a_o essay_n on_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o which_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o independent_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o invalidity_n of_o lay_v deprivation_n to_o the_o inseparable_a relation_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o his_o see_n to_o a_o obligation_n of_o continue_a communion_n with_o the_o deprive_v bishop_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o nonjuror_n separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v particular_o and_o impartial_o examine_v by_o john_n turner_n d._n d._n vicar_n of_o greenwich_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o royal_a highness_n the_o prince_n london_n print_v for_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1617._o a_o essay_n on_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n the_o many_o irregular_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o the_o romish_a clergy_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n and_o a_o authority_n independent_a on_o the_o civil_a power_n cause_v the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o take_v that_o doctrine_n into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n at_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o reformation_n and_o in_o our_o xxxviith_z article_n they_o have_v determine_v and_o settle_v it_o thus_o that_o the_o queen_n majesty_n for_o this_o be_v do_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o all_o other_o her_o dominion_n unto_o who_o the_o chief_a government_n of_o all_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n whether_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o all_o cause_n do_v appertain_v and_o then_o to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o prevent_v misconstruction_n as_o the_o queen_n have_v declare_v in_o her_o injunction_n so_o the_o say_a article_n thus_o explain_v the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n we_o give_v not_o hereby_o to_o our_o prince_n the_o minister_a either_o of_o god_n word_n or_o of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o that_o prerogative_n which_o we_o see_v to_o have_v be_v give_v always_o to_o all_o godly_a prince_n in_o holy_a scripture_n by_o god_n himself_o that_o they_o shall_v rule_v all_o estate_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a and_o this_o be_v so_o confirm_v by_o the_o canon_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o king_n james_n i_n reign_n that_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v decisive_a in_o this_o matter_n we_o see_v plain_o what_o that_o be_v and_o be_v but_o the_o give_v so_o much_o jurisdiction_n to_o prince_n over_o ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o affair_n be_v complain_v of_o by_o some_o among_o we_o as_o a_o encroachment_n and_o a_o dangerous_a compliance_n a_o enslave_v principle_n which_o control_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o they_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v exempt_a and_o independent_a this_o point_n then_o not_o be_v successful_o enough_o determine_v by_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o our_o church_n in_o her_o article_n and_o canon_n must_v it_o seem_v be_v bring_v under_o a_o far_a examination_n and_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o subject_a of_o debate_n and_o speculation_n but_o at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n to_o our_o peace_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o late_a happy_a revolution_n be_v go_v into_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o independent_a authority_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o all_o those_o other_o notion_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o the_o nonjuror_n will_v vindicate_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o this_o their_o separation_n be_v unjustifiable_a and_o wrong_n if_o this_o claim_v be_v allow_v good_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o exempt_a and_o independent_a authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v we_o shall_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o their_o untoward_a principle_n and_o proceed_n in_o our_o inquiry_n into_o this_o matter_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n that_o occur_v to_o our_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o state_n be_v find_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o authority_n over_o all_o their_o subject_n and_o in_o all_o affair_n whatsoever_o antecedent_o to_o the_o church_n claim_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v priest_n as_o we_o be_v bear_v subject_n but_o be_v make_v such_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a maturity_n of_o age_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o consider_v what_o share_n of_o authority_n the_o prince_n lose_v over_o any_o of_o his_o subject_n upon_o their_o admission_n into_o holy_a order_n and_o what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o pretend_a change_n and_o as_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v sensible_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v plead_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o exemption_n or_o independency_n for_o according_a to_o that_o king_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o priesthood_n also_o and_o be_v the_o undoubted_a supreme_a judge_n and_o determiner_n of_o all_o affair_n melchisedech_n and_o jethro_n we_o all_o know_v be_v such_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o separation_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n from_o the_o temporal_a before_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o consequent_o no_o room_n for_o any_o debate_n or_o dispute_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o natural_a state_n of_o mankind_n it_o must_v therefore_o all_o be_v lay_v in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o institution_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o follow_v 3._o three_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o such_o a_o exempt_a and_o independent_a authority_n as_o be_v now_o plead_v for_o it_o must_v be_v found_v on_o