the_o invisible_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v 5._o against_o the_o visible_a they_o may_v and_o do_v prevail_v in_o a_o sore_a measure_n sometime_o utter_o root_a it_o out_o in_o some_o particular_a place_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n they_o may_v prevail_v against_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o horrible_a defile_n and_o destroy_v of_o they_o but_o so_o they_o can_v do_v against_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n the_o second_o advertisement_n be_v this_o that_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v live_v in_o the_o world_n whether_o profess_v or_o not_o profess_v the_o truth_n whereof_o though_o some_o part_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v open_a profession_n yet_o all_o can_v be_v see_v or_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a or_o professor_n for_o this_o be_v partly_o visible_a may_v have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o even_o whole_a hundred_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o save_v faith_n yet_o so_o secret_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o their_o number_n or_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o the_o timorousness_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a at_o once_o visible_a as_o make_v some_o profession_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v see_v to_o some_o and_o yet_o invisible_a too_o as_o not_o make_v that_o open_a profession_n that_o public_a notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o it_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a at_o once_o of_o the_o visible_a as_o his_o profession_n be_v partly_o see_v and_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o his_o election_n faith_n and_o other_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o see_v the_o three_o advertisement_n be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v therefore_o save_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o then_o all_o of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o that_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n but_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o likewise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v no_o member_n either_o of_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o damn_v because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o four_o advertisement_n be_v this_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o diverse_a sense_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a as_o that_o in_o matth._n 13.47_o 48._o where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o net_n which_o gather_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n for_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n contain_v only_o the_o elect_n have_v no_o bad_a fish_n in_o it_o again_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o in_o cant._n 4.7_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o no_o visible_a church_n but_o have_v many_o spot_n therefore_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a only_o and_o so_o likewise_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o heretofore_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o again_o some_o thing_n of_o both_o and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n as_o matth._n 8.12_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o shall_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o yet_o be_v apply_v abusive_o to_o the_o invisible_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereas_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v cast_v off_o but_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v so_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o in_o the_o first_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o live_a church_n how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n but_o be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v among_o they_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o rom._n 10.21_o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.1_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o last_o verse_n israel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o place_n before_o some_o thing_n be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o analogical_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o come_v into_o the_o barn_n and_o see_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n among_o the_o chaff_n i_o may_v say_v true_o it_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n though_o the_o most_o of_o it_o be_v chaff_n name_v it_o from_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n when_o the_o visible_a church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n the_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n
outward_o discern_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o austen_n and_o the_o father_n mean_v lucif_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v sometime_o in_o a_o eclipse_n so_o darken_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v so_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n too_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o they_o all_o strengthen_v one_o another_o especial_o the_o first_o three_o must_v be_v lay_v together_o else_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a apart_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o very_a few_o they_o be_v always_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o sometime_o they_o be_v few_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o noah_n family_n now_o that_o which_o few_o do_v except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v little_a observable_a to_o the_o world_n reas_n 2_o second_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o withal_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n now_o that_o which_o poor_a and_o mean_a one_o do_v be_v general_o neglect_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a exploit_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o which_o they_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o notorious_a thing_n that_o the_o world_n regard_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v after_o except_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o true_a member_n that_o seek_v to_o join_v with_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o or_o else_o by_o persecutor_n and_o such_o seek_v after_o it_o only_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v after_o christ_n matth._n 2.13_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v four_o their_o persecutor_n many_o time_n bring_v they_o to_o reas_n 4_o this_o low_a scantling_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o dioclesian_n time_n all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v find_v be_v put_v to_o death_n their_o body_n be_v burn_v and_o their_o temple_n be_v overthrow_v where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n persecution_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o low_a scantling_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o this_o be_v shadow_v to_o we_o in_o matth._n 8.24_o by_o the_o ship_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o that_o be_v cover_v with_o wave_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v yet_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o yet_o it_o live_v five_o sometime_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o reas_n 5_o church_n and_o they_o sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o overcome_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o arius_n with_o his_o heresy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o itself_o to_o see_v itself_o become_v a_o arian_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n set_v it_o down_o where_o can_v a_o man_n say_v now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o i_o must_v join_v six_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v