may_v quick_o discern_v the_o main_a plea_n for_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v their_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o nothing_o have_v produce_v more_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n than_o our_o dispute_n about_o it_o have_v do_v and_o our_o sad_a experience_n still_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o our_o debate_n and_o the_o evidence_n bring_v on_o either_o side_n man_n yet_o continue_v under_o very_o different_a apprehension_n concern_v it_o but_o if_o we_o more_o strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a distance_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v rise_v upon_o this_o controversy_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n which_o have_v divide_v man_n so_o much_o from_o one_o another_o as_o the_o prevalency_n of_o faction_n and_o interest_n in_o those_o who_o revenue_n have_v come_v from_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o other_o of_o great_a integrity_n it_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o prove_v it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o that_o form_n which_o by_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a conjecture_n they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v the_o primitive_a practice_n for_o hereby_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n to_o endeavour_v the_o establishment_n of_o that_o idea_n of_o government_n which_o ofttimes_o affection_n and_o interest_n more_o than_o reason_n and_o judgement_n have_v form_v within_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o bind_v to_o over_o throw_v any_o other_o form_v not_o suitable_a to_o those_o correspondency_n which_o they_o be_v already_o engage_v to_o maintain_v if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o breach_n this_o day_n among_o we_o the_o most_o successful_a weapon-salve_n to_o heal_v they_o will_v be_v to_o anoint_v the_o sword_n which_o have_v give_v the_o wound_n by_o a_o seasonable_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a subject_n then_o of_o our_o present_a debate_n will_v be_v whether_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o all_o church_n be_v bind_v perpetual_o to_o observe_v that_o individual_a form_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o agree_v upon_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o it_o judge_v most_o conducible_a within_o its_o self_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n order_n tranquillity_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n if_o this_o latter_a be_v make_v full_o appear_v it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o however_o man_n judgement_n may_v differ_v concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o sure_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o proceed_v on_o in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o one_o consideration_n will_v be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o design_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o ground_n whereon_o different_a party_n may_v with_o safety_n not_o only_o treat_v but_o agree_v in_o order_n to_o a_o speedy_a accommodation_n we_o come_v therefore_o close_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o for_o 2._o the_o better_a clear_n of_o our_o passage_n we_o shall_v first_o discuss_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o show_v whereon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n must_v be_v found_v and_o then_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o far_o any_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v settle_v upon_o such_o a_o right_n right_o in_o the_o general_n be_v a_o relative_a thing_n and_o the_o signification_n 6_o and_o import_n of_o it_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o respect_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o law_n which_o give_v it_o for_o although_o in_o common_a acception_n it_o be_v often_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n its_o self_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o action_n in_o which_o sense_n ius_n naturae_fw-la gentium_fw-la civil_a be_v take_v for_o the_o several_a law_n of_o nature_n nation_n and_o particular_a state_n yet_o i_o say_v ius_n and_o so_o right_o be_v proper_o something_o accrue_v to_o a_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v make_v and_o so_o jus_o naturae_fw-la be_v that_o right_n which_o every_o man_n be_v invest_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v proper_o jus_o personae_fw-la and_o be_v by_o some_o call_v jus_o activum_fw-la which_o be_v define_v by_o grotius_n to_o be_v qualitas_fw-la moralis_fw-la personae_fw-la competens_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la just_a habendum_fw-la aut_fw-la agendum_fw-la by_o lessius_fw-la to_o be_v potestas_fw-la legitima_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la aliquam_fw-la jus_o obtinendam_fw-la etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o these_o description_n right_o be_v that_o power_n which_o a_o man_n have_v by_o law_n to_o do_v have_v or_o obtain_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o most_o full_a description_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o martinius_n that_o it_o be_v adhaerens_fw-la personae_fw-la necessitas_fw-la vel_fw-la potestas_fw-la recta_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la agendum_fw-la omittendum_fw-la aut_fw-la permittendum_fw-la that_o whereby_o any_o person_n lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v omit_v or_o suffer_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o else_o have_v a_o lawful_a authority_n of_o do_v etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a right_n either_o such_o whereby_o a_o man_n have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o such_o whereby_o it_o become_v a_o man_n necessary_a duty_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n the_o open_n of_o