much_o degenerate_v and_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o government_n desperate_o corrupt_v with_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n as_o the_o jew_n before_o christ_n common_o and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o christ_n day_n after_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o &c._n &c._n yet_o till_o christ_n remove_v the_o candlestick_n and_o come_v himself_o and_o unchurch_n they_o they_o still_o abide_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o all_o five_o such_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o administration_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a church_n remain_v a_o true_a church_n so_o long_o the_o ministry_n remain_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o all_o the_o divine_a institution_n authentical_a administration_n and_o true_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n notwithstanding_o the_o mixture_n of_o humane_a device_n with_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n through_o their_o tradition_n to_o clear_v all_o these_o in_o each_o particular_a by_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o i_o intend_v and_o not_o so_o difficult_a as_o tedious_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o any_o true_o judicious_a consider_v the_o state_n of_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n will_v yield_v without_o any_o other_o travel_n what_o be_v here_o set_v down_o and_o that_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o administration_n stand_v and_o fall_v together_o to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o question_n i_o affirm_v that_o if_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o england_n then_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n there_o and_o true_a authentical_a administration_n but_o there_o be_v true_a church_n there_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n there_o and_o authentical_a administration_n the_o consequent_a be_v clear_a because_o it_o be_v the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o give_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o ordinance_n that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n lot_z any_o company_n set_v up_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n i_o so_o call_v they_o for_o discourse_n sake_n that_o will_v not_o make_v that_o company_n to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o antecedent_n that_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o england_n i_o prove_v thus_o if_o the_o true_a visible_a state_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v to_o abide_v from_o his_o time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o must_v dan._n 7._o luke_n 1.33_o mat._n 16.16_o &_o 18.18.20_o &_o 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 11._o heb._n 12.29_o etc._n etc._n than_o it_o be_v in_o england_n and_o place_n of_o like_a consideration_n that_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o have_v not_o continue_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v grateful_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v truth_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o also_o in_o england_n and_o place_n of_o like_a consideration_n have_v christ_n visible_a church_n continue_v again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n but_o those_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o papism_n that_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o traditional_a doctrine_n or_o reform_a church_n and_o england_n among_o other_o then_o either_o the_o church_n infect_v with_o papism_n be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o reform_a but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n but_o those_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o papism_n or_o the_o reform_a ergo_fw-la the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o notwithstanding_o those_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o papism_n few_o grant_v it_o as_o now_o they_o stand_v ergo_fw-la the_o reform_a and_o england_n among_o other_o further_o if_o antichrist_n must_v fit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 2_o thes_n 2.4_o and_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o antichristian_a gentile_n for_o a_o certain_a time_n rev._n 11.1_o to_o 15._o to_o tread_v under_o foot_n than_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church-estate_n where_o he_o sit_v and_o while_o he_o sit_v there_o and_o the_o true_a measure_a temple_n who_o court_n he_o tread_v under_o foot_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v antichrist_n unless_o there_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o court_n thereof_o where_o he_o be_v and_o if_o antichrist_n ever_o sit_v in_o england_n then_o there_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n there_o before_o he_o sit_v in_o it_o and_o while_o he_o sit_v in_o it_o as_o also_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o temple_n or_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n wherein_o he_o must_v sit_v the_o antichristian_a seat_n be_v not_o the_o subject_n nor_o constitute_v it_o but_o be_v a_o accident_n vitiate_a the_o subject_n the_o remove_n thereof_o antichristianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o subject_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o change_v it_o into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v true_a church_n constitute_v in_o england_n than_o they_o remain_v so_o still_o or_o god_n have_v by_o some_o manifest_a act_n unchurch_v they_o unless_o therefore_o they_o that_o deny_v true_a ministry_n in_o england_n and_o baptism_n there_o can_v and_o do_v prove_v that_o church_n be_v never_o constitute_v there_o or_o make_v good_a some_o manifest_a act_n of_o god_n unchurch_v they_o suitable_a to_o such_o act_n of_o his_o in_o scripture_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v clear_o discern_v the_o like_a effect_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o disprove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o ministry_n there_o or_o to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o administration_n there_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n will_v not_o be_v available_a and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a far_o of_o the_o church-estate_n and_o ministry_n in_o england_n and_o concern_v church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o companny_n become_v or_o be_v a_o church_n either_o by_o conversion_n and_o initial_a constitution_n or_o by_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o constitute_v church_n successive_o by_o propagation_n of_o member_n who_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church-state_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o church_n successive_o so_o long_o as_o god_n shall_v continue_v his_o begin_a dispensation_n even_o as_o well_o and_o as_o full_o as_o the_o first_o and_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o numericall_a member_n they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o yet_o true_o they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n rom._n 11.