unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n abolish_v be_v not_o fit_a for_o true_a worshipper_n which_o must_v worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4.24_o their_o continual_a smite_v of_o their_o breast_n cross_v of_o themselves_o number_v of_o their_o prayer_n lift_v up_o the_o host_n sign_n gesture_n picture_n and_o infinite_a such_o like_a trash_n some_o borrow_a from_o the_o jew_n some_o from_o the_o heathen_a idle_a compliment_n superstitious_a impious_a unseemly_a most_o of_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a scarce_o any_o of_o they_o warrantable_a indeed_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a foppery_n as_o many_o beholder_n have_v judge_v even_o by_o sense_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o have_v not_o be_v besot_v with_o their_o juggling_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o carnal_a that_o be_v full_a of_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n but_o they_o be_v carnal_a too_o that_o be_v as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n blood_n what_o more_o carnal_a persuasion_n than_o this_o that_o a_o pardon_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v buy_v with_o money_n that_o a_o priest_n may_v absolve_v upon_o auricular_a confession_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o yet_o for_o money_n he_o shall_v have_v out_o of_o the_o church_n treasury_n the_o merit_n of_o saint_n that_o after_o death_n he_o may_v be_v relieve_v with_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n that_o many_o sin_n be_v venial_a and_o pardonable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o if_o a_o man_n give_v to_o church_n hospital_n or_o monastery_n or_o the_o like_a he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n soul_n yea_o that_o which_o in_o show_n be_v most_o labour_n to_o the_o flesh_n yet_o indeed_o be_v mere_o carnal_a as_o their_o whip_n of_o themselves_o almost_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o spiritualnesse_n at_o all_o in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o prophet_n scoff_n at_o such_o like_a deal_n micha_n 6.7_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o combat_n that_o every_o natural_a man_n have_v rather_o be_v scourge_v and_o die_v then_o undertake_v the_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o his_o belove_a sin_n and_o the_o papist_n use_v that_o to_o be_v excuse_v of_o this_o as_o they_o foolish_o imagine_v and_o they_o measure_v out_o religion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o natural_a reason_n &_o ground_n of_o philosophy_n so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o have_v a_o carnal_a religion_n second_o devise_v they_o have_v a_o will-worship_n that_o be_v a_o service_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o â—heir_a own_o devise_v their_o pilgrimage_n prayer_n abstinence_n from_o diverse_a meat_n voluntary_a poverty_n work_v of_o supererogation_n their_o mass_n satisfaction_n holy_a day_n fast_v day_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v mere_o man_n invention_n so_o that_o god_n may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n esa_n 1.12_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n we_o see_v that_o they_o serve_v &_o please_v themselves_o but_o they_o serve_v nor_o please_v not_o god_n at_o all_o three_o they_o have_v policy_n in_o their_o religion_n state_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o outward_a state_n their_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a image_n and_o relic_n of_o saint_n erect_v in_o their_o church_n to_o be_v offer_v unto_o be_v mere_o a_o mean_n to_o enrich_v their_o own_o coffer_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o triple_a crown_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o beast_n in_o her_o scarlet_a colour_n when_o they_o sell_v a_o man_n a_o pardon_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o so_o many_o year_n release_v from_o purgatory_n for_o some_o round_a sum_n of_o money_n do_v you_o not_o think_v they_o laugh_v at_o he_o when_o he_o be_v go_v even_o as_o our_o cheater_n do_v when_o they_o have_v gull_v some_o poor_a simple_a heart_a man_n they_o know_v these_o can_v do_v no_o good_a and_o yet_o they_o practise_v this_o for_o policy_n machiavelli_n hold_v it_o and_o these_o practise_v it_o that_o religion_n be_v mere_o a_o matter_n of_o policy_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o state_n curse_a wretch_n have_v they_o none_o to_o make_v a_o scoff_n at_o but_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o service_n be_v this_o to_o serve_v god_n no_o it_o be_v to_o make_v god_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o abuse_v and_o change_v his_o word_n to_o their_o vile_a purpose_n second_o it_o as_o they_o err_v and_o be_v foul_o corrupt_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o general_a so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o obscure_v for_o first_o the_o word_n which_o be_v purposely_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n for_o their_o light_n to_o walk_v by_o this_o be_v purposely_o obscure_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v a_o dark_a light_n they_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o by_o it_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v there_o be_v little_o preach_v among_o they_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o they_o preach_v faction_n tradition_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n papist_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o of_o all_o as_o for_o any_o other_o public_a minstration_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v altogether_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n without_o any_o profit_n or_o edification_n to_o the_o people_n well_o yet_o if_o the_o people_n may_v have_v access_n to_o the_o word_n as_o the_o berean_n have_v that_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o pharisee_n papist_n but_o yet_o beware_v of_o their_o leaven_n it_o be_v somewhat_o but_o they_o be_v keep_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o they_o shall_v learn_v no_o more_o but_o what_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n teach_v they_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v good_a christian_n then_o and_o they_o must_v take_v all_o upon_o their_o word_n a_o sure_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a policy_n to_o cloak_n their_o error_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o discern_v they_o and_o a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n to_o suppress_v and_o smother_v up_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o put_v that_o candle_n under_o a_o bushel_n baptism_n which_o himself_o have_v put_v on_o a_o candlestick_n that_o it_o may_v give_v light_a to_o all_o in_o the_o house_n and_o a_o notorious_a wrong_n to_o god_n people_n to_o starve_v they_o of_o the_o food_n of_o life_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o hoodwinked_a that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n into_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n second_o the_o sacrament_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v by_o they_o from_o two_o to_o seven_o though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v a_o sacrament_n but_o those_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o have_v ordain_v but_o even_o in_o christ_n own_o sacrament_n they_o be_v full_a of_o abomination_n as_o first_o in_o baptism_n they_o add_v oil_n salt_n spittle_n and_o exorcism_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o toy_n and_o toy_n be_v loathsome_a in_o god_n service_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n their_o corruption_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a bark_n as_o they_o be_v in_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o very_a sap_n &_o hart_n discipline_n there_o be_v adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o of_o god_n himself_o and_o defraud_v of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o one_o half_a of_o it_o and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o a_o sacrifice_n propitiatory_a for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o make_n of_o christ_n own_o body_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n all_o these_o be_v wicked_a depravation_n either_o of_o the_o nature_n or_o right_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n three_o for_o their_o discipline_n they_o have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n sound_a in_o that_o the_o law_n they_o rule_v by_o be_v canon_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o overseer_n be_v the_o pope_n arm_v as_o well_o with_o a_o temporal_a as_o with_o a_o spiritual_a sword_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o also_o be_v horrible_o abuse_v by_o they_o in_o bind_v excommunicate_v true_a believer_n christian_a state_n and_o prince_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o pope_n yoke_n in_o stead_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n against_o god_n law_n and_o so_o in_o lose_v absolve_a offender_n for_o money_n and_o for_o favour_n yea_o and_o before_o repentance_n too_o respect_n because_o before_o the_o fact_n whereto_o if_o we_o add_v their_o dispensation_n and_o reservation_n whereby_o they_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n to_o free_v who_o they_o will_v see_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o foul_a carriage_n in_o any_o heathen_a state_n in_o the_o world_n four_o for_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v
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 â—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 titâ—le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v â—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 balâ—_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 â—â—_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
