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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n answer_v church_n word_n 3,982 5 4.2706 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23658 Catholicism, or, Several enquiries touching visible church-membership, church-communion, the nature of schism, and the usefulness of natural constitutions for the furtherance of religion by W.A. Allen, William, d. 1686. 1683 (1683) Wing A1055; ESTC R502 134,503 424

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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 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be_v that_o make_v man_n to_o be_v of_o it_o and_o concern_v church-communion_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o it_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o church-division_n and_o separation_n in_o great_a part_n where_o such_o notion_n have_v be_v entertain_v my_o present_a design_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o pursue_v in_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a measure_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v the_o more_o steady_o and_o with_o the_o more_o certainty_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o those_o separation_n in_o church-communion_n which_o have_v be_v make_v and_o applaud_v by_o some_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o what_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o then_o inquire_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v man_n become_v member_n of_o it_o after_o this_o i_o shall_v inquire_v further_a what_o it_o be_v that_o qualify_v man_n for_o and_o which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o external_a communion_n in_o this_o church_n as_o exercise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o likewise_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o catholick-communion_n and_o schism_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o national-constitution_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o christian_a religion_n query_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a be_v that_o body_n company_n or_o society_n of_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o consist_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o join_v or_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o head_n by_o a_o religious_a bond._n and_o that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n different_a from_o that_o in_o which_o all_o other_o people_n stand_v relate_v to_o he_o and_o this_o relation_n be_v a_o religious_a 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the_o worse_a part_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o better_a by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v two_o church_n and_o be_v but_o one_o one_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n differ_v from_o another_o indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n before_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a from_o thence_o that_o as_o touch_v their_o external_n and_o visible_a state_n they_o be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o same_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o one_o as_o to_o the_o other_o of_o which_o more_o afterward_o we_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o word_n visible_a and_o invisible_a use_v in_o scripture_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o different_a state_n of_o man_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n but_o yet_o we_o have_v those_o different_a state_n of_o they_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o we_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n i_o need_v not_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o 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providential_a call_v which_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v so_o relate_v also_o for_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o now_o style_v a_o holy_a seed_n that_o be_v a_o seed_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n world_n to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o the_o female_n of_o the_o jew_n become_v church-member_n and_o by_o this_o be_v their_o male_n qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o circumcision_n at_o eight_o day_n old_a but_o of_o these_o thing_n further_a mention_n will_v be_v make_v in_o the_o process_n of_o our_o inquiry_n query_n iii_o what_o may_v that_o be_v by_o which_o people_n be_v make_v visible_a church-member_n that_o by_o which_o people_n be_v constitute_v complete_o visible_a church-member_n be_v a_o mutual_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o they_o between_o christ_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 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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
know_v any_o three_o sense_n pretend_v to_o among_o interpreter_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o parable_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o bad_a a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n shall_v be_v refuse_v admittance_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o its_o communion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v so_o little_a that_o man_n can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o such_o a_o discouragement_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o set_v they_o back_o again_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o very_a little_a grace_n in_o its_o beginning_n which_o they_o have_v a_o thing_n point_fw-fr blank_a against_o that_o admonition_n and_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 18.10_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o query_n xi_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o another_o the_o query_n be_v double_a i_o shall_v answer_v to_o that_o first_o which_o be_v first_o and_o do_v say_v the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o the_o universal_a church_n differ_v from_o a_o particular_a as_o the_o whole_a differ_v from_o a_o part_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o a_o part_n differ_v from_o the_o whole_a for_o otherwise_o they_o be_v material_o the_o same_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o contain_v all_o visible_a church_n matter_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v than_o what_o make_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o as_o such_o 2._o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v one_o single_a congregation_n than_o a_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o the_o universal_a as_o those_o of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o public_a worship_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v do_v now_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o its_o existence_n possible_o it_o may_v but_o if_o by_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o understand_v so_o many_o single_a worship_a congregation_n as_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n in_o a_o city_n province_n or_o kingdom_n then_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v difference_v from_o the_o church_n universal_a by_o this_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o which_o it_o be_v otherwise_o unite_a than_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o such_o be_v or_o can_v be_v