they_o be_v not_o preferable_a in_o this_o point_n before_o any_o other_o in_o europe_n if_o any_o one_o question_n thâ—_n truth_n of_o it_o i_o appeal_v to_o mr._n toland_n case_n concern_v his_o treatise_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a it_o be_v both_o beyond_o my_o scope_n and_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o letter_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a here_o to_o refer_v myself_o to_o what_o have_v be_v publish_v against_o he_o late_o here_o in_o england_n and_o in_o other_o place_n all_o which_o if_o due_o compare_v will_v soon_o evince_v how_o much_o the_o english_a clergy_n â—as_v outdo_v the_o rest_n both_o by_o force_n of_o argument_n and_o a_o generous_a gentle_a behaviour_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v abuse_v your_o lordship_n patience_n i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o recommend_v both_o my_o author_n and_o myself_o to_o your_o lordship_n protection_n beg_v leave_n to_o subscribe_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o devote_a servant_n j._n crull_n m._n d._n the_o content_n concering_n religion_n before_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v sect_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o own_o religion_n 2_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n 3_o parentâ—_n have_v original_o the_o care_n of_o religious_a worship_n lodge_v in_o they_o 4_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n 5_o subject_n do_v never_o submit_v their_o opinion_n as_o to_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o their_o sovereign_n 6_o what_o power_n proper_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 7_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v religion_n 8_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a union_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 9_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 10_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o jewish_a 11_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o behaviour_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n 12_o what_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o establish_v his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n 13_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n or_o people_n 14_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o territory_n belong_v to_o he_o 15_o christ_n do_v not_o exercise_v any_o sovereign_a power_n 16_o but_o thâ—_n office_n of_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n 17_o the_o apostle_n do_v propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 18_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o god_n alone_o independent_a from_o any_o human_a power_n 19_o the_o apostle_n never_o assume_v any_o authority_n of_o command_v other_o 20_o whether_o their_o authority_n of_o teach_v do_v indirect_o imply_v any_o right_n of_o command_v other_o 21_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o absolution_n do_v imply_v any_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n 22_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o absolve_v from_o sin_n 23_o under_o who_o authority_n the_o apostle_n do_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o absolution_n 24_o of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v 25_o whether_o st._n peter_n have_v any_o prerogative_n grant_v above_o other_o 26_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v imply_v a_o sovereignty_n 27_o the_o commission_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n contain_v nothing_o of_o command_n 28_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o temporal_a kingdom_n 29_o whether_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n or_o sovereignty_n 30_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o 31_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n 32_o and_o the_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o those_o that_o exercise_n the_o sovereignty_n in_o a_o state_n 33_o whether_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o state_n 34_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n under_o one_o independent_a severeignty_n or_o head_n 35_o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v one_o supreme_a judge_n in_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v from_o time_n to_o time_n 36_o a_o example_n of_o a_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 37_o some_o observation_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o general_n council_n 38_o concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pagan_a prince_n 39_o concern_v its_o condition_n under_o the_o christian_a emperor_n 40_o the_o church_n have_v not_o change_v her_o nature_n of_o be_v a_o college_n or_o society_n 41_o neither_o be_v sovereign_n thereby_o become_v bishop_n 42_o christian_a sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n 43_o of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n 44_o of_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n minister_n 45_o of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n or_o convention_n 46_o of_o their_o power_n as_o to_o church-discipline_n 47_o of_o their_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n 48_o how_o far_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o religious_a affair_n when_o the_o public_a safety_n lie_v at_o stake_n 49_o concern_v toleration_n of_o several_a religion_n 50_o prince_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o false_a suggestion_n 51_o sometime_o the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n be_v impair_v under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n 52_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 53_o whether_o subject_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o their_o sovereign_n can_v pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o reformation_n 54_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o civil_a society_n etc._n etc._n among_o all_o those_o question_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n pass_v be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n this_o may_v be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a which_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o the_o several_a christian_a sect_n ought_v most_o just_o to_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n the_o romanist_n keep_v this_o for_o their_o last_o reserve_v when_o engage_v with_o the_o protestant_n that_o they_o attribute_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n only_o to_o themselves_o and_o bold_o stigmatize_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o name_n of_o rebellious_a deserter_n this_o be_v the_o main_a bulwark_n they_o rely_v upon_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v so_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o maintain_v every_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n against_o the_o protestant_n since_o whatever_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o erroneous_a if_o not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o interpretation_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n thus_o make_v themselves_o both_o judge_n and_o witness_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n â—esides_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o public_a safety_n in_o a_o state_n to_o know_v exact_o what_o bound_n ought_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o priestly_a order_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o likewise_o to_o determine_v how_o far_o the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n extend_v itself_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n for_o if_o either_o of_o they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n prove_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a abuse_n disturbance_n and_o oppression_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o be_v the_o soon_o prevail_v upon_o to_o search_v into_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o this_o question_n at_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o romish_a priest_n apply_v all_o their_o cunning_a for_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o protestant_n but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o christendom_n set_v aside_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o convert_v people_n by_o reason_n and_o force_v of_o argument_n have_v now_o recourse_n to_o opâ—n_a violence_n and_o by_o dragoon_v force_v their_o miserable_a subject_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o always_o appear_v abominable_a to_o they_o but_o if_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o to_o examine_v this_o point_n according_a to_o its_o own_o solid_a principle_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v without_o have_v recourse_n to_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o tergiversation_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o we_o trace_v the_o very_a original_a of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a so_o as_o
christian_a church_n st._n peter_n have_v in_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n make_v his_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o excellent_a confession_n do_v deserve_v a_o suitable_a answer_n from_o christ_n who_o say_v thou_o be_v peter_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v persist_v in_o this_o thy_o confession_n peter_n which_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n imply_v that_o peter_n shall_v thereby_o have_v deserve_v those_o prerogative_n over_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o the_o romanist_n do_v pretend_v to_o for_o st._n peter_n do_v not_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o himself_o only_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o christ_n speak_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n by_o st._n john_n 6._o 69._o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 11._o joh._n 1._o 34_o 36_o 42_o 45_o 49._o mat._n 10._o 32_o 33._o john_n 11_o 27._o act_n 4._o 11._o neither_o be_v peter_n the_o first_o that_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o before_o he_o the_o same_o have_v be_v make_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n by_o st._n andrew_n philip_n and_o nathanael_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v out_o of_o several_a passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o none_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unless_o he_o have_v make_v this_o 22._o â—_o 8._o â—â—_o â—_o 9_o â—0_n 22._o confession_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o show_v of_o what_o consequence_n this_o confession_n be_v add_v these_o word_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v this_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o main_a foundation_n stone_n whereupon_o be_v to_o be_v build_v the_o mystical_a edifice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o no_o further_a inference_n can_v be_v make_v from_o these_o word_n than_o what_o be_v express_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o st._n john_n 20._o 31._o and_o in_o the_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n 2._o 22._o c._n 3._o â—0_n c._n 4_o 2._o viz_o that_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n §_o 27._o it_o also_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n juriâ—â—cation_n whâ—thâ—r_o the_o power_n of_o 〈…〉_o any_o souâ—reign_n right_o of_o juriâ—â—cation_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n imply_v any_o sovereign_a authority_n such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o state_n unto_o this_o we_o answer_v in_o the_o negative_a provide_v the_o same_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_v of_o its_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a institution_n for_o that_o this_o power_n may_v with_o conveniency_n enough_o be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o misapply_v to_o serve_v a_o ambitious_a design_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o awe_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o their_o synagogue_n and_o the_o excommunication_n use_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o people_n profess_v one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o also_o be_v entire_o unite_v with_o the_o state_n it_o may_v easy_o happen_v that_o the_o exclusion_n from_o the_o synagogue_n do_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o several_a inconvenience_n in_o civil_a affair_n and_o may_v therefore_o not_o unjust_o be_v consider_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o a_o civil_a punishment_n which_o render_v the_o offender_n infamous_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o since_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o that_o government_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n belong_v to_o religion_n punishable_a by_o their_o civil_a constitution_n but_o it_o be_v already_o put_v beyond_o question_n that_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o any_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o beside_o this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o prince_n how_o can_v their_o excommunication_n ban_n or_o what_o other_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censine_n be_v use_v among_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o christian_n or_o to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o force_n proper_o speak_v as_o civil_a punishment_n be_v this_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o examine_v those_o passage_n where_o this_o matter_n be_v complete_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v say_v in_o matthew_n 18._o 15._o 16_o 17._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n certain_o out_o of_o this_o passage_n nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n or_o sovereignty_n but_o bare_o show_v we_o how_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v compose_v among_o christian_n so_o st._n paul_n ordain_v 2._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 1._o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o leave_v difference_n to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o a_o brother_n or_o rather_o take_v wrong_a than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o a_o brother_n before_o the_o unbeliever_n to_o the_o great_a shame_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v else_o require_v from_o the_o offender_n to_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o and_o 40._o vid._n mat_n 5._o 40._o offer_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o person_n offend_v nevertheless_o if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n christ_n command_v that_o the_o offend_a party_n shall_v first_o offer_v a_o reconciliation_n and_o try_v before_o he_o bring_v his_o action_n against_o the_o offender_n whether_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n receive_v and_o a_o reconciliation_n may_v not_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o private_a arbitration_n if_o this_o prove_v fruitless_a he_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o his_o adversary_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o more_o pliable_a temper_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n may_v testify_v that_o the_o offend_a party_n do_v offer_v every_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v towards_o a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o remain_v obstinate_a the_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n reside_v in_o that_o place_n for_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o by_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la or_o church_n the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v be_v understand_v but_o if_o they_o also_o can_v prevail_v with_o their_o authority_n over_o his_o stubborness_n let_v he_o then_o be_v unto_o thou_o like_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n unto_o who_o his_o trespass_n will_v not_o be_v remit_v because_o he_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o offence_n or_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v fly_v his_o conversation_n like_o that_o of_o a_o vile_a person_n which_o eâ—â—ry_a one_o may_v free_o do_v without_o be_v thereuâ—â—â—_n compel_v by_o any_o superior_a power_n for_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o converse_v with_o the_o heaven_n and_o publican_n except_o in_o civil_a 〈…〉_o of_o no_o great_a force_n against_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v noâ—_n so_o infamous_a in_o themselves_o by_o any_o civil_a constitution_n the_o jew_n be_v at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o the_o heathen_n who_o matter_v not_o their_o conversation_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o free_a choice_n who_o he_o will_v admit_v into_o his_o familiar_a conversation_n and_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n among_o the_o wise_a sort_n not_o to_o be_v familiar_a with_o people_n of_o a_o perversed_a humour_n and_o a_o ill_a life_n who_o conversation_n every_o body_n may_v avoid_v as_o he_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a so_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o reject_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o
