Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	church_n	power_n	synod_n	3,603	5	9.6685	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A86352	A breif [sic] enquiry into the ground, authority, and rights, of ecclesiastical synods; upon the principles of Scripture and right reason occasion'd by a late book, intitul'd, Municipium ecclesiasticum: &c.	Hill, Samuel, 1648-1716.; Hill, Samuel, 1648-1716. Municipium ecclesiasticum, or, The rights, liberties, and authorities of the Christian church.	1699 (1699)	Wing H2005B; ESTC R178160	16,608	46

a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n authority_n and_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n occasion_v by_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v municipium_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o m._n b._n for_o richard_n sare_n at_o gray's-inn-gate_n in_o holbourn_n 1699._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o reverend_a dr._n wake_v in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n over_o their_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n assert_v etc._n etc._n have_v chief_o argue_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o those_o instance_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o have_v all_o along_o be_v claim_v and_o exercise_v by_o christian_a emperor_n and_o king_n except_o only_o where_o the_o unjust_a encroachment_n of_o the_o papacy_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o lawful_a right_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v actual_o annex_v to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o the_o realm_n now_o if_o the_o historical_a account_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v defective_a let_v it_o be_v show_v either_o that_o his_o quotation_n be_v false_a or_o else_o insufficient_a but_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v i_o wonder_v how_o any_o one_o who_o have_v subscribe_v to_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o our_o church_n can_v deny_v the_o king_n majesty_n to_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a as_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v the_o christian_a emperor_n to_o have_v have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o much_o more_o do_v i_o admire_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v venture_v to_o impeach_v in_o any_o part_n the_o regal_a supremacy_n in_o the_o say_a cause_n restore_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n therein_o establish_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o pay_v no_o deference_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o most_o learned_a divine_n many_o of_o which_o the_o doctor_n have_v collect_v in_o his_o appeal_n to_o all_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n there_o be_v one_o plausible_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o his_o book_n and_o be_v earnest_o urge_v by_o the_o nameless_a author_n of_o the_o municipium_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la chap._n x._o viz._n that_o to_o argue_v a_o right_n in_o any_o one_o from_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n alone_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a or_o conclusive_a way_n of_o reason_v and_o therefore_o to_o take_v off_o this_o prejudice_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o useful_a work_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n authority_n and_o right_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n whereby_o it_o may_v plain_o be_v make_v appear_v whether_o or_o no_o that_o power_n which_o other_o christian_a prince_n have_v exercise_v and_o our_o king_n do_v claim_v and_o practice_v over_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o else_o be_v only_o a_o encroachment_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n what_o the_o municipium_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la advance_v upon_o this_o subject_n to_o i_o seem_v very_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o book_n or_o in_o my_o understanding_n i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o must_v own_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o frame_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o author_n opinion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o matter_n which_o he_o profess_o propose_v to_o handle_v and_o although_o dr._n wake_v have_v here_o and_o there_o some_o very_a useful_a hint_n upon_o this_o subject_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v not_o all_o lay_v together_o in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o book_n so_o neither_o perhaps_o will_v they_o amount_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o intend_v for_o a_o just_a discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n which_o therefore_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o he_o will_v set_v himself_o to_o write_v as_o be_v well_o assure_v by_o what_o i_o have_v read_v of_o his_o other_o work_n that_o he_o be_v abundant_o able_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o reasonable_a man_n in_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o undertake_v to_o provoke_v therefore_o either_o he_o or_o some_o other_o learned_a man_n to_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n i_o have_v draw_v up_o the_o follow_a short_a essay_n in_o which_o i_o have_v very_o free_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o wherever_o i_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n i_o shall_v own_v myself_o much_o oblige_v unto_o any_o charitable_a hand_n that_o shall_v endeavour_v again_o to_o set_v i_o right_n a_o essay_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n 1._o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n i_o mean_v a_o lawful_a assembly_n either_o of_o bishop_n alone_o or_o of_o one_o or_o more_o bishop_n in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o last_o of_o presbyter_n alone_o due_o and_o sufficient_o authorize_v to_o consult_v and_o determine_v some_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o benefit_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o that_o other_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o determination_n for_o though_o deacon_n or_o lay_v person_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v admit_v to_o assemble_v with_o the_o other_o in_o a_o synod_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o absence_n make_v it_o never_o the_o less_o or_o their_o presence_n the_o more_o a_o synod_n suppose_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n