of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o hurt_n of_o man_n soul_n thereby_o and_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o its_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n 3._o although_o the_o public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n yet_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n by_o law_n to_o attend_v it_o it_o will_v doubtless_o be_v much_o more_o neglect_v by_o many_o than_o when_o there_o be_v but_o the_o more_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o attend_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o more_o hope_n and_o probability_n there_o be_v of_o their_o be_v saving_o wrought_v upon_o 4._o if_o whosoever_o shall_v pretend_v himself_o qualify_v for_o it_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o congregation_n it_o will_v be_v the_o leave_v open_o a_o door_n of_o opportunity_n to_o seducer_n to_o subvert_v man_n soul_n and_o to_o fill_v a_o nation_n with_o variety_n of_o sect_n and_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o it_o will_v be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v man_n and_o to_o this_o day_n we_o feel_v the_o very_a sad_a effect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o liberty_n sometime_o indulge_v thus_o we_o see_v for_o what_o reason_n true_a religion_n shall_v be_v promote_v by_o national_a authority_n and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n in_o all_o nation_n have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o promote_v by_o their_o authority_n that_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whence_o come_v this_o but_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v man_n to_o use_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o have_v to_o further_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o indeed_o christian_n of_o all_o pesuasion_n be_v willing_a enough_o to_o have_v the_o civil_a power_n to_o exert_v itself_o in_o further_a their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n the_o people_n of_o new_a england_n who_o once_o be_v as_o much_o for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o any_o yet_o soon_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o incorporate_v the_o civil_a power_n with_o the_o ecclesiastic_a for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o as_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a establishment_n for_o the_o purpose_n aforesaid_a do_v sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o have_v the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n on_o its_o side_n so_o it_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o countenance_n from_o supernatural_a revelation_n 1._o when_o almighty_a god_n say_v to_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n have_v i_o make_v thou_o gen._n 17._o he_o declare_v his_o intention_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n from_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n in_o a_o national_a way_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v afterward_o by_o the_o first_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o his_o performance_n herein_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o as_o of_o other_o divine_a prediction_n by_o the_o after_o event_n which_o answer_v they_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a way_n of_o understand_a prediction_n when_o such_o event_n take_v place_n almighty_a god_n make_v abraham_n first_o a_o father_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o issue_v out_o of_o his_o own_o loin_n for_o when_o his_o posterity_n who_o by_o circumcision_n covenant_v to_o take_v abraham_n god_n only_o for_o their_o god_n grow_v very_o numerous_a in_o egypt_n god_n bring_v they_o out_o thence_o that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o open_o and_o public_o in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o by_o his_o visible_a own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n by_o extraordinary_a favour_n show_v they_o he_o design_v to_o make_v himself_o more_o know_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o to_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v now_o in_o that_o abraham_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o many_o nation_n shall_v descend_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n by_o natural_a generation_n as_o that_o many_o nation_n in_o time_n shall_v after_o his_o example_n come_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o so_o st._n paul_n understand_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n when_o he_o make_v abraham_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n as_o well_o those_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a respect_n and_o sense_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n assert_v abraham_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v never_o circumcise_a as_o those_o that_o be_v ver._n 11_o 12._o and_o thus_o god_n make_v abraham_n a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n as_o he_o promise_v he_o will_v and_o a_o father_n of_o nation_n not_o only_o for_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o descend_v from_o he_o for_o so_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o one_o that_o descend_v from_o abraham_n predecessor_n and_o successor_n as_o well_o as_o from_o abraham_n but_o he_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o nation_n by_o be_v make_v by_o god_n the_o head_n the_o beginning_n and_o great_a example_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n and_o other_o consequent_a evil_n so_o as_o his_o progenitor_n be_v not_o to_o encourage_v which_o work_n in_o the_o world_n god_n invest_v abraham_n that_o lead_v the_o way_n herein_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v count_v the_o father_n of_o nation_n and_o a_o public_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o seed_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v design_n far_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o misbelief_n and_o idolatry_n in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o bring_v the_o world_n by_o degree_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n only_o appear_v by_o other_o predicticton_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o that_o isa_n 55.5_o behold_v thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n that_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o chap._n 52.15_o he_o shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n the_o king_n shall_v shut_v their_o mouth_n at_o he_o chap._n 49.23_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o their_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n zech._n 8.22_o many_o people_n and_o strong_a nation_n shall_v come_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n chap._n 2.11_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o man_n visible_a church-membership_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v visible_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o when_o many_o nation_n be_v national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v well_o be_v count_v national_o his_o people_n or_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v then_o national_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o nation_n do_v incorporate_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o the_o national_a government_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o christian_a religion_n become_v commodious_o and_o with_o more_o certainty_n to_o be_v transmit_v to_o future_a generation_n in_o a_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v for_o the_o time_n be_v by_o that_o which_o be_v existent_a just_a as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v for_o he_o establish_v a_o testimony_n in_o jacob_n and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v to_o their_o child_n that_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v know_v they_o even_o the_o child_n which_o shall_v
