the_o church_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o call_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v either_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o their_o place_n or_o continual_o trouble_v &_o interrupt_v in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o final_o injurious_o and_o contumelious_o handle_v which_o thing_n the_o holiness_n of_o their_o place_n and_o person_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n suffer_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o doubt_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o yea_o the_o chief_a priest_n &_o in_o they_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v the_o type_n of_o christ_n king_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o on_o who_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v bestow_v be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n than_o he_o which_o have_v the_o base_a place_n and_o call_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v by_o the_o lamentable_a tragedy_n of_o abimelech_n 1._o sam._n 2._o who_o be_v summon_v by_o saul_n to_o appear_v come_v with_o all_o the_o priest_n that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o be_v come_v acknowledge_v saulâ—_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n verse_n 12._o and_o do_v not_o appeal_v from_o his_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o death_n to_o any_o other_o power_n the_o same_o end_n befall_v his_o son_n abiather_n who_o for_o that_o he_o take_v part_n with_o adonia_n be_v by_o solomon_n put_v out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o condemn_v to_o die_v 1._o king_n 2.26_o and_o likewise_o zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o jehâ—ida_n 2._o chro._n 24.21_o now_o although_o two_o of_o these_o king_n do_v impious_o and_o tyrannical_o abuse_v their_o authority_n yet_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o they_o yea_o not_o only_o these_o example_n but_o the_o course_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o equity_n itself_o do_v show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o we_o know_v that_o even_o christ_n himself_o more_o holy_a in_o person_n and_o office_n than_o all_o the_o priest_n man_n or_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n do_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v violent_o apprehend_v contumelious_o entreat_v yea_o unjust_o condemn_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o heathen_a emperor_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v appeal_v and_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o caesar._n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n or_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o howsoever_o the_o romish_a prelate_n have_v not_o only_o draw_v out_o their_o neck_n from_o the_o subjection_n of_o prince_n but_o also_o have_v invade_v their_o throne_n and_o subdue_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n say_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n come_v not_o near_a nor_o yet_o once_o touch_v i_o because_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o but_o by_o their_o own_o ordinary_a yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o all_o person_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n equal_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o shall_v christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o god_n himself_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o prince_n and_o shall_v sinful_a man_n nay_o shall_v wretched_a worm_n think_v they_o too_o profane_a to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o their_o cause_n no_o no_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o the_o master_n nor_o the_o creature_n above_o the_o creator_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o soul_n that_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o soul_n that_o none_o shall_v think_v himself_o exempt_v ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n be_v a_o arrogant_a opinion_n which_o presumptuous_a man_n bear_v function_n in_o the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n man_n who_o have_v civil_a calling_n be_v no_o less_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a yea_o sometime_o much_o more_o holy_a they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a &_o holy_a calling_n be_v otherwise_o wicked_a &_o profane_a for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v although_o impious_o apply_v by_o the_o rebellious_a company_n of_o corah_n numb_a 16.3_o that_o not_o only_a moses_n &_o aaron_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n much_o more_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v holy_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o search_v whether_o that_o as_o all_o person_n so_o likewise_o all_o cause_n belong_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n first_o of_o civil_a then_o of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n in_o the_o first_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v insist_v forsomuch_o as_o all_o man_n even_o they_o who_o be_v most_o spare_v and_o wary_a in_o give_v power_n to_o these_o king_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o civil_a cause_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v all_o the_o public_a officer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v be_v his_o counsellor_n at_o home_n or_o his_o captain_n abroad_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n and_o who_o of_o the_o chief_a senate_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n in_o these_o cause_n for_o see_v that_o his_o office_n be_v especial_o to_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o fight_v their_o battle_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o people_n desire_v a_o king_n it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v unto_o he_o to_o appoint_v those_o to_o be_v his_o deputy_n who_o he_o think_v most_o able_a to_o discharge_v these_o duty_n yea_o further_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o call_v all_o public_a assembly_n and_o to_o order_v they_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o go_v to_o battle_n against_o who_o â—e_v when_o 〈◊〉_d think_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n do_v 〈◊〉_d plain_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v in_o it_o sect._n x._o now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o order_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereof_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v while_o some_o do_v whole_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n not_o permit_v he_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o affair_n belong_v unto_o it_o other_o suffer_v he_o to_o deal_v in_o these_o cause_n yet_o not_o to_o bear_v any_o great_a sway_n or_o to_o over-rule_v in_o they_o and_o the_o three_o sort_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o belong_v to_o man_n the_o which_o distinction_n be_v necessare_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v to_o any_o man_n such_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o he_o have_v make_v christ_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o word_n yet_o one_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o man_n who_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o opinion_n or_o rather_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o their_o adherentes_fw-la who_o that_o they_o may_v through_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n invade_v the_o riches_n preferment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o king_n and_o usurp_v their_o state_n and_o crown_n have_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n this_o king_n of_o israel_n lest_o that_o by_o his_o example_n other_o magistrate_n shall_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o second_o opinion_n be_v man_n otherwise_o sincere_a in_o judgement_n who_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n &_o affection_n to_o the_o church_n think_v it_o not_o safe_a or_o convenient_a to_o permit_v she_o whole_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o a_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o she_o judge_v it_o unmeete_a that_o civil_a ruler_n shall_v order_v divine_a matter_n and_o so_o make_v the_o church_n say_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o more_o holy_a than_o thou_o
but_o we_o follow_v the_o third_o opinion_n think_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o this_o land_n be_v chief_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v whole_o set_v up_o maintain_v repair_v and_o order_v yea_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o this_o purpose_n establish_v howsoever_o in_o make_v they_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o be_v for_o diverse_a necessary_a cause_n to_o be_v require_v the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o mark_v that_o god_n do_v defer_v the_o build_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o enlarge_n and_o beautify_v of_o his_o worship_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n erect_v of_o who_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o saul_n be_v reject_v do_v make_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n most_o glorious_a establish_v new_a order_n and_o law_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n although_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o other_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n yea_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o who_o every_o one_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n do_v either_o set_v up_o or_o pull_v down_o religion_n do_v declare_v how_o much_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o with_o silence_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o king_n let_v we_o only_o see_v how_o far_o ezechia_n do_v meddle_v with_o church_n affair_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 29.3_o that_o he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n bring_v the_o priest_n into_o it_o make_v a_o solemn_a oration_n unto_o they_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o careful_a performance_n thereof_o then_o when_o the_o priest_n have_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n cleanse_v the_o temple_n before_o they_o do_v any_o service_n in_o it_o they_o return_v to_o the_o king_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v have_v further_o do_v verse_n 18._o then_o the_o king_n with_o the_o noble_n come_v and_o bring_v a_o sinne-offering_a which_o the_o priest_n offer_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n verse_n 24._o then_o verse_n 27._o the_o king_n command_v that_o the_o whole_a burnt-offering_a shall_v be_v offer_v again_o verse_n 31._o he_o command_v that_o the_o people_n offering_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o further_o in_o the_o 30._o chapter_n he_o hold_v a_o council_n &_o send_v his_o post_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o passover_o yea_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v when_o as_o the_o people_n be_v unclean_a do_v receive_v the_o passover_n ezechias_n himself_o do_v public_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o so_o make_v they_o clean_o verse_n 20._o likewise_o chap_n 31._o verse_n 2._o ezechia_n appoint_v sundry_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n after_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o ministration_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o make_v provision_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o they_o and_o verse_n 8._o and_o 9_o he_o come_v and_o view_v their_o provision_n and_o question_v with_o the_o priest_n about_o it_o and_o vers_fw-la 11_o he_o bid_v prepare_v the_o chamber_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o store_n yea_o it_o be_v add_v verse_n 20._o that_o according_a to_o this_o manner_n he_o do_v throughout_o all_o juda_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v and_o prosperous_o end_v by_o he_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o josias_n and_o other_o king_n wherein_o this_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church_n matter_n be_v do_v by_o the_o commandment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v abridge_v and_o cut_v short_a either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o it_o be_v think_v that_o as_o civil_a and_o divine_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a matter_n do_v not_o only_o great_o differ_v but_o also_o be_v opposite_a to_o each_o ooth_a so_o that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a yea_o contrary_a body_n govern_v and_o order_v by_o their_o several_a head_n as_o in_o this_o state_n they_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o here_o a_o perfect_a body_n by_o itself_o but_o make_v the_o civil_a body_n more_o excellent_a &_o happy_a body_n for_o even_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a be_v bring_v to_o learning_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o humanity_n there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a state_n or_o body_n add_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o former_a estate_n become_v better_a so_o it_o be_v whenas_o any_o nation_n of_o infidel_n become_v religious_a they_o have_v not_o one_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o another_o in_o civil_a matter_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o both_o but_o hereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o public_a church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o office_n authority_n or_o person_n of_o this_o king_n be_v any_o way_n profane_a or_o unholy_a or_o in_o any_o respect_n unfit_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o divine_a matter_n for_o he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n more_o holy_a than_o oâ—hers_n as_o for_o the_o hurt_n which_o come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v permit_v to_o wicked_a king_n to_o be_v order_v at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o many_o of_o they_o do_v clean_o overthrow_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o save_v only_o of_o god_n who_o be_v and_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n yea_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o raise_v uppe_o in_o their_o place_n good_a and_o godly_a king_n zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n who_o abolish_n all_o idolatry_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n do_v recompense_v the_o loss_n and_o comfort_v the_o grief_n which_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o wicked_a king_n for_o if_o the_o peoele_n have_v resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o their_o proceed_n they_o shall_v have_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o godly_a king_n king_n and_o by_o use_v violence_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v bind_v the_o hand_n and_o hinder_v the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a have_v be_v loath_a to_o permit_v the_o order_n of_o churche-cause_n to_o civil_a ruler_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o author_n of_o all_o disorder_n yea_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v so_o horrible_o stain_v themselves_o and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v cherish_v and_o preserve_v and_o have_v so_o often_o overthowen_v the_o church_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v build_v and_o maintain_v that_o many_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v often_o show_v themselves_o cruel_a wolf_n then_o careful_a shepherd_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o that_o prince_n shall_v look_v to_o their_o palace_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v untruethe_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o israel_n by_o spoil_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o last_o as_o touch_v ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o man_n for_o the_o put_n in_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o although_o the_o set_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o the_o reform_v and_o deform_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o to_o be_v very_o unmeete_a that_o he_o shall_v meddle_v in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v