and_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n be_v not_o lawful_a that_o be_v to_o say_v justifiable_a by_o some_o sufficient_a law_n it_o will_v rather_o be_v a_o riotous_a or_o schismatical_a meeting_n than_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n when_o meet_v together_o have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o transact_v matter_n and_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v above_o say_v they_o can_v at_o most_o be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o a_o prudential_n assembly_n and_o last_o if_o they_o meet_v upon_o other_o business_n wherein_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o person_n who_o compose_v the_o assembly_n may_v be_v all_o ecclesiastic_n yet_o such_o a_o assembly_n i_o conceive_v can_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v ecclesiastical_a 2._o from_o the_o different_a extent_n of_o that_o tract_n or_o district_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o and_o for_o which_o any_o synod_n be_v convene_v it_o may_v take_v and_o derive_v to_o itself_o a_o different_a denomination_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o a_o synod_n be_v call_v from_o within_o so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n only_o as_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n but_o of_o one_o bishop_n it_o be_v call_v a_o diocesan_n synod_n if_o from_o within_o several_a diocese_n more_o immediate_o consociate_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o one_o metropolitan_a a_o provincial_a synod_n if_o from_o all_o the_o several_a province_n of_o one_o kingdom_n or_o people_n a_o national_a synod_n and_o if_o from_o every_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n a_o general_n or_o ecumenical_a synod_n 3._o concern_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n i_o shall_v propose_v four_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o first_o of_o what_o institution_n they_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n viz._n whether_o of_o divine_a or_o human_n second_o what_o right_o they_o have_v to_o meet_v and_o act_v antecedent_n to_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o each_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n three_o in_o what_o thing_n and_o over_o who_o they_o may_v have_v authority_n i_o mean_v still_o antecedent_n to_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o four_o how_o far_o their_o right_n of_o meet_v and_o act_v or_o their_o authority_n over_o other_o may_v be_v restrain_v limit_a or_o qualify_v by_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o law_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n 4._o towards_o the_o answer_v the_o first_o inquiry_n let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o any_o assembly_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o fix_v and_o determine_v at_o the_o least_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n first_o at_o what_o time_n and_o place_n they_o shall_v meet_v second_o of_o what_o person_n the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v compose_v and_o three_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v together_o for_o while_o any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n remain_v uncertain_a the_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v institute_v or_o appoint_v for_o first_o if_o the_o time_n or_o

law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v for_o parliament_n or_o such_o sort_n of_o assembly_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o for_o synod_n in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o no_o other_o rule_n or_o law_n can_v be_v find_v except_v only_o first_o the_o voluntary_a agreement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o afterward_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a state_n when_o they_o become_v christian_n either_o first_o for_o the_o call_n of_o any_o such_o assembly_n at_o all_o or_o the_o appoint_v of_o time_n or_o place_n for_o their_o meeting_n or_o second_o for_o prescribe_v and_o determine_v who_o and_o what_o person_n shall_v compose_v they_o or_o three_o for_o the_o empower_a they_o to_o act_n or_o oblige_v other_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o then_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v pure_o and_o altogether_o of_o human_a institution_n according_a to_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o §_o 4._o but_o no_o other_o law_n or_o rule_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v ever_o yet_o appear_v to_o i_o upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a search_n that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o any_o other_o institution_n than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o let_v thus_o much_o suffice_v for_o the_o first_o enquiry_n 11._o as_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n viz._n what_o right_a ecclesiastical_a synod_n have_v to_o meet_v and_o act_n antecedent_n to_o the_o law_n of_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n by_o a_o right_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a but_o such_o a_o moral_a power_n of_o perform_v such_o a_o action_n as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o another_o man_n to_o hinder_v or_o obstruct_v the_o same_o thus_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v honest_o get_v for_o the_o preserve_n and_o sustain_v of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o also_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n nor_o can_v it_o at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o debar_v or_o prohibit_v another_o in_o or_o from_o the_o do_n of_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o then_o but_o set_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v either_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a for_o any_o person_n to_o hinder_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n from_o act_v or_o meet_v and_o this_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o their_o right_n to_o meet_v and_o act_n together_o with_o the_o just_a extent_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o 12._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o where_o any_o person_n meet_v together_o in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a and_o it_o also_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o any_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o meeting_n such_o a_o assembly_n as_o this_o ought_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n or_o by_o any_o one_o either_o to_o be_v prohibit_v or_o disturb_v for_o as_o every_o