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
reign_v over_o they_o but_o god_n shall_v still_o be_v their_o king_n but_o after_o that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o king_n neither_o do_v the_o judicial_a law_n retain_v their_o full_a force_n neither_o do_v god_n himself_o appoynte_v captain_n over_o the_o army_n kingdom_n but_o all_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n who_o although_o they_o do_v keep_v the_o judicial_a law_n in_o part_n and_o for_o the_o great_a extremity_n in_o war_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v free_a in_o both_o these_o respect_n as_o we_o be_v afterward_o to_o declare_v more_o at_o large_a so_o that_o by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o these_o king_n god_n himself_o if_o we_o may_v so_o base_o speak_v of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o office_n kingdom_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v confess_v 1._o sam._n 8.7_o where_o he_o speak_v to_o samuel_n not_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o that_o the_o people_n have_v cast_v off_o his_o and_o his_o son_n government_n for_o indeed_o say_v god_n they_o have_v not_o despise_v or_o cast_v away_o thou_o but_o i_o and_o have_v refuse_v that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o judge_n have_v part_n of_o this_o supreme_a authority_n who_o although_o in_o the_o great_a matter_n they_o be_v overruled_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o ordinary_a administration_n especial_o of_o warelike_a affair_n they_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n from_o moses_n to_o saul_n the_o first_o king_n be_v call_v the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o which_o do_v whole_o cease_v after_o that_o saul_n be_v create_v king_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o war_n be_v either_o the_o king_n themselves_o or_o who_o it_o please_v they_o to_o appoint_v so_o we_o â—eade_v that_o david_n place_v and_o displace_v joab_n at_o his_o pleasure_n thirdlie_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a assembly_n have_v a_o part_n yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o likewise_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v a_o compendious_a body_n of_o the_o people_n have_v their_o part_n especial_o in_o civil_a administration_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n judg._n 20._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v together_o as_o one_o man_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o maspha_n to_o who_o the_o levite_n make_v his_o complaint_n as_o unto_o they_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o revenge_v the_o villainy_n do_v unto_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o determine_v of_o that_o cause_n as_o they_o do_v with_o great_a severity_n the_o cause_n why_o the_o people_n and_o the_o elder_n have_v part_n of_o this_o supreme_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o they_o do_v never_o give_v the_o whole_a power_n over_o themselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n but_o only_o do_v as_o it_o be_v use_v they_o to_o be_v their_o captain_n and_o leader_n in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n the_o which_o be_v end_v king_n usual_o the_o judge_n return_v to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o private_a estate_n till_o the_o like_a necessity_n call_v he_o abroad_o again_o but_o during_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o do_v not_o meddle_v much_o with_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o only_o hear_v those_o cause_n which_o be_v bring_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o fit_v arbiter_n because_o they_o be_v man_n renown_a either_o for_o their_o valour_n or_o because_o they_o be_v prophet_n as_o be_v deborah_n and_o samuel_n or_o have_v the_o office_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o have_v ely_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o their_o civil_a judgement_n or_o that_o they_o do_v call_v together_o the_o senate_n or_o the_o people_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o war_n or_o of_o any_o edict_n which_o they_o make_v or_o of_o fault_n which_o they_o do_v redress_v or_o punish_v only_o of_o samuel_n it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o go_v about_o the_o land_n to_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o of_o deborah_n that_o the_o people_n bring_v their_o controversy_n to_o she_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n be_v the_o want_n a_o judge_n for_o whenas_o the_o judge_n die_v they_o do_v not_o straightway_o put_v another_o in_o his_o place_n until_o they_o have_v occasion_n give_v by_o war_n during_o which_o time_n of_o vacation_n the_o elder_n and_o people_n in_o every_o city_n do_v judge_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o common_a assembly_n do_v order_n public_a matter_n although_o seldom_o and_o negligent_o as_o the_o people_n use_v to_o govern_v so_o that_o they_o want_v a_o judge_n as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v one_o but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v a_o king_n create_v there_o do_v no_o more_o any_o supreme_a authority_n remain_v either_o in_o elder_n or_o people_n all_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n who_o have_v no_o man_n which_o do_v participate_v with_o he_o in_o his_o authority_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o in_o this_o state_n the_o king_n be_v the_o chief_a governor_n and_o the_o elder_n king_n senator_n and_o inferior_a officer_n fellow_n governor_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o mate_n for_o all_o within_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o the_o king_n mere_a private_a man_n so_o that_o if_o any_o have_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v it_o all_o from_o he_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o the_o judge_n of_o civil_a cause_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o army_n be_v appoint_v by_o he_o yea_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o king_n that_o all_o the_o people_n with_o their_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n servant_n so_o 2._o chro._n 10.6_o the_o counsellor_n of_o solomon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stand_v before_o his_o face_n to_o wit_n wait_v and_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n so_o esa._n 37.5_o officer_n of_o the_o king_n and_o elderâ—_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v call_v the_o king_n servant_n for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o such_o a_o government_n as_o both_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n in_o many_o place_n where_o the_o people_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o other_o public_a affair_n do_v for_o one_o over_o they_o yea_o and_o give_v unto_o he_o although_o improper_o the_o name_n of_o a_o king_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o authority_n either_o to_o displace_v he_o at_o their_o pleasure_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o control_v his_o do_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v wrong_n to_o call_v he_o to_o account_v of_o his_o administration_n yea_o if_o need_n be_v to_o rise_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o this_o be_v no_o such_o government_n but_o a_o kingdom_n both_o in_o name_n and_o in_o truth_n wherein_o none_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o supreme_a authority_n save_o the_o king_n only_o sect._n v._n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o land_n which_o can_v associate_v itself_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n or_o any_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o his_o lawful_a administration_n as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v rule_v with_o religion_n and_o justice_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o there_o be_v some_o authority_n to_o restrain_v he_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v imperious_a or_o unjust_a in_o his_o government_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v either_o bring_v to_o a_o lawful_a manner_n of_o rule_v or_o else_o if_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a depose_v from_o his_o kingdom_n for_o otherwise_o the_o people_n may_v be_v miserable_o oppress_v religion_n deface_v yea_o all_o thing_n turn_v upside_o down_o and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o commonwealth_n utter_o overthrow_v and_o therefore_o that_o both_o wisdom_n reason_n and_o necessity_n iâ—_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n do_v require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o israel_n some_o other_o authority_n either_o in_o the_o people_n or_o in_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o senate_n or_o in_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n the_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v either_o use_v or_o once_o mention_v but_o against_o those_o king_n which_o do_v degenerate_a into_o violent_a and_o bloody_a tyrant_n even_o as_o man_n use_v a_o false_a &_o under_o rain_n to_o pull_v in_o strong_a head_a horse_n which_o otherwise_o will_v run_v into_o some_o pit_n &_o so_o destroy_v both_o themselves_o &_o the_o rider_n this_o reason_n take_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
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