of_o a_o gospel-nature_n can_v be_v alter_v from_o their_o nature_n by_o any_o subsequent_a law_n of_o man_n thus_o appear_v to_o change_v religious_a indifferency_n into_o necessity_n be_v to_o make_v a_o law_n for_o christ_n worship_n that_o christ_n never_o make_v nor_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o make_v but_o none_o may_v make_v a_o law_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o never_o make_v nor_o empower_v any_o to_o make_v ergo_fw-la the_o major_n be_v without_o doubt_n if_o the_o indifferency_n confess_v be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n then_o when_o it_o be_v by_o any_o law_n make_v necessary_a it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v appoint_v so_o by_o a_o law_n become_v institute_v worship_n by_o a_o law_n which_o christ_n never_o make_v the_o minor_a appear_v in_o that_o none_o may_v do_v so_o i._n e._n institute_v worship_n or_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n by_o a_o law_n that_o be_v not_o christ_n 1._o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n to_o exercise_v a_o legislative_a power_n in_o his_o church_n 2._o christ_n know_v only_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o it_o must_v be_v found_v on_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v our_o law_n 3._o none_o may_v add_v to_o his_o law_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n deut._n 4.1_o 2._o much_o less_o under_o the_o new_a where_o there_o be_v less_o of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n rev._n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a §_o 1._o when_o we_o come_v to_o discuss_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o unfold_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n church_n there_o be_v no_o word_n under_o which_o lie_v more_o amphibology_n many_o understand_v a_o church_n a_o material_a building_n or_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o use_n and_o for_o the_o propriety_n and_o antiquity_n of_o this_o usage_n and_o acceptation_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la learned_a mr._n mead_n very_o much_o contend_v we_o shall_v not_o stay_v upon_o this_o sense_n because_o none_o that_o will_v oppose_v we_o in_o the_o present_a controversy_n will_v insist_v upon_o this_o sense_n so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v to_o be_v find_v here_o a_o church_n be_v also_o in_o other_o sense_n speak_v of_o some_o say_v every_o nation_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v own_v by_o roll_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n profess_v be_v a_o church_n some_o call_v a_o province_n a_o church_n a_o diocese_n a_o church_n a_o parish_n a_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o extend_v and_o comprehensive_a and_o it_o be_v usual_o the_o sense_n of_o protestant_n that_o assert_v a_o church_n legislative_a authority_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a other_o say_v there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o be_v church_n in_o every_o nation_n and_o that_o proper_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o such_o who_o free_o and_o voluntary_o combine_v together_o in_o bond_n of_o society_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o walk_v according_o various_a be_v the_o sentiment_n and_o dispute_n about_o a_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o our_o concern_n at_o this_o time_n but_o there_o be_v another_o way_n of_o the_o usage_n of_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n which_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o right_o understand_v it_o viz_o the_o emphatical_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o church_n so_o many_o man_n write_n and_o argumentation_n be_v fill_v and_o confound_v with_o it_o now_o a_o day_n that_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n the_o romanist_n say_v the_o church_n have_v determine_v this_o or_o that_o and_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o church_n be_v they_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n aequivocum_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la positum_fw-la stat_fw-la pro_fw-la famosiori_fw-la significato_fw-la the_o emphasis_n put_v the_o word_n upon_o the_o high_a and_o large_a signification_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o a_o far_a disquision_n of_o their_o meaning_n they_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n many_o protestant_n also_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o some_o particular_a national_a church_n viz._n of_o france_n england_n spain_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o this_o church_n be_v they_o will_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o convocation_n by_o a_o few_o representative_n to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n the_o executive_a power_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o court_n so_o that_o when_o these_o few_o man_n have_v make_v law_n or_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a power_n compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n or_o establish_v ceremony_n at_o their_o pleasure_n they_o say_v the_o church_n do_v it_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n make_v use_v of_o this_o great_a command_a word_n the_o church_n and_o by_o this_o equivocal_a term_n sound_v so_o loud_o of_o a_o uncontrollable_a prerogative_n they_o suggest_v unto_o poor_a well-meaning_a people_n on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o all_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o court_n do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a task_n here_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture-acceptation_n or_o the_o most_o true_a logical_a notion_n thereof_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o genus_fw-la or_o a_o integrum_fw-la or_o totum_fw-la aggregativum_fw-la i_o shall_v only_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n apply_v myself_o to_o the_o most_o rectify_a sense_n of_o those_o that_o do_v defend_v the_o legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o start_v from_o all_o right_a reason_n and_o rule_n of_o logic_n their_o sense_n must_v be_v that_o the_o catholic_n militant_a church_n be_v the_o church_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v organical_a according_a to_o scripture-constitution_n we_o argue_v not_o now_o constitute_v of_o subordinate_a part_n first_o national_a or_o if_o you_o please_v patriarchal_a before_o that_o of_o national_a make_v up_o of_o provincial_a provincial_a of_o diocesan_n diocesan_n of_o parochial_a and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o sincere_a meaning_n of_o the_o church_n without_o prevarication_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o beforementioned_a §_o 2._o now_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o debate_n between_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o the_o dissentor_n from_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o church_n may_v exercise_v