although_o more_o enjoy_v then_o consider_v as_o also_o for_o that_o they_o may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v sect._n iii_o thus_o we_o have_v by_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o magistracy_n a_o entrance_n make_v to_o the_o special_a doctrine_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v many_o several_a point_n to_o consider_v which_o for_o order_n and_o memory_n sake_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o contain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o nâ—en_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o second_o the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o first_o head_n have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o this_o kingdom_n from_o the_o former_a government_n of_o judge_n consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o special_a power_n which_o it_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o special_a majesty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v exceed_v great_a in_o this_o state_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o in_o these_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n may_v seem_v not_o only_o a_o mean_a but_o almost_o a_o private_a estate_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v by_o jacob_n prophesy_v of_o it_o gen._n 49.9_o compare_v to_o a_o lion_n the_o which_o do_v in_o strength_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o majestical_a stateliness_n so_o far_o exceed_v all_o other_o beast_n that_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n of_o they_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n give_v to_o this_o kingdom_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o original_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o set_n uppe_o of_o this_o estate_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v before_o all_o age_n appoint_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o his_o temporary_a government_n a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v declare_v now_o that_o this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v a_o fit_n and_o lively_a type_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o so_o it_o may_v the_o more_o lively_o represente_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o likewise_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v the_o desire_n or_o rather_o the_o will_n of_o the_o people_n who_o do_v so_o earnest_o yea_o so_o eager_o and_o importunate_o call_v for_o this_o stately_a government_n that_o they_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n nor_o hear_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o be_v contrary_a for_o that_o the_o people_n do_v always_o desire_v this_o state_n we_o may_v see_v deutro_n 17.14_o where_o god_n foretell_v this_o that_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n and_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o they_o offer_v to_o make_v gedeon_n king_n and_o more_o plain_o judge_n 9_o where_o they_o like_o abimeleches_n opinion_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v one_o then_o many_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o have_v one_o set_v over_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o king_n or_o with_o any_o mean_a authority_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o this_o their_o desire_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n incommodious_a to_o themselves_o for_o that_o the_o great_a power_n they_o give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o less_o liberty_n they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o great_a that_o his_o pomp_n and_o majesty_n be_v the_o more_o heavy_a tribute_n must_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o vehementlie_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a to_o other_o nation_n in_o a_o stately_a monarchy_n that_o they_o think_v no_o price_n too_o great_a for_o it_o think_v belike_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o it_o be_v great_a honour_n for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o mighty_a and_o a_o glorious_a king_n then_o to_o be_v king_n themselves_o as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n wherein_o every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v no_o king_n to_o order_v they_o judg._n 18.1.19.1_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o ordain_v so_o mighty_a &_o majestical_a a_o authority_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v for_o their_o own_o good_a howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o their_o liberty_n and_o profit_n and_o that_o the_o commodity_n will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o weighty_a than_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o wherein_o whether_o they_o do_v judge_v right_a or_o no_o let_v other_o determine_v sect._n four_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o second_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n have_v in_o it_o these_o four_o question_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o king_n be_v whole_a or_o divide_v the_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v general_a over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n or_o restrain_v the_o three_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a or_o tie_v to_o law_n the_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o mild_a or_o a_o peremptory_a power_n the_o power_n whereof_o we_o do_v entreat_v be_v the_o full_a supreme_a and_o universal_a authority_n for_o of_o any_o inferior_a power_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o of_o order_v all_o their_o public_a affair_n the_o which_o before_o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o be_v not_o whole_o in_o any_o one_o hand_n but_o divide_v among_o many_o for_o it_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o be_v for_o the_o time_n partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o senate_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o first_o where_o we_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o part_n of_o this_o authority_n we_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o simple_o as_o god_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n not_o a_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a supreme_a power_n not_o of_o that_o country_n only_o but_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n but_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v after_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o people_n israel_n so_o as_o he_o never_o be_v or_o will_v be_v to_o any_o other_o nation_n the_o action_n of_o god_n which_o do_v proceed_v from_o this_o his_o regal_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o that_o he_o give_v to_o this_o people_n judicial_a law_n and_o constitution_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n not_o of_o god_n for_o then_o these_o judicial_a law_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v god_n be_v the_o god_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o gentiles_n but_o other_o nation_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o these_o law_n but_o only_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o to_o these_o judicial_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v moral_a to_o wit_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o not_o to_o the_o law_n themselves_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o supreme_a administration_n of_o their_o battle_n in_o case_n of_o great_a extremity_n for_o as_o great_a prince_n send_v captain_n to_o fight_v in_o their_o stead_n yet_o according_a to_o their_o direction_n and_o appointment_n so_o god_n do_v immediate_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o spirit_n stir_v up_o some_o man_n to_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o people_n and_o do_v directe_v they_o in_o such_o action_n and_o this_o gedeon_n acknowledge_v judge_n 7.20_o where_o he_o say_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o gedeon_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o this_o nation_n as_o gedeon_n do_v confess_v judge_n 8.23_o who_o so_o answer_v the_o people_n go_v about_o to_o make_v he_o king_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v
reign_v over_o they_o but_o god_n shall_v still_o be_v their_o king_n but_o after_o that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o king_n neither_o do_v the_o judicial_a law_n retain_v their_o full_a force_n neither_o do_v god_n himself_o appoynte_v captain_n over_o the_o army_n kingdom_n but_o all_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n who_o although_o they_o do_v keep_v the_o judicial_a law_n in_o part_n and_o for_o the_o great_a extremity_n in_o war_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v free_a in_o both_o these_o respect_n as_o we_o be_v afterward_o to_o declare_v more_o at_o large_a so_o that_o by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o these_o king_n god_n himself_o if_o we_o may_v so_o base_o speak_v of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o office_n kingdom_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v confess_v 1._o sam._n 8.7_o where_o he_o speak_v to_o samuel_n not_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o that_o the_o people_n have_v cast_v off_o his_o and_o his_o son_n government_n for_o indeed_o say_v god_n they_o have_v not_o despise_v or_o cast_v away_o thou_o but_o i_o and_o have_v refuse_v that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o judge_n have_v part_n of_o this_o supreme_a authority_n who_o although_o in_o the_o great_a matter_n they_o be_v overruled_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o ordinary_a administration_n especial_o of_o warelike_a affair_n they_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n from_o moses_n to_o saul_n the_o first_o king_n be_v call_v the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o which_o do_v whole_o cease_v after_o that_o saul_n be_v create_v king_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o war_n be_v either_o the_o king_n themselves_o or_o who_o it_o please_v they_o to_o appoint_v so_o we_o â—eade_v that_o david_n place_v and_o displace_v joab_n at_o his_o pleasure_n thirdlie_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a assembly_n have_v a_o part_n yea_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o authority_n and_o likewise_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v a_o compendious_a body_n of_o the_o people_n have_v their_o part_n especial_o in_o civil_a administration_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n judg._n 20._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v together_o as_o one_o man_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o maspha_n to_o who_o the_o levite_n make_v his_o complaint_n as_o unto_o they_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o revenge_v the_o villainy_n do_v unto_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o determine_v of_o that_o cause_n as_o they_o do_v with_o great_a severity_n the_o cause_n why_o the_o people_n and_o the_o elder_n have_v part_n of_o this_o supreme_a authority_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o they_o do_v never_o give_v the_o whole_a power_n over_o themselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n but_o only_o do_v as_o it_o be_v use_v they_o to_o be_v their_o captain_n and_o leader_n in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n the_o which_o be_v end_v king_n usual_o the_o judge_n return_v to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o private_a estate_n till_o the_o like_a necessity_n call_v he_o abroad_o again_o but_o during_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o do_v not_o meddle_v much_o with_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o only_o hear_v those_o cause_n which_o be_v bring_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o fit_v arbiter_n because_o they_o be_v man_n renown_a either_o for_o their_o valour_n or_o because_o they_o be_v prophet_n as_o be_v deborah_n and_o samuel_n or_o have_v the_o office_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o have_v ely_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o their_o civil_a judgement_n or_o that_o they_o do_v call_v together_o the_o senate_n or_o the_o people_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o war_n or_o of_o any_o edict_n which_o they_o make_v or_o of_o fault_n which_o they_o do_v redress_v or_o punish_v only_o of_o samuel_n it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o go_v about_o the_o land_n to_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o of_o deborah_n that_o the_o people_n bring_v their_o controversy_n to_o she_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n be_v the_o want_n a_o judge_n for_o whenas_o the_o judge_n die_v they_o do_v not_o straightway_o put_v another_o in_o his_o place_n until_o they_o have_v occasion_n give_v by_o war_n during_o which_o time_n of_o vacation_n the_o elder_n and_o people_n in_o every_o city_n do_v judge_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o common_a assembly_n do_v order_n public_a matter_n although_o seldom_o and_o negligent_o as_o the_o people_n use_v to_o govern_v so_o that_o they_o want_v a_o judge_n as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v one_o but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v a_o king_n create_v there_o do_v no_o more_o any_o supreme_a authority_n remain_v either_o in_o elder_n or_o people_n all_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n who_o have_v no_o man_n which_o do_v participate_v with_o he_o