Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n king_n law_n legal_a 2,470 5 10.2354 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36253 Separation of churches from episcopal government, as practised by the present non-conformists, proved schismatical from such principles as are least controverted and do withal most popularly explain the sinfulness and mischief of schism ... by Henry Dodwell ... Dodwell, Henry, 1641-1711. 1679 (1679) Wing D1818; ESTC R13106 571,393 694

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of_o glory_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o presentiate_v himself_o so_o long_o even_o the_o subordinate_a governor_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a royalty_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o have_v the_o nomination_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o law_n and_o where_o the_o nomination_n be_v make_v of_o the_o person_n by_o the_o law_n it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v as_o much_o the_o act_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o will_v as_o strict_o oblige_v subject_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o will_v make_v their_o resistance_n as_o proper_o a_o disow_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o king_n do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o person_n in_o the_o nomination_n of_o every_o inferior_a officer_n nay_o many_o time_n know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v by_o other_o in_o his_o name_n yet_o the_o resist_n of_o such_o person_n who_o be_v legal_o invest_v in_o their_o office_n the_o law_n look_v on_o as_o a_o resistance_n to_o the_o royal_a authority_n itself_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a in_o some_o instance_n to_o deny_v they_o active_a obedience_n when_o they_o require_v it_o in_o case_n wherein_o the_o law_n who_o give_v they_o their_o power_n give_v they_o no_o power_n to_o require_v it_o yet_o even_o in_o those_o case_n to_o gather_v party_n against_o they_o and_o to_o disow_v dependence_n on_o they_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o will_v also_o be_v take_v for_o a_o rebellion_n against_o the_o supreme_a authority_n wherever_o it_o be_v passive_a obedience_n must_v be_v pay_v to_o they_o where_o active_a can_v and_o upon_o no_o pretence_n of_o recourse_n to_o the_o supreme_a prince_n can_v be_v deny_v they_o without_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o prince_n to_o who_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a necessary_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o secular_a government_n much_o less_o of_o that_o only_a which_o be_v proper_a to_o our_o kingdom_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o visible_a society_n without_o this_o no_o external_a society_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o even_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o a_o man_n do_v by_o his_o substitute_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o law_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o his_o own_o person_n if_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a authority_n delegate_v his_o power_n by_o legal_a rule_n settle_v by_o he_o as_o such_o a_o delegation_n be_v proper_o his_o act_n and_o therefore_o proper_o oblige_v he_o so_o the_o power_n so_o delegated_a be_v his_o also_o and_o the_o resistance_n make_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o affront_v he_o in_o his_o own_o authority_n this_o i_o note_v to_o show_v that_o our_o adversary_n present_a opposition_n to_o person_n legal_o authorize_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v settle_v by_o he_o for_o maintain_v a_o succession_n must_v be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o though_o such_o subordinate_a governor_n shall_v prove_v mistake_v and_o though_o they_o receive_v no_o other_o gift_n by_o their_o ordination_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n but_o their_o bare_a office_n alone_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n have_v always_o think_v that_o even_o such_o gift_n be_v give_v they_o at_o their_o ordination_n but_o that_o not_o be_v necessary_a for_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o enlarge_v on_o it_o §_o xx_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v very_o proper_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o show_v further_o that_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o canonical_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n i_o say_v against_o the_o dispensation_n itself_o and_o not_o only_o against_o particular_a provision_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o interpretative_a disow_a christ_n for_o our_o master_n when_o we_o leave_v his_o school_n and_o his_o chair_n it_o be_v a_o disow_v his_o royal_a authority_n when_o we_o resist_v his_o subordinate_a governor_n who_o have_v succeed_v canonical_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o establish_v for_o succession_n it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o that_o peace_n which_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o his_o death_n to_o settle_v among_o we_o and_o of_o that_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o derive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o particular_a member_n it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o baptismal_a promise_n and_o covenant_n when_o we_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n in_o our_o baptism_n most_o of_o these_o argument_n i_o have_v show_v to_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o undoubted_o the_o charge_n if_o true_a will_v strike_v at_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n §_o xxi_o and_o for_o the_o punishment_n assign_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n for_o this_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v use_v by_o they_o in_o apply_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o author_n who_o be_v then_o for_o the_o mystical_a exposition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o christian_n both_o by_o their_o genius_n and_o their_o interest_n be_v for_o these_o mystical_a exposition_n those_o author_n i_o say_v suppose_v that_o even_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o history_n themselves_o but_o with_o relation_n to_o future_a age_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o yet_o more_o especial_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n now_o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o mention_v any_o history_n but_o such_o as_o be_v design_v for_o precedent_n even_o to_o posterity_n when_o circumstance_n shall_v prove_v exact_o the_o same_o nor_o be_v this_o only_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n themselves_o but_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v inspire_v nay_o by_o he_o rather_o than_o by_o the_o writer_n and_o these_o mystical_a secondary_a application_n be_v think_v more_o principal_o disign_v by_o he_o than_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o original_a history_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o be_v at_o first_o concern_v in_o it_o so_o that_o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v as_o rational_a even_o to_o ground_n argument_n for_o present_a expectation_n on_o those_o past_a history_n how_o personal_a soever_o they_o may_v otherwise_o seem_v in_o their_o original_a design_n as_o no_o man_n doubt_n but_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o plead_v precedent_n in_o our_o ordinary_a court_n because_o they_o be_v at_o first_o design_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n but_o more_o especial_o this_o be_v rational_a in_o the_o ●imes_n of_o the_o messiah_n because_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o pecular_a regard_n to_o those_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v as_o rational_a for_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o joshua_n 5_o heb._n xiii_o 5_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o to_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v as_o it_o be_v for_o jushua_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o apply_v if_o to_o himself_o because_o according_a to_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v more_o principal_o design_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o than_o for_o he_o and_o indeed_o for_o he_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o lead_a case_n and_o this_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o prudence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o like_a reason_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o apply_v in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o they_o do_v real_o proceed_v on_o this_o supposition_n st._n paul_n himself_o assure_v we_o when_o after_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o several_a of_o the_o judgement_n that_o befall_v apostate_n in_o those_o time_n he_o tell_v we_o 11_o 1_o cor._n x._o 11_o all_o these_o thing_n happen_v to_o they_o as_o example_n and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o though_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n writer_n use_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v yet_o none_o more_o frequent_o than_o st._n paul_n §_o xxii_o and_o as_o this_o observation_n clear_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o prudence_n of_o such_o reason_n at_o lest_o ad_fw-la homines_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o the_o
against_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o be_v condemn_v out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o which_o i_o be_o speak_v be_v such_o as_o need_v not_o this_o way_n of_o defence_n where_o only_o the_o offend_a person_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o offence_n god_n may_v be_v as_o indulgent_a as_o he_o please_v in_o yield_v of_o his_o own_o right_a to_o punish_v he_o but_o where_o other_o also_o be_v wrong_v by_o it_o and_o especial_o his_o subordinate_a governor_n though_o he_o may_v still_o pardon_v they_o the_o guilt_n yet_o to_o confirm_v their_o proceed_n as_o valid_a will_v be_v injurious_a to_o those_o on_o who_o authority_n they_o have_v encroach_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v grant_v they_o on_o any_o account_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n §_o xxix_o this_o will_n at_o least_o concern_v that_o assume_v of_o authority_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o place_n which_o be_v already_o under_o a_o settle_a jurisdiction_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v further_o what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o like_o assume_v of_o authority_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o place_n destitute_a of_o government_n i_o must_v first_o warn_v our_o brethren_n that_o this_o be_v none_o of_o their_o case_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o excuse_v they_o that_o if_o in_o the_o case_n itself_o they_o may_v think_v i_o severe_a they_o may_v yet_o see_v how_o little_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o exigence_n of_o my_o cause_n no_o doubt_n in_o a_o desolate_a island_n man_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o may_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o choose_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o their_o governor_n because_o there_o be_v none_o who_o can_v pretend_v a_o present_a right_n