security_n as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o temporal_a and_o will_v it_o not_o become_v their_o charity_n and_o their_o concernment_n for_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o our_o fear_n be_v groundless_a and_o that_o we_o may_v join_v with_o they_o on_o easy_a term_n to_o which_o themselves_o may_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o condescend_v these_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o excellent_a design_n as_o that_o no_o good_a spirit_n can_v think_v his_o pain_n and_o diligence_n ill_o bestow_v in_o know_v and_o examine_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_a how_o weak_a or_o fallacious_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v upon_o examination_n §_o xvii_o if_o after_o all_o i_o can_v avoid_v the_o popular_a odium_fw-la of_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o less_o solicitous_a on_o my_o own_o account_n by_o how_o much_o i_o be_o the_o less_o conscious_a of_o have_v deserve_v it_o i_o know_v our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v the_o like_a return_n of_o his_o well-meant_a endeavour_n i_o know_v it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o peacemaker_n and_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v always_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o suffer_v more_o than_o this_o be_v like_a to_o signify_v to_o i_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n the_o best_a be_v i_o can_v foresee_v any_o occasion_n of_o such_o a_o trial_n from_o true_o pious_a and_o ingenuous_a person_n who_o will_v understand_v before_o they_o censure_v and_o who_o will_v reflect_v on_o the_o consideration_n now_o mention_v for_o other_o i_o can_v think_v they_o so_o competent_a judge_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o reverence_v their_o censure_n §_o xviii_o there_o be_v also_o one_o thing_n more_o of_o which_o i_o be_o to_o warn_v the_o reader_n that_o be_v that_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v first_o design_v as_o a_o defence_n of_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o this_o subject_a before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n 19_o mr._n john_n sharp_a on_o rom._n fourteen_o 19_o but_o have_v make_v some_o entrance_n on_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o convenient_a to_o be_v confine_v to_o another_o method_n in_o deliver_v my_o own_o sentiment_n nor_o to_o concern_v any_o particular_a author_n in_o the_o controversy_n but_o rather_o to_o undertake_v the_o whole_a subject_n in_o a_o method_n most_o natural_a to_o my_o own_o conception_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o so_o because_o most_o of_o the_o answerer_n objection_n will_v have_v no_o place_n on_o my_o way_n of_o state_v the_o controversy_n and_o i_o can_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o spend_v time_n on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v ground_v on_o misunderstanding_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o with_o the_o least_o design_n of_o disparage_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o the_o misunderstanding_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o dissent_v party_n otherwise_o his_o management_n be_v more_o accurate_a for_o the_o destructive_a part_n which_o be_v the_o talon_n of_o those_o person_n than_o usual_a and_o with_o better_a temper_n to_o his_o adversary_n however_o these_o consideration_n be_v approve_v by_o several_a of_o my_o worthy_a friend_n to_o who_o i_o communicate_v they_o and_o among_o other_o by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o excellent_a sermon_n i_o easy_o obtain_v his_o leave_n to_o proceed_v in_o my_o own_o way_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o convenient_a withal_o to_o give_v this_o warning_n of_o it_o that_o the_o answerer_n whoever_o he_o be_v may_v know_v that_o his_o objection_n have_v be_v allow_v for_o in_o my_o hypothesis_n though_o they_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o look_v on_o the_o silence_n of_o his_o adversary_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o neglect_n of_o he_o §_o xix_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v of_o a_o reply_n i_o shall_v humble_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v keep_v to_o the_o cause_n avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n as_o far_o as_o the_o cause_n will_v permit_v reply_n request_n to_o he_o who_o shall_v think_v of_o a_o reply_n that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o the_o propriety_n of_o particular_a expression_n in_o which_o it_o be_v as_o usual_a for_o adversary_n to_o be_v mistake_v in_o misunderstand_v the_o expression_n as_o for_o the_o author_n who_o have_v use_v they_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o judge_v concern_v my_o particular_a expression_n by_o the_o exigency_n of_o my_o cause_n and_o principle_n which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n not_o only_o to_o assure_v himself_o of_o my_o meaning_n but_o to_o make_v his_o argument_n against_o such_o expression_n conclusive_a against_o my_o cause_n itself_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o remember_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o object_n against_o any_o thing_n argument_n more_o plausiblâ—_n than_o those_o be_v on_o which_o the_o vulgar_a believe_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o will_v object_v nothing_o but_o what_o a_o serious_a impartial_a enquirer_n after_o the_o truth_n will_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n nothing_o but_o what_o he_o think_v true_a nothing_o but_o he_o think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v by_o the_o consequence_n