ephes_n 1.22_o 23._o compare_v with_o 1._o cor._n 12.27_o saint_n holy_a catholic_a the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a but_o proportional_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a 51._o the_o whole_a receive_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n doctr._n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o strait_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v either_o not_o appear_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o do_v very_o hardly_o appear_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o it_o do_v hardly_o appear_v for_o the_o inward_a grace_n of_o it_o be_v never_o see_v as_o faith_n and_o election_n for_o the_o heart_n wherein_o these_o be_v can_v be_v discover_v as_o these_o be_v always_o invisible_a so_o likewise_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o hide_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o but_o sometime_o for_o sometime_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o apparent_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o here_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o prove_v peremptory_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o visible_a and_o apparent_a church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v large_a and_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o the_o point_n must_v stand_v thus_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n and_o in_o such_o time_n where_o the_o church_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v as_o where_o the_o true_a church_n have_v late_o be_v and_o where_o it_o have_v flourish_v or_o where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministry_n or_o where_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n yet_o even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o not_o be_v outward_o discern_v and_o so_o consequent_o if_o it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o at_o other_o place_n and_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o probability_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o strike_v home_n at_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o true_a church_n so_o notorious_o apparent_a and_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o such_o place_n and_o at_o such_o time_n where_o it_o have_v be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v be_v even_o then_o and_o there_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v hide_v and_o not_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v prove_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o elias_n time_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o such_o a_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o his_o day_n as_o that_o he_o say_v be_v himself_o be_v leave_v alone_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n any_o where_o in_o those_o time_n sure_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o israel_n where_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o church_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v than_o it_o be_v any_o where_o else_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 15.3_o israel_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n without_o a_o true_a god_n without_o a_o priest_n to_o teach_v without_o law_n then_o they_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n where_o shall_v it_o be_v find_v the_o papist_n will_v reply_v in_o judah_n if_o not_o with_o israel_n judah_n prevail_v against_o israel_n because_o they_o stay_v upon_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 13.18_o well_o yet_o they_o be_v bad_a enough_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 14.3_o 5._o they_o have_v their_o strange_a god_n and_o their_o image_n and_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n in_o all_o their_o city_n which_o asa_n take_v away_o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o israel_n that_o they_o have_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n too_o and_o so_o in_o other_o church_n yea_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o judah_n afterward_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 2._o chron._n 28.23_o 24.25_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ahaz_n that_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o damascus_n and_o to_o the_o god_n of_o the_o king_n of_o aram_n he_o break_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v he_o altar_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o every_o city_n of_o judah_n he_o make_v high_a place_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o other_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o judah_n be_v worse_o than_o israel_n nay_o than_o the_o very_a heathen_a that_o be_v before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o chron._n 33.9_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o manasseh_n make_v israel_n to_o err_v and_o to_o do_v worse_o than_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o so_o you_o see_v here_o be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o judah_n nor_o in_o israel_n if_o not_o in_o they_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v now_o point_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o say_v i_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n whereunto_o i_o may_v and_o must_v join_v myself_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a branch_n than_o there_o be_v no_o privilege_n for_o any_o other_o church_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o they_o too_o but_o the_o papist_n will_v object_v that_o this_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n only_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o also_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o not_o sometime_o only_o but_o often_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n revel_v 12.6_o 14._o the_o woman_n be_v say_v there_o to_o be_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o church_n that_o at_o several_a time_n to_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v be_v drive_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n and_o forlorn_a place_n how_o then_o shall_v man_n see_v it_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o secret_a place_n so_o in_o the_o revel_v 13.7_o 8._o the_o beast_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o overcome_v they_o and_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o over_o every_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o all_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n worship_v he_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n of_o the_o lamb_n where_o be_v the_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o these_o time_n and_o in_o the_o 2._o thes_n 2.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v and_o sit_v in_o god_n temple_n as_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o cunning_a that_o he_o shall_v set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o god_n temple_n that_o be_v in_o god_n church_n where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o church_n continue_v for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v but_o to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o he_o shall_v sit_v as_o god_n so_o that_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o so_o likewise_o that_o in_o luk._n 18.8_o prove_v this_o point_n where_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n if_o faith_n be_v so_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n where_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v find_v but_o where_o shall_v he_o not_o find_v faith_n in_o india_n or_o in_o rome_n only_a no_o not_o only_o in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n but_o not_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o the_o son_n of_o man._n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o palpable_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v
