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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n scripture_n tradition_n 2,203 5 9.2236 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o 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tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n 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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 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 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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 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office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v add_v to_o the_o will_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v so_o shameless_a and_o presumptuous_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v presume_v to_o add_v to_o the_o sacred_a testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o they_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n teach_v and_o deliver_v first_o concern_v the_o translation_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o authentical_a but_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v sometime_o faulty_a and_o do_v miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o it_o please_v the_o father_n to_o give_v who_o themselves_o acknowledge_v may_v and_o do_v sometime_o err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o untrue_a translation_n be_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o untrue_a interpretation_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n 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for_o his_o own_o say_n but_o for_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n thus_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n now_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o see_v whether_o that_o may_v not_o be_v just_o take_v up_o against_o they_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v against_o the_o jew_n john_n 8_o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o john_n 10.26.27_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o my_o sheep_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o god_n child_n hear_v his_o word_n and_o will_v not_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o the_o popish_a faction_n will_v not_o hear_v it_o but_o will_v impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n mediator_n so_o much_o for_o their_o error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n where_o we_o see_v that_o their_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v like_a to_o find_v but_o foul_a water_n in_o their_o channel_n their_o second_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n say_v direct_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &_o that_o be_v christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o man_n the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o to_o be_v invocate_v by_o we_o do_v not_o this_o justle_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n at_o least_o to_o sit_v so_o close_o answer_v that_o other_o must_v sit_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o in_o that_o office_n they_o will_v shift_v it_o off_o with_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o saint_n mediator_n of_o intercession_n only_o and_o christ_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v of_o 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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 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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
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
and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a five_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o be_v reas_n 5_o holy_a effect_n holy_a motion_n and_o holy_a desire_n holy_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o holy_a jude_n 20._o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a six_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o holiness_n 1._o pet._n 1.2_o and_o therefore_o reas_n 6_o they_o be_v holy_a seven_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o to_o holiness_n reas_n 7_o and_o therefore_o can_v sin_v 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_o eph._n 2.9_o we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v the_o essential_a difference_n use_v 1_o betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o all_o other_o congregation_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v holy_a and_o all_o other_o be_v unholy_a and_o this_o holiness_n carry_v a_o kind_n of_o reciprocation_n with_o god_n church_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o holy_a and_o every_o congregation_n that_o be_v holy_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v true_o holy_a though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o know_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o holy_a though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v in_o great_a place_n and_o of_o great_a gift_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o not_o if_o we_o have_v holiness_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n else_o we_o be_v not_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v every_o one_o holy_a that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o in_o some_o measure_n first_o or_o last_o second_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o holiness_n use_v 2_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n to_o our_o comfort_n in_o heaven_n nor_o by_o faith_n here_o on_o earth_n psal_n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n the_o prophet_n ask_v this_o question_n lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n or_o who_o shall_v rest_v in_o thy_o holy_a mountain_n the_o answer_n be_v even_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n revel_v 21.27_o there_o shall_v enter_v no_o unclean_a thing_n into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n there_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v see_v god_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n it_o shall_v teach_v we_o therefore_o first_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v it_o for_o it_o be_v filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o opposite_a to_o holiness_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n and_o satan_n to_o god_n himself_o let_v every_o one_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v they_o leave_v their_o lie_v and_o swear_v and_o covetousness_n and_o labour_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o resist_v the_o enticement_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o rebellion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o corruption_n to_o break_v forth_o but_o to_o root_v they_o out_o put_v off_o your_o shoe_n for_o you_o stand_v on_o holy_a ground_n lay_v by_o your_o sin_n and_o wicked_a