over_o they_o none_o who_o they_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o injure_v if_o they_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v but_o no_o pretence_n either_o of_o maladministration_n or_o of_o a_o suspicious_a title_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a competitor_n who_o can_v pretend_v a_o better_a can_v excuse_v the_o same_o person_n if_o return_v to_o a_o place_n already_o possess_v they_o shall_v attempt_v the_o same_o thing_n where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v attempt_v without_o certain_a disturbance_n and_o without_o danger_n of_o injure_v other_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v a_o irregularity_n only_o but_o a_o nullity_n also_o if_o they_o shall_v there_o presume_v it_o where_o though_o it_o be_v uncertain_a who_o right_a it_o be_v to_o govern_v yet_o withal_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o as_o in_o secular_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n it_o may_v be_v also_o very_o possible_a that_o administration_n of_o they_o may_v be_v valid_a there_o though_o they_o shall_v prove_v perfect_a nullity_n in_o the_o place_n where_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v concern_v for_o they_o §_o xxx_o to_o speak_v therefore_o to_o the_o case_n wherein_o it_o have_v thus_o appear_v how_o little_a the_o interest_n of_o my_o cause_n oblige_v i_o to_o be_v partial_a i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o even_o in_o this_o case_n they_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o usurpation_n who_o shall_v presume_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n without_o a_o lawful_a call_v to_o administer_v they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o injury_n to_o man_n who_o have_v the_o lawful_a power_n of_o call_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v their_o precedent_n in_o such_o a_o case_n of_o any_o ill_a consequence_n to_o government_n especial_o not_o to_o any_o visible_a governor_n if_o it_o be_v only_o practise_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o that_o be_v and_o be_v not_o persist_v in_o when_o they_o may_v have_v opportunity_n of_o obtain_v a_o lawful_a call_v from_o they_o who_o have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o call_v they_o nor_o consequent_o do_v i_o think_v god_n under_o the_o obligation_n now_o mention_v either_o to_o disannul_v their_o do_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o they_o for_o establishment_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o superior_n which_o have_v be_v invade_v by_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n i_o do_v not_o real_o understand_v how_o to_o excuse_v their_o person_n from_o presumption_n or_o to_o secure_v their_o proceed_n from_o a_o legal_a nullity_n §_o xxxi_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o excuse_v their_o person_n from_o presumption_n in_o presume_v to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n without_o any_o power_n receive_v from_o he_o to_o do_v so_o to_o make_v promise_n and_o enter_v into_o obligation_n wherein_o they_o will_v concern_v he_o as_o a_o party_n and_o to_o think_v to_o oblige_v he_o without_o any_o leave_n receive_v from_o he_o nor_o can_v they_o real_o pretend_v themselves_o force_v to_o use_v such_o mean_n by_o any_o necessity_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o want_v the_o ordinance_n and_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v themselves_o actual_o reduce_v to_o that_o necessity_n when_o they_o can_v have_v they_o without_o the_o sin_n of_o usurpation_n but_o no_o necessity_n can_v oblige_v they_o to_o venture_v on_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o or_o any_o other_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v they_o and_o though_o such_o a_o necessity_n as_o this_o be_v when_o they_o can_v procure_v the_o sacrament_n by_o any_o compliance_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o by_o unsinful_a one_o may_v make_v their_o case_n in_o equity_n relievable_a without_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o do_v observe_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o presume_v to_o assume_v a_o authority_n without_o leave_n to_o do_v so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gain_v they_o the_o legal_a advantage_n of_o sacrament_n so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o when_o they_o use_v sinful_a mean_n of_o come_v by_o it_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o observe_v the_o example_n of_o saul_n to_o this_o purpose_n who_o have_v certain_o fare_v better_a if_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o samuel_n he_o have_v only_o make_v use_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o even_o laic_n may_v use_v without_o danger_n of_o usurpation_n than_o he_o do_v by_o presume_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n without_o a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o do_v so_o §_o xxxii_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o even_o in_o that_o case_n such_o usurpation_n can_v be_v secure_v from_o a_o legal_a nullity_n for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n no_o law_n whatsoever_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n though_o there_o have_v otherwise_o no_o injury_n be_v offer_v to_o he_o by_o the_o usurp_a his_o authority_n for_o free_v he_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o performance_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v make_v in_o his_o name_n be_v none_o of_o his_o act_n and_o no_o law_n will_v take_v they_o for_o his_o act_n if_o they_o be_v make_v without_o his_o authority_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v in_o prudence_n make_v it_o advisable_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o forbear_v the_o sacrament_n and_o only_o to_o practice_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o beside_o the_o sin_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o in_o presume_v to_o administer_v they_o without_o authority_n they_o can_v expect_v in_o that_o case_n no_o more_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o with_o they_o than_o without_o they_o without_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o they_o in_o equity_n and_o with_o they_o they_o can_v not_o strengthen_v their_o title_n to_o they_o by_o add_v further_o a_o legal_a obligation_n chap._n xix_o the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n the_o content_n 3._o no_o other_o minister_n have_v this_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o they_o who_o receive_v their_o order_n in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n this_o prove_v by_o several_a degree_n §_o i._o 1._o the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n explain_v §_o ii_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o proposition_n §_o iii_o though_o this_o be_v not_o prove_v yet_o our_o adversary_n practice_n be_v unjustifiable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n §_o iv_o as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o unjustifiable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n so_o they_o can_v plead_v nothing_o which_o may_v make_v that_o justifiable_a now_o which_o be_v then_o unjustifiable_a they_o can_v plead_v a_o lawful_a prescription_n §_o v._o if_o they_o can_v yet_o this_o proposition_n will_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o plead_v it_o against_o god_n §_o vi_o vii_o viii_o the_o proposition_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o
many_o instance_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o where_o that_o divine_a author_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o precedent_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o receive_v legal_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o contract_n that_o testament_n be_v not_o of_o force_n till_o the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n 18_o heb._n ix_o 17_o heb._n ix_o 18_o that_o covenant_n must_v be_v confirm_v with_o blood_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v be_v extreme_o improper_a if_o he_o have_v not_o suppose_v in_o general_a that_o god_n covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o other_o legal_a contract_n §_o vi_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o in_o these_o discourse_n he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o revealer_n of_o god_n will_n as_o of_o a_o disputant_n and_o therefore_o as_o argue_v from_o premise_n not_o only_o grant_v by_o the_o person_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v but_o also_o true_a in_o themselves_o and_o secure_a in_o their_o consequence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v have_v lay_v the_o main_a stress_n of_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n only_o on_o argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la and_o see_v that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v the_o reason_n which_o he_o suppose_v sufficient_a to_o assure_v his_o reader_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n of_o such_o discourse_n can_v not_o be_v any_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o for_o if_o the_o premise_n must_v have_v be_v believe_v for_o his_o authority_n why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o authority_n suffice_v for_o render_v the_o conclusion_n also_o credible_a which_o be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o any_o argument_n or_o deduction_n he_o must_v therefore_o plain_o suppose_v that_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o be_v real_o by_o way_n of_o a_o legal_a contract_n and_o that_o all_o maxim_n requisite_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o contract_n according_a to_o the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o such_o person_n as_o in_o that_o age_n be_v most_o prudent_o to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o contract_n be_v also_o applicable_a to_o these_o divine_a contract_n and_o that_o argument_n ground_v on_o such_o maxim_n be_v solid_a and_o conclusive_a for_o these_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a reason_n for_o assure_v such_o person_n of_o their_o truth_n antecedent_o and_o independent_o on_o the_o apostle_n authority_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o tenor_n of_o argue_v all_o those_o other_o proposition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v equal_o applicable_a must_v be_v presume_v equal_o true_a §_o vii_o 3._o therefore_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o divine_a promise_n and_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n in_o general_a but_o also_o in_o many_o instance_n by_o those_o then_o prevail_v among_o the_o hellenistical_a jew_n for_o who_o use_n the_o new_a testament_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v primary_o design_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o general_n and_o those_o of_o their_o particular_a nation_n but_o especial_o the_o secure_a argue_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v be_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o general_a rational_a notion_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o contract_n not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v real_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o also_o such_o as_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o civilise_a nation_n and_o of_o the_o master_n of_o reason_v who_o