that_o have_v aggravate_v their_o crime_n in_o not_o observe_v the_o covenant_n consent_v to_o by_o their_o forefather_n unless_o they_o their_o posterity_n have_v be_v oblige_v by_o their_o forefather_n consent_v to_o it_o three_o god_n call_v those_o child_n of_o idolatrous_a jew_n his_o child_n who_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o idol_n and_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v unto_o he_o ezek._n 16.20_o 21._o &_o 23.37_o and_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v they_o so_o but_o by_o be_v the_o child_n of_o parent_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n though_o now_o they_o have_v violate_v it_o and_o by_o be_v far_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n circumcise_n they_o it_o seem_v that_o covenant_n which_o have_v oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o be_v god_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o likewise_o and_o much_o more_o be_v they_o thus_o oblige_v when_o their_o parent_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o though_o such_o parent_n have_v forfeit_v their_o covenant_n interest_n in_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o by_o that_o by_o which_o they_o do_v so_o make_v void_a god_n covenant_n right_n to_o they_o and_o their_o child_n but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o he_o to_o be_v he_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o some_o man_n when_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o bad_a as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o king_n 15.3_o 2_o king_n 16.2_o 2_o chron._n 28.5_o &_o 36.5.12_o four_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o circumcise_a their_o child_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a and_o not_o the_o child_n themselves_o and_o yet_o these_o child_n be_v as_o firm_o oblige_v by_o it_o when_o grow_v to_o be_v man_n as_o if_o they_o have_v then_o circumcise_a themselves_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 5.3_o and_o if_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o circumcise_n they_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n on_o their_o part_n whenever_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n by_o circumcise_n they_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o benefit_n promise_v on_o god_n part_n until_o they_o deve_v themselves_o of_o it_o by_o their_o actual_a and_o wilful_a transgress_v the_o covenant_n in_o not_o become_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o correspondence_n to_o his_o promise_n of_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n account_n little_a child_n which_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n and_o design_v to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o favourable_a construction_n repute_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o that_o service_n while_o but_o little_a child_n which_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v until_o they_o be_v past_o their_o childhood_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o one_o case_n and_o by_o purity_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o under_o like_a circumstance_n the_o child_n of_o the_o koathite_n of_o a_o month_n old_a be_v say_v to_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o they_o be_v design_v and_o devote_v for_o it_o by_o their_o parent_n then_o though_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o perform_v that_o service_n until_o they_o attain_v unto_o more_o year_n numb_a 3.27_o 28._o these_o be_v the_o family_n of_o the_o koathite_n in_o the_o number_n of_o all_o the_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o parent_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o contrary_a event_n in_o their_o child_n if_o they_o do_v not_o devote_v their_o child_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o when_o they_o shall_v their_o child_n be_v repute_v breaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereas_o their_o parent_n proper_o be_v so_o by_o neglect_v to_o fulfil_v the_o term_n of_o it_o on_o their_o child_n behalf_n the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o little_a child_n of_o proselyte_n also_o make_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n by_o their_o father_n take_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o by_o enter_v their_o male-children_n with_o themselves_o into_o it_o by_o circumcision_n exod._n 12.48_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v to_o that_o end_n in_o their_o minority_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o the_o child_n ought_v then_o to_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o if_o they_o have_v be_v capable_a to_o have_v do_v so_o and_o which_o in_o duty_n they_o ought_v to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o when_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o their_o parent_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o they_o before_o parent_n as_o parent_n have_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o their_o child_n and_o so_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o that_o what_o they_o oblige_v they_o to_o by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n will_n and_o command_v in_o their_o minority_n they_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o nor_o countermand_v by_o god_n as_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o than_o their_o parent_n have_v this_o be_v so_o reasonable_a as_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o have_v found_v his_o own_o institution_n upon_o it_o of_o oblige_v little_a child_n by_o covenant_v with_o he_o by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n if_o a_o man_n by_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n oblige_v his_o son_n and_o heir_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a thing_n among_o man_n for_o such_o a_o child_n to_o esteem_v himself_o not_o oblige_v thereby_o to_o do_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n or_o testament_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o man_n disannul_v it_o say_v s._n paul_n gal._n 3.15_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a child_n become_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o their_o behalf_n both_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o under_o it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o bring_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o their_o parent_n as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o other_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christian-parent_n have_v as_o great_a a_o propriety_n in_o and_o as_o much_o authority_n over_o their_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o parent_n have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o if_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n by_o their_o act_n and_o deed_n on_o their_o behalf_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o their_o benefit_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o child_n now_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o their_o minority_n on_o their_o behalf_n for_o their_o benefit_n than_o it_o be_v then_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n be_v of_o as_o much_o force_n to_o child_n now_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o now_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n by_o do_v that_o for_o they_o in_o their_o minority_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o benefit_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v heretofore_o all_o thing_n be_v suppose_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o parent_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o capacity_n to_o oblige_v their_o little_a child_n to_o god_n in_o covenant_n now_o by_o what_o they_o may_v do_v on_o their_o behalf_n in_o their_o minority_n as_o ever_o parent_n be_v heretofore_o they_o may_v dedicate_v and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n by_o baptism_n now_o as_o well_o as_o parent_n can_v by_o circumcision_n heretofore_o and_o baptism_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v the_o baptise_a in_o covenant_n with_o