in_o his_o authority_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o in_o this_o state_n the_o king_n be_v the_o chief_a governor_n and_o the_o elder_n king_n senator_n and_o inferior_a officer_n fellow_n governor_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o mate_n for_o all_o within_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o the_o king_n mere_a private_a man_n so_o that_o if_o any_o have_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v it_o all_o from_o he_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o the_o judge_n of_o civil_a cause_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o army_n be_v appoint_v by_o he_o yea_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o king_n that_o all_o the_o people_n with_o their_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o king_n servant_n so_o 2._o chro._n 10.6_o the_o counsellor_n of_o solomon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stand_v before_o his_o face_n to_o wit_n wait_v and_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n so_o esa._n 37.5_o officer_n of_o the_o king_n and_o elderâ—_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v call_v the_o king_n servant_n for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o such_o a_o government_n as_o both_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n in_o many_o place_n where_o the_o people_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o other_o public_a affair_n do_v for_o one_o over_o they_o yea_o and_o give_v unto_o he_o although_o improper_o the_o name_n of_o a_o king_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o authority_n either_o to_o displace_v he_o at_o their_o pleasure_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o control_v his_o do_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v wrong_n to_o call_v he_o to_o account_v of_o his_o administration_n yea_o if_o need_n be_v to_o rise_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o this_o be_v no_o such_o government_n but_o a_o kingdom_n both_o in_o name_n and_o in_o truth_n wherein_o none_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o supreme_a authority_n save_o the_o king_n only_o sect._n v._n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o land_n which_o can_v associate_v itself_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n or_o any_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o his_o lawful_a administration_n as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v rule_v with_o religion_n and_o justice_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o there_o be_v some_o authority_n to_o restrain_v he_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v be_v imperious_a or_o unjust_a in_o his_o government_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v either_o bring_v to_o a_o lawful_a manner_n of_o rule_v or_o else_o if_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a depose_v from_o his_o kingdom_n for_o otherwise_o the_o people_n may_v be_v miserable_o oppress_v religion_n deface_v yea_o all_o thing_n turn_v upside_o down_o and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o commonwealth_n utter_o overthrow_v and_o therefore_o that_o both_o wisdom_n reason_n and_o necessity_n iâ—_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n do_v require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o israel_n some_o other_o authority_n either_o in_o the_o people_n or_o in_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o senate_n or_o in_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n the_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v either_o use_v or_o once_o mention_v but_o against_o those_o king_n which_o do_v degenerate_a into_o violent_a and_o bloody_a tyrant_n even_o as_o man_n use_v a_o false_a &_o under_o rain_n to_o pull_v in_o strong_a head_a horse_n which_o otherwise_o will_v run_v into_o some_o pit_n &_o so_o destroy_v both_o themselves_o &_o the_o rider_n this_o reason_n take_v
from_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n of_o state_n and_o commonwealthe_n the_o ground_n square_a and_o end_n of_o all_o good_a policy_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o fair_a show_n of_o equity_n and_o necessity_n that_o like_a unto_o a_o violent_a stream_n it_o have_v carry_v many_o headlong_a in_o heat_n to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v utter_o these_o absolute_a monarchy_n as_o tyrannical_a and_o barbarous_a kind_n of_o government_n pernicious_a to_o man_n yea_o altogether_o unlawful_a and_o unmeete_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o appearance_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o inconvenience_n although_o never_o so_o great_a to_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o profane_a which_o god_n by_o establish_v it_o in_o his_o church_n have_v show_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o lawful_a but_o for_o the_o further_o resolve_v of_o this_o question_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o again_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v either_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a kind_n of_o government_n but_o only_o do_v show_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o which_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o rule_v the_o land_n be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o people_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n without_o any_o exception_n whatsoever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o any_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v lawful_o resist_v his_o authority_n or_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o his_o proceed_n although_o unlawful_a and_o unjust_a much_o less_o take_v from_o he_o the_o kingdom_n or_o to_o offer_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n unto_o his_o person_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o king_n over_o his_o people_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n in_o his_o family_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o child_n child_n who_o if_o he_o do_v injurious_o entreat_v any_o of_o they_o or_o not_o careful_o keep_v his_o own_o good_n or_o live_v any_o way_n disorderly_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o child_n if_o not_o with_o silence_n to_o suffer_v it_o yet_o with_o great_a modesty_n to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o together_o and_o offer_v any_o violence_n unto_o he_o especial_o if_o they_o shall_v throw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o house_n all_o man_n will_v count_v they_o rebellious_a and_o ungracious_a child_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v notorious_o wicked_a you_o rather_o as_o monster_n worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v such_o as_o that_o no_o subject_n of_o what_o place_n soever_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a people_n joint_o can_v lawful_o use_v any_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n person_n or_o proceed_n and_o that_o the_o king_n may_v although_o not_o lawful_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o man_n or_o of_o nature_n yet_o safe_o and_o free_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o subject_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o according_a as_o jacob_n foretell_v gen._n 49.9_o that_o juda_n the_o king_n of_o his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o great_a lion_n who_o when_o he_o lay_v himself_o down_o who_o shall_v raise_v he_o uppe_o or_o disquiet_v he_o the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n who_o praesume_v upon_o this_o whole_a and_o undevided_a authority_n do_v never_o fear_v or_o doubt_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o they_o list_v without_o ask_v leave_n either_o at_o noble_n elder_n or_o people_n hence_o come_v that_o foolish_a and_o tyrannical_a answer_n which_o rehoboan_n make_v to_o the_o people_n threaten_v they_o 1._o king_n 12.12_o in_o this_o manner_n my_o least_o part_n shall_v be_v heavy_a than_o my_o father_n loin_n whereby_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o will_v increase_v those_o heavy_a burden_n of_o tribute_n which_o his_o father_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o but_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o state_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o may_v both_o say_v and_o do_v what_o he_o list_v without_o controlment_n he_o have_v be_v more_o than_o mad_a to_o make_v such_o a_o answer_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o idolatrous_a king_n do_v never_o stick_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n to_o set_v up_o open_a idolatry_n not_o once_o mind_v who_o will_v be_v offend_v therewith_o and_o likewise_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o people_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o violent_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o do_n either_o of_o the_o good_a or_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n but_o suffer_v religion_n to_o stand_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n yea_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n himself_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o who_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o preserve_v david_n against_o the_o fury_n of_o saul_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o oppose_v ceila_n or_o any_o other_o of_o saules_n â—_z against_o he_o but_o make_v he_o fly_v first_o into_o the_o mountain_n and_o desert_n and_o afterwards_o out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o the_o philistine_n yea_o david_n although_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n to_o succee_v saul_n in_o the_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o he_o that_o as_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 24.6_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n do_v accuse_v he_o that_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o disloyal_o against_o the_o king_n in_o that_o he_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o king_n garment_n because_o that_o be_v as_o a_o threaten_n of_o death_n unto_o he_o and_o a_o great_a disgrace_n yea_o further_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o by_o any_o of_o his_o prophet_n stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o maintain_v his_o true_a worship_n by_o violence_n against_o the_o king_n king_n or_o ever_o reprove_v they_o because_o they_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o set_v uppe_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a to_o resist_v in_o any_o case_n then_o sure_o in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o hereof_o there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n make_v for_o although_o this_o king_n have_v power_n in_o civil_a matter_n to_o do_v not_o only_o right_a &_o justice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o power_n but_o also_o wrong_a without_o resistance_n shall_v we_o therefore_o give_v unto_o he_o this_o power_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v deface_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v seem_v much_o better_a that_o not_o only_a king_n shall_v be_v throw_v down_o from_o their_o throne_n but_o also_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o then_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v dishonour_v and_o detestable_a idolatry_n erect_v we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o thrust_v not_o only_a man_n out_o of_o their_o house_n &_o land_n but_o also_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o church_n yea_o in_o truth_n in_o some_o sort_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n have_v tie_v his_o visible_a church_n to_o this_o land_n and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v si_fw-mi ius_fw-la violandum_fw-la regni_fw-la causâ_fw-la violandum_fw-la so_o si_fw-mi ius_fw-la regni_fw-la sit_fw-la violandum_fw-la religionis_fw-la causa_fw-la est_fw-la violandum_fw-la that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o any_o cause_n to_o resist_v their_o lawful_a king_n religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o god_n glory_n but_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v not_o bear_v any_o resistance_n no_o not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o less_o in_o any_o other_o no_o man_n yea_o no_o company_n of_o man_n can_v for_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o the_o king_n either_o against_o god_n or_o man_n the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n call_v he_o to_o account_v summon_v he_o to_o appear_v in_o judgement_n or_o use_v any_o manner_n of_o violence_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n against_o he_o now_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o assertion_n sect._n vi._n first_o it_o may_v seem_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o