of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o for_o a_o time_n deprive_v from_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o entire_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a unto_o which_o any_o college_n can_v pretend_v viz._n entire_o to_o exclude_v a_o member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o exclusion_n though_o in_o itself_o consider_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n since_o thereby_o a_o christian_a be_v deprive_v of_o the_o whole_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o civil_a state_n or_o condition_n of_o a_o subject_a but_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v suffer_v no_o loss_n in_o their_o dignity_n honour_n right_n or_o fortune_n for_o that_o the_o church_n censure_n shall_v extend_v to_o the_o real_a prejudice_n of_o the_o civil_a condition_n of_o any_o subject_a be_v not_o any_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o without_o defraud_v sovereign_n of_o their_o right_n such_o a_o power_n can_v be_v exercise_v over_o subject_n unless_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o public_a civil_a authority_n §_o 40._o the_o next_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n be_v whether_o the_o church_n be_v and_o prince_n concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christian_a prince_n how_o far_o it_o receive_v any_o alteration_n from_o its_o former_a condition_n after_o prince_n whole_a kingdom_n and_o state_n do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o receive_v any_o essential_a perfection_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v exercise_v and_o subsist_v without_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o civil_a government_n be_v quite_o different_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o conversation_n 19_o phil._n 3._o 20._o 2_o cor._n 5_o â—_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 19_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v never_o forward_a to_o appear_v before_o prince_n though_o they_o may_v have_v obtain_v a_o easy_a access_n by_o their_o miraculous_a deed_n so_o herod_n be_v exceed_v glad_a when_o he_o see_v jesus_n because_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v 8._o luke_n 23._o 8._o by_o he_o but_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a in_o this_o point_n lest_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o some_o as_o if_o the_o gospel_n want_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o human_a strength_n or_o that_o perhaps_o those_o prince_n may_v pretend_v to_o a_o great_a authority_n over_o they_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a impair_n or_o eclipse_v the_o legal_a right_n of_o sovereign_n but_o rather_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o civil_a power_n 24._o mat._n 22._o 21._o joh._n 18._o 2._o rom._n 13._o 1_o cor._n 35._o 24._o as_o be_v apparent_a out_o of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o state_n independent_a from_o any_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n the_o consequence_n will_v be_v this_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n can_v not_o but_o receive_v a_o most_o remarkable_a limitation_n and_o diminution_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o subject_a must_v receive_v a_o great_a alteration_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o condition_n of_o christian_n or_o of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o be_v neither_o abolish_v nor_o alter_v because_o either_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n do_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n imply_v any_o such_o alteration_n beside_o this_o there_o be_v not_o any_o express_a command_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n direct_v to_o sovereign_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o any_o particular_a prerogative_n in_o the_o church_n like_v to_o that_o which_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n have_v receive_v in_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deuteronomy_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o conclusion_n that_o what_o right_a sovereign_n can_v claim_v in_o the_o church_n and_o church_n affair_n must_v be_v deduce_v either_o out_o of_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o out_o of_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o else_o must_v owe_v its_o offspring_n to_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 41._o out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o it_o college_n church_n do_v not_o alter_v their_o nature_n of_o be_v a_o college_n appear_v first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o a_o prince_n or_o whole_a commonwealth_n do_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o receive_v any_o other_o alteration_n as_o to_o her_o natural_a constitution_n but_o that_o whereas_o she_o be_v former_o to_o be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o private_a society_n or_o college_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cherish_v by_o the_o high_a power_n who_o have_v no_o legal_a right_o to_o disturb_v prosecute_v or_o destroy_v it_o she_o now_o be_v put_v under_o the_o particular_a protection_n of_o her_o sovereign_n enjoy_v a_o great_a share_n of_o security_n and_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o infidel_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o not_o exalt_v from_o a_o college_n to_o a_o state_n since_z by_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o civil_a government_n do_v not_o undergo_v any_o alteration_n or_o diminution_n on_o the_o contrary_a sovereign_n loose_a nothing_o of_o their_o legal_a right_n neither_o be_v subject_n in_o any_o wise_a absolve_v from_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o double_a sovereignty_n and_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o obligation_n in_o the_o subject_n shall_v be_v lodge_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v a_o frivolous_a objection_n that_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a government_n have_v different_a end_n and_o object_n not_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o for_o from_o thence_o be_v not_o to_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v a_o state_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v propagate_v maintain_v or_o exercise_v without_o the_o church_n assume_v the_o same_o power_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o these_o place_n therefore_o where_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o the_o prince_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o commonwealth_n receive_v the_o church_n into_o its_o protection_n and_o though_o strict_o unite_v there_o be_v no_o collision_n or_o emulation_n betwixt_o they_o nor_o do_v either_o of_o they_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n in_o their_o respective_a right_n but_o without_o the_o least_o interference_n with_o one_o another_o the_o church_n remain_v a_o college_n whereof_o the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o subject_n be_v now_o become_v member_n so_o that_o each_o subject_n beside_o the_o person_n he_o represent_v in_o the_o state_n have_v assume_v that_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v esteem_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o station_n or_o dignity_n he_o bear_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o these_o qualification_n be_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o and_o he_o be_v only_o regard_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o church_n beyond_o the_o private_a centinel_n and_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v represent_v several_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a function_n and_o obligation_n belong_v to_o he_o §_o 42._o it_o be_v also_o according_a to_o my_o opinion_n bishop_n 〈…〉_o make_v bishop_n beyond_o question_n that_o king_n prince_n or_o other_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o constitute_v bishop_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n this_o function_n not_o proper_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o lawful_a vocation_n and_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o it_o beside_o this_o the_o royal_a office_n and_o that_o of_o teacher_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v convenient_o be_v administer_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n not_o because_o of_o any_o natural_a repugnancy_n betwixt_o
questionless_a a_o right_a to_o examine_v what_o matter_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v transact_v in_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a court_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o among_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o transgress_v their_o bound_n whether_o they_o act_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o determine_v such_o case_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v matrimonial_a case_n which_o without_o reason_n and_o upon_o very_o slender_a pretence_n the_o priest_n have_v draw_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a right_o belong_v to_o sovereign_n to_o constitute_v law_n concern_v matrimonial_a case_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o god_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v matrimonial_a difference_n and_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o church_n discipline_n the_o prince_n may_v make_v a_o legal_a enquiry_n whether_o under_o pretence_n of_o these_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o do_v not_o introduce_v novelty_n which_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n and_o as_o these_o enchroachment_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o like_a spot_n which_o disgnise_v its_o natural_a beauty_n so_o i_o can_v see_v with_o what_o face_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o aught_o to_o be_v take_v off_o especial_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o interest_n be_v most_o near_o concern_v unless_o they_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o own_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v lawful_o be_v misapply_v to_o by-use_n and_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v transact_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o these_o convention_n of_o the_o presbyter_n consistory_n or_o episcopal_a court_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v ashamed_a or_o angry_a at_o their_o sovereign_n take_v cognisance_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o this_o right_n of_o inspection_n do_v never_o cease_v after_o the_o sovereign_n have_v once_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o abuse_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o may_v endanger_v the_o state_n §_o 45._o because_o the_o right_n of_o constitute_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n as_o to_o church_n minister_n minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v original_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n the_o prince_n must_v needs_o have_v his_o share_n in_o it_o as_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n i_o say_v his_o share_n for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o church_n against_o their_o consent_n and_o without_o their_o approbation_n except_o it_o be_v for_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o right_a of_o constitute_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n to_o constitute_v civil_a magistrate_n and_o other_o public_a minister_n of_o state_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n consider_v mere_o as_o such_o be_v none_o of_o the_o king_n minister_n but_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n not_o officer_n of_o the_o state_n and_o because_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n minister_n use_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_n the_o prince_n may_v lawful_o claim_v his_o vote_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o church_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o there_o be_v some_o prevail_a reason_n which_o oblige_v the_o prince_n to_o interpose_v his_o authority_n it_o be_v unjust_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o a_o church_n against_o their_o will_n if_o they_o can_v allege_v any_o lawful_a exception_n against_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n thus_o force_v upon_o his_o auditor_n for_o who_o they_o have_v neither_o esteem_n nor_o love_n be_v likely_a to_o edify_v but_o little_a by_o his_o doctrine_n nevertheless_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o person_n not_o fit_o qualify_v for_o this_o sacred_a function_n may_v not_o be_v promote_v to_o the_o ministry_n either_o by_o simony_n or_o other_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o provide_v against_o these_o corruption_n sovereign_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o with_o much_o better_a success_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o private_a person_n they_o may_v authorise_v certain_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o these_o election_n and_o who_o by_o their_o authority_n may_v prevent_v all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n or_o corruption_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v a_o due_a enquiry_n whether_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o a_o approve_a life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v 10._o 1_o tim._n 3_o 10._o sometime_o act_v negligent_o or_o preposterous_o in_o their_o office_n which_o often_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 17._o rom._n 16_o 17._o sovereign_n may_v constitute_v over_o they_o inspector_n with_o a_o authority_n to_o reprove_v and_o sometime_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o transgress_v their_o rule_n but_o these_o inspector_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o human_a frailty_n than_o other_o man_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v so_o limit_v as_o to_o be_v accountable_a of_o all_o their_o proceed_n either_o to_o the_o prince_n or_o before_o a_o consistory_n authorise_v for_o that_o purpose_n if_o they_o transgress_v their_o bound_n or_o trespass_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o all_o these_o matter_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o maintain_n of_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o may_v best_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o prince_n as_o they_o be_v chief_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v just_o claim_v this_o prerogative_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o their_o high_a station_n and_o princely_a office_n §_o 46._o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n or_o controversy_n synod_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o call_v together_o a_o synod_n concern_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o may_v sometime_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o teacher_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o difference_n may_v be_v compose_v not_o only_o as_o the_o sovereign_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v be_v frequent_o observe_v that_o differencee_n of_o opinion_n and_o animosity_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v cause_n great_a commotion_n in_o the_o state_n upon_o such_o occasion_n sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o most_o able_a divine_n and_o to_o authorise_v they_o to_o examine_v the_o controversy_n and_o to_o determine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o supreme_a direction_n of_o this_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o princes_n authority_n for_o since_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v that_o matter_n shall_v be_v transact_v there_o without_o heat_n and_o animosity_n it_o will_v be_v both_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o assembly_n if_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o certain_a person_n well_o verse_v in_o business_n these_o heat_n be_v allay_v and_o matter_n carry_v on_o with_o a_o equal_a temperament_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v how_o any_o one_o beside_o the_o prince_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o power_n of_o call_v such_o a_o assembly_n for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o one_o party_n shall_v refuse_v to_o appear_v and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o other_o direction_n which_o way_n will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o compel_v they_o to_o it_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v with_o less_o difficulty_n put_v in_o execution_n the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o synod_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o his_o hand_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o this_o power_n must_v not_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o christian_a
clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
action_n of_o pilate_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o public_a robbery_n and_o a_o power_n 53._o luk._n 22._o 53._o of_o darkness_n since_o in_o all_o his_o proceed_n there_o be_v not_o a_o footstep_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o when_o religious_a matter_n be_v in_o question_n the_o due_a method_n and_o judicial_a order_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n have_v be_v violate_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o allege_v any_o example_n of_o it_o here_o when_o sovereign_n punish_v or_o chastise_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v abuse_v his_o function_n or_o be_v defective_a in_o it_o this_o power_n do_v proper_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o from_o a_o right_o translate_v to_o the_o sovereign_n by_o the_o church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a authority_n because_o they_o have_v stir_v up_o by_o their_o turbulent_a speech_n and_o sermon_n the_o people_n to_o rebellion_n against_o their_o soverereigns_n or_o have_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v the_o auditor_n from_o and_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o a_o legal_a jurisdiction_n can_v be_v say_v to_o undergo_v punishment_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n furthermore_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o such_o can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n proper_o speak_v it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a that_o the_o power_n of_o dispose_v and_o exercise_v those_o function_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v a_o civil_a act_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o public_a effect_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v be_v draw_v into_o all_o these_o error_n by_o confound_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o church_n if_o these_o two_o be_v not_o very_o nice_o distinguish_v but_o we_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o be_v entire_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n what_o have_v we_o get_v by_o shake_v of_o the_o popish_a yoke_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a if_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n without_o exception_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o sovereign_n to_o maintain_v which_o mr._n houtuyn_n in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v invent_v a_o spiritual_a good_a or_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o people_n as_o the_o main_a end_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o enable_v his_o prince_n to_o force_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v public_o what_o religion_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n for_o it_o may_v be_v sufferable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o opinion_n conceal_v to_o himself_o but_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v what_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o be_v both_o abominable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o say_v of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o mr._n houtuyn_n himself_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o have_v be_v christian_n but_o that_o he_o never_o force_v any_o for_o this_o emperor_n not_o only_o never_o attempt_v to_o force_v any_o one_o from_o his_o own_o opinion_n which_o indeed_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n but_o also_o never_o constrain_v his_o subject_n to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n against_o their_o own_o inclination_n our_o author_n do_v also_o not_o a_o little_a contradict_v himself_o in_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v word_n sometime_o exempt_n they_o from_o any_o civil_a cognisance_n whereas_o before_o he_o have_v make_v they_o liable_a to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n what_o say_v he_o if_o our_o faith_n express_v by_o word_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o crime_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o error_n to_o correct_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o punishment_n which_o do_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o by_o good_a instruction_n but_o those_o that_o know_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v betwixt_o the_o state_n and_o a_o college_n may_v without_o much_o difficulty_n dissolve_v these_o knotty_a question_n which_o he_o have_v start_v concerine_n the_o jurisdiction_n and_o legislative_a power_n of_o prince_n over_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o §_o lxix_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o a_o law_n to_o such_o statute_n as_o they_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n it_o be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o law_n judgement_n be_v to_o be_v give_v in_o civil_a court_n of_o judicature_n what_o be_v punishable_a and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o subject_a but_o it_o imply_v a_o absurdity_n to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o right_a of_o give_v public_a authority_n to_o prophecy_n themselves_o neither_o the_o intrinsic_a nor_o historical_a faith_n have_v any_o dependence_n on_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o force_n of_o which_o subject_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o act_v but_o not_o to_o believe_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o be_v from_o god_n it_o can_v receive_v any_o addition_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v declare_v cicero_n to_o be_v a_o good_a latin_a author_n but_o in_o case_n a_o pretend_a prophecy_n be_v either_o ambiguous_a or_o supposititious_a in_o itself_o and_o a_o prince_n shall_v persuade_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o own_o authority_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v current_a for_o truth_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o beyond_o his_o sense_n what_o he_o insinuate_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o general_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o in_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o establish_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o public_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a condition_n â—ill_v such_o time_n when_o prince_n have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n they_o give_v it_o a_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v receive_v any_o additional_a strength_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o its_o genius_n to_o be_v establish_v and_o promote_v by_o civil_a punishment_n for_o whosoever_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n profess_v in_o outward_a show_n only_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o nor_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o may_v be_v repliy_v to_o §_o lxx_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v not_o owe_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n the_o latter_a be_v introduce_v in_o the_o government_n by_o god_n peculiar_a assistance_n inspite_o of_o all_o the_o resistance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n so_o ought_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o the_o ambiguous_a and_o controvert_v passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o prince_n only_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v authorise_v by_o the_o church_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prince_n consider_v as_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o can_v bâ—â—xcluded_v from_o have_v his_o share_n in_o such_o a_o debate_n it_o be_v a_o profane_a expression_n when_o he_o say_v christ_n himself_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a power_n of_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_a to_o interpret_v the_o same_o 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that_o his_o aim_n be_v very_o remote_a from_o maintain_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n in_o the_o state_n the_o next_o thing_n lay_v to_o our_o author_n charge_n be_v that_o he_o so_o entire_o separate_v the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o state_n as_o not_o to_o have_v the_o least_o interference_n with_o one_o another_o whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v now_o a-days_o practise_v in_o most_o christian_a staâ—â—s_n and_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n institute_v by_o god_n s_o peculiar_a direction_n this_o union_n be_v inseparable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o church_n government_n especial_o among_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o in_o most_o place_n adapt_v to_o that_o of_o the_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o monarchical_a state_n episcopacy_n as_o most_o suitable_a with_o that_o constitution_n be_v never_o abolish_v as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o be_v quite_o extirpate_v in_o the_o protestant_a commonwealth_n this_o be_v most_o particular_o observable_a among_o the_o lutheran_n who_o though_o all_o agree_v in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v nevertheless_o so_o far_o different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o ceremonial_a point_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o church_n government_n that_o in_o outward_a appearance_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n thus_o in_o the_o two_o northern_a kingdom_n of_o sweden_n and_o denmark_n the_o episcopal_a authority_n though_o much_o diminish_v in_o its_o revenue_n be_v retain_v to_o this_o day_n whereas_o in_o some_o commonwealth_n in_o germany_n where_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v establish_v it_o be_v quite_o abolish_v and_o not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o subordination_n of_o priest_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o clear_v if_o we_o take_v into_o due_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o author_n to_o represent_v in_o those_o place_n reliligion_n in_o its_o genuine_a and_o native_a constitution_n free_v from_o all_o what_o be_v foreign_a to_o its_o true_a genius_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o clog_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o when_o his_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o show_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o christian_a and_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v also_o not_o a_o few_o who_o prompt_v by_o a_o preposterous_a zeal_n have_v impute_v to_o our_o author_n a_o certain_a kind_n of_o libertinism_n in_o religion_n for_o which_o i_o can_v see_v no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o his_o assertion_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o persecution_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o difference_n of_o opinion_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o reason_n allege_v by_o he_o be_v so_o solid_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o exact_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o can_v 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forcible_a mean_n that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o
founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n show_v himself_o in_o his_o behaviour_n from_o moses_n moses_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o deliver_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o according_a to_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o into_o canaan_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n where_o he_o be_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a commonwealth_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a law_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o better_a therefore_o to_o establish_v his_o authority_n not_o only_o among_o his_o countryman_n over_o who_o he_o have_v no_o other_o lawful_a jurisdiction_n but_o also_o to_o gain_v credit_n with_o the_o egyptian_n that_o hitherto_o have_v keep_v the_o other_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n he_o do_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a deed_n give_v they_o most_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o of_o a_o secret_a correspondence_n with_o god_n almighty_a these_o miracle_n strike_v such_o a_o terror_n into_o the_o egyptian_a king_n that_o his_o obstinacy_n be_v at_o last_o overcome_v who_o else_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v not_o have_v part_v upon_o easy_a term_n with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o his_o subject_n their_o number_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v up_o a_o new_a and_o strong_a people_n and_o the_o jew_n move_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o god_n stand_v by_o he_o in_o all_o his_o undertake_n willing_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o general_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o exercise_v this_o princely_a authority_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o he_o do_v constitute_v among_o they_o both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a law_n and_o ordain_v and_o establish_v their_o whole_a government_n he_o use_v to_o administer_v justice_n inflict_v punishent_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v find_v criminal_a he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o constitate_v magistrate_n and_o other_o that_o be_v to_o aid_v and_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o office_n and_o those_o that_o attempt_v against_o his_o authority_n he_o make_v sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n by_o inflict_v most_o severe_a punishment_n upon_o they_o there_o be_v all_o that_o time_n no_o occasion_n for_o the_o levy_n of_o tax_n upon_o the_o people_n except_z what_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o ornament_n of_o their_o public_a religious_a service_n he_o be_v very_o watchful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o be_v attack_v by_o their_o enemy_n use_v to_o defend_v they_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n last_o when_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o depart_v this_o life_n he_o constitute_v his_o successor_n who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o general_n and_o under_o who_o conduct_n they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o so_o long_o desire_v land_n of_o promise_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o moses_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v bear_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n §_o 13._o but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o saviour_n church_n what_o on_o the_o other_o â—and_v our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o establish_v his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n he_o act_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a manner_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o his_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a he_o gain_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o credit_n and_o authority_n by_o his_o miracle_n but_o these_o be_v no_o terrify_a miracle_n or_o such_o as_o ever_o prove_v injurious_a to_o any_o so_o when_o his_o disciple_n will_v have_v persuade_v he_o to_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v those_o that_o refuse_v â—5_n luke_n 9_o 54_o â—5_n to_o receive_v he_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n the_o main_a demonstration_n he_o use_v to_o give_v they_o of_o his_o diviniâ—y_n always_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o must_v needs_o attract_v the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v apparent_a and_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o divinity_n not_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v able_a to_o cause_v a_o new_a motion_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n without_o natural_a mean_n for_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o he_o al_v 38._o act_n 16._o 38._o all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n all_o which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n towards_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n he_o have_v some_o disciple_n but_o these_o be_v few_o in_o number_n unarm_v poor_a of_o a_o mean_a profession_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o so_o little_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o make_v the_o least_o pretention_n of_o set_v up_o a_o state_n of_o their_o own_o or_o of_o raise_v any_o commotion_n or_o disturbance_n in_o another_o state_n and_o when_o the_o multitude_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n receive_v by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n will_v at_o several_a time_n have_v proclaim_v he_o king_n he_o abscond_v and_o make_v his_o escape_n the_o principal_a care_n he_o take_v of_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o instruct_v they_o