god_n now_o as_o ever_o circumcision_n do_v the_o circumcise_a heretofore_o and_o it_o be_v now_o as_o much_o the_o benefit_n of_o person_n to_o be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o baptism_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o former_o by_o circumcision_n now_o as_o touch_v that_o warrant_n or_o authority_n which_o christian_n have_v to_o oblige_v their_o infant_n child_n by_o baptise_v they_o to_o become_v party_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o on_o their_o part_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v active_a therein_o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o of_o this_o kind_a christian_n have_v with_o what_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o other_o have_v for_o their_o oblige_v their_o child_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o god_n by_o circumcise_n they_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o it_o but_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v not_o of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n have_v only_o a_o favourable_a allowance_n and_o grant_n that_o in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v they_o 48._o exod._n 12_o 48._o that_o then_o in_o order_n to_o this_o attainment_n the_o father_n or_o man_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o all_o his_o male_n but_o otherwise_o as_o circumcision_n be_v not_o enjoin_v the_o gentile_n so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o prophet_n or_o other_o be_v send_v abroad_o among_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o jewish_a church_n only_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o the_o pharisee_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n but_o its_o probable_a it_o be_v but_o from_o among_o other_o jew_n to_o make_v he_o of_o their_o sect_n to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n but_o when_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a our_o saviour_n commissionated_a his_o apostle_n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o disciple_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o now_o if_o this_o commission_v extend_v to_o the_o baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_a parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a parent_n themselves_o then_o here_o be_v warrant_n and_o authority_n enough_o for_o such_o parent_n to_o engage_v their_o child_n by_o baptise_v they_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o endeavour_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o this_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o authorise_a the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v such_o little_a child_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o in_o another_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o it_o address_n from_o p._n 29._o to_o p._n 80._o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o to_o show_v what_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o baptise_v in_o this_o latitude_n 2._o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o word_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o extensive_a sense_n and_o that_o they_o do_v practice_n according_o unto_o what_o i_o have_v say_v there_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v one_o very_o considerable_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v the_o little_a child_n of_o christian_n take_v from_o the_o unanimous_a agreement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o before_o the_o defection_n into_o popery_n now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o such_o a_o practice_n unless_o they_o have_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o send_v by_o they_o in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o place_n the_o apostle_n go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v our_o saviour_n witness_n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o his_o commission_n their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n 1.6.23_o rom._n 10._o col._n 1.6.23_o and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o every_o creature_n under_o heaven_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o all_o place_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o their_o first_o receive_v this_o practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n there_o as_o 1._o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o one_o place_n from_o another_o where_o the_o christian_n live_v make_v it_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o usage_n by_o combination_n or_o imitation_n of_o one_o another_o 2._o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o language_n make_v it_o impossible_a that_o this_o sameness_n of_o practice_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o any_o mutual_a correspondence_n or_o intelligence_n hold_v by_o they_o 3._o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o make_v it_o impossible_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o diversity_n of_o language_n may_v have_v hold_v such_o correspondence_n as_o by_o agreement_n to_o have_v introduce_v such_o a_o practice_n as_o they_o have_v not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o they_o at_o first_o by_o some_o innovator_n yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a it_o shall_v steal_v into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o where_o without_o some_o know_a opposition_n from_o some_o good_a man_n or_o other_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v apostolical_a we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o office_n and_o out_o of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n will_v have_v suffer_v such_o a_o innovation_n as_o this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o innovation_n without_o such_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o some_o author_n or_o other_o who_o live_v in_o or_o near_o such_o time_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v first_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n since_o than_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o practice_n short_a of_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o since_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o it_o in_o the_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o christian_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o have_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n have_v yet_o all_o along_o agree_v in_o this_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o very_a few_o only_o except_v and_o those_o chief_o or_o rather_o only_o as_o have_v appear_v since_o luther_n day_n or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n practise_v record_v in_o scripture_n of_o their_o baptise_v whole_a household_n give_v we_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v and_o that_o their_o do_v so_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o baptise_v infant_n in_o all_o church_n first_o plant_v by_o they_o and_o in_o those_o succeed_v they_o i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o remain_v little_a reason_n for_o any_o impartial_a man_n to_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v practice_v infant_n baptism_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o commission_n query_n vi._n whither_o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n that_o method_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o most_o proper_a by_o which_o the_o child_n be_v most_o direct_o make_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o their_o parent_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o query_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o matter_n discuss_v in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o that_o union_n and_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o which_o they_o become_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o he_o with_o they_o to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o if_o little_a child_n be_v oblige_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o what_o their_o parent_n do_v in_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v baptise_a with_o intent_n thereby_o so_o to_o oblige_v they_o then_o i_o propose_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o demand_v of_o the_o parent_n
