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
catholicism_n or_o several_a inquiry_n touch_v visible_a church-membership_a church-communion_n the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o vsefulness_n of_o national_a constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o religion_n by_o w._n a._n london_n print_v by_o m._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n one_o will_v think_v any_o thing_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o much_o trouble_n from_o man_n and_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o now_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o though_o neglect_v during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o opinion_n put_v they_o to_o no_o trouble_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o and_o the_o sorrow_n to_o see_v christian_a brethren_n to_o suffer_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o themselves_o needless_o have_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o i_o to_o make_v these_o sheet_n public_a at_o this_o time_n as_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o if_o judicious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o with_o other_o writing_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o mistake_n their_o separation_n from_o parochial_a communion_n which_o do_v expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v do_v proceed_v principal_o from_o their_o mistake_n as_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v either_o about_o that_o which_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o that_o which_o give_v they_o right_o to_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o or_o about_o the_o external_a manner_n of_o public_a worship_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o notion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o man_n right_a to_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o it_o seem_v much_o narrow_a than_o the_o scripture_n represent_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v they_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o visible_a church-member-ship_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o invisible_a church-communion_n and_o then_o they_o make_v this_o qualification_n necessary_a not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o of_o condition_n also_o without_o which_o in_o humane_a judgement_n person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o unto_o communion_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o notion_n and_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o they_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o new_a both_o as_o to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o which_o have_v betray_v they_o into_o this_o mistake_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o which_o they_o confound_v they_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a to_o be_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a the_o church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o as_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o be_v but_o few_o which_o find_v the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o because_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n who_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o agree_v but_o to_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o hereupon_o they_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o qualification_n agree_v with_o their_o description_n to_o who_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o promise_v but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o esteem_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o wooden_a leg_n and_o glass_n eye_n be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man._n but_o then_o there_o be_v scripture_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v likewise_o which_o have_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o many_o whole_a nation_n into_o the_o church_n both_o king_n and_o their_o people_n and_o of_o the_o numerous_a increase_n of_o it_o when_o a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n when_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v fill_v the_o will_n earth_n when_o for_o number_n they_o shall_v say_v the_o place_n be_v too_o straight_o for_o i_o give_v place_n to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v and_o the_o like_a for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o whole_a nation_n and_o those_o vast_a number_n foremention_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o will_v or_o can_v say_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n admit_v of_o a_o distinction_n of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o catholic_n church_n the_o one_o external_a and_o visible_a the_o other_o internal_a and_o invisible_a and_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v than_o these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v fair_o reconcileable_a to_o those_o other_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o a_o more_o contract_v and_o limit_a sense_n without_o which_o they_o seem_v irreconcilable_a for_o what_o some_o scripture_n speak_v touch_v the_o paucity_n or_o fewness_n of_o church-member_n and_o what_o other_o say_v touch_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o which_o the_o church_n do_v and_o will_v consist_v be_v both_o true_a in_o different_a respect_n the_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o visible_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v fair_o justify_v by_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v say_v more_o than_o once_o to_o wit_n that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v fancy_v that_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o church-member_n imply_v two_o church_n the_o one_o visible_a the_o other_o invisible_a there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o since_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v in_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o visible_a and_o so_o make_v one_o church_n with_o they_o but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o make_v one_o church_n with_o these_o and_o another_o by_o themselves_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v two_o church_n indeed_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o same_o person_n for_o a_o considerable_a part_n consider_v then_o this_o twofold_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a at_o all_o to_o conceive_v how_o and_o why_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o and_o visible_o of_o it_o when_o yet_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a privilege_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a state_n as_o there_o be_v different_a qualification_n of_o person_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o there_o be_v different_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o according_o external_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v only_o external_o qualify_v and_o both_o external_a and_o internal_a one_o to_o they_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o both_o now_o this_o different_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n as_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v but_o common_a grace_n and_o yet_o baptise_a be_v real_o and_o true_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v incline_v i_o to_o touch_v upon_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a at_o least_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o believe_v so_o effectual_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o regenerate_v before_o they_o will_v baptise_v they_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o my_o inquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v a_o little_a more_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n that_o case_n or_o question_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v none_o into_o
