make_v a_o volume_n to_o recount_v what_o advantage_n the_o church_n do_v hereby_o reap_v most_o certain_o they_o can_v be_v set_v out_o in_o a_o small_a compass_n for_o first_o this_o excommunication_n make_v man_n to_o look_v for_o salvation_n from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o thus_o they_o frame_v the_o argument_n the_o exclusion_n from_o the_o sacrament_n draw_v down_o death_n and_o damnation_n say_v they_o therefore_o the_o receive_v of_o it_o give_v life_n they_o scarce_o can_v entertain_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o antecedent_n whilst_o they_o be_v teach_v that_o this_o be_v so_o dreadful_a so_o soul-destructive_a a_o punishment_n and_o when_o they_o think_v themselves_o by_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o sacrament_n to_o fall_v straight_o into_o the_o very_a clutch_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v whole_o at_o satan_n mercy_n which_o have_v make_v it_o think_v by_o some_o that_o they_o can_v not_o die_v without_o be_v housle_v as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o error_n grow_v and_o get_v strength_n from_o the_o many_o great_a and_o long_a penance_n the_o solemnity_n of_o absolution_n and_o the_o like_a among_o which_o none_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o that_o they_o will_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n to_o they_o till_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o that_o then_o they_o give_v it_o they_o it_o be_v of_o pure_a compassion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o go_v hence_o destitute_a of_o the_o soul_n necessary_a food_n for_o if_o any_o through_o whatever_o accident_n be_v so_o unfortunate_a he_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o man_n damn_a and_o lose_v to_o all_o eternity_n as_o if_o god_n will_v not_o forgive_v they_o their_o sin_n who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o repent_v and_o vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o everlasting_a life_n unless_o these_o elder_n shall_v adjudge_v they_o qualify_v for_o the_o lord_n supper_n what_o error_n be_v there_o of_o a_o more_o detestable_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n but_o another_o fruit_n of_o this_o be_v that_o all_o the_o world_n now_o begin_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o shut_v and_o open_a heaven_n when_o and_o to_o who_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o young_a theodosius_n will_v not_o eat_v his_o dinner_n because_o have_v deny_v a_o importunate_a monk_n request_n he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o he_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o the_o excommunication_n be_v invalid_a yet_o rest_n good_a man_n he_o can_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o till_o the_o same_o hand_n absolve_v that_o have_v bind_v he_o so_o ambrose_n for_o eight_o month_n together_o keep_v a_o elder_a from_o church_n from_o sermon_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v true_a offend_v he_o have_v but_o more_o pardonable_o than_o ambrose_n himself_o as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o nicephorus_n his_o history_n and_o the_o chronicle_n of_o philip_n melancthon_n by_o these_o step_n have_v the_o roman_a see_v encroach_v upon_o the_o western_a world_n and_o make_v prince_n king_n and_o emperor_n to_o lackey_n to_o her_o lust_n and_o arbitrary_a sway_n in_o pretend_a spiritual_n dyed_n have_v be_v the_o german_a empire_n in_o the_o gore_n of_o hundred_o thousand_o that_o fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o this_o roman_a diana_n to_o excommunicate_v pope_n and_o excommunicate_v emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n religion_n she_o have_v chop_v and_o change_v mangle_a and_o disfigure_v debase_v and_o vitiate_a at_o her_o pleasure_n none_o dare_v to_o question_v her_o canon_n dispute_v her_o decretal_n or_o look_v her_o bull_n in_o the_o face_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v caligula_n and_o dare_v not_o show_v their_o head_n when_o she_o send_v her_o thunder_n of_o excommunication_n abroad_o the_o god_n of_o fox_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n dan._n 11._o 38._o if_o we_o weigh_v that_o passage_n aright_o signify_v nothing_o but_o this_o excommunication_n or_o the_o prohibit_v man_n the_o use_n of_o sacred_a thing_n especial_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o this_o excommunication_n act_v a_o very_a god_n in_o earnest_n it_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o god_n of_o force_n a_o god_n who_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n under_o the_o pope_n foot_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v nowadays_o too_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n act_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n who_o will_v make_v all_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n truckle_n to_o they_o and_o dread_v their_o censure_n as_o far_o as_o the_o pope_n ignorant_a votary_n do_v his_o bull_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o this_o god_n shall_v stand_v expose_v and_o condemn_v for_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a god_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o its_o godlike_a terror_n and_o dread_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v or_o have_v so_o long_o plague_v and_o enslave_v the_o church_n in_o fine_a this_o idol_n excommunication_n have_v every_o where_o such_o a_o ascendant_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o who_o by_o church-censure_n and_o interdiction_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n be_v denounce_v unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n be_v thereby_o whole_o fall_v from_o divine_a grace_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n save_v must_v they_o needs_o be_v who_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o will_v have_v so_o can_v we_o hope_v better_a term_n or_o great_a moderation_n from_o our_o modern_a churchman_n than_o the_o world_n have_v experience_v in_o their_o predecessor_n i_o fear_v he_o that_o shall_v expect_v it_o will_v find_v himself_o deceive_v and_o that_o he_o have_v but_o little_o weigh_v what_o either_o the_o scripture_n or_o experience_n may_v inform_v he_o of_o lxxiii_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o christian_a ruler_n shall_v not_o nowadays_o do_v what_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n require_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v we_o conceit_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o better_a model_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n in_o church_n or_o state_n than_o god_n give_v to_o they_o since_o we_o read_v in_o deut._n 4._o that_o the_o nation_n for_o this_o shall_v praise_v and_o admire_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n evince_v by_o those_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o yet_o god_n never_o teach_v they_o excommunication_n but_o the_o power_n of_o punish_v the_o debauchery_n and_o restrain_v the_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n of_o manner_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o magistrate_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o animadvert_v on_o such_o crime_n by_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v in_o their_o law_n prescribe_v they_o but_o the_o management_n of_o all_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n the_o disciplinary_a part_n and_o constitution_n be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o aaron_n but_o moses_n that_o do_v this_o god_n still_o command_v it_o and_o we_o know_v this_o jurisdiction_n be_v transfer_v over_o to_o joshua_n not_o to_o eleazar_n it_o be_v joshua_n on_o who_o god_n lay_v that_o injunction_n of_o see_v the_o israelite_n circumcise_a the_o second_o time_n and_o not_o eleazar_n josh_n 5._o 2._o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v universal_a without_o exception_n of_o one_o man_n the_o bad_a be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a there_o be_v without_o question_n and_o the_o keep_v the_o passover_n then_o be_v by_o he_o too_o direct_v nor_o be_v any_o person_n that_o we_o there_o read_v of_o