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o gal._n 2.15_o even_o as_o man_n continue_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n from_o the_o first_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o number_n so_o the_o church-estate_n continue_v from_o adam_n time_n till_o abraham_n in_o the_o world_n by_o succession_n of_o generation_n so_o the_o jew_n continue_v a_o church_n from_o abraham_n time_n till_o christ_n second_o the_o way_n to_o prove_v church_n to_o have_v have_v true_a constitution_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v attain_v but_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o humane_a testimony_n by_o scripture_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o many_o church_n plant_v in_o judea_n syria_n galatia_n achaia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o name_n rome_n corinth_n cenchrea_n philip_n coloss_n thessaly_n ephes_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n of_o any_o other_o by_o name_n i_o know_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n and_o that_o he_o mention_n his_o come_n into_o italy_n by_o spain_n be_v evident_a but_o whether_o any_o church_n be_v plant_v there_o or_o no_o divine_a record_n manifest_v not_o and_o as_o clear_v it_o be_v that_o those_o church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v destroy_v nor_o can_v we_o by_o scripture_n prove_v the_o continuance_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n upward_o but_o in_o rome_n which_o few_o will_v plead_v for_o to_o have_v any_o truth_n of_o church-estate_n and_o i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n so_o that_o by_o scripture_n testimony_n i_o know_v not_o where_o we_o may_v cast_v our_o eye_n to_o look_v upon_o any_o church_n now_o or_o for_o many_o year_n past_a existent_a by_o humane_a testimony_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o many_o place_n and_o among_o other_o in_o britain_n by_o apostolical_a authority_n where_o the_o word_n have_v ever_o continue_v since_o
a_o reply_n to_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o ground_n for_o infant_n baptism_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n put_v forth_o against_o i_o by_o one_o thomas_n lamb_n hereunto_o be_v add_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o infant_n baptism_n wherein_o i_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v it_o in_o itself_o as_o also_o in_o the_o ministry_n administer_a it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n by_o sprinkle_v and_o not_o dip_v with_o sundry_a other_o particular_n handle_v herein_o by_o george_n fillip_v of_o watertown_n in_o new_a england_n matth_n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v unto_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n a_o parvulo_fw-la recens_fw-la nato_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la decrepitum_fw-la senem_fw-la nullus_fw-la prohibendus_fw-la est_fw-la a_o baptismo_fw-la august_n enchirid._n cap._n 42._o dic_fw-la quaeso_fw-la &_o omni_fw-la i_o libera_fw-la quaestione_fw-la quare_fw-la infantuli_fw-la baptizentur_fw-la orthodox_n ut_fw-la iis_fw-la peccata_fw-la in_o baptismate_fw-la dimittantur_fw-la hieron_n advers._fw-la pelagian_a dialog_n ter_z london_n print_v by_o matthew_n simmons_n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o popes-head-alley_n 1645._o to_o the_o reader_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a but_o see_v what_o satan_n masterpiece_n and_o great_a work_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o this_o day_n viz._n to_o divide_v and_o sow_v tare_n of_o discord_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o true_o who_o heart_n bleed_v not_o to_o behold_v the_o present_a division_n by_o sword_n by_o pen_n in_o affection_n &_o in_o opinion_n under_o which_o the_o land_n of_o peace_n lie_v now_o a_o bleed_a among_o which_o division_n none_o more_o lamentable_a nor_o grievous_a to_o a_o tender_a spirit_n than_o those_o that_o be_v between_o person_n profess_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o time_n when_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o spirit_n shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o against_o the_o common_a adversary_n watch_v their_o destruction_n at_o their_o very_a door_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o satan_n to_o set_v they_o especial_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o at_o variance_n who_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v shed_v to_o reconcile_v and_o this_o he_o do_v especial_o when_o he_o have_v start_v a_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o old_a observation_n in_o re_fw-la sacramentaria_fw-la in_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o trouble_v the_o world_n and_o divide_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o pious_o affect_v about_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n although_o withal_o one_o will_v wonder_v in_o other_o respect_n how_o any_o godly_a man_n who_o have_v better_a thing_n to_o mind_n shall_v hold_v up_o the_o buckler_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o stigmatise_v doctrine_n by_o the_o pen_n of_o so_o many_o of_o god_n worthy_n from_o the_o scripture_n if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o new_a light_n concern_v it_o that_o be_v never_o yet_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n this_o present_a age_n may_v have_v second_o thought_n and_o learn_v the_o more_o by_o other_o error_n but_o when_o in_o this_o controversy_n man_n dig_v up_o only_o the_o old_a sepulcher_n and_o heap_v up_o little_o more_o than_o the_o dry_a bone_n and_o scull_n of_o other_o man_n examine_v condemn_a and_o corrupt_a device_n this_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a and_o very_o unbeseeming_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o prudent_a and_o humble_a christian_a who_o will_v never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v remove_v much_o less_o attempt_v the_o move_n of_o other_o from_o the_o ancient_a receive_v opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n without_o mountain_n of_o argument_n and_o light_a as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o alter_v his_o mind_n or_o make_v he_o to_o remove_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o write_v the_o life_n of_o doctor_n whitaker_n prudent_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v academiae_fw-la oraculum_fw-la the_o oracle_n of_o that_o university_n and_o mundi_fw-la miraculum_fw-la the_o miracle_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o time_n because_o though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o such_o eminent_a part_n yet_o he_o ever_o keep_v the_o ancient_a receive_v doctrine_n &_o have_v nothing_o