of_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v retort_v against_o he_o no_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o oppose_v but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v great_a than_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o no_o reason_n but_o such_o as_o may_v have_v great_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n than_o those_o have_v which_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o oppose_v that_o he_o will_v oblige_v the_o world_n with_o another_o scheme_n of_o principle_n suit_v to_o his_o own_o cause_n which_o may_v not_o only_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n account_v for_o by_o we_o but_o may_v also_o not_o be_v liable_a to_o those_o objection_n which_o he_o conceive_v uncapable_a of_o a_o solution_n by_o our_o hypothesis_n rather_o than_o only_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o person_n of_o a_o objector_n and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v manage_v with_o those_o commendable_a presumption_n which_o all_o disintere_v person_n do_v commend_v for_o the_o secure_a guide_n where_o the_o reason_n be_v less_o evident_a a_o hearty_a love_n of_o truth_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o government_n and_o such_o a_o love_n of_o these_o as_o may_v be_v prudent_a as_o may_v secure_v the_o practicableness_n of_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o love_v without_o which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o love_v or_o to_o pretend_v to_o love_v they_o §_o xx_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v punctual_o observe_v on_o both_o side_n there_o will_v be_v many_o advantage_n to_o the_o common_a cause_n which_o methinks_v may_v prevail_v with_o any_o who_o wish_v well_o to_o it_o not_o to_o be_v difficult_a in_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o observe_v they_o we_o shall_v avoid_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o reader_n who_o be_v only_o concern_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v certain_o think_v impertinent_a we_o shall_v on_o both_o side_n be_v better_a qualify_v for_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o leave_v the_o way_n more_o open_a for_o mutual_a ingenuity_n we_o shall_v neither_o prejudice_v our_o reader_n nor_o our_o self_n to_o judge_n otherwise_o than_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o our_o own_o conviction_n of_o it_o shall_v oblige_v we_o we_o shall_v intermingle_v nothing_o unbecoming_a the_o seriousness_n wherewith_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n ought_v to_o be_v handle_v we_o shall_v thus_o be_v sure_a to_o improve_v the_o common_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n with_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hitherto_o acquaint_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o have_v endeavour_v what_o i_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v these_o thing_n myself_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v correct_v if_o i_o have_v fail_v in_o any_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o reasonable_a as_o that_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o who_o be_v reasonable_a will_v ready_o accept_v of_o these_o condition_n and_o will_v withal_o be_v so_o grateful_a to_o the_o unengage_v reader_n as_o that_o even_o he_o who_o be_v less_o solicitous_a for_o truth_n shall_v yet_o think_v himself_o concern_v even_o to_o rival_n i_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o observe_v they_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o more_o glorious_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o truth_n than_o to_o obtain_v the_o cause_n we_o contend_v for_o the_o general_a proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v in_o this_o work_n that_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n where_o they_o live_v if_o impose_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o
particular_a examination_n of_o its_o ground_n it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v but_o if_o the_o declaration_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v authentical_a as_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o such_o person_n the_o meaning_n of_o that_o must_v be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o presume_v valid_a so_o that_o the_o case_n may_v be_v but_o rare_a wherein_o the_o person_n obnoxious_a to_o it_o may_v presume_v his_o own_o cause_n so_o good_a as_o to_o venture_v to_o stand_v out_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o the_o sentence_n be_v presume_v valid_a before_o god_n even_o in_o case_n wherein_o governor_n may_v themselves_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o infliction_n as_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o where_o the_o mistake_n be_v at_o the_o uttermost_a no_o more_o than_o a_o imprudence_n not_o a_o sin_n either_o to_o governor_n or_o govern_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o the_o omission_n itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a as_o consider_v precise_o yet_o it_o may_v as_o obstinacy_n against_o lawful_a governor_n and_o disobedience_n and_o violation_n of_o peace_n which_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o condescend_v in_o instance_n however_o imprudent_a if_o not_o sinful_a may_v make_v it_o so_o or_o that_o the_o instance_n wherein_o they_o may_v prove_v invalid_n before_o god_n be_v either_o so_o rare_a or_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v know_v more_o secure_o by_o a_o man_n private_a judgement_n than_o by_o the_o public_a as_o that_o it_o can_v very_o rare_o be_v judge_v safe_a or_o prudent_a for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n