man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n himself_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n for_o so_o ought_v he_o not_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o any_o other_o man_n in_o their_o do_v whatever_o good_a may_v lie_v in_o their_o power_n 13._o but_o second_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o well_o ground_a suspicion_n that_o such_o a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n will_v prove_v in_o the_o end_n to_o be_v of_o evil_a consequence_n however_o well_o it_o may_v perhaps_o by_o some_o be_v design_v as_o far_o as_o any_o person_n or_o person_n lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v so_o just_o beforehand_o suspect_v so_o far_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o hinder_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v the_o convening_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n i_o mean_v upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o evil_a consequence_n be_v not_o by_o any_o other_o way_n to_o be_v avoid_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n almost_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o understanding_n foresee_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o meeting_n of_o any_o assembly_n although_o upon_o the_o design_n and_o business_n of_o religion_n will_v probable_o create_v feud_n and_o animosity_n among_o the_o people_n or_o keep_v up_o and_o heighten_v those_o which_o be_v already_o raise_v which_o in_o the_o end_n may_v tend_v to_o faction_n or_o division_n in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n as_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o he_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n so_o will_v it_o consequent_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o lawful_a power_n for_o it_o to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o any_o such_o meeting_n 14._o three_o although_o any_o number_n and_o of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o may_v lawful_o assemble_v together_o whensoever_o it_o be_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o no_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o meeting_n be_v foresee_v or_o just_o to_o be_v suspect_v yet_o even_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o meet_v together_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n so_o to_o transact_v matter_n as_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o other_o §_o 1._o except_o they_o have_v a_o lawful_a power_n and_o commission_n for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o whosoever_o in_o any_o case_n act_n without_o a_o sufficient_a commission_n may_v undoubted_o be_v oppose_v by_o every_o man_n who_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o may_v just_o be_v obstruct_v and_o hinder_v in_o their_o proceed_n by_o those_o who_o have_v lawful_a authority_n over_o they_o 15._o here_o then_o for_o the_o full_a and_o final_a determination_n of_o this_o second_o enquiry_n let_v this_o question_n be_v propose_v viz._n from_o whence_o do_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n derive_v its_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o sit_v and_o act_n as_o a_o synod_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o take_v it_o first_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 5._o that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n do_v not_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n immediate_o from_o god_n for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o must_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o second_o as_o for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n our_o very_a enquiry_n suppose_v he_o as_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o matter_n three_o than_o it_o must_v remain_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n do_v immediate_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n antecedent_o to_o the_o civil_a law_n only_o from_o the_o church_n its_o self_n immediate_o i_o say_v for_o that_o all_o lawful_a power_n and_o authority_n whatsoever_o be_v mediate_o and_o ultimate_o derive_v from_o god_n i_o free_o grant_v for_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v any_o other_o person_n from_o who_o immediate_o to_o fetch_v the_o power_n of_o such_o synod_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o man_n over_o themselves_o the_o church_n may_v in_o some_o case_n invest_v a_o synod_n with_o a_o authority_n over_o its_o self_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n in_o their_o civil_a capacity_n may_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o a_o parliament_n 16._o the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o that_o as_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v of_o human_a institution_n so_o antecedent_o to_o the_o civil_a law_n their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v immediate_o derive_v only_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o parliament_n be_v from_o the_o people_n in_o their_o civil_a capacity_n and_o whenever_o a_o synod_n be_v due_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sit_v and_o act_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v therein_o hinder_v or_o obstruct_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n except_o he_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o some_o ill_a consequence_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v from_o their_o sit_v and_o act_v which_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o prevent_v and_o let_v this_o suffice_v for_o the_o second_o enquiry_n 17._o the_o three_o enquiry_n contain_v two_o distinct_a question_n viz._n first_o in_o what_o thing_n and_o second_o over_o what_o person_n may_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n have_v authority_n but_o still_o antecedent_n to_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a proposition_n viz._n that_o as_o no_o assembly_n can_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o what_o be_v original_o lodge_v in_o those_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o empower_v so_o neither_o can_v

