may_v quick_o discern_v the_o main_a plea_n for_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v their_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o its_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o yet_o nothing_o have_v produce_v more_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n than_o our_o dispute_n about_o it_o have_v do_v and_o our_o sad_a experience_n still_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o our_o debate_n and_o the_o evidence_n bring_v on_o either_o side_n man_n yet_o continue_v under_o very_o different_a apprehension_n concern_v it_o but_o if_o we_o more_o strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a distance_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v rise_v upon_o this_o controversy_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n which_o have_v divide_v man_n so_o much_o from_o one_o another_o as_o the_o prevalency_n of_o faction_n and_o interest_n in_o those_o who_o revenue_n have_v come_v from_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o among_o other_o of_o great_a integrity_n it_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o prove_v it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o that_o form_n which_o by_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a conjecture_n they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v the_o primitive_a practice_n for_o hereby_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n to_o endeavour_v the_o establishment_n of_o that_o idea_n of_o government_n which_o ofttimes_o affection_n and_o interest_n more_o than_o reason_n and_o judgement_n have_v form_v within_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o bind_v to_o over_o throw_v any_o other_o form_v not_o suitable_a to_o those_o correspondency_n which_o they_o be_v already_o engage_v to_o maintain_v if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o wound_n and_o breach_n this_o day_n among_o we_o the_o most_o successful_a weapon-salve_n to_o heal_v they_o will_v be_v to_o anoint_v the_o sword_n which_o have_v give_v the_o wound_n by_o a_o seasonable_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a subject_n then_o of_o our_o present_a debate_n will_v be_v whether_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v settle_v upon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o all_o church_n be_v bind_v perpetual_o to_o observe_v that_o individual_a form_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o agree_v upon_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o it_o judge_v most_o conducible_a within_o its_o self_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o government_n the_o peace_n order_n tranquillity_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n if_o this_o latter_a be_v make_v full_o appear_v it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o however_o man_n judgement_n may_v differ_v concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o sure_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o proceed_v on_o in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o one_o consideration_n will_v be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o design_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o ground_n whereon_o different_a party_n may_v with_o safety_n not_o only_o treat_v but_o agree_v in_o order_n to_o a_o speedy_a accommodation_n we_o come_v therefore_o close_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o for_o 2._o the_o better_a clear_n of_o our_o passage_n we_o shall_v first_o discuss_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o show_v whereon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n must_v be_v found_v and_o then_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o far_o any_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v settle_v upon_o such_o a_o right_n right_o in_o the_o general_n be_v a_o relative_a thing_n and_o the_o signification_n 6_o and_o import_n of_o it_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o respect_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o law_n which_o give_v it_o for_o although_o in_o common_a acception_n it_o be_v often_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n its_o self_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o action_n in_o which_o sense_n ius_n naturae_fw-la gentium_fw-la civil_a be_v take_v for_o the_o several_a law_n of_o nature_n nation_n and_o particular_a state_n yet_o i_o say_v ius_n and_o so_o right_o be_v proper_o something_o accrue_v to_o a_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v make_v and_o so_o jus_o naturae_fw-la be_v that_o right_n which_o every_o man_n be_v invest_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v proper_o jus_o personae_fw-la and_o be_v by_o some_o call_v jus_o activum_fw-la which_o be_v define_v by_o grotius_n to_o be_v qualitas_fw-la moralis_fw-la personae_fw-la competens_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la just_a habendum_fw-la aut_fw-la agendum_fw-la by_o lessius_fw-la to_o be_v potestas_fw-la legitima_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la aliquam_fw-la jus_o obtinendam_fw-la etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o these_o description_n right_o be_v that_o power_n which_o a_o man_n have_v by_o law_n to_o do_v have_v or_o obtain_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o most_o full_a description_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o martinius_n that_o it_o be_v adhaerens_fw-la personae_fw-la necessitas_fw-la vel_fw-la potestas_fw-la recta_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la agendum_fw-la omittendum_fw-la aut_fw-la permittendum_fw-la that_o whereby_o any_o person_n lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v omit_v or_o suffer_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o else_o have_v a_o lawful_a authority_n of_o do_v etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a right_n either_o such_o whereby_o a_o man_n have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n or_o such_o whereby_o it_o become_v a_o man_n necessary_a duty_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n the_o open_n of_o the_o difference_n 3._o of_o these_o two_o and_o the_o different_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o person_n and_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n ius_n then_o be_v first_o that_o which_o be_v justum_fw-la so_o isidore_n ius_n dictum_fw-la quia_fw-la justum_fw-la est_fw-la so_o what_o ever_o be_v just_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v just_a either_o more_o general_o as_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v lawful_a or_o in_o a_o more_o restrain_a sense_n when_o it_o imply_v something_o that_o be_v equal_a and_o due_a to_o another_o so_o aristotle_n distribute_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o the_o former_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v here_o only_o pertinent_a as_o it_o imply_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o law_n that_o be_v do_v jure_fw-la because_o a_o man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o a_o express_v positive_a command_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o thing_n lawful_a but_o a_o non-prohibition_n by_o a_o law_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n to_o bind_v up_o man_n right_n what_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n be_v thereby_o suppose_a to_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n power_n still_o to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o man_n to_o seek_v for_o positive_a command_n for_o every_o particular_a action_n to_o make_v it_o lawful_a it_o suffice_v to_o make_v any_o action_n lawful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o bar_n make_v by_o any_o direct_a or_o consequential_a prohibition_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o thing_n who_o lawfulness_n and_o goodness_n depend_v upon_o a_o mere_a positive_a command_n for_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v therefore_o only_o good_a because_o command_v a_o command_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o lawful_a as_o in_o immediate_a positive_a act_n of_o worship_n towards_o god_n in_o which_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a command_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o whatever_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v not_o command_v by_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v no_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o not_o lawful_a 11._o so_o our_o saviour_n cite_v that_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o syriack_n version_n render_v thus_o reverentia_fw-la quam_fw-la mihi_fw-la exhibent_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la praecepto_fw-la &_o documento_fw-la humano_fw-la plain_o impute_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n reject_v their_o worship_n to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o tertull._n what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o tertullian_n condemn_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v
