I do not think, that particular Congregations do stand unto it in that Relation of a Species to a genus, in which the whole nature of it should be comprised, which would deprive every one of membership in this universal Church which is not joined actually to some particular Church, then which nothing can be more devoid of Truth. (e)As to the description of this Church, I shall acquiesce, in that lately given by a learned man, Ecclesia universalis est communio seu societa• omnium coetnum, I had rather he had said, omnium fidem Christianam profitentium five illi ad Ecclesias aliquas particulars pertineant, five non pertineant. And pag. 134, 135, 136. He showeth what things are necessary to constitute a member of the visible Catholic Church, and at last, pag. 137. Concludes saying, we are at length arrived to this Issue, the belief and profession of all the necessary saving Truths of the Gospel without the manifestation of an internal principle of mind in consistent with the belief of them, or adding of other things in profession which are inconsistent to the Truths so professed, is the bond of this unity of the visible professing Church of Christ. Also he showeth that not only Modern but Ancient Divines have esteemed this the Catholic Church, so Justin Martyr, Iren•• Terta•lian, &c And many passages to the same purpose are to be seen in a late discourse concerning Evangelical love and Church peace, written by the same learned hand, wherein this description of the Church Catholic visible, is more fully opened. And it is in the same Treatise, with great evidence of Reason manifested, that Baptism is grounded upon membership in this Church, it would be too tedious to transcribe all that is there said about this matter, But the Reader that hath the Book may if he please consult pag. 47, 52, 53, 54, 74, 75.
I do not think, that particular Congregations do stand unto it in that Relation of a Species to a genus, in which the whole nature of it should be comprised, which would deprive every one of membership in this universal Church which is not joyned actually to some particular Church, then which nothing can be more devoyd of Truth. (e)As to the description of this Church, I shall a••uiess, in that lately given by a learned man, Ecclesia universalis est communio seu societa• omnium coetnum, I had rather he had said, omnium fidem Christianam profitentium five illi ad Ecclesias aliquas particulares pertineant, five non pertineant. And pag. 134, 135, 136. He sheweth what things are necessary to constitute a member of the visible Catholick Church, and at last, pag. 137. Concludes saying, we are at length arrived to this Issue, the belief and profession of all the necessary saving Truths of the Gospel without the manifestation of an internal principle of mind in consistent with the belief of them, or adding of other things in profession which are inconsistent to the Truths so professed, is the bond of this unity of the visible professing Church of Christ. Also he sheweth that not only Modern but Antient Divines have esteemed this the Catholick Church, so Justin Martyr, Iren•• Terta•lian, &c And many passages to the same purpose are to be seen in a late discourse concerning Evangelical love and Church peace, written by the same learned hand, wherein this description of the Church Catholick visible, is more fully opened. And it is in the same Treatise, with great evidence of Reason manifested, that Baptisme is grounded upon membership in this Church, it would be too tedious to transcribe all that is there said about this matter, But the Reader that hath the Book may if he please consult pag. 47, 52, 53, 54, 74, 75.
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