such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v change_v indifferency_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o necessity_n which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v never_o grant_v such_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n he_o have_v grant_v a_o executive_a power_n unto_o his_o church_n but_o never_o a_o legislative_a power_n for_o all_o lawful_a power_n that_o any_o church_n have_v it_o must_v have_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v all_o power_n give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o have_v take_v care_n for_o the_o right_n order_v and_o governance_n of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a as_o to_o salvation_n so_o to_o order_n and_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_o exercise_v it_o be_v true_a if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v where_o christ_n ever_o grant_v it_o by_o his_o charter_n to_o his_o church_n that_o in_o some_o particular_a concern_v she_o may_v exert_v a_o legislative_a power_n the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v end_v but_o no_o such_o charter_n can_v ever_o be_v show_v §_o 3._o if_o any_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n militant_a or_o to_o particular_a subordinate_a church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o either_o of_o they_o ergo._n not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o organise_v with_o officer_n capable_a of_o a_o catholic_n rule_n unless_o we_o
for_o that_o be_v to_o fall_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o presbytery_n therefore_o they_o must_v say_v and_o do_v say_v that_o every_o ordinary_a protestant_a priest_n receive_v his_o power_n from_o christ_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o superior_a pastor_n not_o coordinate_a and_o then_o we_o must_v needs_o find_v out_o the_o derivation_n of_o that_o superior_a power_n from_o one_o above_o he_o in_o order_n and_o dignity_n and_o at_o last_o must_v needs_o arrive_v at_o peter_n chair_n and_o his_o successor_n who_o first_o receive_v this_o power_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v hand_v down_o through_o his_o respective_a subordinate_a officer_n to_o those_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o degree_n for_o if_o the_o parish-priest_n receive_v his_o office_n from_o the_o diocesan_n than_o he_o from_o the_o provincial_n and_o he_o from_o the_o primate_n and_o he_o from_o the_o ecumenical_a if_o they_o the_o primate_fw-la receive_v their_o power_n mediate_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o other_o beside_o the_o ecumenical_a pastor_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o coordinate_a power_n of_o some_o national_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v infer_v a_o presbytery_n of_o primate_fw-la which_o may_v prove_v of_o as_o ill_a and_o more_o dangerous_a aspect_n on_o the_o church_n catholic_n than_o the_o presbyterian_a assembly_n on_o the_o church_n national_a or_o it_o must_v be_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o dignity_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o his_o inferior_a clergy_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o metropolitan_a be_v invest_v with_o power_n in_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o despicable_a way_n than_o a_o diocesan_n or_o parish-priest_n §_o 6._o to_o avoid_v split_v on_o the_o romish_a church_n they_o find_v another_o way_n of_o derive_v their_o power_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n without_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v practical_o at_o least_o grant_v to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o although_o he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o quatenus_fw-la a_o magistrate_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o state_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o office_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o can_v extend_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o invest_v a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n dominion_n with_o office_n power_n legislative_a or_o executive_a the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a state_n be_v distinct_a from_o each_o other_o as_o they_o be_v such_o moreover_o for_o a_o officer_n in_o christ_n state_n to_o derive_v his_o power_n from_o earthly_a potentate_n be_v to_o subject_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o make_v it_o subordinate_a thereto_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o as_o his_o prerogative_n again_o if_o church-officer_n as_o such_o must_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n from_o secular_a prince_n the_o church_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v as_o to_o its_o right_n and_o orderly_a manner_n of_o government_n at_o the_o will_n and_o disposition_n of_o prince_n whence_o christ_n oeconomy_n will_v seem_v not_o complete_a in_o itself_o but_o lame_a deficient_a and_o headless_a in_o that_o it_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o a_o exotic_a power_n for_o its_o principal_a officer_n and_o ruler_n and_o christ_n be_v want_v in_o not_o provide_v for_o the_o due_a governance_n of_o his_o church_n under_o heathenish_a or_o heretical_a magistrate_n yea_o such_o magistrate_n will_v undoubted_o establish_v church-officer_n ejusdem_fw-la farinae_fw-la with_o themselves_o and_o beside_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n can_v have_v no_o due_a derivation_n of_o church-power_n unto_o it_o for_o some_o age_n for_o want_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o grand_a medium_n of_o conveyance_n there_o be_v also_o as_o much_o reason_n that_o civil_a officer_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o church-officer_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o ecumenical_a bishop_n may_v upon_o as_o good_a ground_n claim_v a_o power_n of_o enthron_a emperor_n as_o the_o other_o claim_v a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o set_v a_o head_n over_o the_o church_n christ_n have_v make_v church_n and_o state_n coordinate_a last_o if_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n derive_v their_o power_n from_o civil_a authority_n as_o their_o visible_a church-head_n sure_o the_o vital_n and_o the_o whole_a animation_n must_v needs_o be_v secular_a much_o like_o the_o beast_n speak_v of_o rev._n 13.4_o §_o 7._o arg._n 5._o i_o argue_v from_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o subordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o redress_v heresy_n or_o male_a administration_n of_o discipline_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o appeal_n in_o case_n of_o injustice_n determination_n of_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n now_o what_o end_n will_v there_o be_v of_o appeal_n if_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v some_o pastor_n supreme_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n from_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o appeal_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v