heretic_n heretic_n have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o gospel_n difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o simple_a professor_n of_o error_n and_o the_o obstinate_a maintainer_n of_o they_o what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reliligion_n before_o and_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n the_o devil_n have_v knowledge_n but_o neither_o faith_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n mahometisme_n a_o mystical_a ariaanisme_n no_o salvation_n the_o catholic_a church_n can_v err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v often_o be_v in_o most_o grievous_a error_n the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o in_o knowledge_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n oâ—_n outward_a government_n the_o catholic_a church_n invisible_a disperse_v christian_n with_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o gospel_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n eremeticall_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n unawfull_a how_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v private_o receive_v god_n accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o those_o who_o can_v be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n disperse_v christian_n ought_v to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n by_o what_o mean_v god_n call_v those_o who_o be_v with_o out_o the_o visible_a church_n three_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n a_o diverse_a government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n often_o contain_v in_o one_o family_n why_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v one_o particular_a church_n better_o for_o a_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o christian_n then_o of_o a_o few_o no_o kind_n of_o man_n exclude_v from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o most_o barbarous_a may_v become_v christian_n the_o plant_n of_o church_n belong_v to_o they_o who_o have_v either_o extraordinary_a calling_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a gife_n great_a care_n to_o be_v have_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v more_o effectual_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o it_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o receive_v the_o gospel_n how_o infidel_n ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o infidel_n baptism_n be_v the_o badge_n or_o liveray_fw-fr of_o christian_n baptism_n &_o circumcision_n sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o death_n great_a severity_n in_o punish_v open_a offence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n the_o establish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n among_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v partly_o divine_a and_o partly_o humaâ—â—_n none_o but_o god_n can_v appoint_v the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n always_o change_v to_o a_o better_a estate_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—_n church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v more_o of_o inward_a grace_n &_o less_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o ceremony_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n never_o alter_v but_o by_o man_n send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o divine_a and_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v make_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o convenient_a law_n may_v lawful_o be_v obey_v in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o knowledge_n or_o ignornance_n of_o the_o time_n sharp_a law_n to_o be_v make_v for_o one_o people_n then_o for_o another_o for_o what_o cause_v the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n ought_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n make_v a_o unestablished_a state_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o increase_v daily_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v most_o flourish_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n god_n make_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a for_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o who_o build_v it_o the_o church_n uttâ—râ—y_o â—uer_o throw_v to_o man_n judgement_n two_o kiâ—des_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d what_o magistrate_n may_v be_v resist_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o original_n of_o absolute_a authoâ—itie_n unjust_a conquest_n and_o usurpation_n may_v become_v a_o lawful_a dominion_n fliâ—ht_a iâ—_n time_n of_o persecution_n always_o lawful_a and_o often_o good_a for_o the_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v as_o well_o to_o christian_n ruler_n as_o to_o â—he_n people_n what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunicate_v the_o câ—uill_a ruler_n excommunication_n be_v no_o curse_n neither_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n public_a want_n be_v to_o be_v private_o supply_v how_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n no_o corruption_n make_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v no_o church_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o their_o defection_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o thâ—ir_a defect_n on_o be_v the_o church_n of_o gâ—d_n idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n join_v gâ—thâ—r_n the_o error_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n no_o public_a church_n sauâ—_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o private_a church_n private_a man_n may_v plant_v private_a church_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o build_v the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n stretch_v christian_n in_o private_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v the_o company_n of_o infidel_n private_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o sweeâ—e_a christians_n what_o a_o public_a church_n be_v why_o there_o be_v no_o public_a ch._n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o public_a church_n can_v not_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o private_a how_o public_a church_n be_v call_v to_o the_o faith_n public_a church_n stand_v no_o long_o than_o they_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n magistrate_n have_v charge_n of_o the_o soul_n their_o subject_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o call_n in_o build_v the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o man_n be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o public_a church_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n civil_a state_n well_o order_v be_v more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o ch._n then_o disorder_v state_n in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o false_a worship_n be_v to_o bâ—_n abrogate_a by_o little_a &_o little_a obstinate_a infidel_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o state_n of_o a_o private_a church_n be_v popular_a but_o the_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n why_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n the_o use_n of_o counsel_n why_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o counsel_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o what_o cause_v other_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a consultation_n no_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v be_v make_v make_v in_o a_o public_a ch._n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n confirm_v faith_n how_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v change_v the_o dwell_a place_n
although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
this_o people_n shall_v earnest_o desire_v and_o seek_v after_o wish_v rather_o that_o every_o one_o be_v content_n with_o that_o government_n which_o be_v already_o establish_v in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v not_o think_v of_o any_o alteration_n which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o bring_v with_o it_o as_o always_o great_a trouble_n so_o often_o a_o final_a overthrow_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o profess_v knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v either_o most_o excellent_a in_o the_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o contemplation_n or_o most_o convenient_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o we_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o bare_a and_o historical_a narration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o which_o we_o trust_v be_v not_o unprofitable_a but_o will_v serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o reader_n in_o diverse_a respect_n especial_o in_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v the_o former_a treatise_n have_v these_o section_n section_n 1._o of_o the_o occasion_n meaning_n and_o division_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n pag._n 1_o sect._n 2._o of_o magistracy_n in_o general_n pag._n 4_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o general_n pag._n 9_o sect._n 4._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n all_o other_o be_v private_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o pag._n 12_o sect._n 5._o that_o it_o be_v nâ—t_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o violence_n against_o the_o person_n or_o the_o proceed_n no_o not_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n pag._n 17_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o former_a position_n pag._n 22_o sect._n 7._o what_o be_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o regard_n of_o injury_n offer_v by_o their_o king_n pag._n 28_o sect._n 8._o whether_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o monarchical_a estate_n be_v commodious_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o people_n pag._n 30_o sect._n 9_o that_o no_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o power_n pag._n 34_o sect._n 10._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n pag._n 39_o sect._n 11._o that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v free_a from_o positive_a law_n and_o a_o peremptory_a power_n pag._n 46_o sect._n 12._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n pag._n 50_o sect._n 13._o of_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o say_a majesty_n pag._n 54_o sect._n 14._o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v a_o lawful_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o how_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n pag._n 61_o sect._n 15._o of_o the_o action_n of_o samuel_n pag._n 67_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o latter_a treatise_n be_v the_o church_n militant_a consider_v in_o general_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o catholiick_a church_n section_n 8._o particular_a in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n disperse_v abroad_o in_o the_o second_o chap._n section_n 3._o join_v together_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v several_o declare_v in_o general_a the_o definition_n of_o a_o particular_a ch._n in_o the_o attribute_n chapter_n 3._o section_n 3._o the_o building_n of_o it_o to_o wit_v the_o lay_v the_o foundation_n ch._n 4._o sect._n 4._o the_o set_n up_o the_o frame_n by_o establish_v law_n ecclesiastical_a divine_a ch._n 5._o sect._n 2._o humane_a c._n 6._o of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n sect_n 5._o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o it_o ch._n 7._o sect._n 11_o in_o particular_a the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v either_o private_a ch._n 8._o sect._n 3_o or_o public_a chap._n 9_o section_n 9_o joint_o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n chap._n 10._o sect._n 4._o all_o the_o which_o make_v the_o visible_a church_n chap._n 11._o the_o argument_n chapter_n 1._o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n section_n 1._o of_o the_o name_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 1_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 3_o sect._n 3_o that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 4_o sect._n 4._o that_o heretic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 8_o sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n pag._n 16_o sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 17_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 18_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 21_o chapter_n 2._o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n pag._n 22_o sect._n 2._o how_o they_o serve_v god_n pag._n 25_o sect._n 3_o what_o to_o think_v of_o their_o salvation_n pag._n 26_o chapter_n 3._o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o it_o pag._n 29_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o pag._n 30_o seâ—â—_n 3._o of_o the_o number_n of_o iâ—_n pag._n 32_o chapter_n 4._o of_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o what_o people_n a_o church_n may_v consist_v pag._n 35_o sect._n 2._o by_o who_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v plant_v pag._n 37_o sect._n 3_o how_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o infidel_n pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v aught_o to_o be_v order_v pag._n 44_o chapter_n 5._o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n sect._n 1_o of_o church_n government_n in_o general_n pag._n 48_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o church_n government_n pag._n 53_o chapter_n 6._o of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a law_n sect._n 1_o how_o these_o law_n differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n pag._n 57_o sect._n 2._o 3._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o law_n pag._n 58_o sect._n 4._o after_o what_o rule_v they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v pag._n 62_o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o psg_n 66_o chapter_n 7._o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o state_n unestablish_v pag._n 67_o sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 70_o sect._n 3_o of_o a_o flourish_a state_n pag._n 71_o sect._n 4._o of_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ch_n be_v hinder_v pag._n 74_o sect._n 5._o of_o profess_a hinderer_n pag._n 78_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o ch_z hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n pa._n 79_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o p._n 83_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n pag._n 87_o sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 88_o sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o of_o idolatry_n pag._n 90_o sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n pag._n 93_o chapter_n 8_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v pag._n 95_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o private_a church_n pag._n 120_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v pag._n 99_o chapter_n 9_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a ch._n pag._n 102_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n p._n 106_o sect._n 3_o that_o a_o public_a church_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n make_v but_o one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n pag._n 107_o sect._n 4._o that_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n pag._n 114_o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o change_n which_o happen_v either_o â—o_o the_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n by_o this_o conjunction_n pag._n 116_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n pag._n 118_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n pa._n 120_o sect_n 8._o of_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o pag._n 123_o sect._n 9_o to_o who_o the_o authorise_a and_o advise_v of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n belong_v in_o a_o public_a church_n pag._n 125_o chapter_n 10._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n pag._n 131_o sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v pag._n 133_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n pag._n 134_o sect._n 4._o how_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v to_o be_v