they_o just_o claim_v or_o exercise_v this_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n or_o degreé_n as_o it_o be_v actual_o communicate_v to_o they_o which_o be_v premise_v and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o i_o take_v to_o be_v so_o evident_a as_o neither_o to_o need_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o proof_n i_o shall_v from_o thence_o draw_v some_o very_a plain_a corollary_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o two_o question_n but_o just_a now_o propose_v 18._o and_o first_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v in_o what_o thing_n may_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n have_v authority_n from_o the_o proposition_n now_o lay_v down_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o make_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a become_v true_a or_o that_o to_o become_v lawful_a which_o be_v against_o god_n law_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n or_o law_n of_o god_n which_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o all_o mankind_n take_v together_o nor_o yet_o second_o can_v they_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o make_v that_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o almighty_a god_n have_v not_o alread_o make_v so_o for_o although_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n yet_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v essential_a to_o it_o and_o thereby_o immutable_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v a_o prerogative_n that_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o but_o three_o in_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o doctrine_n a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n may_v have_v power_n to_o consult_v and_o debate_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o to_o declare_v their_o sense_n and_o opinion_n concern_v they_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o even_o by_o any_o prudential_a assembly_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v or_o any_o way_n hinder_v they_o so_o to_o do_v but_o four_o when_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n have_v thus_o determine_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o doctrine_n their_o authority_n can_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o oblige_v any_o man_n either_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o determine_v if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o persuasion_n or_o to_o profess_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v impossible_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o late_a unlawful_a as_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o exclude_v by_o the_o first_o of_o those_o corollary_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o present_a section_n five_o but_o if_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o a_o error_n and_o even_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o the_o error_n be_v a_o innocent_a one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v contain_v nothing_o which_o be_v any_o way_n contrary_a either_o to_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n although_o a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v or_o profess_v such_o a_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n yet_o still_o he_o may_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o public_a opposition_n to_o such_o a_o determination_n for_o fear_n of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n or_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thereby_o for_o although_o every_o christian_a be_v require_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o religion_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n yet_o for_o such_o truth_n as_o have_v no_o necessary_a influence_n either_o upon_o faith_n or_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o where_o command_v to_o contend_v and_o if_o we_o can_v stand_v up_o for_o such_o a_o truth_n without_o the_o hazard_n of_o confusion_n or_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o permit_v other_o man_n to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n until_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o better_a disposition_n and_o not_o to_o sacrifice_v peace_n and_o unity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v we_o careful_o to_o maintain_v unto_o such_o a_o truth_n as_o we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o teach_v to_o other_o or_o zealous_o ourselves_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o last_o if_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n due_o empower_v shall_v make_v any_o decree_n to_o determine_v our_o practice_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o thence_o i_o do_v conceive_v will_v arise_v a_o undoubted_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o be_v pay_v unto_o such_o a_o decree_n which_o be_v so_o make_v for_o if_o the_o church_n by_o a_o voluntary_a agreement_n may_v lawful_o lay_v a_o restraint_n upon_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indifferent_a which_o no_o man_n i_o presume_v will_v doubt_v what_o can_v hinder_v but_o that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o power_n unto_o a_o synod_n to_o lay_v the_o like_a restraint_n upon_o they_o for_o whatever_o obligation_n people_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n may_v lawful_o lay_v themselves_o under_o the_o very_a same_o obligation_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n may_v certain_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o representative_n due_o choose_v and_o authorize_v 19_o second_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v over_o what_o person_n may_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n have_v authority_n from_o that_o fundamental_a proposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o §_o 17._o together_o with_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o §_o 15._o these_o follow_a conollary_n will_v evident_o arise_v which_o will_v make_v up_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o it_o viz._n first_o that_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n can_v have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o what_o be_v vest_v in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o sit_v and_o act._n for_o the_o church_n can_v give_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o what_o it_o first_o have_v in_o itself_o nor_o can_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o great_a power_n than_o what_o the_o whole_a be_v original_o endow_v with_o second_o but_o whatsoever_o authority_n be_v lawful_o vest_v in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o may_v by_o they_o be_v delegated_a to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o shall_v hinder_v such_o a_o delegation_n as_o this_o and_o where_o a_o society_n be_v very_o numerous_a as_o the_o church_n be_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o it_o to_o exert_v and_o