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
be_v amiss_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n etc._n etc._n there_o by_o name_n be_v two_o principal_a part_n of_o outward_a government_n set_v down_o redress_v thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v upon_o titus_n be_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o he_o be_v leave_v there_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v direction_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o that_o for_o many_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v even_o the_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o the_o inward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o practice_n be_v answerable_a that_o still_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n our_o saviour_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n among_o his_o disciple_n how_o orderly_o do_v he_o govern_v they_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o among_o they_o how_o quiet_o do_v he_o order_v it_o how_o orderly_o do_v he_o send_v they_o out_o to_o preach_v how_o careful_o do_v he_o give_v they_o rule_n for_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o the_o church_n after_o christ_n ascension_n how_o well_o be_v it_o order_v and_o govern_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 1.13_o 14._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o brethren_n and_o act._n 2.42_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o act._n 6.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n when_o that_o matter_n of_o difference_n arise_v concern_v the_o poor_a how_o wise_o do_v they_o order_v it_o and_o choose_v out_o man_n from_o among_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n so_o here_o we_o see_v how_o well_o the_o church_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n see_v it_o further_a act._n 15.2_o and_o forward_o when_o there_o arise_v dissension_n in_o the_o church_n about_o circumcision_n what_o do_v they_o do_v they_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n together_o and_o so_o they_o order_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o that_o business_n so_o here_o we_o see_v be_v outward_a government_n still_o and_o so_o phil._n 1.1_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v require_v a_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o man_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n sort_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o of_o diverse_a sort_n some_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n some_o be_v draw_v by_o comparison_n from_o other_o assembly_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o the_o last_o sort_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o office_n that_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v and_o the_o business_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v these_o first_o god_n be_v the_o author_n not_o of_o confusion_n reason_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 1._o cor._n 14.33_o the_o apostle_n give_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o instance_n in_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o they_o as_o he_o command_v it_o and_o they_o obey_v now_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v maintain_v but_o by_o government_n therefore_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o saint_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v government_n again_o second_o holiness_n become_v god_n house_n for_o ever_o say_v the_o prophet_n psal_n 93.5_o but_o without_o government_n there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n outward_a government_n must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o reason_n be_v draw_v by_o comparison_n from_o other_o assembly_n reason_n what_o company_n be_v there_o without_o government_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n themselves_o some_o among_o the_o angel_n for_o order_n sake_n be_v above_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o one_o angel_n be_v above_o another_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n at_o least_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o personal_o so_o there_o be_v a_o government_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v in_o earth_n what_o company_n or_o corporation_n either_o in_o the_o city_n or_o kingdom_n be_v or_o can_v consist_v without_o government_n and_o be_v not_o the_o church_n the_o company_n of_o god_n saint_n so_o they_o be_v call_v ps_n 89.7_o and_o can_v that_o be_v without_o government_n so_o in_o a_o house_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n nor_o live_v together_o in_o it_o without_o government_n the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o outward_a government_n in_o it_o exercise_v by_o man_n yea_o hell_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n yet_o they_o have_v some_o government_n among_o themselves_o else_o their_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v reason_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o they_o be_v man_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o by_o man_n some_o be_v tractable_a and_o these_o be_v gentle_o to_o be_v lead_v other_o be_v obstinate_a those_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v with_o strong_a hand_n some_o be_v novice_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o be_v of_o strong_a growth_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o must_v be_v call_v in_o these_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v other_o be_v within_o the_o church_n misdemeaning_a themselves_o these_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o do_v of_o all_o this_o reason_n last_o there_o must_v be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o office_n and_o business_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v outward_a thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v administer_v officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v law_n to_o be_v make_v controversy_n and_o contention_n be_v to_o be_v pacify_v the_o sick_a be_v to_o be_v visit_v the_o poor_a be_v to_o be_v relieve_v offence_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o without_o outward_a government_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v well_o do_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v this_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o be_v against_o anarchy_n and_o for_o reproof_n of_o such_o as_o will_v have_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n their_o own_o neck_n will_v endure_v no_o yoke_n and_o therefore_o they_o blush_v not_o to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o yoke_n at_o all_o lay_v upon_o christian_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v go_v so_o far_o that_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v civil_a magistracy_n neither_o they_o hold_v it_o unfit_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v under_o government_n we_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n say_v they_o jesus_n christ_n have_v set_v we_o free_a and_o therefore_o we_o need_v no_o governor_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n but_o we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o our_o sin_n what_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v be_v it_o not_o from_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n for_o the_o best_a liberty_n the_o outward_a man_n can_v have_v be_v when_o it_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o such_o wholesome_a law_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