the_o difference_n 3._o of_o these_o two_o and_o the_o different_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o person_n and_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n ius_n then_o be_v first_o that_o which_o be_v justum_fw-la so_o isidore_n ius_n dictum_fw-la quia_fw-la justum_fw-la est_fw-la so_o what_o ever_o be_v just_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v just_a either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v lawful_a or_o in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n when_o it_o imply_v something_o that_o be_v equal_a and_o due_a to_o another_o so_o aristotle_n distribute_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o the_o former_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v here_o only_o pertinent_a as_o it_o imply_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o law_n that_o be_v do_v jure_fw-la because_o a_o man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o a_o express_v positive_a command_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o thing_n lawful_a but_o a_o non-prohibition_n by_o a_o law_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n to_o bind_v up_o man_n right_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v thereby_o suppose_a to_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n power_n still_o to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o man_n to_o seek_v for_o positive_a command_n for_o every_o particular_a action_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a it_o suffice_v to_o make_v any_o action_n lawful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o bar_n make_v by_o any_o direct_a or_o consequential_a prohibition_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o thing_n who_o lawfulness_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o a_o mere_a positive_a command_n for_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v therefore_o only_o good_a because_o command_v a_o command_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o lawful_a as_o in_o immediate_a positive_a act_n of_o worship_n towards_o god_n in_o which_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a command_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o whatever_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v no_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o not_o lawful_a 11._o so_o our_o saviour_n cite_v that_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o syriack_n version_n render_v thus_o reverentia_fw-la quam_fw-la mihi_fw-la exhibent_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la praecepto_fw-la &_o documento_fw-la humano_fw-la plain_o impute_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n reject_v their_o worship_n to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o tertull._n what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o tertullian_n condemn_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v
sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o certain_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o word_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o religion_n sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n have_v christ_n give_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o her_o society_n who_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v christ_n ever_o thank_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v such_o out_o from_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n who_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_a crown_n of_o glory_n to_o but_o it_o may_v be_v aureolae_fw-la too_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o how_o far_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o i_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o treatise_n its_o self_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v consult_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n how_o far_o either_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v such_o rigorous_a imposition_n we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n make_v law_n but_o of_o thing_n suppose_v necessary_a when_o the_o council_n of_o apostle_n meet_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o decide_v a_o case_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n we_o see_v they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o these_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a when_o they_o have_v require_v they_o but_o they_o look_v on_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n either_o absolute_a or_o for_o the_o present_a state_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o impose_v those_o command_n upon_o the_o gentile-christians_a there_o be_v after_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o practice_n and_o variety_n of_o observation_n among_o christian_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o think_v those_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v matter_n of_o law_n to_o which_o all_o party_n shall_v conform_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v as_o to_o these_o be_v mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n value_v not_o indifferency_n at_o all_o and_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o account_v such_o which_o whether_o man_n do_v they_o or_o not_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o salvation_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n still_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o impose_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n all_o the_o injury_n she_o have_v do_v herself_o have_v be_v to_o have_v avoid_v that_o fearful_a schism_n which_o she_o have_v cause_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v the_o less_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n if_o a_o diversity_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o practice_n suppose_v indifferent_a