exercise_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v original_o diffuse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n otherwise_o than_o by_o appoint_v and_o delegate_a their_o representative_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o as_o the_o legislative_a power_n which_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n be_v original_o found_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o useful_a effect_n if_o there_o be_v not_o appoint_v parliament_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o estate_n on_o purpose_n to_o represent_v and_o act_n for_o they_o three_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a synod_n may_v have_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o a_o national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n one_o can_v extend_v its_o authority_n no_o far_o than_o the_o people_n province_n or_o diocese_n for_o and_o from_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v because_o one_o such_o limit_a or_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o vest_v with_o any_o power_n or_o superiority_n over_o another_o and_o four_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o synod_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o it_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v and_o appoint_v they_o provide_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o communicate_v great_a power_n to_o they_o than_o what_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o its_o self_n 20._o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n as_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o derive_v their_o succession_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n have_v thereby_o a_o divine_a authority_n communicate_v to_o they_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a office_n and_o to_o teach_v and_o govern_v their_o respective_a flock_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n law_n from_o which_o no_o variation_n must_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v allow_v of_o or_o admit_v so_o be_v

there_o no_o manner_n of_o restraint_n lay_v by_o god_n either_o upon_o the_o universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o with_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o his_o law_n they_o may_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o thereby_o already_o provide_v for_o manage_n and_o govern_v themselves_o as_o other_o society_n do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o appoint_v their_o synod_n or_o representative_a assembly_n to_o agree_v upon_o and_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n as_o they_o think_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o not_o only_o he_o who_o violate_v the_o immediate_a divine_a law_n and_o so_o continue_v without_o repentance_n but_o even_o he_o also_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o lawful_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o thereby_o cause_v disturbance_n and_o division_n in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o real_o though_o not_o so_o immediate_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n as_o the_o other_o be_v just_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o enquiry_n 21._o i_o proceed_v then_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o point_v propose_v viz._n how_o far_o the_o right_n of_o meet_v and_o act_v of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n or_o their_o authority_n over_o other_o may_v be_v restrain_v limit_a or_o qualify_v by_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o law_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o preliminary_a proposition_n first_o that_o neither_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o any_o civil_a law_n whatsoever_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o church_n or_o any_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n if_o by_o such_o do_v or_o forbear_v true_a religion_n be_v any_o way_n so_o obstruct_v or_o discourage_v as_o that_o god_n be_v thereby_o dishonour_v or_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n hinder_v for_o neither_o our_o own_o voluntary_a act_n nor_o any_o law_n that_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o inferior_a power_n can_v free_v we_o from_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o a_o authority_n that_o be_v superior_a but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v above_o all_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o thereby_o both_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n and_o set_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v consent_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o if_o the_o civil_a law_n have_v enact_v any_o thing_n which_o prove_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o obligation_n under_o which_o we_o beforehand_o indispensable_o lay_v both_o our_o consent_n so_o give_v and_o the_o law_n so_o enact_v must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o void_a i_o mean_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o all_o obligation_n of_o this_o inferior_a sort_n must_v ever_o be_v construe_v with_o a_o tacit_n exception_n that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o former_a and_o superior_a obligation_n but_o second_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o any_o particular_a church_n shall_v consent_v or_o if_o without_o such_o consent_n the_o civil_a authority_n of_o any_o place_n shall_v by_o law_n enact_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o real_a prejudice_n of_o true_a religion_n nor_o any_o way_n obstruct_v either_o god_n glory_n or_o man_n salvation_n such_o a_o consent_n so_o give_v until_o it_o be_v due_o revoke_v and_o such_o a_o law_n until_o it_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n repeal_v shall_v certain_o oblige_v all_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o so_o consent_v or_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o which_o such_o a_o law_n be_v enact_v for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o any_o society_n may_v by_o general_a consent_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n the_o command_n of_o god_n run_v in_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a term_n that_o every_o soul_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v either_o reason_n or_o scripture_n furnish_v we_o with_o any_o other_o limitation_n of_o or_o exception_n to_o this_o precept_n save_v only_o that_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 5.29_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o