the_o church_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o call_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v either_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o their_o place_n or_o continual_o trouble_v &_o interrupt_v in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o final_o injurious_o and_o contumelious_o handle_v which_o thing_n the_o holiness_n of_o their_o place_n and_o person_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n suffer_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o doubt_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o yea_o the_o chief_a priest_n &_o in_o they_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v the_o type_n of_o christ_n king_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o on_o who_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v bestow_v be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o king_n than_o he_o which_o have_v the_o base_a place_n and_o call_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v by_o the_o lamentable_a tragedy_n of_o abimelech_n 1._o sam._n 2._o who_o be_v summon_v by_o saul_n to_o appear_v come_v with_o all_o the_o priest_n that_o be_v with_o he_o and_o be_v come_v acknowledge_v saulâ—_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n verse_n 12._o and_o do_v not_o appeal_v from_o his_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o death_n to_o any_o other_o power_n the_o same_o end_n befall_v his_o son_n abiather_n who_o for_o that_o he_o take_v part_n with_o adonia_n be_v by_o solomon_n put_v out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o condemn_v to_o die_v 1._o king_n 2.26_o and_o likewise_o zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o jehâ—ida_n 2._o chro._n 24.21_o now_o although_o two_o of_o these_o king_n do_v impious_o and_o tyrannical_o abuse_v their_o authority_n yet_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o they_o yea_o not_o only_o these_o example_n but_o the_o course_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o equity_n itself_o do_v show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o we_o know_v that_o even_o christ_n himself_o more_o holy_a in_o person_n and_o office_n than_o all_o the_o priest_n man_n or_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n do_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v violent_o apprehend_v contumelious_o entreat_v yea_o unjust_o condemn_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o heathen_a emperor_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v appeal_v and_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o caesar._n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n or_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o for_o howsoever_o the_o romish_a prelate_n have_v not_o only_o draw_v out_o their_o neck_n from_o the_o subjection_n of_o prince_n but_o also_o have_v invade_v their_o throne_n and_o subdue_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o the_o whole_a clergy_n say_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n come_v not_o near_a nor_o yet_o once_o touch_v i_o because_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o and_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o but_o by_o their_o own_o ordinary_a yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o all_o person_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o ecclesiastical_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n equal_o subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o shall_v christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o god_n himself_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o prince_n and_o shall_v sinful_a man_n nay_o shall_v wretched_a worm_n think_v they_o too_o profane_a to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o their_o cause_n no_o no_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o the_o master_n nor_o the_o creature_n above_o the_o creator_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o soul_n that_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o soul_n that_o none_o shall_v think_v himself_o exempt_v ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a error_n be_v a_o arrogant_a opinion_n which_o presumptuous_a man_n bear_v function_n in_o the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o whereas_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n man_n who_o have_v civil_a calling_n be_v no_o less_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a yea_o sometime_o much_o more_o holy_a they_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a &_o holy_a calling_n be_v otherwise_o wicked_a &_o profane_a for_o it_o be_v true_o say_v although_o impious_o apply_v by_o the_o rebellious_a company_n of_o corah_n numb_a 16.3_o that_o not_o only_a moses_n &_o aaron_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o common_a people_n much_o more_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v holy_a in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o search_v whether_o that_o as_o all_o person_n so_o likewise_o all_o cause_n belong_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n first_o of_o civil_a then_o of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n in_o the_o first_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v insist_v forsomuch_o as_o all_o man_n even_o they_o who_o be_v most_o spare_v and_o wary_a in_o give_v power_n to_o these_o king_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o civil_a cause_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o king_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v all_o the_o public_a officer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o shall_v be_v his_o counsellor_n at_o home_n or_o his_o captain_n abroad_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n and_o who_o of_o the_o chief_a senate_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n in_o these_o cause_n for_o see_v that_o his_o office_n be_v especial_o to_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o fight_v their_o battle_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o people_n desire_v a_o king_n it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v unto_o he_o to_o appoint_v those_o to_o be_v his_o deputy_n who_o he_o think_v most_o able_a to_o discharge_v these_o duty_n yea_o further_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o call_v all_o public_a assembly_n and_o to_o order_v they_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o go_v to_o battle_n against_o who_o â—e_v when_o 〈◊〉_d think_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n do_v 〈◊〉_d plain_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v in_o it_o sect._n x._o now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n in_o order_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereof_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v while_o some_o do_v whole_o exclude_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n not_o permit_v he_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o affair_n belong_v unto_o it_o other_o suffer_v he_o to_o deal_v in_o these_o cause_n yet_o not_o to_o bear_v any_o great_a sway_n or_o to_o over-rule_v in_o they_o and_o the_o three_o sort_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o belong_v to_o man_n the_o which_o distinction_n be_v necessare_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v to_o any_o man_n such_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o he_o have_v make_v christ_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o word_n yet_o one_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o man_n who_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o opinion_n or_o rather_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o their_o adherentes_fw-la who_o that_o they_o may_v through_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o the_o commonwealth_n invade_v the_o riches_n preferment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o king_n and_o usurp_v their_o state_n and_o crown_n have_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n this_o king_n of_o israel_n lest_o that_o by_o his_o example_n other_o magistrate_n shall_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o authority_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o second_o opinion_n be_v man_n otherwise_o sincere_a in_o judgement_n who_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n &_o affection_n to_o the_o church_n think_v it_o not_o safe_a or_o convenient_a to_o permit_v she_o whole_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o a_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o she_o judge_v it_o unmeete_a that_o civil_a ruler_n shall_v order_v divine_a matter_n and_o so_o make_v the_o church_n say_v unto_o the_o magistrate_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o more_o holy_a than_o thou_o
of_o the_o one_o judg._n 28._o who_o be_v abimelech_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o be_v not_o he_o the_o son_n of_o jerobaal_n and_o of_o the_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o part_n have_v we_o with_o david_n the_o son_n of_o isai_n 2._o chro._n 10.16_o 2._o sam._n 20.1_o yea_o thus_o the_o kingdom_n be_v make_v after_o a_o sort_n immortal_a when_o as_o the_o father_n do_v rise_v again_o in_o the_o son_n and_o so_o continue_v for_o ever_o contemn_v for_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n be_v so_o contemn_v of_o the_o people_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a upstart_n government_n the_o judge_n be_v late_o take_v from_o a_o base_a estate_n as_o gedeon_n &_o saul_n confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o kindred_n family_n and_o birth_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o unfit_a to_o bear_v rule_n judg._n 6.15_o 1._o sam._n 9.21_o the_o last_o and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o these_o king_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v the_o progenitor_n yea_o and_o the_o predecessor_n of_o that_o great_a messiah_n which_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n &_o to_o govern_v not_o that_o land_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a world_n luke_n 1.32.33_o the_o very_a expectation_n of_o who_o make_v this_o kingdom_n glorious_a above_o measure_n for_o that_o they_o according_a to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n dream_v of_o a_o temporal_a king_n think_v that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o power_n riches_n renown_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o kingdom_n sect._n xiii_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby_o this_o majesty_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o glorious_a &_o stately_a pomp_n and_o magnificence_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n and_o behaviour_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o king_n and_o general_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o apparel_n of_o the_o king_n it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o distinguish_v he_o from_o his_o subject_n but_o also_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o majesty_n of_o his_o state_n likewise_o for_o his_o whole_a house_n the_o stateliness_n of_o his_o palace_n the_o daintiness_n of_o his_o fare_n the_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o retinue_n that_o all_o be_v correspondent_a even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n we_o may_v gather_v 2._o sam._n 19.35_o where_o old_a barzelli_n refuse_v the_o king_n offer_n who_o will_v have_v keep_v he_o in_o his_o house_n because_o he_o can_v not_o taste_v the_o dainty_a meat_n nor_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o voyceâ—_n of_o sing_v man_n and_o woman_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o king_n palace_n hitherto_o also_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n this_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v even_o in_o the_o full_a the_o infinite_a provision_n of_o his_o house_n the_o glorious_a house_n which_o he_o build_v for_o god_n and_o for_o himself_o with_o incredible_a magnificence_n all_o which_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v irksome_a to_o rehearse_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o story_n for_o so_o we_o read_v 1._o king_n 4._o verse_n 20.22.23.26_o and_o chapter_n 10._o ver_fw-la 11.12_o etc._n etc._n and_o salomon_n bread_n for_o one_o day_n be_v thirty_o quarter_n of_o manchette_v flower_n and_o threescore_o quarter_n of_o meal_n ten_o stall_v ox_n and_o twenty_o out_o of_o the_o pasture_n and_o a_o hundred_o sheep_n beside_o heart_n buck_n wild_a goat_n and_o capon_n and_o he_o have_v forty_o stall_n of_o horse_n for_o chariote_n and_o twelve_o thousand_o horseman_n the_o weight_n of_o gold_n that_o come_v to_o he_o in_o one_o year_n be_v six_o hundred_o threescore_o and_o six_o talente_v of_o gold_n solomon_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v of_o merchant_n and_o of_o the_o merchandise_n of_o the_o spice_n and_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o arabia_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o country_n also_o he_o make_v two_o hundred_o target_n of_o beat_a gold_n six_o hundred_o sicle_n of_o gold_n go_v to_o a_o target_n and_o he_o make_v three_o hundred_o shield_n of_o beat_a gold_n the_o pound_n weight_n of_o gold_n go_v to_o one_o shield_n and_o the_o king_n put_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wood_n of_o libanon_n and_o the_o king_n make_v a_o great_a seat_n of_o ivory_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o best_a gold_n and_o the_o seat_n have_v six_o step_n and_o the_o top_n of_o the_o seat_n be_v round_o behind_o and_o there_o be_v pummel_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o seat_n and_o two_o lion_n stand_v beside_o the_o pummel_n and_o there_o stand_v twelve_o lion_n on_o the_o step_n six_o on_o one_o side_n there_o be_v no_o like_a work_n see_v in_o any_o kingdom_n and_o all_o king_n salomon_n drink_v vessel_n be_v of_o gold_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wood_n of_o libanon_n be_v of_o pure_a gold_n as_o for_o silver_n it_o be_v nothing_o worth_a in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n for_o the_o king_n navy_n of_o ship_n go_v on_o the_o sea_n unto_o tharsis_n with_o the_o navy_n of_o hiram_n ship_n even_o once_o