administration_n of_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o respective_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n carry_v the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o of_o god_n work_n that_o be_v who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n do_v very_o close_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o we_o now_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n christ_n second_o the_o order_n be_v as_o natural_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o far_o near_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a then_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o god_n in_o general_a for_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n christ_n be_v the_o purchaser_n the_o church_n his_o possession_n he_o be_v the_o shepherd_n they_o his_o sheep_n he_o be_v the_o vine_n they_o the_o branch_n he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o his_o body_n he_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o be_v his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o except_o we_o will_v dis-sund_a these_o who_o god_n have_v join_v most_o near_o together_o after_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o christ_n it_o follow_v next_o and_o immediate_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o church_n you_o hear_v in_o the_o second_o question_n that_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o be_v to_o hear_v who_o they_o be_v for_o who_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o do_v accomplish_v this_o work_n of_o mediation_n and_o those_o be_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n handle_v in_o the_o second_o question_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o do_v handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n three_o together_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n compare_v and_o lay_v together_o the_o order_n be_v very_o natural_a join_v they_o all_o together_o and_o they_o sweet_o and_o orderly_o express_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n god_n do_v save_v his_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n god_n be_v the_o author_n that_o save_v christ_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n by_o who_o he_o save_v the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v save_v god_n purpose_v to_o save_v his_o church_n but_o not_o without_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o church_n but_o not_o without_o warrant_n from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v save_v but_o not_o without_o god_n nor_o without_o christ_n but_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 2._o cor._n 5.9_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o where_o god_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n in_o the_o second_o and_o in_o the_o three_o the_o reconcile_a world_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o introduction_n the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o order_n to_o be_v very_o natural_a the_o second_o branch_n be_v this_o importance_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n for_o first_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o second_o the_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o it_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a first_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o for_o direction_n second_o for_o confirmation_n three_o for_o confutation_n and_o four_a for_o consolation_n and_o first_o for_o direction_n direction_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n general_o most_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o principle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o else_o they_o can_v have_v no_o salvation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n general_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n do_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o none_o else_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o uncertainty_n we_o must_v search_v the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o learn_v there_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a right_a assembly_n that_o safe_o and_o bold_o thou_o may_v join_v thyself_o unto_o therefore_o for_o direction_n this_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a faith_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o howsoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sufficient_a witness_n that_o the_o faith_n we_o embrace_v be_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n yet_o our_o weakness_n require_v also_o some_o outward_a witness_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o the_o best_a and_o only_o witness_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o this_o true_a church_n be_v and_o then_o find_v that_o it_o do_v embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o we_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o be_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_a faith_n adversary_n three_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o adversary_n for_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o brownist_n on_o the_o other_o do_v lay_v hard_a against_o we_o that_o either_o we_o be_v no_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v they_o and_o to_o justify_v our_o own_o church_n and_o our_o stand_n in_o it_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n consolation_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o what_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n own_o church_n i_o must_v first_o therefore_o know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v before_o ever_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o sound_a comfort_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o in_o these_o respect_v the_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a respect_n and_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n second_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a for_o first_o many_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o reckless_a and_o will_v not_o join_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o ask_v they_o the_o cause_n they_o will_v answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o second_o other_o will_v fain_o join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o know_v not_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n three_o other_o mistake_v the_o false_a church_n for_o the_o true_a and_o so_o join_v to_o the_o false_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a and_o so_o run_v headlong_o from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n from_o truth_n and_o salvation_n to_o error_n and_o condemnation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n misunderstand_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n use_v whereby_o to_o entangle_v man_n in_o popery_n and_o this_o one_o allegation_n have_v make_v more_o to_o become_v papist_n and_o to_o continue_v papist_n than_o any_o ten_o of_o their_o best_a allegation_n and_o pretence_n beside_o last_o those_o that_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o stand_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o not_o and_o not_o know_v the_o true_a church_n be_v easy_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o church_n that_o be_v worse_a or_o to_o a_o false_a church_n so_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n we_o have_v lamentable_a experience_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o in_o these_o day_n some_o turn_v papist_n some_o brownist_n some_o become_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o even_o for_o this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o best_a and_o most_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a and_o fearful_a of_o their_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o right_o acquaint_v with_o this_o
the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2._o cor._n 6.17_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v none_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n last_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o control_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o romish_a use_v 6_o antichrist_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o saint_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o fellow_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o will_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o none_o must_v bless_v he_o this_o be_v abominable_a pride_n and_o insolency_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o seven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o argument_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o church_n we_o turn_v aside_o to_o expound_v the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o there_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v we_o find_v six_o adjunct_n or_o epithet_n that_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v withal_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o catholic_a four_a that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o six_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o the_o five_o former_a be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o article_n of_o which_o you_o have_v also_o heatd_v the_o six_o and_o last_o whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v be_v not_o plain_o lay_v down_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v direct_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o clause_n grow_v from_o the_o article_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_v manifest_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o doctr._n we_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a the_o true_a church_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n &_o themselves_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n and_o likewise_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o the_o profession_n of_o other_o man_n yea_o but_o their_o save_a grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v but_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o you_o see_v how_o the_o note_n stand_v first_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o three_o they_o be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o prove_v first_o god_n know_v they_o mala._n 3.16_o god_n have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v he_o john_n 10.14_o i_o know_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o in_o joh._n 13.18_o he_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o god_n own_o secret_a counsel_n to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o name_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n themselves_o second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o 