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
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
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
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
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
for_o so_o the_o build_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n be_v hinder_v by_o false_a prophet_n nehe._n 6._o yea_o none_o do_v so_o importunate_o hinder_v or_o so_o spiteful_o entreat_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o worldly_a &_o carnal_a mind_a priest_n thus_o we_o se._n 2._o chro._n 18.23_o that_o zedekia_n do_v to_o micha_n and_o jere._n 20.1_o pashur_n to_o jeremie_n the_o priest_n scribe_n &_o pharise_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o false_a apostle_n to_o paul_n such_o be_v those_o foolish_a &_o vainglorious_a preacher_n at_o corinth_n who_o swell_v in_o a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a use_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n do_v build_v upon_o the_o good_a foundation_n of_o the_o sincere_a plain_a and_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n hay_n stubble_n wood_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v afterward_o consume_v with_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v will_v be_v find_v in_o examination_n to_o have_v no_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n these_o do_v seem_v to_o build_v as_o well_o yea_o much_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v deceitful_a worker_n and_o by_o this_o work_n do_v great_o hinder_v the_o true_a build_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o builder_n all_o man_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n will_v seek_v for_o some_o but_o these_o deceitful_a builder_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o maruail_v when_o as_o satan_n himself_o that_o foul_a and_o loathsome_a spirit_n do_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v they_o of_o faithful_a and_o painful_a teacher_n last_o these_o hinderer_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n as_o christ_n teach_v we_o math._n 7.15.16_o even_o by_o their_o dissolute_a life_n the_o which_o they_o spend_v in_o seek_v not_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o god_n glory_v but_o their_o own_o pleasure_n ease_n commodity_n yea_o riches_n and_o preferment_n yea_o this_o their_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v lest_o otherwise_o their_o purpose_n of_o hinder_v the_o church_n do_v prevail_v and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n when_o occasion_n serve_v and_o also_o by_o the_o contrary_a sincerity_n of_o the_o true_a builder_n thus_o christ_n deal_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n math._n 23._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n whenas_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o any_o mean_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v imperfect_a corrupt_a or_o both_o for_o although_o in_o christ_n the_o church_n be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a yet_o she_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v often_o otherwise_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n be_v when_o as_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v want_v as_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v want_v or_o if_o the_o minister_n do_v seldom_o and_o negligent_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n yet_o not_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o any_o few_o man_n but_o those_o which_o be_v general_a and_o tolerate_v by_o the_o public_a law_n or_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o imperfect_a state_n the_o imperfection_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a as_o the_o office_n or_o function_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v want_v be_v more_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whenas_o there_o be_v no_o preach_v ministry_n in_o the_o church_n the_o want_n be_v great_a and_o the_o case_n most_o lamentable_a because_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v and_o his_o servant_n save_v by_o preach_v the_o which_o being_n want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o salvation_n be_v also_o want_v the_o want_n of_o any_o office_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o that_o which_o be_v near_a unto_o it_o supply_v so_o do_v the_o levite_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o legal_a uncleanness_n not_o meet_v to_o sacrifice_v 2._o châ—o_o 29.34_o yea_o that_o which_o be_v public_o want_v be_v private_o to_o be_v supply_v what_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v herein_o but_o careful_o labour_v for_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o government_n whereof_o how_o much_o be_v want_v so_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v want_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o church_n the_o which_o want_v some_o office_n or_o function_n appoint_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o our_o service_n will_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accept_v of_o god_n church_n who_o wink_v at_o the_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a even_o as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o passover_n offer_v by_o ezechias_n and_o the_o people_n wherein_o many_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o law_n be_v want_v yea_o the_o church_n seldom_o attain_v and_o keep_v so_o absolute_a &_o perfect_a as_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n want_v some_o office_n which_o be_v afterwards_o supply_v and_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v many_o want_n in_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o they_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n &_o edificarion_n second_o if_o that_o the_o want_n be_v not_o wilful_a but_o constrain_v and_o necessary_a as_o when_o the_o jew_n intermit_v the_o use_n of_o circumcision_n in_o the_o wilderness_n last_o if_o that_o we_o do_v still_o aim_v at_o a_o perfect_a state_n consider_v that_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o so_o available_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v any_o lame_a blind_a or_o maim_a sacrifice_n or_o any_o imperfect_a service_n or_o yet_o so_o effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o use_n of_o other_o creature_n serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n special_o of_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v whenas_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a government_n appoint_v by_o god_n a_o false_a government_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v public_o establish_v or_o use_v or_o whenas_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v corrupt_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v these_o first_o a_o imperfect_a state_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n breed_v corruption_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v general_a ignorance_n and_o many_o error_n in_o judgement_n where_o powerful_a exhortation_n be_v not_o use_v there_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v want_v and_o where_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o force_n there_o dissoluteness_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o prevail_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o former_a false_a worship_n be_v not_o whole_o abolish_v the_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o a_o root_n leave_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o a_o wound_n or_o sore_o the_o which_o be_v not_o well_o cleanse_v will_v fester_v and_o send_v forth_o much_o corruption_n hence_o come_v that_o corruption_n of_o popery_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n and_o so_o that_o leaven_n have_v once_o infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v that_o although_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v take_v out_o yet_o the_o taste_n and_o sourness_n of_o it_o do_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n the_o kind_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n be_v many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o sincere_a government_n for_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v many_o way_n out_o of_o order_n as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o destitute_a of_o guilt_n needful_a or_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v corrupt_a as_o when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o to_o a_o unprofitable_a affection_n of_o learning_n read_v wit_n
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