in_o three_o year_n go_v the_o navy_n to_o tharsis_n and_o bring_v gold_n and_o silver_n elephant_n tooth_n ape_n and_o peacock_n and_o so_o king_n solomon_n exceed_v all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n both_o in_o riches_n &_o wisdom_n thus_o far_o the_o text_n after_o the_o time_n of_o solomon_n together_o with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o religion_n this_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v decrease_v for_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o rehoboam_n both_o the_o ten_o tribe_n fall_v away_o from_o this_o kingdom_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v spoil_v by_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o the_o target_n of_o gold_n be_v turn_v into_o brass_n but_o under_o jehosophat_n both_o religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n recover_v part_n of_o the_o ancient_a glory_n religion_n for_o it_o be_v say_v 2._o par._n 18.1_o that_o jehophat_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o glory_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o ezechiâ—_n we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 32.27_o that_o he_o have_v exceed_v much_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o he_o get_v himself_o treasure_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n precious_a stone_n and_o spice_n shield_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasant_a jewel_n likewise_o this_o majesty_n require_v that_o the_o king_n whole_a behaviour_n shall_v have_v in_o it_o that_o stately_a gravity_n which_o beseem_v so_o high_a a_o place_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v no_o mean_a or_o base_a action_n in_o hand_n but_o such_o as_o the_o performance_n whereof_o may_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o renown_n by_o this_o argument_n david_n dissuade_v saul_n from_o persecute_v he_o any_o further_a say_v 1._o sam._n 26.20_o to_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n come_v forth_o and_o what_o be_v this_o that_o he_o do_v do_v he_o not_o behave_v himself_o as_o one_o who_o chase_v a_o partridge_n uppe_o and_o down_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o for_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n person_n michol_n saules_n daughter_n requite_v david_n with_o the_o like_a note_v in_o he_o such_o lightness_n which_o be_v as_o she_o think_v unbeseeming_a the_o majesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o when_o she_o have_v see_v david_n dance_v for_o joy_n before_o the_o ark_n she_o say_v o_o how_o glorious_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n this_o day_n whenas_o he_o uncover_v himself_o before_o the_o maiden_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o foolish_a or_o mad_a man_n use_v to_o do_v 2._o sam._n 6.20_o an_o final_o this_o part_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o book_n which_o samuel_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v extant_a 1._o sam._n 8._o vers_fw-la 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n will_v have_v horseman_n and_o chariot_n yea_o eunuch_n and_o woman_n baker_n and_o cook_n and_o of_o his_o magnificence_n in_o give_v vineyard_n and_o land_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o which_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o tyranny_n but_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o sam._n 9.20_o where_o when_o saul_n be_v careful_a for_o his_o father_n ass_n which_o be_v lose_v samuel_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o mind_v they_o see_v whatsoever_o be_v good_a precious_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o all_o israel_n it_o do_v belong_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o his_o father_n house_n the_o which_o word_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o property_n of_o man_n good_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o
evil_n be_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n in_o that_o they_o do_v forsake_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v forsake_v they_o and_o take_v from_o they_o their_o judge_n in_o who_o day_n they_o live_v in_o religious_a order_n and_o peaceable_a estate_n and_o so_o the_o people_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v judg._n 9.13.14.15_o forsake_v the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n and_o the_o olive_n tree_n even_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessing_n and_o say_v to_o the_o brier_n come_v and_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o we_o will_v trust_v in_o thy_o shadow_n for_o to_o have_v a_o king_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o power_n do_v usual_o go_v together_o rom._n 15.12_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v trust_v in_o he_o three_o the_o people_n in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n do_v despise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n as_o base_a and_o contemptible_a for_o that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o outward_a show_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n which_o the_o stately_a monarchy_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v carry_v with_o they_o the_o last_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o this_o action_n we_o call_v by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o disobedience_n for_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n they_o have_v a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a desire_n to_o be_v transform_v into_o all_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o profane_a nation_n amongst_o who_o they_o dwell_v as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o their_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o â—id_v affect_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a kind_n of_o government_n thus_o we_o see_v why_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o this_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n as_o for_o the_o government_n itself_o he_o do_v never_o mislike_v it_o for_o although_o he_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o this_o cook_v mean_n yet_o he_o do_v always_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o may_v plain_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o for_o that_o he_o promise_v abraham_n gen._n 17.6_o that_o of_o his_o seed_n shall_v come_v king_n and_o nation_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v chief_o of_o this_o faithful_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n although_o beside_o they_o other_o come_v of_o abraham_n second_o moses_n do_v foretell_v this_o deut._n 17._o it_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o people_n be_v quiet_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o but_o this_o do_v most_o evident_o apppeare_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o jacob_n who_o say_v genesis_n 49._o that_o the_o rod_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n nor_o a_o lawegiver_n cease_v to_o be_v of_o his_o offspring_n till_o silo_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n now_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o judge_n for_o of_o they_o all_o only_a othoniell_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n yea_o god_n do_v always_o purpose_n that_o christ_n shall_v succeed_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o the_o evente_a have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n shall_v come_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o lion_n whelp_n that_o be_v the_o stately_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o continual_a descent_n thereof_o yea_o the_o great_a lion_n &_o the_o little_a lion_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a &_o eternaâ—l_a king_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a king_n of_o israel_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o messias_n be_v defer_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n &_o be_v make_v to_o david_n who_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o king_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v math._n 16._o david_n the_o king_n that_o be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o forefather_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v and_o last_o this_o government_n may_v seem_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o it_o do_v most_o livele_o represent_v the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o magistrate_n do_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o chief_o do_v it_o who_o authority_n be_v absolute_a and_o their_o glory_n great_a come_v near_o to_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n although_o it_o be_v infer_v of_o the_o former_a point_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a for_o we_o yet_o it_o may_v brief_o be_v consider_v by_o these_o reason_n for_o that_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o samuel_n a_o faithful_a prophet_n and_o so_o account_v of_o all_o israel_n yea_o for_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n by_o solomon_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n by_o asa_n jehosophat_n and_o other_o religious_a king_n by_o good_a ezechias_n and_o by_o zealous_a josias_n who_o will_v never_o have_v bear_v this_o office_n if_o the_o kind_n of_o government_n have_v be_v in_o any_o respect_n unlawful_a the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o take_v against_o this_o kind_n of_o monarchy_n be_v as_o touch_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o power_n &_o majesty_n of_o it_o in_o this_o manner_n that_o howsoever_o the_o profane_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v suffer_v tyrant_n to_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v yea_o and_o do_v foolish_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n desire_v such_o a_o lofty_a government_n yet_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n both_o intolerable_a &_o altogether_o unlawful_a that_o one_o shall_v so_o have_v all_o the_o power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v at_o his_o pleasure_n overthrow_v all_o or_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v employ_v to_o maintain_v he_o in_o his_o jollity_n upon_o sumptuous_a building_n costly_a attire_n dainty_a fare_n great_a reward_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o will_v serve_v for_o many_o necessary_a use_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o answer_v hereof_o we_o be_v far_o from_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v any_o people_n which_o live_v under_o a_o moderate_a government_n by_o this_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o people_n to_o affect_v or_o desire_v this_o estate_n yea_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a kind_n of_o government_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o safe_a constancy_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a kind_n of_o government_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v amongst_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n for_o howsoever_o some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o magistracy_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a safe_a or_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o and_o all_o other_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v account_v lawful_a for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o from_o god_n and_o all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v have_v be_v institute_v by_o god_n rom._n 13.2_o and_o especial_o of_o this_o government_n now_o in_o question_n we_o may_v see_v daniel_n 5.18.19_o that_o god_n do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o it_o king_n for_o there_o it_o be_v say_v o_o king_n god_n give_v nabuchadnezzer_n thy_o father_n a_o kingdom_n then_o follow_v a_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o kingdom_n even_o majesty_n honour_n and_o glory_n he_o slay_v wâ—ome_v he_o will_v and_o smite_v who_o he_o will_v he_o advance_v and_o debase_v who_o he_o please_v now_o that_o we_o see_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n we_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v subject_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o which_o point_n it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o as_o all_o other_o power_n authority_n principality_n and_o dominion_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v whether_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n so_o also_o this_o kingdom_n be_v whole_o &_o absolute_o subject_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o power_n and_o bind_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o 17._o of_o deutronomie_n that_o the_o king_n whensoever_o he_o be_v make_v shall_v take_v a_o excript_n of_o the_o