1._o joh._n 3.14.19_o we_o know_v we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o 1._o joh._n 4.13_o 16._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v in_o us._n here_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v each_o other_o to_o be_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v know_v you_o or_o you_o i_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n but_o that_o all_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o state_n and_o particular_o every_o one_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v of_o it_o it_o three_o none_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o revel_v 2.17_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_a neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o within_o and_o the_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a exception_n against_o all_o outward_a show_n and_o testification_n whatsoever_o as_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o make_v any_o certain_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o jew_n indeed_o that_o be_v who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o right_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o heart_n which_o god_n alone_o and_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v express_o say_v they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o 18._o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.3_o 4._o the_o prophet_n heliah_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o he_o see_v no_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n if_o any_o can_v have_v discern_v they_o than_o the_o prophet_n may_v that_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o he_o know_v no_o such_o no_o nor_o scarce_o any_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o therefore_o only_o god_n and_o themselves_o know_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o whereby_o they_o be_v reas_n 1_o know_v to_o man_n that_o be_v their_o profession_n be_v common_a to_o hyprocrite_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o for_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v as_o far_o in_o show_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o best_a therefore_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o that_o whereby_o true_a believer_n be_v distinguish_v reas_n 2_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o inward_a affection_n can_v be_v see_v by_o man_n for_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v as_o low_a in_o sin_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o have_v truth_n in_o their_o heart_n still_o but_o none_o know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o none_o know_v this_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o three_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o he_o may_v bear_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o harbour_v secret_o some_o sin_n that_o may_v utter_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n therefore_o none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v god_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o four_o there_o be_v certain_a inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n reas_n 4_o which_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n especial_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o close_a secret_n not_o to_o be_v discern_v outwad_o only_o these_o be_v know_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o reu._n 2.17_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n that_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n may_v know_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v it_o too_o as_o of_o david_n abraham_n peter_n paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v meddle_v no_o further_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v god_n but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o joh._n 21.21_o 22._o when_o peter_n will_v inquire_v of_o another_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v our_o
christian_a bear_v and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o their_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a but_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o so_o then_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n yoke-fellowe_n all_o church_n receive_v denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v now_o then_o religion_n be_v as_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o name_n and_o be_v therefore_o look_v what_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n profess_v and_o such_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v repute_v there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n as_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n profess_v such_o religion_n be_v false_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o worship_n false_a god_n and_o so_o embrace_v false_a religion_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saracen_n that_o erect_v and_o set_v up_o mahomet_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o deny_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v false_a church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o church_n that_o embrace_v party_n religion_n in_o part_n true_a and_o in_o part_n false_a yea_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a that_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o some_o error_n and_o what_o church_n be_v there_o so_o impure_a that_o profess_v not_o some_o notable_a heavenly_a truth_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v what_o truth_n and_o what_o error_n they_o hold_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v soon_o decide_v without_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o no_o true_a church_n 1._o joh._n 5.12_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o whether_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o in_o it_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n profess_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o false_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o profess_v falsehood_n in_o it_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n overthrow_v in_o it_o i_o answer_v sure_o it_o may_v till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o false_a church_n have_v get_v the_o upperhand_n and_o make_v law_n for_o her_o error_n and_o against_o the_o other_o truth_n with_o sentence_n of_o abandon_v all_o those_o out_o of_o their_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o truth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n revel_v 3.1_o 4._o she_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o take_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n whatsoever_o church_n embrace_v christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o taint_v with_o many_o error_n beside_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o church_n believe_v not_o this_o be_v a_o false_a church_n though_o it_o hold_v many_o other_o excellent_a truth_n beside_o so_o much_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o god_n have_v so_o many_o several_a kind_n of_o church_n for_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o remain_v now_o and_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n therefore_o when_o we_o mention_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v several_o divide_v into_o diverse_a and_o several_a kind_n but_o distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a respect_n and_o principal_o for_o these_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n distinguish_v or_o compass_v of_o it_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o the_o several_a estate_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v unto_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n sometime_o know_v sometime_o unknown_a first_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a universal_a that_o be_v universal_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n a_o earth_n but_o this_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o reach_v to_o heaven_n itself_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o both_o in_o the_o adjunct_n catholic_a and_o also_o in_o handle_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v trust_v your_o memory_n for_o that_o point_n and_o not_o speak_v more_o here_o of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v particular_a every_o particular_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v several_a by_o themselves_o of_o several_a time_n and_o place_n be_v but_o particular_a church_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o proper_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o will_v respite_n it_o till_o then_o second_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o define_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o several_a state_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fight_v or_o warfare_n and_o the_o second_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v crown_v and_o triumph_v and_o according_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a on_o earth_n that_o do_v continual_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v thus_o fight_v for_o though_o hypocrite_n and_o sometime_o those_o that_o do_v persecute_v the_o gospel_n do_v fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o so_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v repute_v part_n of_o this_o militant_a church_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o colourable_o and_o outward_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n not_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n nor_o in_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n nor_o in_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o speak_v proper_o none_o be_v true_a part_n of_o this_o church_n militant_a respect_n but_o the_o faithful_a only_o second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o though_o sometime_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o faithful_a oppugn_v they_o in_o their_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n yet_o it_o be_v mere_o in_o a_o spiritual_a respect_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o hurt_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n or_o life_n of_o grace_n &_o so_o likewise_o when_o the_o faithful_a defend_v their_o body_n or_o outward_a estate_n against_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o maintain_v their_o reputation_n or_o their_o life_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n second_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v in_o this_o fight_n for_o they_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a on_o both_o part_n the_o adversary_n weapon_n be_v temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o faithful_a their_o weapon_n be_v the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_n of_o the_o field_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v spirit_n god_n good_a spirit_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o satan_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n on_o the_o wicked_n side_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o this_o warfare_n must_v be_v exercise_v continual_o for_o the_o envious_a man_n