exclude_v from_o it_o for_o dishonesty_n of_o his_o life_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v carry_v from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o he_o give_v the_o word_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n he_o interpose_v his_o command_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o joshua_n eli_n and_o samuel_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a affair_n they_o offer_v and_o administer_v at_o the_o altar_n as_o priest_n but_o as_o judge_n they_o manage_v both_o church_n and_o state_n for_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o art_n of_o government_n and_o secular_a affair_n as_o they_o be_v the_o type_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o high_a priest_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v another_o case_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o say_v christ_n see_v 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o which_o be_v pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n lxxiv_o if_o we_o go_v far_o to_o the_o king_n the_o case_n be_v no_o less_o plain_a as_o to_o david_n there_o be_v none_o can_v doubt_v it_o since_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o order_v all_o the_o office_n and_o charge_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n he_o that_o please_v may_v read_v
church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o publican_n to_o thou_o not_o to_o the_o pharisee_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o good_a man_n have_v no_o hatred_n for_o the_o publican_n most_o certain_o they_o never_o think_v they_o to_o deserve_v excommunication_n but_o do_v daily_o eat_v and_o live_v with_o they_o and_o in_o that_o christ_n join_v the_o heathen_a and_o publican_n together_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o matter_n common_a to_o they_o both_o therefore_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o publican_n must_v have_v quite_o another_o meaning_n from_o these_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n this_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n you_o may_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n proceed_v against_o he_o without_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o any_o man_n as_o if_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o heathen_a man_n or_o a_o publican_n now_o he_o that_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o any_o such_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v his_o cause_n to_o the_o roman_a magistracy_n which_o be_v plain_a as_o to_o the_o heathen_n alone_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o publican_n may_v easy_o appear_v for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o swear_a officer_n of_o the_o roman_n even_o against_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o for_o that_o also_o that_o they_o can_v expect_v scarce_o common_a justice_n from_o the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o account_v they_o the_o most_o despicable_a and_o profligate_v of_o mankind_n but_o christ_n allow_v not_o this_o appeal_n to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n against_o a_o brother-jew_n till_o he_o have_v endeavour_v a_o reconciliation_n that_o way_n which_o christ_n propose_v and_o which_o have_v before_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o law_n st._n paul_n excuse_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o act_n look_v much_o the_o same_o way_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o have_v never_o appeal_v unto_o caesar_n have_v he_o not_o be_v constrain_v nor_o do_v he_o it_o to_o accuse_v the_o jew_n but_o defend_v himself_o from_o violence_n and_o wrong_a the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 1._o command_n that_o if_o any_o christian_a have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o he_o shall_v decide_v it_o before_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o present_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a but_o if_o a_o christian_a have_v just_a cause_n of_o action_n against_o a_o infidel_n what_o doubt_n be_v there_o but_o that_o he_o may_v prosecute_v his_o right_n before_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n so_o if_o any_o one_o do_v neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o sentence_n judgement_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n he_o that_o be_v the_o sufferer_n the_o injure_a person_n may_v without_o offence_n to_o his_o neighbour_n appeal_v unto_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n xlvi_o but_o we_o shall_v handle_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o more_o perspicuity_n if_o we_o take_v into_o examination_n what_o and_o of_o what_o nature_n that_o church_n be_v which_o christ_n command_v the_o injure_a person_n to_o tell_v it_o unto_o in_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o lay_v this_o for_o the_o entrance_n and_o foundation_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o man_n will_v allow_v of_o and_o i_o know_v none_o that_o ever_o deny_v it_o viz._n that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o be_v how_o can_v he_o otherwise_o have_v bid_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o a_o church_n which_o be_v then_o nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v and_o of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o constitution_n they_o as_o yet_o hear_v nothing_o have_v he_o design_v the_o raise_v a_o new_a church_n or_o new_a form_n of_o government_n as_o yet_o unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n he_o have_v deliver_v they_o but_o a_o very_a lame_a institution_n for_o that_o he_o neither_o tell_v they_o who_o be_v that_o church_n nor_o how_o nor_o of_o what_o sort_n or_o number_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o nor_o the_o way_n of_o their_o judicial_a proceed_n nor_o what_o penalty_n they_o may_v inflict_v and_o the_o like_a neither_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v and_o even_o they_o who_o build_v their_o excommunication_n upon_o this_o text_n be_v force_v themselves_o to_o confess_v as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o they_o open_o own_v that_o christ_n take_v notice_n here_o only_o of_o private_a trespass_n but_o whenever_o christ_n make_v any_o new_a institution_n he_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o its_o be_v and_o subsistency_n here_o he_o only_o say_v tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v she_o he_o give_v the_o complainant_a liberty_n to_o look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o publican_n here_o be_v no_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o contumacy_n st._n luke_n when_o he_o set_v down_o the_o same_o passage_n recount_v it_o not_o with_o all_o those_o particularity_n as_o st._n matthew_n do_v the_o other_o two_o evangelist_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o it_o who_o yet_o will_v scarce_o have_v pass_v over_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n and_o necessity_n have_v they_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v then_o first_o make_v any_o such_o new_a institution_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o along_o firm_o persuade_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o die_v or_o change_v the_o jewish_a rite_n nor_o do_v they_o here_o by_o word_n or_o otherwise_o declare_v themselves_o not_o to_o understand_v what_o christ_n here_o teach_v they_o or_o show_v any_o forwardness_n to_o ask_v far_o after_o it_o or_o to_o wonder_v as_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o a_o unusual_a and_o unheard_a of_o piece_n of_o doctrine_n peter_n only_o wonder_v at_o this_o that_o he_o be_v require_v to_o forgive_v his_o brother_n so_o many_o time_n together_o sure_o therefore_o they_o never_o take_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v institutive_a of_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o have_v never_o dream_v of_o before_o but_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v teach_v as_o true_o they_o be_v when_o and_o for_o what_o they_o may_v without_o offence_n and_o scandal_n accuse_v or_o implead_v a_o brother_n jew_n