man_n as_o they_o who_o contemn_v and_o labour_v to_o overthrow_v all_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o have_v imagine_v but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.12_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n see_v it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o ever_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n ordinance_n but_o rather_o invent_v and_o continue_v by_o man_n excel_v other_o in_o strength_n and_o in_o ambition_n whereby_o they_o be_v both_o move_v to_o desire_v superiority_n and_o also_o enable_v to_o accomplish_v their_o desire_n and_o so_o have_v by_o violence_n bloodshed_n outrage_n tyranny_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o injustice_n in_o regard_n of_o man_n both_o get_v and_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o ruler_n so_o that_o see_v this_o have_v be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o authority_n almost_o of_o all_o ruler_n we_o can_v make_v it_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n especial_o see_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o command_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v magistrate_n set_v uppe_o over_o the_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n only_o among_o the_o jew_n magistracy_n be_v set_v up_o by_o his_o commandment_n but_o not_o in_o any_o place_n beside_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o abuse_n of_o magistracy_n although_o many_o and_o grievous_a can_v take_v away_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o further_o that_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v no_o express_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v that_o magistracy_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n be_v for_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o especial_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o least_o part_n yea_o sometime_o as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o huge_a number_n of_o infidel_n but_o in_o the_o church_n god_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n both_o command_v and_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o magistracy_n and_o severe_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o it_o magistracy_n as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o example_n in_o all_o age_n for_o although_o there_o can_v be_v no_o public_a magistracy_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n because_o until_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o family_n yet_o there_o be_v private_a government_n which_o have_v no_o less_o force_n and_o authority_n then_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n increase_a to_o a_o whole_a nation_n public_a magistracy_n be_v erect_v for_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o family_n be_v the_o ruler_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o lord_n to_o the_o rest_n as_o jacob_n do_v call_v esau_n genesis_n 33.13.14_o but_o although_o magistracy_n have_v be_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n establish_v only_o in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o belong_v as_o much_o to_o infidel_n for_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n not_o â—s_a he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n but_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o howsoever_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o love_n and_o eternal_a life_n come_v thereof_o to_o any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v roman_n 3.29_o he_o be_v the_o god_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o only_o be_v then_o his_o church_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o faithful_a people_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o other_o cause_n he_o do_v bestow_v upon_o they_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o they_o and_o also_o in_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v live_v in_o order_n and_o peace_n safe_o and_o quiet_o enjoy_v all_o the_o temporal_a commodity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n do_v set_v uppe_o this_o his_o ordinance_n amongst_o infidel_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n infidel_n by_o the_o which_o they_o do_v easy_o both_o see_v the_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o come_v by_o magistracy_n and_o also_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o for_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n few_o can_v live_v in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o authority_n with_o a_o content_a mind_n yet_o almost_o all_o man_n when_o they_o be_v without_o magistrate_n do_v of_o themselves_o desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o govern_v and_o no_o marvel_n see_v that_o the_o deformity_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o want_n of_o magistrate_n bring_v be_v evidente_a to_o all_o man_n for_o that_o a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v like_o a_o to_o body_n without_o a_o head_n to_o move_v it_o the_o experience_n hereof_o we_o have_v even_o in_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o do_v voluntary_o without_o any_o compulsion_n desire_v a_o king_n and_o that_o in_o a_o most_o earnest_a manner_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whereof_o this_o do_v necessary_o ensue_v that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o a_o unholie_a profane_a and_o impure_a state_n or_o to_o be_v vile_o esteem_v of_o as_o many_o do_v affirm_v and_o account_v it_o to_o be_v who_o do_v false_o think_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n can_v appear_v neither_o her_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o extol_v and_o establish_v but_o by_o deform_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o civil_a magistracy_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v in_o great_a honour_n by_o all_o man_n magistracy_n last_o the_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o represent_v of_o his_o glory_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o procure_n of_o the_o good_a of_o man_n for_o the_o first_o the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o vice_n gerent_fw-la here_o on_o earth_n to_o govern_v man_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o order_n without_o confusion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o great_a monarch_n have_v many_o legate_n and_o deputy_n by_o who_o they_o rule_v their_o several_a province_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v communicate_v to_o they_o as_o his_o office_n so_o also_o his_o name_n and_o call_v they_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o lively_a god_n yea_o a_o live_a image_n of_o god_n first_o of_o his_o excellency_n in_o that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o set_v aloft_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v second_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v imminent_a danger_n to_o make_v fit_a law_n and_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o right_n and_o wrong_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o mutual_a concord_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o his_o law_n and_o edict_n three_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v severe_o punish_v the_o great_a misdemeanour_n of_o malefactor_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v four_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o do_v gracious_o with_o favour_n pass_v by_o and_o wink_v at_o small_a offence_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o last_o he_o carry_v the_o image_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o by_o his_o mean_n foresee_v prevent_v and_o repel_v all_o danger_n and_o trouble_n we_o do_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a even_a life_n and_o liberty_n plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o prosperity_n house_n and_o land_n wife_n and_o child_n friend_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o true_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n and_o in_o one_o word_n all_o thing_n needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v unfeigned_o to_o be_v love_v and_o praise_v the_o second_o end_n why_o magistracy_n be_v appoint_v be_v the_o good_a of_o man_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o may_v live_v in_o peace_n safety_n and_o order_n but_o of_o the_o several_a commodity_n which_o magistracy_n bring_v we_o do_v not_o purpose_n to_o entreat_v because_o they_o be_v common_o know_v
other_o so_o to_o do_v six_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v never_o pure_a here_o on_o earth_n no_o more_o than_o the_o goldly_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v hypocrite_n mix_v with_o true_a believer_n yea_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v far_o great_a then_o of_o the_o other_o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o member_n the_o which_o be_v either_o scatter_v abroad_o of_o the_o which_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n most_o simple_a or_o else_o be_v join_v together_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n do_v make_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o which_o with_o the_o disperse_a member_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o we_o divide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n into_o disperse_a member_n church_n and_o particular_a church_n even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o one_o of_o those_o who_o do_v wander_v hither_o and_o thither_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o society_n company_n or_o corporation_n the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o dwell_v together_o in_o some_o town_n or_o city_n under_o law_n government_n and_o in_o due_a order_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n although_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ordinare_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v together_o by_o the_o institution_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o diverse_a occasion_n of_o all_o which_o in_o general_a this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v either_o necessary_a constrain_a man_n against_o their_o will_n or_o else_o unlawful_a and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o touch_v that_o voluntary_a or_o rather_o wilful_a separation_n of_o the_o eremites_n in_o time_n past_a who_o forsake_v the_o company_n of_o man_n do_v choose_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n unawfull_a it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v imitate_v for_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v as_o civil_a society_n for_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n so_o also_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v help_v each_o by_o other_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v private_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n of_o one_o to_o another_o yea_o the_o example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o our_o brethren_n and_o final_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o edification_n whereof_o these_o eremites_n make_v themselves_o destitute_a and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v as_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o their_o own_o body_n in_o that_o leave_v those_o place_n where_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pesent_a life_n may_v convenient_o be_v have_v do_v by_o suffer_a hunger_n thirst_n cold_a and_o nakedness_n make_v themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o the_o perform_v of_o any_o christian_n duty_n so_o they_o do_v much_o more_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o pine_v away_o through_o want_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o they_o do_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n of_o sathan_n yea_o they_o do_v inflict_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o not_o unworthe_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o the_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 3._o call_v give_v up_o to_o sathan_n in_o that_o they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o object_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n 9.2_o who_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v a_o cottage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v speak_v diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speech_n yea_o sometime_o also_o in_o humane_a impatience_n which_o he_o do_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v this_o desire_n second_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o no_o such_o mind_n but_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n pretend_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o popery_n do_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o commodious_o and_o lawful_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o vast_a desert_n then_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a church_n be_v in_o that_o case_n but_o most_o of_o these_o eremites_n be_v more_o foolish_o superstitious_a than_o they_o be_v who_o they_o leave_v and_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o have_v that_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o of_o god_n to_o see_v and_o abhor_v those_o palpable_a corruption_n as_o for_o those_o who_o although_o they_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o company_n of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n their_o do_v be_v more_o probable_a because_o they_o seem_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o live_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o their_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o a_o church_n serve_v god_n aright_o in_o any_o measure_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v constrain_v by_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n whenas_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v without_o evident_a danger_n meet_v together_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 8.1_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o save_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o whenas_o any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v captive_n and_o by_o violence_n carry_v into_o those_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o there_o detain_v as_o if_o a_o christian_n be_v constrain_v to_o abide_v among_o the_o turk_n jew_n or_o any_o other_o infidel_n yea_o many_o have_v in_o all_o time_n serve_v god_n who_o never_o be_v of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n have_v continual_o live_v amongst_o infidel_n these_o although_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n to_o those_o place_n where_o they_o understand_v the_o church_n to_o be_v and_o to_o make_v their_o abode_n there_o yet_o often_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o native_a country_n upon_o diverse_a occasion_n as_o namely_o for_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n can_v easy_o overcome_v the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o counsel_v they_o that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o forsake_v their_o country_n kindred_n friend_n house_n and_o land_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o infinite_a danger_n trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v accompany_v they_o who_o live_v in_o strange_a place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o know_v not_o either_o what_o or_o where_o the_o church_n be_v and_o so_o can_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o it_o and_o last_o even_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v necessary_a cause_n constrain_a they_o to_o live_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o same_o as_o contagious_a disease_n as_o the_o leprosy_n be_v amongst_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o which_o we_o read_v that_o king_n ozias_n be_v separate_v a_o long_a time_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o man_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o do_v so_o continue_v be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n