scandalous_a and_o have_v not_o repent_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o so_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o lie_v under_o great_a corruption_n when_o 15._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n communicate_v with_o it_o four_o although_o a_o believer_n join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n he_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v with_o the_o guilt_n nor_o defile_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o which_o he_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o he_o contract_v no_o guilt_n by_o it_o five_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n under_o pain_n of_o guilt_n if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v lawful_a to_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o unlawful_a to_o continue_v in_o its_o communion_n for_o that_o speak_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o by_o that_o he_o do_v imply_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o any_o society_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n thus_o for_o that_o learned_a and_o reverend_a man_n by_o who_o we_o see_v that_o the_o receive_v principle_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o moderate_a part_n of_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v not_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o as_o many_o imagine_v we_o see_v then_o that_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n not_o so_o pure_a as_o we_o desire_v iâ—_n no_o sin_n by_o the_o argument_n by_o he_o produce_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v then_o lawful_a to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o church_n mere_o for_o pure_a communion_n i_o 〈…〉_z stand_v not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o main_a ground_n of_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n in_o her_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o not_o partake_v of_o her_o sin_n because_o she_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o her_o error_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o her_o idolatry_n as_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o her_o communion_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o now_o to_o a_o close_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o 5._o withdraw_v from_o church_n in_o which_o man_n have_v former_o be_v associate_v and_o the_o ground_n which_o may_v make_v such_o a_o withdraw_a lawful_a in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o these_o thing_n first_o between_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n second_o between_o corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v profess_v and_o avow_v by_o a_o church_n and_o require_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o all_o member_n of_o it_o and_o corruption_n creep_v in_o and_o only_o tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n three_o between_o non-communion_n as_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o church_n and_o a_o positive_a and_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v such_o from_o these_o thing_n i_o lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o where_o any_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o it_o avow_v and_o profess_v and_o require_v the_o own_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o there_o a_o non-communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v necessary_a and_o a_o total_a and_o positive_a separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o depart_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v resolve_v by_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v discuss_v before_o the_o matter_n of_o law_n as_o to_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v into_o debate_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o separation_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a therefore_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n schism_n then_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o any_o slight_a trivial_a unnecessary_a cause_n but_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v great_a and_o important_a a_o departure_n it_o may_v be_v schism_n it_o can_v be_v they_o who_o define_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o by_o voluntary_a they_o mean_v that_o where_o the_o will_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o definition_n stand_v good_a and_o true_a for_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v groundless_a and_o unnecessary_a as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o if_o by_o voluntary_a be_v mean_v a_o spontaneous_a depart_n from_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n than_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v so_o voluntary_a and_o yet_o no_o schism_n for_o though_o it_o be_v voluntary_a as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o depart_v yet_o that_o be_v only_o consequential_o suppose_v a_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o take_v such_o a_o resolution_n but_o what_o be_v voluntary_a antecedent_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o faction_n and_o humour_n that_o be_v proper_o schism_n and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o in_o our_o present_a case_n three_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n and_o motive_n to_o such_o a_o forsake_v communion_n first_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n the_o main_a ligature_n of_o a_o religious_a society_n be_v the_o consent_n of_o it_o in_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o any_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gather_v such_o a_o society_n which_o be_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n yield_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o maintain_v it_o not_o that_o every_o small_a error_n be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n and_o man_n must_v separate_v from_o one_o another_o till_o knowledge_n come_v to_o its_o perfection_n which_o will_v only_o be_v in_o glory_n but_o any_o thing_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o do_v destroy_v any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v by_o add_v to_o fundamental_a article_n as_o by_o plain_a deny_v they_o and_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o the_o very_a ratio_fw-la of_o a_o fundamental_a article_n do_v imply_v not_o only_o its_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o the_o former_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o thing_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o not_o è_fw-la contrà _fw-la but_o likewise_o its_o sufficiency_n as_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v call_v fundamental_a so_o that_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n call_v fundamental_a be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v they_o now_o he_o that_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v as_o fundamental_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v thereby_o destroy_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o