before_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n and_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o jew_n go_v to_o law_n with_o jew_n before_o christian_a judge_n xlvii_o but_o if_o any_o ask_v i_o whether_o and_o how_o then_o can_v this_o precept_n reach_v all_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o far_a use_n than_o for_o those_o alone_a that_o live_v under_o a_o unchristian_a magistracy_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o of_o labour_v a_o reconciliation_n before_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o go_v to_o law_n about_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o all_o christian_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o use_v but_o where_o true_a professor_n live_v under_o a_o unchristian_a or_o antichristian_a magistrate_n st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6._o v._n 1._o &_o 4._o therefore_o advise_v the_o corinthian_n to_o choose_v out_o some_o among_o themselves_o who_o may_v judge_v such_o controversy_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n that_o they_o go_v not_o to_o law_n before_o the_o unju_v that_o be_v the_o heathen_a roman_a judge_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o corinthian_n may_v lawful_o have_v convene_v a_o christian_a brother_n that_o have_v injure_v they_o before_o the_o roman_a and_o gentile_a tribunal_n if_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o to_o judge_v on_o such_o occasion_n or_o if_o he_o mend_v not_o upon_o their_o sentence_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o hardly_o press_v by_o the_o jew_n appeal_v unto_o caesar_n act_v 25._o 11._o which_o act_v 28._o 19_o he_o excuse_v to_o those_o jew_n that_o live_v at_o rome_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v careful_o compare_v leu._n 19_o with_o ecclus_n 19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o with_o this_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n will_v be_v able_a much_o more_o clear_o and_o easy_o to_o understand_v this_o whole_a matter_n and_o may_v observe_v how_o well_o all_o hang_v together_o especial_o if_o he_o diligent_o note_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o st._n paul_n word_n which_o be_v just_o omit_v in_o moses_n and_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la there_o be_v then_o no_o occasion_n for_o they_o for_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v not_o then_o subject_a to_o any_o foreign_a power_n as_o they_o be_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n xlviii_o and_o thus_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v all_o will_v easy_o
require_v no_o far_a argument_n than_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o fault_n which_o scarce_o any_o man_n will_v have_v occasion_n to_o repeat_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n who_o have_v not_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o former_a six_o we_o have_v i_o think_v from_o all_o this_o evident_o prove_v that_o christ_n in_o this_o 18_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nothing_o of_o crime_n that_o be_v to_o be_v redress_v by_o excommunication_n but_o of_o light_n and_o private_a injury_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o up_o and_o reconcile_a they_o and_o therefore_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o business_n of_o excommunication_n if_o indeed_o we_o do_v but_o well_o weigh_v the_o close_a of_o that_o chapter_n all_o doubt_n from_o hence_o must_v be_v at_o a_o end_n xliii_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o christ_n in_o this_o 18_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n set_v up_o or_o institute_v excommunication_n aught_o to_o show_v in_o which_o of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v contain_v if_o he_o can_v show_v it_o any_o where_o there_o comprise_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o say_v it_o be_v there_o command_v but_o if_o it_o be_v there_o it_o must_v either_o be_v in_o these_o word_n v_o 17._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o in_o these_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n or_o last_o in_o these_o v_o 18._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o with_o most_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o none_o of_o these_o word_n comprise_v any_o such_o matter_n and_o since_o it_o can_v be_v find_v in_o no_o other_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o inquire_v here_o after_o it_o xliv_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n prove_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o who_o have_v be_v injure_v by_o his_o brother_n and_o all_o his_o endeavour_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o have_v be_v ineffectual_a may_v honest_o and_o lawful_o complain_v of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o further_o that_o this_o same_o church_n have_v a_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o reprehend_v and_o admonish_v the_o wrong_a doer_n that_o he_o cease_v from_o be_v so_o but_o no_o more_o of_o power_n be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n than_o v._n 17._o be_v before_o give_v to_o the_o one_o or_o two_o witness_n except_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o church_n without_o the_o witness_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o a_o weak_a way_n of_o reason_v to_o say_v the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v he_o that_o trespass_n against_o his_o brother_n therefore_o have_v she_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o or_o to_o debâ—â—_n he_o the_o sacrament_n but_o now_o some_o may_v perhaps_o urge_v that_o the_o church_n not_o have_v a_o right_a or_o authority_n of_o punish_v the_o guilty_a with_o death_n and_o other_o corporal_a punishment_n she_o be_v necessitate_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o way_n of_o deny_v they_o the_o sacrament_n but_o i_o answer_v be_v the_o antecedent_n as_o true_a as_o indeed_o from_o both_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n from_o what_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o sense_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o such_o consequence_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v ever_o prove_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v any_o necessary_a coherence_n one_o with_o another_o the_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n she_o can_v kill_v and_o slay_v therefore_o may_v she_o must_v she_o drive_v from_o the_o sacrament_n those_o who_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o save_a faith_n she_o must_v drive_v from_o that_o sacrament_n that_o be_v institute_v for_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v open_a and_o common_a to_o all_o that_o outward_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n xlv_o if_o yet_o our_o adversary_n think_v excommunication_n to_o have_v be_v institute_v in_o these_o other_o word_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n i_o utter_o deny_v it_o nether_a can_v it_o by_o any_o art_n or_o rhetoric_n persuasion_n or_o argument_n whatever_o be_v demonstrate_v whilst_o the_o world_n stand_v that_o this_o form_n of_o speech_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n shall_v tantamount_n to_o this_o let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a let_v he_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n the_o circumcise_a publican_n be_v they_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v not_o prohibit_v the_o temple_n sacrifice_n rite_n ceremony_n and_o sacrament_n and_o true_o christ_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v join_v the_o publican_n with_o the_o heathen_a to_o prevent_v all_o thought_n and_o suspicion_n of_o his_o here_o interdict_v they_o such_o rite_n and_o sacrament_n how_o can_v the_o publican_n by_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o worship_v god_n there_o when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o farmer_n or_o collector_n of_o tax_n and_o tribute-money_n nor_o find_v to_o be_v any_o where_o prohibit_v by_o god_n sure_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n nowhere_o forbid_v it_o when_o the_o publican_n ask_v john_n what_o they_o must_v do_v