and_o worse_a course_n the_o four_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v she_o be_v this_o we_o ourselves_o here_o have_v our_o new_a birth_n even_o in_o this_o church_n and_o by_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v love_v and_o kind_o affect_v and_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o dutiful_o unto_o she_o as_o the_o child_n to_o the_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v within_o her_o communion_n but_o go_v from_o she_o how_o just_o may_v we_o fear_v to_o mislead_v and_o either_o relapse_n into_o former_a or_o run_v into_o new_a error_n five_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n be_v here_o beget_v too_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o best_a of_o our_o separtist_n have_v they_o learn_v and_o attain_a unto_o in_o our_o church_n therefore_o the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n first_o to_o fly_v from_o we_o second_o to_o deny_v she_o 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be_v most_o against_o we_o for_o discipline_n as_o beza_n yet_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o state_n even_o as_o it_o be_v to_o many_o generation_n they_o be_v wise_a religious_a impartial_a yet_o they_o approve_v we_o me_n think_v it_o shall_v astonish_v the_o separatist_n that_o all_o be_v for_o we_o but_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o other_o sure_o it_o shall_v much_o encourage_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o hold_n and_o to_o have_v they_o in_o great_a jealous_o because_o they_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o will_v deceive_v us._n last_o who_o be_v they_o that_o condemn_v we_o none_o but_o papist_n and_o some_o hot_a turbulent_a spirit_n that_o have_v a_o great_a felicity_n in_o overthrow_v the_o society_n of_o other_o church_n and_o yet_o can_v thorough_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o their_o own_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o instruction_n respect_n second_o this_o teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o that_o in_o two_o kind_n first_o that_o god_n have_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o this_o land_n as_o to_o enlighten_v the_o people_n thereof_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o now_o they_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n heretofore_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o heathenism_n popery_n &_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n a_o light_n a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a light_n even_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v shine_v on_o they_o and_o do_v shine_v on_o they_o so_o that_o they_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n how_o many_o nation_n be_v still_o overwhelm_v some_o with_o paganism_n some_o with_o judaism_n some_o with_o mahometisme_n and_o some_o with_o popery_n but_o our_o nation_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o 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twenty_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n very_o necessary_a for_o the_o consolation_n and_o support_v of_o god_n church_n especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v handle_v first_o in_o general_a concern_v first_o the_o name_n second_o the_o title_n three_o the_o nature_n four_a the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n second_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n first_o the_o definition_n second_o the_o cause_n three_o the_o member_n four_a the_o mark_v and_o note_n five_o the_o government_n sixthly_a the_o privilege_n seventhly_a the_o adversary_n eighthly_a the_o authority_n and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n by_o that_o learned_a and_o faithful_a preacher_n master_n john_n randall_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n pastor_n of_o saint_n andrew_n hubbart_n in_o little_a eastcheap_n london_n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o lincoln_n college_n in_o oxford_n publish_a by_o the_o copy_n perfect_v 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precept_n psal_n 122.6_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n some_o do_v give_v one_o gift_n some_o another_o some_o do_v labour_n in_o hew_v square_n other_o in_o bring_v and_o bear_v they_o to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o structure_n but_o especial_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o this_o work_n lay_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o minister_n which_o like_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n be_v fit_v and_o furnish_v of_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n thereof_o commit_v to_o they_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v to_o all_o alike_o but_o to_o some_o more_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n he_o have_v give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a gift_n as_o his_o work_n already_o publish_v do_v show_v he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a master-builder_n to_o be_v like_o those_o builder_n in_o nehem._n 4.17_o with_o one_o hand_n he_o wrought_v in_o the_o work_n with_o the_o other_o he_o hold_v a_o weapon_n as_o you_o shall_v see_v apparent_o in_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o he_o do_v confirm_v profess_a truth_n and_o confute_v opposite_a error_n it_o please_v god_n while_o he_o be_v live_v to_o make_v he_o a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o stay_v many_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o to_o gain_v many_o in_o which_o by_o seducement_n have_v be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o god_n give_v such_o success_n to_o his_o labour_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a so_o i_o trust_v they_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a if_o read_v with_o a_o single_a eye_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o treatise_n of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o he_o who_o labour_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o light_n it_o be_v perfect_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o his_o life_n and_o give_v to_o a_o near_a and_o dear_a friend_n of_o i_o who_o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v hope_v to_o 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virtuous_a gentleman_n go_v on_o good_a sir_n stand_v for_o god_n and_o he_o will_v stand_v for_o you_o honour_v he_o and_o as_o he_o have_v so_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o what_o service_n i_o may_v do_v you_o by_o my_o prayer_n or_o otherwise_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o lord_n bless_v you_o and_o you_o and_o all_o your_o ample_a and_o religious_a kindred_n your_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o may_v to_o be_v command_v ithiel_n smart_n the_o first_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n your_o question_n be_v what_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o will_v stand_v upon_o these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o a_o introduction_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o question_n second_o we_o will_v descend_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o first_o the_o introduction_n natural_a and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o branch_n first_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n be_v very_o natural_a second_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o work_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v very_o natural_a and_o that_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n question_n in_o the_o first_o question_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n lay_v together_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o our_o faith_n have_v be_v first_o inform_v and_o instruct_v