by_o his_o doctrine_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v disciple_n and_o they_o in_o return_n use_v to_o give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o master_n or_o teacher_n neither_o do_v he_o constitute_v any_o new_a law_n at_o least_o not_o any_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o reference_n towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o new_a state_n but_o the_o ancient_a law_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v give_v to_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o people_n exhort_v to_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o it_o he_o do_v never_o execute_v 14._o luke_n 12._o 13_o 14._o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n nay_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o arbitrator_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o hâ—s_v 11._o joh._n 8_o 11._o come_v be_v intend_v for_o no_o such_o purpose_n last_o he_o do_v himself_o pay_v tax_n to_o other_o and_o though_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o prevent_v it_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o execute_v all_o which_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o a_o temporal_a sovereign_n §_o 14._o this_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_o to_o we_o if_o people_n châ—ist_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o nâ—w_a people_n we_o due_o consider_v that_o christ_n never_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o that_o intend_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n for_o their_o principal_a and_o first_o care_n be_v to_o constitute_v a_o new_a people_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o their_o side_n such_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o be_v willing_a and_o sufficient_a to_o be_v join_v under_o one_o civil_a government_n this_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v either_o assemble_v at_o once_o and_o draw_v out_o of_o another_o commonwealth_n as_o moses_n do_v or_o by_o degree_n bring_v over_o out_o of_o other_o commonwealth_n as_o romulus_n gather_v the_o people_n of_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v that_o our_o saviour_n intention_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n his_o disciple_n be_v not_o so_o many_o in_o number_n as_o to_o have_v the_o least_o resemblance_n with_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o instruct_v in_o those_o matter_n which_o have_v the_o least_o relation_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o new_a commonwealth_n their_o dependence_n from_o he_o be_v not_o near_o the_o same_o which_o subject_n have_v of_o their_o prince_n have_v never_o swear_v allegiance_n to_o he_o but_o only_o as_o disciple_n from_o their_o master_n be_v influence_v by_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n they_o have_v both_o for_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n sometime_o 68_o john_n 6._o â—6_n â—â—_o 68_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n will_v flock_v about_o he_o but_o these_o only_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o preach_v and_o to_o be_v spectator_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v they_o return_v to_o their_o respective_a home_n and_o christ_n never_o show_v the_o least_o inclination_n to_o command_v over_o or_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o their_o sovereign_n last_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n approach_v his_o most_o trusty_a and_o particular_a friend_n and_o follower_n abscond_v and_o dare_v not_o as_o much_o as_o make_v any_o public_a appearance_n when_o we_o therefore_o speak_v of_o christian_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o certain_a nation_n or_o people_n subject_n
so_o that_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_n imply_v not_o that_o of_o a_o state_n but_o only_o a_o certain_a qualification_n of_o a_o democratical_a government_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v convene_v in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o translation_n the_o lxx_o interpreter_n this_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o convention_n ot_fw-mi meeting_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n meet_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o unlawful_a ends._n so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o the_o â—8_o ps_n 26_o 5_o luk._n 2d_o 3._o 4_o c_o â—8_o 24._o act_n 19_o 32_o 3â—_n num._n 20._o 8_o 10_o jos_n 16._o 1_o 2._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 9_o c._n 34_o â—8_o call_v and_o summon_v a_o assembly_n about_o matter_n concern_v the_o commonwealth_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v general_o take_v either_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n wherever_o disperse_v or_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o certain_a country_n city_n private_a house_n or_o family_n in_o either_o sense_n if_o we_o due_o weigh_v the_o attribute_n and_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o moral_a case_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o church_n what_o action_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n a_o civil_a state_n the_o true_a â—ncomium_fw-la most_o frequent_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v brother_n holy_a and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v unto_o and_o praise_n god_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fast_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v speak_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o 23._o act_n 1._o 4._o 23._o they_o do_v constitute_v elder_n in_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v â—se_n of_o which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o have_v make_v they_o by_o suffrage_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o decree_v use_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o ancient_a democracy_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o absolute_a power_n of_o constitute_v elder_n over_o they_o but_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d approve_v of_o by_o the_o congregation_n and_o it_o iâ—_n remarkable_a that_o these_o nevertheless_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v overseer_n over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a 5_o act._n 20_o â—8_o 2_o chron._n 10._o 5_o ghost_n so_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o be_v set_v in_o the_o land_n by_o jehosaphat_n style_v judge_n for_o the_o lord_n because_o whoever_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o any_o office_n or_o function_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o same_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v constitute_v in_o that_o same_o office_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o though_o it_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v teacher_n this_o nevertheless_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o private_a college_n or_o society_n subject_n to_o another_o jurisdiction_n may_v lawful_o enjoy_v the_o same_o power_n a_o diffension_n be_v arosen_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antiocha_n they_o determine_v 2_o act._n 15._o 2_o that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v concern_v this_o question_n then_o in_o dispute_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o these_o deputy_n be_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n conduct_v out_o of_o the_o town_n in_o their_o way_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o this_o question_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o determine_v they_o send_v word_n thus_o to_o their_o brethren_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o send_v deputy_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o one_o congregation_n to_o consult_v another_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o action_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a power_n but_o may_v legal_o belong_v to_o a_o private_a college_n or_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n provide_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o its_o member_n but_o transact_v and_o admit_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n choose_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v overseer_n 1._o act._n 6._o 1_o 1._o of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o society_n or_o college_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 8._o 19_o that_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v one_o to_o travel_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n which_o be_v to_o be_v â—ed_v by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o 28._o act_n 20_o 28._o god_n who_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o against_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v watchful_a not_o cease_v to_o admonish_v their_o auditor_n to_o avoid_v their_o snare_n what_o concern_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 6._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sovereign_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o the_o christian_n bare_o consider_v as_o christian_n but_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o civil_a affair_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v rather_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o brethren_n than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v avaricious_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o no_o body_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v change_v his_o qualification_n or_o function_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a or_o that_o christianity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o subjection_n to_o a_o civil_a government_n a_o servant_n therefore_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n do_v not_o become_v a_o freeman_n neither_o be_v a_o subject_a thereby_o absolve_v from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o his_o sovereign_n concern_v the_o union_n and_o modesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o ep._n rom._n 13_o 1._o 2_o tim._n 5_o 8._o 14_o c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o administer_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 18_o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o chap._n 34_o 40_o verse_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o these_o congregation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 14._o viz._n to_o be_v 2._o with_fw-mi eph._n 4._o 2._o hymn_n doctrine_n tongue_n prophecy_n revelation_n interpretation_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o edify_v the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n 28_o verse_n the_o several_a degree_n and_o function_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o enumerate_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n all_o which_o be_v requisite_n 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o belong_v to_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gift_n of_o that_o self_n same_o spirit_n who_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a endowment_n can_v therefore_o not_o claim_v any_o prerogative_n as_o be_v a_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n or_o pretend_v to_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o such_o as_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o himself_o and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o 8._o 1_o cor._n
16._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 2_o 3_o 8._o noble_a and_o excellent_a than_o â—â—_o other_o spiritual_a gift_n alm_n be_v the_o only_a tax_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o these_o also_o can_v be_v exact_v 16._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 16._o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o every_o church_n be_v oblige_v 〈…〉_o phil._n 4._o 1â—_n cor_fw-la 9_o â—â—_o 〈…〉_o to_o maintain_v its_o minister_n in_o the_o 2_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 28._o st._n paul_n profess_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o strengthen_v those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o obâ—â—ate_a scandal_n and_o in_o the_o next_o follow_v chapter_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o no_o wise_a inferior_a to_o other_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o other_o who_o have_v exercise_v the_o apostolical_a function_n before_o he_o neither_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o prove_v the_o subordination_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o nay_o the_o congregation_n of_o small_a town_n and_o even_o of_o private_a family_n be_v often_o style_v church_n as_o those_o of_o vast_a city_n and_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o 4._o 1_o thâ—â—_n 2._o 14._o 2_o thâ—â—_n 1._o 4._o be_v plant_v in_o judea_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n c._n 1._o 22._o c._n 5._o 23._o and_o to_o the_o colossians_n c._n 1_o 18_o 24._o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v present_v to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n sanctify_v by_o christ_n redemption_n and_o 27._o ephes_n 5._o 26_o 27._o cleanse_v with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n what_o qualification_n be_v require_v in_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 3._o 2._o and_o follow_v verse_n in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 4._o 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n c._n 1._o 2_o 8_o 9_o and_o c._n 2._o 7._o all_o which_o if_o due_o examine_v have_v a_o relation_n mere_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v blameless_a in_o his_o behaviour_n and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o savour_n of_o any_o thing_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o a_o state_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o must_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o a_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o bawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n not_o a_o novice_n not_o lift_v up_o with_o pride_n all_o which_o be_v such_o virtue_n as_o belong_v proper_o to_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n c._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n like_v we_o be_v use_v to_o affix_v proclamation_n to_o great_a pillar_n to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o body_n though_o some_o ancient_a manuscript_n refer_v these_o word_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o follow_a sentence_n the_o precede_a end_v with_o the_o word_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n then_o begin_v a_o new_a sentence_n thus_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n this_o passage_n be_v parallel_n to_o what_o christ_n tell_v st._n peter_n by_o st._n matthew_n c._n 16._o 18._o and_o to_o that_o of_o st._n john_n c._n 20._o 31._o the_o title_n of_o honour_n belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v recite_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n c._n 12._o 22._o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mount_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n where_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o in_o the_o revelation_n c._n 2._o 3._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v praise_v for_o their_o good_a deed_n and_o their_o vice_n expose_v with_o a_o severe_a commination_n that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v their_o candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v extinguish_v in_o particular_a church_n all_o these_o passage_n if_o due_o compare_v and_o examine_v do_v not_o furnish_v we_o with_o any_o matter_n prove_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v a_o state_n or_o to_o have_v any_o resemblance_n to_o a_o temporal_a sovereignty_n itself_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o permit_v a_o sovereignty_n within_o itself_o §_o 31._o but_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o a_o great_a many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o plant_v a_o church_n resemble_v in_o power_n to_o a_o temporal_a sovereignty_n if_o they_o have_v entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o attempt_v a_o design_n both_o unnecessary_a and_o illegal_a the_o common_a security_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o every_o government_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o defend_v themselves_o by_o their_o unite_a strength_n against_o all_o injury_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o stout_a and_o well_o appoint_v men._n but_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v often_o give_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o a_o indifferent_a town_n nay_o even_o of_o private_a family_n and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o 20._o mat._n 1â—_n 20._o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o which_o move_v tertullian_n to_o say_v three_o make_v up_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o college_n and_o where_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o congregation_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n viz._n the_o word_n the_o minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o even_o in_o a_o indifferent_a numerous_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o do_v the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n join_v in_o one_o church_n like_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o state_n in_o itself_o consider_v add_v any_o thing_n or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n whether_o a_o man_n worship_n god_n in_o a_o great_a or_o small_a congregation_n from_o whence_o this_o inference_n may_v be_v make_v that_o in_o case_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v separate_v itself_o from_o the_o other_o the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o may_v pursue_v and_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n quite_o otherwise_o as_o it_o be_v with_o temporal_a commonweath_n where_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n happen_v to_o be_v root_v out_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v thereby_o disenable_v to_o maintain_v the_o state_n these_o qualification_n belong_v to_o subject_n especial_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o in_o a_o state_n either_o for_o their_o usefulness_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o excel_v in_o riches_n strength_n or_o wisdom_n shall_v therefore_o not_o be_v deem_v a_o good_a christian_n furthermore_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 20._o 21_o 22._o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a state_n must_v have_v territory_n belong_v to_o they_o where_o their_o new_a subject_n may_v settle_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n and_o all_o such_o as_o live_v or_o be_v seat_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n if_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a state_n must_v either_o transplant_v themselves_o into_o another_o country_n or_o