proper_a nor_o do_v he_o in_o veteri_fw-la via_fw-la novam_fw-la semitam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la he_o do_v not_o seek_v a_o new_a path_n in_o the_o old_a way_n as_o almost_o all_o divine_n of_o great_a part_n do_v use_v to_o do_v as_o from_o hierom_n he_o observe_v the_o author_n therefore_o of_o this_o reply_n in_o which_o we_o wish_v he_o have_v a_o strong_a adversary_n to_o honour_n well_o know_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o his_o people_n and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o western_a world_n for_o his_o learning_n godliness_n and_o peaceablenesse_n of_o disposition_n can_v be_v just_o blame_v as_o any_o firebrand_n of_o contention_n in_o return_v this_o answer_n it_o do_v but_o defend_v the_o wall_n and_o trench_n of_o the_o ancient_a receive_v truth_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v make_v any_o resistance_n have_v he_o not_o be_v assault_v on_o that_o ground_n where_o himself_o with_o god_n truth_n have_v have_v just_a and_o quiet_a possession_n so_o long_o nor_o have_v he_o publish_v it_o to_o increase_v disunion_n but_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n first_o who_o have_v give_v he_o this_o occasion_n to_o reply_v or_o if_o not_o of_o his_o yet_o of_o some_o other_o godly_a and_o tender_a who_o in_o simplicity_n have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v sudden_o take_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o fowler_n of_o these_o evil_a time_n i_o remember_v it_o be_v luther_n prayer_n second_v often_o by_o learned_a holy_a and_o age_a paraeus_n a_o doctore_fw-la glorioso_fw-it &_o pastore_n contentioso_fw-la &_o inutilibus_fw-la quaestionibus_fw-la liberet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la dominus_fw-la to_o start_v this_o controversy_n about_o infant_n baptism_n i_o fear_v upon_o sad_a examination_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o head_n of_o those_o inutiles_fw-la quaestiones_fw-la especial_o in_o these_o unsettle_a and_o troublesome_a time_n and_o though_o pretend_a to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o reformation_n yet_o will_v give_v as_o sad_a a_o blow_n to_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v attend_v in_o it_o as_o almost_o any_o opinion_n i_o know_v and_o the_o end_n will_v speak_v as_o much_o and_o therefore_o a_o sober_a strong_a defence_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n may_v be_v very_o profitable_a &_o useful_a against_o a_o unprofitable_a question_n of_o it_o now_o and_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n especial_o in_o this_o controversy_n concern_v infant_n will_v gangrene_n far_o and_o leaven_n much_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o express_a word_n nor_o such_o manifest_a clearness_n in_o such_o full_a and_o express_a sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o many_o other_o practical_a point_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o there_o be_v sufficient_a scripture_n to_o satisfy_v a_o sober_a humble_a mind_n that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o love_v scruple_n and_o question_n a_o disease_n paul_n will_v have_v cure_v 1_o tim._n 1.5_o 6._o will_v be_v always_o touch_v upon_o that_o string_n viz._n where_o be_v your_o commandment_n i_o see_v not_o any_o express_a scripture_n yes_o that_o you_o may_v by_o just_a and_o full_a deduction_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a proof_n from_o scripture_n or_o else_o our_o saviour_n proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v bad_a from_z i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o be_v not_o express_o contain_v in_o these_o word_n but_o deduct_v from_o they_o second_o if_o conscience_n and_o experience_n may_v speak_v there_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n that_o have_v taste_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o question_v this_o ordinance_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o fit_a tempter_n to_o deceive_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o everlasting_a truth_n viz._n that_o that_o truth_n which_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v without_o love_n to_o it_o by_o some_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n he_o will_v quick_o cast_v off_o a_o man_n will_v not_o care_v for_o that_o bread_n that_o do_v not_o feed_v he_o nor_o will_v keep_v on_o those_o clothes_n in_o winter_n time_n that_o do_v not_o warm_v he_o nor_o love_v that_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o refresh_v he_o and_o consequent_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cut_v down_o that_o barren_a baptism_n under_o who_o covert_n he_o have_v so_o long_o live_v but_o never_o taste_v of_o the_o fruit_n
he_o admit_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v their_o infant_n also_o and_o so_o in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n at_o first_o set_v it_o up_o second_o disciple_n be_v those_o that_o be_v enter_v with_o their_o parent_n into_o the_o school_n and_o profession_n continue_v successive_o so_o till_o god_n turn_v they_o off_o and_o no_o otherwise_o be_v the_o jew_n from_o isaac_n till_o christ_n time_n disciple_n and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v now_o to_o say_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o baptize_v infant_n now_o because_o disciple_n be_v to_o baptize_v be_v not_o upon_o any_o just_a consequence_n beside_o let_v any_o show_v i_o a_o command_n of_o baptise_v female_n there_o be_v no_o command_n to_o circumcise_v they_o example_n there_o be_v of_o baptise_v they_o but_o i_o suppose_v that_o without_o a_o command_n will_v not_o suffice_v if_o any_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v command_v mat._n 28._o where_o under_o the_o term_n of_o nation_n they_o be_v include_v i_o reply_v be_v not_o child_n a_o part_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o you_o will_v say_v they_o must_v be_v make_v disciple_n first_o reply_n first_o disciple_n as_o i_o say_v be_v make_v two_o way_n actual_o by_o profession_n or_o federal_o by_o imitation_n as_o infant_n be_v then_o so_o infant_n may_v be_v now_o second_o god_n take_v care_n of_o infant_n now_o and_o requirâ—â—_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o discipline_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o god_n never_o take_v the_o care_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o he_o and_o in_o that_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v nurse_v up_o in_o his_o discipline_n it_o plain_o argue_v they_o be_v his_o disciple_n his_o four_o and_o last_o answer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a from_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v circumcise_v now_o to_o be_v baptize_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o change_v the_o subject_n that_o there_o be_v of_o change_v the_o sacrament_n viz._n christ_n come_v and_o if_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o