concern_v god_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o all_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v inform_v touch_v his_o work_n and_o among_o they_o first_o and_o principal_o of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o all_o that_o be_v the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o special_a workmanship_n form_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n separate_v as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o his_o own_o majesty_n consecrate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n gather_v by_o his_o own_o word_n purchase_v by_o his_o own_o son_n quicken_v and_o direct_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o ordain_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o his_o own_o secret_a council_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n beside_o of_o all_o the_o work_n that_o god_n exercise_v towards_o his_o creature_n the_o great_a and_o best_a be_v they_o that_o god_n exercise_v towards_o his_o church_n as_o election_n call_v justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n etc._n etc._n yea_o further_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v work_v beside_o in_o the_o
and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a five_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o be_v reas_n 5_o holy_a effect_n holy_a motion_n and_o holy_a desire_n holy_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o holy_a jude_n 20._o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a six_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o holiness_n 1._o pet._n 1.2_o and_o therefore_o reas_n 6_o they_o be_v holy_a seven_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o to_o holiness_n reas_n 7_o and_o therefore_o can_v sin_v 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_o eph._n 2.9_o we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v holy_a the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v the_o essential_a difference_n use_v 1_o betwixt_o god_n church_n and_o all_o other_o congregation_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v holy_a and_o all_o other_o be_v unholy_a and_o this_o holiness_n carry_v a_o kind_n of_o reciprocation_n with_o god_n church_n for_o every_o church_n of_o god_n be_v true_o holy_a and_o every_o congregation_n that_o be_v holy_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o so_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v true_o holy_a though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o know_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o holy_a though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v in_o great_a place_n and_o of_o great_a gift_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o not_o if_o we_o have_v holiness_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n else_o we_o be_v not_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v every_o one_o holy_a that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o in_o some_o measure_n first_o or_o last_o second_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o holiness_n use_v 2_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o see_v god_n to_o our_o comfort_n in_o heaven_n nor_o by_o faith_n here_o on_o earth_n psal_n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n the_o prophet_n ask_v this_o question_n lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n or_o who_o shall_v rest_v in_o thy_o holy_a mountain_n the_o answer_n be_v even_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n revel_v 21.27_o there_o shall_v enter_v no_o unclean_a thing_n into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n there_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v see_v god_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n it_o shall_v teach_v we_o therefore_o first_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v it_o for_o it_o be_v filthiness_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o opposite_a to_o holiness_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n and_o satan_n to_o god_n himself_o let_v every_o one_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v every_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v they_o leave_v their_o lie_v and_o swear_v and_o covetousness_n and_o labour_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o resist_v the_o enticement_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o fight_v against_o the_o rebellion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o corruption_n to_o break_v forth_o but_o to_o root_v they_o out_o put_v off_o your_o shoe_n for_o you_o stand_v on_o holy_a ground_n lay_v by_o your_o sin_n and_o wicked_a affection_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a church_n that_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n therefore_o remember_v what_o god_n say_v jer._n 11.15_o what_o shall_v my_o belove_a tarry_n in_o my_o house_n see_v they_o have_v commit_v a_o abomination_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o room_n for_o they_o in_o my_o house_n if_o they_o commit_v abomination_n and_o psalm_n 50.16_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v say_v god_n to_o the_o wicked_a to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v therefore_o say_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 6.5_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o then_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o and_o as_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o fly_v sin_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a etc._n etc._n think_v on_o those_o thing_n phil._n 4.8_o give_v yourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n frequent_a good_a company_n and_o exercise_n use_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n be_v conversant_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n that_o he_o may_v make_v your_o heart_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o live_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a that_o so_o as_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v saint_n so_o you_o may_v live_v like_o saint_n last_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o graceless_a and_o use_v 3_o reckless_a people_n of_o the_o world_n that_o scoff_n at_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n people_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o cup_n or_o upon_o the_o stage_n or_o in_o their_o pastime_n or_o in_o their_o ordinary_a talk_n if_o they_o can_v have_v a_o lest_o at_o the_o holy_a brethren_n in_o it_o though_o without_o cause_n or_o sense_n it_o make_v they_o all_o merry_a it_o season_v all_o their_o business_n but_o first_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o god_n church_n for_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a and_o further_o let_v they_o know_v 3_o that_o they_o must_v be_v either_o saint_n or_o devil_n either_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o let_v they_o know_v that_o as_o they_o scoff_v at_o we_o unjust_o so_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n do_v most_o just_o deride_v they_o and_o will_v one_o day_n laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v to_o they_o a_o token_n of_o perdition_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a token_n too_o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o without_o holiness_n themselves_o but_o they_o hate_v it_o and_o deride_v it_o in_o other_o but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o salvation_n both_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o holiness_n and_o also_o that_o we_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o word_n very_o grave_o which_o they_o do_v so_o deride_v he_o call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v daunt_v by_o their_o scoff_v at_o we_o as_o that_o