concern_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a §_o xlvi_o especial_o consider_v 3_o that_o this_o church_n government_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v fallible_a in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o our_o present_a controversy_n the_o very_a romanist_n themselves_o confess_v their_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n at_o least_o fallible_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o do_v not_o charge_v our_o imposition_n with_o heresy_n or_o immorality_n but_o if_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o fallible_a church_n can_v be_v presume_v valid_a in_o any_o instance_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o she_o be_v not_o actual_o mistake_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o afford_v certain_a argument_n on_o either_o side_n but_o general_o contrary_a probability_n on_o both_o such_o a_o government_n must_v general_o prove_v vseless_a and_o vnpracticable_a and_o therefore_o unlikely_a to_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o god_n §_o xlvii_o and_o then_o 4._o the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o body_n politic_a be_v spiritual_a the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n must_v be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o that_o subject_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o obedience_n and_o discourage_v from_o disobedience_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o they_o may_v as_o confident_o presume_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v such_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o such_o a_o society_n to_o which_o no_o private_a disposition_n whatsoever_o can_v so_o assure_o entitle_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v if_o they_o have_v prove_v negligent_a in_o their_o address_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o but_o also_o if_o they_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o all_o imposition_n not_o sinful_a in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n into_o it_o and_o have_v as_o just_a and_o probable_a reason_n for_o fear_v spiritual_a inconvenience_n by_o their_o exclusion_n from_o it_o as_o secular_a subject_n be_v assure_v of_o secular_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n by_o their_o admission_n to_o or_o exclusion_n from_o secular_a society_n §_o xlviii_o and_o 5._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o design_n that_o where_o exclusion_n do_v not_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n expose_v the_o person_n to_o external_a visible_a corporal_a infliction_n as_o now_o general_o it_o do_v not_o there_o it_o be_v at_o least_o understand_v to_o deprive_v the_o person_n exclude_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n he_o enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o so_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o those_o mischief_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a to_o such_o a_o deprivation_n §_o xlix_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v also_o very_o consequent_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o privilege_n of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v all_o the_o advantage_n design_v by_o god_n in_o its_o erection_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o good_a be_v design_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o any_o particular_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o such_o term_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o erect_v a_o body_n politic_a he_o shall_v be_v think_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o allow_v such_o encouragement_n out_o of_o it_o and_o independent_a on_o it_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a subject_n either_o to_o enter_v themselves_o into_o it_o or_o not_o to_o enter_v themselves_o or_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o constitution_n or_o to_o refuse_v submission_n §_o l_o and_o 7._o that_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n may_v prove_v in_o a_o external_a way_n coercive_a it_o be_v very_o convenient_a that_o their_o application_n to_o particular_a person_n be_v transact_v with_o particular_a external_a solemnity_n for_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v that_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v just_o terrify_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o application_n without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o governor_n to_o exclude_v particular_a subject_n from_o such_o solemnity_n which_o can_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n for_o terrify_v conscientious_a person_n if_o the_o advantage_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o they_o may_v also_o be_v easy_o expect_v without_o they_o and_o as_o all_o this_o be_v very_o natural_o consequent_a to_o a_o design_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o do_v effectual_o promote_v that_o design_n by_o let_v subject_n understand_v their_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o imposition_n not_o sinful_a under_o pain_n of_o lose_v all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o intitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o certain_o it_o must_v give_v man_n the_o most_o satisfactory_a account_n that_o god_n have_v actual_o intend_v such_o a_o design_n to_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a method_n observe_v by_o god_n in_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o deny_v any_o of_o they_o will_v make_v government_n so_o unpracticable_a as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v improbable_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n §_o li_n but_o for_o prove_v all_o