those_o former_a article_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a how_o can_v new_a one_o be_v necessary_a the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_a by_o a_o instance_n who_o assert_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o sinner_n to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n and_o thereby_o do_v imply_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n now_o if_o a_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o command_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o meritoriousnesse_n of_o good_a work_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o add_v this_o he_o destroy_v the_o former_a as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n for_o if_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v sufficient_a how_o can_v good_a work_n be_v meritorious_a and_o if_o this_o latter_a be_v necessary_a the_o other_o be_v not_o for_o if_o it_o be_v what_o need_v this_o be_v add_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n the_o papist_n with_o their_o new_a creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v and_o other_o too_o who_o so_o confident_o assert_v that_o none_o of_o their_o error_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v now_o such_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n suppose_v in_o a_o church_n withdraw_v and_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o
hilary_n but_o this_o that_o one_o speakâ—_n of_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o church_n and_o the_o other_o of_o other_o in_o some_o as_o at_o alexandria_n the_o presbyter_n may_v choose_v their_o bishop_n in_o other_o place_n it_o may_v be_v as_o hilary_n say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o withdraw_v another_o succeed_v he_o not_o by_o a_o monthly_a or_o annual_a rotation_n of_o precedent_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o by_o a_o presidency_n for_o life_n of_o one_o upon_o who_o death_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o room_n for_o the_o former_a opinion_n have_v not_o any_o evidence_n at_o all_o for_o it_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n or_o in_o the_o place_n bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n timothy_n must_v have_v but_o his_o course_n in_o the_o rotation_n of_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n which_o seem_v very_o incongruous_a to_o the_o office_n of_o timothy_n i_o conclude_v thâ—n_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n tie_v not_o themselves_o up_o to_o one_o certain_a course_n but_o in_o some_o church_n settle_v more_o or_o few_o officer_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o in_o other_o govern_v themselves_o during_o life_n and_o that_o at_o their_o death_n they_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o form_n be_v probable_o argue_v from_o the_o different_a custom_n of_o several_a church_n afterward_o the_o three_o consideration_n touch_v apostolical_a practice_n be_v 20._o concern_v the_o obligatory_a force_n of_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o we_o which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o term_n that_o a_o mere_a apostolical_a practice_n be_v suppose_v be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o sound_n a_o unalterable_a and_o perpetual_a right_n for_o that_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v found_v on_o that_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o proposition_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v not_o be_v yield_v without_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o fourfold_a argument_n first_o because_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o intention_n of_o oblige_v any_o who_o succeed_v they_o afterward_o to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n go_v abroad_o so_o unprovided_a as_o they_o do_v when_o christ_n send_v they_o forth_o at_o first_o which_o will_v argue_v no_o great_a wisdom_n or_o reason_n in_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v draw_v that_o practice_n into_o consequence_n now_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v paul_n preach_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o church_n receive_v no_o maintenance_n at_o all_o from_o some_o church_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n which_o instance_n be_v a_o manifest_a evidence_n of_o the_o monstrous_a weakness_n of_o discourse_n in_o those_o who_o will_v make_v that_o example_n of_o paul_n obligatory_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o and_o while_o they_o will_v by_o this_o argument_n take_v away_o their_o land_n and_o tithe_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o give_v they_o plaustra_fw-la convitiorum_fw-la whole_a load_n of_o the_o most_o reproachful_a speech_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o badge_n of_o honour_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v they_o not_o thus_o reproachful_o use_v it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o state_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v follow_v by_o such_o blackmouthed_a lackey_n who_o by_o their_o virulent_a speech_n be_v so_o far_o their_o friend_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n which_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v woe_n be_v unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o much_o wool_n there_o be_v after_o all_o this_o cry_n too_o little_a to_o clothe_v the_o back_n of_o minister_n if_o such_o person_n may_v be_v their_o tythe-man_n but_o it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v so_o little_o befriend_v yea_o so_o much_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a apostle_n in_o that_o singular_a practice_n of_o he_o for_o do_v he_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n he_o preach_v to_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o minister_n take_v it_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o people_n give_v it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o fâ—â—teenth_o verse_n give_v many_o pregnant_a argument_n to_o that_o purpose_n do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n beside_o he_o 6._o and_o barnabas_n do_v forbear_v work_v and_o consequent_o have_v all_o their_o necessity_n supply_v by_o the_o church_n nay_o doâ—h_v not_o paul_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o rob_v other_o church_n take_v wage_n 8._o of_o they_o to_o do_v service_n to_o they_o what_o paul_n turn_v hireling_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a term_n take_v wage_n of_o church_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v and_o his_o forbear_n it_o at_o corinth_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v interpret_v as_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v they_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 11._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o look_v upon_o paul_n as_o a_o hireling_n in_o do_v it_o paul_n be_v strong_a and_o earnest_a in_o assert_v his_o right_n he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o at_o corinth_n as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o but_o from_o some_o prudent_a consideration_n of_o his_o own_o mention_v 2_o cor._n 11._o 12._o he_o forboâ—e_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n among_o they_o although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o receive_v maintenance_n from_o other_o place_n as_o for_o any_o divine_a right_n of_o a_o particular_a 9_o way_n of_o maintenance_n i_o be_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n as_o to_o that_o which_o i_o be_o in_o reference_n to_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n i_o will_v not_o wish_v they_o so_o much_o injury_n as_o to_o want_v their_o maintenance_n till_o they_o prove_v it_o but_o then_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v clear_a in_o themselves_o and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o pay_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o receive_v it_o on_o the_o other_o first_o that_o a_o maintenance_n in_o general_n be_v give_v to_o gospel_n