yea_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condiscension_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n of_o practice_n or_o opinion_n this_o latter_a be_v extreme_o desirable_a in_o a_o church_n but_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o size_n of_o man_n in_o it_o very_o hardly_o attainable_a because_o of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v only_o the_o civility_n of_o procrustes_n to_o commensurate_a all_o other_o man_n to_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o the_o primitive_a church_n deserve_v great_a imitation_n by_o we_o in_o then_o in_o that_o admirable_a temper_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v use_v in_o it_o towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o think_v worth_n the_o while_n to_o make_v any_o stand_a law_n for_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o tradition_n much_o less_o to_o suspend_v man_n she_o his_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o they_o judge_v it_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o different_a church_n but_o in_o different_a place_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n for_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o mother-church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n this_o admirable_a temper_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v large_o clear_v from_o that_o liberty_n they_o allow_v free_o to_o dissenter_n from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o cyprian_a austin_n jerome_n and_o other_o but_o that_o will_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o first_o who_o break_v this_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o arrian_n donatist_n and_o circumcellian_n while_o the_o true_a church_n be_v still_o know_v by_o his_o pristine_a moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n towards_o all_o its_o member_n the_o same_o we_o hope_v may_v remain_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o primitive_a not_o so_o much_o in_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n that_o be_v in_o use_n then_o as_o in_o not_o impose_v they_o but_o leave_v man_n to_o be_v win_v by_o the_o observe_v the_o true_a decency_n and_o order_n of_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o act_n upon_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a ingenuity_n may_v be_v soon_o draw_v to_o a_o compliance_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n then_o by_o force_n and_o rigorous_a imposition_n which_o make_v man_n suspect_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o such_o force_n be_v use_v to_o make_v it_o enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o rejoice_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o a_o prince_n of_o that_o excellent_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n who_o have_v so_o late_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o great_a indulgence_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v any_o pretence_n from_o conscience_n to_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o seem_v to_o retard_v our_o peace_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n a_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o we_o in_o england_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o our_o contention_n about_o it_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o yet_o so_o few_o of_o the_o multitude_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o have_v true_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v so_o eager_o contend_v about_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o concern_v
we_o lie_v not_o here_o as_o it_o be_v general_o mistake_v what_o form_n of_o government_n come_v the_o near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o whether_o any_o one_o individual_a form_n be_v found_v so_o upon_o divine_a right_n that_o all_o age_n and_o church_n be_v bind_v unalterable_o to_o observe_v it_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o which_o by_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o all_o the_o ground_n produce_v for_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a tendency_n to_o a_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o observe_v aristotle_n wild_a politic_n of_o expose_v this_o deform_a conception_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o wide_a world_n and_o certain_o they_o who_o have_v espouse_v the_o most_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o jus_o divinum_fw-la can_v yet_o but_o say_v that_o if_o the_o opinion_n i_o maintain_v be_v true_a it_o do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o a_o present_a settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o for_o then_o all_o party_n may_v retain_v their_o different_a opinion_n concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n and_o yet_o agree_v and_o pitch_n upon_o a_o form_n compound_v of_o all_o together_o as_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o that_o so_o the_o people_n interest_n be_v secure_v by_o consent_n and_o suffrage_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o due_a power_n of_o presbytery_n assert_v by_o their_o joynt-concurrence_n with_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o that_o excellent_a model_n of_o the_o late_a incomparable_a primate_n of_o armagh_n and_o the_o just_a honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o bishop_n assert_v as_o a_o very_a laudable_a and_o ancient_a constitution_n for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o learned_a is._n casaubon_n describe_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n episcopi_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la constituti_fw-la cum_fw-la suis_fw-la prebyteriis_fw-la &_o propriam_fw-la sibi_fw-la cuique_fw-la peculiari_fw-la cura_fw-la &_o universam_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o common_a curantes_fw-la admirabilis_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la aristocraâ—iae_fw-la speciem_fw-la