circumcise_v child_n now_o because_o they_o be_v circumcise_v then_o than_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o baptize_v infant_n now_o because_o they_o be_v circumcise_v they_o because_o christ_n come_n do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o subject_n also_o and_o have_v put_v another_o subject_n to_o be_v baptize_v namely_o believer_n and_o only_a believer_n reply_n first_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o change_v the_o subject_n that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sacrament_n god_n change_v the_o sacrament_n he_o give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n but_o he_o change_v not_o the_o subject_n but_o continue_v the_o same_o offer_n of_o happiness_n to_o adam_n the_o same_o subject_n but_o he_o continue_v not_o the_o same_o sacrament_n second_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o change_v into_o another_o of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o grace_n signify_v in_o both_o be_v the_o same_o the_o manner_n of_o signify_v be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o sacramental_o but_o the_o sign_n only_o be_v change_v three_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o change_v by_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_n as_o be_v type_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v disprove_v before_o though_o here_o again_o employ_v but_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o kingdom_n be_v take_v from_o they_o because_o they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v mat._n 21.22_o and_o now_o the_o subject_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v loyal_a and_o they_o shall_v not_o if_o they_o have_v be_v loyal_a four_o the_o change_n of_o god_n administration_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v be_v divers_a but_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o grace_n be_v offer_v be_v never_o change_v from_o adam_n time_n to_o abraham_n where_o be_v the_o same_o subject_n man_n woman_n and_o infant_n none_o will_v say_v infant_n be_v exclude_v if_o they_o die_v before_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n from_o abraham_n time_n to_o moses_n the_o administration_n of_o grace_n be_v change_v not_o the_o subject_n infant_n also_o from_o moses_n time_n it_o be_v more_o change_v till_o christ_n time_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o change_v infant_n not_o shut_v out_o no_o not_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n and_o why_o shall_v infant_n be_v shut_v out_o since_o see_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o same_o though_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o differ_v but_o especial_o with_o more_o enlargement_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o consequence_n of_o my_o argument_n be_v not_o weaken_v and_o so_o the_o point_n prove_v by_o it_o certain_a that_o as_o infant_n be_v then_o circumcise_v so_o infant_n be_v now_o to_o be_v baptize_v baptism_n succeed_v circumcision_n the_o second_o part._n and_o thus_o for_o reply_n to_o his_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o discourse_n touch_v infant_n baptism_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o proceed_v with_o he_o in_o the_o rest_n about_o the_o form_n a_o church_n wherein_o first_o he_o say_v i_o speak_v of_o agreement_n in_o this_o that_o matter_n and_o form_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n also_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o company_n of_o visible_a saint_n profess_v faith_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v according_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v first_o this_o definition_n agree_v not_o to_o infant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v to_o be_v subject_n of_o baptism_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2.3_o psa_fw-la 51.5_o second_o nor_o do_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o i_o will_v make_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o in_o bring_v ground_n from_o they_o for_o baptise_v infant_n who_o never_o be_v require_v to_o make_v such_o profession_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o admission_n as_o all_o church_n and_o member_n add_v do_v since_o christ_n time_n act_v 2.41_o &_o 8.12_o etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v let_v i_o give_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o i_o can_v own_v these_o word_n thus_o express_v that_o he_o and_o i_o with_o who_o i_o have_v this_o discourse_n agree_v of_o this_o that_o matter_n and_o form_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a and_o before_o we_o accord_v have_v many_o passage_n to_o and_o fro_o but_o proceed_v not_o till_o we_o consent_v there_o nor_o can_v i_o say_v that_o i_o write_v it_o down_o and_o touch_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v there_o express_v i_o be_o confident_a so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v it_o be_v none_o of_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o now_o own_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o observe_v how_o vain_a and_o rash_a he_o be_v so_o unground_o to_o publish_v these_o thing_n under_o my_o name_n unto_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n i_o well_o remember_v to_o be_v i_o i_o shall_v clear_v my_o way_n in_o pass_v this_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o and_o set_v down_o such_o a_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n as_o i_o have_v by_o i_o and_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o what_o he_o say_v i_o make_v this_o reply_n first_o i_o will_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o this_o i_o conclude_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o every_o place_n where_o a_o church_n be_v style_v saint_n believer_n and_o the_o like_a second_o this_o definition_n agree_v to_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v man_n be_v saint_n also_o and_o holy_a seed_n of_o holy_a parent_n though_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n so_o be_v infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o now_o as_o the_o place_n psal_n 51._o by_o he_o allege_v evince_v and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o year_n and_o paul_n confess_v himself_o with_o other_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n yea_o then_o when_o he_o say_v it_o there_o be_v no_o hindrance_n then_o why_o that_o description_n may_v not_o agree_v to_o infant_n three_o it_o agree_v right_a well_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n but_o a_o holy_a people_n unto_o god_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n and_o no_o otherwise_o a_o church_n but_o as_o such_o or_o believer_n and_o we_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n admit_v &_o continue_a member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v a_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o so_o that_o the_o description_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n do_v well_o agree_v to_o all_o church_n and_o member_n of_o church_n always_o nor_o be_v church_n to_o consist_v of_o or_o admit_v