authority_n be_v then_o have_v in_o general_a veneration_n for_o though_o god_n be_v not_o any_o far_a than_o he_o please_v himself_o oblige_v by_o particular_a positive_a constitution_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v establish_v yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n necessary_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o yet_o conceive_v he_o indifferent_a to_o its_o observation_n and_o therefore_o whatever_a i_o do_v not_o say_v be_v but_z be_v by_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v rational_o obligatory_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o contract_n that_o we_o may_v presume_v to_o be_v obligatory_a even_o to_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o such_o contract_n with_o we_o for_o the_o very_a design_n of_o all_o contract_n be_v to_o give_v mutual_a security_n for_o performance_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v very_o rational_a that_o we_o be_v the_o same_o way_n assure_v of_o performance_n on_o god_n part_n as_o we_o give_v security_n for_o performance_n on_o we_o but_o this_o can_v be_v unless_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o obligation_n be_v suppose_v equal_o cogent_a in_o both_o case_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o own_o obligation_n be_v measure_v by_o our_o own_o notion_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o god_n obligation_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n we_o may_v conceive_v ourselves_o to_o give_v security_n where_o none_o be_v give_v we_o which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o fair_a deal_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v inseparable_a from_o divine_a contract_n §_o viii_o i_o say_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v conceive_v both_o because_o our_o conception_n as_o erroneous_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o the_o only_a possible_a measure_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o because_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o to_o who_o his_o revelation_n be_v at_o first_o propose_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o any_o actual_a error_n by_o follow_v their_o own_o conception_n in_o such_o case_n and_o because_o i_o may_v by_o this_o clause_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o not_o only_o in_o general_a proposition_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o contract_n but_o also_o in_o such_o as_o be_v repute_a for_o such_o by_o the_o great_a master_n of_o reason_v in_o that_o age_n such_o a_o assurance_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v secure_o ground_v because_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o wiseman_n be_v most_o likely_a and_o in_o prudence_n most_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o age_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o have_v be_v suppose_v likely_a to_o have_v be_v permit_v by_o providence_n to_o misguide_v they_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o observe_v because_o they_o be_v these_o general_a rule_n and_o eternal_a reason_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o contract_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a solicitous_a and_o on_o which_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o superstruct_v my_o future_a discourse_n §_o ix_o 4._o therefore_o these_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o assistance_n in_o our_o future_a performance_n and_o acceptance_n of_o our_o imperfect_a righteousness_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a and_o pass_v by_o our_o daily_a frailty_n and_o accept_v of_o our_o weak_a performance_n in_o order_n to_o a_o supernatural_a reward_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o as_o they_o be_v transcribe_v from_o jer._n xxxi_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n viii_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o where_o on_o god_n part_n of_o this_o covenant_n 12_o jer._n xxxi_o 33_o heb._n viij_o 10_o jer._n xxxi_o 34_o heb._n viij_o 12_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o which_o term_n be_v employ_v all_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o they_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n he_o will_v remember_v no_o more_o by_o which_o may_v be_v include_v his_o whole_a indulgence_n to_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o his_o perfect_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n pass_v employ_v in_o his_o remember_v they_o no_o more_o but_o also_o his_o bear_n with_o their_o future_a frailty_n which_o may_v apposite_o enough_o be_v intimate_v by_o his_o be_v merciful_a to_o their_o unrighteousness_n as_o vrighteousness_n may_v signify_v not_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o righteousness_n but_o
concern_v for_o the_o public_a than_o for_o any_o particular_a case_n so_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o pass_v any_o favour_n to_o particular_a person_n by_o such_o form_n as_o may_v prove_v hurtful_a by_o way_n of_o precedent_n that_o be_v which_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v hurtful_a in_o more_o case_n than_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v convenient_a or_o even_o innocent_a in_o and_o such_o certain_o must_v be_v the_o omission_n even_o of_o these_o external_a solemnity_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v think_v necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o public_a that_o be_v if_o even_o this_o solemnity_n of_o conveyance_n have_v not_o be_v general_o necessary_a for_o secure_v the_o equity_n of_o particular_a conveyance_n so_o that_o if_o such_o grant_n be_v ordinary_o pass_v without_o such_o solemnity_n they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n prove_v unequal_a more_o frequent_o than_o equal_a it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o solemnity_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v settle_v at_o first_o by_o such_o a_o power_n as_o must_v be_v presume_v unwilling_a to_o impose_v any_o further_a on_o the_o liberty_n even_o of_o its_o particular_a subject_n than_o it_o find_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o public_a to_o do_v so_o and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o public_a it_o can_v be_v think_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v omit_v in_o favour_n to_o particular_a person_n without_o a_o very_a particular_a and_o express_a indulgence_n which_o be_v not_o here_o as_o much_o as_o pretend_v so_o that_o here_o the_o culpable_a omission_n of_o such_o punctuality_n be_v without_o any_o relief_n of_o chancery_n think_v just_o meritorious_a of_o a_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o whole_a grant_n especial_o when_o the_o grant_n be_v of_o favour_n that_o be_v not_o otherwise_o due_a in_o the_o rigour_n of_o stric●_n justice_n as_o these_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v §_o iii_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o insist_v rigorous_o on_o this_o solemn_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v the_o prevention_n of_o cavil_n and_o misrepresentation_n to_o which_o private_a action_n be_v very_o obnoxious_a and_o which_o therefore_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o full_a information_n of_o authority_n in_o order_n to_o the_o pass_v a_o just_a sentence_n concern_v they_o in_o which_o the_o reason_n why_o private_a promise_n can_v be_v admit_v as_o legal_a proof_n be_v not_o that_o legislator_n have_v not_o think_v they_o just_o obligatory_a but_o because_o judge_n general_o want_v those_o evidence_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v beside_o the_o necessity_n of_o formal_a bond_n in_o order_n to_o a_o legal_a proof_n seem_v especial_o to_o have_v be_v design_v for_o the_o security_n of_o well-meaning_a simple_a person_n from_o the_o cheat_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o subtle_a to_o which_o they_o will_v frequent_o be_v betray_v by_o precipitation_n just_a as_o the_o roman_a axe_n carry_v before_o their_o consul_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o the_o fasces_fw-la purposely_o that_o if_o the_o consul_n be_v hasty_a in_o their_o decree_n or_o too_o severe_a they_o may_v whilst_o they_o be_v enloosen_a gain_v time_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o mild_a counsel_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o solicitous_a for_o the_o security_n of_o weak_a person_n by_o disannul_v such_o contract_n even_o in_o other_o case_n as_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v think_v sufficient_o obligatory_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o the_o particular_a case_n have_v be_v transact_v with_o sufficient_a prudence_n and_o deliberation_n such_o as_o the_o promise_v of_o minor_n and_o the_o private_a espousal_n of_o person_n to_o be_v marry_v but_o that_o in_o instance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o concern_v which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a discourse_v neither_o of_o these_o reason_n will_v seem_v to_o hold_v for_o neither_o do_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o danger_n of_o precipitation_n where_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v here_o both_o that_o our_o baptismal_a promise_n be_v otherwise_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o promise_v they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o all_o our_o interest_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a or_o if_o the_o benefit_n have_v be_v less_o considerable_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o precipitation_n where_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o prejudice_n to_o be_v suffer_v by_o it_o though_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v rational_o religious_a that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o prejudice_v themselves_o by_o be_v so_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a their_o duty_n can_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_n in_o the_o final_a event_n and_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o fail_v of_o god_n promise_n whilst_o they_o perform_v their_o own_o and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o captious_a exposition_n of_o their_o word_n to_o ensnare_v and_o entangle_v they_o but_o accept_v of_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o same_o simplicity_n in_o which_o it_o be_v design_v by_o themselves_o nor_o be_v there_o here_o that_o inconvenience_n of_o plead_v a_o legal_a obligation_n from_o private_a promise_n see_v that_o however_o private_a they_o may_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o god_n who_o though_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o party_n in_o these_o contract_n yet_o be_v withal_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o only_a possible_a competent_a judge_n of_o their_o performance_n but_o otherwise_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o a_o honest_a person_n be_v as_o just_o obligatory_a to_o he_o and_o as_o secure_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v pass_v in_o all_o the_o usual_a solemnity_n of_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v once_o promise_v it_o may_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a to_o distrust_v his_o performance_n only_o because_o his_o promise_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o pass_v a_o legal_a way_n of_o conveyance_n §_o iv_o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o confess_v that_o where_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v the_o thing_n only_o aim_v at_o in_o a_o covenant_n and_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v only_o require_v for_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v there_o a_o person_n perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o may_v have_v a_o just_a title_n though_o he_o may_v want_v a_o legal_a evidence_n to_o compel_v his_o adversary_n to_o the_o performance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o i_o confess_v withal_o that_o in_o deal_v with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o want_v evidence_n the_o justice_n of_o our_o title_n be_v a_o sufficient_a legal_a plea_n not_o only_o to_o oblige_v he_o but_o also_o to_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v so_o promise_v by_o he_o but_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o we_o do_v require_v not_o only_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o promise_n when_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o also_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o th●_n instate_v we_o in_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o covenant_n the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_o otherwise_o for_o upon_o this_o latter_a supposition_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o will_v not_o give_v we_o so_o much_o as_o a_o just_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n even_o in_o conscience_n that_o i_o may_v not_o now_o take_v any_o advantage_n from_o what_o may_v have_v be_v say_v against_o a_o legal_a obligation_n §_o v_o now_o for_o prove_v that_o this_o must_v have_v be_v the_o actual_a case_n here_o that_o these_o external_a solemnity_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o design_v as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o procure_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v 1._o that_o the_o divine_a promise_n antecedent_o to_o the_o covenant_n bear_v such_o a_o disproportion_n to_o our_o performance_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v think_v due_a to_o the_o performance_n themselves_o but_o still_o to_o be_v pure_a effect_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o liberality_n §_o vi_o hence_o i_o infer_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v very_o free_a and_o just_a for_o god_n beside_o the_o performance_n themselves_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o any_o other_o
a_o governor_n or_o as_o a_o covenanter_n if_o as_o a_o governor_n than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o his_o inferior_a governor_n be_v impower_v by_o his_o commission_n to_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n which_o commission_n if_o they_o want_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o no_o illegal_a authority_n can_v confer_v a_o valid_a legal_a title_n if_o as_o a_o covenanter_n he_o can_v be_v thus_o oblige_v without_o his_o own_o will_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v celebrate_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n of_o it_o unless_o god_n signify_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o empower_v he_o to_o do_v so_o as_o in_o law_n none_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o another_o act_n who_o have_v not_o be_v empower_v to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o letter_n of_o proxy_n and_o he_o that_o presume_v of_o himself_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n be_v by_o he_o engage_v as_o a_o party_n without_o be_v so_o empower_v by_o god_n as_o what_o he_o do_v can_v in_o any_o legal_a exposition_n be_v repute_v as_o god_n act_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o infer_v any_o legal_a obligation_n on_o he_o to_o performance_n §_o xi_o nor_o be_v these_o sacrament_n invalid_a only_o as_o to_o the_o title_n but_o also_o even_o as_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a betwixt_o the_o power_n give_v by_o god_n to_o minister_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n by_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v give_v by_o worldly_a prince_n to_o inferior_a officer_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o secular_a favour_n for_o because_o the_o possession_n of_o land_n be_v in_o effect_n subject_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o inferior_a officer_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o withal_o have_v the_o land_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n wherein_o that_o power_n be_v allow_v they_o as_o they_o may_v decree_v wrong_a in_o give_v land_n to_o person_n who_o have_v no_o legal_a right_n to_o they_o so_o they_o may_v also_o for_o a_o time_n put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v spiritual_a and_o consequent_o their_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o right_o must_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o it_o can_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o please_v god_n to_o give_v any_o validity_n to_o the_o act_n of_o usurper_n nay_o that_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o ordinance_n so_o administer_v will_v appear_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o government_n for_o there_o be_v no_o crime_n more_o punishable_a by_o these_o principle_n than_o those_o which_o encroach_v on_o the_o supreme_a government_n and_o none_o repute_v more_o treasonable_a than_o pretend_v a_o commission_n where_o none_o be_v give_v and_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n especial_o when_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o raise_v actual_a sedition_n on_o these_o pretence_n now_o of_o all_o these_o crime_n these_o vnauthorized_a sacrament_n must_v be_v charge_v by_o these_o principle_n §_o xii_o the_o administrer_n of_o they_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n when_o they_o have_v none_o because_o they_o plain_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o government_n which_o nothing_o can_v empower_v they_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o without_o a_o express_a commission_n at_o least_o they_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o submit_v to_o by_o loyal_a subject_n without_o such_o a_o pretence_n they_o presume_v to_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n for_o such_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o conceive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o according_o charge_v the_o romanist_n with_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n for_o add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v god_n as_o a_o party_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o pretend_v to_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o it_o without_o power_n receive_v from_o he_o to_o do_v so_o they_o raise_v sedition_n by_o set_v up_o society_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o church_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v original_o member_n and_o yet_o independent_a on_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sedition_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n not_o as_o confine_v particular_o to_o that_o which_o be_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o sedition_n be_v and_o certain_o the_o principle_n of_o government_n in_o general_n as_o prescind_v from_o both_o these_o kind_n must_v be_v admit_v in_o these_o dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v pretend_v ecclesiastical_a government_n not_o to_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o be_v secular_a in_o as_o much_o as_o one_o vnivocal_a notion_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o divest_v it_o of_o any_o thing_n of_o government_n but_o a_o bare_a name_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o government_n not_o only_o they_o be_v traitor_n who_o raise_v the_o rebellion_n but_o also_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o abet_v it_o when_o it_o be_v raise_v which_o will_v involve_v the_o communicant_o in_o these_o sacrament_n in_o this_o capital_a gild_n as_o well_o as_o the_o administrer_n of_o they_o §_o xiii_o and_o that_o indeed_o the_o valid_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v thus_o confine_v to_o the_o regularly-ordeined_n clergy_n will_v appear_v whether_o we_o consider_v the_o sacrament_n as_o confederation_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o only_o as_o sacred_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o god_n in_o order_n to_o some_o great_a effect_n to_o be_v promote_v by_o they_o without_o any_o design_n upon_o a_o body_n politic_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o confederation_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a that_o be_v as_o baptism_n do_v admit_v a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v but_o perpetuate_v and_o effect_v that_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n and_o with_o their_o brethren_n as_o fellow-member_n which_o may_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o receive_v those_o vital_a influence_n which_o be_v here_o expect_v the_o same_o way_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n by_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o live_a head_n and_o member_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o receive_v that_o communication_n of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v maintain_v then_o they_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o right_n of_o governor_n for_o in_o all_o government_n the_o right_a of_o admit_v member_n into_o their_o society_n at_o first_o or_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o instate_v they_o in_o the_o legal_a privilege_n of_o such_o society_n be_v never_o conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o particular_a member_n but_o only_o to_o governor_n so_o that_o if_o a_o particular_a vnauthorized_a member_n shall_v presume_v to_o admit_v a_o member_n into_o the_o body_n politic_a whereof_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o member_n such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o only_o irregular_a but_o invalid_n in_o itself_o so_o that_o a_o member_n so_o admit_v can_v be_v repute_v a_o legal_a member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n nor_o consequent_o be_v legal_o entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o without_o a_o new_a admission_n for_o consider_v that_o this_o admission_n and_o continuance_n of_o member_n in_o a_o society_n do_v withal_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o if_o the_o power_n of_o this_o admission_n and_o deprivation_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o governor_n they_o must_v consequent_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o the_o privilege_n man_n gain_v by_o be_v of_o any_o society_n be_v the_o only_a reward_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o invite_v man_n to_o it_o or_o continue_v they_o in_o it_o and_o the_o deprivation_n of_o those_o privilege_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o their_o preservation_n as_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o must_v inevitable_o expose_v person_n so_o deprive_v to_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n be_v the_o only_a natural_a punishment_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o any_o government_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o a_o society_n where_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v and_o therefore_o pursuant_n to_o these_o principle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v