affection_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a church_n that_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n therefore_o remember_v what_o god_n say_v jer._n 11.15_o what_o shall_v my_o belove_a tarry_n in_o my_o house_n see_v they_o have_v commit_v a_o abomination_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o room_n for_o they_o in_o my_o house_n if_o they_o commit_v abomination_n and_o psalm_n 50.16_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v say_v god_n to_o the_o wicked_a to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v therefore_o say_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 6.5_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o then_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o and_o as_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o fly_v sin_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a etc._n etc._n think_v on_o those_o thing_n phil._n 4.8_o give_v yourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n frequent_a good_a company_n and_o exercise_n use_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n be_v conversant_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n that_o he_o may_v make_v your_o heart_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o live_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a that_o so_o as_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v saint_n so_o you_o may_v live_v like_o saint_n last_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o graceless_a and_o use_v 3_o reckless_a people_n of_o the_o world_n that_o scoff_n at_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n people_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o cup_n or_o upon_o the_o stage_n or_o in_o their_o pastime_n or_o in_o their_o ordinary_a talk_n if_o they_o can_v have_v a_o lest_o at_o the_o holy_a brethren_n in_o it_o though_o without_o cause_n or_o sense_n it_o make_v they_o all_o merry_a it_o season_v all_o their_o business_n but_o first_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o god_n church_n for_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a and_o further_o let_v they_o know_v 3_o that_o they_o must_v be_v either_o saint_n or_o devil_n either_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o know_v that_o as_o they_o scoff_v at_o we_o unjust_o so_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n do_v most_o just_o deride_v they_o and_o will_v one_o day_n laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v to_o they_o a_o token_n of_o perdition_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a token_n too_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o without_o holiness_n themselves_o but_o they_o hate_v it_o and_o deride_v it_o in_o other_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o salvation_n both_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o holiness_n and_o also_o that_o we_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o word_n very_o grave_o which_o they_o do_v so_o deride_v he_o call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v daunt_v by_o their_o scoff_v at_o we_o as_o that_o it_o may_v rather_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v more_o holy_a let_v we_o say_v as_o david_n do_v to_o michal_n when_o she_o scoff_v at_o he_o for_o dance_v before_o the_o ark_n be_o i_o vile_a in_o thy_o eye_n for_o this_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o vile_a so_o let_v we_o say_v do_v our_o holiness_n displease_v you_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o holy_a let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o grow_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n from_o one_o measure_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o scoff_n that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o holy_a place_n whereinto_o none_o unholy_a nor_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v the_o five_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o point_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o we_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o shall_v understand_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o out_o of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n that_o article_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o i_o note_v six_o thing_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v mark_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o for_o so_o say_v the_o nicen_n creed_n and_o so_o this_o article_n intend_v when_o it_o say_v church_n and_o not_o church_n second_o that_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
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
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o natural_o can_v yield_v no_o such_o bad_a fruit_n but_o occasional_o as_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n the_o fault_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o govern_v first_o the_o governor_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a contemn_v their_o inferior_n strive_v with_o equal_n aspire_v to_o the_o high_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o papal_a government_n and_o some_o token_n of_o bad_a governor_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o as_o covetous_a give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n abuse_v their_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o the_o act_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n second_o there_o be_v fault_n in_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v some_o ambitious_o seek_v for_o high_a place_n than_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o some_o be_v envious_a malign_v and_o spite_v their_o superior_n some_o be_v sensual_a despise_v government_n some_o be_v ill-tongued_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n some_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a resist_v their_o order_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o neck_n under_o any_o yoke_n last_o some_o be_v humourous_a and_o peevish_a deny_v that_o power_n set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v for_o innovation_n and_o change_n and_o new_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v contrary_a to_o that_o already_o establish_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n have_v the_o enemy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n wrought_v upon_o