to_o be_v save_v he_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o quit_v their_o employment_n but_o direct_v they_o luke_n 3._o 13._o not_o to_o exact_v more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v appoint_v they_o and_o luke_n 19_o 5._o christ_n do_v not_o order_n zacheus_n the_o chief_a among_o the_o publican_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n nor_o find_v any_o fault_n with_o he_o on_o account_n of_o his_o employ_v and_o the_o publican_n that_o luke_n 18._o 10._o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v and_o return_v to_o his_o house_n more_o justify_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o he_o leave_v off_o be_v a_o publican_n nor_o those_o other_o who_o luke_n 7._o 29._o and_o luke_n 15._o 7._o justify_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o be_v dear_a and_o intimate_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o short_a i_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a writ_n that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n or_o place_n condemn_v or_o any_o way_n speak_v against_o publican_n for_o their_o very_a be_v publican_n that_o be_v tax-gatherers_a which_o all_o sober_a man_n will_v voluntary_o grant_v i_o upon_o which_o concession_n i_o argue_v thus_o god_n in_o scripture_n condemn_v not_o a_o publican_n as_o a_o publican_n now_o who_o god_n condemn_v not_o he_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n therefore_o no_o publican_n can_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v prohibit_v access_n to_o the_o temple_n or_o to_o divine_a worship_n i_o therefore_o make_v this_o conclusion_n no_o publican_n can_v by_o the_o law_n be_v condemn_v or_o excommunicate_v but_o christ_n command_v that_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v that_o church_n which_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o shall_v be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o publican_n therefore_o he_o will_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n accurse_v that_o be_v not_o bare_o for_o his_o be_v a_o publican_n and_o whereas_o these_o excommunication-man_n say_v that_o the_o word_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o publican_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o publican_n be_v to_o the_o pharisee_n it_o be_v both_o absurd_a false_a and_o impossible_a for_o it_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n credible_a that_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o which_o he_o design_v to_o institute_v as_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o so_o beneficial_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n shall_v or_o will_v make_v the_o wicked_a action_n of_o most_o profligate_v man_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o go_v by_o afterward_o beside_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o rate_n that_o we_o now_o talk_v of_o excommunication_n and_o last_o all_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o their_o interpretation_n for_o christ_n here_o talk_v neither_o of_o nor_o with_o the_o pharisee_n but_o all_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v of_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o christ_n say_v if_o the_o wrong_a doer_n neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o
agree_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o be_v i_o mean_v the_o church_n in_o judea_n but_o quick_o shall_v we_o be_v divide_v again_o in_o our_o enquiry_n what_o christ_n understand_v by_o the_o word_n church_n for_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o multitude_n gather_v together_o sometime_o for_o the_o senate_n council_z or_o elder_n which_o be_v its_o governor_n thus_o find_v we_o the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o signify_v a_o church_n company_n or_o congregation_n as_o num._n 35._o 24_o 25._o josh_n 20._o 6._o psal_n 82._o 1._o and_o elsewhere_o which_o the_o septuagint_n render_v by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o congregation_n now_o there_o be_v argument_n of_o no_o little_a weight_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o christ_n in_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n matthew_n will_v not_o have_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n church_n the_o multitude_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n but_o the_o jewish_a senate_n or_o council_n call_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o form_n of_o judicature_n or_o government_n which_o be_v administer_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v he_o himself_o or_o permit_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o moses_n have_v right_o institute_v by_o god_n command_n now_o moses_n do_v ordain_v that_o such_o suit_n and_o controversy_n shall_v be_v decide_v not_o by_o the_o multitude_n but_o by_o the_o senate_n or_o sanedrim_n of_o such_o and_o such_o place_n which_o at_o first_o be_v hold_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o each_o city_n where_o the_o elder_n sit_v to_o judge_v have_v christ_n think_v of_o introduce_v any_o thing_n here_o contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n his_o disciple_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o move_v at_o it_o who_o be_v all_o their_o life_n strict_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n let_v every_o man_n think_v with_o himself_o what_o dust_n and_o triumph_n the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v raise_v can_v they_o have_v in_o truth_n fix_v so_o criminal_a a_o action_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o the_o magistrate_n what_o fair_a pretext_n can_v they_o have_v wish_v to_o lay_v sedition_n to_o his_o charge_n than_o by_o prove_v upon_o he_o this_o attempt_n to_o set_v up_o the_o people_n against_o the_o magistrate_n contrary_a to_o god_n determination_n to_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o examination_n of_o witness_n to_o give_v they_o a_o power_n to_o convene_v who_o they_o will_v before_o they_o to_o grant_v they_o cognizance_n of_o gause_n and_o power_n of_o judicature_n second_o christ_n command_v to_o tell_v it_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n to_o send_v for_o and_o call_v before_o they_o the_o party_n accuse_v which_o may_v hear_v the_o cause_n which_o may_v examine_v witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o that_o the_o fact_n may_v be_v competent_o prove_v and_o last_o which_o may_v pronounce_v their_o sentence_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n but_o every_o one_o must_v know_v that_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o the_o crowd_n the_o multitude_n without_o choose_v some_o set_a person_n who_o may_v manage_v and_o moderate_a matter_n it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a small_a congregation_n a_o very_a handful_n of_o man_n who_o can_v be_v able_a of_o themselves_o without_o the_o elder_n to_o dispatch_v such_o cause_n for_o which_o reason_n some_o have_v right_o judge_v that_o this_o precept_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o hold_v well_o can_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n but_o when_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o very_a few_o member_n but_o now_o since_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o preside_v in_o these_o affair_n be_v in_o very_a truth_n nothing_o but_o the_o senate_n the_o sanedrim_n the_o session_n of_o the_o elder_n it_o again_o follow_v that_o christ_n command_v not_o to_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o multitude_n but_o to_o the_o council_n or_o sanedrim_n and_o true_o in_o christ_n time_n the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o magistracy_n and_o governor_n we_o must_v needs_o therefore_o by_o the_o word_n church_n understand_v the_o jewish_a senate_n or_o council_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o disciple_n do_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v therefore_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o the_o people_n we_o be_v then_o to_o tell_v it_o unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o senate_n or_o council_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o