and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o excommunication_n sect._n 2._o how_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n serve_v god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o service_n they_o perform_v to_o god_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o title_n belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o do_v serve_v god_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o they_o serve_v god_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n because_o this_o service_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o one_o alone_a but_o the_o ministry_n the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n require_v acompany_v join_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o actual_a service_n of_o god_n which_o only_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o to_o those_o who_o be_v disperse_v as_o to_o those_o who_o live_v together_o in_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_n without_o exception_n of_o any_o call_v they_o those_o who_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o namely_o 1._o cor._n 1.1_o thus_o do_v daniel_n serve_v god_n in_o babel_n dan._n 6.10_o thrice_o a_o day_n he_o make_v his_o petition_n to_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o here_o order_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v entreat_v of_o prayer_n the_o most_o general_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a badge_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o declare_v the_o whole_a nature_n manner_n kind_n fruit_n and_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o 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whereof_o we_o may_v put_v this_o case_n a_o christian_n man_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v take_v captive_n live_v amongst_o infidel_n where_o to_o their_o knowledge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o christian_n beside_o themselves_o there_o they_o beget_v child_n who_o they_o will_v have_v by_o baptism_n consecrate_v and_o initiate_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o needful_a for_o the_o parent_n both_o of_o they_o receive_v or_o either_o of_o they_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o their_o child_n this_o appear_v exod_n 4.25_o where_o moses_n and_o zippora_n his_o wife_n circumcise_v their_o son_n by_o the_o commandment_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n circumcise_v their_o male_a child_n in_o their_o own_o house_n likewise_o for_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a case_n to_o receive_v it_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o this_o one_o example_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v but_o by_o a_o public_a person_n and_o in_o a_o public_a place_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n there_o a_o private_a man_n house_n be_v in_o steed_n of_o it_o and_o he_o himself_o in_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n sect._n 3_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v thus_o much_o of_o that_o service_n wherewith_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n serve_v god_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v imperfect_a yet_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n where_o the_o rest_n can_v be_v have_v and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n so_o we_o read_v ezech._n 11.16_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v to_o his_o people_n disperse_v abroad_o in_o the_o captivity_n a_o little_a sanctuary_n that_o be_v howsoever_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o holy_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o place_n only_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n church_n yet_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v that_o imperfect_a and_o maim_a service_n which_o they_o shall_v perform_v unto_o he_o in_o their_o captivity_n by_o prayer_n and_o circumcision_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o passover_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v use_v in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o although_o this_o imperfect_a service_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o so_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n church_n that_o so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o full_a mean_n of_o work_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o glorify_v god_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n yet_o in_o mind_n and_o affection_n they_o be_v join_v with_o it_o in_o witness_v whereof_o as_o also_o to_o increase_v this_o desire_n they_o do_v be_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n amongst_o the_o infidel_n pray_v towards_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n 1._o king_n 8.48_o dan._n 6.11_o psal._n 84._o last_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o those_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o never_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v call_v and_o become_v member_n of_o it_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o be_v get_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n yet_o that_o god_n do_v by_o extraordinary_a mean_n save_o some_o who_o never_o be_v join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v be_v know_v to_o he_o only_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v plant_v that_o although_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v clean_o overthrow_v yet_o there_o will_v some_o root_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n church_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o where_o a_o garden_n replenish_v with_o great_a store_n of_o herb_n have_v be_v there_o will_v be_v long_a after_o that_o it_o be_v deface_v some_o sprout_v up_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n ma._n 13.31_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o speedy_a &_o great_a growth_n of_o it_o upward_o so_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o it_o in_o that_o they_o both_o take_v so_o deep_a root_n that_o where_o they_o be_v once_o sow_v there_o they_o remain_v for_o many_o age_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o diverse_a do_v in_o some_o sort_n know_v god_n among_o the_o infidel_n as_o melihezadec_n job_n with_o his_o friend_n lot_n baalâ—m_n of_o all_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n yea_o in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o mahomet_n there_o remain_v something_o of_o christian_n religion_n hereof_o they_o hold_v many_o point_n although_o cover_v over_o with_o profane_a fable_n moreover_o some_o live_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o private_a teach_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o even_o
by_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n some_o have_v be_v convert_v so_o be_v rahab_n live_v in_o jericho_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o that_o she_o believe_v or_o by_o read_v book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o use_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o knowledge_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o natural_a man_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_v god_n may_v use_v extraordinary_o yea_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o mean_n but_o in_o his_o ordinary_a work_a none_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a mean_n be_v available_a for_o faith_n be_v get_v ordinare_o only_a by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n always_o except_v the_o power_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o mean_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o particular_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o state_n god_n do_v accept_v where_o it_o can_v be_v amend_v but_o so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o come_v &_o live_v together_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a maintain_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n he_o have_v appoint_v civil_a society_n so_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o maintain_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o life_n in_o we_o he_o have_v appoint_v holy_a assembly_n which_o be_v particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o a_o christian_n may_v live_v this_o spiritual_a life_n but_o yet_o in_o great_a weakness_n and_o danger_n even_o as_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n in_o a_o desert_n place_n but_o he_o can_v have_v perfect_a strength_n and_o health_n unless_o he_o live_v in_o some_o place_n frequent_v by_o man_n and_o replenish_v with_o thing_n needful_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v now_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o parlicular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n under_o all_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n or_o under_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a government_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a this_o definition_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o wherein_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o some_o distinct_a and_o plain_a order_n we_o have_v these_o three_o head_n to_o observe_v first_o the_o separate_n of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v from_o the_o infidel_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o thus_o bring_v together_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o last_o the_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o common_a wealth_n or_o kingdom_n first_o man_n must_v be_v bring_v together_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n or_o country_n second_o there_o must_v certain_a general_n and_o fundamental_a law_n be_v make_v contain_v the_o very_a state_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o of_o subjection_n which_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n continual_o without_o any_o alteration_n church_n and_o last_o there_o must_v be_v add_v some_o special_a positive_a law_n which_o be_v often_o to_o be_v change_v as_o present_v occasion_n shall_v require_v so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o church_n first_o man_n be_v call_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n then_o they_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o law_n which_o god_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n have_v make_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o changeable_a ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n again_o as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n first_o they_o prepare_v stone_n than_o they_o join_v they_o together_o in_o some_o form_n of_o a_o house_n till_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o set_v up_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o last_o they_o add_v door_n window_n fence_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o dweller_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o call_n of_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n second_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v a_o set_n up_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o a_o last_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n be_v the_o apply_v of_o this_o government_n to_o the_o special_a use_n of_o those_o man_n who_o we_o will_v bring_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a dwell_a place_n for_o they_o this_o latter_a similitude_n we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o mark_v the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n and_o that_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o house_n and_o to_o the_o building_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 3.11.12_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o 1._o pet._n 4.17_o in_o this_o definition_n the_o last_o word_n only_a the_o rest_n be_v of_o themselves_o plain_a enough_o need_v this_o explication_n that_o by_o humane_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v civil_a law_n but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o which_o humane_a law_n be_v always_o in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n particular_a church_n have_v their_o difference_n and_o distincte_n limit_n appoint_v to_o they_o church_n for_o therefore_o we_o have_v insert_v this_o partickle_a all_o in_o the_o definition_n because_o many_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v agree_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o not_o in_o all_o so_o that_o the_o same_o government_n make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o have_v many_o distinct_a place_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o any_o town_n do_v stretch_v to_o the_o suburb_n and_o village_n about_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corporation_n or_o civil_a body_n and_o to_o use_v our_o accustom_a similitude_n as_o that_o be_v one_o family_n which_o have_v the_o same_o governor_n over_o it_o the_o same_o order_n in_o it_o although_o they_o be_v in_o diverse_a room_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o behalf_n a_o distincte_n government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o government_n be_v then_o distincte_n when_o either_o the_o humane_a church_n law_n be_v diverse_a or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n authority_n to_o make_v diverse_a law_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o be_v afterwards_o to_o declare_v so_o that_o where_o we_o see_v many_o distinct_a and_o diverse_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_v to_o depend_v upon_o one_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n the_o say_a authority_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o fetch_v all_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n of_o cause_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v not_o many_o but_o one_o only_a particular_a church_n which_o notwithstanding_o if_o they_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v to_o be_v account_v so_o many_o distinct_a church_n so_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n although_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a town_n and_o city_n the_o which_o have_v their_o proper_a levite_n and_o governor_n yet_o because_o for_o government_n they_o do_v all_o depend_v upon_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o other_o priest_n which_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n church_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n so_o that_o those_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v join_v together_o not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o the_o
be_v hard_a and_o dry_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v hew_v square_a or_o make_v fit_a for_o build_v as_o flint_n adamant_n and_o many_o other_o kind_n which_o as_o it_o be_v repel_v the_o tool_n of_o the_o mason_n not_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v or_o take_v any_o hold_n of_o they_o but_o other_o kind_n do_v more_o easy_o take_v any_o fashion_n whatsoever_o it_o please_v the_o workman_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n some_o man_n be_v much_o more_o unfit_a and_o untoward_a for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o church_n than_o other_o as_o namely_o those_o who_o live_v in_o extreme_a barbarism_n without_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n civil_a honesty_n and_o good_a literature_n the_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v as_o mean_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n as_o for_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o who_o have_v labour_v in_o convert_n infidel_n which_o have_v no_o write_a word_n do_v always_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o erroneous_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o infidel_n themselves_o do_v confess_v to_o be_v true_a likewise_o 1._o pet._n 3.1_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v that_o the_o christian_a woman_n shall_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o their_o husband_n that_o the_o infidel_n see_v their_o chaste_a honest_a and_o orderly_a life_n may_v be_v convert_v by_o this_o mean_n not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_n man_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v make_v more_o tractable_a and_o affect_v with_o a_o general_a love_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v it_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n note_v 1._o cor._n 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o extreme_a barbarism_n to_o wit_n abundance_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n yea_o nobility_n riches_n and_o all_o other_o such_o outward_a prerogative_n be_v hindrance_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a many_o mighty_a or_o noble_a do_v become_v christian_n and_o since_o that_o time_n we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o diverse_a country_n to_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o the_o common_a people_n be_v win_v the_o nobility_n do_v general_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n remain_v obstinate_a in_o idolatry_n the_o which_o also_o may_v be_v observe_v at_o this_o day_n in_o diverse_a place_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v plain_a to_o wit_n for_o that_o outward_a excellency_n in_o any_o kind_n â—oth_v puff_n up_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o pride_n whereby_o he_o be_v hinder_v from_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n sect._n 2._o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o plant_v church_n the_o agentes_fw-la in_o this_o work_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o be_v of_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o it_o the_o other_o be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v proper_o call_v the_o workman_n &_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o instrument_n in_o this_o action_n for_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o material_a house_n there_o be_v one_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o work_n and_o other_o who_o be_v by_o he_o set_v a_o work_n &_o employ_v in_o this_o business_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n one_o begin_v a_o other_o do_v perform_v and_o accomplish_v it_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v diverse_a according_a as_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v plant_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o entreat_v of_o they_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o therefore_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v these_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n by_o the_o which_o as_o by_o a_o most_o sharp_a and_o fit_a instrument_n they_o convert_v man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n but_o yet_o not_o every_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v perform_v or_o aught_o to_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o the_o rest_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o builder_n can_v lay_v the_o foundation_n but_o only_o he_o who_o do_v far_o excel_v the_o common_a workman_n in_o skill_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 1._o cor._n 3.