whether_o in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a they_o do_v not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n and_o to_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o somewhat_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o whether_o likewise_o such_o answer_n from_o the_o parent_n shall_v not_o be_v expect_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o demand_n and_o further_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o infant_n can_v be_v so_o well_o or_o so_o direct_o and_o proper_o oblige_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n by_o what_o sponsor_n which_o be_v not_o their_o parent_n then_o do_v to_o oblige_v they_o as_o they_o may_v by_o what_o their_o parent_n themselves_o may_v do_v to_o that_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposal_n or_o question_n be_v this_o if_o the_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n which_o parent_n oblige_v they_o to_o in_o their_o baptism_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o parent_n proper_o in_o they_o and_o authority_n over_o they_o as_o be_v suppose_v it_o do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v former_o argue_v then_o they_o can_v be_v so_o proper_o oblige_v by_o what_o other_o sponsor_n do_v in_o their_o behalf_n at_o their_o baptism_n which_o have_v no_o such_o property_n in_o they_o or_o authority_n over_o they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o parent_n be_v not_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n when_o yet_o sponsor_n act_v in_o the_o parent_n stead_n for_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n that_o cause_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o what_o the_o sponsor_n act_v be_v by_o the_o parent_n procurement_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v interpretative_o their_o act_n but_o yet_o parent_n immediate_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n act_v the_o part_n of_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n seem_v more_o proper_a and_o better_a to_o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n sponsor_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a in_o case_n parent_n of_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v dead_a as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o child_n who_o parent_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n from_o which_o perhaps_o that_o usage_n in_o the_o church_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n there_o be_v other_o case_n in_o which_o sponsor_n or_o pro-parent_n may_v be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o hardly_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v parent_n from_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o submission_n to_o those_o of_o better_a judgement_n and_o more_o authority_n have_v only_o offer_v they_o to_o consideration_n query_n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n be_v church-membership_n say_v to_o be_v invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o some_o and_o yet_o but_o only_o as_o visible_a in_o other_o and_o from_o whence_o do_v this_o difference_n arise_v this_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n and_o from_o the_o different_a union_n between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o his_o member_n which_o be_v cause_v thereby_o by_o invisible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v those_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o man_n abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o serious_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o holy_a live_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v everlasting_a misery_n and_o become_v eternal_o happy_a by_o visible_a christianity_n i_o mean_v external_a and_o visible_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n such_o as_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o other_o act_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o in_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o in_o sobriety_n of_o behaviour_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n self_n now_o by_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a christianity_n foremention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o that_o which_o be_v external_a the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n be_v so_o perform_v that_o by_o it_o a_o man_n be_v internal_o and_o invisible_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v invisible_o one_o with_o he_o but_o visible_a christianity_n alone_o be_v but_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o in_o baptism_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o church_n as_o visible_a by_o this_o much_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n membership_n lie_v and_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v arise_v now_o that_o the_o internal_a christianity_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o internal_a change_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o apprehension_n inclination_n motion_n and_o operation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o various_a object_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v produce_v or_o obtain_v a_o internal_a and_o invisible_a union_n of_o man_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o this_o internal_a renovation_n of_o soul_n contain_v in_o it_o a_o union_n with_o god_n by_o adhesion_n for_o by_o it_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o be_v join_v to_o he_o he_o that_o be_v join_v or_o he_o that_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v render_v by_o both_o word_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o for_o a_o man_n firm_o and_o resolve_o to_o adhere_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n in_o worship_v love_a and_o obey_v he_o and_o in_o place_v his_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o his_o only_a god_n and_o saviour_n come_v what_o will_v which_o be_v his_o cleave_v to_o he_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a union_n with_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o this_o internal_a renovation_n work_v a_o invisible_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o by_o which_o participation_n man_n be_v moral_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o they_o be_v thereby_o renew_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v make_v one_o spirit_n or_o one_o in_o spirit_n with_o he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n or_o of_o one_o spirit_n for_o so_o far_o as_o such_o a_o one_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o renovation_n he_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o god_n judge_v and_o love_n and_o hate_v and_o design_n the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v 3._o by_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n man_n come_v to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o which_o their_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v complete_v the_o holy_a spirit_n first_o prepare_v they_o as_o live_a temple_n or_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o by_o renew_v they_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n and_o then_o come_v and_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o afford_v they_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n and_o assistance_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n dwell_v both_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o they_o the_o union_n between_o they_o become_v more_o intimous_a and_o more_o entire_a hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4.13_o as_o the_o union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o make_v so_o much_o by_o their_o contiguity_n or_o close_o join_v as_o by_o be_v all_o animate_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n so_o it_o be_v