this_o i_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o express_v scripture_n both_o because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o scripture_n to_o enlarge_v profess_o on_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o rather_o occasional_o to_o intimate_v they_o as_o coincident_a with_o its_o principal_a design_n as_o presume_v they_o already_o sufficient_o notorious_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a idiotes_n then_o live_v and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o the_o scripture_n even_o where_o they_o do_v indeed_o allude_v to_o notorious_a practice_n to_o insist_v critical_o on_o their_o true_a design_n and_o usefullness_n which_o be_v then_o also_o so_o very_o notorious_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o practice_n as_o that_o the_o weak_a fort_n of_o christian_n for_o who_o use_n the_o scripture_n be_v principal_o accommodate_v can_v not_o be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v then_o concern_v to_o know_v they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o letter_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a principal_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v in_o prudence_n the_o most_o advisable_a mean_n to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o law_n especial_o concern_v power_n by_o the_o actual_o avow_a practice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a age_n especial_o those_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o several_a order_n of_o governor_n undoubted_o establish_v by_o the_o
belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o presbyter_n though_o he_o be_v not_o also_o a_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o can_v take_v it_o for_o a_o prerogative_n of_o his_o office_n as_o precedent_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o from_o some_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o this_o that_o they_o must_v derive_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o order_n appear_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o premise_v that_o no_o other_o presbytery_n can_v make_v out_o their_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o particular_a member_n of_o even_o these_o presbytery_n can_v do_v it_o alone_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o that_o multitude_n of_o such_o particular_a person_n though_o meet_v together_o can_v make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n among_o they_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o attest_v the_o order_n of_o person_n ordain_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o maintain_v correspondence_n with_o they_o §_o xiii_o consider_v therefore_o these_o episcopal_a presbytery_n 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deep_o concern_v shall_v not_o pass_v without_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n antecedent_o to_o compact_n that_o any_o individual_n shall_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o other_o though_o less_o considerable_a than_o themselves_o till_o by_o the_o general_a act_n and_o compact_n of_o all_o whereby_o polyarchical_a society_n be_v most_o natural_o settle_v such_o general_a rule_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o which_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v for_o peace_n sake_n be_v allow_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o their_o fellow-member_n without_o their_o express_a consent_n in_o the_o particular_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a consent_n once_o give_v to_o such_o general_a rule_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o prudence_n that_o where_o unanimous_a consent_n can_v be_v have_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o one_o part_n yield_v to_o the_o other_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v sway_v by_o the_o small_a part_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o this_o public_a justice_n be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o choice_n the_o public_a be_v prefer_v before_o private_a interest_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o just_a to_o bear_v with_o injury_n to_o private_a person_n when_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o injury_n to_o the_o public_a which_o will_v in_o generosity_n oblige_v a_o small_a part_n to_o yield_v to_o a_o great_a but_o can_v on_o no_o term_n oblige_v the_o great_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o small_a because_o indeed_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a part_n be_v more_o the_o public_a interest_n than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a §_o fourteen_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o compact_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o refer_v their_o difference_n to_o a_o public_a decision_n be_v the_o presume_a equality_n of_o the_o decision_n above_o what_o will_v be_v among_o the_o interest_v person_n themselves_o and_o the_o power_n to_o execute_v what_o be_v resolve_v on_o beyond_o the_o resistance_n of_o those_o against_o who_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v again_o suppose_v man_n free_a as_o they_o be_v before_o these_o compact_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v settle_v this_o power_n of_o decide_v their_o difference_n in_o such_o hand_n where_o there_o may_v be_v presume_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a power_n to_o execute_v their_o own_o decree_n and_o both_o these_o reason_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o these_o major_a vote_n above_o the_o small_a part_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o corrupt_v a_o great_a as_o it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o