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n â—pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o â—_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n â—_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v â—well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1â—â—â—_n act_n 1â—â—â—_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o â—â—_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v â—â—_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o maâ—â—ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n pâ—â—_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v â—â—e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4â—_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n â—_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4â—_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o patient_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o good_a success_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v alone_o verse_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v most_o excellent_a where_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o their_o teacher_n in_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o mankind_n all_o the_o counsel_n â—7_n act._n â—0_n â—7_n of_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o care_n and_o custody_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sibyllin_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o
reason_n god_n have_v threaten_v in_o a_o most_o peculia_fw-la manner_n to_o destroy_v this_o monster_n of_o a_o state_n apostle_n a_o example_n of_o controversy_n compose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n §_o 37._o the_o true_a method_n of_o compose_v controversy_n arisen_a in_o the_o church_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o what_o be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o act_n c._n 15._o where_o it_o deserve_v our_o most_o particular_a observation_n that_o the_o controversy_n then_o in_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o main_a point_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v circumcise_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n for_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n c._n 5._o 2._o have_v positive_o declare_v if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o this_o question_n be_v start_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_v and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v living_n testimony_n of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o instruct_v with_o a_o apostolical_a authority_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o sufficient_a share_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o reduce_n of_o this_o error_n as_o plainy_n appear_v out_o of_o the_o 5._o verse_n of_o the_o above_o allege_a chapter_n that_o they_o oppose_v 1â—_n act._n 1â—_n such_o forcible_a reason_n against_o this_o erroneous_a opinion_n that_o those_o that_o be_v come_v thither_o out_o of_o judea_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contradict_v they_o so_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o 2._o v_o 2._o spring_n from_o whence_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v derive_v into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o hope_v to_o be_v back_v in_o this_o opinion_n by_o such_o of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o do_v not_o without_o some_o reluctancy_n brook_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o beyond_o their_o guess_n but_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o there_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o same_o opinion_n appear_v out_o of_o the_o 5_o verse_n in_o the_o same_o 15_o chapter_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o any_o further_a disturbance_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o antiochian_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o controversy_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o some_o other_o be_v depute_v to_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o decide_v this_o controversy_n when_o they_o come_v thither_o a_o convocation_n be_v call_v consist_v not_o only_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n but_o also_o of_o the_o other_o member_n of_o that_o church_n not_o except_v those_o of_o the_o contrary_a side_n after_o their_o reason_n have_v be_v hear_v the_o case_n be_v in_o debate_n a_o considerable_a time_n and_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a matter_n have_v be_v sufficient_o dispute_v on_o both_o side_n than_o peter_n rise_v up_o not_o as_o a_o universal_a judge_n or_o who_o pretend_v to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o his_o proceed_v be_v by_o demonstrative_a argument_n tell_v they_o what_o prodigious_a effect_n have_v be_v wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n by_o his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o after_o the_o vision_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o at_o joppe_n where_o 9_o act._n 11_o 9_o he_o thus_o argue_v that_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n purify_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v uncircumcised_a it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o put_v this_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o christian_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o 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and_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v together_o for_o the_o compose_v certain_a controversy_n arisen_a in_o the_o church_n and_o because_o those_o council_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a time_n this_o alone_a may_v serve_v as_o a_o convince_a argument_n that_o the_o church_n never_o acknowledge_v one_o infallible_a judge_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o head_n set_v to_o work_v if_o one_o single_a person_n be_v sufficient_a and_o infallible_a in_o the_o decision_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n have_v only_o their_o oblige_a force_n from_o his_o confirmation_n furthermore_o those_o that_o compose_v such_o a_o council_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o member_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o college_n who_o by_o the_o majority_n of_o vote_n can_v so_o absolute_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o be_v 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well_o weigh_v and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o due_o examine_v on_o both_o side_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v but_o if_o any_o moral_a decree_n be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o have_v no_o oblige_a power_n but_o what_o proceed_v either_o from_o a_o precede_a commission_n and_o authority_n or_o from_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o church_n so_o that_o chuncil_n have_v no_o coercive_a power_n over_o the_o church_n i_o can_v but_o touch_v by_o the_o by_o upon_o this_o head_n viz._n that_o this_o assertion_n the_o council_n be_v above_o the_o pope_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o will_v easy_o gain_v credit_n with_o all_o that_o be_v guide_v by_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o scripture_n for_o who_o can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n who_o with_o joint_a labour_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o 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a_o controversy_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o the_o council_n that_o their_o reason_n shall_v be_v due_o examine_v weigh_v and_o proceed_v upon_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o if_o the_o controversy_n do_v not_o bare_o concern_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o imply_v a_o temporal_a interest_n those_o that_o have_v any_o share_n in_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o decide_v the_o point_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o point_n in_o question_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o the_o papal_a chair_n can_v be_v compose_v by_o any_o council_n their_o difference_n arise_v not_o bare_o from_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o about_o domination_n temporal_a dignity_n and_o vast_a revenue_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o probability_n of_o any_o composition_n betwixt_o these_o two_o party_n by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v pretend_v to_o 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progress_n the_o magistrate_n not_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o their_o province_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o never_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v desire_v leave_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o to_o plant_v a_o church_n though_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o ask_v leave_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v their_o immediate_a authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o by_o who_o command_n all_o mankind_n be_v then_o call_v to_o repentance_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v this_o rational_a conclusion_n may_v be_v draw_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o
find_v their_o auditor_n incline_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o also_o in_o all_o other_o place_n whither_o this_o doctrine_n be_v transplant_v the_o believer_n may_v enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o plant_v a_o church_n upon_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o commission_n or_o permission_n for_o so_o do_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o pursuant_n to_o our_o saviour_n expression_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v incline_v to_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n if_o we_o trace_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o these_o society_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n of_o certain_a men._n we_o may_v easy_o find_v to_o contain_v all_o of_o they_o something_o resemble_v a_o democracy_n where_o such_o matter_n as_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o society_n be_v to_o be_v dispatch_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o where_o no_o particular_a person_n can_v claim_v any_o further_a power_n over_o the_o rest_n than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a teacher_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v original_o lodge_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n teacher_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o great_a many_o place_n nevertheless_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v something_o of_o a_o democracy_n and_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n argue_v sufficient_o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v teacher_n themselves_o in_o all_o lesser_a town_n or_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o lesser_a place_n and_o village_n it_o seem_v rather_o probable_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o great_a city_n and_o other_o place_n of_o note_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o other_o place_n and_o that_o such_o church_n as_o be_v not_o provide_v with_o teacher_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o their_o special_a authority_n use_v either_o to_o choose_v those_o very_a person_n to_o that_o function_n who_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o or_o any_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v endow_v before_o other_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o teach_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v teach_v at_o rome_n before_o ever_o peter_n and_o paul_n come_v thither_o and_o the_o high_a treasurer_n of_o the_o 16._o chap._n 16._o queen_n candace_n who_o be_v general_o believe_v to_o have_v first_o carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o aethiopia_n and_o to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o part_n receive_v no_o ordination_n as_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n from_o philip_n after_o his_o baptism_n neither_o do_v 8._o act_n 8._o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v any_o certain_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o function_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v than_o for_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v a_o very_a laudable_a and_o useful_a ceremony_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o with_o this_o restriction_n nevertheless_o that_o the_o same_o need_v not_o to_o be_v deem_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o if_o without_o it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o accompany_v that_o ceremony_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v many_o age_n past_a become_v useless_a the_o church_n like_o all_o other_o college_n 14._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o have_v power_n to_o collect_v stipend_n for_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v collection_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n from_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o sovereign_n who_o levy_v tax_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n but_o in_o the_o church_n this_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o mere_a liberality_n and_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o general_a who_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n of_o pay_v a_o workman_n his_o stipend_n and_o relieve_v those_o in_o distress_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o humanity_n it_o proper_o belong_v to_o all_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 2_o 3._o c._n 2._o 12_o 13._o c._n 9_o 5_o 9_o 7._o college_n as_o well_o as_o church_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v with_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o member_n such_o statute_n as_o may_v conduce_v towards_o the_o obtain_n the_o end_n of_o their_o society_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v these_o statute_n which_o st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n in_o the_o 7_o chapt._n if_o any_o one_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n he_o deserve_o be_v to_o receive_v correction_n or_o to_o undergo_v such_o a_o penalty_n as_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o statute_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o the_o college_n but_o pursuant_n to_o their_o contract_n and_o though_o college_n have_v not_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o member_n unless_o what_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o true_a end_n of_o each_o society_n or_o else_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sovereign_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v often_o practise_v in_o these_o society_n and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n that_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v betwixt_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o college_n these_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o interposition_n and_o arbitration_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o college_n or_o society_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o mutual_a good_a correspondency_n may_v be_v cultivate_v among_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v take_v the_o admonition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v to_o the_o corinthian_n concern_v this_o point_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o and_o follow_a verse_n last_o because_o many_o vice_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o vogue_n among_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v not_o punishable_a by_o the_o pagan_a law_n they_o be_v more_o encourage_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o honour_n than_o by_o any_o civil_a command_n and_o the_o christian_n believe_v it_o more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o themselves_o to_o recommend_v and_o adorn_v their_o profession_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o a_o innocent_a conversation_n to_o excel_v the_o heathen_n some_o statute_n be_v at_o the_o very_a beginning_n introduce_v into_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v think_v most_o convenient_a to_o correct_v all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a 2._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n church_n censure_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v always_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n that_o subject_n shall_v lead_v a_o innocent_a life_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o statute_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n such_o be_v private_a admonition_n public_a reprimand_n and_o church_n penance_n the_o extreme_a remedy_n be_v excommunication_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o a_o member_n