in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o quicken_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o abide_v both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o member_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o invisible_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o invisible_a it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discern_v whence_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o many_o who_o be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vible_a be_v yet_o no_o more_o but_o such_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o inward_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o sin_n and_o duty_n good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v make_v by_o a_o vigorous_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a motive_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o how_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o in_o point_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a may_v yet_o in_o some_o sort_n real_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v touch_v christ_n his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n yea_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o suffering_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o these_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v and_o undissemble_o profess_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o profess_a infidel_n do_v though_o not_o so_o serious_o and_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v we_o can_v say_v they_o proper_o dissemble_v who_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o can_v say_v their_o word_n be_v know_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o seafaring_a man_n otherwise_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o when_o take_v captive_a by_o infidel_n will_v endure_v any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o be_v draw_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n real_o believe_v it_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o true_o regenerate_v do_v there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n who_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o regenerate_v they_o and_o such_o be_v simon_n magus_n also_o and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o as_o st._n james_n suppose_v have_v faith_n and_o yet_o not_o justify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v alone_o and_o but_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o such_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n as_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v of_o many_o at_o this_o day_n who_o be_v christian_n by_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nay_o far_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o faith_n of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o external_a motive_n may_v produce_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o may_v do_v most_o of_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o regenerate_v man_n do_v they_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v open_o own_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o zeal_n dispute_v for_o they_o they_o may_v frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o may_v observe_v the_o lord_n day_n they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o give_v alm_n also_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o outward_o righteous_a and_o external_o religious_a and_o yet_o be_v unrenewed_a as_o touch_v the_o inward_a man_n they_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v full_a of_o envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o revengeful_a thought_n of_o emulation_n wrath_n and_o pride_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n which_o be_v sin_n of_o that_o sort_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o such_o as_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o while_o they_o remain_v thus_o unrenew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o ever_o faith_n or_o repenting_n they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v or_o whatever_o their_o outward_a performance_n may_v be_v yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o want_v of_o that_o inward_a renovation_n that_o invisible_o unite_v man_n to_o christ_n but_o yet_o though_o this_o external_a christianity_n forementioned_a will_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a yet_o it_o will_v evidence_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n though_o but_o partial_a indeed_o a_o external_a performance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o have_v their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o by_o which_o their_o external_a relation_n to_o god_n in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v first_o constitute_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o external_a christianity_n that_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o be_v but_o unfruitful_a branch_n john_n 15._o devoid_a of_o that_o fruit_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o consist_v of_o those_o internal_a qualification_n describe_v in_o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o and_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v a_o external_a union_n between_o they_o which_o be_v make_v by_o external_a christianity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o external_a respect_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o by_o run_v into_o idolatry_n be_v say_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v another_o word_n which_o signify_v their_o be_v join_v or_o unite_v to_o he_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o of_o a_o external_a union_n by_o external_a religion_n in_o reference_n to_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o thus_o in_o deut._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o man_n that_o follow_v baal-peor_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v destroy_v they_o from_o among_o you_o but_o you_o that_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v alive_a every_o one_o of_o you_o this_o day_n where_o we_o see_v their_o continue_v to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n without_o follow_v baal-peor_a as_o some_o other_o do_v be_v call_v their_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o relation_n unto_o god_n uninterrupted_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o in_o the_o next_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a christianity_n that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a christianity_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o that_o have_v visible_a christianity_n be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o have_n no_o more_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thereby_o set_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o both_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n query_n viii_o whither_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n whether_o call_v independent_o or_o anabaptist_n have_v be_v wont_v strong_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n that_o man_n be_v not_o otherwise_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a than_o as_o they_o be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v any_o to_o church-communion_n but_o such_o in_o who_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v find_v evidence_n or_o sign_n of_o invisible_a church-membership_n or_o save_a grace_n that_o none_o but_o such_o have_v right_a to_o