outward_o discern_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o austen_n and_o the_o father_n mean_v lucif_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v sometime_o in_o a_o eclipse_n so_o darken_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v so_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n too_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o they_o all_o strengthen_v one_o another_o especial_o the_o first_o three_o must_v be_v lay_v together_o else_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a apart_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o very_a few_o they_o be_v always_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o sometime_o they_o be_v few_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o noah_n family_n now_o that_o which_o few_o do_v except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v little_a observable_a to_o the_o world_n reas_n 2_o second_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o withal_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n now_o that_o which_o poor_a and_o mean_a one_o do_v be_v general_o neglect_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a exploit_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o which_o they_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o notorious_a thing_n that_o the_o world_n regard_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v after_o except_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o true_a member_n that_o seek_v to_o join_v with_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o or_o else_o by_o persecutor_n and_o such_o seek_v after_o it_o only_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v after_o christ_n matth._n 2.13_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v four_o their_o persecutor_n many_o time_n bring_v they_o to_o reas_n 4_o this_o low_a scantling_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o dioclesian_n time_n all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v find_v be_v put_v to_o death_n their_o body_n be_v burn_v and_o their_o temple_n be_v overthrow_v where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n persecution_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o low_a scantling_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o this_o be_v shadow_v to_o we_o in_o matth._n 8.24_o by_o the_o ship_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o that_o be_v cover_v with_o wave_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v yet_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o yet_o it_o live_v five_o sometime_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o reas_n 5_o church_n and_o they_o sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o overcome_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o arius_n with_o his_o heresy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o itself_o to_o see_v itself_o become_v a_o arian_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n set_v it_o down_o where_o can_v a_o man_n say_v now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o i_o must_v join_v six_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v and_o indeed_o reas_n 6_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o fearful_a and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o profession_n but_o fly_v away_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v matth._n 26.56_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v like_o fearful_a man_n where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o seven_o counterfeit_v and_o deceiver_n be_v very_o cunning_a reas_n 7_o and_o will_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n on_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n on_o hypocrisy_n and_o on_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v do_v on_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o false_a apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 11.13_o 14._o and_o mat._n 24.24_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v because_o of_o these_o deceiver_n reas_n 8_o eight_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o suffer_v itself_o easy_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n be_v go_v as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o estate_n sometime_o reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n for_o they_o can_v abide_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v flourish_v so_o much_o as_o outward_o reu._n 12.4_o to_o 14._o who_o drive_v the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n but_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n reas_n 10_o the_o ten_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n merciful_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o hide_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n and_o yet_o be_v content_v to_o let_v they_o lie_v hide_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o breathe_a time_n from_o persecution_n and_o that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o bend_v their_o force_n against_o they_o therefore_o ofttimes_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o god_n hide_v the_o faithful_a secret_o in_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o persecute_v they_o as_o also_o thereby_o he_o try_v the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o by_o appearance_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n many_o will_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o than_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o man_n will_v walk_v faithful_o or_o no._n likewise_o god_n do_v it_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n he_o leave_v they_o just_o without_o any_o apparent_a teach_n or_o profession_n of_o better_a religion_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o he_o can_v see_v no_o better_o any_o where_o else_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o no_o better_a religion_n than_o their_o own_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o so_o just_o perish_v last_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n only_o for_o the_o perpetuity_n reas_n 11_o of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o be_v of_o it_o not_o for_o any_o flourish_a outward_a estate_n matth._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o may_v do_v to_o it_o they_o may_v deface_v it_o suppress_v it_o banish_v it_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a corner_n but_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v it_o they_o may_v and_o do_v destroy_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visiblenesse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v never_o destroy_v thus_o far_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o tie_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o further_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o papist_n use_v 1_v that_o hold_v a_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n some_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o therefore_o it_o refute_v those_o that_o do_v their_o speech_n be_v large_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v as_o notorious_o visible_a as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o multitude_n succession_n pomp_n visibility_n headship_n and_o that_o at_o rome_n
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
and_o burn_v up_o god_n water_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n thereof_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o work_n to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v dismay_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o daunt_v satan_n himself_o for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n yea_o against_o his_o special_a hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v the_o wicked_a after_o the_o flood_n when_o they_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o confusion_n but_o these_o fight_n against_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v though_o they_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o church_n yet_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v comfort_v the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o persecution_n temptation_n and_o distress_n whatsoever_o because_o that_o they_o be_v build_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o like_o mount_n zion_n they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v remove_v and_o likewise_o they_o be_v continual_o assist_v by_o god_n hand_n so_o that_o their_o enemy_n can_v hurt_v they_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o 2._o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o observation_n arise_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o point_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o doct._n 2_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v effectual_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o due_a success_n there_o certain_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n first_o i_o say_v where_o they_o be_v effectual_a for_o sometime_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v present_a yet_o not_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a effectual_a but_o where_o they_o be_v effectual_a only_o there_o they_o cause_v a_o church_n second_o i_o say_v by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o success_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o point_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o church_n