small_a part_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o decree_n be_v execute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a part_n where_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o power_n be_v suppose_v equal_a as_o they_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a in_o after_o case_n that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o great_a right_n may_v sometime_o belong_v to_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o small_a power_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o be_v the_o unexpectedness_n of_o revolution_n to_o which_o humane_a affair_n be_v obnoxious_a which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o probable_o foresee_v when_o the_o rule_n of_o such_o society_n be_v first_o agree_v on_o otherwise_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o at_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o those_o rule_n they_o will_v choose_v the_o great_a power_n and_o interest_n for_o the_o fit_a seat_n of_o authority_n because_o they_o will_v by_o that_o be_v best_o secure_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o we_o may_v presume_v the_o great_a power_n lie_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o those_o compact_n and_o where_o they_o who_o make_v those_o compact_n have_v reason_n to_o see_v the_o great_a power_n will_v always_o be_v there_o we_o have_v also_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v intend_v to_o place_v the_o great_a authority_n §_o xv_o and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n which_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n induce_v they_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o major_a vote_n shall_v prevail_v through_o all_o succeed_a generation_n because_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o must_v inseparable_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a power_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n that_o alike_o concern_v all_o by_o who_o the_o government_n be_v at_o first_o settle_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o compact_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v or_o whether_o the_o government_n be_v place_v over_o they_o by_o a_o power_n who_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o own_o consent_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v decree_v that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o suffrage_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o great_a number_n shall_v be_v null_a in_o society_n to_o be_v establish_v by_o he_o as_o that_o the_o party_n themselves_o shall_v at_o first_o agree_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v proceed_v alike_o in_o both_o case_n which_o i_o therefore_o observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n may_v perceive_v that_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o same_o event_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v come_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n or_o whether_o it_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o divine_a institution_n still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o great_a part_n where_o nothing_o be_v otherwise_o express_o determine_v because_o this_o way_n of_o determination_n be_v so_o certain_o for_o the_o public_a interest_n for_o which_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o god_n will_v be_v solicitous_a as_o that_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o will_v be_v so_o §_o xvi_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n how_o invalid_a as_o well_o as_o how_o irregular_a it_o must_v be_v for_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n whether_o as_o act_v by_o themselves_o or_o as_o act_v in_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o multitude_n of_o such_o presbyter_n as_o have_v be_v several_o over-voted_n in_o the_o presbytery_n to_o which_o each_o of_o they_o do_v at_o first_o belong_v now_o that_o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n
covenant_n to_o condemn_v who_o the_o church_n condemn_v though_o the_o person_n so_o condemn_v can_v plead_v any_o legal_a interest_n in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n for_o his_o salvation_n so_o that_o by_o these_o principle_n god_n be_v under_o no_o legal_a obligation_n to_o punish_v he_o yet_o his_o loss_n of_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v indeed_o a_o great_a discomfort_n to_o he_o in_o this_o life_n which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o maintain_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v only_o a_o government_n for_o this_o life_n so_o it_o may_v just_o be_v inflict_v even_o on_o particular_a innocent_a person_n for_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n of_o the_o society_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o all_o great_a society_n be_v govern_v who_o never_o think_v it_o unequal_a to_o suffer_v some_o few_o innocent_n in_o rare_a case_n to_o suffer_v some_o inconvenience_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o it_o make_v amends_o to_o they_o for_o all_o that_o even_o by_o our_o principle_n god_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o be_v as_o bountiful_a as_o he_o please_v to_o they_o in_o the_o other_o life_n he_o may_v there_o give_v they_o those_o blessing_n to_o which_o they_o have_v indeed_o no_o legal_a title_n much_o more_o of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o in_o this_o life_n assure_v themselves_o by_o any_o legal_a claim_n in_o case_n they_o real_o have_v a_o legal_a title_n however_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o this_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n will_v secure_v the_o church_n as_o great_a