give_v obedience_n unto_o all_o such_o law_n as_o be_v make_v by_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n except_o it_o be_v that_o something_o be_v thereby_o require_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o these_o two_o general_a proposition_n these_o follow_a corollary_n with_o particular_a relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n do_v most_o evident_o follow_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o enquiry_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o church_n may_v consent_v and_o the_o civil_a authority_n may_v either_o with_o or_o without_o such_o consent_n enact_v whatever_o law_n they_o please_v concern_v the_o call_n model_v manner_n of_o proceed_v and_o limitation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n provide_v that_o nothing_o be_v thereby_o do_v which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o true_a religion_n and_o piety_n second_o but_o if_o true_a piety_n or_o religion_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o be_v real_o in_o danger_n by_o the_o break_n in_o of_o atheism_n heterodoxy_n or_o immorality_n and_o no_o other_o way_n can_v be_v take_v or_o find_v to_o prevent_v or_o redress_v such_o a_o mischief_n but_o only_o the_o assemble_v and_o free_a act_v of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n let_v the_o civil_a law_n say_v what_o it_o will_v the_o church_n notwithstanding_o any_o consent_n of_o she_o give_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v bind_v to_o convene_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n free_o to_o consult_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o redress_v of_o such_o evil_n as_o these_o and_o as_o dr._n wake_v judicious_o observe_v if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v so_o far_o abuse_v his_o authority_n 43._o authorit_fw-fr of_o christian_a prince_n pag._n 43._o as_o to_o render_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o clergy_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o church_n welfare_n that_o necessity_n will_v warrant_v their_o take_n of_o they_o but_o three_o if_o any_o other_o way_n may_v as_o effectual_o be_v find_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o piety_n the_o church_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a law_n nor_o to_o assemble_v or_o act_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o constitution_n 23._o but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o demand_v what_o authority_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v to_o make_v any_o law_n at_o all_o in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n their_o proper_a business_n be_v only_o to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n under_o they_o in_o this_o world_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n or_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o those_o of_o another_o function_n and_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o experience_v abundant_o assure_v we_o how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o due_a management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n general_o have_v upon_o the_o peace_n and_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o any_o people_n i_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n whether_o it_o be_v heathen_a or_o christian_n to_o who_o care_n the_o latter_a be_v commit_v must_v needs_o be_v vest_v in_o a_o power_n of_o make_v law_n concern_v the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o office_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o trust_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o temporal_a magistrate_n at_o any_o time_n apprehend_v that_o difference_n about_o religion_n among_o his_o subject_n may_v likely_o be_v improve_v into_o far_a disorder_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v the_o supreme_a keeper_n and_o guardian_n he_o certain_o may_v i_o mean_v with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o legislative_a authority_n enact_v and_o make_v such_o law_n as_o may_v best_o put_v

a_o end_n to_o such_o discord_n and_o prevent_v those_o evil_n which_o thereby_o though_o at_o some_o distance_n threaten_v the_o civil_a state_n and_o although_o '_o he_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o civil_a authority_n to_o determine_v controversy_n in_o religion_n yet_o he_o may_v very_o lawful_o and_o by_o his_o office_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o over_o rule_n and_o suppress_v all_o such_o dissension_n about_o it_o as_o be_v any_o way_n likely_a to_o prove_v injurious_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o charge_n second_o whereas_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o more_o power_n than_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n encroach_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o have_v actual_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o may_v effectual_o keep_v and_o restrain_v the_o church_n within_o the_o proper_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o its_o own_o jurisdiction_n for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v his_o lawful_a power_n against_o all_o encroachment_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o take_v away_o his_o supremacy_n and_o so_o to_o make_v he_o supreme_a and_o not_o supreme_a at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o will_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o authority_n in_o which_o he_o be_v vest_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o that_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v for_o he_o that_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o bury_v that_o talon_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v employ_v in_o his_o master_n service_n although_o therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o persecute_v even_o a_o false_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o it_o teach_v nothing_o which_o be_v injurious_a to_o civil_a society_n yet_o he_o may_v and_o he_o ought_v both_o to_o defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o true_a one_o which_o can_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o be_v do_v without_o make_v some_o law_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o well_o for_o the_o support_v of_o the_o church_n authority_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o also_o for_o the_o correct_v and_o restrain_v those_o who_o be_v unruly_a and_o disorderly_a and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n will_v embroil_v the_o church_n and_o perhaps_o the_o state_n