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o as_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o cunning_a master_n builder_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n for_o other_o to_o do_v this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n &_o common_a experience_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o continue_v any_o work_n then_o to_o begin_v it_o yea_o even_o in_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v life_n where_o it_o be_v present_a but_o to_o begin_v life_n or_o to_o put_v life_n into_o a_o body_n destitute_a of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o man_n strength_n altogether_o impossible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v already_o begin_v be_v not_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o ordinary_a gift_n and_o mean_n but_o to_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o infidel_n there_o be_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n and_o most_o rare_a &_o singular_a gift_n in_o the_o minister_n by_o who_o god_n work_v and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o first_o church_n to_o institute_v a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n &_o evangelist_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o gift_n correspondent_a to_o their_o extraordinary_a calling_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o his_o most_o strong_a champion_n arm_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o before_o front_n of_o the_o great_a battle_n for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o infidelity_n idolatry_n ignorance_n sin_n atheism_n &_o whatsoever_o power_n do_v resist_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n thus_o do_v god_n plant_v his_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o these_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n do_v cease_v in_o the_o time_n follow_v gife_n to_o who_o then_o do_v it_o belong_v now_o to_o plant_v church_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n do_v never_o leave_v his_o church_n destitute_a in_o this_o behalf_n but_o do_v continual_o endue_v some_o with_o a_o rare_a and_o special_a measure_n of_o gift_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n yea_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v call_v &_o may_v when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o call_v &_o also_o furnish_v man_n extraordinare_o to_o this_o work_n but_o when_o this_o be_v want_v as_o we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o look_v for_o immediate_a calling_n the_o plant_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o those_o who_o among_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n &_o do_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o godliness_n zeal_n wisdom_n knowledge_n &_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n sect._n 3_o how_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o infidel_n now_o that_o we_o have_v the_o workman_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o begin_v this_o weighty_a work_n and_o also_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o in_o both_o which_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n to_o be_v use_v both_o because_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n church_n as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o beginning_n in_o so_o much_o as_o if_o this_o place_n be_v by_o negligence_n or_o any_o other_o mean_v out_o of_o order_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o building_n shall_v go_v on_o right_n as_o we_o see_v
they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o form_n of_o it_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 14.23_o after_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v now_o a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n they_o have_v elder_n appoint_v and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n for_o most_o common_o man_n convert_v be_v a_o few_o at_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o must_v stay_v till_o they_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n yea_o when_o a_o sufficient_a number_n do_v believe_v there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v fit_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o to_o make_v humane_a constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o practise_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o law_n &_o order_n the_o establish_n and_o practise_v whereof_o make_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n to_o become_v a_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n humaâ—â—_n the_o first_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n these_o do_v contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o same_o at_o that_o same_o time_n to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v of_o humane_a constitution_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o former_a in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o do_v define_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o former_a law_n and_o therefore_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n time_n person_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v first_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n then_o of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n the_o law_n common_o call_v church-government_n or_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n church-discipline_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o prescribe_v how_o particular_a church_n several_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v order_v in_o use_v the_o public_a mean_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o definition_n give_v we_o this_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n as_o touch_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v not_o any_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o holy_a institution_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v this_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o god_n church-government_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o which_o his_o church_n be_v order_v and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o and_o no_o creature_n can_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n devise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v wilworshippe_n and_o not_o only_o not_o acceptable_a but_o even_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n yea_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o owner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o he_o only_o shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o it_o he_o rule_v civil_a society_n by_o the_o law_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n but_o his_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v anoint_v the_o only_a king_n of_o his_o church_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o law_n be_v not_o changeable_a but_o perpetual_a and_o make_v to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o world_n so._n 1._o tim._n 6.14_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o doctrine_n he_o charge_v timothy_n to_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v enjoin_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o he_o endeavour_v by_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v for_o ever_o for_o that_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o law_n it_o appear_v vers._n 21._o oâ—_n the_o 5._o chapter_n where_o the_o same_o obtestation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o government_n be_v full_o plain_o and_o perfect_o set_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o all_o the_o office_n gift_n function_n part_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v we_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o by_o example_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v possible_o be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v change_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v good_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n be_v perpetual_a even_o as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v augment_v and_o as_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v alter_v yea_o as_o permanent_a as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o general_a for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n not_o many_o as_o if_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v and_o as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bird_n of_o diverse_a colour_n one_o be_v not_o like_a or_o conformable_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o prince_n which_o bear_v rule_v over_o many_o city_n do_v make_v they_o all_o live_v under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o law_n and_o as_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v like_a in_o countenance_n and_o suitable_a in_o their_o apparel_n so_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o government_n appoint_v for_o they_o the_o chief_a cause_n whereby_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o no_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o handle_v at_o large_a and_o of_o set_a purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o brief_o touch_v and_o mention_v by_o occasion_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o weighty_a point_n of_o religion_n not_o once_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o many_o bring_v in_o only_o upon_o some_o occasion_n the_o which_o to_o call_v in_o question_n be_v great_a impiety_n but_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n yea_o in_o these_o law_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o clear_o shine_v that_o the_o angelâ—_n do_v rejoice_v in_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a order_n by_o the_o which_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n collossian_n 2.5_o with_o joy_n think_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n although_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o even_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n belong_v a_o like_a to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o uniform_a order_n appoint_v for_o all_o yet_o the_o same_o be_v change_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o do_v most_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o do_v appear_v that_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n ephes._n 3.10_o but_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o this_o government_n do_v always_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o we_o see_v the_o law_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v often_o change_v but_o yet_o the_o fundamental_a law_n whereon_o the_o state_n stand_v do_v always_o remain_v firm_a and_o unchaunged_a this_o government_n be_v always_o change_v unto_o a_o better_o and_o more_o perfect_a state_n even_o as_o the_o church_n do_v continual_o grow_v to_o perfection_n estate_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n general_o with_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a man_n a_o growth_n in_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o also_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o latter_a time_n do_v excel_v the_o former_a not_o only_o in_o number_n of_o professor_n but_o also_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a heb._n 1.1_o even_o as_o his_o word_n have_v be_v in_o these_o last_o age_n more_o full_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n then_o before_o thus_o shall_v the_o church_n grow_v till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o we_o can_v resemble_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n more_o fit_o then_o to_o that_o usual_a manner_n which_o parent_n use_v in_o bring_v up_o their_o child_n who_o do_v not_o at_o
look_v for_o another_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o other_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v use_v last_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o church-government_n be_v never_o alter_v but_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o he_o only_o god_n the_o change_v of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o institute_n of_o the_o legal_a government_n by_o moses_n and_o this_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o change_n 2._o chron._n 8.26_o and_o 35.15_o be_v by_o special_a direction_n from_o god_n yea_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n both_o typical_a before_o the_o gospel_n and_o real_a in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o extraordinary_a prophet_n to_o wit_n adam_n moses_n and_o christ_n apostle_n and_o so_o leave_v to_o ordinary_a minister_n name_n lie_v to_o the_o first_o bear_v then_o to_o the_o levit_n and_o last_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o church-government_n and_o of_o the_o three_o diverse_a state_n of_o it_o whereof_o order_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o entreat_v in_o particular_a but_o we_o can_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n enter_v into_o this_o wide_a and_o large_a field_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v for_o order_n sake_n this_o argument_n to_o be_v here_o handle_v we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v chap._n vi_o of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a law_n sect._n 1_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v first_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o the_o first_o both_o kind_n agree_v in_o name_n be_v both_o call_v ecclesiastical_a and_o in_o the_o end_n which_o be_v the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o general_a subject_n which_o be_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n together_o with_o those_o action_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o yet_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o author_n or_o efficient_a the_o former_a kind_n be_v make_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o other_o by_o man_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o the_o one_o consist_v whole_o and_o mere_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o other_o have_v in_o they_o much_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o one_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a the_o other_o continual_o have_v want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o kind_n be_v temporary_a and_o mutable_a law_n the_o other_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a although_o when_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o they_o be_v expire_v they_o be_v change_v by_o god_n but_o they_o admit_v no_o alteration_n from_o man_n further_n the_o law_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o to_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o other_o only_o to_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o of_o they_o for_o as_o a_o king_n who_o have_v dominion_n oâ—er_v many_o city_n do_v use_v himself_o to_o make_v the_o chief_a law_n by_o â—he_n which_o all_o and_o each_o one_o of_o those_o city_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v yet_o he_o leave_v to_o they_o this_o power_n to_o take_v up_o and_o retain_v custom_n fashion_n and_o order_n proper_a to_o themselves_o yea_o to_o make_v particular_a law_n of_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o may_v best_o agree_v to_o their_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n so_o have_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n himself_o make_v the_o chief_a order_n but_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n to_o make_v last_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v about_o the_o substance_n &_o very_a form_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o other_o about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o add_v of_o this_o latter_a kind_n to_o the_o former_a do_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n but_o only_o do_v establish_v it_o and_o make_v that_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v use_v even_o as_o we_o do_v often_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a and_o perfect_a frame_n of_o a_o house_n in_o the_o full_a