referebant_fw-la my_o main_a design_n throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n draw_v from_o any_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n that_o may_v hinder_v man_n from_o consent_v and_o yield_v to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o may_v bear_v the_o great_a correspondency_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v most_o advantageous_o conducible_a to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o settlement_n of_o our_o divide_a church_n i_o plead_v not_o at_o all_o for_o any_o abuse_n or_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o best_a form_n of_o government_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o time_n nay_o i_o dare_v not_o harbour_v so_o low_a apprehension_n of_o person_n enjoy_v so_o great_a dignity_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v unwilling_a of_o themselves_o to_o reduce_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n among_o we_o to_o its_o primitive_a state_n and_o order_n by_o retrench_v all_o exorbitance_n of_o power_n and_o restore_v those_o presbytery_n which_o no_o law_n have_v forbid_v but_o only_o through_o disuse_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o whereby_o they_o will_v give_v to_o the_o world_n that_o rare_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o the_o high_a christian_a prudence_n as_o may_v raise_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o they_o even_o among_o those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o the_o most_o slight_v so_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a a_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o become_v the_o repairer_n of_o those_o otherwise_o irreparable_a breach_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a pious_a and_o moderate_a prelate_n in_o his_o via_fw-la media_fw-la i_o have_v do_v and_o now_o i_o make_v no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o with_o i_o as_o it_o do_v common_o with_o he_o that_o offer_v to_o part_v a_o fray_n both_o part_n will_v perhaps_o drive_v at_o i_o for_o wish_v they_o no_o worse_o than_o peace_n my_o ambition_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n shall_v willing_o carry_v i_o through_o this_o hazard_n let_v both_o beat_v i_o so_o their_o quarrel_n may_v cease_v i_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o those_o blow_n and_o scar_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o the_o church_n safety_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n part_n i._o chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o latter_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o two_o fold_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_n arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o six_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o the_o irreversible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o by_o humane_a or_o divine_a positive_a law_n in_o thing_n immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n enlarge_v into_o five_o subservient_fw-fr proposition_n 3._o divine_a positive_a law_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v obey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 4._o thing_n undetermined_a both_o by_o the_o natural_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n large_o assert_v and_o clear_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferency_n in_o action_n state_v matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v subject_a to_o restraint_n large_o prove_v proposal_n for_o accommodation_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n 5._o what_o be_v thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o that_o authority_n to_o obedience_n to_o those_o determination_n 6._o thing_n thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unalterable_a but_o may_v be_v revoke_v limit_v and_o change_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 27_o chap._n iii_o how_o far_o church_n government_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n two_o thing_n in_o it_o found_v thereon_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o society_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n a_o society_n for_o worship_n manifest_v gen_n 4._o 26._o consider_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o society_n for_o worship_n among_o heathen_n evidence_v by_o three_o thing_n 1._o solemnity_n of_o sacrifice_n sacrifice_v how_o far_o natural_a the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n large_o discover_v 2._o the_o original_a of_o festival_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o deity_n 3._o the_o secrecy_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o mystery_n this_o further_o prove_v from_o man_n sociable_a nature_n the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o religion_n the_o honour_n redound_v to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o society_n for_o his_o worship_n p._n 72_o chap._n iu_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v that_o this_o society_n be_v maintain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n a_o further_a inquiry_n what_o particular_a order_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n come_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n six_o lay_v down_o and_o evidence_v to_o be_v from_o thence_o first_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o person_n and_o their_o superiority_n over_o other_o both_o in_o power_n and_o order_n clear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o power_n and_o application_n of_o the_o power_n distinguish_v this_o latter_a not_o from_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n bind_v but_o permissive_a therefore_o may_v be_v restrain_v people_n right_a of_o choose_v pastor_n consider_v order_n distinguish_v from_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n the_o former_a natural_a the_o other_o not_o the_o