our_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o council_n as_o the_o jewish_a sanedrim_n be_v nay_o in_o christ_n time_n the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o just_a now_o we_o may_v add_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o multitude_n it_o general_o use_v the_o word_n people_n multitude_n child_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o like_a comprehensive_a word_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v relate_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o in_o all_o the_o congregation_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v usual_a at_o this_o very_a day_n for_o we_o say_v we_o have_v communicate_v the_o matter_n to_o such_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n when_o we_o have_v acquaint_v only_o the_o king_n senate_n or_o govern_v part_n of_o such_o state_n or_o kingdom_n we_o recount_v how_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n have_v reward_v a_o man_n when_o the_o representative_n only_o in_o such_o a_o diet_n or_o parliament_n have_v be_v liberal-handed_n to_o they_o it_o be_v so_o common_a a_o thing_n to_o use_v phrase_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a so_o few_o shall_v have_v observe_v it_o but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o christ_n alter_v not_o the_o custom_n of_o his_o time_n nor_o introduce_v any_o novelty_n or_o change_n into_o their_o court_n of_o judicature_n or_o measure_n and_o way_n of_o judge_v nor_o do_v his_o disciple_n betray_v any_o suspicion_n of_o innovation_n or_o alteration_n and_o therefore_o his_o command_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o sanedrim_n before_o their_o denier_n resort_v to_o the_o heathen_a magistracy_n xlix_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o holy_a writ_n as_o well_o as_o other_o history_n that_o the_o sanedrim_n be_v the_o legal_a magistracy_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n day_n they_o both_o keep_v and_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n many_o thing_n in_o the_o narratives_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n beside_o other_o testimonial_n evince_n as_o much_o they_o send_v arm_v man_n to_o take_v jesus_n they_o proceed_v in_o examine_v witness_n as_o the_o law_n require_v at_o least_o they_o pretend_v so_o they_o command_v he_o to_o be_v set_v before_o they_o in_o judgement_n they_o deliver_v he_o bind_v to_o pilate_n after_o they_o have_v first_o public_o condemn_v he_o they_o open_o condemn_v stephen_n and_o command_v he_o to_o be_v stone_v they_o seize_v the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o the_o common_a prison_n they_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v beat_v after_o a_o general_n consult_v hold_v about_o they_o they_o give_v letter_n and_o authority_n to_o paul_n to_o bring_v any_o that_o he_o find_v of_o that_o way_n bind_v to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o be_v punish_v the_o jew_n themselves_o with_o the_o elder_n and_o high_a priest_n that_o be_v the_o sanedrim_n say_v it_o in_o express_a term_n by_o their_o speaker_n tertullus_n who_o accuse_v paul_n before_o foelix_n act_v 24._o v_o 2._o add_v v_o 6._o that_o they_o take_v he_o and_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o according_a to_o their_o law_n but_o that_o lysias_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o with_o great_a violence_n take_v he_o away_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o act_v 23._o v_o 3._o say_v paul_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n sit_v thou_o to_o judge_v i_o after_o the_o law_n and_o command_v i_o to_o be_v smite_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o afterward_o act_v 26._o v_o 10._o paul_n confess_v before_o king_n agrippa_n and_o festus_n that_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n he_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o far_o persecute_v they_o into_o strange_a city_n still_o act_v under_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n
well_o belove_v by_o all_o many_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o his_o hand_n for_o he_o be_v but_o new_o get_v to_o that_o dignity_n and_o not_o approve_v of_o or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n and_o eusebius_n in_o the_o second_o of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n chap._n 23._o tell_v we_o that_o this_o high_a priest_n snatch_v at_o this_o occasion_n of_o the_o interregnum_fw-la but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v not_o archelaus_n who_o be_v style_v king_n in_o his_o father_n herod_n last_o will_v and_o that_o by_o the_o allowance_n and_o gift_n of_o caesar_n be_v he_o not_o therefore_o king_n because_o he_o refuse_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o king_n till_o he_o have_v caesar_n confirmation_n for_o it_o and_o not_o the_o magistrate_n of_o some_o city_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o in_o germany_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o particular_a prince_n not_o true_a and_o lawful_a magistrate_n because_o on_o the_o death_n of_o the_o prince_n they_o be_v require_v to_o pray_v the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o privilege_n from_o the_o successor_n but_o now_o that_o the_o high_a priest_n have_v power_n after_o his_o confirmation_n to_o convoke_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o sanedrim_n be_v clear_a enough_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v to_o albinus_n that_o this_o summon_v they_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o without_o the_o apprebation_n and_o privity_n of_o albinus_n lii_o it_o have_v now_o be_v full_o and_o solid_o prove_v that_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o magistrate_n of_o thy_o people_n or_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o thyself_o before_o you_o implead_v your_o brother_n in_o the_o heathen_a court_n as_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 5._o have_v incomparable_o expound_v it_o where_o he_o command_v they_o for_o this_o cause_n to_o choose_v person_n out_o of_o themselves_o to_o judge_v and_o arbitrate_v their_o quarrel_n but_o now_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o precept_n hold_v not_o where_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o pious_a christian_a magistracy_n a_o magistracy_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n with_o ourselves_o indeed_o st._n augustine_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n plain_o enough_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o account_v excommunication_n supply_v the_o place_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o visible_a sword_n when_o the_o church_n want_v that_o external_a aid_n for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o moses_n his_o punish_a transgressor_n with_a death_n and_o phineas_n his_o slay_v the_o adulterer_n do_v typify_v and_o prefigure_v the_o punish_a evil_a man_n by_o degradation_n and_o excommunication_n that_o be_v at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o material_a sword_n the_o civil_a temporal_a power_n shall_v be_v want_v in_o the_o church_n i_o remember_v that_o some_o modern_a writer_n hold_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v and_o retain_v this_o custom_n of_o excommunicate_v because_o the_o sword_n be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o irrefragable_a reason_n argument_n and_o testimony_n to_o be_v utter_o false_a but_o be_v it_o but_o thus_o far_o true_a it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o a_o church_n which_o have_v the_o civil_a authority_n of_o its_o side_n nor_o be_v it_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n obligatory_a to_o we_o to_o choose_v judge_n or_o arbitrator_n other_o than_o the_o lawful_a judicature_n of_o the_o land_n be_v it_o how_o it_o will_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o this_o passage_n of_o matthew_n signify_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o church-senate_n a_o council_n of_o clergyman_n or_o ecclesiastic_n endow_v with_o a_o faculty_n a_o right_a or_o power_n to_o shut_v out_o who_o they_o please_v from_o the_o sacrament_n liii_o two_o objection_n yet_o remain_v