iii_o but_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o another_o election_n and_o see_v the_o person_n themselves_o be_v thus_o incapable_a of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o seeing_z at_z lest_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a distinctive_n of_o any_o society_n of_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o visible_a communion_n with_o they_o by_o visible_a solemnity_n the_o elect_n may_v indeed_o be_v capable_a of_o maintain_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n because_o they_o know_v he_o and_o be_v know_v by_o he_o without_o any_o visible_a society_n but_o for_o want_v of_o these_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communication_n they_o can_v never_o constitute_v any_o society_n nor_o maintain_v any_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o church_n to_o which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v pay_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o church_n all_o our_o sacrament_n must_v be_v perfect_o insignificant_a which_o seem_v plain_o design_v not_o only_o nor_o principal_o to_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communication_n with_o god_n but_o with_o each_o other_o §_o iv_o see_v therefore_o that_o this_o legal_a validity_n depend_v on_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o these_o external_n solemnity_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v obligatory_a of_o god_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o legal_a equity_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v obligatory_a of_o man_n and_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n among_o man_n to_o infer_v a_o obligation_n on_o person_n not_o immediate_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o person_n as_o god_n do_v not_o in_o covenant_v with_o we_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o person_n act_v in_o their_o behalf_n be_v indeed_o impower_v by_o they_o to_o act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o to_o pass_v such_o act_n into_o legal_a form_n by_o solemn_a seal_v they_o this_o must_v also_o be_v conceive_v requisite_a to_o god_n obligation_n as_o it_o may_v be_v valid_a in_o law_n and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o appear_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o his_o covenant_n be_v transact_v with_o we_o by_o minister_n deal_v with_o we_o immediate_o and_o who_o must_v make_v out_o their_o authority_n to_o act_n and_o administer_v the_o seal_n in_o his_o name_n the_o same_o way_n as_o legal_a procurator_n do_v by_o their_o deputation_n from_o they_o who_o be_v original_o concern_v §_o v_o now_o all_o the_o thing_n on_o which_o this_o trial_n depend_v be_v visible_a the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o seal_n the_o minister_n their_o call_n by_o authorize_v person_n and_o therefore_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v transact_v any_o where_o but_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o external_n communion_n and_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v will_v resolve_v the_o ultimate_a trial_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o solemnity_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n administer_a they_o which_o will_v more_o direct_o prove_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o suppose_v must_v also_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o this_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o second_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o justification_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n chap._n ix_o that_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o salvation_n without_o the_o sacrament_n the_o content_n 11._o that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v and_o particular_o that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o live_v §_o i._o 1._o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v this_o prove_v by_o several_a degree_n §_o ii_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n two_o thing_n premise_v the_o former_a §_o jii.iu._n the_o late_a §_o v._o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v §_o vi_o prove_v two_o way_n 1._o exclusive_o of_o other_o mean_n of_o gain_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n §_o vii_o viii_o 1._o of_o the_o word_n preach_v some_o thing_n premise_v §_o ix_o x.xi.xii_n 1._o much_o of_o the_o grace_n convey_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v undoubted_o proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v expect_v now_o §_o xiii_o xiu.xv_n 2._o there_o be_v reason_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n why_o such_o grace_n may_v be_v expect_v then_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v now_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o person_n who_o then_o receive_v the_o spirit_n §_o xvi_o 3._o there_o be_v also_o other_o proper_a reason_n necessary_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v §_o xvii_o 4._o that_o grace_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v expect_v in_o attend_v on_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v yet_o not_o so_o probable_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o person_n vnauthorize_v especial_o if_o they_o preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o who_o be_v legal_o invest_v with_o spiritual_a authority_n §_o xviii_o xix_o 5._o it_o be_v yet_o far_a doubtful_a whether_o the_o grace_n which_o may_v now_o be_v ordinary_o expect_v at_o any_o preach_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o great_a as_o to_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n while_o they_o want_v the_o sacrament_n §_o xx._n xxi_o 6._o it_o be_v also_o very_o doubtful_a whether_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v any_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o dispose_v the_o auditor_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v to_o they_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v there_o receive_v that_o further_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o help_v they_o to_o practise_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o receive_v and_o believe_v §_o xxii_o xxiii.xxiv_n 7._o this_o first_o grace_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o suppose_v it_o alone_o to_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v will_v full_o answer_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v §_o xxv_o 8._o the_o grace_n here_o receive_v seem_v to_o be_v only_o some_o actual_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o wicked_a man_n may_v receive_v while_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o which_o therefore_o can_v alone_o be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n not_o the_o person_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n himself_o §_o xxvi_o §_o i_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a requisite_a for_o bring_v this_o proposition_n home_o to_o my_o present_a design_n viz._n that_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a person_n that_o visible_a church_n wherein_o they_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v the_o episcopal_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v and_o particular_o that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o live_v this_o will_v also_o consist_v of_o 2._o part_n fit_a to_o be_v consider_v distinct_o 1._o that_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n th●se_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v and_o 2._o that_o in_o respect_n to_o particular_a person_n that_o episcopal_a communion_n under_o which_o the_o person_n live_v be_v that_o particular_a episcopal_a communion_n to_o which_o these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v confine_v in_o the_o case_n of_o these_o particular_a person_n §_o two_o 1._o than_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o society_n not_o episcopal_o govern_v be_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o external_n communion_n these_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v confine_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v administer_v 3._o that_o no_o other_o minister_n have_v this_o lawful_a authority_n but_o only_o they_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n §_o iii_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n
thing_n do_v certain_o imply_v that_o they_o who_o then_o have_v the_o spirit_n can_v certain_o know_v they_o have_v it_o and_o make_v a_o argument_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o other_o and_o much_o more_o in_o themselves_o and_o according_o wherever_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v it_o seem_v general_o to_o have_v discover_v itself_o by_o some_o sensible_a indication_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o other_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o have_v it_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n promise_v that_o miraculous_a sign_n shall_v general_o follow_v they_o which_o shall_v 18._o shall_v s._n mark_n xvi_o 17_o 18._o believe_v and_o it_o be_v by_o these_o sensible_a sign_n that_o simon_n 18_o simon_n act_v viii_o 18_o magus_n though_o a_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v notwithstanding_o convince_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o this_o by_o their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n on_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o st._n philip_n that_o we_o may_v not_o suspect_v that_o their_o case_n be_v then_o think_v extraordinary_a and_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v we_o that_o though_o they_o be_v distribute_v different_o yet_o that_o all_o have_v some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v continue_v till_o the_o religion_n be_v sufficient_o propagate_v even_o to_o st._n cyprian_a and_o lactantius_n time_n so_o far_o baptize_v christian_n felt_n that_o strange_a and_o sudden_a change_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o can_v not_o sufficient_o admire_v and_o can_v never_o have_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o feel_v it_o and_o particular_o ordinary_a baptize_v christian_n find_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o power_n over_o devil_n to_o torment_n and_o vex_v they_o and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o quit_v their_o oracle_n and_o to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_a spirit_n now_o as_o these_o sensible_a indication_n to_o the_o person_n themselves_o be_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n long_o since_o cease_v so_o also_o this_o reason_n be_v cease_v of_o the_o influence_n themselves_o that_o the_o person_n who_o now_o receive_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o expect_v any_o new_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n by_o which_o they_o receive_v it_o but_o confess_v themselves_o abundant_o satisfy_v with_o those_o credential_n which_o be_v exhibit_v at_o its_o first_o publication_n but_o it_o be_v also_o further_o considerable_a that_o beside_o these_o reason_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o person_n receive_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o age_n §_o xvii_o there_o be_v also_o 3_o other_o