proportion_n of_o it_o be_v set_v up_o not_o want_v either_o foundation_n wall_n or_o roof_n but_o afterward_o there_o be_v add_v to_o it_o nail_n and_o pin_n to_o keep_v the_o frame_n fast_o together_o yea_o doreâ—_n window_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v the_o say_v frame_v a_o commodious_a dwell_a place_n for_o the_o builder_n of_o it_o even_o so_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v describe_v be_v the_o perfect_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v the_o other_o implemente_n which_o be_v add_v thereunto_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a laweâ—_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o much_o brief_o of_o these_o law_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n with_o the_o other_o worship_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o first_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o law_n we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n at_o what_o time_n in_o what_o place_n yea_o and_o how_o often_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v all_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o lawâ—_n of_o god_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n but_o how_o often_o they_o shall_v teach_v at_o what_o special_a time_n where_o and_o with_o what_o gesture_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o deck_v and_o beautify_v his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n not_o only_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o government_n but_o also_o with_o so_o many_o ceremonial_a law_n that_o scarce_o any_o circumstance_n of_o any_o action_n be_v leave_v unappoint_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o suffer_v his_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a almost_o of_o all_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v by_o man_n we_o answer_v render_v three_o cause_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v for_o that_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n be_v without_o that_o ripeness_n of_o knowledge_n whereunto_o she_o have_v come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o have_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o every_o action_n prescribe_v but_o now_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v with_o more_o knowledge_n have_v these_o thing_n leave_v to_o her_o discretion_n even_o as_o we_o see_v man_n use_v to_o deal_v who_o if_o they_o commit_v any_o business_n to_o one_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v he_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v but_o only_o thus_o much_o in_o general_a that_o they_o will_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v otherwise_o if_o he_o want_v this_o knowledge_n than_o they_o leave_v nothing_o arbitrarie_a to_o he_o but_o set_v down_o every_o point_n and_o the_o special_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v this_o in_o the_o make_n of_o these_o church-lawe_n there_o must_v be_v great_a regard_n have_v as_o we_o afterward_o be_v to_o show_v of_o the_o nature_n manner_n behaviour_n and_o state_n of_o that_o people_n for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v now_o under_o the_o law_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o nation_n only_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o law_n agreeable_a to_o each_o people_n will_v have_v be_v so_o infinite_a that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v write_v neither_o do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o belong_v in_o any_o part_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o general_o and_o equal_o to_o all_o thirdlie_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o regard_n of_o her_o infancy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n now_o the_o church_n be_v set_v in_o full_a liberty_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o further_o tie_v to_o such_o outward_a
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
affection_n and_o endeavour_n do_v help_v it_o forward_o as_o they_o who_o do_v build_v out_o of_o order_n or_o not_o in_o due_a time_n aâ—d_v season_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kâ—â—d_n of_o hinderer_n who_o aâ—e_v tru_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o these_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n â—â—nder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v not_o only_o a_o strange_a thing_n although_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o the_o world_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_n and_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o overthrow_n and_o deface_v that_o wherein_o his_o chief_a felicity_n do_v consist_v but_o also_o a_o most_o fearful_a case_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 3.17_o who_o so_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v holy_a he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v and_o philip_n 1.28_o to_o be_v a_o adversary_n to_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o perdition_n howsoever_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n which_o his_o church_n have_v and_o make_v he_o become_v a_o favourer_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n sect._n 5._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v against_o profess_a hinderer_n they_o who_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n to_o wit_v profess_v or_o hypocritical_a of_o both_o these_o kind_n the_o apostle_n forewarneth_a the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n act._n 20.29_o say_n i_o know_v that_o after_o my_o departure_n fierce_a wolf_n shall_v come_v in_o upon_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n the_o other_o kind_n follow_v and_o of_o yourselves_o there_o shall_v arise_v man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o so_o do_v christ_n his_o disciple_n math._n 24.9.10_o open_a persecutor_n shall_v kill_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n yea_o many_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v offend_v and_o one_o shall_v betray_v a_o other_o and_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o these_o hinderer_n as_o they_o be_v diverse_a so_o they_o be_v diverse_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o yet_o this_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o whenas_o they_o be_v obstinate_o and_o desperate_o malicious_a in_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n neh._n 6.14_o and_o 2._o timo._n 4.14_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v both_o a_o servant_n to_o christ_n and_o a_o hinderer_n and_o defacer_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v obscure_v by_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o more_o than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o they_o who_o hate_v christian_n religion_n do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o that_o most_o common_o by_o open_a violence_n these_o may_v lawful_o be_v resist_v by_o violence_n as_o they_o do_v oppugn_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o do_v build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v their_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o neh._n 4.17_o therefore_o these_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o hereof_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o force_n of_o open_a enemy_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v resist_v by_o force_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o war_n so_o just_a as_o be_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o any_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a to_o look_v even_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o fight_v for_o we_o for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n whereof_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v serve_v thus_o joah_n incourage_v his_o brother_n 2._o sam._n 10.12_o quit_v thou_o like_o a_o man_n and_o let_v we_o be_v valiant_a for_o our_o people_n and_o for_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n sect._n 6._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v whenas_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a furtherer_n of_o it_o be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o authority_n for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o their_o mean_n the_o people_n may_v live_v a_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1._o timo._n 2.2_o but_o the_o people_n by_o their_o sin_n do_v often_o pull_v upon_o themselves_o as_o diverse_a other_o judgment_n so_o also_o profane_a and_o godless_a ruler_n so_o much_o abhor_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o embrace_v it_o themselves_o but_o also_o hinder_v their_o subject_n from_o use_v it_o the_o which_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n &_o even_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n whenas_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v stretch_v out_o against_o the_o church_n the_o member_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o which_o be_v appoint_v chief_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o have_v many_o example_n hereof_o in_o all_o age_n of_o king_n prince_n emperor_n &_o all_o kind_n of_o ruler_n who_o have_v oppose_v their_o whole_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a hundred_o year_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o do_v miserable_o labour_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecute_v emperor_n &_o the_o like_a may_v be_v see_v in_o every_o age_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o know_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v in_o build_v the_o church_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o whether_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o before_o to_o build_v the_o church_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v build_v by_o force_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v diverse_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o rule_n and_o of_o subjection_n for_o some_o magistrate_n do_v so_o rule_v 〈◊〉_d aâ—_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o other_o yea_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o law_n as_o other_o man_n be_v so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v transgress_v either_o in_o their_o private_a life_n or_o in_o public_a administration_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o the_o people_n or_o by_o the_o chief_a and_o noble_a of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n these_o may_v lawful_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a power_n of_o â—he_n people_n but_o not_o by_o any_o private_a man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n to_o go_v forward_o but_o this_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n for_o here_o subject_n do_v not_o resist_v a_o high_a power_n but_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ruler_n one_o part_n of_o it_o resist_v the_o other_o in_o the_o which_o combat_n the_o low_a power_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o high_a and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o office_n to_o rule_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v accounpt_v as_o deputy_n or_o substitute_n to_o the_o people_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o when_o the_o common_a good_a do_v so_o require_v yea_o if_o any_o people_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o any_o authority_n with_o condition_n of_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v if_o the_o say_a condition_n be_v break_v church_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n for_o usual_o he_o be_v but_o one_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o a_o more_o sure_a stand_n in_o his_o place_n in_o that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v or_o appoint_v by_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v neither_o do_v take_v his_o authority_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o their_o gift_n but_o have_v it_o from_o god_n from_o his_o predecessor_n and_o from_o himself_o these_o ruler_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n great_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o do_v obtain_v kingdom_n by_o hereditary_a succession_n from_o their_o ancestor_n authoâ—itie_n have_v either_o by_o force_n conquer_v the_o dominion_n of_o
those_o place_n or_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n obtain_v that_o great_a authority_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n yea_o often_o a_o temperate_a and_o mean_a power_n be_v grant_v do_v increase_v to_o this_o immoderate_a and_o absolute_a authority_n whereof_o we_o speak_v the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conquer_v by_o violence_n and_o unjust_a deal_n dominion_n yet_o if_o afterwards_o it_o be_v by_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v acknowledge_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a authority_n now_o in_o many_o of_o those_o kingdom_n the_o ruler_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o covenant_n or_o condition_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v rule_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o for_o the_o more_o quiet_a obtain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o their_o kingdom_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o inherent_a in_o their_o own_o person_n insomuch_o that_o all_o other_o within_o their_o dominion_n joint_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o private_a man_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o resist_v the_o civil_a authority_n by_o open_a force_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o set_v up_o or_o maintain_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a king_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o good_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o to_o resist_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v evil_a and_o great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o set_n forward_o of_o this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o these_o magistrate_n as_o first_o to_o solicit_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n at_o their_o hand_n yea_o even_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n as_o do_v hester_n est._n 4.14.16_o &_o nehemias_n neh._n â—_o 4_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o further_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o redeem_v the_o freedom_n of_o religion_n with_o our_o good_n by_o pay_v to_o our_o ruler_n great_a tribute_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v also_o by_o show_v our_o faithful_a obedience_n loyal_a submission_n and_o dutiful_a service_n even_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a ruler_n as_o do_v daniel_n nehemias_n and_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n and_o such_o like_a the_o lord_n work_v together_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v to_o turn_v at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v become_v lover_n and_o furtherer_n yea_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o hater_n and_o hinderer_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v continue_v obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v become_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o people_n may_v use_v either_o that_o secret_a authority_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o else_o the_o liberty_n and_o benefit_n of_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o so_o notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a ruler_n build_v the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n we_o may_v not_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o hold_v our_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o against_o that_o great_a absolute_a and_o majestical_a authority_n for_o here_o god_n give_v no_o other_o weapon_n where_o withal_o to_o fight_v save_o only_a patience_n to_o suffer_v their_o ungodly_a deal_n and_o if_o they_o become_v malicious_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n wing_n to_o fly_v for_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n move_v either_o by_o our_o own_o magistrate_n or_o by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o may_v fly_v for_o our_o safety_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o move_v every_o one_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n but_o nature_n be_v a_o evil_a counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o behalf_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v give_v we_o this_o liberty_n yea_o this_o counsel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o shall_v fly_v to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.1_o yea_o this_o be_v good_a not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o