foreign_a church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n both_o approve_v episcopacy_n and_o diocesan_n church_n salmatius_n etc._n etc._n 3_o those_o who_o judge_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o necessary_a bishop_n jewel_n fulk_n field_n bishop_n downam_n bishop_n bancroft_n bishop_n morton_n bishop_n andrews_n saravia_n francis_n mason_n and_o other_o the_o conclusion_n hence_o lay_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n principle_n conduce_v thereto_o 1._o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o church-government_n at_o last_o confess_v by_o all_o party_n independent_o in_o elective_a synod_n and_o church_n covenant_n admission_n of_o member_n number_n in_o congregation_n presbyterian_o in_o class_n and_o synod_n lay-elder_n etc._n etc._n episcopal_a in_o diocese_n cause_n rite_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o prudence_n best_o which_o come_v near_a primitive_a practice_n a_o presidency_n for_o life_n over_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n show_v to_o be_v that_o form_n in_o order_n to_o it_o presbytery_n to_o be_v restore_v diocese_n lessen_v provincial_n synod_n keep_v twice_o a_o year_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o easiness_n of_o accommodation_n show_v the_o whole_a conclude_v p._n 383._o 384._o a_o weapon-salve_n for_o the_o church_n wound_n or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n discuss_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o late_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o twofold_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_o arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v he_o that_o impose_v any_o matter_n of_o opinion_n upon_o the_o 1._o belief_n of_o other_o without_o give_v evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o confidence_n of_o his_o assertion_n must_v either_o suppose_v the_o thing_n propound_v to_o carry_v such_o unquestionable_a credential_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o that_o none_o who_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v can_v deny_v it_o entertainment_n or_o else_o that_o his_o own_o understanding_n have_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o to_o have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o follow_v it_o this_o latter_a can_v be_v presume_v among_o any_o who_o have_v assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v forget_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o assertion_n than_o this_o one_o assertion_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v actual_o deceive_v who_o know_v so_o little_a the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n the_o former_a can_v never_o be_v pretend_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o controversy_n among_o man_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o forget_v they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o their_o bring_v probable_a argument_n for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o in_o which_o case_n though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o our_o supreme_a law_n giver_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o man_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n it_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o sound_v his_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o uncertain_a and_o thereby_o make_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o condition_n never_o like_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n of_o man_n opinion_n for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n face_n differ_v their_o judgement_n will_n and_o until_o there_o be_v a_o intellectus_fw-la averroisticus_fw-la the_o same_o understanding_n in_o all_o person_n we_o have_v little_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o universal_a harmony_n in_o the_o intellectual_a world_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v pass_v a_o different_a judgement_n upon_o the_o colour_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o different_a tincture_n of_o the_o several_a optick-glass_n in_o particular_a body_n which_o it_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o thing_n through_o reason_n and_o experience_n then_o give_v we_o little_a hope_n of_o any_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o man_n judgement_n be_v suppose_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o next_o inquiry_n than_o be_v how_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v when_o man_n be_v under_o such_o different_a persuasion_n especial_o if_o they_o respect_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o peace_n and_o settlement_n for_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n like_o the_o fertile_a soil_n of_o greece_n have_v be_v ofttimes_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a quarrel_n and_o no_o sickness_n be_v so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o when_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o their_o remedy_n and_o nauseate_a that_o most_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o recovery_n but_o while_o physician_n quarrel_n about_o the_o method_n of_o cure_n the_o patient_n languish_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o when_o man_n increase_v contention_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o peace_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o court_v it_o they_o destroy_v it_o the_o only_a way_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n settlement_n and_o peace_n under_o such_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o mean_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v out_o whereon_o the_o different_a party_n retain_v their_o private_a apprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v agree_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n in_o common_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v by_o leave_v all_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n confusion_n instead_o of_o peace_n it_o must_v be_v then_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o those_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n but_o which_o particular_a way_n or_o form_v it_o must_v be_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o in_o who_o power_n and_o trust_v it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v secure_v on_o last_a foundation_n how_o near_o this_o concern_v the_o present_a debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n any_o one_o