propagate_a of_o this_o doctrine_n they_o destroy_v the_o very_a essential_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o belief_n found_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v transmute_v into_o a_o outward_a confession_n where_o the_o tongue_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a punishment_n be_v force_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o heart_n this_o however_o admit_v again_o of_o a_o limitation_n for_o herein_o be_v not_o comprehend_v these_o point_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a religion_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o imply_v a_o profound_a reverence_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o supreme_a be_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o those_o that_o act_n against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a punishment_n since_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o civil_a society_n such_o be_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n where_o nevertheless_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o a_o due_a difference_n be_v make_v betwixt_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o precept_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o prince_n therefore_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v the_o image_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o the_o grove_n and_o other_o meeting-place_n dedicate_v to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o christian_a sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v civil_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o revile_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o ridicule_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o may_v banish_v they_o the_o country_n but_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a enlighten_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o inward_a consent_n to_o such_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n can_v be_v procure_v by_o violent_a mean_n or_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o suppose_v you_o force_v a_o man_n to_o dissemble_v his_o thought_n to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o conceive_v in_o his_o own_o opinion_n let_v his_o confession_n be_v never_o so_o formal_a and_o his_o gesture_n never_o so_o well_o compose_v and_o conformable_a to_o certain_a prescribe_a rule_n this_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v feel_v a_o inward_a motion_n and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o what_o he_o profess_v neither_o ought_v people_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v entice_v to_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o temporal_a interest_n honour_n or_o other_o such_o like_a advantage_n for_o christ_n do_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o foretold_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o embrace_v any_o religion_n out_o of_o a_o motive_n of_o temporal_a advantage_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a value_n for_o their_o own_o â—erest_n than_o religion_n and_o certain_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n almighty_a sovereign_n being_n not_o constitute_v for_o religion_n sake_n they_o can_v under_o that_o colour_n exact_a from_o their_o subject_n a_o blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o if_o subject_n shall_v blindfold_o follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o sovereign_n they_o can_v by_o all_o his_o authority_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o case_n any_o subject_a be_v full_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discover_v any_o error_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n even_o that_o by_o law_n establish_v especial_o concern_v any_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o design_n by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n before_o his_o reason_n be_v hear_v and_o well_o debate_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o best_a and_o able_a judge_n and_o if_o by_o they_o he_o be_v legal_o and_o plain_o convict_v of_o his_o error_n then_o and_o 〈◊〉_d before_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v silence_v to_o force_v people_n into_o the_o church_n â—y_a the_o bare_a civil_a authority_n must_v needs_o fill_v the_o commonwealth_n with_o hypocrite_n who_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o since_o in_o religion_n matter_n a_o absolute_a uniformity_n betwixt_o the_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v require_v how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v a_o religion_n disagreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o impose_v upon_o god_n almighty_a §_o 49._o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n what_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n as_o be_v protector_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n peace_n belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o sovereign_n have_v furnish_v some_o with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n to_o affirm_v that_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n cause_n frequent_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o a_o government_n if_o its_o subject_n in_o general_a be_v of_o one_o religion_n all_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o extirpate_v these_o difference_n in_o religion_n they_o allege_v that_o as_o much_o more_o precious_a our_o soul_n be_v before_o our_o body_n the_o more_o sovereign_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v watchful_a over_o they_o and_o that_o the_o true_a love_n which_o a_o sovereign_n bear_v to_o his_o subject_n can_v never_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o when_o he_o take_v effectual_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n these_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v very_o specious_a pretence_n and_o have_v sometime_o have_v such_o powerful_a influence_n over_o prince_n who_o be_v else_o natural_o not_o incline_v to_o severity_n that_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o by_o these_o plausible_a argument_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o assist_v with_o their_o authority_n the_o cruel_a design_n of_o priest_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beyond_o our_o scope_n to_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n what_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o so_o specious_a reason_n in_o a_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n weed_n among_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a doctrine_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n but_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o sovereign_n that_o take_v to_o such_o violent_a course_n may_v make_v a_o havoc_n among_o his_o subject_n which_o common_o prove_v equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o innocent_a and_o guilty_a nevertheless_o he_o will_v find_v it_o impracticable_a quite_o to_o abolish_v all_o error_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n never_o do_v any_o body_n show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o our_o saviour_n who_o sacrifice_v himself_o for_o our_o salvation_n yet_o he_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o way_n to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n than_o teach_v when_o he_o may_v have_v command_v twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o force_v mankind_n to_o obedience_n how_o can_v a_o prince_n be_v esteem_v to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v such_o profligate_v wretch_n as_o the_o dragoon_n his_o apostle_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o his_o subject_n that_o pretence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o sovereign_n towards_o their_o subject_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o specious_a he_o ought_v not_o under_o that_o colour_n endeavour_n to_o subvert_v or_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o propagate_a the_o christian_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n the_o difference_n about_o some_o point_n in_o religion_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o disturbance_n in_o a_o state_n but_o the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n ambition_n
religion_n ought_v to_o be_v declare_v erroneous_a before_o it_o be_v due_o examine_v and_o the_o party_n convict_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o such_o a_o decision_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o management_n of_o their_o adversary_n who_o be_v perhaps_o guide_v by_o self_n interest_n oftentimes_o be_v both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o politician_n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o sovereign_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n give_v protection_n to_o their_o subject_n though_o of_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n provide_v it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n especial_o if_o care_n be_v take_v that_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v away_o other_o into_o the_o same_o error_n for_o suppose_v the_o establish_a religion_n both_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o morality_n to_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o dissent_v party_n may_v be_v in_o time_n bring_v over_o to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o shall_v seduce_v other_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o establish_a clergy_n it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o those_o place_n and_o time_n where_o and_o when_o no_o religious_a difference_n be_v in_o agitation_n the_o clergy_n soon_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o barbarity_n §_o 51._o furthermore_o as_o sovereign_n in_o all_o other_o flatterer_n sovereign_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v misguide_v by_o flatterer_n matter_n of_o moment_n ought_v to_o act_v with_o great_a circumspection_n so_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v proceed_v with_o too_o much_o caution_n a_o injustice_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o a_o subject_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o abominable_a than_o to_o let_v subject_n suffer_v unjust_o for_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o some_o other_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n can_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o if_o a_o prince_n who_o prompt_v by_o his_o own_o cruel_a inclination_n tyrannise_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v odious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o abominable_a appear_v a_o prince_n who_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o executioner_n and_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n by_o other_o to_o fulfil_v their_o cruel_a design_n against_o their_o fellow_n subject_n all_o christian_a prince_n therefore_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o conscience_n aught_o to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o extremity_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v undertake_v unless_o they_o be_v well_o instruct_v beforehand_o in_o every_o particular_a point_n a_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o or_o rely_v entire_o on_o what_o be_v represent_v to_o he_o by_o his_o clergy_n though_o never_o so_o pious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n there_o be_v too_o many_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v that_o the_o best_a of_o prince_n by_o their_o own_o inclination_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n have_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o overzealous_a clergyman_n turn_v the_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n we_o scarce_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o prince_n who_o undertake_v to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o physic_n or_o other_o science_n except_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o why_o shall_v sovereign_n be_v too_o forward_o in_o decide_v religious_a difference_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a moment_n the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o million_o of_o people_n do_v depend_v thereon_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o well_o instruct_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o since_o prince_n very_o rare_o bestow_v sufficient_a time_n and_o pain_n in_o be_v full_o instruct_v in_o divinity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o will_v be_v bias_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a understanding_n rather_o than_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o as_o for_o a_o instance_n in_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n there_o be_v such_o evident_a sign_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o christian_a prince_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o and_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o touchstone_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o their_o controversy_n that_o the_o protestant_n trust_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n do_v not_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o popish_a author_n but_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v public_o sell_v as_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n even_o over_o a_o indifferent_a understanding_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a why_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o laity_n be_v not_o allow_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o suppress_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o inquisition_n be_v in_o vogue_n a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n and_o other_o the_o most_o enormous_a crime_n than_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o a_o clamour_n do_v they_o make_v about_o tradition_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n which_o title_n they_o claim_v as_o belong_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o themselves_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o by_o other_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o give_v judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o a_o prince_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v our_o book_n to_o be_v read_v among_o they_o and_o especial_o how_o careful_a they_o be_v in_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o great_a man_n though_o belong_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n be_v to_o be_v surmount_v before_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v that_o the_o augsburgh_n confession_n be_v read_v to_o the_o emperor_n charles_n v._o all_o which_o take_v together_o be_v most_o evident_a proof_n to_o any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o the_o protestant_n act_n like_o man_n as_o rely_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o the_o roman_a catholic_n as_o mistrust_v themselves_o and_o fear_v that_o if_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o protestant_a wrtting_n the_o same_o will_v scarce_o bear_v the_o touchstone_n it_o may_v also_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n how_o far_o different_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n party_n be_v from_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n for_o though_o both_o party_n with_o equal_a zeal_n in_o public_a pretend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n be_v very_o zealous_a for_o the_o same_o nevertheless_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o something_o more_o and_o what_o this_o something_o be_v be_v easy_o discernible_a if_o we_o make_v a_o due_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o clergy_n of_o both_o party_n among_o the_o protestant_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v so_o stint_v in_o their_o revenue_n as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o opportunity_n of_o live_v in_o state_n what_o respect_n be_v pay_v they_o be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o function_n as_o be_v teacher_n their_o power_n very_o seldom_o reach_v beyond_o their_o revenue_n which_o be_v very_o moderate_a and_o oftentimes_o very_a mean_v both_o their_o person_n and_o estate_n depend_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o sovereign_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o where_o else_o to_o seek_v for_o protection_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o what_o pomp_n and_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n do_v the_o popish_a clergy_n live_v unto_o what_o height_n have_v they_o not_o exalt_v their_o power_n in_o europe_n have_v they_o not_o so_o order_v their_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o independent_a from_o the_o civil_a