other_o unto_o they_o now_o a_o church_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o it_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n call_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o some_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o do_v join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n to_o have_v he_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o they_o &_o they_o and_o they_o and_o they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n as_o also_o one_o with_o another_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n for_o his_o glory_n &_o their_o mutual_a edification_n to_o life_n according_a to_o god_n reveal_v will_n now_o as_o i_o tie_v no_o man_n to_o my_o expression_n so_o i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v of_o any_o that_o shall_v help_v i_o to_o a_o better_a understanding_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o in_o this_o description_n all_o the_o cause_n concur_v the_o efficient_a a_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o instrumental_a the_o word_n in_o some_o effect_n upon_o their_o heart_n the_o material_a a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n so_o call_v and_o from_o thence_o saint_n and_o believer_n the_o formal_a join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n whereof_o there_o be_v two_o branch_n one_o call_v zach._n 11._o the_o staff_n of_o beauty_n take_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o they_o and_o they_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o they_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n the_o other_o call_v the_o staff_n of_o bond_n or_o brotherhood_n and_o both_o the_o covenant_n the_o final_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o glorify_v god_n the_o supreme_a and_o edify_v one_o another_o to_o life_n with_o the_o mean_n worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n only_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o constitute_n of_o it_o which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n by_o succession_n till_o the_o lord_n the_o efficient_a dischurch_n they_o but_o to_o proceed_v this_o confuter_n next_o say_v that_o i_o make_v this_o quaere_fw-la whether_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o answer_v no_o give_v reason_n of_o my_o denial_n i_o affirm_v a_o covenant_n act_v be_v the_o form_n of_o it_o to_o all_o which_o he_o answer_v first_o in_o general_a and_o here_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o form_n and_o the_o thing_n form_v and_o say_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n the_o form_n or_o fashion_n thereof_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o every_o member_n possess_v from_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o each_o with_o other_o whereby_o every_o law_n and_o service_n be_v communicable_a and_o execute_v conclude_v that_o neither_o a_o covenant_n or_o baptism_n be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o baptism_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o instrumental_a mean_n by_o which_o a_o church_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o form_n which_o it_o have_v as_o by_o which_o it_o become_v a_o church_n further_o that_o the_o instrumental_a mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n both_o of_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v by_o consent_n of_o love_n issue_v forth_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v in_o and_o from_o our_o lord_n through_o one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o and_o if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v and_o be_v not_o supply_v the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o visible_a existence_n and_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v though_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o be_v a_o essential_a mean_n and_o the_o last_o too_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o true_a baptism_n be_v want_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n reply_n first_o to_o let_v pass_v his_o distinction_n only_o this_o i_o say_v that_o he_o confound_v form_n and_o figure_n as_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v divers_a for_o water_n in_o a_o round_a glass_n or_o square_n have_v this_o or_o that_o figure_n or_o fashion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o form_n whereby_o water_n be_v water_n and_o not_o another_o thing_n and_o therefore_o form_n differ_v from_o figure_n and_o fashion_n second_o whereas_o he_o deni_v a_o covenant_n or_o baptism_n either_o to_o be_v a_o church_n form_n he_o contradict_v what_o he_o say_v before_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o covenant_n before_o christ_n and_o after_o to_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o that_o the_o coventnt_n of_o god_n make_v the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n too_o and_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o say_v of_o his_o here_o and_o there_o can_v be_v both_o true_a three_o he_o say_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o relation_n that_o each_o member_n possess_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o each_o with_o other_o which_o be_v by_o consent_n of_o love_n reply_n first_o the_o relation_n that_o each_o member_n possess_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o each_o the_o other_o be_v either_o internal_a as_o spirit_n faith_n love_n or_o external_a the_o manifestation_n of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v internal_a they_o can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o external_a visible_a church_n as_o they_o be_v manifest_v outward_o they_o can_v make_v the_o church_n form_n because_o they_o may_v manifest_v these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a and_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v neither_o matter_n nor_o form_n though_o he_o make_v they_o both_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o these_o make_v they_o to_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v a_o church_n without_o the_o form_n add_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o covenant_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o consent_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o covenant_n by_o which_o alone_o every_o law_n and_o service_n be_v communicable_a and_o excecute_v last_o of_o all_o he_o say_v that_o consent_n of_o love_n from_o one_o spirit_n faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v essential_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o matter_n and_o form_n ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o and_o if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n reply_n first_o in_o make_v all_o these_o to_o concur_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o