and_o indeed_o reas_n 6_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o fearful_a and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o profession_n but_o fly_v away_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v matth._n 26.56_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v like_o fearful_a man_n where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o seven_o counterfeit_v and_o deceiver_n be_v very_o cunning_a reas_n 7_o and_o will_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n on_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n on_o hypocrisy_n and_o on_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v do_v on_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o false_a apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 11.13_o 14._o and_o mat._n 24.24_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v because_o of_o these_o deceiver_n reas_n 8_o eight_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o suffer_v itself_o easy_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n be_v go_v as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o estate_n sometime_o reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n for_o they_o can_v abide_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v flourish_v so_o much_o as_o outward_o reu._n 12.4_o to_o 14._o who_o drive_v the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n but_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n reas_n 10_o the_o ten_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n merciful_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o hide_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n and_o yet_o be_v content_v to_o let_v they_o lie_v hide_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o breathe_a time_n from_o persecution_n and_o that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o bend_v their_o force_n against_o they_o therefore_o ofttimes_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o god_n hide_v the_o faithful_a secret_o in_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o persecute_v they_o as_o also_o thereby_o he_o try_v the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o by_o appearance_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n many_o will_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o than_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o man_n will_v walk_v faithful_o or_o no._n likewise_o god_n do_v it_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n he_o leave_v they_o just_o without_o any_o apparent_a teach_n or_o profession_n of_o better_a religion_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o he_o can_v see_v no_o better_o any_o where_o else_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o no_o better_a religion_n than_o their_o own_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o so_o just_o perish_v last_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n only_o for_o the_o perpetuity_n reas_n 11_o of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o be_v of_o it_o not_o for_o any_o flourish_a outward_a estate_n matth._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o may_v do_v to_o it_o they_o may_v deface_v it_o suppress_v it_o banish_v it_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a corner_n but_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v it_o they_o may_v and_o do_v destroy_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visiblenesse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v never_o destroy_v thus_o far_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o tie_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o further_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o papist_n use_v 1_v that_o hold_v a_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n some_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o therefore_o it_o refute_v those_o that_o do_v their_o speech_n be_v large_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v as_o notorious_o visible_a as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o multitude_n succession_n pomp_n visibility_n headship_n and_o that_o at_o rome_n
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
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
intendment_n diverse_a as_o the_o thing_n itself_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o god_n so_o overrule_v they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o intent_n to_o deride_v or_o scoff_n or_o cavil_v at_o they_o as_o we_o read_v of_o one_o virginius_n a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v set_v to_o write_v against_o calvin_n and_o â—eading_v over_o calvin_n book_n for_o that_o end_n he_o see_v the_o light_n so_o clear_a against_o he_o that_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o will_v write_v no_o more_o against_o he_o so_o that_o whereas_o he_o read_v over_o his_o book_n with_o intent_n to_o cavil_n at_o they_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o against_o his_o own_o intendment_n he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n thereby_o second_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_v why_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v tend_v direct_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o god_n do_v so_o over-rule_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n thus_o god_n overruled_n the_o sin_n of_o saul_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n act._n 9.4.5_o three_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o other_o from_o the_o faith_n be_v sometime_o overruled_n by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o raise_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o we_o all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n they_o fall_v away_o and_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 11.11_o four_o persecution_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v so_o overrule_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v make_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n why_o what_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecutor_n make_v those_o that_o be_v of_o any_o humanity_n to_o detest_v they_o and_o their_o course_n as_o also_o the_o constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v persecute_v win_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o even_o of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o their_o adversary_n many_o time_n to_o the_o truth_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v have_v at_o home_n in_o our_o own_o land_n when_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o fruitful_a time_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n in_o this_o land_n than_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n at_o least_o ever_o since_o by_o occasion_n of_o those_o persecution_n last_o sometime_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v occasional_o by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o mean_n of_o scatter_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o many_o place_n and_o so_o of_o cause_v many_o church_n as_o in_o act._n 8.4_o there_o be_v great_a persecution_n and_o the_o word_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o what_o can_v hurt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o this_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o many_o place_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v in_o judea_n only_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v into_o samaria_n too_o but_o all_o these_o be_v by-cause_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v only_o point_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v they_o by_o yet_o this_o be_v worthy_a herein_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a power_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o make_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o even_o beside_o and_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n serviceable_a mean_n