bind_v necessary_o but_o that_o rule_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o example_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v not_o bind_v without_o a_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o all_o obligatory_a force_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o example_n themselves_o and_o resolve_v into_o one_o of_o the_o two_o former_a the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o a_o positive_a law_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o scripture-example_n must_v either_o produce_v the_o moral_a nature_n of_o these_o example_n or_o else_o a_o rule_n bind_v we_o to_o follow_v those_o example_n especial_o when_o these_o example_n be_v bring_v to_o found_v a_o new_a positive_a law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n necessary_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o bind_a nature_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n i_o shall_v discourse_v large_o afterward_o the_o next_o thing_n plead_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n be_v by_o divine_a acts._n as_o to_o this_o â—t_a be_v again_o evident_a that_o all_o divine_a act_n do_v not_o constitute_v such_o a_o right_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o express_v in_o those_o act_n when_o such_o a_o divine_a right_o follow_v they_o whence_o we_o may_v infallible_o gather_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n they_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n instance_a in_o the_o most_o for_o this_o purpose_n as_o god_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n make_v the_o sabbath_n perpetual_a for_o it_o 2._o be_v not_o god_n rest_v that_o make_v it_o the_o sabbath_n for_o that_o be_v only_o express_v as_o the_o occasion_n of_o its_o institution_n but_o it_o be_v god_n sanctify_v the_o day_n that_o be_v by_o a_o law_n set_v it_o apart_o for_o his_o own_o service_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o it_o which_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o sabbath_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n alter_v only_o a_o circumstantial_a part_n of_o a_o moral_a duty_n already_o which_o be_v do_v upon_o so_o great_a reason_n and_o by_o person_n endue_v with_o a_o insallible_a spirit_n thereby_o it_o become_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v that_o moral_a command_n in_o this_o limitation_n of_o time_n but_o here_o it_o be_v further_a necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o act_n mere_o positive_a and_o act_n donative_n or_o legal_a the_o former_a conâ—er_n no_o right_n at_o all_o but_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o bare_o as_o act_n but_o as_o legal_a act_n that_o be_v by_o some_o declaration_n that_o those_o act_n do_v conserr_v right_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o donation_n and_o therefore_o in_o law_n the_o bare_a delivery_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o another_o do_v not_o give_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o it_o without_o express_a transfer_v of_o dominion_n and_o propriety_n with_o it_o thus_o in_o christ_n deliver_v the_o key_n to_o peter_n and_o there_a of_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o act_n i_o grant_v 18._o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o any_o bare_a act_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o declaration_n of_o christ_n will_n confer_v that_o authority_n upon_o they_o again_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o right_n confer_v by_o a_o donative_n act_n and_o the_o unalterable_a nature_n of_o that_o right_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o may_v be_v a_o right_n personal_a as_o well_o as_o successive_a derivative_a and_o perpetual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o right_o be_v give_v by_o any_o act_n of_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o right_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a if_o it_o oblige_v still_o for_o otherwise_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o by_o it_o we_o mean_v a_o power_n declarative_n of_o duty_n or_o a_o power_n authoritative_a and_o penal_a must_v continue_v still_o if_o a_o difference_n be_v not_o make_v between_o these_o two_o and_o some_o rule_n sound_v out_o to_o know_v when_o the_o right_o confer_v by_o divine_a act_n be_v personal_a when_o successive_a which_o rule_n thus_o find_v out_o must_v make_v the_o right_n unalterable_a and_o so_o concern_v we_o and_o not_o the_o bare_a donative_n act_v of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v all_o equal_o confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o some_o continue_v still_o and_o other_o do_v not_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o make_v a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n and_o so_o though_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v superiority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o must_v further_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o superiority_n shall_v continue_v in_o their_o successor_n or_o it_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o argument_n i_o confess_v i_o see_v not_o how_o those_o who_o make_v a_o necessary_a divine_a right_a to_o follow_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o the_o last_o thing_n plead_v for_o divine_a right_n be_v divine_a approbation_n but_o this_o least_o of_o all_o constitute_v