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
church_n seem_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o interest_n and_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o religion_n which_o christian_n king_n and_o prince_n be_v always_o suppose_v to_o have_v and_o the_o regulation_n and_o defence_n of_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o all_o their_o authority_n till_o i_o see_v far_a reason_n against_o it_o than_o what_o have_v yet_o be_v show_v i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o their_o way_n and_o by_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o if_o they_o be_v then_o to_o exclude_v their_o jurisdiction_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o matter_n be_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o one_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o confine_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n only_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o justice_n in_o human_a society_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o i_o know_v of_o no_o good_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o this_o for_o although_o '_o god_n the_o father_z for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_a accomplish_v our_o redemption_n have_v give_v he_o a_o church_n and_o a_o kingdom_n within_o his_o own_o dominion_n and_o allow_v he_o his_o proper_a minister_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o church_n under_o his_o own_o divine_a authority_n yet_o i_o hope_v these_o gentleman_n will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o devolution_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o religious_a affair_n from_o prince_n to_o bishop_n from_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o state_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o the_o secular_a power_n ought_v not_o in_o any_o such_o affair_n to_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n exclude_v that_o will_v be_v to_o subvert_v one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n of_o their_o institution_n which_o be_v that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o godliness_n as_o 2._o 1_o tim._n two_o 2._o well_o as_o in_o common_a honesty_n these_o gentleman_n i_o know_v will_v allow_v king_n and_o prince_n to_o exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o its_o power_n and_o the_o support_v of_o it_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o law_n although_o nothing_o to_o its_o disadvantage_n and_o be_v it_o so_o then_o at_o last_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n commission_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o religious_a matter_n than_o only_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n to_o minister_v to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n when_o ever_o they_o think_v sit_v so_o to_o modify_v their_o power_n i_o hope_v that_o all_o christian_a emperor_n and_o king_n will_v be_v sensible_a what_o honour_n and_o favour_n such_o churchman_n intend_v they_o in_o admit_v they_o to_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n and_o must_v they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n be_v discharge_v of_o all_o regard_n and_o concern_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o people_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n when_o this_o separation_n of_o the_o priesthood_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n first_o begin_v king_n do_v then_o intermeddle_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v jurisdiction_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o none_o may_v look_v into_o or_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o but_o the_o priest_n alone_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o under_o the_o vi_o 2_o sam._n vi_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o king_n david_n xv_o 2_o sam._n xv_o that_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v remove_v first_o to_o this_o place_n and_o then_o to_o that_o he_o also_o distribute_v the_o several_a course_n both_o of_o the_o priest_n xxiv_o 2_o chron._n xxiii_o xxiv_o xxiv_o and_o levite_n and_o give_v the_o levite_n a_o new_a law_n for_o their_o office_n that_o they_o who_o before_o begin_v not_o their_o attendance_n till_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o their_o age_n shall_v now_o begin_v it_o at_o the_o twenty_o he_o take_v the_o ark_n from_o the_o tabernacle_n 5._o 2_o chron._n i_o 3_o 5._o of_o the_o congregation_n and_o leave_v that_o behind_o at_o gibeon_n he_o build_v a_o new_a tent_n for_o it_o at_o jerusalem_n how_o come_v he_o to_o meddle_v so_o much_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o peculiar_a custody_n of_o the_o priest_n the_o like_a be_v afterward_o 4._o 2_o chron._n xxiv_o xxiii_o 4._o do_v by_o hezekiah_n who_o also_o by_o his_o royal_a decree_n appoint_v the_o passover_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o call_v all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o israel_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o who_o have_v be_v hinder_v from_o it_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o solomon_n thrust_v out_o abiathar_n from_o be_v 35._o 1_o king_n two_o 27_o 35._o priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n which_o let_v the_o adversary_n say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o evade_v it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o deprivation_n as_o any_o one_o of_o those_o they_o now_o complain_v of_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o put_v zadock_n the_o priest_n in_o the_o room_n of_o abiathar_n the_o altar_n of_o bethel_n be_v destroy_v by_o king_n josiah_n idolatry_n be_v frequent_o punish_v and_o suppress_v by_o their_o king_n and_o the_o suffer_a religion_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o introduce_v evil_a and_o idolatrous_a novelty_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v as_o a_o crime_n and_o a_o blemish_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o government_n now_o as_o the_o instance_n