necessary_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o something_o new_a of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o thus_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v fall_v upon_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n upon_o st._n peter_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o before_o their_o baptism_n because_o else_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o baptize_v they_o notwithstanding_o his_o vision_n for_o that_o purpose_n immediate_o before_o his_o come_n to_o they_o at_o least_o he_o have_v want_v that_o satisfaction_n which_o have_v be_v requisite_a for_o his_o defence_n to_o other_o who_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o scandalize_v at_o he_o if_o he_o have_v venture_v to_o practice_v upon_o a_o revelation_n make_v only_o to_o himself_o we_o find_v he_o express_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o argument_n for_o his_o own_o direction_n in_o this_o affair_n who_o can_v forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v 17_o act_n x._o 47_o act_n xi_o 17_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o again_o if_o god_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n as_o unto_o we_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v hinder_v god_n the_o necessity_n hereof_o then_o appear_v by_o the_o apology_n he_o be_v afterward_o oblige_v to_o make_v for_o himself_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o prophecy_n in_o that_o age_n for_o god_n to_o instruct_v some_o even_o inspire_v person_n themselves_o by_o visible_a sign_n of_o his_o influence_n upon_o other_o thus_o st._n john_n baptist_n himself_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o whereas_o he_o know_v he_o not_o himself_o 33_o john_n i._n 33_o he_o who_o have_v send_v he_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o abide_n on_o he_o that_o be_v he_o who_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o much_o more_o this_o be_v requisite_a then_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o universal_a concernment_n and_o where_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o prophet_n reputation_n that_o other_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o on_o his_o single_a authority_n which_o be_v exact_o st._n peter_n case_n here_o thus_o the_o apostle_n authority_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o multitude_n by_o the_o visible_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n ii_o act_n ii_o but_o now_o that_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n either_o concern_v thing_n or_o person_n but_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o entire_o to_o our_o own_o natural_a prudence_n both_o for_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o administer_a those_o sacrament_n which_o have_v be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o what_o person_n have_v a_o title_n to_o they_o all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o on_o this_o account_n be_v give_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n can_v now_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o §_o xviii_o and_o yet_o far_o 4._o even_o concern_v that_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v worth_a consider_v in_o what_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v whether_o it_o may_v only_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v send_v and_o authorize_v or_o may_v also_o be_v expect_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o such_o as_o preach_v without_o authority_n nay_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o who_o be_v legal_o invest_v with_o this_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o it_o may_v be_v when_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v thorough_o consider_v the_o now_o mention_a observation_n and_o shall_v then_o recollect_v their_o proof_n for_o this_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v which_o may_v reach_v our_o present_a case_n and_o prove_v it_o reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o expect_v the_o like_a influence_n now_o possible_o they_o will_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o solid_a reason_n for_o their_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o parity_n of_o the_o case_n now_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o whereas_o they_o will_v hardly_o find_v a_o express_a and_o immutable_a promise_n which_o may_v reach_v our_o time_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o may_v expect_v the_o like_a assistance_n now_o be_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v still_o continue_v as_o to_o its_o ordinary_n though_o it_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o as_o to_o its_o extraordinary_n that_o they_o who_o be_v call_v by_o person_n authorize_v by_o god_n to_o call_v they_o be_v as_o proper_o authorize_v by_o god_n in_o their_o several_a succession_n as_o they_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o he_o immediate_o that_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n he_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o second_v they_o in_o all_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n relate_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v design_v it_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o every_o supreme_a worldly_a governor_n think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o government_n to_o ratify_v and_o promote_v all_o the_o legal_a procedure_v even_o of_o his_o inferior_a subordinate_a officer_n and_o that_o god_n be_v rather_o oblige_v to_o do_v this_o than_o even_o worldly_a prince_n themselves_o because_o indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o their_o ministry_n depend_v on_o his_o immediate_a interposition_n whereas_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n commit_v to_o inferior_a magistrate_n enable_v they_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n without_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o supreme_a §_o xix_o if_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v plain_o resolve_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o expect_v this_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o ministry_n into_o the_o legality_n of_o their_o
for_o it_o but_o he_o who_o receive_v from_o he_o what_o he_o have_v power_n to_o give_v he_o be_v not_o responsible_a for_o his_o personal_a fault_n but_o have_v a_o just_a title_n to_o the_o thing_n confer_v by_o he_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v secure_v to_o he_o by_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o be_v impower_v to_o give_v it_o to_o he_o §_o iii_o and_o therefore_o by_o a_o invalid_a administration_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o only_o as_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o who_o have_v no_o legal_a power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n from_o such_o a_o one_o the_o communicant_a now_o describe_v may_v indeed_o receive_v the_o external_a symbol_n but_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o to_o confer_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n signify_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v legal_o convey_v by_o those_o symbol_n and_o it_o be_v from_o god_n that_o these_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v if_o they_o be_v receive_v at_o all_o §_o iv_o and_o further_o yet_o by_o this_o validity_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o communicant_a that_o he_o who_o receive_v the_o symbol_n from_o he_o who_o he_o know_v to_o have_v no_o legal_a power_n of_o administer_a they_o or_o who_o he_o may_v know_v not_o to_o have_v that_o power_n by_o such_o rule_n as_o all_o society_n take_v care_n of_o for_o derive_v power_n to_o succession_n and_o which_o withal_o they_o all_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v notorious_a to_o all_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n who_o use_v their_o diligence_n to_o know_v they_o as_o all_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o do_v when_o their_o practice_n be_v concern_v in_o know_v they_o for_o the_o prevent_a usurpation_n of_o power_n and_o all_o the_o consequent_a mischief_n which_o society_n must_v suffer_v from_o such_o usurpation_n i_o mean_v that_o such_o a_o communicant_a who_o by_o these_o mean_n as_o they_o be_v contrive_v for_o the_o settlement_n of_o christian_a society_n as_o christian_n can_v know_v that_o he_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v these_o symbol_n be_v never_o legal_o invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o administer_a they_o can_v never_o rational_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v second_v such_o a_o ministry_n by_o make_v good_a the_o spiritual_a benefit_n which_o be_v symbolical_o convey_v by_o this_o ministry_n and_o that_o he_o who_o know_v this_o or_o may_v know_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n now_o mention_v can_v rational_o look_v on_o it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o perfect_a nullity_n oblige_v god_n to_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v enjoy_v any_o rational_a solid_a comfort_n from_o such_o ordinance_n this_o i_o may_v therefore_o dispatch_v the_o more_o brief_o now_o because_o several_a of_o the_o principle_n requisite_a for_o prove_v it_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v on_o other_o occasion_n such_o as_o those_o be_v i_o shall_v only_o lay_v together_o for_o clear_v the_o present_a consequence_n §_o v_o 1._o therefore_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o immediate_o convey_v in_o the_o external_a participation_n of_o they_o and_o all_o law_n make_v a_o real_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o conveyance_n when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v immediate_o convey_v and_o when_o only_o a_o right_a to_o it_o be_v convey_v by_o which_o the_o receiver_n may_v recover_v it_o from_o he_o who_o have_v it_o in_o possession_n for_o example_n he_o who_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o a_o piece_n of_o land_n by_o he_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o give_v he_o possession_n do_v however_o continue_v in_o possession_n till_o he_o be_v again_o legal_o dispossess_v and_o the_o nullity_n of_o such_o a_o giver_n act_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o immediate_a effect_n but_o only_o in_o this_o that_o because_o he_o can_v confer_v no_o legal_a right_n therefore_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o possession_n he_o have_v give_v whenever_o the_o law_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o he_o who_o have_v the_o same_o land_n convey_v to_o he_o only_o by_o promise_n before_o witness_n or_o by_o instrument_n or_o even_o by_o earnest_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n itself_o but_o be_v still_o leave_v to_o the_o law_n to_o recover_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n so_o convey_v from_o he_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o possess_v of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n or_o instrument_n or_o earnest_n be_v give_v by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v no_o legal_a power_n to_o give_v they_o the_o nullity_n of_o such_o a_o grant_n be_v such_o as_o will_v never_o be_v likely_a so_o much_o as_o to_o gain_v he_o a_o actual_a possession_n §_o vi_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o