still_o room_n for_o appeal_n till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o the_o church_n in_o its_o great_a unity_n and_o superiority_n and_o there_o be_v mother-church_n in_o her_o grandeur_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o cathedrâ_fw-la if_o the_o resort_n be_v make_v for_o appeal_n or_o resolution_n of_o difficult_a case_n to_o the_o church_n in_o her_o pastoral_a multiplicity_n there_o will_v be_v such_o variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o interest_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o final_a determination_n but_o you_o may_v hear_v the_o catholic_n body_n speak_v one_o thing_n in_o its_o catholic_n pastor_n and_o head_n for_o if_o you_o will_v know_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o determination_n of_o any_o thing_n you_o will_v go_v to_o the_o head_n not_o to_o the_o arm_n or_o leg_n and_o what_o you_o have_v by_o sign_n from_o they_o you_o know_v be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o head_n so_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o ultimate_n result_v and_o determination_n you_o must_v not_o go_v to_o a_o diocesan_n primate_n etc._n etc._n of_o france_n etc._n etc._n england_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o will_v have_v but_o a_o partial_a or_o weak_a resolution_n not_o have_v a_o catholic_n interest_n intilligence_n influence_n and_o concernment_n but_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o body_n speak_v in_o the_o head_n who_o have_v a_o common_a concern_v and_o fellowfeeling_n with_o the_o least_o finger_n or_o toe_n complain_v or_o appeal_n to_o it_o §_o 8._o hence_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o attribute_n of_o infallibility_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n thus_o speak_v in_o its_o head_n or_o supreme_a pastor_n 1._o because_o of_o his_o universal_a relation_n and_o interest_n and_o therefore_o speak_v infallible_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o any_o particular_a part_n as_o the_o head_n feel_v and_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o declare_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o toe_n and_o can_v most_o infallible_o of_o all_o the_o member_n prescribe_v a_o remedy_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o that_o have_v his_o authority_n by_o immediate_a conveyance_n from_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v also_o the_o most_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o ecumenical_a pastor_n be_v found_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o episcopal_a government_n viz._n subordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o in_o all_o our_o appeal_n from_o pastor_n to_o pastor_n from_o church_n to_o church_n for_o determination_n in_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o resolution_n in_o point_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n we_o do_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o as_o fallible_a a_o church_n and_o pastor_n as_o at_o first_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o our_o appeal_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o bishop_n be_v less_o fallible_a than_o a_o parish-priest_n and_o a_o archbishop_n less_o fallible_a than_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o primate_n than_o a_o archbishop_n then_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o it_o must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n by_o his_o place_n in_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o comprehensiveness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o relation_n and_o be_v far_o remove_v by_o his_o dignity_n from_o particular_a small_a interest_n and_o private_a passion_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v more_o impartial_a universal_a and_o less_o fallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n than_o other_o his_o inferior_a and_o more_o limit_a pastor_n and_o ergo_fw-la upon_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a bishop_n be_v least_o of_o all_o fallible_a not_o but_o that_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n may_v err_v and_o have_v but_o that_o as_o supreme_a head_n in_o the_o most_o catholic_n capacity_n he_o be_v comparative_o to_o all_o
no_o place_n by_o subjection_n i._n e._n yield_v to_o their_o imposition_n no_v not_o for_o a_o hour_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n true_a gospel-liberty_n may_v continue_v with_o you_o whereas_o before_o he_o yield_v to_o the_o circumcision_n of_o timothy_n to_o gratify_v the_o weak_a real_a believer_n whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o enthral_v our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n though_o in_o matter_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v not_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o as_o weak_a nor_o subject_v to_o as_o strong_a but_o reject_v as_o false_a brethren_n 2._o the_o strong_a sincere_a christian_a be_v not_o to_o violate_v any_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o conscience_n persuade_v of_o to_o gratify_v the_o weak_a or_o any_o person_n whatever_o inferior_n superior_n or_o equal_n all_o the_o concession_n must_v be_v only_o in_o matter_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a neither_o shall_v the_o weak_a offer_n violence_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n to_o please_v the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_a in_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o scandal_n §_o 1._o have_v speak_v of_o the_o strong_a and_o weak_a christian_a and_o how_o they_o shall_v walk_v one_o towards_o another_o inoffensive_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v a_o little_a the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o offence_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o so_o frequent_a and_o strict_a warning_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o apostle_n great_a inference_n from_o the_o advice_n that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o strong_a and_o weak_a be_v by_o way_n of_o advice_n rom._n 14.13_o let_v we_o not_o therefoee_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o i._n e._n determine_v that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n estius_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inter_fw-la se_fw-la differunt_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la semper_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leviorem_fw-la offensam_fw-la significat_fw-la quam_fw-la tamen_fw-la aliquis_fw-la non_fw-la corruat_fw-la ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 11.