contain_v every_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o be_v call_v heretic_n who_o only_o profess_v some_o particular_a point_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o such_o as_o absolute_o reject_v it_o be_v count_v infidel_n and_o reprobate_n but_o either_o deny_v or_o explain_v the_o rest_n in_o a_o wrong_n and_o pervert_v sense_n how_o can_v the_o popish_a clergy_n therefore_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o have_v and_o that_o without_o contradiction_n prove_v every_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o exclude_v we_o protestant_n from_o that_o title_n till_o they_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o last_o it_o be_v call_v the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o true_a church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o whether_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o by_o other_o §_o 54._o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o religion_n whether_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o erroneous_a religion_n introduce_v a_o reformation_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n so_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o subject_n may_v attempt_v a_o reformation_n when_o their_o sovereign_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o rather_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v our_o opinion_n that_o provide_v these_o error_n â—o_o touch_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o 〈…〉_o subject_n as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o â—ight_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v attainâ—â—he_v true_a knowledge_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o every_o body_n be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o answerable_a for_o his_o own_o soul_n â—hose_v salvation_n can_v absolute_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o a_o christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n or_o the_o clergy_n at_o lest_o no_o far_o than_o their_o doctrine_n be_v congruous_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o subject_n may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v process_v by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o clergy_n provide_v they_o can_v make_v it_o evident_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a abuse_n and_o dangerous_a error_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o college_n who_o member_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o union_n by_o any_o temporal_a power_n but_o by_o the_o union_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o whosoever_o relinquish_v that_o he_o dissolve_v the_o sacred_a tie_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o a_o great_a number_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v obtain_v either_o by_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o the_o believer_n neither_o can_v this_o separation_n prove_v in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a from_o all_o poison_n and_o principle_n dangerous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n and_o therefore_o a_o prince_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n or_o man_n conscience_n so_o that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o separation_n the_o subject_n pay_v due_a allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n in_o temporal_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a which_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o trouble_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o what_o loss_n be_v it_o to_o the_o prince_n whether_o his_o subject_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o himself_o or_o of_o unother_n or_o which_o be_v suppose_v before_o whether_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o same_o error_n as_o he_o do_v the_o case_n indeed_o will_v be_v quite_o different_a if_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o set_v up_o a_o separate_a society_n without_o his_o consent_n though_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o this_o civil_a tie_n or_o allegiance_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o subject_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a protection_n from_o their_o natural_a prince_n be_v so_o hardly_o press_v upon_o by_o a_o more_o potent_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o power_n and_o grant_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v subject_n be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o they_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o establish_v religion_n provide_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n for_o that_o subject_a who_o sacrifice_n his_o life_n for_o his_o prince_n do_v doubtless_o a_o glorious_a action_n but_o what_o prince_n can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o subject_n shall_v sacrifice_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o sake_n that_o prince_n therefore_o who_o do_v trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o can_v conform_v to_o his_o opinion_n especial_o if_o they_o can_v maintain_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n commit_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n nay_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o can_v with_o justice_n force_v they_o out_o of_o his_o territory_n it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v refuse_v to_o receive_v heretic_n into_o his_o dominion_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o reason_n of_o state_n neither_o can_v a_o true_a believer_n take_v it_o amiss_o if_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o settle_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n govern_v by_o heretic_n for_o the_o right_a of_o naturalisation_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o give_v to_o who_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a but_o as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a injustice_n in_o the_o world_n to_o force_v a_o inborn_a natural_a subject_n who_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o fortune_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n mere_o for_o his_o religion_n sake_n without_o be_v convict_v of_o his_o error_n out_o of_o his_o native_a country_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n and_o danger_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n so_o if_o a_o subject_a incline_v voluntary_o to_o leave_v his_o native_a country_n either_o to_o avoid_v the_o frown_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o common_a people_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o more_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o his_o sovereign_n i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proverb_n use_v among_o the_o german_n viz._n he_o that_o command_v the_o country_n command_v religion_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n who_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o these_o prince_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o protestant_a estate_n of_o germany_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretention_n against_o the_o emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o however_o ought_v to_o be_v thus_o interpret_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o emperor_n to_o have_v any_o power_n of_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n relate_v to_o their_o own_o dominion_n not_o that_o only_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n to_o impose_v any_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a upon_o their_o subject_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o there_o be_v not_o want_v example_n that_o prince_n have_v act_v conformable_a to_o this_o proverb_n with_o their_o subject_n a_o prince_n who_o trouble_v his_o faithful_a subject_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n commit_v a_o gross_a error_n no_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o propagate_v his_o religion_n by_o forcible_a mean_n provide_v his_o subject_n stand_v firm_a to_o their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o
he_o be_v not_o answerable_a in_o particular_a for_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o without_o astonishment_n how_o both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o our_o age_n some_o prince_n who_o be_v natural_o not_o incline_v to_o cruelty_n have_v in_o other_o respect_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o clemency_n yet_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o raise_v the_o most_o horrid_a persecution_n against_o their_o subject_n bare_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o fate_n shall_v attend_v the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o mighty_a king_n upon_o earth_n shall_v commit_v 3._o rev._n 18._o 3._o whoredom_n with_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a that_o gallant_n will_v often_o commit_v the_o most_o barbarous_a act_n mere_o to_o please_v their_o harlot_n all_o true_a christian_n therefore_o ought_v courageous_o to_o oppose_v the_o threat_n and_o attempt_v of_o this_o beast_n commit_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o for_o such_o prince_n and_o state_n as_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o popish_a slavery_n if_o they_o serious_o reflect_v how_o their_o fellow-protestants_a be_v persecute_v and_o in_o what_o barbarous_a manner_n they_o be_v treat_v will_n questionless_a without_o my_o advice_n take_v such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_a for_o to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n the_o follow_a animadversion_n make_v by_o the_o author_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o political_a epitome_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n write_a by_o adrian_z houtuyn_n have_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a treatise_n it_o be_v thought_n sit_v to_o insert_v they_o here_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n which_o if_o right_o determine_v tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n viz._n unto_o who_o and_o under_o what_o limitation_n the_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v in_o the_o state_n if_o the_o old_a proverb_n that_o those_o who_o choose_v the_o middle_a way_n be_v common_o the_o most_o successful_a have_v not_o lose_v its_o force_n it_o may_v without_o question_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v in_o this_o case_n where_o both_o extreme_n be_v equal_o dangerous_a since_o thereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o their_o sovereign_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v both_o in_o the_o last_o and_o our_o age_n man_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o have_v with_o very_o solid_a argument_n oppose_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o since_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o scylla_n we_o may_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o charybdis_n for_o as_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v in_o his_o right_a sense_n can_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n owe_v its_o original_a either_o to_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n mutual_o advantageous_a both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n to_o understand_v how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o state_n that_o the_o first_o may_v not_o transgress_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o subject_n prove_v their_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n adrian_n houtuyn_n a_o civilian_n in_o holland_n have_v in_o a_o treatise_n call_v a_o political_a epitome_n insert_v several_a assertion_n tend_v to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o two_o extreme_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o late_a that_o this_o book_n have_v be_v recommend_v by_o some_o doctor_n in_o the_o law_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o young_a student_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v some_o animadversion_n upon_o his_o lxiii_o and_o follow_v section_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o guide_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n lest_o they_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n may_v be_v mislead_v into_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o extreme_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o the_o prince_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n and_o thus_o irrecoverable_o play_v the_o prodigal_n with_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o property_n this_o author_n speak_v concern_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n sect._n lxiii_o run_v on_o thus_o he_o have_v a_o uncontrolled_a power_n over_o all_o external_n ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o allege_v for_o a_o reason_n because_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o sovereign_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o subject_n submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n to_o their_o disposal_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n have_v so_o strict_a a_o union_n with_o the_o internal_a part_n that_o if_o the_o first_o be_v not_o dispose_v in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o this_o inseparable_a tie_n the_o latter_a must_v of_o necessity_n undergo_v such_o alteration_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n and_o since_o mr._n houtuyn_n do_v not_o leave_v the_o internal_a part_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n how_o can_v the_o exterior_a worship_n be_v submit_v to_o their_o mere_a pleasure_n consider_v this_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o they_o beside_o this_o general_a submission_n he_o speak_v of_o admit_v of_o limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v the_o mutual_a defence_n against_o violence_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o every_o private_a person_n derive_v from_o the_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n at_o least_o no_o further_o than_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v that_o end_n religion_n have_v not_o any_o relation_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o subject_n do_v submit_v their_o religion_n to_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o subject_n may_v exercise_v certain_a act_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a right_n derive_v from_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n and_o independent_a from_o their_o sovereign_n it_o may_v rational_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o subject_n do_v submit_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v do_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o both_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o any_o further_a than_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o what_o be_v allege_v concern_v the_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n as_o to_o n._n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o because_o priest_n have_v a_o dependence_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o certain_a respect_n belong_v to_o its_o jurisdiction_n this_o do_v not_o involve_v religion_n consider_v as_o such_o under_o the_o same_o subjection_n the_o follow_a word_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n command_v over_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o college_n and_o represent_v one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o church_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o civil_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n and_o power_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o other_o college_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n must_v needs_o find_v as_o many_o error_n as_o there_o be_v word_n here_o for_o because_o a_o prince_n have_v the_o sovereign_a jurisdiction_n in_o a_o commonweath_n consist_v of_o christian_a subject_n no_o inference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o