shepherd_n and_o of_o christ_n luke_n 2.19_o 51._o she_o do_v ponder_v and_o keep_v these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v ripen_v our_o thought_n &_o digest_v our_o reading_n and_o conceit_n as_o chew_v the_o cud_n separate_v the_o refuse_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a into_o good_a nourishment_n the_o three_o duty_n be_v conference_n we_o must_v confer_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v luke_n 24.4_o 32._o for_o this_o will_v revive_v our_o understanding_n and_o quicken_v our_o wit_n and_o whe●_n our_o reason_n and_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n and_o throw_v out_o the_o hide_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o husk_n and_o winnow_v away_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o four_a to_o these_o we_o must_v add_v patience_n wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o tarry_v till_o he_o give_v the_o succsse_n and_o till_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o phil._n 3.15_o all_o this_o while_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v toil_a and_o strive_v expect_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o success_n in_o god_n good_a time_n thou_o have_v use_v the_o mean_n &_o daily_o labour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v sure_a it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v reveal_v to_o thou_o yet_o thy_o former_a pain_n second_v with_o patience_n shall_v make_v thy_o state_n as_o good_a in_o god_n acceptance_n through_o christ_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v it_o five_o that_o which_o strike_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n be_v practice_v and_o experience_n a_o most_o certain_a guide_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o the_o former_a rule_n we_o must_v add_v practice_n therefore_o practise_v religion_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n in_o affliction_n in_o temptation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n in_o thy_o daily_a watch_n in_o the_o continual_a course_n and_o term_v of_o thy_o life_n john_n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o act._n 5.32_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119.100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n god_n will_v not_o see_v we_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o such_o necessary_a point_n as_o he_o see_v we_o desire_v as_o well_o to_o obey_v as_o to_o learn_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_n which_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o we_o live_v in_o those_o time_n of_o light_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o good_a help_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n learning_n tongue_n science_n history_n wit_n all_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o ripe_a now_o and_o many_o godly_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yea_o many_o church_n have_v publish_v their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v blind_a now_o let_v they_o be_v blind_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o help_v thankful_o and_o sober_o and_o let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o use_n of_o those_o seciall_a help_n before_o mention_v &_o then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o in_o any_o truth_n doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v diverse_a exception_n make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1_o first_o say_v some_o all_o this_o while_n this_o be_v but_o private_a interpretation_n flat_o forbid_v 2_o peter_n 1.20_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v private_a which_o be_v of_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o our_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n be_v frame_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v false_o call_v private_a that_o same_o spirit_n teach_v we_o which_o teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a second_o it_o be_v except_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o detraction_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o any_o private_a man_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o church_n must_v try_v the_o spirit_n so_o must_v every_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v every_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n the_o spirit_n do_v infallible_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o god_n choose_v first_o or_o last_v every_o thing_n needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n he_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v philip_n 3.15_o it_o be_v so_o in_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o doctrine_n each_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o psal_n 25.5_o lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o spirit_n to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o to_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n ob._n 3_o three_o it_o be_v except_v how_o do_v you_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v from_o god_n spirit_n or_o from_o your_o own_o fancy_n for_o any_o heretic_n can_v and_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o you_o answ_n 1_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n second_o have_v thou_o seek_v and_o attain_v that_o interpretation_n by_o prayer_n then_o out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o scorpion_n and_o poison_n when_o thou_o ask_v fish_n error_n when_o thou_o ask_v the_o truth_n three_o do_v it_o concur_v with_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n not_o doubt_v of_o than_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n object_n 4_o four_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o a_o whole_a church_n special_o the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o be_v so_o guide_v than_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o he_o answ_n answer_v yes_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o yet_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o rule_n sometime_o one_o particular_a man_n or_o two_o follow_v these_o rule_n but_o the_o present_a church_n do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wicklife_n husse_o and_o luther_n one_o or_o few_o then_o deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n because_o they_o observe_v these_o rule_n sometime_o the_o church_n do_v observe_v these_o rule_n and_o particular_a man_n do_v so_o too_o &_o then_o either_o they_o concur_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v direct_o deliver_v &_o receive_v or_o else_o they_o dissente_n and_o then_o rather_o follow_v the_o stream_n than_o one_o or_o two_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o sometime_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o one_o man_n may_v see_v more_o than_o many_o as_o paphnutius_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a again_o sometime_o the_o church_n observe_v these_o rule_n and_o some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a man_n be_v right_a heretic_n and_o the_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o all_o rest_n on_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o so_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n answ_n i_o answer_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o our_o own_o judgement_n indeed_o but_o god_n our_o frailty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v accompany_v be_v we_o only_a but_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o our_o judgement_n from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rest_v on_o god_n judgement_n now_o and_o not_o our_o own_o every_o man_n must_v have_v faith_n of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v though_o not_o of_o his_o own_o by_o work_v