be_v there_o as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o they_o be_v effectual_a verse_n 41._o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a verse_n 47._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o verse_n 47._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 11._o from_o 20._o to_o 26._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o be_v also_o so_o call_v vers_fw-la 26._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n saint_n by_o calling_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v a_o call_v then_o and_o this_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v 1.16_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v seven_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christ_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o star_n that_o be_v his_o minister_n uphold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb_n 4.12_o and_o these_o be_v effectual_a too_o the_o star_n be_v uphold_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n so_o where_o these_o be_v thus_o effectual_a there_o be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o cause_n do_v always_o prove_v the_o effect_n necessary_o where_o it_o have_v her_o work_n and_o be_v not_o resist_v now_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o resist_v therefore_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n too_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v there_o be_v the_o definition_n reas_n 2_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v joint_o the_o save_a truth_n now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n three_o whosoever_o live_v in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o these_o reas_n 3_o cause_n be_v walk_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a to_o obey_v these_o mean_n he_o be_v certain_o save_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whosoever_o live_v out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v these_o mean_n ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v then_o where_o these_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o without_o the_o church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o our_o adversary_n that_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o deal_v against_o in_o this_o case_n confess_v it_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o conserve_n it_o therefore_o we_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n separation_n against_o the_o separation_n that_o deny_v it_o for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n because_o that_o we_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v effectual_a yea_o and_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n if_o they_o except_v against_o we_o they_o must_v deny_v and_o say_v either_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o effectual_a or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n some_o deny_v some_o of_o these_o and_o some_o deny_v all_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v we_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o they_o say_v we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n discipline_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o you_o want_v discipline_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o only_o wait_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o they_o so_o much_o require_v answ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o happy_o not_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a a_o church_n for_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o though_o you_o have_v the_o word_n among_o you_o call_v yet_o you_o have_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n for_o your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_n they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o extraordinary_a call_n we_o neither_o have_v answ_n nor_o look_v for_o but_o such_o ordinary_a call_n as_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v have_v in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o same_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o since_o that_o time_n and_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v never_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o object_n but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v your_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rome_n i_o
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
and_o so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v in_o but_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o uncharitable_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o not_o to_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o true_a church_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o true_o preach_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n so_o right_o administer_v nor_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o sincere_o yield_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o be_v not_o more_o except_o 2_o know_n than_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disable_v by_o your_o own_o rule_n before_o give_v from_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n for_o see_v that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v more_o know_v so_o they_o must_v be_v first_o know_v i_o know_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o by_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o church_n by_o their_o faith_n only_o and_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o i_o know_v a_o musician_n because_o of_o his_o music_n not_o the_o music_n by_o the_o musician_n and_o so_o much_o for_o reproof_n of_o these_o first_o sort_n of_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n exception_n second_o it_o reprove_v other_o that_o object_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o mark_n require_v as_o well_o as_o these_o as_o first_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o say_v they_o there_o except_o 1_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v presuppose_v and_o intend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a mark_n answ_n when_o we_o say_v except_o 2_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v answ_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o special_o discipline_n except_o 3_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o good_a mark_n answ_n but_o not_o essential_a the_o church_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o well-being_n discipline_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a i_o confess_v where_o that_o discipline_n want_v that_o god_n call_v for_o in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o far_o that_o church_n be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n but_o yet_o not_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n his_o sinew_n be_v weak_a his_o hand_n tremble_v his_o joint_n be_v not_o sound_o knit_v together_o this_o be_v a_o craze_a and_o disease_a man_n not_o a_o false_a man_n so_o that_o church_n that_o want_v discipline_n be_v not_o well_o and_o sound_o tie_v together_o in_o the_o joint_n and_o so_o be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n not_o a_o false_a church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o their_o corruption_n for_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o let_v we_o judge_v charitable_o and_o not_o say_v such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o false_a church_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a church_n they_o three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v other_o adversary_n here_o reprove_v that_o object_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v the_o papist_n they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o mark_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o other_o be_v more_o require_v than_o these_o and_o that_o as_o better_a mark_n they_o allege_v four_o first_o antiquity_n second_o succession_n three_o multitude_n last_o unity_n or_o consent_n these_o be_v strange_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n first_o for_o antiquity_n can_v that_o find_v i_o out_o the_o true_a church_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v ancient_a therefore_o it_o be_v antiquity_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o place_n or_o people_n look_v what_o church_n maintain_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n so_o that_o antiquity_n separate_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n cain_n and_o satan_n be_v ancient_a yet_o no_o true_a church_n but_o join_v this_o note_n with_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a word_n preach_v which_o be_v one_o of_o our_o note_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n second_o for_o succession_n what_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o one_o chair_n be_v this_o a_o note_n without_o the_o word_n or_o with_o it_o if_o they_o say_v without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v falsâ—â—f_a with_o the_o word_n than_o still_o they_o run_v upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o 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