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vero_fw-la graviorem_fw-la declarat_fw-la ex_fw-la quam_fw-la quispiam_fw-la prolapsus_fw-la claudicet_fw-la beza_n and_o most_o interpreter_n go_v this_o way_n but_o estius_n who_o say_v non_fw-la di_v inter_fw-la offendiculum_fw-la &_o scandalum_fw-la sicut_fw-la inter_fw-la lapidem_fw-la offensionis_fw-la &_o petram_fw-la scandali_fw-la rom._n 9.33_o nam_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la repetitiones_fw-la ad_fw-la inculcationem_fw-la eyusdem_fw-la rei_fw-la scripture_n familiares_fw-la sunt_fw-la estius_fw-la there_o be_v two_o word_n use_v but_o both_o seem_v to_o intend_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o some_o make_v they_o differ_v in_o degree_n a_o scandal_n be_v any_o impediment_n or_o obstruction_n that_o lie_v in_o a_o man_n way_n over_o which_o he_o may_v stumble_v or_o fall_v so_o that_o we_o take_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n of_o fall_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n any_o thing_n that_o do_v grieve_v trouble_n distract_v or_o turn_v aside_o carry_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o scandal_n with_o it_o and_o those_o we_o must_v distinguish_v according_a to_o degree_n there_o be_v the_o great_a and_o more_o dangerous_a that_o hazard_n fall_v and_o there_o be_v those_o of_o a_o lesser_a nature_n that_o hazard_n stumble_v only_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n or_o in_o respect_n that_o they_o have_v to_o our_o state_n or_o particular_a action_n and_o concern_v some_o of_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o some_o of_o less_o some_o be_v more_o easy_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n some_o more_o permanent_a and_o last_a as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o those_o expression_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n it_o lie_v in_o that_o the_o offend_a stone_n be_v easy_o put_v aside_o but_o the_o rock_n be_v immovable_a §_o 2._o offence_n be_v say_v also_o to_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v give_v and_o not_o take_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n some_o place_n must_v be_v take_v as_o matth._n 16.23_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o i_o in_o endeavour_v by_o thy_o advice_n and_o evil_a counsel_n to_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o the_o course_n of_o exercise_v my_o mediator_n office_n not_o that_o christ_n be_v stumble_v but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o peter_n advice_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n work_n that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v some_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o not_o give_v i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o to_o be_v offence_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n by_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o great_a good_a it_o often_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o so_o christ_n himself_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o rock_n of_o scandal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v rom._n 9.33_o 1_o cor._n 1.23_o how_o many_o when_o he_o go_v preach_v about_o be_v scandalize_v at_o he_o and_o at_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 11.6_o ch_n 15.12_o ch_n 26.31_o this_o be_v a_o suppose_a scandal_n to_o he_o that_o be_v offend_v thus_o the_o do_v of_o the_o most_o justifiable_a action_n may_v undergo_v the_o disreputation_n of_o a_o offence_n when_o man_n will_v either_o perverse_o call_v good_a evil_n or_o interpret_v it_o as_o evil_o intend_v or_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n judge_v it_o so_o and_o thus_o christ_n himself_o and_o no_o marvel_n if_o the_o best_a of_o his_o member_n be_v not_o a_o scandal_n many_o time_n in_o their_o most_o commendable_a way_n of_o walk_v unto_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o unto_o many_o weak_a believer_n their_o liberty_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o weak_a 1_o cor._n 8.9_o and_o a_o man_n good_a be_v blaspheme_v or_o evil_o speak_v of_o rom._n 14.16_o there_o be_v many_o that_o will_v be_v offend_v captious_o and_o deliberate_o and_o they_o be_v the_o profane_a man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o call_v christ_n beelzebub_n and_o his_o disciple_n no_o better_o or_o the_o pharisaical_a professor_n the_o disciple_n tell_v christ_n know_v thou_o not_o that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v offend_v when_o they_o hear_v these_o say_n matth._n 15.12_o christ_n answer_v that_o every_o plant_n that_o his_o father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o let_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v blind_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o bark_v at_o the_o sun_n etc._n etc._n these_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a offence-taker_n be_v the_o great_a offence-giver_n who_o do_v true_o offend_v god_n child_n in_o all_o sense_n more_o than_o the_o profane_a world_n so_o joh._n 6.60_o 61._o §_o 3._o a_o offence_n give_v be_v when_o a_o man_n or_o thing_n have_v a_o innate_a just_a ground_n of_o scandal_n by_o relation_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o sin_n or_o sinful_a per_fw-la se_fw-la &_o in_fw-la se_fw-la whatever_o other_o man_n opinion_n of_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o work_v objective_o upon_o other_o by_o way_n of_o stumble_v and_o scandalize_a and_o they_o be_v two_o sort_n on_o who_o it_o operate_v this_o way_n either_o those_o that_o behold_v this_o action_n with_o approbation_n and_o they_o stumble_v or_o rather_o fall_v in_o the_o worst_a manner_n thereby_o for_o they_o thereby_o be_v encourage_v to_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o to_o remain_v in_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o of_o the_o great_a inducement_n that_o they_o take_v up_o from_o the_o person_n commit_v it_o his_o holiness_n wisdom_n authority_n age_n etc._n etc._n or_o those_o that_o behold_v it_o be_v grieve_v at_o it_o and_o at_o the_o person_n offend_v so_o as_o to_o censure_v his_o person_n or_o religion_n and_o provoke_v by_o some_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o manifest_v their_o great_a disgust_n not_o only_o to_o the_o person_n offend_v but_o even_o to_o the_o world_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v offence_n into_o grieve_v and_o sin_v or_o grief-causing_a offence_n or_o sin-causing_a offence_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o grieve_v offence_n first_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o afflict_a and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n either_o wrong_n and_o injure_v by_o act_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n whereby_o he_o grieve_v the_o oppress_a or_o else_o he_o do_v and_o persist_v in_o such_o action_n as_o the_o offend_a judge_n unlawful_a and_o therefore_o from_o true_a principle_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v much_o grieve_v and_o walk_v heavy_o to_o see_v his_o brother_n walk_v disorderly_a and_o complain_v of_o this_o block_n lay_v in_o the_o