the_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o preserve_v the_o church_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v destroy_v in_o us._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o undergo_n extreme_a danger_n church_n yea_o the_o lord_n use_v thiâ—_n mean_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 8.4_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o this_o liberty_n of_o fly_v but_o give_v the_o persecutor_n power_n over_o we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v try_v our_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v also_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o liberty_n though_o we_o may_v as_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a or_o to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o the_o enemy_n object_v to_o we_o fearfulness_n hypocrisy_n want_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o christian_n thus_o much_o of_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o although_o they_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o build_v it_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v hinder_v the_o same_o yea_o often_o more_o than_o the_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o to_o let_v other_o pass_v the_o great_a hurt_n be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o building_n and_o further_a of_o this_o work_n do_v belong_v as_o namely_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o as_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n so_o when_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o how_o great_a be_v that_o hurt_n for_o the_o first_o the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o one_o because_o that_o kind_a of_o government_n be_v most_o usual_a may_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v in_o part_n further_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o if_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o do_v retain_v some_o part_n of_o some_o false_a worship_n or_o the_o relic_n and_o memorial_n of_o it_o whereby_o many_o be_v offend_v and_o hinder_v second_o if_o he_o hinder_v the_o establish_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n command_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o the_o function_n of_o any_o office_n and_o final_o if_o he_o do_v by_o any_o mean_n hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o place_n here_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n to_o use_v the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o move_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o good_a and_o salvation_n as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o we_o may_v also_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v be_v move_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o his_o realm_n yea_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v build_v may_v deal_v more_o plain_o with_o he_o and_o exhort_v yea_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o
the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o advance_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o beautify_v his_o church_n if_o nothing_o prevail_v than_o we_o arâ—_n to_o commend_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v easy_o movethe_v heart_n of_o ruler_n the_o which_o he_o do_v sometime_o by_o some_o judgement_n or_o plague_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o their_o land_n as_o we_o read_v that_o elias_n make_v achab_n put_v away_o idolatry_n by_o bring_v a_o extreme_a famine_n upon_o his_o whole_a land_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o that_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n have_v be_v discreet_o faithful_o and_o importunatelie_o use_v can_v prevail_v that_o there_o ought_v not_o any_o outward_a force_n to_o be_v use_v against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o ruler_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n may_v after_o a_o sort_n be_v rule_v it_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v unless_o the_o church_n use_v her_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n against_o her_o disobedient_a son_n thus_o obstinate_o hinder_v this_o work_n but_o herein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o whether_o this_o censure_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v against_o the_o ruler_n or_o rather_o exercise_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o answer_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o salvation_n and_o one_o glory_n both_o for_o ruler_n and_o subject_n so_o also_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o belong_v equal_o to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o likewise_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n people_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o commendable_a in_o a_o prince_n that_o whenas_o no_o man_n can_v compel_v he_o to_o it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o submit_v himself_o unto_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v example_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o obedience_n but_o although_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incommodity_n which_o will_v follow_v the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v seldom_o or_o never_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v for_o first_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a friend_n may_v be_v alienate_v quite_o from_o it_o and_o so_o cast_v away_o all_o care_n of_o further_a the_o building_n of_o it_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o ruin_v be_v destitute_a of_o his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o public_a church_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v where_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o second_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v lest_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o civil_a authority_n receive_v some_o disgrace_n the_o authority_n dignity_n &_o majesty_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o inconvenience_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o till_o that_o by_o mature_a deliberation_n it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hazard_v by_o this_o mean_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o imperfect_a or_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o ruler_n than_o none_o at_o all_o by_o his_o displeasure_n yea_o also_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o do_v first_o acknowledge_v himself_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v use_v on_o he_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n at_o least_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o may_v approve_v their_o do_v to_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o also_o not_o repugnant_a to_o that_o loyalty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o this_o censure_n can_v be_v use_v because_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n take_v hold_v of_o thâ—m_n who_o be_v under_o the_o same_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o second_o inconvenience_n these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v but_o upon_o a_o great_a urgent_a &_o evident_a cause_n as_o whenas_o his_o hinder_v of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o ignorance_n as_o of_o malice_n pride_n and_o some_o such_o corruption_n in_o he_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sudden_o do_v but_o that_o first_o ruler_n all_o patience_n be_v use_v by_o forebeare_v and_o expect_v the_o change_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n three_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o man_n account_v he_o not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_a prince_n or_o of_o a_o faithful_a brother_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o open_a and_o public_a promulgation_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 15.30.31_o that_o when_o as_o samuel_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n excommunicate_a saul_n the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v foresaken_v of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o favouâ—_n yet_o he_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v the_o dignity_n or_o rather_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n and_o call_n before_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v at_o his_o request_n go_v with_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o with_o his_o company_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o wâ—ole_a people_n and_o last_o that_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v open_o pronounce_v yet_o that_o there_o be_v add_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o censure_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v not_o touch_v his_o civil_a government_n or_o derogate_v any_o jot_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o obedience_n which_o his_o subject_n owe_v unto_o he_o save_o only_o that_o a_o christian_n godly_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a prince_n who_o be_v zealous_a in_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n ought_v more_o high_o to_o be_v esteem_v more_o cheerful_o obey_v and_o more_o entire_o love_v than_o a_o infiddel_n or_o then_o a_o wicked_a and_o obstinate_a ruler_n proffess_v faith_n for_o whenas_o we_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o the_o civil_a ruler_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o popish_a kind_n of_o excommunication_n whereby_o the_o pope_n do_v curse_v and_o depose_v all_o those_o prince_n which_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o corrupt_a and_o profane_a worship_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o excommunication_n be_v far_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o curse_n it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a separation_n from_o the_o outward_a society_n of_o the_o church_n magistrate_n which_o do_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n touch_n or_o diminish_v his_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v say_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o much_o as_o we_o be_v flat_o forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o curse_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o do_v paul_n call_v back_o that_o speech_n utter_v against_o the_o high_a priest_n malicious_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 23.5_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v often_o use_v by_o sathan_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a instrument_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o whenas_o they_o be_v so_o set_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a hinderer_n of_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o wolf_n can_v have_v the_o shepherd_n to_o put_v the_o sheep_n into_o his_o mouth_n what_o need_v he_o any_o more_o for_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o hinderer_n be_v very_o ordinary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n
necodemus_fw-la a_o master_n in_o israel_n iho._n 3.10_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v so_o much_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o messiah_n think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o temporal_a commodity_n and_o last_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o die_v john_n 12.34_o that_o these_o and_o other_o such_o error_n be_v popular_a and_o common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v both_o gather_v out_o of_o their_o say_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o also_o by_o their_o continual_a silence_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v mention_n upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o last_o by_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o hold_v even_o to_o this_o day_n those_o opinion_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o be_v common_o hold_v of_o that_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o error_n we_o think_v as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v general_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v then_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o this_o confession_n will_v not_o serve_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o a_o church_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o very_a person_n as_o for_o the_o heretical_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o church_n of_o arian_n papist_n or_o any_o other_o maintain_v grievous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v in_o general_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n to_o wit_n private_a &_o public_a a_o private_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n serve_v god_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n or_o there_o where_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n general_o &_o public_o consider_v abide_v in_o infidelity_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n we_o have_v many_o example_n first_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n be_v private_a second_o after_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v from_o bâ—ing_v a_o church_n for_o from_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n until_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n constantine_n they_o be_v a_o public_a church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christians_n be_v private_a for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o city_n or_o country_n within_o all_o that_o time_n be_v about_o .300_o year_n do_v public_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o a_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n in_o this_o and_o that_o city_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v private_a three_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o church_n at_o this_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v among_o the_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o infidel_n church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o private_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n &_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n the_o infidelity_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v themselves_o infidel_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v their_o subject_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o be_v perhaps_o content_a to_o tolerate_v the_o same_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o that_o for_o some_o civil_a respect_n as_o namely_o to_o make_v their_o city_n and_o country_n more_o resort_v unto_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o tribute_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n or_o for_o some_o other_o such_o consideration_n last_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o these_o private_a church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n be_v hardly_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o receive_v only_o of_o a_o few_o as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 10.16_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n that_o be_v very_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o the_o force_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o other_o outward_a respect_n make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o many_o place_n yet_o this_o general_a profession_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o hardly_o and_o seldom_o be_v true_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v that_o no_o church_n can_v be_v call_v private_a see_v that_o we_o have_v here_o before_o define_v a_o church_n in_o general_a by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o every_o church_n be_v public_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o a_o private_a house_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n contain_v within_o a_o private_a place_n and_o consist_v of_o a_o small_a company_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v private_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o be_v open_o establish_v among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v count_v public_a and_o not_o private_a so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n be_v call_v private_a from_o the_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v in_o private_a place_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v a_o public_a city_n or_o country_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o it_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v by_o who_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v found_v as_o for_o the_o secondary_a worker_n to_o wit_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o general_a treatise_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o â—he_v first_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o that_o they_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o builder_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o call_n power_n and_o authority_n do_v stretch_v so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n private_a man_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o be_v usual_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a builder_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o whereunto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o salvation_n do_v necessarelie_o bind_v we_o that_o if_o god_n give_v we_o occasion_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o behalf_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understande_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v whenas_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o christian_n magistrate_n and_o likewise_o of_o other_o governor_n and_o teacher_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o câ—â—rch_n aâ—_n all_o or_o else_o so_o decay_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n amongst_o some_o few_o in_o the_o which_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o also_o witâ—_n some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n how_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o labour_n both_o in_o bring_v tâ—ose_n who_o be_v infidel_n to_o the_o