minister_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n else_o the_o labourer_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v true_a which_o paul_n say_v that_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v 14._o that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n second_o a_o maintenance_n in_o general_a be_v due_a lawful_a authority_n may_v determine_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o raise_v it_o the_o equity_n of_o which_o way_n may_v be_v best_a derive_v from_o what_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a practise_n of_o the_o world_n in_o dedicate_a thing_n to_o god_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o his_o own_o people_n the_o jew_n so_o that_o the_o way_n of_o maintenance_n by_o tithe_n be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a way_n three_o it_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o determine_v the_o way_n of_o maintenance_n what_o be_v so_o determine_v do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o subject_n to_o that_o power_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o it_o for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v thus_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o all_o thing_n establish_v by_o he_o as_o law_n and_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n any_o can_v plead_v for_o disobedience_n as_o to_o this_o may_v equal_o serve_v for_o disobedience_n to_o any_o other_o law_n make_v by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o clear_a resolution_n of_o that_o other_o more_o vex_v then_o intricate_a controversy_n about_o the_o right_n of_o tithe_n which_o i_o have_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o because_o it_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o the_o subject_n i_o be_o upon_o mere_a apostolical_a practice_n we_o see_v do_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o apostle_n do_v many_o thing_n without_o intention_n of_o bind_v other_o second_o the_o apostle_n do_v many_o thing_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n emergency_n and_o circumstance_n which_o thing_n so_o do_v can_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o do_v they_o any_o further_a than_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n do_v conclude_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n thus_o paul_n coelibate_n be_v far_o from_o bind_v the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o law_n but_o only_o a_o thing_n take_v up_o by_o he_o upon_o some_o particular_a ground_n not_o of_o perpetual_a 5._o and_o universal_a concernment_n so_o community_n of_o
sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o certain_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o word_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o religion_n sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n have_v christ_n give_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o her_o society_n who_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v christ_n ever_o thank_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v such_o out_o from_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n who_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_a crown_n of_o glory_n to_o but_o it_o may_v be_v aureolae_fw-la too_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o how_o far_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o i_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o treatise_n its_o self_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v consult_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n how_o far_o either_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v such_o rigorous_a imposition_n we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n make_v law_n but_o of_o thing_n suppose_v necessary_a when_o the_o council_n of_o apostle_n meet_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o decide_v a_o case_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n we_o see_v they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o these_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a when_o they_o have_v require_v they_o but_o they_o look_v on_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n either_o absolute_a or_o for_o the_o present_a state_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o impose_v those_o command_n upon_o the_o gentile-christians_a there_o be_v after_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o practice_n and_o variety_n of_o observation_n among_o christian_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o think_v those_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v matter_n of_o law_n to_o which_o all_o party_n shall_v conform_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v as_o to_o these_o be_v mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n value_v not_o indifferency_n at_o all_o and_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o account_v such_o which_o whether_o man_n do_v they_o or_o not_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o salvation_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n still_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o impose_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n all_o the_o injury_n she_o have_v do_v herself_o have_v be_v to_o have_v avoid_v that_o fearful_a schism_n which_o she_o have_v cause_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v the_o less_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n if_o a_o diversity_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o practice_n suppose_v indifferent_a yea_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condiscension_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n of_o practice_n or_o opinion_n this_o latter_a be_v extreme_o desirable_a in_o a_o church_n but_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o size_n of_o man_n in_o it_o very_o hardly_o attainable_a because_o of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v only_o the_o civility_n of_o procrustes_n to_o commensurate_a all_o other_o man_n to_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o the_o primitive_a church_n deserve_v great_a imitation_n by_o we_o in_o then_o in_o that_o admirable_a temper_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v use_v in_o it_o towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o think_v worth_n the_o while_n to_o make_v any_o stand_a law_n for_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o tradition_n much_o less_o to_o suspend_v man_n she_o his_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o they_o judge_v it_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o different_a church_n but_o in_o different_a place_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n for_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o mother-church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n this_o admirable_a temper_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v large_o clear_v from_o that_o liberty_n they_o allow_v free_o to_o dissenter_n from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o cyprian_a austin_n jerome_n and_o other_o but_o that_o will_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o first_o who_o break_v this_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o arrian_n donatist_n and_o circumcellian_n while_o the_o true_a church_n be_v still_o know_v by_o his_o pristine_a moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n towards_o all_o its_o member_n the_o same_o we_o hope_v may_v remain_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o primitive_a not_o so_o much_o in_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n that_o be_v in_o use_n then_o as_o in_o not_o impose_v they_o but_o leave_v man_n to_o be_v win_v by_o the_o observe_v the_o true_a decency_n and_o order_n of_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o act_n upon_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a ingenuity_n may_v be_v soon_o draw_v to_o a_o compliance_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n then_o by_o force_n and_o rigorous_a imposition_n which_o make_v man_n suspect_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o such_o force_n be_v use_v to_o make_v it_o enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o rejoice_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o a_o prince_n of_o that_o excellent_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n who_o have_v so_o late_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o great_a indulgence_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v any_o pretence_n from_o conscience_n to_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o seem_v to_o retard_v our_o peace_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n a_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o we_o in_o england_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o our_o contention_n about_o it_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o yet_o so_o few_o of_o the_o multitude_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o have_v true_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v so_o eager_o contend_v about_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o concern_v