mean_n thereof_o he_o necessary_o yield_v the_o form_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v something_o else_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o second_o he_o confound_v baptism_n with_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v internal_a grace_n unless_o he_o mean_v the_o external_a profession_n of_o they_o flow_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o he_o do_v than_o i_o conceive_v he_o yield_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v that_o in_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a engagement_n of_o all_o party_n and_o one_o main_a part_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n through_o one_o spirit_n without_o which_o a_o covenant_n can_v be_v in_o the_o state_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o three_o that_o of_o ephes_n 4._o intend_v not_o to_o describe_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o persuade_v to_o unity_n by_o a_o sevenfold_a unity_n that_o they_o be_v already_o church-member_n be_v all_o partaker_n of_o last_o if_o baptism_n may_v be_v want_v for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o a_o believer_n essential_o a_o church-member_n as_o abraham_n and_o his_o many_o male_n and_o female_n be_v before_o circumcise_v for_o the_o space_n of_o at_o least_o 14._o year_n between_o the_o covenant_n and_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n matter_n and_o form_n but_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o church_n constitute_v in_o matter_n and_o form_n before_o and_o when_o a_o man_n of_o year_n be_v baptize_v in_o a_o church_n be_v the_o baptize_v a_o visible_a saint_n or_o no_o if_o yea_o for_o he_o may_v be_v no_o real_a saint_n than_o his_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v he_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o he_o have_v both_o before_o or_o else_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o thus_o much_o to_o his_o general_a discourse_n in_o particular_a he_o go_v on_o and_o say_v first_o as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a birth_n so_o it_o be_v in_o spiritual_a but_o in_o natural_a birth_n we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o our_o natural_a be_v among_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n by_o our_o birth_n from_o our_o parent_n therefore_o we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o our_o spiritual_a and_o visible_a be_v among_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n eternal_a by_o our_o spiritual_a birth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a
all_o these_o end_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v it_o for_o and_o so_o for_o those_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n but_o none_o of_o these_o end_n be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o visible_a be_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o by_o way_n of_o signification_n and_o confirmation_n ergo_fw-la baptism_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n a_o 5_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a ordinance_n before_o baptism_n to_o note_v out_o their_o visible_a be_v in_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v than_o it_o be_v baptism_n that_o do_v it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o visible_a ordinance_n before_o baptism_n to_o note_v out_o their_o visible_a be_v in_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v baptism_n that_o do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o if_o he_o real_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o which_o he_o have_v former_o argue_v second_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v to_o who_o baptism_n must_v note_v out_o their_o visible_a be_v in_o the_o covenant_n if_o to_o themselves_o they_o may_v know_v it_o before_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o if_o to_o other_o either_o christian_n they_o must_v know_v it_o before_o or_o not_o baptize_v they_o or_o else_o the_o world_n and_o baptism_n can_v no_o way_n notify_v such_o a_o thing_n unto_o they_o they_o can_v take_v notice_n thereof_o nor_o will_v they_o they_o know_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v christ_n nor_o the_o father_n and_o if_o a_o man_n true_o baptize_v fall_n off_o from_o his_o profession_n to_o who_o do_v it_o note_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n though_o it_o be_v know_v he_o be_v baptize_v and_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o rule_n whereby_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v his_o disciple_n not_o if_o baptize_v but_o if_o they_o love_v one_o another_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o any_o say_v he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o do_v evil_a he_o lie_v and_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v it_o though_o they_o know_v he_o be_v visible_o baptize_v ergo_fw-la baptism_n can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n see_v it_o do_v not_o note_v out_o their_o visible_a be_v in_o covenant_n which_o be_v notify_v before_o and_o by_o other_o mean_n both_o before_o and_o after_o last_o of_o all_o again_o he_o contradict_v himself_o in_o say_v here_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o before_o deny_v baptism_n or_o the_o covenant_n either_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o it_o the_o 6_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o first_o matth._n 28.19_o where_o the_o participle_n baptise_v concurre_v to_o make_v they_o disciple_n and_o mark_n 16.16_o faith_n put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o god_n baptism_n before_o man_n the_o reason_n run_v thus_o if_o from_o commission_n to_o the_o first_o planter_n baptism_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o disciple_n in_o a_o visible_a state_n of_o salvation_n and_o state_v in_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o baptism_n so_o administer_v be_v that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v first_o the_o scripture_n require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v make_v disciple_n and_o then_o be_v disciple_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v they_o disciple_n again_o faith_n make_v they_o disciple_n in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o god_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o baptism_n do_v make_v visible_o and_o outward_o disciple_n in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o man_n rom._n 10.9_o 10._o they_o that_o baptize_v any_o must_v know_v they_o to_o be_v visible_o such_o before_o they_o baptize_v they_o else_o not_o baptize_v they_o as_o himself_o have_v say_v from_o act_n 2.21.8.12_o second_o baptism_n be_v require_v to_o state_n they_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n not_o by_o make_v they_o a_o church_n or_o member_n to_o who_o only_o such_o ordinance_n yea_o baptism_n itself_o do_v belong_v but_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o observe_v