undissembled_a belief_n be_v that_o i_o doubt_v not_o which_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o the_o eunuch_n answer_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v baptise_a by_o philip_n do_v intimate_v so_o much_o when_o he_o only_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o this_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v due_o infer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v already_o give_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a text_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_v the_o opinion_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o inquiry_n oppose_v there_o be_v objection_n or_o plea_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o which_o be_v well_o answer_v by_o mr._n thomas_n lamb_n as_o some_o of_o these_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o also_o be_v in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o independency_n and_o thus_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o other_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n and_o so_o in_o god_n account_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v than_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o almighty_a god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v account_v and_o ow_v such_o to_o be_v his_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o or_o many_o of_o they_o be_v far_o from_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a and_o if_o god_n esteem_v of_o they_o as_o such_o then_o so_o must_v his_o servant_n likewise_o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n account_v they_o such_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o do_v so_o too_o who_o profess_v to_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o judgement_n after_o that_o upon_o our_o inquiry_n we_o have_v find_v thing_n thus_o let_v not_o any_o man_n now_o say_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n we_o confound_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o this_o will_v but_o reflect_v after_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o number_v bad_a man_n as_o well_o as_o good_a to_o be_v of_o his_o visible_a church_n as_o external_o relate_v to_o he_o and_z as_o worshipper_n of_o he_o secret_n hypocrite_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o visible_o such_o and_o yet_o none_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o such_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v they_o count_v this_o a_o confound_a god_n kingdom_n with_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o visible_a and_o invisible_a kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o god_n have_v he_o but_o those_o hypocrite_n whether_o secret_a or_o more_o open_a which_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o must_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v not_o of_o his_o visible_a but_o of_o his_o invisible_a kingdom_n so_o that_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o seek_v to_o establish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o confound_v god_n visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o devil_n visible_a kingdom_n one_o with_o another_o much_o less_o their_o invisible_a kingdom_n for_o those_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n reckon_v to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o profess_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o son_n and_o only_a mediator_n though_o otherwise_o bad_a but_o such_o as_o worship_v idol_n other_o god_n and_o other_o mediator_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n worship_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o such_o worship_n those_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n be_v in_o scripture_n count_v of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n or_o dominion_n in_o which_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n idol-worship_n and_o the_o rite_n of_o that_o worship_n be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n be_v count_v god_n kingdom_n in_o which_o the_o word_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o public_a authority_n own_a and_o establish_v as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n thus_o when_o idol_n worship_n be_v put_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o several_a territory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o nation_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n to_o be_v come_v rev._n 12.9_o 10._o and_o again_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v say_v to_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n when_o idol-worship_n which_o be_v devilish_a worship_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o kingdom_n revel_v 11.15_o not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o carnal_a professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o kingdom_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n but_o though_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v own_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o government_n or_o roll_a power_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatrous_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n they_o be_v account_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o devil_n however_o many_o of_o those_o inhabitant_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o those_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n kingdom_n by_o our_o saviour_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n mat._n 8.12_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o query_n ix_o whither_o god_n have_v grant_v any_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n to_o those_o who_o be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a but_o not_o as_o invisible_a that_o such_o have_v right_a to_o they_o before_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o they_o by_o church-censure_n those_o will_v grant_v who_o yet_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o right_n to_o they_o by_o god_n allowance_n but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o right_n by_o god_n allowance_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o we_o now_o suppose_v we_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o our_o former_a enquiry_n viz._n that_o god_n himself_o do_v own_o very_a many_o such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o invisible_a than_o it_o will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o do_v allow_v they_o a_o share_n in_o the_o external_a and_o temporary_a privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n except_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v a_o exception_n for_o otherwise_o god_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o privilege_n of_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o relation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o relation_n itself_o extend_v for_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o relation_n go_v together_o except_o in_o case_n of_o forfeiture_n by_o miscarriage_n the_o union_n of_o part_n do_v of_o itself_o infer_v right_a to_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a the_o right_a of_o those_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o visible_a church-priviledge_n do_v arise_v i_o conceive_v from_o that_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o in_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o people_n as_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n on_o that_o condition_n now_o for_o aught_o that_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v covenant_n with_o god_n in_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o he_o so_o far_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v so_o he_o allow_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v a_o share_n in_o his_o household_n fare_n and_o in_o the_o provision_n for_o his_o family_n which_o be_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n if_o they_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o own_o his_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o