so_o much_o of_o their_o natural_a right_n as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o society_n second_o a_o free_a submission_n to_o all_o law_n which_o shall_v be_v agree_v upon_o at_o their_o entrance_n into_o society_n or_o afterward_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n but_o when_o society_n be_v already_o enter_v and_o child_n bear_v under_o they_o no_o such_o express_a consent_n be_v require_v in_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o protection_n they_o find_v from_o authority_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o a_o implicit_a consent_n be_v suppose_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v under_o that_o authority_n but_o for_o their_o more_o full_a understanding_n of_o this_o obligation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a tie_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o understanding_n it_o have_v be_v conceive_v very_o requisite_a by_o most_o state_n to_o have_v a_o explicit_a declaration_n of_o their_o consent_n either_o by_o some_o formal_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n or_o some_o other_o way_n sufficient_o express_v their_o fidelity_n in_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n long_o since_o suppose_v to_o be_v make_v to_o apply_v this_o now_o to_o the_o church_n we_o have_v all_o along_o hitherto_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o discover_v what_o be_v in_o it_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o positive_a law_n but_o here_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v observe_v by_o father_n 2._o laynez_n the_o jesuit_n at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o church_n as_o with_o other_o society_n which_o be_v first_o themselves_o 61â—_n and_o then_o constitute_v the_o governor_n but_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o society_n be_v first_o himself_n and_o he_o appoint_v what_o order_n rule_n and_o law_n shall_v govern_v this_o society_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v determine_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o society_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o his_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o in_o many_o of_o those_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n the_o foundation_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v from_o himself_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n we_o now_o be_v upon_o nature_n require_v that_o every_o one_o enter_v into_o a_o society_n shall_v consent_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n have_v determine_v how_o this_o consent_n shall_v be_v express_v viz._n by_o receive_v baptism_n from_o those_o who_o have_v the_o power_n to_o dispense_v it_o which_o be_v the_o federal_a rite_n whereby_o our_o consent_n be_v express_v to_o own_o all_o the_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o whereby_o this_o society_n be_v govern_v which_o at_o the_o first_o enter_v of_o man_n into_o this_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o express_a and_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o be_v of_o sufficient_a capacity_n to_o declare_v it_o but_o the_o covenant_n be_v once_o enter_v into_o by_o themselves_o not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o posterity_n a_o thing_n employ_v in_o all_o covenant_n 38._o wherein_o benefit_n do_v redound_v to_o posterity_n that_o the_o obligation_n shall_v reach_v they_o to_o but_o more_o particular_a in_o this_o it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o man_n to_o enter_v the_o seed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n themselves_o as_o to_o outward_a privilege_n a_o implicit_a consent_n as_o to_o the_o child_n in_o covenant_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enter_v they_o upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o by_o baptism_n although_o withal_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a for_o their_o better_a understanding_n the_o engagement_n they_o enter_v into_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v explicit_o declare_v their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o may_v be_v a_o more_o than_o probable_a way_n and_o certain_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n once_o more_o in_o the_o world_n which_o at_o this_o day_n so_o much_o suffer_v by_o so_o many_o profess_v it_o without_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o it_o who_o swallow_v down_o a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n as_o boy_n do_v pill_n without_o know_v what_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o which_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n it_o work_v so_o little_a alteration_n upon_o their_o spirit_n the_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a flourish_a of_o religion_n in_o 3._o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v certain_o the_o strictness_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-society_n which_o be_v full_o describe_v by_o origen_n against_o celsus_n who_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inquire_v into_o their_o 147._o life_n and_o carriage_n to_o discern_v their_o seriousness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n during_o their_o being_n catechumeni_fw-la who_o after_o tell_v we_o they_o do_v require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o our_o mystery_n i_o confess_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v be_v very_o much_o misrepresent_v to_o we_o by_o man_n look_v upon_o it_o through_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o modern_a practice_n and_o custom_n obtain_v among_o we_o as_o though_o all_o this_o only_o concern_v the_o admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o that_o be_v always_o in_o chief_a veneration_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o gospel-mystery_n as_o commercii_fw-la they_o love_v to_o speak_v yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o ordinance_n free_o with_o they_o who_o be_v debar_v from_o this_o but_o their_o admission_n to_o one_o do_v include_v a_o admission_n to_o all_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o find_v none_o admit_v to_o baptism_n who_o be_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o catechumeni_fw-la present_o after_o only_a confirmation_n intervening_a which_o will_v hardly_o be_v ever_o find_v separate_v from_o baptism_n till_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o double_a chrism_n in_o vertice_fw-la &_o pectore_fw-la come_v up_o which_o be_v about_o jeroms_n time_n the_o thing_n then_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v in_o admit_v 4._o person_n adult_v to_o baptism_n and_o so_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o serious_a visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o real_a consent_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o take_a notice_n what_o be_v set_v down_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apolog._n 