in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v determine_v but_o pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la and_o must_v be_v liable_a still_o to_o no_o other_o judgement_n than_o that_o of_o discretion_n those_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v under_o it_o can_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o therefore_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v agree_v on_o by_o common_a consent_n in_o congregation_n or_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o according_a as_o the_o expediency_n or_o conveniency_n appear_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o so_o long_o and_o no_o long_o hence_o they_o can_v undergo_v the_o title_n or_o denomination_n of_o a_o law_n but_o only_o of_o prudential_a rule_n which_o have_v no_o bind_a reason_n for_o observation_n but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o agree_a circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o convenient_a by_o the_o church_n to_o assemble_v at_o such_o a_o hour_n so_o long_o as_o the_o day_n be_v of_o such_o a_o length_n but_o when_o that_o circumstance_n alter_v than_o it_o may_v be_v more_o convenient_a at_o another_o many_o such_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v and_o no_o church_n can_v walk_v comfortable_o as_o long_o as_o any_o authority_n undertake_v to_o prohibit_v they_o of_o this_o liberty_n of_o their_o prudential_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o alterable_a appendix_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n xii_o wherein_o be_v handle_v the_o first_o question_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a §_o 1._o the_o first_o question_n that_o seem_v to_o offer_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o whether_o a_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n cease_v to_o be_v so_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v positive_o and_o certain_o determine_v as_o to_o its_o practice_n by_o humane_a authority_n explic._n by_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n i_o understand_v as_o beforementioned_a any_o thing_n or_o action_n which_o circumstantial_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v use_v or_o omit_v or_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n without_o any_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n again_o this_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v determine_v as_o to_o expediency_n by_o a_o society_n or_o lawful_a authority_n but_o not_o impose_v as_o a_o stand_n and_o bind_v law_n but_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concur_v conscientious_o studious_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o carry_v the_o more_o force_n along_o with_o it_o to_o persuade_v we_o at_o least_o to_o present_v act_v till_o by_o further_a and_o great_a illumination_n we_o be_v otherwise_o incline_v nay_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o propose_v as_o their_o judgement_n according_a to_o their_o light_n receive_v not_o magisterial_o but_o demonstrative_o only_a convince_o enough_o as_o to_o the_o expediency_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n unto_o conscience_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n man_n be_v a_o candlestick_n only_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o light_n and_o bind_v it_o to_o submit_v thereunto_o but_o otherwise_o if_o man_n in_o authority_n undertake_v to_o make_v a_o law_n that_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o by_o christ_n law_n leave_v indifferent_a i._n e._n to_o christian_a discretion_n to_o do_v or_o omit_v shall_v become_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o a_o expedient_a necessity_n and_o according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o opinion_n bind_v inferior_n to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o by_o a_o penalty_n we_o affirm_v that_o a_o religious_a gospel-indifferency_n notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a authoritative_a determination_n change_v it_o into_o a_o necessity_n keep_v its_o pristine_a indifferency_n and_o remain_v the_o same_o to_o a_o christian_n conscience_n and_o practice_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n follow_v §_o 2._o argum._n 1._o that_o power_n that_o can_v change_v gospel-indifferencies_a into_o gospel-necessity_n can_v also_o change_v gospel-necessity_n into_o gospel-indifferencies_a but_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v do_v the_o latter_a ergo_fw-la not_o the_o former_a the_o assumption_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o protestant_n it_o be_v a_o presumption_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n for_o humane_a authority_n to_o pretend_v to_o dispense_v with_o or_o null_a any_o of_o the_o manifest_a law_n of_o christ_n the_o major_n be_v also_o evident_a because_o it_o must_v be_v a_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a to_o make_v and_o null_n a_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o humane_a authority_n may_v make_v a_o gospel-indifferency_n necessary_a genere_fw-la civili_fw-la the_o answer_n fall_v far_o short_a for_o we_o speak_v of_o law_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n have_v equal_a force_n upon_o the_o conscience_n for_o a_o civil_a legislative_a power_n can_v as_o well_o null_a any_o law_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n only_o as_o it_o can_v make_v it_o so_o if_o man_n can_v make_v moral_a law_n he_o may_v as_o well_o null_a those_o which_o he_o have_v make_v or_o dispense_v with_o they_o at_o pleasure_n as_o make_v new_a we_o must_v always_o allow_v a_o sovereign_a prerogative_n to_o supreme_a lawgiver_n in_o any_o kind_n as_o to_o promulgate_v so_o to_o abrogate_v or_o dispense_v with_o their_o own_o law_n at_o pleasure_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o law_n that_o man_n make_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n necessary_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v civil_a only_o be_v only_o for_o decency_n splendour_n etc._n etc._n i_o reply_v that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o respect_n and_o end_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o give_v it_o its_o specifical_a denomination_n when_o it_o have_v none_o such_o absolute_o consider_v that_o which_o respect_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o gospel-worship_n of_o christ_n or_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v a_o part_n of_o gospel-worship_n as_o kneel_v be_v a_o indifferent_a gesture_n a_o man_n may_v kneel_v when_o he_o do_v other_o thing_n beside_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o use_v another_o posture_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o this_o or_o that_o gesture_n be_v apply_v to_o worship_n it_o be_v religious_a by_o its_o respect_n use_v and_o application_n but_o still_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n till_o by_o some_o bind_a law_n the_o conscience_n become_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o worship_n now_o he_o that_o undertake_v to_o bind_v conscience_n here_o undertake_v to_o make_v a_o law_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o such_o that_o make_v such_o law_n do_v claim_v such_o a_o power_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o make_v obedience_n unto_o such_o law_n necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n §_o 3._o argum._n 2._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o evangelical_n indifferency_n may_v be_v change_v jure_fw-la into_o a_o evangelical_n necessity_n by_o any_o power_n beside_o christ_n than_o it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v evangelical_o evil_a that_o this_o or_o that_o shall_v remain_v indifferent_a which_o christ_n have_v leave_v so_o or_o at_o least_o better_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o necessity_n i._n e._n a_o command_v good_a or_o prohibit_v evil_a than_o indifferent_a to_o be_v dispose_v by_o the_o discretion_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o christian_n but_o there_o be_v no_o true_a evangelical_n indifferency_n that_o have_v such_o a_o reason_n for_o the_o change_n of_o it_o into_o a_o necessity_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o because_o whatever_o be_v alter_v by_o a_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v alter_v from_o worse_a to_o better_o and_o what_o be_v alter_v by_o a_o law_n for_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v make_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o far_o better_a than_o it_o be_v before_o but_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o wise_a lawgiver_n leave_v in_o indifferency_n to_o practice_n or_o omit_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n shall_v be_v more_o for_o his_o honour_n if_o it_o be_v convert_v into_o a_o necessity_n by_o a_o law_n for_o to_o say_v so_o will_v be_v a_o high_a impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o king_n and_o parliament_n when_o any_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v they_o have_v not_o make_v such_o law_n as_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v make_v and_o have_v leave_v the_o subject_a under_o a_o great_a liberty_n than_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonweal_n or_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n to_o say_v
subordinate_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o any_o one_o or_o few_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o convene_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o no_o magistrate_n can_v by_o any_o civil_a authority_n much_o less_o by_o any_o ecclesiastical_a of_o which_o he_o have_v none_o call_v forth_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o nation_n to_o such_o a_o council_n whereas_o a_o ecumenical_a pastor_n who_o authority_n reach_v equal_o to_o all_o national_a church_n and_o to_o magistrate_n as_o member_n thereof_o may_v authoritative_o command_v the_o presence_n of_o any_o reverend_a father_n whatsoever_o and_o demand_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n thereto_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o church-censure_n and_o to_o permit_v his_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v in_o or_o out_o of_o his_o dominion_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o one_o or_o more_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v any_o universal_a tie_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o other_o state_n and_o dominion_n to_o his_o jurisdiction_n so_o that_o they_o be_v necessitate_v under_o any_o law_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o unless_o such_o which_o they_o have_v reduce_v unto_o homage_n and_o vassalage_n by_o dint_n of_o sword_n or_o such_o as_o by_o voluntary_a subjection_n have_v yield_v themselves_o 3._o magistrate_n have_v not_o then_o a_o power_n to_o call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n when_o they_o please_v or_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o emperor_n there_o never_o be_v or_o will_v be_v that_o can_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o civil_a power_n do_v so_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o do_v it_o authoritative_o but_o only_o by_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n whereas_o all_o church-assembly_n be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o say_a church_n or_o else_o they_o can_v act_v so_o when_o call_v by_o assemble_v unless_o we_o reduce_v church-government_n unto_o a_o democracy_n §_o 18._o obj._n it_o may_v be_v also_o say_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n may_v be_v convene_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o patriarch_n and_o bishop_n among_o themselves_o answ_n 1._o this_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n of_o assemble_v such_o as_o bishop_n will_v always_o contend_v for_o but_o only_a precarious_a 2._o if_o they_o assemble_v this_o way_n either_o it_o must_v be_v no_o council_n till_o all_o be_v agree_v which_o may_v be_v long_o enough_o first_o or_o any_o few_o agree_v to_o assemble_v and_o give_v notice_n of_o such_o resolution_n to_o other_o who_o be_v averse_a to_o such_o proposal_n may_v gather_v together_o and_o call_v themselves_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n undertake_v to_o make_v decree_n determine_v matter_n of_o consequence_n and_o impose_v on_o the_o dissent_v church_n and_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v this_o be_v of_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o where_o heretical_a pastor_n abound_v as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n macedonian_a and_o nestorian_a heresy_n 3._o if_o national_a pastor_n may_v convene_v by_o consent_n to_o constitute_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n why_o may_v not_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n convene_v by_o consent_n to_o make_v up_o a_o national_a synod_n without_o the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o primate_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v allow_v 2_o and_o last_o by_o who_o authority_n shall_v a_o catholic_n assembly_n have_v its_o sanction_n if_o not_o by_o the_o catholic_n pastor_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o council_n that_o call_v itself_o ecumenical_a that_o can_v or_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v such_o neither_o ever_o be_v there_o or_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o so_o general_n that_o all_o the_o pastor_n be_v assemble_v but_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o church-assembly_n if_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o pastor_n and_o public_a notice_n give_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n the_o absence_n of_o some_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o ergo_fw-la there_o shall_v be_v a_o ecumenical_a pastor_n for_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n §_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v very_o much_o controvert_v and_o various_o determine_v by_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o fill_v up_o these_o sheet_n with_o transcribe_v other_o man_n sentiment_n i_o shall_v only_o propound_v what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n with_o as_o much_o perspicuity_n and_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n for_o enquiry_n that_o will_v