they_o be_v member_n and_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o observaton_n of_o those_o ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n circumcision_n do_v not_o make_v they_o a_o church_n but_o be_v a_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v without_o which_o they_o may_v not_o observe_v the_o passeover_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n also_o which_o do_v hinder_v they_o from_o observation_n of_o the_o passeover_n though_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o thus_o of_o his_o position_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o form_v the_o church_n only_o if_o i_o understand_v his_o close_n he_o flat_o contradict_v himself_o in_o say_v baptism_n be_v the_o mean_n and_o thing_n that_o form_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o our_o church_n form_v for_o either_o it_o form_v the_o church_n withan_fw-ge outward_a or_o inward_a but_o not_o inward_a before_o god_n faith_n do_v that_o and_o therefore_o the_o outward_a form_n it_o must_v be_v and_o so_o he_o say_v in_o his_o last_o argument_n baptism_n put_v a_o man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o man_n again_o he_o grant_v the_o church_n to_o be_v form_v with_o a_o outward_a form_n without_o baptism_n in_o say_v baptism_n be_v not_o that_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o church_n form_v if_o a_o form_a church_n it_o have_v a_o form_n that_o form_v it_o but_o the_o form_n be_v not_o baptism_n ergo_fw-la he_o overthrow_v all_o that_o he_o have_v argue_v for_o or_o else_o the_o church_n have_v two_o outward_a form_n one_o he_o grant_v the_o church_n have_v without_o baptism_n the_o other_o by_o baptism_n which_o these_o six_o argument_n plead_v for_o it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o next_o he_o answer_v the_o reason_n i_o set_v down_o as_o he_o say_v to_o prove_v that_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n must_v be_v remove_v to_o make_v a_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o baptism_n can_v be_v remove_v from_o a_o church_n while_o it_o remain_v a_o church_n ergo._n he_o answer_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o remove_v baptism_n from_o a_o church_n as_o to_o remove_v a_o church_n from_o be_v a_o church_n reply_n first_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a answer_n and_o touch_v no_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n again_o a_o church_n be_v unchurch_v not_o by_o unbaptize_v the_o baptize_v as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o by_o destroy_v the_o church_n itself_o the_o church_n must_v first_o in_o reasan_n be_v make_v no_o church_n before_o ordinance_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v ordinance_n in_o that_o church_n but_o destroy_v the_o church_n and_o baptism_n will_v not_o be_v baptism_n as_o the_o edomite_n circumcision_n be_v not_o circumcision_n when_o they_o be_v not_o the_o church_n the_o jew_n circumcision_n and_o all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v nullity_n to_o this_o day_n since_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o that_o which_o being_n want_v to_o a_o church_n constitute_v do_v not_o cause_v the_o church_n to_o be_v no_o church_n that_o can_v be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n may_v be_v want_v to_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o church_n as_o circumcision_n to_o infant_n seven_o day_n always_o to_o all_o female_n to_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n josh_n 5._o ergo_fw-la answ_n he_o deny_v the_o second_o proposition_n that_o baptism_n may_v be_v want_v to_o a_o church_n constitute_v his_o reason_n because_o a_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o baptism_n and_o so_o josh_n 5._o he_o say_v that_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a have_v special_a dispensation_n from_o god_n himself_o supply_v by_o miraculous_a sacrament_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o necessary_a forbearance_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n while_o in_o travel_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v a_o like_a case_n and_o supply_v of_o miraculous_a sacrament_n we_o can_v conclude_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o church_n or_o man_n member_n of_o a_o church_n without_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v reply_n first_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v
more_o or_o less_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v false_a for_o rome_n to_o challenge_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o no_o less_o absurd_a and_o injurious_a for_o we_o to_o draw_v and_o derive_v our_o succession_n from_o they_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v there_o so_o it_o have_v not_o be_v without_o fruit_n as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n but_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o ethnic_a emperor_n and_o apostafie_a of_o antichristian_a bishop_n many_o there_o have_v witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n nor_o be_v now_o ineffectual_a there_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v those_o mean_n of_o he_o notwithstanding_o persecution_n or_o corruption_n with_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n from_o satan_n to_o himself_o yea_o he_o have_v not_o only_o reserve_v successive_o even_o in_o england_n unto_o himself_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n unto_o baal_n but_o among_o other_o some_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a light_n that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o raise_v up_o in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o horrid_a darkness_n overspread_v the_o world_n have_v be_v of_o english_a christian_n as_o mr._n wickliff_n pastor_n of_o lutterworth_n though_o corrupt_o call_v in_o part_n in_o lincolnshire_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o as_o in_o all_o other_o place_n of_o the_o western_a world_n wheresoever_o christianity_n settle_v the_o whole_a world_n go_v after_o the_o beast_n and_o all_o church_n i_o know_v not_o one_o except_v with_o that_o apostafie_a be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o measure_v and_o the_o holy_a city_n be_v give_v to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n of_o the_o gentile_n antichristian_a 42._o month_n yet_o all_o this_o time_n the_o holy_a city_n remain_v a_o holy_a city_n and_o after_o too_o unless_o god_n himself_o reject_v she_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n among_o other_o be_v the_o church_n in_o england_n corrupt_v as_o the_o rest_n with_o false_a doctrine_n idolatry_n etc._n etc._n and_o usurp_a upon_o by_o antichrist_n against_o which_o god_n even_o there_o also_o have_v his_o two_o witness_n some_o few_o prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n at_o last_o it_o please_v god_n more_o full_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o light_n and_o cause_v