mention_v in_o which_o they_o do_v exert_v their_o power_n be_v undeniable_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n so_o the_o charge_n and_o imputation_n of_o gild_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o neglect_v of_o this_o kind_n plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o just_a authority_n and_o a_o rightful_a jurisdiction_n therein_o and_o if_o the_o jewish_a king_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o the_o priesthood_n claim_v no_o independent_a power_n in_o church_n government_n under_o that_o dispensation_n in_o which_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a office_n be_v as_o much_o separate_v from_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n as_o it_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n some_o very_a good_a reason_n some_o strong_a proof_n some_o very_a bright_a and_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v be_v produce_v to_o convince_v one_o that_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o king_n exercise_v under_o one_o dispensation_n be_v quite_o take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o especial_o too_o when_o this_o claim_v authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n only_o but_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o judicial_a cognizance_n in_o all_o our_o moral_a action_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o religious_a and_o for_o the_o king_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sanction_n and_o determination_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o case_n of_o morality_n be_v arrogant_o call_v disobedience_n to_o their_o spiritual_a superior_n 21._o vindic._n prop._n 21._o and_o rehellion_n against_o the_o legate_n and_o vicegerent_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o restrain_v ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o any_o extravagant_a proceed_n of_o this_o kind_a be_v represent_v by_o some_o man_n as_o downright_a persecution_n what_o a_o original_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v this_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o have_v be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n imaginable_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o have_v give_v all_o the_o secular_a potentate_n of_o the_o world_n a_o great_a and_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o it_o what_o heathen_a emperor_n or_o king_n will_v have_v embrace_v this_o religion_n or_o give_v any_o countenance_n at_o all_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o who_o shall_v have_v be_v tell_v that_o in_o the_o very_a minute_n that_o this_o religion_n be_v profess_v by_o he_o and_o become_v establish_v in_o his_o dominion_n he_o be_v to_o lose_v one_o half_a of_o his_o authority_n over_o his_o people_n that_o he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o have_v that_o fullness_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n which_o he_o have_v before_o and_o which_o other_o king_n and_o emperor_n enjoy_v round_o about_o he_o but_o be_v
now_o to_o give_v up_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o supremacy_n in_o all_o spiritual_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o in_o all_o moral_a action_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o spiritual_a governor_n of_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v now_o become_v a_o member_n he_o be_v now_o no_o long_o to_o claim_v a_o universal_a supremacy_n in_o his_o dominion_n but_o himself_o become_v a_o subject_a to_o his_o subject_n and_o their_o spiritual_a inferior_a the_o bishop_n in_o his_o kingdom_n be_v as_o so_o many_o king_n and_o spiritual_a monarch_n who_o have_v a_o divine_a right_o to_o tie_v up_o his_o hand_n from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o all_o the_o secular_a potentate_n in_o the_o world_n have_v spurn_v at_o and_o despise_v the_o preacher_n of_o so_o senseless_a a_o religion_n as_o a_o imposture_n and_o a_o cheat_n that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n be_v contrive_v to_o wrest_v one_o great_a part_n of_o their_o authority_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o attempt_n as_o this_o too_o deserve_o have_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o most_o assure_o it_o will_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o a_o independent_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n natural_o and_o universal_o tend_v to_o dr_n hickes_n be_v please_v to_o say_v constit_fw-la p._n 76._o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v nothing_o of_o their_o power_n authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n by_o admit_v sovereign_a prince_n into_o the_o church_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o ask_v then_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o as_o reasonable_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o christianity_n that_o christian_a prince_n shall_v lose_v nothing_o of_o their_o temporal_a authority_n by_o embrace_v this_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o scheme_n which_o be_v now_o lay_v out_o for_o king_n and_o prince_n to_o rule_v by_o under_o the_o church_n independent_a power_n can_v be_v of_o god_n because_o they_o make_v spoil_n and_o havoc_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o rob_v they_o of_o one_o entire_a branch_n of_o their_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o claim_n for_o v._o it_o not_o only_o rob_v king_n of_o all_o sovereignty_n in_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a affair_n but_o be_v extend_v also_o to_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o temporal_a i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o these_o gentleman_n bring_v all_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n under_o the_o peculiar_a cognizance_n of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n every_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v they_o claim_v as_o fall_v whole_o within_o this_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n so_o much_o as_o a_o