principal_o lie_v before_o we_o 1._o whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v exercise_v a_o legislative_a power_n in_o matter_n evangelical_o indifferent_a 2._o whether_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a justice_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n may_v be_v use_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o question_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v or_o can_v change_v thing_n religious_o indifferent_a into_o necessity_n by_o a_o competent_a law_n i.e._n by_o a_o law_n bind_v conscience_n primary_o or_o secundary_o by_o christ_n authority_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v conscience_n so_o as_o to_o bind_v it_o or_o loose_v it_o but_o christ_n alone_a that_o be_v no_o competent_a law_n that_o answer_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v which_o be_v always_o expect_v here_o to_o be_v conscientious_a all_o christ_n law_n flow_v from_o his_o peculiar_a legislative_a prerogative_n over_o his_o church_n have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n on_o conscience_n and_o do_v primary_o bind_v as_o such_o all_o just_a humane_a law_n do_v secundary_o bind_v conscience_n i._n e._n not_o quatenus_fw-la humane_a but_o they_o so_o far_o bind_v conscience_n as_o man_n have_v derive_v such_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o the_o compose_n and_o enact_v the_o say_a law_n now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n can_v make_v a_o law_n in_o one_o of_o these_o kind_n to_o bind_v christian_n in_o matter_n indifferent_a he_o can_v do_v it_o by_o a_o competent_a law_n §_o 2._o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o our_o enquiry_n we_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o that_o for_o these_o follow_a reason_n arg._n 1._o it_o be_v christ_n peculiar_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n i._n e._n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o immediate_o concern_v it_o he_o never_o give_v this_o power_n to_o any_o or_o commissionated_a any_o to_o exercise_n a_o humane_a authority_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o show_v he_o only_o can_v do_v it_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o only_a spiritual_a king_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mediate_v spiritual_a king_n between_o he_o and_o his_o church_n 2._o he_o know_v only_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o law_n he_o know_v only_o which_o way_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o no_o way_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o his_o immediate_a appointment_n it_o be_v high_a presumption_n in_o any_o other_o to_o prescribe_v 3._o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o reserve_v this_o to_o himself_o and_o he_o give_v to_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v reserve_v to_o himself_o what_o he_o please_v 4._o if_o magistrate_n can_v exercise_v any_o such_o power_n it_o must_v be_v by_o deputation_n from_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o let_v they_o produce_v their_o commission_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o magistrate_n power_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n authority_n will_v easy_o be_v refute_v if_o the_o particular_a case_n be_v due_o consider_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o stay_v upon_o 5._o if_o christ_n have_v give_v such_o a_o power_n to_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n it_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o magistrate_n or_o as_o a_o christian_a it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o then_o 1._o as_o many_o sort_n of_o magistrate_n as_o the_o church_n do_v militate_v under_o so_o many_o sort_n of_o lawgiver_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n she_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o whether_o christian_a heretical_a profane_a or_o heathenish_a and_o as_o the_o government_n of_o state_n alter_v in_o the_o supreme_a magistracy_n so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n must_v according_a to_o the_o several_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o the_o number_n and_o certainty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v never_o be_v know_v for_o as_o he_o may_v make_v law_n he_o may_v repeal_v law_n where_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o certain_a stand_a rule_n for_o the_o
in_o word_n and_o syllable_n 7._o if_o christ_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o this_o form_n than_o we_o be_v to_o use_v no_o other_o neither_o may_v the_o church_n prescribe_v any_o other_o neither_o may_v particular_a christian_n use_v their_o gift_n in_o prayer_n nor_o various_a form_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o prescription_n which_o will_v be_v too_o gross_o absurd_a for_o any_o to_o assert_v §_o 5._o but_o five_o to_o infer_v that_o christ_n by_o prescribe_v this_o form_n as_o imitable_a by_o we_o or_o by_o propound_v and_o commend_v this_o to_o we_o as_o a_o rule_n or_o form_n do_v thereby_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o other_o form_n or_o give_v power_n to_o the_o church_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o form_n or_o that_o we_o may_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o other_o form_n be_v as_o great_a a_o inconsequence_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o have_v show_v there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o he_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n than_o form_n if_o he_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o form_n it_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o other_o man_n to_o make_v form_n but_o rather_o a_o ground_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o beside_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o form_n and_o we_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o word_n and_o sentence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v up_o other_o form_n and_o multiply_v thousand_o of_o man_n prescription_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v i._n e._n use_v this_o as_o the_o only_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o for_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o never_o trouble_v yourselves_o about_o any_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o other_o sense_n it_o be_v universal_a take_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a general_a rule_n of_o prayer_n to_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o petition_n deprecation_n confession_n thanksgiving_n be_v referrable_a if_o he_o have_v authorize_v any_o to_o compose_v other_o teach_a form_n he_o will_v have_v say_v you_o apostle_n and_o your_o successor_n thau_fw-fr catholic_n church_n or_o national_a church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n do_v you_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o i_o will_v set_v my_o hand_n to_o it_o §_o 6._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o christian_a