a_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o the_o action_n be_v extraordinary_a god_n approbation_n of_o they_o as_o such_o can_v make_v they_o a_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o all_o other_o action_n which_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o only_o commendable_a they_o must_v be_v so_o either_o because_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o god_n reveal_v will_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n good_a in_o themselves_o in_o the_o one_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v the_o action_n good_a and_o so_o approve_v by_o god_n and_o on_o that_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n will_v certain_o approve_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v or_o natural_a which_o will_n and_o law_n of_o he_o be_v that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n i._n e._n perpetual_o bind_v as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o but_o for_o act_n of_o mere_o positive_a nature_n which_o we_o read_v god_n approbation_n of_o in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o approbation_n those_o action_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o god_n mere_a approbation_n that_o make_v the_o obligation_n but_o as_o that_o approbation_n so_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o oblige_v man_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o the_o legislator_n will_v and_o intention_n to_o bind_v in_o particular_a action_n and_o case_n thus_o now_o we_o have_v clear_v whereon_o a_o necessary_a and_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n must_v be_v found_v either_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n sufficient_o declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_o bind_v chap._n ii_o six_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o the_o irreversible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o by_o humane_a or_o divine_a positive_a law_n in_o thing_n immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o prohibition_n by_o positive_a law_n enlarge_v into_o 5_o subservient_fw-fr proposition_n 3._o divine_a positive_a law_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v obey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 4._o thing_n undetermined_a both_o by_o the_o natural_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 5._o what_o be_v thâ—â—_n determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o that_o authority_n to_o obedience_n to_o those_o determination_n 6._o thing_n thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unalterable_a but_o may_v be_v revoke_v limit_v and_o change_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n have_v show_v what_o a_o divine_a right_o be_v and_o whereon_o it_o be_v 1._o found_v our_o next_o great_a inquiry_n will_v be_v how_o far_o church-government_n be_v found_v upon_o divine_a right_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o way_n
reason_n they_o that_o hold_v any_o one_o posture_n at_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n necessary_a as_o sit_v lean_v kneeling_z do_v all_o equal_o destroy_v their_o own_o christian-liberty_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n so_o a_o magistrate_n when_o command_a matter_n of_o christian-liberty_n if_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o law_n he_o declare_v the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o its_o self_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v it_o he_o take_v away_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v our_o christian-liberty_n and_o in_o that_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o hold_v to_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n 1._o wherewith_o christ_n have_v set_v you_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n declare_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a but_o only_o upon_o some_o prudent_a consideration_n for_o peace_n and_o order_n he_o require_v person_n to_o observe_v they_o though_o this_o bring_v a_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o we_o yet_o it_o take_v not_o away_o our_o christian-liberty_n for_o a_o antecedent_n 5._o necessity_n express_v in_o the_o law_n as_o a_o learned_a and_o excellent_a casuist_n of_o our_o own_o observe_n do_v not_o necessary_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o practical_a judgement_n to_o it_o which_o take_v away_o our_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o our_o judgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o consequential_a necessity_n upon_o a_o command_n suppose_v do_v only_o imply_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n whereby_o the_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n remain_v it_o be_v incline_v to_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a law_n now_o that_o liberty_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n and_o not_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o practice_n and_o so_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o former_a case_n of_o scandal_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n yea_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o such_o ceremony_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v that_o if_o they_o observe_v they_o christ_n 2._o will_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v paul_n himself_z circumcise_n timothy_n because_o of_o the_o jew_n certain_o then_o 3._o however_o these_o ceremony_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v not_o only_a mortuae_fw-la but_o mortiferae_fw-la now_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o law_n of_o christian-liberty_n promulge_v yet_o paul_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o take_n away_o his_o liberty_n at_o any_o time_n when_o it_o will_v prevent_v scandal_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v it_o which_o destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o