but_o say_v they_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n can_v know_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o our_o word_n but_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v our_o word_n god_n reveal_v they_o say_v they_o to_o the_o saint_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o that_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o papist_n make_v other_o intercessor_n beside_o christ_n they_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v other_o on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o and_o so_o much_o of_o their_o error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n image_n the_o three_o point_n be_v concern_v image_n they_o teach_v that_o image_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v though_o god_n himself_o have_v exprsse_o forbid_v it_o exod._n 20.4_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o if_o that_o commandment_n forbid_v idolatry_n as_o what_o other_o meaning_n can_v it_o have_v than_o they_o teach_v the_o contrary_a do_v teach_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o if_o idolatry_n be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o if_o a_o spouse_n play_v the_o harlot_n be_v to_o be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n both_o which_o be_v large_o set_v forth_o in_o ezech._n chap._n 16._o then_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o spouse_n yet_o upon_o this_o abominable_a whoredom_n she_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v divorce_v and_o cut_v off_o as_o a_o filthy_a strumpet_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o this_o harlot_n plead_v for_o herself_o to_o save_v her_o credit_n and_o honesty_n first_o say_v they_o we_o worship_v not_o the_o image_n but_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o image_n i_o answer_v do_v not_o the_o heathen_a do_v so_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v abominable_a idolater_n yea_o say_v they_o but_o they_o make_v image_n of_o the_o false_a god_n we_o of_o the_o true_a god_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o make_v image_n of_o the_o true_a god_n too_o act_v 17.23_o who_o you_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o the_o israelite_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o image_n exo._n 3●_n 9_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v horrible_a idolater_n nay_o the_o very_a resemble_v of_o the_o invisible_a god_n in_o any_o m●de_a image_n be_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o else_o where_o direct_o forbid_v as_o flat_a idolatry_n nay_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o image_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o can_v be_v free_v from_o worship_v the_o image_n itself_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a worship_n which_o worship_n god_n challenge_v as_o entire_o to_o himself_o as_o the_o inward_a the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o themselves_o confess_v that_o they_o worship_v the_o image_n but_o here_o they_o have_v another_o device_n some_o honour_n say_v they_o we_o give_v indeed_o to_o the_o image_n itself_o but_o that_o be_v a_o lesser_a honour_n answer_v but_o the_o great_a we_o give_v to_o god_n alone_o so_o they_o distinguish_v without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o both_o these_o worship_n be_v condemn_v alike_o in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1.25_o there_o the_o great_a worship_n be_v condemn_v galat._n 4.8_o there_o the_o lesser_a worship_n be_v condemn_v when_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v to_o god_n beside_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n a_o little_a further_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o that_o lesser_a honour_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n or_o not_o if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o then_o there_o be_v some_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o due_a unto_o god_n and_o so_o the_o saint_n belike_o have_v that_o which_o be_v not_o befit_v his_o majesty_n whereas_o we_o know_v that_o little_a &_o great_a worship_n be_v all_o too_o little_a for_o his_o greatness_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n for_o god_n will_v not_o give_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o any_o other_o esa_n last_o if_o this_o lesser_a service_n can_v or_o be_v or_o may_v be_v give_v to_o image_n justification_n yet_o not_o the_o great_a worship_n but_o they_o give_v to_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o wooden_a cross_n yea_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n this_o great_a worship_n this_o very_a latria_n this_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v due_a and_o according_o they_o give_v it_o they_o which_o be_v as_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o any_o among_o the_o heathen_a we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o point_n concern_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v our_o reconcilement_n to_o god_n and_o acceptance_n into_o his_o favour_n wherein_o consist_v our_o whole_a comfort_n and_o true_a happiness_n therefore_o to_o err_v in_o this_o point_n be_v most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n say_v direct_o gal._n 2.16_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n they_o say_v direct_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v in_o part_n by_o his_o own_o work_n and_o here_o they_o mince_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o the_o world_n and_o say_v that_o their_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v of_o themselves_o but_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n dwell_v in_o we_o which_o make_v we_o work_v and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n the_o apostle_n say_v it_o and_o you_o grant_v it_o where_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n sure_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o much_o though_o in_o appearance_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o so_o for_o by_o grace_n they_o understand_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o as_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o love_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o they_o direct_o conclude_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v by_o inherent_a righteousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o so_o say_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o and_o titus_n 3.3_o and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v our_o justification_n be_v only_o by_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v