of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o christian_a which_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v antecedent_n to_o particular_a church_n the_o gather_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o assistant_n the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2.20_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o superstructure_n all_o the_o addition_n that_o have_v be_v since_o make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v by_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o let_v all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o addition_n into_o it_o by_o baptism_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o not_o they_o appropriate_o and_o their_o be_v send_v or_o call_v to_o be_v minister_n to_o this_o ot_fw-mi that_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o their_o general_a capacity_n to_o particular_a use_n and_o exercise_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o ministration_n to_o such_o a_o people_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o ministerial_a power_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v but_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o a_o particular_a body_n of_o people_n can_v act_v or_o perform_v any_o public_a act_n of_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v act_v as_o a_o church_n without_o such_o a_o ministry_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o proper_o be_v a_o church_n without_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n st._n paul_n mention_n ephes_n 4.11.12_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o join_v they_o together_o or_o for_o the_o make_v they_o up_o or_o for_o the_o compact_n or_o knit_v they_o together_o for_o thus_o various_o be_v that_o word_n render_v by_o expositor_n but_o all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o knit_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n in_o their_o several_a public_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o edification_n and_o indeed_o a_o church_n be_v so_o call_v from_o several_a christian_n assemble_v together_o for_o public_a worship_n their_o union_n wherein_o be_v make_v by_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o their_o spiritual_a pastor_n in_o his_o ministration_n for_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n such_o officer_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n as_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o allege_v show_v and_o now_o as_o for_o the_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n in_o which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v such_o antecedent_o to_o any_o ministerial_a act_n or_o power_n by_o which_o they_o become_v such_o for_o they_o have_v be_v make_v church_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o also_o as_o church_n officer_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v among_o they_o for_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v in_o their_o return_n to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v disciple_n before_o and_o they_o return_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v they_o and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n among_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n compare_v with_o the_o text_n itself_o beside_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o write_v this_o history_n till_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n mention_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o church_n then_o when_o he_o write_v those_o word_n and_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o style_v they_o so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v none_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n ordain_v in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v allege_v it_o query_n xii_o whither_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n or_o constitution_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n may_v not_o fair_o be_v infer_v and_o conclude_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o visible_a church-membership_n &_o communion_n be_v better_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o due_a extensiveness_n than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o privilege_n be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v be_v this_o viz._n because_o these_o privilege_n under_o such_o a_o extent_n and_o latitude_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v do_v if_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o invisible_a church_n membership_n and_o communion_n be_v this_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o ten_o inquiry_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n by_o a_o national_a authority_n and_o that_o all_o such_o professor_n shall_v be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o frequent_v it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v all_o such_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o promote_v and_o frequent_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v and_o neglect_v to_o do_v so_o as_o the_o way_n call_v independency_n do_v for_o the_o national_a way_n tend_v more_o to_o propagate_v and_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v abundant_o better_a that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o have_v but_o common_a reason_n when_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v but_o due_o consider_v 1._o better_a provision_n be_v make_v by_o a_o public_a establishment_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v without_o it_o unless_o provision_n be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o all_o part_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a want_n of_o a_o public_a ministry_n in_o many_o place_n of_o it_o than_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o public_a provision_n there_o be_v will_v people_n think_v we_o of_o themselves_o in_o all_o place_n of_o a_o nation_n provide_v a_o better_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o if_o leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v make_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o will_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o place_n be_v general_o worst_a supply_v with_o minister_n where_o the_o public_a have_v make_v least_o provision_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o general_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a failure_n in_o this_o there_o be_v the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o great_a hazard_n of_o man_n soul_n where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n perish_v say_v solomon_n prov._n 29.18_o and_o the_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n say_v the_o prophet_n hos_n 4.6_o 2._o if_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v what_o minister_n they_o please_v without_o any_o public_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o some_o appoint_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o fitness_n many_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o choose_v man_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o will_v corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v great_a opposition_n and_o contention_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o erroneous_a and_o make_v of_o party_n and_o endless_a strife_n to_o the_o destruction_n