profession_n of_o the_o faith_n church_n and_o also_o to_o bâ—_n a_o mean_n to_o continue_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v record_v act._n 8.4_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v dispeâ—sed_v they_o do_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o man_n labour_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v so_o we_o read_v that_o prisciâ—la_n and_o aquila_n have_v a_o church_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o we_o may_v well_o think_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o and_o to_o have_v convert_v many_o rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o so_o colossian_n 4.15_o the_o apostle_n salute_v nympha_fw-la and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o these_o man_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o these_o church_n within_o their_o own_o house_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o he_o build_v the_o church_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n do_v stretch_v by_o this_o rule_n as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o master_n of_o family_n stretch_v and_o ruler_n of_o city_n and_o country_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v to_o do_v yea_o they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v yet_o whenas_o they_o have_v win_v any_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o family_n or_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o to_o serve_v god_n together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o further_a building_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v to_o teach_v and_o order_v the_o say_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v think_v meet_a for_o that_o purpose_n then_o be_v they_o no_o more_o private_a man_n but_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n this_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o the_o build_n of_o any_o such_o private_a church_n he_o or_o they_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o purpose_n to_o those_o who_o do_v already_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n near_o to_o that_o place_n that_o their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o do_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o call_v and_o also_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o private_a man_n to_o be_v the_o first_o builder_n &_o founder_n of_o a_o private_a church_n consist_v not_o only_a of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o heart_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o move_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o in_o convert_n other_o there_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v forasmuch_o as_o civil_a ruler_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v give_v a_o toleration_n for_o a_o private_a church_n within_o their_o dominion_n yet_o they_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v turn_v to_o any_o new_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v take_v in_o hand_n this_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v with_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o rather_o than_o by_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o call_n to_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o build_v chief_o by_o gather_v together_o those_o who_o do_v already_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o private_a teach_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o for_o other_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o like_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a life_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o church_n have_v act._n 2.47_o then_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o love_o and_o mild_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o of_o those_o point_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n remain_v in_o a_o hire_a house_n private_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o boldness_n without_o any_o hindrance_n the_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v in_o that_o place_n if_o he_o have_v go_v about_o open_o &_o public_o to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o româ—_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v as_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o private_a church_n so_o likewise_o continue_v it_o this_o always_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v all_o those_o exhortation_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v obey_v magistrate_n &_o ruler_n whether_o high_a or_o loâ—_n râ—m_fw-la 13.1_o peter_n 2.17_o &_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o heathen_a magistrate_n rule_v yea_o christian_n living_n in_o this_o estate_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o their_o brethren_n profess_v the_o faith_n rather_o than_o of_o infidel_n which_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v or_o fly_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n whenas_o by_o just_a occasion_n it_o be_v offer_v for_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthians_n 1.7.12_o that_o the_o believe_a husband_n shall_v not_o put_v away_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v content_a to_o remain_v with_o he_o so_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o invite_v by_o infidel_n to_o their_o banquet_n infidel_n 1._o cor._n 10.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v great_a patience_n towards_o they_o then_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.12_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o leave_v their_o fault_n and_o sin_n unreproved_a yet_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o they_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o their_o conversion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o our_o temporal_a commodity_n can_v be_v without_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereunto_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o also_o to_o our_o own_o hindrance_n in_o regard_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n far_o in_o these_o private_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o most_o usual_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o they_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o all_o be_v such_o as_o do_v willing_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n act._n 2.41_o so_o many_o as_o willing_o receive_v the_o word_n christians_n be_v baptize_v yea_o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o soundenâ—sse_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o live_n amongst_o infidel_n they_o can_v but_o incur_v the_o hatred_n of_o many_o yea_o oftentimes_o even_o of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n themselves_o by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o sustain_v many_o iniuâ—ies_n and_o hurt_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o temporal_a life_n and_o manifold_a molestation_n scoff_n yea_o reproach_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o private_a church_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o pure_a perfect_a orderly_a and_o free_a then_o public_a church_n be_v for_o
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
reverence_v and_o obey_v yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o stretch_v itself_o to_o any_o church_n save_v only_o to_o those_o which_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n or_o rather_o in_o this_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o a_o council_n which_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o some_o country_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v impose_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o other_o country_n yea_o if_o in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n any_o one_o church_n shall_v refuse_v to_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o law_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v not_o build_v that_o one_o church_n for_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o over_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v second_o we_o be_v to_o see_v of_o who_o these_o counsel_n ought_v to_o consist_v the_o answer_n be_v of_o man_n who_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n join_v together_o under_o this_o common_a government_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o wit_n of_o zeal_n godliness_n wisdom_n learning_n experience_n faithfulness_n boldness_n diligence_n and_o such_o other_o grace_n requisite_a in_o this_o behalf_n judge_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n here_o we_o have_v two_o question_n to_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v whether_o that_o any_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o these_o counsel_n the_o second_o be_v whether_o that_o a_o council_n may_v convenient_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o answer_v of_o both_o these_o question_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o these_o weighty_a matter_n for_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n better_v the_o any_o other_o it_o be_v their_o call_n and_o office_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o but_o also_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v usual_o in_o other_o yet_o these_o counsel_n may_v lawful_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o other_o yea_o the_o constitution_n or_o decree_n of_o such_o counsel_n be_v no_o less_o to_o have_v the_o force_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n consist_v whole_o of_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v consociate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o delegate_v their_o authority_n to_o who_o they_o will_v of_o what_o calling_n or_o condition_n soever_o he_o be_v for_o although_o the_o knowledge_n and_o care_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n have_v in_o corrupt_a time_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v account_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a idol_n neither_o able_a nor_o worthy_a to_o deal_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n much_o less_o to_o judge_v deterâ—ine_n and_o advise_v of_o â—_z of_o great_a importance_n yet_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v it_o ratify_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v and_o be_v as_o often_o as_o plentiful_o yea_o some_o time_n in_o great_a measure_n grant_v to_o other_o christian_n then_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n and_o ability_n to_o be_v the_o only_a doer_n in_o this_o action_n but_o must_v admit_v into_o their_o company_n and_o consultation_n those_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v judge_v fit_n for_o this_o purpose_n yea_o although_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o minister_n able_a to_o perform_v whatsoever_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n yet_o it_o be_v diverse_a way_n inconvenient_a that_o counsel_n shall_v consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o law_n do_v concern_v the_o minister_n themselves_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o function_n wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a negligence_n want_n or_o oversight_n and_o error_n which_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n as_o they_o know_v who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o fault_n &_o make_v law_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n yet_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o wisdom_n who_o have_v the_o choose_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o these_o counsel_n to_o commit_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o they_o especial_o whenas_o the_o amend_v of_o the_o error_n be_v against_o the_o credit_n consultation_n commodity_n or_o ease_n of_o the_o minister_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o any_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o themselves_o the_o duty_n and_o work_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o correct_v whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o therein_o for_o we_o know_v that_o most_o of_o all_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pollute_v and_o deface_v these_o many_o age_n have_v be_v both_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o counsel_n consist_v of_o minister_n only_o beside_o this_o reject_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o unfit_a to_o advise_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a be_v both_o injurious_a to_o god_n who_o especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o full_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n on_o all_o his_o servant_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o also_o reproachful_a to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n last_o the_o exclude_v of_o all_o the_o people_n from_o counsel_n make_v the_o law_n enact_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unwilling_o receive_v for_o that_o the_o minister_n take_v all_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v easy_o incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_a over_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o law_n will_v be_v readely_a obey_v without_o murmur_a or_o repine_v if_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o question_n although_o a_o council_n gather_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n may_v lawful_o consist_v whole_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v seldom_o convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a authority_n wherewith_o the_o minister_n be_v endue_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n although_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v law_n yet_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v usual_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o make_v those_o humane_a law_n whereby_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o law_n have_v great_a force_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n then_o when_o they_o come_v from_o man_n otherwise_o mere_o private_a yea_o the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n be_v so_o that_o few_o man_n of_o other_o calling_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n give_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n for_o this_o purpose_n think_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o minister_n only_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o we_o do_v suppose_v a_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o knowledge_n do_v abound_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n but_o also_o among_o the_o people_n so_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o sound_n judgement_n and_o good_a advice_n in_o these_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o the_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v for_o if_o the_o people_n do_v abound_v with_o knowledge_n it_o be_v like_a yea_o necessary_a that_o the_o minister_n be_v much_o more_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o other_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n which_o in_o make_v these_o law_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v so_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n do_v who_o be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o look_v unto_o they_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n