that_o divine_a commission_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n and_o by_o they_o to_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o way_n then_o to_o know_v what_o there_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o such_o a_o claim_n be_v to_o consider_v well_o the_o content_n of_o that_o commission_n which_o must_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o which_o all_o her_o appropriate_v right_n and_o privilege_n her_o authority_n and_o power_n her_o immunity_n and_o franchise_n be_v build_v the_o substance_n then_o of_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v proselyte_n of_o all_o nation_n etc._n matth._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o joh._n xx_o 21_o etc._n etc._n by_o preach_v god_n word_n that_o they_o shall_v baptise_v they_o and_o by_o that_o sacrament_n admit_v they_o into_o christ_n church_n that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o instruct_v and_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o pure_a christian_a worship_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o that_o worship_n commemorate_v christ_n death_n in_o the_o eucharist_n according_a to_o his_o institution_n bound_v offender_n loose_a penitent_n and_o by_o ordain_v minister_n make_v a_o effectual_a provision_n for_o the_o perpetual_a continuance_n of_o this_o ministry_n which_o christ_n have_v thus_o commit_v to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n so_o that_o preach_v and_o perform_v divine_a service_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n inflict_v censure_n and_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o enormous_a sinner_n absolve_v the_o penitent_a from_o such_o sentence_n and_o ordain_v minister_n these_o and_o whatever_o other_o particular_n of_o ministration_n in_o the_o divine_a office_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o special_a commission_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o appropriate_v to_o the_o spiritual_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n become_v thereby_o the_o peculiar_a sacred_a power_n of_o the_o christian_a priesthood_n concern_v all_o which_o it_o be_v allow_v and_o grant_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o derive_v her_o authority_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o from_o any_o temporal_a power_n or_o potentate_n but_o from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o by_o the_o forementioned_a divine_a commission_n 2._o that_o as_o they_o be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o so_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o make_v to_o cease_v by_o any_o secular_a authority_n whatsoever_o 3._o that_o neither_o can_v any_o secular_a power_n of_o themselves_o execute_v these_o divine_a and_o holy_a office_n the_o very_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o take_v these_o holy_a office_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n who_o before_o have_v execute_v they_o and_o of_o vest_v they_o in_o a_o distinct_a set_a or_o order_n of_o man_n still_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v so_o separate_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o power_n specify_v in_o
christ_n commission_n be_v the_o limit_v and_o appropriate_v power_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n alone_o and_o which_o no_o temporal_a potentate_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o execute_v without_o break_v in_o upon_o christ_n institution_n and_o subvert_v the_o very_a end_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o original_a separation_n and_o therefore_o if_o no_o more_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o independent_a authority_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o priestly_a office_n than_o this_o that_o they_o who_o derive_v not_o this_o authority_n from_o the_o state_n can_v not_o have_v it_o take_v away_o by_o they_o and_o that_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v by_o christ_n commission_n exclude_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a office_n specify_v in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v declare_v her_o judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o claim_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v enter_v into_o no_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o then_o he_o who_o himself_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o baptize_v may_v yet_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o care_n and_o fidelity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v and_o he_o who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n or_o to_o ordain_v minister_n may_v yet_o be_v capable_a of_o take_v cognizance_n of_o the_o neglect_v and_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n commit_v in_o those_o performance_n so_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o minister_v in_o the_o holy_a office_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o another_o to_o have_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o a_o judicial_a cognizance_n of_o the_o care_n fidelity_n and_o good_a or_o evil_a conduct_n of_o those_o who_o do_v this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v 2._o that_o beside_o the_o ministration_n in_o holy_a office_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o ordination_n there_o be_v other_o power_n and_o authority_n claim_v by_o the_o church_n such_o be_v all_o the_o general_a power_n of_o government_n of_o assemble_v in_o synod_n of_o consult_v one_o another_o on_o important_a occasion_n of_o make_v law_n or_o canon_n of_o appoint_v to_o particular_a church_n or_o district_v their_o proper_a pastor_n of_o determine_v religious_a debate_n and_o dispute_n of_o prescribe_v rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o not_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o or_o appropriate_v by_o christ_n commission_n as_o the_o other_o divine_a office_n of_o religion_n be_v can_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n only_o of_o common-right_a as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n and_o as_o such_o act_n of_o government_n be_v the_o constant_a and_o common_a right_n