but_o we_o follow_v the_o third_o opinion_n think_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o this_o land_n be_v chief_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v whole_o set_v up_o maintain_v repair_v and_o order_v yea_o ecclesiastical_a law_n for_o this_o purpose_n establish_v howsoever_o in_o make_v they_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o be_v for_o diverse_a necessary_a cause_n to_o be_v require_v the_o truth_n hereof_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o mark_v that_o god_n do_v defer_v the_o build_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o enlarge_n and_o beautify_v of_o his_o worship_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n erect_v of_o who_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o saul_n be_v reject_v do_v make_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n most_o glorious_a establish_v new_a order_n and_o law_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n although_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o other_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n yea_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o who_o every_o one_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n do_v either_o set_v up_o or_o pull_v down_o religion_n do_v declare_v how_o much_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o with_o silence_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o king_n let_v we_o only_o see_v how_o far_o ezechia_n do_v meddle_v with_o church_n affair_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2._o chro._n 29.3_o that_o he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n bring_v the_o priest_n into_o it_o make_v a_o solemn_a oration_n unto_o they_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o careful_a performance_n thereof_o then_o when_o the_o priest_n have_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n cleanse_v the_o temple_n before_o they_o do_v any_o service_n in_o it_o they_o return_v to_o the_o king_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v have_v further_o do_v verse_n 18._o then_o the_o king_n with_o the_o noble_n come_v and_o bring_v a_o sinne-offering_a which_o the_o priest_n offer_v at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n verse_n 24._o then_o verse_n 27._o the_o king_n command_v that_o the_o whole_a burnt-offering_a shall_v be_v offer_v again_o verse_n 31._o he_o command_v that_o the_o people_n offering_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o further_o in_o the_o 30._o chapter_n he_o hold_v a_o council_n &_o send_v his_o post_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o passover_o yea_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v when_o as_o the_o people_n be_v unclean_a do_v receive_v the_o passover_n ezechias_n himself_o do_v public_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o so_o make_v they_o clean_o verse_n 20._o likewise_o chap_n 31._o verse_n 2._o ezechia_n appoint_v sundry_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n after_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o ministration_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o make_v provision_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o they_o and_o verse_n 8._o and_o 9_o he_o come_v and_o view_v their_o provision_n and_o question_v with_o the_o priest_n about_o it_o and_o vers_fw-la 11_o he_o bid_v prepare_v the_o chamber_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o store_n yea_o it_o be_v add_v verse_n 20._o that_o according_a to_o this_o manner_n he_o do_v throughout_o all_o juda_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v and_o prosperous_o end_v by_o he_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o josias_n and_o other_o king_n wherein_o this_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church_n matter_n be_v do_v by_o the_o commandment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v abridge_v and_o cut_v short_a either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n be_v these_o first_o for_o that_o it_o be_v think_v that_o as_o civil_a and_o divine_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a matter_n do_v not_o only_o great_o differ_v but_o also_o be_v opposite_a to_o each_o ooth_a so_o that_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a yea_o contrary_a body_n govern_v and_o order_v by_o their_o several_a head_n as_o in_o this_o state_n they_o make_v the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o here_o a_o perfect_a body_n by_o itself_o but_o make_v the_o civil_a body_n more_o excellent_a &_o happy_a body_n for_o even_o as_o when_o any_o people_n be_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a be_v bring_v to_o learning_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o humanity_n there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a state_n or_o body_n add_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o former_a estate_n become_v better_a so_o it_o be_v whenas_o any_o nation_n of_o infidel_n become_v religious_a they_o have_v not_o one_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o another_o in_o civil_a matter_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o both_o but_o hereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o public_a church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o office_n authority_n or_o person_n of_o this_o king_n be_v any_o way_n profane_a or_o unholy_a or_o in_o any_o respect_n unfit_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o divine_a matter_n for_o he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n more_o holy_a than_o oâ—hers_n as_o for_o the_o hurt_n which_o come_v to_o the_o church_n by_o be_v permit_v to_o wicked_a king_n to_o be_v order_v at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o many_o of_o they_o do_v clean_o overthrow_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o save_v only_o of_o god_n who_o be_v and_o be_v able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n yea_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o raise_v uppe_o in_o their_o place_n good_a and_o godly_a king_n zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n who_o abolish_n all_o idolatry_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o their_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n do_v recompense_v the_o loss_n and_o comfort_v the_o grief_n which_o the_o church_n have_v by_o the_o wicked_a king_n for_o if_o the_o peoele_n have_v resist_v the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o their_o proceed_n they_o shall_v have_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o godly_a king_n king_n and_o by_o use_v violence_n against_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v bind_v the_o hand_n and_o hinder_v the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a have_v be_v loath_a to_o permit_v the_o order_n of_o churche-cause_n to_o civil_a ruler_n because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o author_n of_o all_o disorder_n yea_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v so_o horrible_o stain_v themselves_o and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v cherish_v and_o preserve_v and_o have_v so_o often_o overthowen_v the_o church_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v build_v and_o maintain_v that_o many_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v often_o show_v themselves_o cruel_a wolf_n then_o careful_a shepherd_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o that_o prince_n shall_v look_v to_o their_o palace_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v untruethe_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o israel_n by_o spoil_v the_o king_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o last_o as_o touch_v ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o man_n for_o the_o put_n in_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o although_o the_o set_n up_o and_o pull_v down_o the_o reform_v and_o deform_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n yet_o to_o be_v very_o unmeete_a that_o he_o shall_v meddle_v in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o
those_o place_n or_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n obtain_v that_o great_a authority_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n yea_o often_o a_o temperate_a and_o mean_a power_n be_v grant_v do_v increase_v to_o this_o immoderate_a and_o absolute_a authority_n whereof_o we_o speak_v the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conquer_v by_o violence_n and_o unjust_a deal_n dominion_n yet_o if_o afterwards_o it_o be_v by_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v acknowledge_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a authority_n now_o in_o many_o of_o those_o kingdom_n the_o ruler_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o covenant_n or_o condition_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v rule_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o for_o the_o more_o quiet_a obtain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o their_o kingdom_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o inherent_a in_o their_o own_o person_n insomuch_o that_o all_o other_o within_o their_o dominion_n joint_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o private_a man_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o resist_v the_o civil_a authority_n by_o open_a force_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o set_v up_o or_o maintain_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a king_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o good_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o to_o resist_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v evil_a and_o great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o set_n forward_o of_o this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o these_o magistrate_n as_o first_o to_o solicit_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n at_o their_o hand_n yea_o even_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n as_o do_v hester_n est._n 4.14.16_o &_o nehemias_n neh._n â—_o 4_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o further_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o redeem_v the_o freedom_n of_o religion_n with_o our_o good_n by_o pay_v to_o our_o ruler_n great_a tribute_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v also_o by_o show_v our_o faithful_a obedience_n loyal_a submission_n and_o dutiful_a service_n even_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a ruler_n as_o do_v daniel_n nehemias_n and_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n and_o such_o like_a the_o lord_n work_v together_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v to_o turn_v at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v become_v lover_n and_o furtherer_n yea_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o hater_n and_o hinderer_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v continue_v obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v become_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o people_n may_v use_v either_o that_o secret_a authority_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o else_o the_o liberty_n and_o benefit_n of_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o so_o notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a ruler_n build_v the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n we_o may_v not_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o hold_v our_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o against_o that_o great_a absolute_a and_o majestical_a authority_n for_o here_o god_n give_v no_o other_o weapon_n where_o withal_o to_o fight_v save_o only_a patience_n to_o suffer_v their_o ungodly_a deal_n and_o if_o they_o become_v malicious_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n wing_n to_o fly_v for_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n move_v either_o by_o our_o own_o magistrate_n or_o by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o may_v fly_v for_o our_o safety_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o move_v every_o one_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n but_o nature_n be_v a_o evil_a counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o behalf_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v give_v we_o this_o liberty_n yea_o this_o counsel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o shall_v fly_v to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.1_o yea_o this_o be_v good_a not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o the_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o preserve_v the_o church_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v destroy_v in_o us._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o undergo_n extreme_a danger_n church_n yea_o the_o lord_n use_v thiâ—_n mean_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 8.4_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o this_o liberty_n of_o fly_v but_o give_v the_o persecutor_n power_n over_o we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v try_v our_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v also_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o liberty_n though_o we_o may_v as_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a or_o to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o the_o enemy_n object_v to_o we_o fearfulness_n hypocrisy_n want_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o christian_n thus_o much_o of_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o although_o they_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o build_v it_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v hinder_v the_o same_o yea_o often_o more_o than_o the_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o to_o let_v other_o pass_v the_o great_a hurt_n be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o building_n and_o further_a of_o this_o work_n do_v belong_v as_o namely_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o as_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n so_o when_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o how_o great_a be_v that_o hurt_n for_o the_o first_o the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o one_o because_o that_o kind_a of_o government_n be_v most_o usual_a may_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v in_o part_n further_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o if_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o do_v retain_v some_o part_n of_o some_o false_a worship_n or_o the_o relic_n and_o memorial_n of_o it_o whereby_o many_o be_v offend_v and_o hinder_v second_o if_o he_o hinder_v the_o establish_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n command_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o the_o function_n of_o any_o office_n and_o final_o if_o he_o do_v by_o any_o mean_n hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o place_n here_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n to_o use_v the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o move_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o good_a and_o salvation_n as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o we_o may_v also_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v be_v move_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o his_o realm_n yea_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v build_v may_v deal_v more_o plain_o with_o he_o and_o exhort_v yea_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o