commonwealth_n it_o be_v true_a the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n but_o not_o a_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n but_o owe_v it_o original_a to_o a_o high_a principle_n have_v not_o like_o other_o college_n its_o dependency_n from_o the_o state_n what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o titus_n 2._o 9_o colos_n 3._o 20_o 22._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 14._o be_v strange_o misrepresent_v to_o evince_v that_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v dependent_a from_o the_o absolute_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n what_o follow_v might_n also_o very_o well_o deserve_v some_o animadversion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o beyond_o our_o scope_n at_o present_a n._n 13._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n that_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n he_o attribute_n to_o they_o the_o title_n of_o pastor_n minister_n herald_n of_o god_n bishop_n priest_n and_o apostle_n pray_v with_o what_o authority_n and_o with_o what_o sense_n for_o the_o duty_n belong_v to_o sovereign_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o of_o be_v the_o foster-fathers_n and_n defender_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n from_o what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v here_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o absolute_a judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n itself_o with_o exclusion_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_n alone_a without_o allow_v a_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n in_o the_o §_o lxiv_o each_o sovereign_n may_v establish_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v in_o his_o dominion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v let_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o severe_a correction_n the_o reason_n allege_v be_v very_o frivolous_a because_o all_o public_a and_o external_a action_n depend_v from_o the_o public_a authority_n be_v this_o your_o assertion_n good_a mr._n houtuyn_n that_o prince_n may_v impose_v what_o religion_n they_o please_v upon_o their_o subject_n and_o by_o their_o absolute_a authority_n make_v it_o the_o establish_a religion_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o who_o if_o not_o comply_v must_v forsooth_o sly_a the_o country_n what_o religion_n they_o please_v do_v you_o say_v the_o the_o pagan_a false_a fictious_a or_o superstitious_a it_o matter_n not_o which_o from_o whence_o pray_v be_v this_o power_n derive_v to_o sovereign_n not_o certain_o from_o god_n except_o you_o can_v show_v we_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o it_o not_o from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o civil_a society_n commonwealth_n not_o be_v institute_v for_o religion_n sake_n and_o of_o a_o late_a date_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o power_n be_v not_o requisite_a for_o the_o attain_v that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v establish_v neither_o be_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o bare_a pleasure_n of_o any_o person_n though_o consider_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o freedom_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o inference_n can_v be_v make_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v force_v upon_o other_o the_o distinction_n he_o make_v betwixt_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a religion_n must_v also_o be_v take_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o circumspection_n lest_o some_o people_n may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a what_o religion_n a_o man_n profess_v in_o outward_a show_n provide_v he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o furthermore_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o all_o public_a action_n that_o be_v every_o thing_n do_v in_o public_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n owe_v its_o original_a to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o subject_n in_o public_a depend_v mere_o from_o that_o liberty_n belong_v to_o they_o in_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o liberty_n or_o from_o god_n command_n or_o from_o a_o certain_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o god_n almighty_a it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a that_o all_o exterior_a action_n depend_v from_o the_o civil_a authority_n for_o according_a to_o mr._n houtuyn_n opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o comprehend_v in_o a_o certain_a form_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o exterior_a action_n mr._n houtuyn_n be_v much_o in_o the_o wrong_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o draw_v a_o inference_n from_o thence_o that_o because_o it_o belong_v to_o sovereign_n to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o subject_n may_v be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v what_o opinion_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n as_o the_o establisher_n of_o justice_n they_o therefore_o have_v a_o right_n of_o dispose_v in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o to_o declare_v any_o religion_n whatsoever_o which_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o establish_v religion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v a_o much_o grosser_n mistake_n yet_o when_o he_o assert_n that_o any_o religion_n establish_v in_o a_o state_n though_o never_o so_o false_a contribute_v to_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o religion_n defective_a in_o some_o point_n may_v nevertheless_o lead_v people_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n but_o those_o that_o contain_v false_a doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n be_v incapable_a of_o produce_v that_o effect_n the_o public_a tranquillity_n found_v upon_o such_o false_a opinion_n will_v be_v very_o unstable_a and_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n or_o at_o least_o with_o the_o same_o conveniency_n be_v obtain_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o imposture_n may_v beguile_v the_o giddy-headed_a multitude_n they_o can_v always_o pass_v for_o currant_n among_o man_n of_o a_o sound_a understanding_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o soothsayer_n at_o rome_n can_v forbear_v laugh_v when_o they_o meet_v another_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n we_o must_v beg_v mr._n houtuyn_n pardon_n if_o we_o question_v his_o authority_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v every_o one_o private_a religion_n independent_a from_o any_o temporal_a power_n will_v not_o be_v impair_v by_o a_o man_n profess_v any_o other_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o discretion_n of_o those_o civil_a governor_n which_o of_o all_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o establish_v in_o their_o dominion_n whether_o that_o of_o the_o japonese_n of_o the_o brahmin_n mahometan_n jew_n or_o christian_n and_o among_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o christian_a name_n such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n i_o much_o question_n whether_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o tool_n that_o will_v take_v his_o word_n for_o it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n insufferable_a that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n shall_v set_v up_o for_o the_o great_a arbitrator_n of_o christendom_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o his_o pretence_n do_v not_o reach_v further_o than_o to_o force_v one_o religion_n upon_o the_o world_n which_o he_o know_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o turn_v to_o his_o own_o advantage_n but_o now_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o sovereign_n shall_v be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o establish_v any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o there_o be_v several_a religion_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o they_o may_v with_o the_o same_o right_n at_o several_a time_n declare_v several_a distinct_a religion_n nay_o even_o those_o that_o be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o nevertheless_o every_o one_o of_o these_o must_v be_v accept_v forsooth_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o next_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a of_o defend_v and_o alter_v the_o establish_a religion_n and_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o trespass_v against_o it_o one_o prince_n will_v have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v one_o religion_n but_o his_o successor_n may_v with_o the_o same_o right_n abolish_v it_o and_o punish_v such_o of_o his_o subject_n as_o adhere_v to_o it_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mr._n houtuyn_n gospel_n the_o establish_a religion_n will_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n with_o some_o statute_n which_o may_v be_v enact_v and_o repeal_v by_o sovereign_n at_o pleasure_n in_o
§_o lxv_o he_o entire_o and_o without_o limitation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prince_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o state_n but_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n regulate_v according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n no_o such_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o their_o king_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o the_o most_o general_a teacher_n that_o ever_o be_v as_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n their_o authority_n of_o teach_v from_o any_o temporal_a sovereign_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o time_n when_o sovereign_n first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n do_v transferr_v this_o power_n of_o constitute_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o limitation_n to_o those_o prince_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o sovereign_n have_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o it_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o care_n parent_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v for_o say_v he_o prince_n be_v the_o public_a father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o belong_v to_o their_o princely_a office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o title_n of_o father_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n the_o fatherly_a and_o the_o regal_a office_n depend_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a principle_n and_o the_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o child_n of_o a_o tender_a age_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n neither_o be_v sovereign_n invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o procure_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o subject_n god_n have_v prescribe_v other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o prince_n must_v not_o be_v regardless_o of_o this_o care_n nevertheless_o ought_v the_o same_o not_o to_o reach_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n but_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v approve_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attribute_v to_o sovereign_n a_o power_n of_o obtrude_a any_o religion_n at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o subject_n it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o not_o all_o religion_n be_v conduce_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n so_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o child_n what_o religion_n he_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o be_v very_o well_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o viz._n that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n shall_v be_v so_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o they_o not_o only_o honest_o but_o pious_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o prince_n for_o who_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n to_o pray_v be_v pagan_n make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o piety_n especial_o of_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n under_o their_o protection_n the_o rest_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o care_n so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o poet_n enjoyment_n of_o his_o muse_n be_v owe_v to_o augustus_n caesar_n protection_n nevertheless_o the_o emperor_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n furthermore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o church_n be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o a_o christian_a prince_n who_o subject_n also_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o different_a qualification_n they_o be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v subject_n in_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n it_o seem_v mr._n houtuyn_n look_v upon_o that_o difference_n to_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n which_o arise_v from_o divers_a moral_a qualification_n and_o include_v different_a obligation_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o legal_a principle_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o head_n be_v not_o differ_v in_o his_o natural_a constitution_n from_o the_o right_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n though_o different_o consider_v under_o divers_a qualification_n be_v nevertheless_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n upon_o a_o expedition_n these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o soldier_n or_o subject_n yet_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o any_o essential_a part_n as_o for_o example_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o go_v upon_o their_o expedition_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o afterward_o under_o his_o protection_n enjoy_v and_o inhabit_v the_o country_n of_o canaan_n but_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n though_o compose_v out_o of_o the_o selfsame_a person_n do_v not_o only_o differ_v in_o their_o very_a foundation_n but_o also_o a_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v the_o same_o right_n and_o name_v of_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o state_n for_o in_o the_o latter_a he_o exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o control_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o body_n but_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n who_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o word_n announce_v to_o we_o by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v as_o much_o as_o claim_v the_o right_n of_o be_v christ_n vicegerent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o follow_v assertion_n run_v thus_o where_o the_o whole_a commonwealth_n be_v not_o compose_v out_o of_o christian_n the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o where_o all_o subject_n be_v christian_n the_o church_n be_v nevertheless_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o college_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o he_o allege_v of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o act_n 14_o 23._o and_o those_o in_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o synom_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o in_o all_o the_o town_n and_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a church_n the_o inference_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o military_a function_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n be_v both_o include_v in_o one_o government_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n both_o of_o they_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o sovereign_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n and_o justice_n not_o with_o the_o ministerial_a function_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o general_n and_o judge_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o princely_a office_n but_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bare_o consider_v as_o such_o not_o proper_o minister_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n but_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n he_o say_v further_a that_o the_o assignation_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o faith_n come_v from_o hear_v and_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v without_o be_v instruct_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o help_n of_o who_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o auditor_n it_o be_v false_a when_o he_o assert_n that_o sovereign_n though_o no_o christian_n have_v