2._o speak_v of_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1636_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o we_o see_v what_o be_v require_v before_o admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o answerable_a life_n to_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o further_o we_o see_v by_o pliny_n that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n do_v make_v use_n of_o some_o solemn_a engagement_n among_o themselves_o which_o he_o call_v sacramenta_fw-la they_o do_v see_v sacramento_n obstringere_fw-la nè_fw-la funta_fw-mi nè_fw-la latrocinia_fw-la nè_fw-la adulteria_fw-la committerent_fw-la nè_fw-la fidem_fw-la fallerent_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o tertullian_n report_v it_o out_o of_o pliny_n that_o he_o find_v nothing_o 97_o the_o sacramentis_fw-la eorum_fw-la as_o junius_n first_o read_v it_o out_o of_o m._n s._n for_o de_fw-fr sacris_fw-la after_o he_o heraldus_n and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o read_v in_o rigaltius_n edition_n beside_o cautelam_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la confoederandam_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la etc._n etc._n scelera_fw-la prohibentes_fw-la which_o eusebius_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pacta_fw-la covenant_n between_o they_o and_o so_o master_n selden_n interpret_v the_o place_n of_o origen_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o book_n against_o 39_o celsus_n where_o celsus_n begin_v his_o charge_n against_o the_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o gelenius_n render_v it_o conventus_fw-la but_o in_o its_o proper_a sense_n for_o contract_n or_o covenant_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o christian_n as_o by_o other_o society_n only_o permit_v and_o tolerate_v by_o the_o commonwealth_n
command_v one_o form_n and_o forbid_v all_o other_o we_o have_v no_o way_n then_o leave_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o settle_v one_o form_n but_o by_o their_o practice_n this_o practice_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o uniform_a in_o they_o this_o uniformity_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o some_o unquestionable_a way_n the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o silent_a in_o it_o mention_v very_o little_o more_o than_o paul_n practice_n nor_o that_o full_o and_o clear_o therefore_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o from_o antiquity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o follow_a age_n if_o these_o now_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o expectation_n and_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a church_n plant_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v attain_v any_o certainty_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v now_o that_o antiquity_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o to_o place_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o thomas_n go_v into_o parthia_n andrew_n into_o scythia_n john_n into_o the_o lesser_a asia_n peter_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n bythinia_n cappadocia_n 1._o asia_n beside_o what_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o paul_n what_o a_o pitiful_a short_a account_n have_v we_o here_o give_v in_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n travel_n and_o their_o several_a fellow-labourer_n and_o for_o all_o these_o little_a or_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n they_o take_v in_o settle_v the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v who_o be_v it_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o course_n andrew_n take_v in_o scythiae_n in_o govern_v church_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o record_n of_o after-age_n there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n viz._n of_o tomis_n for_o the_o whole_a country_n how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o the_o pretend_a course_n of_o paul_n set_v up_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n where_o do_v we_o read_v of_o the_o presbytery_n settle_v by_o thomas_n in_o parthia_n or_o the_o indies_n what_o course_n philip_n bartholomew_n matthew_n simon_n zelotes_n mathias_n take_v may_v not_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v settle_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n from_o what_o we_o read_v paul_n peter_n or_o john_n do_v unless_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o nay_o what_o evidence_n have_v we_o what_o course_n peter_n take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n whether_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o synagogue_n way_n or_o alter_v it_o and_o how_o or_o wherein_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o give_v man_n a_o certainty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v in_o the_o settle_n church_n by_o they_o plant_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o general_a silence_n in_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o forgery_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o supply_v the_o vacuity_n whereby_o they_o fill_v up_o empty_a place_n as_o plutarch_n theseo_n express_v it_o as_o geographer_n do_v map_n with_o some_o fabulous_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n here_o be_v work_v now_o for_o a_o nicephorus_n callisthus_fw-la a_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n the_o very_a jacobus_n de_fw-fr voragine_fw-la of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o one_o well_o call_v he_o those_o historical_a tinker_n that_o think_v to_o mend_v a_o hole_n where_o they_o find_v it_o and_o make_v three_o instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n the_o second_o be_v as_o observable_a as_o to_o time_n and_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v most_o defective_a where_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a viz._n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o who_o dare_v with_o confidence_n believe_v the_o conjecture_n of_o eusebius_n at_o three_o hundred_o year_n distance_n from_o apostolical_a time_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o vouch_v but_o the_o hypotypose_n of_o a_o uncertain_a clement_n certain_o not_o he_o of_o alexandria_n if_o jos._n scaliger_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o the_o commentary_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o relation_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o questionable_a as_o many_o of_o the_o report_n of_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o i_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o eusebius_n in_o a_o place_n enough_o of_o its_o self_n to_o blast_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o debate_n for_o speak_v of_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v and_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o successor_n he_o make_v this_o very_a ingenuous_a confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v out_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n what_o become_v then_o of_o our_o unquestionable_a line_n of_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o several_a church_n and_o the_o large_a diagramm_v make_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n with_o every_o one_o name_n set_v down_o in_o his_o order_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v clarenceaulx_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o certain_a but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o must_v then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a stick_n to_o make_v the_o judge_n stand_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o lackey_n what_o sentence_n he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n to_o make_v scripture_n stand_v cap_n in_o hand_n to_o tradition_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v or_o no_o be_v all_o the_o great_a outcry_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o personal_a succession_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n by_o he_o from_o who_o all_o these_o long_a pedigree_n