act_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o give_v possession_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o but_o the_o give_v of_o the_o symbol_n by_o the_o minister_n confer_v a_o legal_a right_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o put_v well-disposed_a communicant_n in_o actual_a possession_n of_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n where_o the_o symbol_n themselves_o be_v valid_o administer_v that_o be_v where_o the_o person_n who_o administer_v have_v receive_v a_o power_n from_o god_n of_o act_v in_o his_o name_n in_o their_o administration_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o the_o person_n who_o give_v the_o symbol_n be_v not_o empower_v by_o god_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n in_o give_v they_o as_o they_o can_v convey_v the_o thing_n itself_o so_o neither_o can_v they_o any_o right_n to_o it_o from_o god_n they_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o perform_v what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o but_o by_o act_v in_o his_o name_n nor_o can_v any_o act_n in_o his_o name_n oblige_v he_o but_o that_o which_o be_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o that_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o this_o be_v can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o law_n see_v it_o confer_v neither_o the_o right_a nor_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o it_o which_o be_v that_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o perfect_a nullity_n §_o vii_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a further_o 2._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o do_v hold_v not_o only_o in_o act_n of_o authority_n that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n unless_o the_o person_n pretend_v in_o his_o name_n to_o give_v it_o be_v authorize_v by_o he_o to_o give_v it_o 〈◊〉_d but_o also_o in_o deed_n of_o gift_n none_o can_v oblige_v god_n in_o a_o legal_a way_n to_o give_v that_o which_o it_o be_v only_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v without_o power_n receive_v from_o he_o to_o act_n in_o his_o name_n in_o oblige_v he_o to_o such_o a_o gift_n so_o that_o their_o gift_n may_v in_o a_o legal_a way_n of_o estimation_n be_v count_v he_o and_o as_o his_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n this_o be_v no_o more_o in_o god_n case_n than_o what_o be_v think_v just_a and_o reasonable_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o mean_a private_a person_n even_o such_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o the_o act_n of_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v first_o authorize_v they_o to_o act_n in_o their_o name_n by_o express_a procuration_n this_o i_o note_v that_o our_o adversary_n may_v see_v that_o our_o present_a reason_n will_v hold_v whether_o we_o do_v as_o yet_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a or_o not_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n act_v herein_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n nor_o that_o the_o person_n empower_v by_o he_o receive_v any_o more_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n than_o those_o private_a person_n do_v receive_v when_o they_o be_v authorize_v also_o by_o private_a person_n to_o make_v legal_a conveyance_n and_o to_o undertake_v legal_a obligation_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o withal_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o though_o as_o yet_o they_o grant_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o the_o administrator_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o legal_a conveyance_n of_o a_o gift_n yet_o that_o will_v oblige_v other_o to_o depend_v on_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o gift_n which_o will_v easy_o infer_v a_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n §_o viii_o and_z 3._o there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v perform_v what_o be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n by_o such_o unauthorized_a person_n than_o to_o expect_v it_o from_o ordinary_a governor_n ordinary_a governor_n may_v be_v impose_v on_o either_o to_o think_v they_o have_v make_v promise_n where_o they_o have_v not_o or_o may_v be_v oversway_v with_o kindness_n to_o the_o usurper_n person_n or_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o conveyance_n be_v make_v or_o by_o the_o exigency_n of_o their_o affair_n or_o by_o some_o other_o
law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n our_o adversary_n can_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o still_o they_o give_v they_o very_o sufficient_a legal_a credential_n or_o where_o these_o be_v want_v they_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o their_o private_a command_n be_v control_v by_o their_o public_a notorious_a rule_n and_o till_o these_o appear_v and_o appear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o governor_n who_o by_o those_o stand_a rule_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o §_o xi_o and_o indeed_o the_o verification_n or_o authentic_a publication_n even_o of_o these_o credential_n be_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o derive_v their_o oblige_a virtue_n and_o be_v proper_o the_o office_n of_o the_o subordinate_a governor_n but_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o assume_v of_o a_o constant_a office_n than_o in_o execute_v a_o temporary_a command_n if_o a_o whole_a office_n may_v be_v undertake_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o visible_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v how_o that_o dependence_n can_v be_v maintain_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o society_n for_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o office_n independent_o on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o who_o do_v also_o justify_v a_o independent_a exercise_n of_o that_o office_n must_v make_v as_o constant_a a_o practice_n of_o act_v independent_o on_o their_o superior_n as_o they_o do_v of_o perform_v their_o office_n and_o of_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o single_a act_n relate_v to_o the_o public_a may_v prove_v of_o so_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o practise_v independent_o on_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o any_o society_n how_o much_o more_o dangerous_a must_v it_o be_v to_o persist_v in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o such_o act_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondence_n with_o their_o superior_n for_o drive_v on_o the_o same_o end_n when_o they_o who_o be_v intent_n on_o those_o end_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o difference_n how_o can_v the_o public_a peace_n be_v preserve_v whilst_o these_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a mission_n make_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o resist_v their_o ordinary_a superior_n especial_o if_o their_o power_n be_v think_v great_a because_o more_o immediate_o derive_v from_o god_n than_o that_o of_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o if_o withal_o as_o many_o be_v allow_v to_o assume_v these_o office_n as_o shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o do_v so_o where_o notorious_a credential_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o for_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o pretence_n at_o least_o this_o be_v extreme_o dissonant_n to_o the_o politic_n of_o all_o government_n and_o worldly_a governor_n who_o never_o give_v office_n to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o inferior_a jurisdiction_n without_o notorious_a way_n of_o approbation_n nor_o without_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o subordinate_a officer_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v their_o office_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o challenge_v a_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n never_o receive_v from_o those_o superior_n who_o they_o find_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v their_o separation_n §_o xii_o but_o 6._o this_o course_n of_o approve_v the_o authority_n of_o extraordinary_a call_n be_v then_o more_o rigorous_o and_o punctual_o insist_v on_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a proceed_n when_o the_o access_n to_o the_o supreme_a prince_n be_v more_o difficult_a indeed_o where_o the_o prince_n be_v near_o and_o may_v be_v easy_o consult_v neither_o can_v the_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o false_a pretender_n when_o they_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o be_v discover_v before_o they_o can_v have_v time_n to_o compass_v any_o great_a design_n nor_o be_v there_o that_o fear_n that_o pretender_n will_v venture_v where_o they_o be_v in_o so_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o of_o be_v sudden_o and_o severe_o punish_v upon_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o he_o who_o pretend_v the_o prince_n name_n for_o a_o design_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v dispatch_v do_v pretend_v true_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o present_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v to_o pretend_v false_o and_o that_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v countervail_v by_o success_n in_o any_o design_n and_o more_o imminent_a than_o to_o allow_v time_n for_o a_o design_n which_o require_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v need_v not_o fear_v any_o very_a considerable_a ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v ordinary_o befall_v they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o ordinary_o as_o they_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o sudden_a and_o sometime_o secret_a prudential_a provision_n of_o their_o prince_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o prince_n themselves_o apprehend_v the_o damage_n that_o may_v follow_v on_o such_o false_a pretence_n for_o so_o short_a a_o time_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v undiscovered_a of_o that_o consequence_n as_o to_o countervail_v the_o benefit_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o provisional_a command_n though_o sometime_o transact_v with_o great_a suddenness_n and_o secrecy_n and_o therefore_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a altogether_o to_o forbear_v the_o advantage_n of_o these_o provisional_a command_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o false_a pretender_n §_o xiii_o but_o where_o the_o distance_n be_v great_a or_o the_o access_n be_v very_o difficult_a or_o any_o other_o cause_n occur_v that_o may_v delay_v the_o discovery_n or_o give_v opportunity_n for_o complete_n ill_a design_n before_o the_o discovery_n can_v be_v make_v there_o all_o wise_a governor_n have_v think_v it_o more_o prudent_a and_o safe_a to_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o have_v their_o secret_a command_n without_o credential_n fulfil_v than_o to_o hazard_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o command_n which_o may_v be_v pretend_v without_o control_n when_o bold_a man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o pretend_v to_o they_o without_o notorious_a credential_n or_o when_o any_o other_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o notoriety_n of_o those_o credential_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n according_o in_o province_n far_o distant_a from_o the_o court_n not_o only_o the_o disposal_n