of_o every_o establish_v community_n a_o society_n can_v subsist_v without_o government_n as_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v by_o christ_n commission_n constitute_v a_o spiritual_a society_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o thereby_o obtain_v a_o certain_a right_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n in_o government_n as_o other_o establish_v community_n be_v usual_o possess_v of_o the_o question_n than_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o she_o have_v but_o what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o how_o far_o it_o will_v hold_v good_a to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o these_o power_n of_o government_n be_v by_o christ_n commission_n specify_v and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o priesthood_n as_o the_o divine_a office_n of_o its_o holy_a ministration_n be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o this_o claim_n than_o that_o of_o common_a right_n and_o necessity_n to_o the_o support_n of_o this_o spiritual_a community_n and_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v we_o see_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o controversy_n a_o great_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o distinction_n here_o make_v between_o the_o divine_a office_n of_o the_o christian_a priesthood_n and_o the_o more_o general_a power_n of_o government_n the_o former_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n only_o the_o latter_a be_v those_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o present_a controversy_n and_o dissension_n be_v about_o and_o if_o i_o be_o right_a in_o state_v the_o church_n claim_n and_o title_n thereto_o i_o shall_v certain_o be_v right_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o dispute_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o christ_n commission_n the_o church_n have_v undoubted_a right_n thereto_o and_o if_o dr._n hickes_n and_o his_o friend_n have_v go_v no_o far_o in_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n independent_o on_o the_o secular_a than_o as_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n and_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o all_o christian_n will_v have_v come_v into_o it_o i_o for_o my_o part_n can_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o affirm_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o gather_v he_o a_o church_n thereby_o they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a right_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o spiritual_a office_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o church_n but_o if_o man_n will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o without_o go_v far_o if_o they_o will_v claim_v a_o universal_a inherent_a authority_n of_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o please_v by_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a proper_a and_o rightful_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o matter_n with_o a_o divine_a right_o to_o exclude_v the_o secular_a authority_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v null_a and_o invalid_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o temporal_a power_n in_o these_o affair_n without_o the_o clergy_n approbation_n and_o consent_n this_o i_o think_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o unrighteous_a demand_n and_o i_o have_v these_o six_o thing_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o i._o such_o a_o claim_n seem_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o power_n that_o we_o be_v now_o reason_v about_o they_o be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a appropriate_v office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n such_o as_o minister_a in_o the_o divine_a service_n administer_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o have_v already_o own_a king_n and_o prince_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o but_o they_o be_v the_o church_n common_a power_n of_o government_n which_o belong_v to_o her_o only_a of_o common_a right_n and_o to_o the_o general_n exercise_n of_o which_o other_o society_n be_v entitle_v as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n now_o these_o general_a power_n of_o government_n be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v exercise_v exclusive_a of_o and_o independent_o on_o the_o secular_a authority_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n or_o foundation_n than_o its_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o the_o attain_n to_o such_o a_o end_n certain_o lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o its_o force_n and_o obligation_n in_o all_o those_o instance_n in_o which_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a or_o necessary_a and_o where_o the_o end_n may_v be_v as_o effectual_o obtain_v without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o all_o that_o difference_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o history_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o very_a power_n under_o heathen_a and_o under_o christian_a emperor_n and_o governor_n when_o their_o heathen_a governor_n cast_v they_o off_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o they_o then_o manage_v all_o thing_n by_o themselves_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o affair_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v but_o when_o the_o christian_a emperor_n take_v the_o affair_n of_o christian_n into_o their_o cognizance_n and_o make_v law_n and_o pass_v sentence_n and_o execute_v judgement_n therein_o the_o christian_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n unanimous_o give_v way_n and_o very_o ready_o submit_v thereto_o it_o may_v possible_o have_v some_o weight_n with_o some_o of_o my_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o even_o dr._n hickes_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o paper_n late_o publish_v by_o his_o friend_n and_o which_o be_v write_v and_o publish_v on_o purpose_n to_o carry_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o a_o independent_a authority_n as_o high_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v yet_o come_v in_o