which_o we_o apprehend_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o for_o ourselves_o and_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o own_o state_n by_o the_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v therefore_o justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o alone_o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o good_a work_n in_o our_o live_n but_o because_o christ_n our_o justifier_n be_v apprehend_v by_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n god_n plain_a truth_n without_o any_o quillet_n be_v this_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o for_o our_o salvation_n he_o choose_v we_o to_o salvation_n before_o the_o world_n be_v he_o call_v we_o take_v we_o out_o of_o our_o filth_n and_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n thereof_o free_o upon_o we_o and_o he_o receive_v we_o into_o glory_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v free_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o or_o deserve_v the_o least_o blessing_n at_o his_o hand_n general_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o opposite_a whereof_o be_v a_o most_o fundamental_a error_n and_o they_o that_o disclaim_v it_o not_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v save_v and_o so_o much_o be_v say_v for_o their_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n second_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v their_o corruption_n in_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o second_o be_v their_o corruption_n in_o their_o ordinary_a manner_n first_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o be_v exceed_o corrupt_a in_o their_o practice_n and_o this_o we_o will_v show_v first_o in_o the_o general_a second_o in_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o general_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o err_v and_o be_v foul_o corrupt_v for_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n ceremony_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n yea_o for_o a_o idol_n then_o for_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n to_o be_v honour_v and_o serve_v by_o for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o carnal_a service_n full_a of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n like_v unto_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n heb._n 6.10_o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n &_o drink_n and_o diverse_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censor_n and_o much_o odour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n who_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o law_n exod._n 28.38_o do_v appear_v before_o god_n make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o show_n of_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o for_o any_o one_o no_o nor_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n together_o to_o do_v the_o like_a rule_n the_o five_o instance_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n john_n 4.23.24_o that_o all_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n require_v even_o such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o exod._n 20.4_o 5._o thou_o shall_v make_v thou_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o &c_n &c_n this_o second_o commandment_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o this_o that_o the_o papist_n leave_v it_o out_o in_o some_o of_o their_o catechism_n and_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o commandment_n by_o divide_v the_o last_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tit●le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v ●rule_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v fearful_o threaten_v and_o strange_o punish_v the_o six_o instance_n our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n our_o communion_n be_v warrant_v by_o god_n word_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 &_o c_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o &c_n &c_n whereas_o their_o mass_n have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o in_o the_o word_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o find_v there_o nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._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 prou._n 9.4_o 5._o who_o be_v simple_a let_v he_o come_v hither_o &c_n &c_n and_o esa_n 55.1.3_o loe_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n &c_n &c_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v so_o likewise_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n his_o warrant_n joh._n 9.35_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o our_o saviour_n require_v a_o explicit_a and_o particular_a faith_n in_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o &c_n &c_n that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 7.6_o give_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n &c_n &c_n be_v a_o malicious_a pervert_v of_o christ_n word_n to_o his_o people_n destruction_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o oar_n full_a weight_n in_o this_o second_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o try_v they_o in_o the_o three_o balance_n bal●_n the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o powerful_a to_o work_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o our_o call_n and_o the_o end_n of_o ●●_o what_o cold_a devotion_n will_v there_o be_v in_o we_o and_o what_o hourly_a prayer_n and_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o reverence_n as_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o not_o with_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o five_o instance_n rule_n if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n without_o image_n it_o work_v in_o we_o spiritualnesse_n and_o truth_n for_o we_o present_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o worship_n naked_o without_o any_o image_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o before_o a_o pure_a spirit_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o and_o grow_v by_o use_n to_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v spiritual_a man_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v &_o spiritual_o affect_v our_o understanding_n will_n thought_n desire_n meditation_n and_o course_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a lift_v up_o to_o a_o high_a strain_n in_o affection_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o to_o be_v true_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n against_o all_o carelessness_n and_o hypocrisy_n rule_n and_o formality_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n six_o our_o spiritual_a and_o true_a communion_n with_o christ_n against_o their_o mass_n by_o this_o communion_n christ_n spiritual_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n here_o faith_n do_v her_o right_a office_n in_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o