first_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v say_v to_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n if_o that_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n second_o how_o that_o passage_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v mat._n 18._o v._n 18._o suit_n with_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o first_o the_o answer_n be_v intimate_v before_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o then_o power_n of_o judge_v in_o all_o matter_n but_o almost_o every_o thing_n that_o relate_v not_o to_o religion_n belong_v to_o the_o roman_a judicature_n and_o therefore_o christ_n permit_v that_o if_o any_o one_o neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sanedrim_n in_o such_o matter_n the_o injure_a person_n may_v prosecute_v his_o right_n before_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o sue_v a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n beside_o many_o case_n may_v occur_v which_o the_o law_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o distinct_a and_o proper_a punishment_n for_o or_o have_v not_o prohibit_v under_o any_o penalty_n at_o all_o in_o which_o case_n it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v dismiss_v without_o more_o ado_n than_o a_o verbal_a chide_n or_o admonition_n now_o if_o the_o wrong_a doer_n do_v not_o yet_o leave_v wrong_v he_o the_o party_n injure_v may_v seek_v far_a satisfaction_n and_o may_v again_o and_o again_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n or_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v the_o other_o obstinacy_n but_o though_o this_o answer_n hold_v true_a yet_o the_o former_a seem_v in_o my_o mind_n more_o apposite_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o like_a liv._o to_o the_o second_o there_o be_v as_o little_a difficulty_n in_o frame_v it_o a_o answer_n for_o since_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v the_o same_o and_o almost_o the_o selfsame_a word_n be_v here_o repeat_v which_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n mat._n 16._o 19_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o signify_v either_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o but_o in_o mat._n 16._o 19_o to_o bind_v and_o to_o loose_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o it_o be_v loose_v from_o sin_n and_o from_o death_n and_o therefore_o can_v signify_v here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o desire_v his_o brother_n to_o leave_v injure_v he_o and_o rather_o to_o become_v good_a and_o affectionate_a to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o punish_v those_o that_o break_v this_o great_a commandment_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n now_o he_o that_o thus_o win_v upon_o his_o brother_n by_o soft_a advice_n and_o entreaty_n to_o forbear_v wrong_v he_o and_o urge_v to_o he_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o wrath_n he_o have_v in_o store_n for_o they_o that_o thus_o offend_v if_o his_o admonition_n have_v their_o effect_n he_o have_v gain_v his_o brother_n that_o be_v he_o have_v loose_v he_o if_o they_o return_v unsuccessful_a he_o be_v still_o bind_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n remain_v upon_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o do_v upon_o he_o who_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o he_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o but_o now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a and_o forward_o to_o forgive_v they_o that_o repent_v christ_n labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o by_o that_o most_o apposite_a parable_n of_o the_o king_n take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o he_o subjoin_v to_o this_o passage_n whereby_o christ_n meaning_n and_o purpose_n be_v mighty_o clear_v as_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v put_v upon_o it_o before_o lv._o i_o can_v but_o infinite_o wonder_n how_o or_o why_o some_o man_n do_v here_o expound_v this_o bind_n or_o lose_v by_o drive_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o readmit_v they_o thither_o again_o when_o throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n these_o word_n be_v never_o put_v for_o any_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v neither_o by_o word_n or_o otherwise_o discover_v that_o they_o understand_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n there_o be_v extant_a a_o precept_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o any_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v depart_v out_o of_o that_o house_n or_o city_n shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o luke_n 10._o 11._o mat._n 10._o 14._o which_o they_o put_v in_o practice_n act_v 13._o 25._o and_o 18._o 6._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v deny_v any_o sacrament_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v unto_o christ_n and_o embrace_v his_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n we_o nowhere_o find_v it_o either_o enjoin_v unto_o or_o practise_v by_o they_o as_o have_v be_v before_o abundant_o
and_o true_o prove_v that_o no_o circumcise_a person_n be_v ever_o before_o christ_n day_n prohibit_v those_o ceremony_n and_o sacrament_n which_o god_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n have_v ordain_v among_o they_o upon_o any_o delinquency_n in_o moral_n or_o piety_n of_o life_n nay_o i_o have_v withal_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o whosoever_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o i_o have_v by_o pregnant_a testimony_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n make_v it_o out_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n teach_v or_o act_v contrary_a beside_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o what_o our_o adversary_n offer_v on_o their_o own_o behalf_n can_v maintain_v the_o opinion_n they_o will_v build_v on_o it_o so_o that_o now_o i_o see_v not_o any_o far_a rub_n nothing_o that_o can_v shock_v this_o conclusion_n that_o that_o excommunication_n which_o shut_v out_o christian_n from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o pure_a immorality_n and_o the_o viciousness_n of_o their_o life_n be_v never_o ordain_v by_o god_n but_o be_v a_o figment_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n for_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o derive_v its_o original_n from_o scripture_n that_o the_o invention_n and_o trick_n of_o it_o be_v rather_o declaim_v against_o and_o condemn_v there_o lxix_o if_o any_o yet_o reply_n that_o at_o this_o rate_n we_o bespatter_v we_o condemn_v whole_a shoal_n of_o pious_a bishop_n who_o quick_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n begin_v this_o excommunicate_a sinner_n i_o must_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v against_o a_o opinion_n and_o another_o against_o the_o assertor_n or_o author_n of_o it_o many_o in_o our_o age_n of_o no_o less_o piety_n than_o learning_n have_v examine_v have_v sift_v and_o confute_v sundry_a ancient_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v catholic_n error_n error_n that_o creep_v early_o into_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o limbus_n patrum_fw-la purgatory_n pray_v to_o saint_n exorcism_n in_o baptism_n coelibacy_n of_o the_o priesthood_n unction_n in_o baptism_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o case_n how_o in_o question_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o man_n that_o have_v it_o charge_v on_o he_o as_o a_o crime_n bare_o for_o that_o he_o hereby_o condemn_v his_o predecessor_n if_o man_n will_v needs_o labour_v to_o enforce_v this_o excommunication_n upon_o the_o church_n as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n promulgation_n i_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o commend_v it_o therefore_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o can_v but_o high_o praise_v and_o approve_v of_o their_o zeal_n and_o good_a intention_n who_o first_o give_v rise_v to_o it_o for_o their_o aim_n be_v hereby_o to_o curb_v the_o restiff_n and_o unwieldy_a humour_n of_o vicious_a man_n since_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v a_o more_o commodious_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o