not_o all_o our_o present_a contention_n and_o feud_n about_o the_o uncontrollable_a supremacy_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a cause_n and_o be_v it_o not_o apparent_a undeniable_o that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o claim_v such_o a_o power_n be_v to_o protect_v some_o man_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o two_o such_o contend_v supreme_a sovereign_n shall_v exercise_v their_o several_a power_n one_o to_o remove_v and_o the_o other_o to_o support_v those_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o both_o how_o can_v two_o such_o supremacy_n subsist_v in_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n when_o almost_o every_o act_n of_o the_o one_o influence_n the_o other_o when_o in_o some_o case_n almost_o every_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n one_o way_n or_o other_o influence_n and_o either_o weaken_v or_o control_v the_o temporal_a a_o certain_a defender_n of_o this_o spiritual_a ecclesiastical_a independency_n see_v the_o necessity_n of_o grant_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o church_n no_o authority_n 17._o regal_a &_o pontif._n p._n 17._o that_o can_v possible_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n this_o assertion_n i_o own_o to_o be_v very_o true_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o nonjuror_n will_v but_o grant_v i_o that_o which_o i_o think_v no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v deny_v viz._n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o secular_a power_n as_o full_a a_o authority_n for_o the_o support_n and_o security_n of_o the_o state_n as_o he_o have_v to_o the_o spiritual_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o every_o act_n of_o independent_a power_n of_o the_o church_n that_o interfere_n with_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n commission_n i_o ready_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o this_o cause_n and_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o try_v the_o force_n of_o this_o principle_n in_o those_o particular_a case_n that_o be_v make_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o the_o election_n 2._o the_o deprivation_n of_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o so_o with_o that_o they_o have_v of_o necessity_n a_o common_a natural_a right_a to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o employ_v in_o divine_a service_n but_o then_o it_o be_v indeed_o reasonable_a that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v not_o claim_v a_o divine_a authority_n to_o thrust_v and_o force_v upon_o a_o christian_a state_n such_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n as_o be_v avow_v enemy_n to_o the_o government_n and_o national_a constitution_n where_o they_o live_v for_o this_o be_v actual_o to_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o king_n and_o prince_n shall_v be_v well-assured_n of_o the_o fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n of_o their_o clergy_n see_v that_o they_o and_o their_o government_n have_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o both_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o secular_a affair_n may_v be_v very_o much_o influence_v by_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a conduct_n if_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n give_v to_o our_o king_n the_o nomination_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v bishop_n it_o be_v indisputable_o interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v no_o right_a there_o to_o and_o that_o every_o such_o nomination_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o church_n power_n if_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o power_n be_v at_o all_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o consistency_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o state_n it_o be_v then_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o the_o mathematics_n that_o christ_n commission_n have_v give_v no_o such_o independent_a power_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o bishop_n because_o that_o actual_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n even_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o national_a government_n for_o let_v we_o reflect_v be_v it_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o pretend_a divine_a right_n and_o independent_a ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n that_o we_o see_v such_o vile_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n in_o our_o day_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o and_o will_v have_v protest_v against_o with_o the_o utmost_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o pretend_a independent_a authority_n the_o nonjuror_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o consecrate_v bishop_n and_o ordain_v priest_n not_o only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o state_n but_o with_o a_o direct_a intention_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o overturn_v it_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o renounce_v all_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o throne_n and_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o treat_v the_o king_n as_o a_o usurper_n to_o teach_v a_o nullity_n in_o all_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v to_o he_o though_o by_o most_o solemn_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n to_o set_v up_o a_o ecclesiastical_a community_n and_o gather_v congregation_n against_o he_o and_o therein_o to_o pray_v for_o another_o pretend_a king_n who_o the_o nation_n have_v solemn_o abjure_v and_o proclaim_v a_o traitor_n will_v not_o all_o this_o be_v call_v interfere_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n if_o it_o be_v i_o think_v then_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o christ_n commission_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n about_o the_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n most_o certain_o the_o state_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n and_o determiner_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o christ_n by_o his_o commission_n have_v give_v