angel_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v live_v continual_o praise_v and_o glorify_v god_n there_o we_o shall_v have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16._o to_o conclude_v therefore_o let_v we_o not_o debase_v ourselves_o to_o sinful_a and_o vile_a and_o slavish_a course_n but_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o walk_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o such_o great_a and_o high_a privilege_n as_o these_o be_v the_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n not_o humane_a such_o as_o king_n and_o man_n endow_v the_o church_n withal_o but_o divine_a such_o as_o god_n endue_v the_o church_n withal_o and_o therein_o we_o handle_v two_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n second_o what_o these_o privilege_n be_v there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o last_o point_n namely_o what_o they_o be_v for_o there_o be_v two_o special_a privilege_n something_o questionable_a above_o the_o rest_n each_o of_o they_o subject_n to_o mistake_v and_o the_o mistake_n of_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o error_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n on_o and_o thereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no_o the_o second_o privilege_n questionable_a be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v salvation_n and_o thereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n neither_o whether_o any_o can_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o no_o these_o be_v the_o two_o point_n which_o i_o purpose_v to_o handle_v at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n spirit_n whereupon_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v or_o no_o and_o because_o error_n be_v a_o general_a name_n affirm_v as_o well_o of_o matter_n of_o obedience_n as_o of_o knowledge_n of_o bad_a manner_n as_o well_o as_o of_o false_a doctrine_n therefore_o in_o plain_a and_o large_a term_n it_o shall_v be_v propound_v and_o handle_v thus_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v either_o in_o manner_n or_o doctrine_n or_o in_o both_o or_o in_o neither_o to_o open_a the_o way_n to_o the_o disclose_v of_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v right_o these_o word_n church_n and_o error_n first_o concern_v the_o word_n church_n for_o whereas_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n sometime_o some_o one_o visible_a congregation_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o both_o alike_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o far_o otherwise_o of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o for_o whereas_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o contain_v believer_n only_o and_o all_o of_o they_o together_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v some_o special_a privilege_n above_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o for_o some_o kind_n of_o error_n every_o believer_n have_v a_o privilege_n in_o that_o respect_n above_o a_o unbeliever_n therefore_o all_o together_o much_o more_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o or_o two_o may_v be_v seduce_v to_o error_n yet_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o church_n consist_v of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o true_a believer_n yea_o sometime_o all_o or_o most_o of_o hypocrite_n therefore_o the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o subject_a unto_o error_n then_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n second_o concern_v the_o word_n error_n the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v every_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o every_o swerve_v from_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v error_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o doctrine_n 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such_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o galâ—tia_n in_o gal._n 5.2.4_o where_o they_o join_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o 2._o verse_n that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o vers_fw-la 4._o you_o be_v abolish_v from_o christ_n whosoever_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v fall_v from_o grace_n be_v other_o error_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n as_o when_o man_n hold_v the_o foundation_n but_o yet_o err_v in_o building_n on_o it_o and_o such_o notwithstanding_o these_o error_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 3.12_o to_o 15._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o some_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n but_o shall_v this_o turn_n to_o their_o damnation_n no_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v he_o but_o what_o without_o repentance_n no_o for_o in_o the_o 13._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o day_n or_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shall_v dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v purify_v and_o purge_v away_o these_o error_n from_o they_o so_o that_o they_o must_v repent_v of_o these_o error_n but_o than_o you_o will_v say_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o those_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n for_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n shall_v be_v save_v too_o matter_n upon_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o for_o first_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n be_v seldom_o and_o hardly_o reclaim_v not_o one_o among_o a_o hundred_o but_o they_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n be_v usual_o and_o easy_o 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infirmity_n or_o of_o obstinacy_n of_o infirmity_n as_o when_o we_o be_v either_o by_o negligence_n ignorance_n oversight_n weakness_n as_o be_v take_v trip_v in_o a_o snare_n against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o purpose_n and_o holy_a desire_n or_o by_o other_o occasion_n such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v sudden_o fall_v into_o any_o offence_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o &c_n &c_n when_o as_o they_o see_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o if_o they_o do_v see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o weak_a desire_n and_o labour_n against_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o assault_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o their_o corruption_n so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v overcome_v it_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o infirmity_n some_o error_n be_v of_o obstinacy_n that_o be_v
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n example_n will_v clear_v it_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v err_v in_o some_o kind_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o in_o paradise_n as_o also_o in_o christ_n time_n yea_o even_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n have_v their_o error_n but_o some_o church_n may_v err_v and_o other_o have_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o take_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o a_o example_n that_o once_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o call_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o yet_o it_o err_v in_o the_o apostle_n johns_n time_n yea_o it_o be_v now_o utter_o and_o fina_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n to_o mahomet_n and_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o foundation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v recover_v again_o and_o so_o her_o fall_n be_v not_o final_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v recover_v through_o god_n providence_n at_o the_o last_o yea_o but_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v her_o fall_n be_v as_o well_o final_a as_o fundamental_a and_o that_o which_o be_v her_o case_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o sure_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o walk_v in_o her_o step_n revelat._n 2.5_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o many_o other_o primitive_a church_n how_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n some_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n some_o to_o the_o donatist_n some_o to_o the_o novatian_n etc._n etc._n the_o lamentable_a estate_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n prove_v this_o point_n without_o exception_n they_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n christ_n error_n like_o a_o gangrene_n sometime_o overgrow_a all_o but_o some_o may_v say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n may_v err_v but_o we_o say_v that_o their_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o yea_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o this_o confute_v themselves_o for_o first_o they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v err_v for_o so_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o err_v by_o excommunication_n when_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n other_o of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o err_v in_o canonise_a of_o saint_n when_o they_o canonize_v some_o for_o saint_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v devil_n in_o hell_n second_o they_o confess_v that_o counsel_n may_v err_v too_o and_o three_o that_o their_o pope_n may_v err_v too_o and_o last_o that_o their_o people_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n
fruit_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o never_o give_v over_o not_o though_o himself_o be_v foil_v and_o cast_v unto_o the_o earth_n for_o there_o he_o persecute_v the_o woman_n vers_n 13._o nor_o yet_o though_o the_o woman_n be_v carry_v away_o from_o he_o into_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o there_o he_o persecute_v she_o vers_fw-la 14._o and_o 15._o not_o yet_o though_o he_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o attempt_n yet_o he_o give_v not_o over_o but_o make_v war_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n vers_fw-la 16.17_o so_o that_o this_o place_n teach_v every_o particular_a the_o point_n observe_v see_v it_o yet_o more_o plain_o affirm_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n and_o set_v down_o as_o a_o ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o gen._n 3.15_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n he_o shall_v break_v thy_o head_n thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a opposition_n betwixt_o satan_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o church_n and_o her_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v continual_a for_o when_o his_o head_n be_v break_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4._o in_o overcome_v he_o in_o his_o temptation_n but_o special_o at_o his_o death_n yet_o still_o he_o seek_v to_o assault_v the_o church_n and_o to_o bruise_v her_o heel_n and_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n be_v justify_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n john_n 16.33_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v affliction_n but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n &c_n &c_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o long_o as_o you_o be_v in_o the_o world_n look_v for_o affliction_n it_o be_v your_o portion_n here_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o assault_v with_o many_o adversary_n yet_o last_o of_o all_o see_v it_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n vers_fw-la 7.8_o when_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n and_o the_o arabian_n and_o