as_o they_o own_v he_o only_o for_o their_o god_n according_a to_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v great_a guilt_n upon_o they_o this_o still_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o though_o the_o immorality_n of_o this_o people_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v such_o in_o other_o respect_n as_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v in_o covenant_v and_o in_o a_o partial_a performance_n of_o covenant_n can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n yet_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o partial_a performance_n of_o it_o in_o worship_v he_o only_o with_o a_o worship_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n do_v denominate_v they_o in_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a respect_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o so_o his_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o by_o the_o way_n then_o if_o those_o of_o this_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v style_v saint_n a_o holy_a people_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o other_o account_n and_o in_o other_o respect_n than_o their_o be_v real_o and_o inherent_o holy_a as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v by_o inspire_a man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o style_v they_o saint_n the_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o same_o epithet_n and_o appellation_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o the_o new_a in_o both_o they_o signify_v a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o pagan_a unbelieve_a world_n unto_o god_n among_o who_o some_o be_v more_o so_o and_o some_o less_o some_o by_o external_a covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o some_o by_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n i_o the_o rather_o note_v this_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o because_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o st._n paul_n still_v the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v saint_n for_o the_o prove_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v save_o sanctify_a be_v church-matter_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o church-member_n except_o when_o it_o be_v do_v through_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o admit_v they_o have_v take_v a_o brief_a survey_n how_o thing_n stand_v relate_v touch_v visible_a church-membership_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v declare_v touch_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a and_o our_o inquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o person_n adult_n be_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n visible_a church-member_n unless_o they_o be_v reputative_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o become_v true_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o scripture_n account_n by_o their_o voluntary_a covenant_v by_o baptism_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o they_o to_o denominate_v they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o admit_v and_o to_o hope_v they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n when_o they_o therein_o give_v up_o themselves_o too_o god_n but_o whether_o their_o due_a admission_n thereto_o do_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n in_o those_o that_o admit_v they_o or_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v be_v refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n though_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o desire_v it_o in_o case_n those_o who_o office_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v man_n thereto_o shall_v be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o save_a conversion_n or_o regeneration_n or_o thus_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o baptism_n to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v require_v by_o way_n of_o condition_n without_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a for_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n nor_o for_o other_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o suspect_v he_o will_v do_v it_o with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v short_a of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v refuse_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o to_o have_v a_o evil_a design_n in_o desire_v it_o to_o betray_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o enemy_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o suspicion_n its_o probable_a the_o disciple_n refuse_v saul_n join_v with_o they_o after_o his_o conversion_n though_o he_o desire_v it_o until_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a satisfaction_n concern_v he_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o as_o have_v only_o some_o general_n and_o in_o distinct_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o death_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v desire_v admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o that_o way_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n suppose_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o thorough_a save_a work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v be_v preparatory_a and_o dispository_n thereto_o but_o yet_o have_v something_o though_o not_o all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o and_o who_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o dissemble_v know_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o be_v saving_o regenerate_v and_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o own_v unregenerate_a man_n receive_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o such_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n to_o be_v as_o well_o member_n of_o it_o as_o the_o regenerate_v i_o shall_v offer_v several_a thing_n 1._o and_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o first_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o in_o this_o proof_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o some_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a by_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o qualification_n enjoin_v as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o do_v so_o when_o all_o the_o male_n at_o age_n in_o abraham_n house_n be_v command_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n and_o when_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o male-stranger_n buy_v with_o their_o money_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o when_o the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v require_v to_o circumcise_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o male_n and_o thereby_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o be_v circumcise_a in_o heart_n enjoin_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o so_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n the_o lord_n also_o command_v joshua_n to_o circumcise_v all_o the_o hebrew_n male_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o be_v a_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o this_o without_o any_o condition_n of_o such_o qualification_n as_o will_v have_v make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a nay_o almighty_a god_n at_o another_o time_n command_v all_o israel_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o stranger_n in_o their_o camp_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o into_o his_o oath_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o this_o command_n be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a also_o and_o without_o condition_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n require_v man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o only_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o do_v already_o true_o fear_v he_o and_o sincere_o love_v he_o or_o otherwise_o to_o forbear_v no_o