it_o may_v rather_o encourage_v we_o to_o be_v more_o holy_a let_v we_o say_v as_o david_n do_v to_o michal_n when_o she_o scoff_v at_o he_o for_o dance_v before_o the_o ark_n be_o i_o vile_a in_o thy_o eye_n for_o this_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o vile_a so_o let_v we_o say_v do_v our_o holiness_n displease_v you_o i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o holy_a let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o grow_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n from_o one_o measure_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o notwithstanding_o their_o scoff_n that_o so_o at_o last_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o holy_a place_n whereinto_o none_o unholy_a nor_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v enter_v the_o five_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o point_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o we_o show_v that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o shall_v understand_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o out_o of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n that_o article_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o i_o note_v six_o thing_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v mark_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o for_o so_o say_v the_o nicen_n creed_n and_o so_o this_o article_n intend_v when_o it_o say_v church_n and_o not_o church_n second_o that_o
a_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o betwixt_o the_o same_o church_n in_o another_o respect_n we_o consider_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o three_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o we_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o general_a we_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n second_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n and_o state_n allot_v to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o fight_n or_o warfare_n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o crown_n or_o triumph_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o second_o the_o church_n triumphant_a of_o this_o we_o speak_v the_o last_o time_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o respect_n invisible_a and_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o sometime_o see_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o invisible_a sometime_o not_o see_v to_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o flourish_a &_o prosperous_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n as_o that_o first_o her_o member_n be_v many_o in_o number_n second_o they_o have_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o settle_a government_n three_o their_o religion_n be_v countenance_v at_o least_o not_o violent_o oppose_v by_o the_o state_n and_o authority_n where_o they_o live_v four_o they_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n five_o they_o have_v public_a and_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o ordinary_a and_o seasonable_a time_n and_o in_o due_a and_o convenient_a place_n where_o the_o minister_n teach_v the_o word_n and_o where_o the_o people_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v and_o discipline_n execute_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o that_o without_o danger_n and_o without_o prohibition_n i_o say_v the_o church_n do_v ofttimes_o attain_v to_o this_o state_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v visible_a on_o the_o other_o side_n sometime_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o low_a and_o distress_a estate_n that_o scarce_o any_o of_o these_o be_v find_v there_o but_o rather_o all_o quite_o contrary_a first_o their_o number_n be_v small_a second_o they_o have_v no_o such_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n settle_v among_o they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o exercise_v as_o that_o thereby_o the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a society_n three_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v distaste_v disgrace_v deride_v hate_v and_o persecute_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n four_o their_o profession_n be_v secret_a five_o their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o religious_a exercise_n be_v seldom_o or_o none_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a private_a at_o such_o uncertain_a time_n and_o in_o such_o privy_a and_o close_a place_n as_o they_o can_v light_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v best_o and_o fit_a for_o their_o own_o safety_n last_o they_o be_v deprive_v and_o debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v call_v a_o invisible_a church_n so_o you_o see_v in_o general_n how_o the_o state_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o particular_a sense_n first_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a in_o these_o five_o sense_n first_o it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o see_v nor_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o whosoever_o see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o better_a light_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n second_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n it_o be_v endue_v withal_o as_o their_o election_n faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o be_v not_o visible_a at_o all_o and_o so_o it_o be_v invisible_a even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v most_o visible_a three_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n eye_n four_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o respect_n because_o that_o congregation_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o sometime_o no_o better_a than_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o persecute_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o so_o upon_o trial_n prove_v a_o false_a church_n and_o so_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n while_o the_o false_a church_n entertain_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n dote_v upon_o she_o delude_v they_o and_o blear_a and_o dazel_v their_o sight_n they_o can_v nor_o do_v not_o look_v after_o any_o other_o and_o so_o the_o right_a and_o true_a church_n lie_v hide_v from_o their_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o paint_a harlot_n carry_v away_o man_n eye_n from_o behold_v the_o modest_a spouse_n so_o while_o man_n dote_v upon_o the_o paint_a show_n of_o a_o false_a church_n they_o can_v behold_v the_o true_a last_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o true_a professor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o public_a profession_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o be_v very_o secret_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 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as_o also_o for_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o general_a point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o many_o respect_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n in_o this_o state_n we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a hardly_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o lecture_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o point_n chief_o in_o question_n therefore_o leave_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o god_n he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 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of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n first_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o namely_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v it_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o public_a profession_n and_o three_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n