the_o ammonite_n and_o the_o ashdodim_v hear_v that_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v repair_v they_o conspire_v altogether_o to_o come_v and_o to_o fight_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o so_o in_o heb._n 11.35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v this_o that_o many_o be_v stone_v many_o rack_v other_o hew_v asunder_o and_o other_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o assault_n and_o opposition_n that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 49._o to_o the_o 13._o speak_v of_o the_o like_a opposition_n that_o the_o church_n meet_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v as_o man_n appoint_v to_o death_n a_o gaze_a stock_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n &c_n &c_n make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off_o scour_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o thes_n 2.18_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v come_v unto_o they_o but_o satan_n hinder_v he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n assault_v the_o church_n continual_o and_o hinder_v their_o good_a proceed_n so_o in_o psal_n 2.1.2_o etc._n etc._n the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n murmur_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n band_n themselves_o and_o the_o prince_n be_v assemble_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o in_o act._n 4.27_o in_o both_o these_o place_n christ_n himself_o be_v propound_v for_o a_o example_n in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o profess_v he_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n all_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o with_o all_o his_o member_n if_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v he_o they_o will_v hate_v and_o oppose_v they_o for_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n what_o church_n ever_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n yea_o or_o what_o one_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o can_v no_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n either_o in_o captivity_n or_o out_o of_o it_o either_o under_o the_o law_n or_o before_o the_o law_n or_o after_o the_o law_n either_o apostle_n prophet_n or_o patriarch_n all_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o yea_o adam_n himself_o in_o paradise_n see_v how_o he_o be_v encounter_v and_o overcome_v and_o so_o cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n which_o all_o mankind_n rue_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o place_n not_o state_n but_o heaven_n free_a there_o and_o no_o where_o but_o there_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v triumphant_a there_o she_o be_v always_o militant_a assault_v and_o fight_v against_o by_o many_o adversary_n that_o seek_v to_o disquiet_v her_o peace_n and_o hinder_v her_o good_a proceed_n so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n reas_n 1_o upon_o the_o serpent_n for_o when_o god_n ordain_v that_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o justice_n as_o a_o judge_n inflict_v this_o be_v a_o punishment_n upon_o the_o serpent_n because_o he_o seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o opposition_n light_v heavy_o and_o just_o on_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o hit_v they_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o byblow_n for_o their_o chastisement_n the_o main_a stroke_n be_v inflict_v on_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n reas_n 2_o second_o satan_n spite_n and_o envy_n against_o good_a man_n and_o good_a thing_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v he_o that_o stir_v up_o and_o blow_v all_o these_o coal_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v it_o be_v gall_n and_o death_n to_o he_o to_o see_v either_o good_a man_n or_o good_a thing_n prosper_v and_o therefore_o he_o bend_v himself_o against_o they_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o might_n reas_n 3_o three_o the_o church_n and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v contrary_a mover_n the_o world_n have_v flesh_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n the_o church_n have_v grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v their_o mover_n and_o so_o they_o have_v contrary_a will_n the_o one_o set_v upon_o good_a the_o other_o whole_o upon_o evil_n and_o so_o also_o they_o have_v contrary_a end_n the_o church_n aim_v at_o god_n glory_n and_o at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o wicked_a at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o they_o tend_v to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a opposition_n of_o the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o in_o all_o their_o course_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a reas_n 4_o four_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o good_a to_o be_v cross_v and_o oppose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o trouble_v and_o vex_v and_o hurt_v and_o fight_v against_o he_o that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o reas_n 5_o five_o christ_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o luk._n 2.34_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o can_v but_o be_v mighty_o oppose_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o militanâ—_n head_n but_o also_o for_o that_o very_a cause_n because_o they_o profess_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o reas_n 6_o six_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o faith_n first_o of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n even_o among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v among_o you_o may_v be_v know_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 4.12_o think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v among_o you_o to_o prove_v you_o so_o likewise_o these_o opposition_n be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o of_o our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o we_o love_v he_o unfaigned_o and_o mere_o for_o himself_o or_o for_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o good_a and_o safety_n for_o if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o these_o then_o when_o these_o fail_n
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greateâ—_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n can_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a assurance_n now_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n bring_v we_o thereto_o and_o itself_o lean_v thereon_o for_o if_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o than_o i_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o church_n say_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n stand_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o 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have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a 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epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n 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they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n which_o be_v a_o most_o pestilent_a religion_n &_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n admit_v no_o colour_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v reject_v mahomet_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o mahomet_n we_o must_v reject_v christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v show_v himself_o a_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sore_a enemy_n preserve_v his_o faith_n and_o church_n even_o wheâ—e_v satan_n throne_n be_v world_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o of_o pergamus_n reu._n 2.13_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n so_o consider_v that_o it_o general_o abound_v and_o swarm_n overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o place_n the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o remnant_n that_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o follow_v not_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 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faction_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n in_o that_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o right_a belief_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o faction_n do_v and_o these_o be_v mingle_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o â—â—ue_a church_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o be_v in_o our_o saviors_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o sway_v all_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o their_o course_n marry_o simeon_n anna_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_o a_o few_o more_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n join_v or_o rather_o they_o with_o he_o as_o live_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o whole_a be_v right_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o they_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v right_o 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a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o grant_v that_o they_o come_v very_o near_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n almost_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n mercy_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n which_o error_n if_o they_o will_v reclaim_v few_o or_o none_o of_o we_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o this_o overthrow_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v because_o if_o man_n merit_n justify_v than_o christ_n merit_n alone_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o but_o direct_o they_o do_v not_o for_o still_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n merit_n that_o make_v they_o merit_v they_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a in_o this_o point_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v gross_a enough_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n by_o consequence_n yet_o still_o by_o consequence_n only_o not_o direct_o and_o 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can_v suspect_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o reas_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n israel_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o state_n compare_v she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o