public_a worship_n at_o least_o in_o part_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o liturgy_n appear_v by_o their_o have_v order_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o this_o aught_o to_o weigh_v much_o with_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n remember_v what_o st._n paul_n have_v say_v in_o another_o case_n to_o show_v what_o esteem_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2._o to_o satisfy_v yea_o to_o convince_v such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o prejudice_n against_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o english_a liturgy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o they_o fancy_n between_o the_o worship_a god_n according_a to_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o pulpit_n worship_n and_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o so_o much_o prefer_v before_o it_o i_o shall_v offer_v this_o to_o their_o consideration_n viz._n that_o there_o have_v as_o worthy_a man_n for_o piety_n and_o learning_n both_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o perhaps_o ever_o england_n breed_v live_v and_o die_v in_o communion_n in_o that_o whorship_n which_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o our_o english_a liturgy_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n downward_o and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o their_o soul_n will_v never_o have_v prosper_v and_o flourish_v so_o as_o no_o mens_fw-la more_fw-it if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o difference_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v between_o the_o way_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o that_o of_o other_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n of_o thistle_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o prosper_v no_o better_o under_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o provision_n for_o they_o but_o from_o their_o own_o gross_a neglect_n both_o of_o it_o and_o of_o themselves_o who_o doubtless_o will_v be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v whatever_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_n be_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v 3._o if_o we_o have_v in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v we_o mean_v of_o worship_v god_n public_o competent_o useful_a and_o sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o worship_n though_o it_o shall_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v inferior_a to_o some_o other_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o without_o break_v order_n and_o run_v into_o confusion_n nor_o without_o break_v one_o commandment_n to_o observe_v another_o nor_o without_o make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o unlawful_a separation_n and_o all_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v though_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o provide_v we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o improve_v it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o its_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o then_o perform_v the_o best_a worship_n we_o can_v that_o will_v consist_v with_o edification_n public_a order_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o worship_n wherein_o all_o these_o concur_v do_v best_a answer_n to_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a worship_n take_v together_o 4._o for_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_n perform_v according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n to_o the_o end_n god_n may_v be_v worship_v by_o they_o after_o a_o better_a manner_n in_o separate_a assembly_n be_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v a_o necessity_n so_o to_o separate_v or_o to_o sin_n for_o that_o to_o separate_v without_o such_o a_o necessity_n be_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o protestant_a maxim_n assent_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v under_o no_o such_o necessity_n as_o to_o sin_v if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o separate_v i_o have_v show_v before_o by_o show_v that_o the_o say_a worship_n be_v neither_o corrupt_a in_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o external_a manner_n of_o performance_n of_o it_o deficient_a as_o to_o its_o end_n and_o use_v one_o of_o which_o must_v be_v prove_v against_o it_o before_o separation_n from_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 5._o by_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n real_o do_v much_o more_o disservice_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o they_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v that_o by_o worship_v god_n without_o the_o liturgy_n they_o honour_v he_o or_o religion_n or_o advantage_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v very_o visible_a which_o do_v too_o natural_o flow_v from_o it_o such_o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o peace_n charity_n and_o humility_n the_o engender_n of_o envy_n hatred_n strife_n and_o contention_n to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n and_o dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o hurt_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o how_o these_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v counterbalanced_n by_o their_o worship_n be_v perform_v without_o the_o liturgy_n i_o understand_v not_o but_o do_v take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n past_o doubt_n that_o the_o benefit_n which_o those_o that_o separate_v get_v by_o their_o communion_n without_o a_o liturgy_n over_o and_o above_o what_o they_o may_v have_v gain_v by_o communion_n where_o that_o be_v use_v will_v never_o equal_v the_o hurt_n they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n by_o their_o separation_n and_o if_o not_o then_o when_o ever_o the_o account_n come_v to_o be_v make_v up_o and_o their_o loss_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o gain_n they_o will_v be_v find_v exceed_o great_a loser_n by_o their_o separation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o promise_v themselves_o by_o it_o thus_o far_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separate_n from_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n every_o lord_n day_n as_o for_o the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n so_o much_o have_v be_v write_v to_o prove_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o little_a that_o look_n like_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o if_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v but_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o impartial_o compare_v and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n i_o can_v think_v that_o after_o this_o any_o can_v be_v long_o without_o satisfaction_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o comply_v with_o public_a order_n in_o that_o matter_n especial_o consider_v how_o much_o be_v declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n for_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o liturgy_n to_o clear_v that_o gesture_n in_o that_o action_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o bread-worship_n more_o than_o in_o the_o liturgy_n in_o use_n in_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n day_n when_o they_o scruple_v it_o but_o if_o any_o after_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o be_v satisfy_v yet_o that_o can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n to_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o hold_v communion_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lordsday_n worship_n as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o press_v it_o also_o on_o other_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o zealous_o invey_v against_o separation_n from_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n as_o their_o write_n do_v abundant_o show_v and_o that_o for_o such_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o their_o brethren_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v plain_a matter_n of_o duty_n i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v thus_o hold_v communion_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o live_v without_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v since_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o know_v how_o to_o be_v therein_o accommodate_v as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o for_o baptism_n in_o case_n they_o can_v be_v active_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o it_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v passive_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o use_v as_o any_o sign_n of_o god_n convey_v grace_n as_o sacrament_n be_v but_o only_o as_o a_o token_n of_o duty_n nor_o as_o any_o rite_n in_o baptism_n neither_o but_o only_o in_o receive_v the_o person_n baptize_v into_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n of_o scruple_n than_o lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v be_v which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o none_o scruple_n