be_v fetch_v then_o let_v succession_n know_v its_o place_n and_o learn_v to_o veil_v bonnet_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o withal_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o overreaching_a themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v down_o so_o large_a a_o catalogue_n of_o single_a bishop_n from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o eusebius_n profess_v it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o find_v they_o well_o might_n scaliger_n then_o complain_v that_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o middle_n of_o trajan_n in_o which_o time_n quadratus_n and_o ignatius_n begin_v to_o eusebii_n flourish_v be_v tempus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o varro_n speak_v a_o mere_a chaos_n of_o time_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o rude_a concept_n once_o of_o papias_n hermes_n and_o other_o who_o like_o hann_n ibal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o way_n through_o will_v make_v one_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n but_o yet_o three_o here_o be_v another_o defect_n consequent_a to_o that_o of_o time_n which_o be_v that_o of_o person_n arise_v not_o only_a from_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v which_o will_v have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o time_n of_o suffer_v of_o the_o several_a martyr_n by_o they_o call_v their_o natalitia_fw-la at_o which_o time_n their_o several_a name_n be_v enrol_v in_o these_o martyrology_n which_o some_o as_o junius_n observe_v have_v ignorant_o mistake_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o their_o 18._o name_n be_v enter_v as_o anacletus_fw-la clitus_n and_o clemens_n at_o rome_n i_o say_v the_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n not_o only_o arise_v hence_o but_o because_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o harass_v with_o persecution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o leisure_n then_o to_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o leisure_n and_o peace_n of_o our_o age_n have_v make_v we_o so_o eager_o inquisitive_a after_o hence_o even_o the_o martyrology_n be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o fable_n witness_v one_o for_o all_o the_o famous_a legend_n of_o catharina_n who_o suffer_v say_v they_o in_o diocletian_n 16._o time_n and_o true_o the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v defend_v with_o his_o epistle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a for_o wherefore_o shall_v
understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o when_o once_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o rational_a man_n be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o most_o rational_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v present_o oblige_v to_o profess_v christ_n open_o to_o worship_v he_o solemn_o to_o assemble_v with_o other_o for_o instruction_n and_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o antecedent_n obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o associate_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o society_n which_o he_o enter_v into_o so_o that_o this_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o solemn_a profess_v and_o undertake_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o society_n shall_v be_v uphold_v if_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v by_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o society_n as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o all_o member_n to_o undergo_v the_o penalty_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v that_o society_n so_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o else_o there_o will_v be_v no_o provision_n make_v for_o prevent_a division_n and_o confusion_n which_o will_v happen_v upon_o any_o breach_n make_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n now_o this_o obligation_n to_o submission_n to_o censure_n do_v speak_v something_o antecedentaly_a to_o the_o confederation_n although_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o confederation_n its_o self_n by_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mistake_n in_o those_o otherwise_o learned_a person_n who_o make_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o lex_fw-la confederata_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la whereas_o this_o power_n have_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o high_a original_a than_o the_o mere_a arbitrary_a consent_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n associate_a together_o and_o how_o far_o the_o example_n of_o the_o synagogue_n under_o the_o law_n be_v from_o reach_v that_o of_o christian_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o because_o in_o these_o the_o power_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o leave_v to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o consent_n be_v suppose_v and_o confederation_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o church_n power_n but_o that_o be_v rather_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o exercise_n than_o the_o original_n of_o it_o for_o although_o i_o affirm_v the_o original_n of_o thiâ—_n power_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o power_n its_o self_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o person_n on_o who_o it_o be_v exert_v shall_v declare_v their_o consent_n and_o submission_n either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o this_o society_n have_v now_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o 21._o arise_v from_o mere_a consent_n of_o party_n the_o next_o grand_a inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o it_o do_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o excommunication_n for_o some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o seem_v whole_o to_o deny_v all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n over_o offender_n nor_o that_o the_o church_n do_v subsist_v by_o divine_a institution_n yet_o do_v whole_o deny_v any_o such_o power_n as_o that_o of_o excommunication_n and_o seem_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o church-officer_n may_v far_o more_o congruous_o to_o their_o office_n inflict_v any_o other_o mulct_n upon_o offender_n then_o exclude_v they_o from_o participation_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o contumacious_a offender_n from_o the_o privilege_n which_o this_o society_n enjoy_v in_o these_o term_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o fix_v it_o then_o in_o those_o crude_a expression_n wherein_o erastus_n and_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n will_v state_n the_o question_n and_o some_o of_o their_o imprudent_a adversary_n have_v accept_v it_o viz._n whether_o church_n officer_n have_v power_n to_o exclude_v any_o from_o the_o eucharist_n ob_fw-la moralem_fw-la impuritatem_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o wave_v those_o term_n be_v 1._o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o yet_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o any_o convince_a 1._o argument_n whereby_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o be_v deny_v admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o part_n of_o church-society_n and_o own_a as_o member_n in_o they_o i_o can_v yet_o see_v any_o particular_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o shall_v confine_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o to_o that_o ordinance_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o eucharist_n bear_v the_o same_o office_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o our_o new_a anatomist_n tell_v we_o the_o parenchyme_n of_o the_o liver_n do_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n viz._n to_o be_v colâ—â—â—_n sanguinis_fw-la to_o serve_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o strainer_n to_o separate_v the_o more_o gross_a and_o feculent_a part_n of_o the_o blood_n from_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o spirituous_a so_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o