do_v it_o and_o very_o many_o as_o we_o see_v even_o to_o this_o day_n walk_v on_o in_o this_o beat_a and_o public_a path_n do_v it_o because_o other_o before_o they_o do_v it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o as_o take_v it_o into_o their_o consideration_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o stand_v with_o holy_a scripture_n or_o no._n lxx_o i_o can_v at_o present_v say_v much_o of_o the_o very_a time_n when_o excommunication_n have_v its_o first_o rise_n only_o that_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n after_o christ_n i_o meet_v with_o something_o like_o it_o then_o attempt_v and_o set_v up_o for_o above_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o one_o suspend_v or_o put_v by_o from_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o unholiness_n of_o life_n they_o that_o be_v full_a verse_v in_o the_o history_n and_o write_n of_o the_o father_n may_v perchance_o speak_v better_a and_o clear_a in_o this_o point_n they_o that_o shall_v careful_o peruse_v what_o socrates_n in_o his_o five_o book_n of_o eccles_n history_n chap._n 19_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o i_o very_o believe_v will_n without_o much_o difficulty_n confess_v with_o we_o that_o this_o custom_n of_o excommunicate_v have_v its_o first_o epoch_n or_o commencement_n in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o novatus_n yet_o sozomen_n in_o his_o seven_o book_n chap._n 16._o pretend_v other_o cause_n for_o its_o institution_n beside_o which_o we_o read_v that_o about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o lord_n 200._o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n admit_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o who_o refuse_v to_o forgive_v injury_n but_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o till_o that_o time_n none_o be_v deny_v the_o communion_n but_o heretic_n and_o such_o as_o swerve_v from_o or_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o be_v that_o how_o it_o will_v this_o be_v both_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o excommunication_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o church_n have_v get_v the_o sword_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o key_n at_o their_o girdle_n that_o be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n king_n and_o prince_n become_v christian_n and_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o faith_n yet_o do_v the_o churchman_n not_o let_v go_v this_o power_n but_o continue_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o their_o bishop_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o episcopal_a order_n be_v then_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n partly_o for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fond_a and_o tenacious_a of_o that_o power_n which_o make_v they_o formidable_a to_o king_n and_o emperor_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o morsel_n too_o sweet_a to_o be_v part_v with_o without_o regret_n and_o they_o easy_o wrought_v other_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n and_o institutor_n of_o it_o since_o themselves_o have_v before_o so_o forward_o and_o so_o willing_o swallow_v it_o superstition_n too_o in_o a_o little_a time_n have_v ascribe_v so_o much_o virtue_n to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o public_o own_v by_o their_o write_n that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o can_v not_o die_v till_o they_o have_v be_v housel_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n either_o therefore_o this_o error_n make_v man_n dread_a excommunication_n or_o excommunication_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o error_n for_o how_o facile_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a and_o weak_a vulgar_a that_o life_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o receive_n and_o death_n to_o the_o deprivation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o to_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o high_a and_o last_o punishment_n that_o they_o see_v inflict_v on_o he_o lxxi_o but_o for_o the_o person_n that_o execute_v and_o denounce_v this_o excommunication_n as_o far_o as_o our_o conjecture_n can_v carry_v we_o in_o this_o affair_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o such_o elder_n as_o we_o read_v of_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 4._o who_o supply_v the_o place_n and_o defect_n of_o magistracy_n in_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o ministry_n but_o afterward_o all_o this_o authority_n be_v devolve_v upon_o the_o bishop_n who_o take_v cognizance_n of_o all_o suit_n make_v up_o difference_n give_v judgement_n and_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o right_a and_o distribute_v justice_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n as_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o by_o st._n augustine_n complain_v of_o so_o much_o then_o lie_v on_o the_o bishop_n hand_n of_o this_o nature_n ambrose_n affirm_v that_o those_o sort_n of_o elder_n who_o assistance_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o church_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v in_o vogue_n and_o authority_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o bishop_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o these_o elder_n be_v to_o have_v a_o authority_n as_o to_o that_o employment_n of_o judge_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o as_o under_o a_o christian_a government_n that_o employment_n will_v be_v useless_a and_o be_v therefore_o to_o cease_v so_o excommunication_n upon_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v exercise_v such_o a_o thing_n before_o yet_o shall_v it_o in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n cease_v for_o we_o must_v note_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v instead_o of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o manage_v civil_a affair_n and_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n which_o nowadays_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o civil_a for_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o suit_n and_o controversy_n of_o law_n thing_n relate_v to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o lxxii_o it_o will_v
1_o chron._n from_o the_o 22th_o to_o the_o 27_o chapter_n then_o for_o solomon_n who_o be_v a_o king_n and_o no_o priest_n he_o not_o only_o build_v the_o temple_n but_o dedicate_v it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o famous_a relation_n 2_o chron._n 19_o of_o jehosaphat_n which_o be_v well_o consider_v give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n so_o do_v that_o of_o the_o good_a king_n hezechia_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n witness_v no_o less_o if_o therefore_o the_o state_n and_o church_n be_v found_v institute_v and_o establish_v upon_o so_o much_o wisdom_n that_o which_o make_v the_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o form_n and_o model_n thereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o present_a circumstance_n and_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v allow_v challenge_v at_o least_o our_o praise_n and_o approbation_n if_o not_o our_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o in_o whatever_o nation_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v christian_a pious_a and_o orthodox_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o other_o person_n who_o under_o another_o name_n or_o title_n shall_v set_v a_o govern_v we_o and_o call_v we_o to_o account_v or_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o misdeed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o believe_a and_o infidel_n prince_n but_o say_v d._n wolfgangus_n musculus_fw-la in_o his_o common_a place_n de_fw-fr magistratu_fw-la from_o who_o i_o have_v borrow_v and_o transcribe_v what_o i_o say_v last_o it_o be_v a_o most_o pernicious_a error_n and_o big_a with_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o so_o many_o think_v no_o better_o of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n than_o of_o a_o heathen_a one_o who_o power_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o no_o far_o than_o mere_a