and_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o corinth_n and_o in_o other_o great_a city_n to_o have_v be_v the_o scripture_n so_o account_v they_o when_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o more_o single_a worship_a assembly_n than_o one_o as_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v on_o several_a account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o congregationalist_n make_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o make_v it_o the_o form_n or_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v another_o difference_n between_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o particular_a if_o their_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n be_v admit_v concern_v it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o church_n covenant_n or_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o each_o one_o of_o their_o single_a congregation_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o and_o they_o account_v this_o so_o necessary_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v person_n otherwise_o well_o approve_v of_o by_o themselves_o to_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v under_o this_o engagement_n to_o they_o or_o some_o other_o sister_n church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v do_v and_o require_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a appointment_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n as_o the_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v free_a from_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o thing_n of_o divine_a appointment_n but_o only_o as_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o scruple_n they_o as_o there_o be_v to_o scruple_n this_o practice_n upon_o those_o term_n there_o be_v two_o text_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o more_o especial_o and_o principal_o they_o ground_n this_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o the_o one_o be_v 2_o cor._n 8.5_o which_o dr._n o._n to_o this_o end_n quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o late_a book_n the_o word_n be_v these_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v st._n paul_n and_o timotheus_n from_o who_o this_o epistle_n come_v chap._n 1.1_o and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n give_v themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n and_o timothy_n possible_o signify_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o among_o themselves_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o strange_a also_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o constitute_v themselves_o church_n when_o as_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v do_v then_o when_o they_o be_v already_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a context_n from_o ver_fw-la 1._o do_v show_v and_o if_o their_o give_a themselves_o to_o paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v more_o than_o paul_n and_o timothy_n hope_v for_o than_o such_o a_o confederation_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o their_o existence_n as_o church_n this_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v be_v more_o than_o they_o hope_v for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o so_o great_a a_o necessity_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o impertinent_o this_o scripture_n be_v allege_v but_o the_o whole_a context_n show_v that_o the_o thing_n st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o liberality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o zeal_n in_o be_v otherwise_o serviceable_a to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n wherein_o they_o do_v indeed_o exceed_v the_o expectation_n of_o paul_n and_o timothy_n for_o their_o poverty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o suster_v for_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o st._n paul_n it_o seem_v scarce_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o earnest_a entreaty_n that_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o only_o thus_o give_v above_o their_o ability_n but_o beside_o their_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n as_o ready_a to_o suffer_v further_o for_o he_o if_o call_v to_o it_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o st._n paul_n &_o timothy_n also_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o that_o charitable_a work_n they_o have_v in_o hand_n by_o their_o further_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o among_o other_o for_o they_o 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i_o to_o fall_v somewhat_o hard_o upon_o such_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n establish_v in_o such_o nation_n by_o national_a authority_n in_o a_o way_n of_o national_a reformation_n and_o on_o those_o more_o especial_o who_o separate_a from_o that_o worship_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o enjoin_v by_o national_a authority_n it_o likewise_o fall_v hard_a upon_o they_o also_o who_o disesteem_v or_o less_o esteem_v a_o national_a ministry_n because_o it_o be_v national_a or_o make_v such_o according_a to_o a_o national_a establishment_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o almighty_a god_n of_o another_o when_o he_o esteem_v nation_n to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v his_o people_n by_o that_o for_o which_o they_o separate_v their_o pretence_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v on_o only_o in_o a_o free_a congregational_a way_n in_o 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the_o lord_n and_o by_o malcham_n zeph._n 1.5_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n say_v of_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n they_o be_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n of_o a_o religion_n of_o several_a colour_n jer._n 12.9_o for_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v once_o espouse_v that_o people_n to_o himself_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n at_o last_o break_v up_o house_n turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o send_v they_o out_o of_o his_o land_n until_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o reform_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o spiritual_a whoredom_n wherewith_o mystical_a babylon_n be_v charge_v and_o for_o which_o with_o other_o heinous_a crime_n she_o be_v threaten_v in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v why_o nation_n while_o popish_a be_v style_v and_o esteem_v but_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v argument_n enough_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v disow_v by_o god_n to_o be_v none_o or_o to_o become_v none_o of_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o disow_v by_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o both_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n also_o the_o great_a expediency_n at_o least_o of_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o way_n of_o national_a establishment_n be_v warrant_v and_o approve_v of_o this_o than_o may_v be_v a_o caution_n to_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o such_o reform_a nation_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o pertain_v to_o church_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o popish_a or_o pagan_a nation_n by_o disow_v and_o by_o separate_v from_o the_o national_a way_n of_o worship_n lest_o