too_o and_o can_v be_v keep_v in_o order_n by_o her_o discipline_n and_o censure_n and_o if_o the_o chief_a station_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v oppose_v the_o make_n of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o real_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o security_n peace_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o civil_a legislative_a power_n if_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n may_v not_o even_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n enact_v such_o law_n and_o enforce_v they_o with_o such_o proper_a penalty_n as_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v will_v be_v real_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n 24._o but_o here_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v demand_v suppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o this_o point_n differ_v one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v it_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n to_o hold_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v refuse_v his_o consent_n or_o direct_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o meeting_n of_o such_o a_o synod_n will_v in_o such_o a_o juncture_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n either_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o to_o the_o state_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o both_o what_o must_v in_o this_o case_n be_v do_v must_v the_o church_n convene_v a_o synod_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o conviction_n which_o she_o have_v of_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o must_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n yield_v unto_o it_o against_o his_o own_o judgement_n or_o must_v the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v obey_v and_o the_o church_n act_v contrary_a to_o her_o own_o persuasion_n to_o which_o i_o be_o able_a to_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o every_o man_n who_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a will_n always_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v full_o convince_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o same_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n of_o man_n do_v sometime_o occasion_v some_o clash_n and_o opposition_n between_o they_o i_o know_v not_o how_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v but_o consider_v how_o both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n do_v enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n i_o think_v the_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o plain_a before_o subject_n shall_v offer_v upon_o any_o account_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o even_o their_o most_o necessary_a duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v they_o so_o to_o do_v yet_o still_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o respect_n and_o deference_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o the_o case_n will_v possible_o admit_v of_o that_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o offence_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v thorough_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v pure_a conscience_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o discontent_n or_o turbulent_a humour_n which_o move_v they_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o four_o and_o last_o enquiry_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n at_o gray's-inn-gate_n in_o holbourn_n the_o authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n over_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation_n man._n octavo_n a_o appeal_n to_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n octavo_fw-la the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n explain_v in_o a_o brief_a commentary_n on_o the_o church_n catechism_n octavo_fw-la a_o practical_a discourse_n against_o profane_a swear_v twelve_o these_o four_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n wake_n essay_n on_o several_a moral_a subject_n octavo_fw-la a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o profaneness_n and_o immorality_n of_o the_o english_a stage_n octavo_fw-la a_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a view_n octavo_fw-la these_o three_o by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n collier_n maxim_n and_o reflection_n on_o play_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n print_v before_o a_o play_n call_v beauty_n in_o distress_n write_v in_o french_a by_o the_o bishop_n of_o meaux_n with_o a_o advertisement_n concern_v the_o book_n and_o author_n by_o mr._n collier_n octavo_fw-la a_o gentleman_n religion_n in_o three_o part_n twelve_o humane_a prudence_n or_o the_o art_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v raise_v himself_o and_o fortune_n to_o grandeur_n the_o seven_o edition_n twelve_o

not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o general_a design_n which_o he_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o more_o full_o by_o revelation_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o forbid_v they_o not_o but_o leave_v they_o at_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o form_v themselves_o into_o such_o civil_a community_n and_o to_o erect_v such_o form_n and_o scheme_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o they_o in_o their_o own_o prudence_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o agree_v upon_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o he_o have_v give_v divers_a law_n and_o direction_n to_o this_o society_n and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a observe_v and_o enforce_v of_o these_o direction_n and_o law_n order_n and_o government_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n be_v thing_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v deny_v or_o gainsay_v but_o that_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o any_o complete_a and_o exact_a model_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a or_o for_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n in_o particular_a be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v but_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o it_o be_v real_o so_o to_o see_v such_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n thereof_o as_o may_v safe_o be_v rely_v on_o although_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o deliberate_v and_o consult_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o have_v such_o meeting_n as_o they_o apprehend_v may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o