they_o must_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o the_o first_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n consist_v of_o diverse_a person_n one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n of_o people_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v definitive_o as_o discover_v what_o company_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o that_o be_v universal_o understand_v but_o indefinite_o and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o capacity_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o part_n even_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n stranger_n join_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v repute_v of_o that_o church_n exod._n 12._o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v beat_v down_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o any_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o definition_n may_v make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n and_o a_o company_n call_v and_o a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o this_o land_n from_o the_o beginning_n before_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o gentile_n and_o so_o without_o christ_n and_o second_o even_o since_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o even_o pagan_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n like_o nimrods_n and_o giant_n most_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o bring_v to_o grace_n three_o when_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o but_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v more_o pure_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o her_o decline_a day_n and_o they_o can_v teach_v no_o better_o than_o they_o have_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v be_v gentile_n and_o pagan_n and_o afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o we_o i_o say_v shall_v profess_v god_n save_v truth_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n four_o england_n have_v be_v as_o true_a a_o slave_n to_o popery_n and_o the_o king_n of_o england_n as_o true_a slave_n to_o the_o pope_n as_o spain_n or_o any_o other_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o this_o day_n five_o consider_v when_o reformation_n begin_v king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o luther_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n the_o king_n oppose_v he_o and_o threaten_v that_o if_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n will_v not_o punish_v he_o he_o will_v fetch_v he_o thence_o by_o the_o ear_n six_o consider_v how_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n abbey_n and_o monastery_n fill_v the_o land_n that_o be_v build_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o romish_a purple_a whore_n seven_o consider_v that_o king_n edward_n that_o first_o restore_v religion_n among_o we_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n ordain_v strength_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o truth_n among_o us._n eight_o his_o life_n be_v but_o short_a what_o follow_v as_o bloody_a a_o persecution_n as_o ever_o be_v all_o be_v bend_v against_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v his_o church_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o thanks_o for_o the_o bloodshed_n than_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v it_o many_o by_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n than_o be_v convert_v and_o many_o by_o read_v their_o story_n since_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n intend_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o establish_v it_o among_o us._n nine_o come_v to_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n she_o go_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o be_v very_o hardly_o preserve_v yet_o at_o length_n she_o obtain_v she_o right_n and_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o she_o establish_v god_n truth_n among_o we_o against_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o satan_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a woman_n much_o endanger_v yet_o still_o preserve_v and_o by_o her_o mean_n god_n continue_v his_o truth_n long_o among_o us._n ten_o come_v to_o our_o king_n james_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o in_o peace_n though_o it_o be_v his_o right_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o have_v prevail_v with_o we_o and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n else_o there_o be_v a_o heart-burn_n betwixt_o that_o nation_n and_o we_o we_o have_v be_v enemy_n there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o bloody_a war_n or_o else_o some_o civil_a dissension_n which_o will_v have_v make_v a_o foul_a wrack_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o destruction_n of_o god_n church_n among_o us._n last_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o favourite_n popery_n have_v have_v and_o that_o of_o man_n of_o state_n and_o authority_n which_o have_v labour_v under_o hand_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n again_o and_o yet_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o withstand_v all_o his_o enemy_n continue_v his_o saving-truth_n among_o we_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o great_a thankfulness_n we_o can_v consider_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o have_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v his_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o ten_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o until_o we_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n for_o than_o we_o know_v a_o thing_n right_o and_o in_o its_o kind_n when_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o point_n be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v look_v into_o because_o we_o be_v challenge_v and_o indict_v by_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o our_o church_n have_v not_o her_o be_v from_o such_o cause_n as_o it_o shall_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v a_o false_a church_n now_o upon_o the_o discovery_n and_o view_n of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v and_o will_v ingenuous_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o have_v the_o right_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v such_o sort_n as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o purposely_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o sometime_o beside_o sometime_o against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o cause_n first_o sort_n first_o god_n overrule_v some_o thing_n to_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o bent_n &_o intendment_n as_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o accident_n it_o further_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o a_o man_n ordinary_a business_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n diverse_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4_o 7._o she_o come_v about_o her_o ordinary_a business_n to_o draw_v water_n at_o jacob_n well_o now_o this_o in_o itself_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n for_o she_o hear_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o run_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o they_o come_v also_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v matter_n of_o affliction_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o over_o rule_v by_o god_n that_o it_o cause_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n luk._n 15.17_o he_o may_v have_v perish_v in_o his_o affliction_n yet_o god_n make_v this_o a_o because_o to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o death_n of_o some_o great_a man_n that_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n act._n 12.23.24_o what_o be_v the_o death_n of_o herod_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n more_o than_o the_o death_n of_o a_o hog_n yet_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o beside_o it_o own_o intendment_n it_o be_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n second_o some_o thing_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o