although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
this_o people_n shall_v earnest_o desire_v and_o seek_v after_o wish_v rather_o that_o every_o one_o be_v content_n with_o that_o government_n which_o be_v already_o establish_v in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v not_o think_v of_o any_o alteration_n which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o bring_v with_o it_o as_o always_o great_a trouble_n so_o often_o a_o final_a overthrow_n to_o the_o people_n but_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o profess_v knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o these_o matter_n to_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v either_o most_o excellent_a in_o the_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o contemplation_n or_o most_o convenient_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o we_o purpose_v to_o make_v a_o bare_a and_o historical_a narration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o which_o we_o trust_v be_v not_o unprofitable_a but_o will_v serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o reader_n in_o diverse_a respect_n especial_o in_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v the_o former_a treatise_n have_v these_o section_n section_n 1._o of_o the_o occasion_n meaning_n and_o division_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n pag._n 1_o sect._n 2._o of_o magistracy_n in_o general_n pag._n 4_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o general_n pag._n 9_o sect._n 4._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o land_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n all_o other_o be_v private_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o pag._n 12_o sect._n 5._o that_o it_o be_v nâ—t_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o violence_n against_o the_o person_n or_o the_o proceed_n no_o not_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n pag._n 17_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o former_a position_n pag._n 22_o sect._n 7._o what_o be_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o regard_n of_o injury_n offer_v by_o their_o king_n pag._n 28_o sect._n 8._o whether_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o monarchical_a estate_n be_v commodious_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o people_n pag._n 30_o sect._n 9_o that_o no_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o power_n pag._n 34_o sect._n 10._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n pag._n 39_o sect._n 11._o that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v free_a from_o positive_a law_n and_o a_o peremptory_a power_n pag._n 46_o sect._n 12._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n pag._n 50_o sect._n 13._o of_o the_o particular_n in_o the_o say_a majesty_n pag._n 54_o sect._n 14._o that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v a_o lawful_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o how_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n pag._n 61_o sect._n 15._o of_o the_o action_n of_o samuel_n pag._n 67_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o latter_a treatise_n be_v the_o church_n militant_a consider_v in_o general_a in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o catholiick_a church_n section_n 8._o particular_a in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n disperse_v abroad_o in_o the_o second_o chap._n section_n 3._o join_v together_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v several_o declare_v in_o general_a the_o definition_n of_o a_o particular_a ch._n in_o the_o attribute_n chapter_n 3._o section_n 3._o the_o building_n of_o it_o to_o wit_v the_o lay_v the_o foundation_n ch._n 4._o sect._n 4._o the_o set_n up_o the_o frame_n by_o establish_v law_n ecclesiastical_a divine_a ch._n 5._o sect._n 2._o humane_a c._n 6._o of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n sect_n 5._o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o it_o ch._n 7._o sect._n 11_o in_o particular_a the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v either_o private_a ch._n 8._o sect._n 3_o or_o public_a chap._n 9_o section_n 9_o joint_o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n chap._n 10._o sect._n 4._o all_o the_o which_o make_v the_o visible_a church_n chap._n 11._o the_o argument_n chapter_n 1._o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n section_n 1._o of_o the_o name_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 1_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 3_o sect._n 3_o that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 4_o sect._n 4._o that_o heretic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 8_o sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n pag._n 16_o sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 17_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 18_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n pag._n 21_o chapter_n 2._o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n pag._n 22_o sect._n 2._o how_o they_o serve_v god_n pag._n 25_o sect._n 3_o what_o to_o think_v of_o their_o salvation_n pag._n 26_o chapter_n 3._o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o it_o pag._n 29_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o pag._n 30_o seâ—â—_n 3._o of_o the_o number_n of_o iâ—_n pag._n 32_o chapter_n 4._o of_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o what_o people_n a_o church_n may_v consist_v pag._n 35_o sect._n 2._o by_o who_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v plant_v pag._n 37_o sect._n 3_o how_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o infidel_n pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v aught_o to_o be_v order_v pag._n 44_o chapter_n 5._o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n sect._n 1_o of_o church_n government_n in_o general_n pag._n 48_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o church_n government_n pag._n 53_o chapter_n 6._o of_o ecclesiastical_a humane_a law_n sect._n 1_o how_o these_o law_n differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n pag._n 57_o sect._n 2._o 3._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o law_n pag._n 58_o sect._n 4._o after_o what_o rule_v they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v pag._n 62_o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o psg_n 66_o chapter_n 7._o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o state_n unestablish_v pag._n 67_o sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 70_o sect._n 3_o of_o a_o flourish_a state_n pag._n 71_o sect._n 4._o of_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ch_n be_v hinder_v pag._n 74_o sect._n 5._o of_o profess_a hinderer_n pag._n 78_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o ch_z hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n pa._n 79_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o p._n 83_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n pag._n 87_o sect._n 9_o of_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 88_o sect._n 10._o of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o of_o idolatry_n pag._n 90_o sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n pag._n 93_o chapter_n 8_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v pag._n 95_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o private_a church_n pag._n 120_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v pag._n 99_o chapter_n 9_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a ch._n pag._n 102_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n p._n 106_o sect._n 3_o that_o a_o public_a church_n with_o the_o commonwealth_n make_v but_o one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n pag._n 107_o sect._n 4._o that_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n pag._n 114_o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o change_n which_o happen_v either_o â—o_o the_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n by_o this_o conjunction_n pag._n 116_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n pag._n 118_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n pa._n 120_o sect_n 8._o of_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o pag._n 123_o sect._n 9_o to_o who_o the_o authorise_a and_o advise_v of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n belong_v in_o a_o public_a church_n pag._n 125_o chapter_n 10._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n pag._n 131_o sect._n 2._o of_o who_o counsel_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o consist_v pag._n 133_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n pag._n 134_o sect._n 4._o how_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n be_v to_o be_v
father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o therefore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v reject_v christ_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v reject_v of_o god_n from_o be_v his_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o never_o so_o great_a zeal_n rom._n 11._o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o turk_n saracen_n moor_n and_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v do_v retain_v diverse_a point_n of_o christianity_n yea_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v be_v sound_a a_o close_a or_o mystical_a arianisme_n ariaanisme_n cover_v and_o gloss_v over_o many_o weighty_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o judaical_a type_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n that_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v dark_a and_o enigmatical_a may_v be_v more_o high_o esteem_v by_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a man_n whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o understand_v dispute_v of_o and_o in_o the_o end_n altogether_o contemn_v yet_o forsomuch_o as_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o worship_n and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o first_o arian_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o it_o can_v be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o mere_a infidel_n separate_v from_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v further_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o it_o in_o certain_a property_n which_o be_v attribute_v unto_o it_o of_o the_o which_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o heathen_a all_o unbelieve_a jew_n turk_n and_o general_o all_o infidel_n whatsoever_o do_v live_v and_o die_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sight_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o 2._o thes._n 2.8_o god_n in_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o this_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v on_o infidel_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o except_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o both_o can_v &_o as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v do_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n save_o some_o and_o that_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n unknowen_a to_o we_o where_o the_o ordinary_a way_n be_v want_v the_o second_o attribute_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v this_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o do_v say_v the_o catholic_a church_n never_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o with_o this_o there_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o world_n a_o number_n of_o man_n which_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o other_o book_n which_o show_v by_o who_o and_o in_o what_o place_n god_n have_v be_v true_o worship_v in_o every_o several_a age_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v create_v and_o do_v continue_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o church_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o even_o the_o very_a world_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n do_v serve_v as_o mean_n for_o your_o good_a and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 3.13_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n that_o be_v a_o most_o firm_a and_o sure_a pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v weighty_a and_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n itself_o although_o it_o always_o remain_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a error_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o ignorances_n and_n