but_o quaker_n there_o be_v other_o who_o frame_n to_o themselves_o other_o reason_n of_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n in_o worship_n beside_o its_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n as_o namely_o because_o those_o congregation_n be_v not_o as_o they_o pretend_v constitute_v of_o visible_a saint_n nor_o by_o a_o church_n covenant_n who_o these_o be_v be_v well_o know_v for_o who_o sake_n several_a of_o my_o former_a inquiry_n be_v make_v in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n produce_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o may_v i_o suppose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n if_o not_o their_o prejudice_n touch_v their_o mistake_n in_o these_o opinion_n as_o for_o their_o exception_n against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n as_o diocesan_n how_o they_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a congregation_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n unlawful_a upon_o that_o account_n i_o understand_v not_o unless_o they_o think_v the_o minister_n of_o those_o congregation_n by_o who_o the_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n because_o episcopal_o ordain_v and_o not_o by_o presbyter_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o scruple_n they_o may_v easy_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o consider_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v presbyter_n before_o they_o be_v bishop_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o remain_v so_o after_o for_o they_o be_v not_o devest_v of_o any_o ministerial_a power_n or_o authority_n by_o be_v make_v bishop_n but_o only_o invest_v with_o a_o superaddition_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n they_o have_v not_o before_o so_o that_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o presbyterial_a authority_n and_o more_o and_o with_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n satisfy_v themselves_o touch_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n receive_v by_o ordination_n from_o the_o bishop_n that_o then_o be_v some_o again_o dislike_v parochial_a communion_n because_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n relate_v to_o it_o one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o for_o that_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o leave_v whole_o to_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o long_o after_o but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v now_o as_o there_o be_v why_o they_o be_v so_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v whole_o leave_v then_o to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a power_n as_o christian_a then_o in_o be_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o promote_v christianity_n better_o any_o other_o way_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o for_o it_o be_v show_v in_o our_o last_o former_a inquiry_n but_o one_o that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n or_o state_n may_v better_o be_v provide_v for_o and_o promote_v by_o a_o national_a constitution_n than_o they_o can_v be_v without_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o in_o a_o pagan_a kingdom_n when_o we_o be_v not_o for_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n be_v alter_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o suitable_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o the_o gesture_n of_o stand_v with_o loin_n gird_v and_o a_o staff_n in_o the_o hand_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o eat_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v eat_v in_o haste_n be_v afterward_o alter_v to_o another_o gesture_n by_o the_o church_n when_o that_o circumstance_n of_o eat_v in_o haste_n cease_v and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v eat_v it_o in_o that_o posture_n to_o which_o the_o church_n have_v change_v it_o which_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o some_o other_o case_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n cease_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n when_o the_o substance_n be_v come_v which_o have_v be_v prefigure_v by_o ceremonial_a rite_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v touch_v the_o discontinuance_n and_o disuse_n of_o anoint_v the_o sick_a wash_v disciple_n foot_n and_o the_o kiss_n of_o charity_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v oblige_v until_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n cease_v but_o although_o the_o civil_a power_n do_v concern_v itself_o by_o a_o national_a constitution_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o this_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v officer_n and_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a in_o order_v and_o direct_v by_o ecclesiastical_a advice_n and_o assistance_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o act_v any_o thing_n themselves_o peculiar_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o leave_v all_o such_o thing_n whole_o to_o they_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o ministerial_a authority_n reserve_v only_o to_o themselves_o a_o power_n os_fw-la restrain_v such_o man_n from_o a_o undue_a exercise_n of_o their_o office_n tend_v to_o public_a disturbance_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o dissenter_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o parochial_a assemble_v and_o that_o their_o pretence_n for_o their_o do_v so_o when_o narrow_o look_v into_o be_v find_v to_o have_v nothing_o of_o substance_n in_o they_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o my_o allegation_n and_o reason_n i_o can_v discern_v how_o their_o separation_n can_v possible_o be_v defend_v from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v upon_o many_o account_v great_a reason_n to_o desist_v from_o engage_v far_o in_o it_o query_n xv._o svpposing_a thing_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o our_o former_a inquiry_n yet_o how_o do_v they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church_n division_n the_o answer_n to_o which_o be_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o inquiry_n be_v as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v than_o they_o tend_v to_o lessen_v our_o church-division_n by_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o they_o and_o our_o church-separation_n be_v in_o great_a part_n at_o least_o build_v for_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o one_o of_o the_o different_a party_n among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n except_o those_o call_v presbyterian_a who_o do_v not_o find_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o parish_n church_n at_o least_o principal_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o because_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o constitute_v ol_n gospel_n matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n but_o of_o such_o as_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v never_o due_o repute_v to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o to_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o their_o meaning_n be_v as_o i_o collect_v both_o from_o their_o write_n and_o converse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o nor_o since_o constitute_v of_o such_o particular_a member_n only_o as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o such_o their_o constitution_n have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n but_o of_o all_o baptize_v person_n however_o they_o prove_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o without_o any_o other_o probation_n or_o discrimination_n now_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o former_a inquiry_n then_o this_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o separation_n be_v altogether_o unsound_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o firmness_n or_o substance_n in_o it_o but_o be_v only_o imaginary_a for_o our_o parish_n congregation_n be_v constitute_v of_o person_n visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o name_n and_o thereby_o engage_v to_o be_v they_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v and_o this_o covenant_n be_v then_o and_o so_o be_v now_o the_o visible_a formal_a difference_n between_o those_o of_o the_o visible_a