in_o their_o synagogue_n &_o that_o these_o be_v translate_v from_o they_o though_o this_o be_v probable_a and_o likely_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v sure_a ground_n to_o erect_v a_o church-officer_n upon_o second_o there_o be_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n so_o govern_v three_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o few_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o scan_v it_o or_o to_o make_v shift_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v of_o govern_v elder_n beside_o minister_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o just_a exception_n and_o also_o it_o may_v admit_v many_o interpretation_n to_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o harsh_a interpretation_n that_o pass_v for_o currant_n in_o far_o weighty_a matter_n so_o that_o first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o utter_o deny_v it_o yet_o they_o be_v only_o in_o practice_n then_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o institution_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v then_o which_o in_o do_v be_v not_o institute_v three_o or_o if_o it_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o present_a dispensation_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n so_o that_o now_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o it_o nor_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_a four_o or_o if_o it_o be_v perpetual_a yet_o our_o church_n be_v not_o utter_o destitute_a we_o have_v in_o every_o parish_n vestry-man_n to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o such_o part_n of_o government_n as_o needs_o such_o person_n to_o hear_v and_o reform_v some_o matter_n with_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v not_o carry_v all_o alone_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o such_o quarrel_n and_o exclamation_n as_o be_v make_v against_o our_o church_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o four_o point_n concern_v govern_v elder_n deacons_n in_o the_o five_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n that_o be_v a_o express_a office_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o act._n 6.2_o though_o they_o be_v not_o there_o express_o call_v deacon_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v such_o in_o rom._n 12.8_o they_o be_v call_v distributor_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.12_o there_o they_o be_v by_o name_n these_o be_v such_o as_o at_o the_o first_o be_v appoint_v and_o employ_v altogether_o about_o the_o poor_a and_o about_o church-treasury_n but_o afterward_o they_o do_v also_o exercise_v some_o ministerial_a function_n for_o philip_n be_v a_o deacon_n deacon_n act._n 6._o yet_o afterward_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v act._n 8.5_o 38._o though_o he_o do_v that_o rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 21_o 8._o that_o philip_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o afterward_o the_o deacon_n baptize_v which_o save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o better_o learn_v i_o think_v they_o rather_o usurp_v than_o have_v any_o right_n to_o it_o by_o office_n or_o other_o warrant_n for_o it_o yet_o in_o succeed_a age_n they_o have_v general_o a_o degree_n of_o the_o ministry_n answerable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o teach_v and_o look_v to_o the_o treasury_n too_o and_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o favour_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.13_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v minister_v well_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o us._n but_o admit_v they_o be_v only_o employ_v in_o church-treasury_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o they_o yet_o either_o they_o be_v only_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o erection_n act._n 6._o calvin_n in_o act_n 21.8_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o every_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a we_o have_v churchwarden_n and_o collector_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o not_o so_o gift_v as_o they_o be_v in_o act._n 6._o that_o may_v be_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o time_n that_o afford_v not_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o the_o chooser_n of_o they_o that_o make_v not_o better_a choice_n and_o also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o choose_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o either_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n or_o else_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v also_o the_o chooser_n fault_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o retain_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o title_n this_o be_v to_o subject_a god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o own_o invention_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o have_v his_o matter_n moderate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n who_o the_o king_n appoint_v but_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n you_o will_v have_v this_o matter_n of_o church-treasury_n order_v and_o yet_o not_o by_o deacon_n who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n about_o word_n so_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o name_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v deacon_n in_o the_o six_o place_n we_o come_v to_o widow_n widow_n of_o these_o we_o may_v read_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o act._n 6.1_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o they_o be_v call_v helper_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o shower_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v have_v my_o judgement_n brief_o in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n well_o understand_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v prove_v only_o thus_o much_o first_o that_o in_o many_o church_n there_o be_v then_o such_o widow_n second_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v three_o that_o where_o they_o be_v so_o relieve_v there_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o sick_a to_o wash_v the_o saint_n foot_n and_o such_o like_a as_o occasion_v require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o the_o church-government_n be_v defective_a that_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o geneva_n they_o have_v rather_o poor_a man_n than_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n they_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o widow_n at_o all_o seven_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o other_o assistant_n as_o reader_n fellow_n acolutive_n exorcist_n etc._n etc._n concern_v who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o find_v in_o the_o word_n we_o therefore_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o officer_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o though_o he_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o church-government_n and_o the_o question_n concern_v he_o be_v first_o whether_o he_o may_v be_v right_o call_v a_o church-officer_n i_o answer_v he_o may_v though_o not_o in_o that_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o minister_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n he_o may_v and_o that_o very_o right_o for_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o how_o can_v he_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o in_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v christ_n lieutenant_n within_o his_o lawful_a dominion_n why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n in_o church-businesse_n it_o be_v god_n own_o promise_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n themselves_o by_o officer_n be_v nurse_n and_o their_o authority_n and_o countenance_n be_v like_o breast_n or_o dug_n to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v and_o hatch_v up_o the_o church_n withal_o and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a 1_o tim._n 2.2_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o