strain_v out_o the_o more_o impure_a member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o more_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a my_o judgement_n then_o be_v that_o excommunication_n relate_v immediate_o to_o the_o cut_v a_o person_n off_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n visible_a society_n constitute_v upon_o the_o end_v it_o be_v but_o because_o communion_n iâ—_n not_o visible_o discern_v but_o in_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n therefore_o exclusion_n do_v chief_o refer_v to_o these_o and_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a privilledge_n which_o the_o church_n enjoy_v therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o reason_v that_o censure_n shall_v begin_v there_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n suspension_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o person_n apparent_o unworthy_a may_v be_v embrace_v as_o a_o prudent_a lawful_a and_o convenient_a abatement_n of_o the_o great_a penalty_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o to_o stand_v on_o the_o same_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o other_o do_v for_o qui_fw-la pâ—test_fw-la majus_fw-la potest_fw-la etiam_fw-la minus_fw-la which_o will_v hold_v as_o well_o in_o moral_a as_o natural_a power_n iâ—_n there_o be_v no_o prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o peculiar_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o one_o more_o than_o to_o the_o oâ—her_n 2._o i_o dislike_v the_o term_n ob_fw-la moralem_fw-la impuritatem_fw-la on_o this_o 2._o account_n because_o i_o suppose_v they_o be_v take_v up_o by_o erastus_n and_o from_o he_o by_o other_o as_o the_o controversy_n be_v manage_v concern_v excommunication_n among_o the_o iâ—wes_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v â—meerly_o because_o of_o ceremonial_a or_o else_o likewise_o because_o of_o moral_a impurity_n as_o to_o which_o i_o must_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v erastus_n have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o adversary_n clear_o prove_v that_o no_o person_n under_o the_o law_n be_v exclude_v the_o temple_n worship_n because_o of_o moral_a impurity_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v little_a advantage_n to_o his_o cause_n by_o the_o great_a and_o successful_a pain_n he_o have_v take_v in_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o temple-worship_n or_o the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n propitiatory_a as_o they_o be_v the_o adumbration_n of_o that_o grand_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o the_o appease_n of_o god_n wrath_n viz._n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n therefore_o to_o have_v exclude_v any_o from_o participation_n of_o they_o have_v be_v to_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o visible_a way_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v without_o shed_v of_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o and_o from_o testify_v their_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o repentance_n 23._o from_o dead_a work_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n those_o
foreign_a church_n calvin_n and_o beza_n both_o approve_v episcopacy_n and_o diocesan_n church_n salmatius_n etc._n etc._n 3_o those_o who_o judge_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o primitive_a form_n yet_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o necessary_a bishop_n jewel_n fulk_n field_n bishop_n downam_n bishop_n bancroft_n bishop_n morton_n bishop_n andrews_n saravia_n francis_n mason_n and_o other_o the_o conclusion_n hence_o lay_v in_o order_n to_o peace_n principle_n conduce_v thereto_o 1._o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o church-government_n at_o last_o confess_v by_o all_o party_n independent_o in_o elective_a synod_n and_o church_n covenant_n admission_n of_o member_n number_n in_o congregation_n presbyterian_o in_o class_n and_o synod_n lay-elder_n etc._n etc._n episcopal_a in_o diocese_n cause_n rite_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o prudence_n best_o which_o come_v near_a primitive_a practice_n a_o presidency_n for_o life_n over_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n show_v to_o be_v that_o form_n in_o order_n to_o it_o presbytery_n to_o be_v restore_v diocese_n lessen_v provincial_n synod_n keep_v twice_o a_o year_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o easiness_n of_o accommodation_n show_v the_o whole_a conclude_v p._n 383._o 384._o a_o weapon-salve_n for_o the_o church_n wound_n or_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n discuss_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o reform_a divine_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n must_v be_v clear_o reveal_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a controversy_n about_o it_o a_o evidence_n thence_o that_o christ_n never_o intend_v any_o one_o form_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a right_o discuss_v right_o in_o general_a either_o make_v thing_n lawful_a or_o else_o due_a for_o the_o former_a a_o non-prohibition_n sufficient_a the_o late_a a_o express_a command_n duty_n suppose_v legislation_n and_o promulgation_n the_o question_n state_v nothing_o bind_v unalterable_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o stand_a law_n and_o that_o twofold_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n three_o way_n to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o divine_a right_o arise_v from_o scripture-example_n divine_a act_n and_o divine_a approbation_n consider_v he_o that_o impose_v any_o matter_n of_o opinion_n upon_o the_o 1._o belief_n of_o other_o without_o give_v evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o confidence_n of_o his_o assertion_n must_v either_o suppose_v the_o thing_n propound_v to_o carry_v such_o unquestionable_a credential_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n with_o it_o that_o none_o who_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v can_v deny_v it_o entertainment_n or_o else_o that_o his_o own_o understanding_n have_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o to_o have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o follow_v it_o this_o latter_a can_v be_v presume_v among_o any_o who_o have_v assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a chair_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v forget_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v so_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o assertion_n than_o this_o one_o assertion_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v actual_o deceive_v who_o know_v so_o little_a the_o measure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n the_o former_a can_v never_o be_v pretend_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o controversy_n among_o man_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o forget_v they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o their_o bring_v probable_a argument_n for_o the_o maintain_v one_o part_n of_o a_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o another_o in_o which_o case_n though_o the_o argument_n bring_v be_v not_o convince_a for_o the_o necessary_a entertain_v either_o part_n to_o a_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v argument_n sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o both_o party_n will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v on_o their_o own_o side_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n it_o give_v man_n ground_n to_o think_v that_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o our_o supreme_a law_n giver_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o man_n have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n it_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o sound_v his_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o uncertain_a and_o thereby_o make_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o condition_n never_o like_v 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the_o church_n any_o one_o