this_o purpose_n to_o which_o therefore_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v for_o his_o part_n to_o consent_v and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o to_o concur_v yet_o how_o any_o certain_a form_n or_o prescript_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n either_o general_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n due_o invest_v with_o authority_n can_v from_o hence_o be_v infer_v without_o any_o far_a human_a appointment_n i_o can_v in_o the_o least_o imagine_v and_o however_o a_o man_n may_v put_v a_o specious_a and_o plausible_a gloss_n upon_o the_o matter_n yet_o to_o affirm_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n without_o assign_v any_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o else_o by_o good_a consequence_n to_o make_v good_a those_o particular_n that_o i_o have_v but_o now_o deny_v §_o 5._o must_v i_o think_v upon_o a_o through_o examination_n be_v find_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 8._o but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v far_o object_v that_o it_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v hold_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v a_o command_n for_o this_o although_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o record_v express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v indeed_o allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n with_o some_o other_o do_v sometime_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o determine_n and_o settle_v of_o some_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o benefit_n of_o religion_n act._n 1.15_o and_o 6.2_o and_o 15.6_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o that_o they_o do_v or_o may_v have_v hold_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n but_o why_o must_v we_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o common_a prudence_n and_o natural_a reason_n must_v needs_o suggest_v to_o all_o sober_a man_n in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o special_a command_n from_o god_n for_o the_o hold_v any_o of_o those_o meeting_n which_o yet_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v tell_v i_o can_v see_v how_o such_o a_o unrecord_v and_o unknown_a command_n can_v ever_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n 9_o second_o although_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o divine_a institution_n proper_o speak_v yet_o i_o free_o allow_v that_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o very_a good_a prudential_a foundation_n for_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v suggest_v unto_o we_o partly_o by_o god_n law_n and_o partly_o by_o natural_a reason_n as_o must_v needs_o convince_v every_o sober_a and_o think_v man_n that_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o upon_o some_o occasion_n ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v convene_v and_o hold_v for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v or_o can_v procure_v opportunity_n for_o so_o do_v so_o do_v our_o own_o reason_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v upon_o many_o occasion_n be_v expedit_v and_o set_v forward_o and_o free_a from_o such_o obstruction_n and_o impediment_n as_o too_o often_o do_v arise_v much_o better_a by_o the_o joint_n and_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o many_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n concur_v together_o than_o by_o the_o distinct_a and_o separate_a labour_n of_o each_o of_o those_o man_n several_o and_o apart_o as_o also_o that_o no_o man_n ordinary_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o handle_v judge_n and_o determine_v whatever_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o they_o who_o have_v make_v these_o very_a thing_n their_o chief_a care_n and_o business_n that_o be_v to_o say_v than_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n whenever_o therefore_o any_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v which_o can_v more_o ready_o or_o easy_o be_v assoil_v and_o remove_v nothing_o i_o think_v can_v be_v more_o proper_a and_o rational_a than_o that_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v assemble_v together_o in_o order_n to_o consult_v and_o declare_v their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n and_o because_o such_o assembly_n will_v signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o if_o every_o man_n be_v still_o leave_v at_o his_o liberty_n either_o to_o give_v or_o refuse_v submission_n to_o their_o determination_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o proper_a that_o all_o those_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n the_o assembly_n meet_v shall_v be_v under_o some_o obligation_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o be_v obedient_a unto_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v there_o conclude_v upon_o and_o decree_v the_o ground_n and_o extent_n of_o which_o obligation_n shall_v be_v inquire_v into_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o and_o foundation_n for_o the_o assemble_v and_o hold_v of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o denominate_v they_o of_o divine_a institution_n any_o more_o than_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o assembly_n which_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o temporal_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n to_o the_o forward_v of_o which_o every_o man_n be_v as_o real_o though_o perhaps_o not_o as_o high_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o 10._o three_o although_o i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o immediate_a command_n from_o god_n for_o the_o hold_n of_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n or_o synod_n as_o some_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v of_o which_o we_o but_o just_a now_o be_v speak_v §_o 8._o which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v they_o may_v or_o whether_o therein_o they_o follow_v only_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a prudence_n which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v be_v altogether_o as_o probable_a as_o the_o other_o yet_o until_o i_o shall_v see_v some_o better_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n downward_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pure_o and_o altogether_o of_o human_a institution_n although_o as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a section_n there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o prudential_a foundation_n for_o they_o in_o the_o