error_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o many_o and_o great_a as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o how_o great_a error_n have_v prevail_v throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o most_o of_o the_o age_n since_o that_o time_n we_o who_o live_v in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v yea_o we_o know_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o that_o while_n the_o faithful_a be_v in_o this_o world_n they_o see_v know_v and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o can_v be_v whole_o free_v from_o error_n till_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n perfect_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n so_o we_o read_v levit._n 4.13_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o general_a error_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o be_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n knowledge_n thirdlie_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o do_v consist_v of_o more_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n then_o in_o the_o former_a for_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n be_v know_v and_o worship_v only_o of_o a_o few_o family_n or_o kindred_n but_o afterwards_o of_o a_o great_a populous_a nation_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n â—oth_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n country_n or_o city_n no_o not_o any_o one_o town_n or_o village_n which_o do_v general_o receive_v it_o but_o only_o a_o few_o here_o and_o there_o the_o rest_n remain_v in_o infidelity_n but_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v great_a nation_n general_o yea_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n become_v christian_n yea_o this_o number_n shall_v continual_o increase_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 11._o and_o then_o shall_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o notable_a addition_n to_o this_o number_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n be_v for_o that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o word_n all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o degree_n by_o little_a and_o little_a where_o this_o may_v also_o profitable_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n so_o also_o their_o knowledge_n do_v increase_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o more_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n they_o be_v general_o consider_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a as_o touch_v the_o number_n we_o know_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o gather_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o kindred_n &_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o nation_n but_o afterward_o it_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o exceed_v the_o first_o in_o number_n of_o believer_n because_o now_o both_o the_o full_a number_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o also_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o latter_a time_n do_v exceed_v the_o former_a in_o knowledge_n four_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n or_o ruler_n here_o on_o earth_n government_n neither_o any_o external_a government_n but_o be_v order_v by_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o for_o the_o government_n and_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o his_o church_n have_v place_n and_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n only_o in_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n five_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v invisible_a invisible_a for_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a but_o also_o of_o particular_a man_n which_o serve_v god_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o know_v by_o
the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o advance_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o beautify_v his_o church_n if_o nothing_o prevail_v than_o we_o arâ—_n to_o commend_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v easy_o movethe_v heart_n of_o ruler_n the_o which_o he_o do_v sometime_o by_o some_o judgement_n or_o plague_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o their_o land_n as_o we_o read_v that_o elias_n make_v achab_n put_v away_o idolatry_n by_o bring_v a_o extreme_a famine_n upon_o his_o whole_a land_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o that_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n have_v be_v discreet_o faithful_o and_o importunatelie_o use_v can_v prevail_v that_o there_o ought_v not_o any_o outward_a force_n to_o be_v use_v against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o ruler_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n may_v after_o a_o sort_n be_v rule_v it_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v unless_o the_o church_n use_v her_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n against_o her_o disobedient_a son_n thus_o obstinate_o hinder_v this_o work_n but_o herein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o whether_o this_o censure_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v against_o the_o ruler_n or_o rather_o exercise_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o answer_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o salvation_n and_o one_o glory_n both_o for_o ruler_n and_o subject_n so_o also_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o belong_v equal_o to_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o likewise_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n people_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o commendable_a in_o a_o prince_n that_o whenas_o no_o man_n can_v compel_v he_o to_o it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o submit_v himself_o unto_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n give_v example_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o obedience_n but_o although_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incommodity_n which_o will_v follow_v the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v seldom_o or_o never_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v for_o first_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o favourer_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a friend_n may_v be_v alienate_v quite_o from_o it_o and_o so_o cast_v away_o all_o care_n of_o further_a the_o building_n of_o it_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v the_o church_n may_v come_v utter_o to_o ruin_v be_v destitute_a of_o his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o public_a church_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v where_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o second_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v lest_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o civil_a authority_n receive_v some_o disgrace_n the_o authority_n dignity_n &_o majesty_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o kind_n ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o inconvenience_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o till_o that_o by_o mature_a deliberation_n it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v for_o the_o good_a both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o for_o otherwise_o if_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hazard_v by_o this_o mean_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o imperfect_a or_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o ruler_n than_o none_o at_o all_o by_o his_o displeasure_n yea_o also_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o do_v first_o acknowledge_v himself_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v use_v on_o he_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n at_o least_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o may_v approve_v their_o do_v to_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o also_o not_o repugnant_a to_o that_o loyalty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o this_o censure_n can_v be_v use_v because_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n take_v hold_v of_o thâ—m_n who_o be_v under_o the_o same_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o second_o inconvenience_n these_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o do_v but_o upon_o a_o great_a urgent_a &_o evident_a cause_n as_o whenas_o his_o hinder_v of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o ignorance_n as_o of_o malice_n pride_n and_o some_o such_o corruption_n in_o he_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sudden_o do_v but_o that_o first_o ruler_n all_o patience_n be_v use_v by_o forebeare_v and_o expect_v the_o change_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n three_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o man_n account_v he_o not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_a prince_n or_o of_o a_o faithful_a brother_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o open_a and_o public_a promulgation_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 15.30.31_o that_o when_o as_o samuel_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n excommunicate_a saul_n the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v foresaken_v of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o favouâ—_n yet_o he_o have_v care_n to_o keep_v the_o dignity_n or_o rather_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n and_o call_n before_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v at_o his_o request_n go_v with_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o with_o his_o company_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o wâ—ole_a people_n and_o last_o that_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v open_o pronounce_v yet_o that_o there_o be_v add_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o censure_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v not_o touch_v his_o civil_a government_n or_o derogate_v any_o jot_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o obedience_n which_o his_o subject_n owe_v unto_o he_o save_o only_o that_o a_o christian_n godly_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a prince_n who_o be_v zealous_a in_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n ought_v more_o high_o to_o be_v esteem_v more_o cheerful_o obey_v and_o more_o entire_o love_v than_o a_o infiddel_n or_o then_o a_o wicked_a and_o obstinate_a ruler_n proffess_v faith_n for_o whenas_o we_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o the_o civil_a ruler_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o popish_a kind_n of_o excommunication_n whereby_o the_o pope_n do_v curse_v and_o depose_v all_o those_o prince_n which_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o corrupt_a and_o profane_a worship_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o excommunication_n be_v far_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o curse_n it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a separation_n from_o the_o outward_a society_n of_o the_o church_n magistrate_n which_o do_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n touch_n or_o diminish_v his_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v say_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o much_o as_o we_o be_v flat_o forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o curse_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o do_v paul_n call_v back_o that_o speech_n utter_v against_o the_o high_a priest_n malicious_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 23.5_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v often_o use_v by_o sathan_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a instrument_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o whenas_o they_o be_v so_o set_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a hinderer_n of_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o wolf_n can_v have_v the_o shepherd_n to_o put_v the_o sheep_n into_o his_o mouth_n what_o need_v he_o any_o more_o for_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o hinderer_n be_v very_o ordinary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n