temporal_n if_o then_o believe_v governor_n have_v authority_n not_o only_o to_o interpose_v in_o the_o order_n religious_a matter_n agreeable_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o to_o regulate_v the_o office_n and_o other_o the_o ministerial_a part_n about_o it_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o moses_n command_v that_o when_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o a_o king_n he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o a_o book_n and_o that_o to_o be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o to_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n but_o have_v also_o power_n to_o punish_v vice_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a fruitless_a attempt_n for_o man_n to_o be_v nowadays_o contrive_v and_o set_v up_o new_a model_n of_o government_n which_o level_v magistrate_n themselves_o to_o the_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o subject_n for_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o point_n of_o manner_n have_v no_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o vouch_v for_o it_o or_o set_v it_o up_o not_o but_o that_o civil_a governor_n will_v do_v well_o to_o advise_v in_o all_o doctrinal_n with_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a and_o have_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n lxxv_o but_o now_o in_o those_o church_n who_o mishap_n it_o be_v to_o live_v under_o a_o profane_a government_n as_o in_o the_o dominion_n of_o turk_n and_o papist_n they_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o pious_a sober_a person_n who_o agreeable_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n may_v arbitrate_v between_o contest_a member_n may_v take_v up_o quarrel_n may_v do_v every_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n may_v chide_v and_o admonish_v debauch_v flagitious_a man_n and_o such_o of_o the_o ministry_n themselves_o who_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o this_o avail_v not_o then_o may_v they_o punish_v they_o or_o rather_o recall_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n by_o avoid_v their_o company_n by_o debar_v they_o of_o private_a commerce_n by_o reprehend_v they_o public_o or_o by_o some_o suchlike_a mark_n of_o their_o displeasure_n but_o to_o thrust_v they_o from_o that_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o god_n institution_n when_o they_o be_v mind_v to_o come_v be_v more_o than_o any_o church_n or_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v for_o none_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o heart_n but_o god_n alone_o it_o may_v chance_v that_o some_o spark_n of_o piety_n and_o remorse_n may_v kindle_v in_o a_o sinner_n soul_n whilst_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_n nay_o may_v be_v great_o good_a to_o cherish_v since_o religion_n forbid_v it_o not_o and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v i_o will_v fain_o ask_v but_o horrid_a absurd_a and_o impious_a to_o boot_v to_o turn_v away_o any_o man_n from_o public_o and_o solemn_o pay_v his_o thanks_o to_o god_n and_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o his_o saviour_n when_o he_o find_v impulse_n from_o within_o to_o do_v it_o and_o will_v fain_o celebrate_v it_o with_o his_o fellow-brethren_n the_o church_n and_o declare_v it_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n to_o be_v and_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v public_a testimony_n that_o his_o past_a life_n be_v irksome_a to_o himself_o appendix_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o perhaps_o by_o way_n of_o corollary_n or_o supplement_n to_o mention_v the_o decree_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o year_n 1523._o at_o the_o diet_n at_o norimberg_n by_o all_o the_o laity_n of_o the_o imperial_a state_n and_o be_v send_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o that_o that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o first_o who_o have_v start_v this_o question_n but_o that_o the_o divine_n begin_v to_o think_v of_o it_o nigh_o 46_o year_n since_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n that_o be_v any_o whit_n verse_v in_o the_o german_a affair_n can_v believe_v or_o imagine_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v enact_v but_o request_v by_o they_o from_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n without_o the_o clergy_n know_v of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o authority_n may_v be_v the_o more_o authentic_a and_o the_o thing_n clear_a i_o have_v be_v content_a to_o compare_v the_o german_a copy_n which_o be_v write_v at_o that_o diet_n with_o the_o latin_a one_o send_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o which_o matth._n flac._n illyricus_n cause_v to_o be_v reprint_v at_o basil_n 1565._o with_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sectis_fw-la &_o dissensionibus_fw-la papistarum_fw-la and_o upon_o compare_v both_o to_o publish_v the_o entire_a decree_n or_o act._n therefore_o among_o the_o 100_o grievance_n which_o be_v full_a express_v at_o this_o session_n at_o norimberg_n than_o they_o have_v two_o year_n before_o at_o worm_n this_o follow_v be_v the_o 34th_o item_n many_o christian_n at_o rome_n and_o in_o other_o place_n beside_o be_v by_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o their_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n excommunicate_v for_o civil_a cause_n and_o on_o a_o temporal_a account_n whereby_o many_o weak_a conscience_n be_v disturb_v and_o bring_v to_o despair_v so_o that_o upon_o a_o moneyscore_n and_o for_o the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o very_o often_o for_o very_o trivial_a cause_n be_v some_o bring_v into_o danger_n of_o perish_a soul_n and_o body_n too_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o loss_n they_o suffer_v in_o estate_n and_o reputation_n thereby_o whereas_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o hold_v for_o such_o unless_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o heresy_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n bear_v witness_v and_o therefore_o the_o lay-state_n of_o the_o empire_n beseech_v your_o pontificial_a holiness_n that_o as_o become_v a_o godly_a and_o religious_a father_n you_o will_v take_v away_o these_o grievance_n of_o excommunication_n at_o rome_n or_o in_o the_o roman_a court_n and_o provide_v that_o the_o same_o be_v do_v every_o where_o else_o by_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o last_o that_o your_o holiness_n will_v command_v that_o no_o person_n be_v excommunicate_v or_o repute_v for_o such_o for_o any_o cause_n whatever_o beside_o the_o plain_a and_o prove_v crime_n of_o heresy_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n for_o that_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v separate_v or_o remove_v from_o god_n and_o his_o church_n for_o any_o temporal_a cause_n or_o otherwise_o or_o for_o any_o other_o humane_a crime_n except_o infidelity_n or_o heresy_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o joh._n stumpias_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o his_o chronicon_fw-la helvet_n cap._n 29._o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o swedish_n clergy_n about_o the_o year_n 1245._o when_o henry_n landgrave_n of_o ture_v and_o after_o his_o death_n william_n earl_n of_o holland_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o emperor_n frederick_n the_o second_o and_o conrade_z his_o son_n teach_v with_o great_a constancy_n among_o other_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o power_n grant_v to_o mortal_a man_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o prohibit_v christian_n spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o say_v mass_n say_v he_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v interdict_v they_o and_o denounce_v they_o excommunicate_a finis_fw-la hieronym_n upon_o tit._n chap._n 1._o 1._o see_v mat._n 11._o 28._o luke_n 5._o 5._o joh_n 4._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 12._o eph._n 4._o 28._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o which_o help_v mighty_o to_o the_o explain_v this_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o &_o alibi_fw-la