thereby_o they_o discountenance_v and_o disparage_v what_o god_n approve_v of_o and_o disown_n that_o for_o which_o god_n own_v such_o a_o nation_n for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o pagan_a country_n and_o those_o since_o which_o have_v live_v in_o popish_a have_v be_v necessitate_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a in_o their_o christian_a communion_n from_o their_o national_a worship_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v idolater_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o false_a worship_n and_o defect_n in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o best_a church_n constitution_n and_o the_o best_a church_n administration_n which_o have_v man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o humane_a defect_n and_o if_o humane_a defect_n even_o in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n itself_o there_o can_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o church_n communion_n be_v enjoy_v among_o christian_n because_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v without_o defect_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o god_n worship_n rather_o than_o communion_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o what_o be_v intolerable_a and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v decline_v and_o here_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a warrantable_o to_o determine_v any_o defect_n intolerable_a which_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o make_v it_o become_v false_a worship_n that_o do_v not_o destroy_v or_o defeat_v the_o end_n for_o which_o true_a worship_n serve_v who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o determine_v for_o what_o defect_n which_o
church_n and_o those_o of_o the_o world_n all_o under_o this_o character_n and_o badge_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o that_o relation_n visible_a church-membership_a all_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v visible_o christian_n and_o of_o christ_n church_n how_o ancient_a and_o how_o long_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n this_o way_n of_o constitute_v visible_a church-member_n have_v be_v by_o such_o a_o rite_n as_o god_n appoint_v i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o if_o this_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o by_o which_o person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o reputation_n of_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o invisible_a can_v be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o visible_a church_n member_n though_o it_o do_v qualify_v they_o for_o it_o unless_o this_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v than_o those_o of_o which_o our_o parish_n church_n be_v constitute_v have_v a_o probable_a appearance_n of_o regeneration_n or_o of_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o those_o dissenter_n own_o mind_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o constitutute_v of_o qualify_a matter_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o this_o issue_n that_o these_o dissenter_n must_v either_o overthrow_v this_o plea_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o prove_v that_o visible_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o visible_a church-membership_a be_v make_v or_o 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truth_n of_o all_o which_o this_o present_a age_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o plentiful_a experience_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o rule_n observe_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n it_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v party_n and_o siding_n unchristian_a opposition_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n among_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o have_v do_v here_o in_o this_o nation_n whereas_o to_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n be_v a_o certain_a fixed_z a_o common_a open_a and_o public_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o own_v themselves_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o have_v neither_o so_o far_o violate_v it_o as_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o other_o object_n than_o their_o god_n nor_o incur_v to_o themselves_o excommunication_n by_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a live_n and_o this_o rule_n give_v no_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o tend_v to_o bind_v and_o hold_v the_o several_a member_n together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n to_o which_o purpose_n st._n paul_n urge_v it_o upon_o the_o christian_n motive-wise_a eph._n 4._o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v one_o will_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v ever_o be_v betray_v into_o such_o notion_n and_o principle_n and_o to_o lay_v so_o mighty_a a_o stress_n on_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o more_o colour_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n than_o ever_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o their_o defence_n but_o to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o i_o can_v we_o will_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o more_o thorough_a reformation_n and_o more_o pure_a communion_n which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o these_o new_a method_n that_o first_o draw_v they_o into_o this_o way_n reformation_n and_o pure_a communion_n be_v thing_n which_o sound_v mighty_a well_o in_o good_a man_n ear_n and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o believe_v to_o be_v well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o appearance_n of_o great_a strictness_n in_o that_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o more_o general_a communion_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o hereupon_o to_o think_v there_o be_v more_o purity_n in_o it_o also_o which_o have_v be_v the_o prevail_a reason_n which_o have_v carry_v multitude_n into_o quakerism_n and_o when_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o seat_v itself_o in_o man_n mind_n they_o quick_o grow_v confident_a that_o nothing_o in_o scripture_n can_v be_v against_o it_o and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o fancy_v that_o every_o slight_a appearance_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n in_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o upon_o which_o they_o can_v but_o put_v such_o a_o gloss_n as_o shall_v favour_v they_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n when_o impartial_o scan_v and_o have_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v oppose_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o good_a man_n be_v matter_n of_o purity_n indeed_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v one_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o if_o this_o their_o way_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n pure_a word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o what_o be_v impure_a and_o if_o it_o run_v counter_a to_o our_o lord_n method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o very_o material_a point_n than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o impure_a practice_n a_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o a_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o such_o it_o be_v if_o i_o have_v not_o