profession_n of_o the_o faith_n church_n and_o also_o to_o bâ—_n a_o mean_n to_o continue_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v record_v act._n 8.4_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v dispeâ—sed_v they_o do_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o man_n labour_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v so_o we_o read_v that_o prisciâ—la_n and_o aquila_n have_v a_o church_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o we_o may_v well_o think_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o and_o to_o have_v convert_v many_o rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o so_o colossian_n 4.15_o the_o apostle_n salute_v nympha_fw-la and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o these_o man_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o these_o church_n within_o their_o own_o house_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o he_o build_v the_o church_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n do_v stretch_v by_o this_o rule_n as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o master_n of_o family_n stretch_v and_o ruler_n of_o city_n and_o country_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v to_o do_v yea_o they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v yet_o whenas_o they_o have_v win_v any_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o family_n or_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o to_o serve_v god_n together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o further_a building_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v to_o teach_v and_o order_v the_o say_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v think_v meet_a for_o that_o purpose_n then_o be_v they_o no_o more_o private_a man_n but_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n this_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o the_o build_n of_o any_o such_o private_a church_n he_o or_o they_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o purpose_n to_o those_o who_o do_v already_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n near_o to_o that_o place_n that_o their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o do_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o call_v and_o also_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o private_a man_n to_o be_v the_o first_o builder_n &_o founder_n of_o a_o private_a church_n consist_v not_o only_a of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o heart_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o move_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o in_o convert_n other_o there_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v forasmuch_o as_o civil_a ruler_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v give_v a_o toleration_n for_o a_o private_a church_n within_o their_o dominion_n yet_o they_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v turn_v to_o any_o new_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v take_v in_o hand_n this_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v with_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o rather_o than_o by_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o call_n to_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o build_v chief_o by_o gather_v together_o those_o who_o do_v already_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o private_a teach_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o for_o other_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o like_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a life_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o church_n have_v act._n 2.47_o then_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o love_o and_o mild_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o of_o those_o point_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n remain_v in_o a_o hire_a house_n private_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o boldness_n without_o any_o hindrance_n the_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v in_o that_o place_n if_o he_o have_v go_v about_o open_o &_o public_o to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o româ—_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v as_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o private_a church_n so_o likewise_o continue_v it_o this_o always_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v all_o those_o exhortation_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v obey_v magistrate_n &_o ruler_n whether_o high_a or_o loâ—_n râ—m_fw-la 13.1_o peter_n 2.17_o &_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o heathen_a magistrate_n rule_v yea_o christian_n living_n in_o this_o estate_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o their_o brethren_n profess_v the_o faith_n rather_o than_o of_o infidel_n which_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v or_o fly_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n whenas_o by_o just_a occasion_n it_o be_v offer_v for_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthians_n 1.7.12_o that_o the_o believe_a husband_n shall_v not_o put_v away_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v content_a to_o remain_v with_o he_o so_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o invite_v by_o infidel_n to_o their_o banquet_n infidel_n 1._o cor._n 10.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v great_a patience_n towards_o they_o then_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.12_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o leave_v their_o fault_n and_o sin_n unreproved_a yet_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o they_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o their_o conversion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o our_o temporal_a commodity_n can_v be_v without_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereunto_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o also_o to_o our_o own_o hindrance_n in_o regard_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n far_o in_o these_o private_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o most_o usual_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o they_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o all_o be_v such_o as_o do_v willing_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n act._n 2.41_o so_o many_o as_o willing_o receive_v the_o word_n christians_n be_v baptize_v yea_o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o soundenâ—sse_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o live_n amongst_o infidel_n they_o can_v but_o incur_v the_o hatred_n of_o many_o yea_o oftentimes_o even_o of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n themselves_o by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o sustain_v many_o iniuâ—ies_n and_o hurt_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o temporal_a life_n and_o manifold_a molestation_n scoff_n yea_o reproach_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o private_a church_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o pure_a perfect_a orderly_a and_o free_a then_o public_a church_n be_v for_o
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
ought_v to_o have_v use_v and_o show_v in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o other_o matter_n his_o will_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n stand_v for_o a_o law_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o peremptory_a or_o wilful_a but_o that_o he_o do_v willing_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a unto_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n whereof_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v most_o right_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v and_o for_o that_o civil_a ruler_n have_v not_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o these_o action_n therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o consult_v with_o other_o &_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o as_o a_o oversight_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a mat_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o weighty_a consultation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o this_o action_n we_o referrâ—â—he_v answer_v hereof_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o particuiar_a church_n several_o consider_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o more_o plain_o by_o a_o distinct_a government_n even_o as_o we_o see_v one_o city_n country_n or_o kingdom_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o another_o by_o the_o own_o limit_n whether_o hill_n river_n sea_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v at_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o their_o law_n and_o order_n yet_o often_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o bond_n of_o humane_a government_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v usual_o sever_v one_o from_o another_o of_o this_o conjunction_n we_o be_v brief_o to_o entreat_v the_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o voluntary_a the_o other_o necessary_a voluntary_a conjunction_n be_v that_o whereby_o particular_a church_n which_o otherwise_o be_v free_a from_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o common-guernment_a for_o their_o common_a good_a as_o we_o see_v that_o free_a city_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n and_o a_o common-government_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o order_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v counsel_n provincial_a natural_a and_o general_a which_o be_v assembly_n of_o certain_a man_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o weighty_a cause_n of_o those_o church_n in_o these_o counsel_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n and_o second_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v for_o the_o first_o although_o the_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o order_n of_o church_n in_o particular_a be_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o way_n great_a use_n of_o this_o common-government_n of_o counsel_n for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n the_o decide_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n the_o confirm_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n the_o resuting_a of_o pernicious_a heresy_n counsel_n the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o final_o for_o the_o order_n of_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n who_o godliness_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n be_v famous_o know_v to_o all_o man_n yea_o there_o be_v among_o many_o excellent_a man_n great_a variety_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v join_v together_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n then_o if_o they_o be_v only_o several_o use_v in_o particular_a church_n for_o these_o cause_n be_v this_o common_a government_n of_o counsel_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o and_o have_v continue_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o first_o example_n of_o a_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v act._n 15.6_o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o a_o great_a controversy_n move_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o this_o counsel_n although_o in_o force_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v ecumenical_a or_o general_a in_o that_o the_o constitution_n make_v then_o by_o the_o apostle_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o act_n and_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a assembly_n of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o appear_v vers._n 22._o so_o that_o this_o example_n serve_v not_o for_o our_o purpose_n neither_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o provincial_a counsel_n yea_o as_o it_o seem_v we_o have_v not_o any_o example_n or_o precept_n of_o this_o conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n &_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereof_o some_o have_v gather_v that_o these_o counsel_n be_v unlawful_a and_o their_o authority_n usurp_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o from_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n appoint_v for_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v have_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n for_o answer_v whereof_o we_o know_v that_o of_o lawful_a thing_n some_o be_v necessary_a be_v command_v by_o god_n so_o that_o the_o omit_v of_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o his_o sight_n but_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o lawful_a as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v leave_v undo_v be_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v to_o we_o to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o convenient_a of_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v these_o common_a counsel_n and_o this_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o diverse_a church_n under_o one_o government_n for_o we_o have_v no_o flat_a commandment_n in_o the_o word_n as_o touch_v it_o neither_o can_v any_o church_n be_v compel_v to_o join_v in_o this_o manner_n yet_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o other_o form_n of_o church-government_n than_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o common_a counsel_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o government_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o yea_o make_v it_o more_o effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o supply_v the_o want_n the_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o man_n be_v often_o find_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o counsel_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n can_v not_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o this_o manner_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o full_o settle_v within_o themselves_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o so_o far_a distante_fw-la one_o from_o another_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o any_o convenience_n communicate_v ordinare_o together_o apostle_n yea_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o they_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o most_o general_a counsel_n for_o they_o refer_v all_o their_o doubt_n controversy_n and_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o their_o determination_n wherein_o the_o rest_v as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o these_o counsel_n have_v not_o their_o original_n and_o authority_n immediate_o and_o direct_o from_o god_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v be_v institute_v and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o council_n be_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o those_o church_n from_o the_o which_o the_o several_a commissioner_n or_o delegate_n be_v send_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v