for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n sense_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o these_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o material_a than_o the_o other_o first_o then_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v thus_o as_o a_o build_n have_v four_o principal_a cause_n so_o have_v the_o church_n first_o in_o a_o build_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n second_o the_o builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n four_a the_o form_n so_o in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v these_o four_o cause_n of_o it_o first_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o metaphorical_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o they_o teach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o as_o a_o skilful_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.20_o and_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 be_v the_o head_n cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o builder_n and_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n for_o so_o they_o be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.7_o the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v which_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n refuse_v and_o 1._o cor._n 3.10_o the_o teacher_n be_v call_v master_n builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n and_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n live_a stone_n for_o so_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.5_o lively_a stone_n a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o they_o be_v call_v god_n building_n last_o the_o form_n of_o the_o building_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lay_n and_o the_o couple_v of_o the_o faithful_a together_o ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n couple_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n again_o take_v the_o church_n absolute_o in_o itself_o sieve_n and_o then_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n a_o instrumental_a cause_n a_o material_a cause_n a_o formal_a cause_n and_o a_o final_a cause_n first_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n from_o which_o it_o have_v she_o be_v for_o that_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n cause_n from_o whence_o a_o thing_n have_v that_o be_v which_o it_o have_v now_o the_o efficient_a cause_n from_o whence_o the_o church_n have_v she_o be_v be_v god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n outward_a either_o outward_a or_o inward_a outward_a as_o first_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o and_o these_o be_v sometime_o ordinary_a sometime_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a call_v as_o most_o minister_n if_o not_o all_o have_v in_o these_o day_n extraordinary_a that_o be_v then_o when_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v as_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o next_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n joh._n 20.31_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v 2_o thes_n 2.14_o whereunto_o he_o call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o both_o these_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n then_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o next_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o baptism_n rom._n 6.4_o know_v you_o not_o that_o all_o we_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o
christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v nourish_v in_o this_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n now_o all_o these_o three_o outward_a mean_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n go_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n teach_v there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n without_o us._n inward_a now_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n within_o we_o be_v first_o repentance_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n to_o life_n second_o faith_n act._n 15.9_o and_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o after_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n and_o last_o and_o principal_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o six_o instrumental_a mean_n inward_a and_o outward_a be_v lay_v down_o together_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n to_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o there_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n his_o sermon_n then_o peter_n life_n up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n then_o there_o be_v their_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n in_o the_o 38._o and_o 41._o verse_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o 42._o and_o 46._o verse_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o outward_a cause_n so_o likewise_o the_o inward_a as_o first_o there_o be_v repentance_n vers_fw-la 37._o and_o 38._o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o second_o there_o be_v faith_n too_o as_o in_o the_o 41._o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v do_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o cause_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n saint_n by_o call_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.19_o as_o member_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o citizens_z the_o matter_n of_o a_o city_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v inward_a and_o outward_a that_o which_o be_v inward_a be_v the_o effectual_a call_n and_o gather_v of_o god_n people_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o outward_a communion_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o for_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n each_o to_o other_o you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o first_o their_o effectual_a call_n which_o be_v their_o inward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 41_o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n repent_v baptize_v add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o effectual_a call_n their_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 41_o 42_o 44_o 45_o 46._o verse_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o their_o outward_a communion_n these_o be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o some_o of_o adam_n seed_n may_v glorify_v the_o lord_n god_n here_o in_o his_o church_n by_o believe_v obey_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n sing_v everlasting_a praise_n to_o his_o glory_n rom._n 9.23_o that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o glory_n second_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o mankind_n cast_v away_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v but_o some_o he_o will_v have_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2.14_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v embrace_v and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a on_o earth_n that_o some_o man_n may_v not_o only_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v safe_o preserve_v first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v mangle_v or_o tear_v by_o heretic_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v deprave_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o last_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v open_o teach_v and_o practise_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n church_n four_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n when_o as_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o his_o church_n and_o when_o as_o they_o deny_v it_o as_o false_a or_o contemn_v it_o or_o at_o least_o careless_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a thing_n not_o worth_a harken_v to_o that_o then_o they_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o of_o those_o that_o cause_n it_o direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o as_o cause_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o direct_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n we_o hear_v first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o other_o cause_n be_v from_o he_o he_o note_v then_o be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o concur_v and_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o cause_v and_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o this_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o they_o special_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o be_v more_o special_o respect_v of_o god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o second_o as_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o near_o upon_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n ephes_n 4.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_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
apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n wherein_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n which_o be_v only_o in_o use_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o colos_n 1.18_o there_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n as_o we_o may_v see_v vers_fw-la 25._o which_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o these_o collection_n be_v not_o strain_v against_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o speak_v to_o the_o visible_a particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n say_v plain_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o intend_v necessary_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o it_o be_v too_o with_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n else_o revel_v 1.13_o there_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n be_v describe_v together_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seven_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v also_o the_o son_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o so_o christ_n be_v her_o husband_n and_o consequent_o her_o head_n for_o how_o often_o do_v god_n threaten_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n show_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n even_o of_o their_o visible_a church_n then_o much_o more_o of_o our_o particular_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o christ_n proportionable_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o christ_n reas_n 1_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o as_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o member_n for_o then_o some_o other_o visible_a member_n must_v be_v his_o head_n which_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o what_o he_o be_v he_o be_v he_o be_v so_o then_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v so_o now_o second_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n both_o in_o heaven_n reas_n 2_o and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n colos_n 2.10_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n be_v he_o the_o head_n of_o all_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n be_v employ_v ephes_n 1.22_o and_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n subject_a under_o his_o foot_n and_o have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n why_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o all_o thing_n special_o over_o his_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o to_o convey_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o it_o as_o the_o head_n to_o the_o body_n reas_n 3_o three_o he_o give_v life_n to_o the_o member_n and_o hold_v all_o the_o body_n together_o col._n 2.19_o and_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n reas_n 5_o five_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 5.23_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n to_o defend_v and_o to_o see_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a he_o be_v the_o only_a vanquisher_n of_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o he_o do_v so_o vanquish_v they_o as_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v free_v from_o satan_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n harm_n joh._n 14.30_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o have_v naught_o in_o i_o yea_o he_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3.15_o and_o in_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v with_o the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o overcome_v they_o now_o christ_n be_v this_o michael_n that_o overcom_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n as_o john_n 20.22_o where_o he_o breathe_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 42._o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o sanctification_n and_o inward_a grace_n as_o act._n 2.4_o &_o this_o he_o do_v for_o ever_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o now_o it_o be_v the_o head_n that_o convey_v spirit_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n therefore_o see_v every_o visible_a church_n receive_v the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n than_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o reas_n 8_o eighthly_a and_o last_o he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n 5._o the_o elder_a brother_n or_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n against_o the_o popish_a church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o as_o they_o mean_v it_o it_o be_v worse_a than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o therein_o they_o affirm_v a_o double_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n church_n and_o give_v two_o main_a blow_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o be_v head_n to_o his_o church_n at_o least_o they_o take_v his_o crown_n from_o his_o head_n and_o this_o they_o do_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o for_o that_o be_v tolerable_a if_o he_o will_v content_v and_o contain_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o diocese_n neither_o will_v we_o much_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o his_o bishopric_n but_o he_o look_v high_a and_o gape_v wide_a and_o say_v like_o his_o lie_a father_n the_o devil_n all_o be_v i_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n through_o the_o world_n a_o proud_a challenge_n easy_a to_o be_v make_v but_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v maintain_v you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v christ_n due_a only_a by_o right_a to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o then_o the_o pope_n will_v be_v head_n either_o he_o must_v take_v it_o from_o christ_n against_o his_o will_n antichrist_n and_o so_o he_o be_v plain_a antichrist_n as_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v or_o else_o he_o must_v have_v it_o by_o christ_n grant_n and_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o title_n but_o first_o he_o have_v it_o not_o by_o christ_n grant_n for_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n this_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o he_o give_v it_o to_o peter_n 17._o and_o so_o to_o the_o pope_n i_o answer_v no_o christ_n give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n nor_o yet_o ever_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o he_o much_o less_o to_o the_o pope_n first_o he_o give_v it_o not_o to_o peter_n for_o the_o place_n which_o they_o allege_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n serve_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o matth._n 16.19_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v speak_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o peter_n joh._n 20.23_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n where_o now_o be_v the_o headship_n of_o peter_n over_o the_o whole_a
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v 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
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 falsâ—â—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
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