of_o office_n but_o even_o particular_a provisional_a command_n at_o least_o such_o command_n as_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v public_o must_v first_o pass_v the_o office_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o province_n respective_o before_o those_o province_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v they_o for_o the_o true_a act_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o they_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o verify_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n presume_v suspicious_a of_o be_v false_a and_o till_o they_o pass_v this_o course_n of_o trial_n it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o act_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v so_o and_o what_o be_v so_o do_v be_v count_v as_o mere_a a_o nullity_n in_o law_n as_o if_o the_o power_n have_v never_o be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o prince_n depart_v into_o country_n far_o distant_a from_o their_o own_o where_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v they_o do_v not_o then_o think_v fit_a to_o lay_v restraint_n on_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n by_o commission_n unknown_a to_o they_o nor_o do_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o politic_n oblige_v such_o governor_n to_o own_o any_o such_o §_o fourteen_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o case_n here_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n god_n can_v be_v consult_v in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a politic_n be_v observe_v here_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o what_o be_v propose_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n i_o mean_v nothing_o relate_v to_o prudential_a practice_n or_o authority_n at_o lest_o no_o officer_n can_v be_v presume_v in_o this_o age_n to_o have_v authority_n who_o can_v prove_v their_o title_n either_o receive_v from_o or_o verify_v by_o our_o present_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o whether_o of_o the_o two_o regard_n they_o depend_v we_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v all_o their_o proceed_n null_a for_o want_v of_o power_n till_o that_o power_n be_v verify_v as_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o believe_v they_o null_a when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o assure_v that_o they_o
on_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v try_v though_o it_o be_v also_o very_o observable_a that_o even_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o these_o extraordinary_a mean_n be_v use_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o but_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v at_o least_o not_o certain_o therefore_o even_o then_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v immediate_o for_o the_o multitude_n but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n who_o when_o they_o be_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_v inform_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v then_o invest_v they_o with_o the_o power_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a even_o then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o gift_n of_o which_o these_o extraordinary_a discovery_n be_v only_a testimony_n but_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o investiture_n that_o immediate_o give_v they_o the_o power_n itself_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o these_o evidence_n and_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o they_o by_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n itself_o be_v even_o then_o the_o only_a assurance_n by_o which_o the_o vulgar_a be_v enable_v to_o judge_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o who_o be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n none_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n but_o they_o who_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n judge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o will_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n of_o practice_n oblige_v they_o to_o as_o near_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n from_o those_o governor_n themselves_o and_o certain_o the_o reason_n will_v be_v much_o more_o cogent_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o governor_n who_o can_v make_v out_o no_o better_a a_o title_n to_o the_o call_v itself_o then_o what_o they_o can_v receive_v from_o the_o governor_n than_o those_o who_o may_v pretend_v that_o their_o obligation_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o be_v only_o for_o their_o approbation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v to_o they_o not_o for_o derive_v the_o authority_n itself_o these_o if_o their_o pretence_n be_v true_a can_v only_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o disorderliness_n of_o their_o proceed_n but_o they_o who_o derive_v their_o power_n not_o from_o any_o supernatural_a gift_n receive_v by_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o ordination_n but_o from_o their_o ordination_n itself_o must_v expect_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o only_o disorderly_a but_o invalid_a if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o divine_a authority_n not_o receive_v by_o ordination_n §_o viii_o hence_o therefore_o i_o infer_v 4._o that_o god_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o right_a of_o their_o governor_n which_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o they_o in_o judge_v concern_v their_o secular_a governor_n these_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o vulgar_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v the_o same_o way_n judge_v of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n by_o which_o even_o they_o have_v be_v use_v and_o often_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o secular_a governor_n and_o the_o better_a such_o mean_n be_v suit_v to_o popular_a understanding_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v prove_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n they_o must_v have_v be_v more_o easy_o applicable_a to_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o government_n than_o any_o new_a mean_n that_o can_v have_v be_v introduce_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v rather_o make_v use_n of_o present_a mean_n than_o any_o other_o if_o they_o may_v withal_o serve_v their_o end_n as_o well_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o very_a avoid_v innovation_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o mean_n above_o any_o other_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o these_o be_v the_o mean_v intend_v if_o no_o express_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o any_o other_o for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o present_a custom_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o age_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o revelation_n to_o be_v reform_v where_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v where_o they_o be_v uncertain_a especial_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v of_o consequence_n and_o therefore_o where_o something_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o no_o new_a order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o thing_n new_a there_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o presume_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o alteration_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v already_o receive_v §_o ix_o certain_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o age_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mistake_n he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v prevent_v it_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o that_o age_n itself_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ill_a influence_n a_o mistake_n in_o that_o age_n must_v have_v on_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o ever_o reform_v any_o such_o mistake_n afterward_o when_o the_o mistake_n shall_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o present_a possession_n and_o the_o averseness_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n against_o change_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v such_o possession_n when_o also_o such_o a_o possession_n receive_v from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v best_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v will_v pass_v for_o a_o presumption_n against_o the_o right_n of_o innovate_a any_o thing_n and_o when_o withal_o the_o credential_n of_o person_n who_o will_v afterward_o be_v desirous_a to_o reform_v they_o shall_v decay_v as_o this_o prescription_n and_o presumption_n will_v grow_v strong_a and_o prevail_v more_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o therefore_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n silence_n concern_v any_o new_a provision_n be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o history_n they_o write_v never_o intend_v any_o this_o i_o say_v will_v let_v our_o brethren_n see_v how_o insufficient_a their_o reason_n be_v from_o this_o silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v any_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v for_o succession_n to_o conclude_v against_o any_o confinement_n of_o this_o power_n to_o those_o certain_a person_n through_o who_o hand_n this_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o management_n it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o great_a distress_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v any_o direct_a or_o positive_a argument_n either_o to_o disprove_v this_o confinement_n of_o the_o power_n to_o person_n in_o authority_n for_o the_o time_n be_v for_o maintain_v succession_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o their_o superior_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n by_o any_o other_o solid_a principle_n yet_o to_o this_o distress_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v reduce_v by_o this_o observation_n §_o x_o 5._o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n indeed_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o the_o spiritual_a power_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o way_n derive_v to_o posterity_n as_o the_o temporal_a power_n be_v than_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v plain_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o this_o spiritual_a power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o commit_v for_o in_o derive_v temporal_a power_n this_o method_n be_v still_o observe_v punctual_o not_o only_o that_o they_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o authority_n be_v valid_o authorize_v but_o that_o none_o else_o be_v so_o and_o this_o negative_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n who_o have_v at_o first_o a_o power_n to_o give_v it_o have_v by_o all_o wise_a legislator_n be_v think_v as_o necessary_a to_o oblige_v inferior_a governor_n to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o superior_n as_o this_o dependence_n have_v be_v also_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o practicableness_n of_o all_o visible_a government_n beside_o wherever_o prince_n be_v oblige_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o give_v extraordinary_a command_n and_o authority_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n without_o the_o formality_n of_o