exod._n 32.6_o there_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o calf_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o and_o in_o numb_a 25.3_o 9_o compare_v with_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o we_o see_v that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o baalpeor_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o moabite_n thus_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o look_v further_o into_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n and_o make_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la 1_o king_n 14.16_o and_o so_o in_o ahab_n time_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.30_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n do_v worse_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o so_o a_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o passove_a in_o israel_n for_o many_o year_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n still_o so_o likewise_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n retain_v some_o notable_a truth_n be_v still_o to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 23.3_o and_o yet_o their_o leven_n to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o matthew_n 16.6_o so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o corrruption_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n retain_v circumcision_n whereby_o all_o profit_n and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n be_v utter_o m_o the_o void_a that_o be_v by_o consequence_n the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.2_o that_o if_o we_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o work_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v both_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a revel_v 3.1_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o all_o these_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v thus_o corrupe_v why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o have_v many_o other_o foul_a corruption_n sardis_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n repute_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 3_o church_n the_o three_o reasen_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o many_o even_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o luther_n calvin_n zanchey_n morney_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o fiery_a and_o fierce_a against_o the_o romish_a church_n hate_v their_o abomination_n with_o as_o perfect_a 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the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o error_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o very_a like_o point_n in_o those_o thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o than_o this_o teach_v we_o answ_n that_o those_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o baptism_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v lawful_a baptism_n but_o some_o except_a and_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v baptize_v into_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o sound_v in_o that_o that_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v general_o corrupt_a but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o into_o their_o faith_n answ_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o as_o be_v persuade_v their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o second_o i_o answer_v the_o minister_n intent_n make_v not_o the_o sacrament_n answerable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v god_n work_n and_o he_o make_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a receiver_n effectual_a to_o the_o use_n 2_o right_a use_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o unto_o ordination_n second_o it_o justify_v our_o ministry_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o papist_n
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 worâ—_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o thâ—t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o 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have_v a_o hand_n in_o cause_v the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n justify_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n against_o the_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o a_o church_n object_n you_o want_v discipline_n your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_v you_o have_v your_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o have_v no_o covenant_n betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n you_o want_v the_o success_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a the_o first_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o it_o first_o of_o the_o head_n and_o in_o it_o three_o thing_n corpus_fw-la adaequatum_fw-la sit_fw-la christus_fw-la christiani_n caput_fw-la aug._n lib._n 3._o cont_n petil._n c._n 42._o reinolds_n confer_v 5._o the_o blasphemy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v run_v into_o in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o blow_n they_o give_v to_o christ_n therein_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n christ_n never_o give_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n papist_n plea_n for_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n answer_v place_n allege_v by_o they_o for_o this_o answer_v as_o mat._n 16.19_o and_o joh._n 21.16_o 17._o and_o mat._n 16.18_o christ_n say_v he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o none_o be_v able_a to_o wield_v and_o sway_v it_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n prove_v that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o rather_o a_o supreme_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v make_v the_o doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n do_v what_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o under_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v not_o the_o course_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o do_v the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o so_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n and_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v antichrist_n the_o pope_n take_v christ_n name_n upon_o he_o viz._n chief_a shepherd_n object_n you_o make_v the_o king_n head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v wary_o use_v because_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n many_o way_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o three_o thing_n touch_v a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o member_n thereof_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n and_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n the_o second_o sort_n and_o of_o this_o two_o sort_n the_o three_o sort_n hyper._n method_n 574._o additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o to_o one_o believer_n the_o brownist_n objection_n of_o our_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n answer_v diverse_a way_n object_n you_o let_v wicked_a one_o continue_v in_o your_o church_n without_o separation_n hyp._n 577._o 580._o etc._n etc._n bernard_n against_o brownist_n 1034._o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v bad_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v good_a there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v the_o four_o general_a thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o mark_v of_o it_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v mark_n of_o the_o church_n two_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_v to_o make_v they_o legitimate_a the_o first_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o three_o other_o thaâ—_n 〈◊〉_d subordinate_a to_o they_o the_o second_o qualâ—â—â—â—_n of_o these_o mark_n vrsin_n 582._o vogel_n 727._o calvin_n inst_n lib._n 4_o cap._n 1_o sect_n 10._o in_o act_n 2.42_o non_fw-la secùs_fw-la ac_fw-la belli_fw-la deuce_n ut_fw-la dissipatum_fw-la call_v aliqua_fw-la exercitum_fw-la recolligant_fw-la signa_fw-la militaria_fw-la vel_fw-la accensos_fw-la ignes_fw-la ex_fw-la edito_fw-la loce_fw-la conspiciendos_fw-la proponunt_fw-la quo_fw-la pedem_fw-la referant_fw-la quotquot_fw-la ex_fw-la call_v dispersis_fw-la &_o palantes_fw-la vagantur_fw-la morn_n de_fw-fr eccles_n p._n 27._o morney_n â—6_n 29_o one_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n two_o consideration_n necessary_a bernard_n against_o separate_a 122._o 123._o â—â—second_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n three_o sort_n of_o adversary_n to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n the_o papist_n and_o the_o mark_v they_o allege_v and_o answer_n to_o they_o bellar._n de_fw-fr eccles_n mili_fw-la p._n 184._o 188._o the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz_o government_n vid._n polâ—â—_n 426_o 459._o and_o in_o it_o five_o thing_n handle_v first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n occasional_o by_o church-government_n second_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v reason_n and_o that_o of_o some_o sort_n first_o sort_n of_o reason_n second_o sort_n of_o reason_n three_o sort_n of_o reason_n four_o sort_n of_o reason_n five_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z the_o four_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v herein_o deliver_v in_o two_o position_n the_o first_o draw_v into_o a_o observation_n two_o extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o four_o point_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o scripture_n the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n consist_v of_o three_o principal_n first_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n and_o they_o be_v six_o principal_a vid._n separate_a sâ—bisâ—_n 137._o the_o second_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v vid._n zegred_a 120._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o work_n to_o be_v do_v church_n censure_n reason_n of_o this_o how_o to_o proceed_v â—â—_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d duty_n the_o six_o duty_n the_o second_o principle_n whereupon_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n general_o church-officer_n must_v have_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o they_o must_v 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governor_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n