the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n no_o divine_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o such_o determination_n if_o therefore_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n instead_o of_o take_v care_n according_a to_o their_o trust_n that_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v man_n of_o sober_a life_n and_o sound_a religion_n will_v go_v so_o much_o far_a as_o to_o claim_v a_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n exclusive_a of_o the_o nomination_n of_o the_o prince_n only_o to_o embarrass_n his_o government_n and_o embroil_v his_o affair_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o such_o a_o spiritual_a power_n can_v be_v of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o all_o secular_a power_n be_v of_o god._n because_o two_o such_o independent_a authority_n in_o or_o over_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o consist_v together_o the_o one_o will_v inevitable_o interfere_v with_o and_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o other_o and_o such_o inevitable_a opposition_n confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o humane_a society_n can_v never_o be_v design_v or_o intend_v by_o almighty_a god._n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v 2._o as_o to_o the_o deprivation_n of_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o unhappy_a debate_n that_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v upon_o it_o i_o intend_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o the_o unhappy_a person_n who_o be_v deprive_v but_o see_v a_o pretend_a invalidity_n in_o their_o deprivation_n be_v make_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o schism_n from_o our_o church_n and_o of_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o nation_n doubtless_o common_a justice_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o lawful_a secular_a power_n we_o live_v under_o now_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o christ_n have_v give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o church_n that_o interfere_n with_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o most_o true_a it_o be_v and_o necessary_a for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o commission_n have_v give_v no_o such_o authority_n to_o his_o church_n as_o to_o keep_v bishop_n and_o clergyman_n in_o their_o respective_a see_v when_o the_o state_n find_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o turn_v they_o out_o for_o this_o also_o be_v to_o set_v up_o power_n that_o be_v incompatible_a both_o who_o command_n can_v be_v obey_v because_o they_o command_v contrary_a and_o inconsistent_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o unhappy_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n who_o be_v deprive_v for_o not_o give_v the_o usual_a oath_n of_o fidelity_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o king_n william_n their_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o
the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o primitive_a father_n have_v have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o dr._n hickes_n and_o his_o friend_n as_o to_o the_o church_n divine_a right_n to_o a_o independent_a authority_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v give_v in_o to_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o they_o be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v and_o whether_o they_o will_v impute_v it_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v make_v they_o the_o first_o betrayer_n of_o the_o church_n sacred_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o themselves_o let_v they_o account_v for_o it_o as_o they_o please_v i_o be_o content_v to_o observe_v from_o a_o very_a learned_a treatise_n of_o our_o present_a 35._o author_n christian_n prin._n c._n 2._o sect._n 4._o c._n 17_o 21_o 27_o 34_o 35._o great_a and_o good_a archbishop_n who_o have_v support_v his_o assertion_n with_o authority_n which_o be_v indisputable_a that_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o affair_n the_o euseb_n vit_n const_n lib._n iii_o c._n 6_o 7_o 10_o 12_o 13_o 17._o contanstine_n call_v the_o first_o general_a council_n by_o his_o imperial_a authority_n appoint_v the_o city_n nice_n in_o bythinia_n for_o the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o on_o the_o day_n set_v for_o open_v the_o synod_n he_o come_v and_o sit_v among_o they_o and_o reason_v with_o they_o and_o compose_v their_o difference_n ibid._n lib._n iu._n c._n 42_o 43._o he_o summon_v another_o council_n to_o meet_v at_o tyre_n a._n d._n 335_o and_o threaten_v those_o who_o disobey_v his_o summons_n with_o banishment_n or_o ejectment_n out_o of_o his_o see_n afterward_o he_o adjourn_v it_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o this_o council_n athanasius_n come_v in_o pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o appeal_v from_o it_o to_o his_o authority_n ib._n lib._n i._o c._n 44._o eusebius_n commend_v constantine_n for_o his_o piety_n and_o religious_a care_n in_o all_o this_o dr._n cave_n hist_o lit._n vol._n 2._o p._n 152._o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o carthage_n a._n d._n 411._o marcellinus_n the_o emperor_n commissioner_n direct_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_v appoint_v seven_o bishop_n only_o of_o a_o side_n to_o enter_v into_o debate_n and_o in_o the_o end_n give_v sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o orthodox_n and_o when_o upon_o marcellinus_n his_o death_n the_o donatist_n will_v have_v have_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v rescind_v honorius_n confirm_v their_o decree_n and_o make_v they_o valid_a ib._n p._n 158_o etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o feud_n and_o contrary_a decree_n in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n a._n d._n 431._o between_o john_n patriarch_n of_o antioch_n and_o cyril_n of_o alexandria_n against_o nestorius_n theodosius_n the_o emperor_n command_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v rescind_v and_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o true_a information_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v he_o