judge_n between_o two_o private_a 14._o luke_n twelve_o 14._o man_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o small_a estate_n but_o our_o modern_a independent_o in_o church_n government_n make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o king_n and_o of_o their_o title_n to_o their_o throne_n they_o in_o effect_n divide_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o their_o decision_n and_o determination_n by_o a_o pretend_a supremacy_n from_o christ_n they_o put_v a_o check_n upon_o the_o legislature_n in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o labour_n to_o control_v the_o state_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o secular_a affair_n they_o sanctify_v even_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n by_o their_o spiritual_a authority_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o absolve_v the_o subject_n from_o all_o the_o strict_a oath_n whereby_o they_o have_v swear_v allegiance_n to_o their_o king_n they_o endeavour_v to_o bind_v it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o set_v up_o one_o king_n and_o to_o dethrone_v another_o according_a to_o their_o personal_a sentiment_n and_o opinion_n now_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v by_o they_o what_o part_n of_o christ_n commission_n it_o be_v that_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n or_o that_o in_o any_o disputable_a title_n to_o the_o throne_n make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o modern_a independent_o in_o church_n government_n do_v not_o only_o assume_v all_o this_o to_o themselves_o but_o they_o also_o lay_v as_o much_o stress_n on_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o assertion_n of_o this_o kind_a as_o though_o they_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n or_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n what_o less_o than_o this_o can_v induce_v they_o to_o charge_v all_o the_o great_a man_n of_o our_o church_n however_o learned_a and_o equal_o pious_a with_o themselves_o as_o teach_v and_o act_v and_o pray_v contrary_a to_o the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o god_n only_o because_o they_o teach_v and_o act_n and_o pray_v contrary_a to_o their_o particular_a sentiment_n and_o scheme_n in_o civil_a government_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o scripture_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n will_v not_o the_o reader_n stand_v still_o here_o and_o pause_v a_o little_a and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v will_v he_o not_o think_v it_o incredible_a that_o spiritual_a man_n shall_v approach_v so_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n as_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o political_a principle_n as_o the_o infallible_a test_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n commission_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o never_o be_v intend_v to_o authorise_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o frame_v the_o government_n of_o nation_n too_o according_a to_o their_o disputable_a model_n and_o controvert_v scheme_n and_o to_o damn_v all_o mankind_n as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o rebel_n who_o will_v not_o come_v in_o to_o they_o and_o desert_n the_o legal_a constitution_n of_o their_o country_n this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o train_n up_o christian_n in_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o sphere_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o all_o this_o of_o secular_a government_n and_o political_n controversy_n that_o god_n certain_o never_o give_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n any_o divine_a authority_n therein_o and_o therefore_o a_o independent_a authority_n in_o church_n governor_n which_o be_v industrious_o set_v up_o to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v a_o imposture_n and_o a_o cheat_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god._n and_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n commission_n may_v as_o well_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o go_v into_o westminster-hall_n and_o turn_v out_o the_o judge_n as_o giving_z judgement_n contrary_n to_o the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o live_v this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o vi_o last_o argument_n which_o be_v that_o this_o independent_a authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o supremacy_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o all_o secular_a potentate_n two_o such_o independent_a authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n appear_v utter_o incompatible_a they_o so_o frequent_o interfere_v and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o mischief_n and_o distraction_n into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v both_o of_o they_o from_o god._n he_o who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n must_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v intend_v any_o two_o such_o power_n without_o a_o subordination_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o the_o supporter_n of_o that_o claim_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o argument_n will_v evade_v it_o by_o say_v that_o the_o mischief_n complain_v of_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o two_o such_o power_n but_o from_o the_o encroachment_n of_o the_o two_o contend_a party_n and_o that_o all_o this_o will_v be_v prevent_v effectual_o if_o each_o will_v keep_v within_o their_o proper_a limit_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o put_v their_o sickle_n into_o the_o other_o harvest_n this_o be_v 15._o regale_n &_o pontiff_n p._n 15._o smooth_o and_o fine_o say_v indeed_o but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o it_o be_v argue_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o they_o both_o of_o they_o claim_v a_o right_n to_o the_o same_o harvest_n and_o who_o then_o shall_v judge_v between_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v
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