where_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o judaical_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v entertain_v the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o with_o his_o whole_a strength_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o he_o do_v 19_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o colossian_n who_o yet_o we_o find_v in_o other_o place_n and_o to_o other_o church_n not_o leaven_v with_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o judaical_a rite_n very_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o weak_a brethren_n as_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o corinthian_n from_o which_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v 24._o not_o the_o bare_a do_v of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o do_v they_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o infringe_v christian-liberty_n and_o not_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o part_n above_o the_o other_o by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v declare_v not_o to_o be_v for_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o necessary_a but_o to_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n second_o it_o appear_v that_o liberty_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o the_o very_a power_n of_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o both_o antecedent_o and_o consequential_o to_o that_o restraint_n antecedent_o so_o it_o be_v apparent_a to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n else_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v restrain_v consequential_o in_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o observance_n of_o those_o thing_n when_o restrain_v be_v not_o any_o necessity_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o undertermine_v by_o the_o word_n which_o lead_v to_o another_o argument_n three_o mens_fw-la obligation_n to_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v only_o in_o point_n of_o contempt_n and_o scandal_n argue_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o liberty_n still_o i_o grant_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o magistrate_n command_v be_v only_o in_o point_n of_o contempt_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o church_n for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a either_o to_o command_v or_o obey_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o thing_n from_o any_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o observe_v they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o contempt_n of_o the_o power_n command_v they_o nor_o of_o scandal_n to_o other_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o not_o observe_v they_o tota_n igitur_fw-la religio_fw-la est_fw-la in_o fugiendo_fw-la scandalo_fw-la &_o vitando_fw-la 2._o contemptu_fw-la say_v our_o learned_a whitaker_n all_o our_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n pet._n martyr_n speak_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n non_fw-la obstringunt_fw-la si_fw-la removeatur_fw-la 14._o contemptus_fw-la &_o scandalum_fw-la so_o that_o nonobservance_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n command_v when_o there_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a contempt_n or_o scandal_n do_v not_o involve_v a_o man_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n as_o suppose_v a_o law_n make_v that_o all_o public_a prayer_n be_v perform_v kneel_v if_o any_o thing_n lie_v in_o a_o man_n way_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o that_o posture_n in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n offend_v not_o because_o there_o be_v no_o contempt_n or_o scandal_n so_o if_o a_o law_n be_v make_v that_o all_o shall_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n fast_v if_o a_o man_n health_n call_v for_o somewhat_o to_o refresh_v he_o before_o he_o sin_v not_o in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a which_o whitaker_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o though_o they_o do_v determine_v many_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a polity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o observe_v this_o difference_n in_o their_o censure_n or_o anathema_n that_o in_o matteâ—s_n of_o mere_a order_n and_o decency_n they_o never_o pronounce_v a_o anathema_n but_o with_o the_o supposition_n of_o apparent_a contempt_n and_o insert_v si_fw-mi quis_fw-la contrà _fw-la praesumpserit_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la contumaciter_fw-la contrà _fw-la fecerit_fw-la but_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o life_n full_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o pronounce_v a_o simple_a anathema_n without_o any_o such_o clause_n insert_v now_o from_o this_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o difference_n between_o law_n concern_v indifferency_n in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o in_o civils_n the_o law_n bind_v to_o indifferency_n without_o the_o case_n of_o contempt_n or_o scandal_n because_o in_o these_o the_o public_a good_a be_v aim_v aâ—_n of_o which_o every_o private_a person_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n either_o to_o obey_v or_o suffer_v but_o in_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n only_a peace_n and_o order_n be_v that_o which_o be_v look_v at_o and_o therefore_o si_fw-mi nihil_fw-la contra_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feceris_fw-la non_fw-la teneris_fw-la illis_fw-la be_v the_o rule_n here_o if_o nothing_o tend_v to_o apparent_a disorder_n be_v do_v man_n break_v not_o those_o law_n for_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o law_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o its_o obligation_n four_o man_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o do_v the_o thing_n forbid_v either_o upon_o a_o repeal_n of_o the_o former_a law_n or_o when_o a_o man_n be_v from_o under_o