confirm_v the_o decree_n make_v against_o nestorius_n as_o to_o imperial_a law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o will_v mention_v a_o few_o only_a out_o of_o the_o code_n and_o novel_n of_o justinian_n god_n lib._n i._o tit._n three_o cap._n 8._o if_o a_o clergyman_n give_v false_a witness_n in_o a_o pecuniary_a case_n he_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o his_o office_n for_o three_o year_n if_o in_o a_o criminal_a cause_n to_o be_v degrade_v from_o the_o priestly_a office_n clericatûs_fw-la honore_fw-la nudatus_fw-la etc._n etc._n ib._n novel_a coll._n ix_o tit._n vi_fw-la 123._o cap._n x._o a_o clergyman_n play_v at_o table_n or_o stand_v by_o to_o lay_v wager_n or_o look_v on_o be_v to_o be_v suspend_v for_o three_o year_n jubemus_fw-la tribus_fw-la annis_fw-la a_o venerabili_fw-la ministerio_fw-la prohiberi_fw-la ib._n c._n 17._o he_o that_o shall_v give_v or_o take_v money_n to_o procure_v the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v degrade_v a_o gradu_fw-la sacerdotij_fw-la retrahatur_fw-la ib._n c._n 31._o a_o bishop_n not_o consecrate_a according_a to_o some_o particular_a imperial_a constitution_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v jubemus_fw-la hunc_fw-la omnibus_fw-la modis_fw-la epicsopatu_fw-la depelli_fw-la novel_a ix_o tit._n vi_fw-la 123_o 1._o a_o presbyter_n ordain_v before_o examination_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accuse_v as_o unfit_a be_v to_o be_v depose_v a_o sacerdotio_fw-la repellatur_fw-la c._n 2._o a_o bishop_n desert_v his_o see_n and_o not_o return_v in_o a_o set_a time_n be_v to_o be_v deprive_v ab_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la expelli_fw-la ib._n c._n 9_o if_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n excommunicate_v any_o without_o hear_v his_o cause_n the_o person_n unjust_o excommunicate_v shall_v be_v absolve_v by_o another_o presbyter_n and_o he_o that_o unjust_o excommunicate_v he_o shall_v himself_o be_v excommunicate_v ib._n c._n 11._o if_o a_o bishop_n that_o be_v deprive_v or_o depose_v sacerdotio_fw-la pulsus_fw-la presume_v to_o return_v to_o the_o city_n he_o have_v belong_v to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v in_o a_o monastery_n ib._n a_o bishop_n permit_v a_o deacon_n to_o marry_v after_o he_o be_v ordain_v be_v to_o be_v deprive_v expellatur_fw-la ab_fw-la episcopatu_fw-la and_o a_o presbyter_n so_o marry_v be_v to_o be_v degrade_v expellatur_fw-la a_fw-la clero_fw-la ib._n c._n 14._o many_o more_o law_n of_o this_o kind_a equivalent_a to_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n may_v be_v mention_v and_o they_o all_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o age_n know_v no_o such_o principle_n as_o the_o independent_a power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n christian_a emperor_n concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o government_n of_o it_o but_o the_o bishop_n admit_v they_o to_o summon_v council_n by_o their_o imperial_a authority_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o direct_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v on_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_v to_o preside_v in_o and_o regulate_v their_o debate_n to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o their_o declaration_n and_o canon_n sometime_o to_o revoke_v and_o sometime_o to_o suspend_v their_o decree_n sometime_o they_o not_o only_o make_v law_n about_o church_n government_n without_o the_o clergy_n but_o even_o regulate_v their_o qualification_n and_o punish_v their_o miscarriage_n sometime_o with_o command_n to_o the_o church_n to_o degrade_v they_o and_o sometime_o to_o excommunicate_v '_o they_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o and_o threaten_v the_o refractory_a with_o deprivation_n if_o they_o but_o dispute_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o summons_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v sometime_o at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o church_n and_o often_o with_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o those_o age_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o dispute_v the_o competent_a authority_n by_o which_o they_o act_v or_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o sentence_n so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n this_o show_v most_o plain_o that_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o independent_a authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v only_o out_o of_o necessity_n and_o not_o in_o a_o claim_n of_o any_o divine_a right_a to_o exclude_v the_o secular_a power_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o objection_n some_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v the_o principle_n i_o advance_v too_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n interest_n and_o advantage_n that_o they_o tend_v too_o much_o to_o oppress_v and_o enslave_v she_o but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o lay_v myself_o open_a deserve_o to_o any_o such_o charge_n i_o have_v grant_v it_o a_o divine_a unalienable_a right_n to_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o all_o religious_a ministration_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o to_o ordination_n i_o have_v allow_v it_o a_o natural_a and_o common_a right_n to_o all_o the_o general_a power_n of_o government_n and_o own_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n commission_n it_o have_v a_o trust_n useful_a to_o it_o in_o all_o its_o exigency_n and_o a_o authority_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o propagation_n and_o support_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n where_o then_o be_v the_o slavery_n or_o oppression_n in_o these_o principle_n or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o can_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n claim_v more_o other_o privilege_n and_o authority_n may_v be_v grant_v to_o it_o by_o the_o state_n but_o of_o its_o own_o right_a i_o be_o not_o convince_v that_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o these_o i_o be_o in_o truth_n very_o sensible_a that_o the_o clergy_n be_v in_o some_o man_n esteem_n and_o opinion_n