may_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n by_o humane_a authority_n pretend_v thereunto_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v double_a 1._o that_o whatever_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a do_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o impose_v power_n a_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o subject_v himself_o by_o active_a submission_n 2._o that_o no_o power_n beneath_o christ_n can_v pretend_v just_o to_o such_o authority_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o have_v be_v large_o enough_o insist_v on_o before_o therefore_o i_o shall_v here_o but_o touch_n upon_o they_o 1._o because_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a to_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v bind_v in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n where_o he_o have_v leave_v he_o at_o liberty_n for_o thereby_o the_o use_n of_o discretion_n in_o conveniency_n be_v lose_v 2._o all_o those_o reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v formal_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o permit_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o another_o 3._o none_o but_o christ_n may_v prescribe_v set-form_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o we_o be_v not_o allow_v obediential_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o legislative_a power_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v be_v show_v 4._o if_o a_o christian_a suffer_v himself_o in_o this_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o he_o part_v with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a privilege_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o of_o speak_v his_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o another_o who_o can_v know_v our_o own_o case_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n want_v temptation_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n better_o than_o ourselves_o what_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o a_o child_n though_o he_o can_v speak_v plain_o shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v his_o mind_n to_o his_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v but_o must_v be_v always_o prescribe_v to_o it_o in_o the_o servant_n or_o elder_a brother_n word_n and_o expression_n to_o deal_v thus_o with_o god_n child_n be_v to_o go_v about_o to_o abandon_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o god_n child_n be_v lead_v by_o rom._n 8.2.14_o 15._o which_o spirit_n they_o have_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n that_o they_o may_v speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n though_o their_o utterance_n be_v in_o break_a and_o abrupt_a sentence_n even_o in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o god_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o wherefore_o to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o humane_a set_v form_n be_v to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o great_a spiritual_a bondage_n of_o this_o nature_n §_o 7._o second_o no_o power_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v pretend_v just_o to_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o impose_v on_o minister_n or_o christian_a a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n argum._n 1._o if_o any_o can_v pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n it_o must_v be_v to_o impose_v a_o set_a form_n of_o christ_n compose_v or_o of_o humane_a composition_n but_o they_o can_v pretend_v just_o to_o impose_v any_o prayer_n of_o christ_n compose_v because_o christ_n have_v neither_o require_v nor_o allow_v the_o impose_v the_o use_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o penal_a law_n what_o corporal_a or_o pecuniary_a mulct_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o use_v the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v or_o fine_v for_o it_o by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n again_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o impose_v a_o form_n of_o humane_a composition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o impose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o christ_n composition_n by_o a_o penal_a law_n much_o less_o to_o impose_v one_o of_o man_n and_o for_o any_o to_o undertake_v either_o church_n or_o state_n to_o prescribe_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o enforce_v it_o by_o punishment_n where_o christ_n never_o depute_v or_o allow_v such_o authority_n be_v the_o great_a presumption_n and_o insolency_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 8._o argum._n 2._o he_o or_o they_o that_o impose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_o or_o indifferent_o requisite_a so_o to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n but_o none_o can_v impose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o any_o of_o these_o reason_n ergo._n 1_o none_o can_v because_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessarity_n requisite_a 1._o because_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o require_v the_o church_n or_o magistrate_n to_o impose_v 2._o if_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o can_v not_o be_v to_o any_o person_n or_o season_n dispense_v with_o 3._o if_o the_o necessity_n be_v plead_v for_o public_a prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o set_a form_n there_o be_v as_o little_a necessity_n of_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o of_o private_a set-form_n 4._o if_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o form_n for_o help_v in_o some_o case_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a weakness_n of_o minister_n or_o christian_n it_o be_v no_o reason_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v impose_v as_o necessary_a to_o all_o it_o be_v plead_v for_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o uniformity_n but_o if_o some_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n wear_v spectacle_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o eye_n must_v all_o do_v so_o too_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n though_o their_o eye_n be_v never_o so_o good_a we_o be_v to_o strive_v after_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o christ_n therein_o but_o be_v not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o member_n and_o take_v our_o measure_n thereby_o though_o we_o be_v to_o bear_v with_o and_o condescend_v to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n §_o 9_o second_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v impose_v as_o indifferent_o requisite_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n because_o 1._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v indifferent_o i._n e._n convenient_o requisite_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v because_o christ_n have_v will_v it_o indifferent_o requisite_a for_o all_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n take_v their_o first_o reason_n from_o his_o will._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o