spiritual_a for_o you_o see_v how_o vzziah_n be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o priest_n office_n 2_o chron._n 26.16_o to_o the_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v well_o he_o escape_v so_o for_o by_o the_o law_n he_o deserve_a death_n numb_a 18.7_o word_n the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unbounded_a but_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o scantle_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v set_v mark_n and_o bound_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o overflow_v they_o job_n 38.11_o he_o have_v also_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n certain_a mark_n limit_n and_o bound_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o the_o church_n must_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n have_v power_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n contain_v herself_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o limit_n it_o go_v well_o with_o she_o god_n prosper_v she_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v a_o blessing_n to_o she_o but_o if_o she_o go_v beyond_o these_o bound_n and_o transgress_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a case_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v all_o fly_v a_o sunder_o the_o wall_n and_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o boar_n and_o wild_a beast_n enter_v in_o and_o spoil_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o all_o god_n yoke_n be_v shake_v off_o and_o then_o man_n run_v into_o strange_a outrageous_a unwarrantable_a and_o exorbitant_a course_n fit_a for_o lawless_a infidel_n then_o for_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n church_n will_v be_v degenerate_a into_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o ignorance_n superstition_n profaneness_n and_o mere_a licentiousness_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v antichrist_n himself_o have_v clyme_v up_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n 1_o sam._n 15.23_o because_o that_o they_o have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o yoke_n and_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n therefore_o god_n will_v reject_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o from_o be_v his_o church_n the_o church_n therefore_o must_v consider_v like_o a_o modest_a spouse_n that_o she_o have_v power_n indeed_o but_o to_o what_o to_o that_o that_o she_o will_v and_o list_v herself_o no_o but_o to_o that_o which_o christ_n her_o husband_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o her_o power_n she_o walk_v with_o god_n she_o may_v go_v on_o safe_o and_o bold_o but_o if_o when_o god_n stay_v she_o will_v not_o stay_v but_o still_o go_v on_o forward_o at_o her_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_v power_n and_o authority_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o people_n but_o king_n and_o prince_n must_v obey_v it_o i_o say_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o person_n that_o exercise_v this_o power_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n and_o nathan_n the_o person_n of_o nathan_n be_v subject_a to_o david_n and_o yet_o david_n subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o reproof_n second_o as_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o mean_a but_o to_o the_o high_a so_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o inward_a also_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o to_o that_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o in_o christ_n name_n do_v exercise_v last_o whereas_o no_o other_o authority_n or_o power_n reach_v so_o high_a as_o heaven_n or_o so_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o both_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n and_o again_o it_o release_v out_o of_o satan_n law_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n what_o manner_n of_o power_n this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v this_o namely_o what_o be_v it_o admit_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o double_a power_n one_o over_o person_n and_o another_o over_o thing_n over_o person_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n either_o as_o they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n as_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n also_o either_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n or_o as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n too_o either_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n or_o to_o repel_v and_o refuse_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o answer_n be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v act_v 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o to_o many_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o see_v the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v within_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n thereof_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a you_o shall_v know_v it_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o act_n 8.12_o 37._o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v philip_n which_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o verse_n 37._o philip_n say_v to_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v then_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &c_n &c_n 38._o and_o he_o baptize_v he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n matth._n 3.6_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v together_o act_v 2.37.38_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v peter_n say_v unto_o they_o amend_v your_o life_n and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v necessary_o imply_v purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o so_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v precise_o require_v exod._n 19.5_o to_o the_o 8._o where_o the_o lord_n send_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o before_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o which_o agree_v the_o practice_n of_o josiah_n and_o the_o people_n in_o the_o case_n of_o reformation_n or_o renew_v their_o admission_n when_o they_o have_v break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o he_o renew_v the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o act_n of_o admission_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v baptism_n admission_n mat._n 3.6_o act._n 8.37_o 38_o act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n above_o three_o thousand_o soul_n now_o this_o act_n be_v once_o receive_v be_v never_o to_o be_v recall_v though_o the_o covenant_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v and_o break_v for_o one_o entrance_n stand_v good_a for_o our_o whole_a estate_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o i_o fall_v after_o baptism_n and_o that_o so_o greivous_o as_o that_o i_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o return_v again_o away_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a but_o not_o baptism_n no_o more_o than_o circumcision_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o 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