his_o truth_n to_o prevail_v so_o as_o many_o thousand_o be_v redeem_v from_o among_o man_n antichristian_a and_o they_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n nor_o be_v the_o church-estate_n alter_v essential_o all_o this_o time_n nor_o be_v these_o first_o fruit_n unto_o god_n new_a constitute_v church_n but_o member_n of_o some_o church_n clear_n themselves_o from_o corruption_n and_o by_o reformation_n recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o a_o desperate_a disease_a condition_n into_o a_o more_o healthful_a and_o sound_a estate_n in_o which_o course_n the_o lord_n go_v on_o mighty_o in_o many_o place_n especial_o after_o luther_n time_n yea_o even_o in_o england_n something_o by_o henry_n the_o 8_o more_o by_o edward_n the_o 6_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n who_o do_v not_o constitute_v new_a church_n but_o reform_v the_o church_n as_o geneva_n scotland_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o further_a degree_n deep_o degenerate_v from_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o the_o pure_a state_n thereof_o as_o they_o do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n often_o sometime_o better_o and_o more_o full_o and_o sometime_o not_o so_o full_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judge_n david_n asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n josiah_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o conclude_v this_o as_o i_o believe_v firm_o christ_n visible_a church_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n from_o his_o time_n to_o this_o day_n though_o not_o always_o in_o one_o estate_n nor_o ever_o in_o like_a purity_n so_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o may_v be_v better_o clear_v in_o the_o general_a or_o any_o thing_n more_o be_v say_v for_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n than_o i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o visible_a church-estate_n in_o england_n in_o particular_a if_o any_o can_v i_o think_v they_o shall_v do_v well_o and_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a especial_o in_o these_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v afore_o unless_o they_o that_o deny_v true_a ministry_n in_o england_n can_v show_v that_o there_o never_o be_v church-estate_n in_o england_n nor_o constitute_v church_n or_o that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v herewith_o that_o they_o will_v be_v content_a not_o to_o disquiet_v themselves_o with_o disturbance_n to_o other_o i_o come_v now_o to_o propound_v some_o thing_n about_o the_o ministry_n there_o in_o particular_a to_o this_o purpose_n we_o know_v all_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o lawful_a call_v but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n immediate_o by_o himself_o without_o concurrence_n of_o man_n or_o mediate_o by_o man_n use_v they_o as_o instrument_n other_o way_n of_o call_v i_o know_v not_o any_o according_a to_o the_o word_n account_v all_o calling_n or_o way_n of_o call_v not_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v humane_a and_o idolatrous_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o call_v by_o man_n for_o of_o the_o other_o i_o know_v not_o any_o but_o the_o apostle_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v call_v two_o thing_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v to_o first_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o apply_v a_o call_n to_o a_o man_n second_o how_o it_o be_v apply_v 1._o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o apply_v a_o ministerial_a call_n to_o a_o man_n some_o say_v the_o pope_n some_o stand_n for_o in_o mediate_a revelation_n both_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v alike_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n some_o say_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n quà _fw-la magistrate_n at_o least_o approbation_n but_o i_o see_v no_o warrant_n for_o this_o neither_o some_o say_v the_o church_n but_o by_o church_n they_o understand_v a_o presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n of_o several_a church_n or_o council_n but_o of_o these_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a evidence_n in_o scripture_n to_o evince_v such_o a_o church_n or_o such_o a_o practice_n for_o though_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o actual_a call_n of_o a_o man_n but_o a_o ceremony_n of_o confirmation_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o by_o church_n therefore_o i_o judge_n be_v mean_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n join_v together_o in_o profession_n and_o successive_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n and_o this_o company_n have_v power_n to_o apply_v the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n thus_o i_o judge_v partly_o from_o scripture_n partly_o from_o reason_n the_o scripture_n be_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o jew_n choose_v their_o own_o officer_n deut._n 1.13_o &_o 16.18_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act._n 1.26_o the_o word_n signify_v he_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o eleven_o by_o common_a suffrage_n in_o the_o context_n i_o note_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o whole_a company_n do_v choose_v two_o from_o out_o of_o themselves_o and_o set_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o apply_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o call_v depend_v only_o on_o god_n yet_o they_o bring_v it_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o single_a out_o two_o second_o god_n have_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o two_o they_o subscribe_v to_o it_o by_o joint_a suffrage_n nor_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n concur_v in_o that_o man_n calling_n no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v necessary_a certain_o shall_v have_v be_v especial_o there_o be_v eleven_o apostle_n present_a and_o inferior_a person_n in_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13._o again_o act_v 6.3_o 5._o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o it_o seem_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v out_o by_o examination_n and_o trial_n and_o choose_v seven_o man_n among_o themselves_o and_o then_o set_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n who_o pray_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o act_v 14.23_o they_o set_v no_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n that_o be_v they_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o ordain_v elder_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o people_n suffrage_n manifest_v by_o their_o lift_n up_o their_o hand_n and_o 2_o cor._n 8.19_o he_o who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n testify_v their_o suffrage_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n from_o which_o scripture_n i_o judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o set_v apart_o a_o person_n for_o