a_o coercive_a power_n over_o she_o own_o subject_n as_o she_o can_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o even_o in_o time_n of_o the_o severe_a persecution_n which_o will_v by_o the_o principle_n now_o lay_v down_o show_v how_o very_o likely_a it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n and_o therefore_o withal_o how_o very_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o in_o violate_v this_o unity_n they_o must_v prove_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o will_v proper_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o schism_n §_o xxxii_o i_o now_o proceed_v 2._o to_o show_v how_o that_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n the_o best_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o real_a danger_n and_o mischievousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o state_v it_o have_v either_o extreme_o obscure_v the_o thing_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o resolve_v the_o blame_n of_o a_o separation_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o particular_a thing_n for_o which_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o to_o make_v no_o further_o mischief_n in_o abet_v the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o controversy_n or_o advantage_n in_o follow_v the_o right_a than_o that_o of_o believe_v a_o false_a or_o disbelieve_v a_o true_a proposition_n which_o yet_o be_v dispute_v among_o good_a wise_a man_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a must_v leave_v the_o generality_n of_o illiterate_a person_n in_o a_o indifferency_n with_o what_o communion_n they_o join_v which_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o case_n we_o general_o find_v they_o in_o or_o involve_v they_o in_o inextricable_a perplexity_n in_o choose_v the_o right_a one_o for_o how_o can_v they_o think_v pure_o intellectual_a mistake_v very_o piacular_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v so_o very_o reconcilable_a with_o a_o good_a meaning_n and_o a_o innocent_a practice_n or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o in_o question_n of_o a_o clear_a resolution_n and_o to_o learned_a and_o judicious_a person_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v such_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n for_o resolve_v they_o as_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v mistake_v in_o they_o without_o be_v extreme_o want_v to_o themselves_o yet_o how_o can_v they_o think_v it_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o extreme_o severe_a to_o exact_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a side_n in_o matter_n so_o extreme_o disputable_a to_o exact_v it_o even_o from_o unskilful_a laic_n and_o that_o even_o where_o their_o guide_n who_o they_o must_v needs_o trust_v who_o find_v themselves_o so_o unqualify_v to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o such_o dispute_v be_v themselves_o so_o extreme_o divide_v where_o opinion_n be_v so_o very_o different_a and_o contradictory_n the_o most_o illiterate_a person_n that_o be_v who_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n must_v needs_o think_v some_o of_o they_o mistake_v and_o can_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v treat_v himself_o with_o any_o severity_n for_o not_o discover_v those_o truth_n concern_v which_o he_o find_v person_n incomparable_o more_o qualify_v than_o himself_o to_o be_v mistake_v this_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v not_o only_o to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o also_o to_o be_v their_o actual_a discourse_n whenever_o they_o allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o serious_a thought_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o very_o agreeable_a to_o their_o practice_n we_o see_v they_o go_v indifferent_o to_o church_n or_o conventicle_n according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v to_o the_o minister_n not_o on_o any_o constant_a principle_n concern_v the_o communion_n §_o xxxiii_o i_o know_v they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o charge_v heavy_a accusation_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o schism_n than_o bare_o the_o wrong_a belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o a_o disputable_a proposition_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v close_o either_o they_o will_v prove_v so_o small_a or_o be_v again_o resolve_v into_o such_o nice_a and_o intricate_a dispute_n in_o order_n to_o the_o charge_v any_o with_o their_o actual_a guilt_n as_o that_o no_o particular_a conscience_n can_v be_v move_v with_o any_o great_a horror_n of_o they_o either_o to_o believe_v they_o criminal_a in_o any_o high_a degree_n or_o that_o themselves_o in_o any_o particular_a case_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o they_o pretend_v that_o charity_n require_v forbearance_n and_o a_o keep_n in_o mutual_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o that_o schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o sum_n of_o practical_a christianity_n but_o when_o again_o both_o these_o particular_n be_v examine_v by_o their_o principle_n no_o person_n need_v to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a of_o this_o danger_n for_o what_o great_a crime_n can_v it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o man_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n what_o great_a horror_n can_v they_o have_v at_o it_o suppose_v they_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v in_o the_o event_n nay_o be_v not_o their_o charity_n to_o god_n pretend_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v by_o any_o principle_n how_o their_o love_n to_o god_n to_o use_v the_o apostle_n expression_n oblige_v they_o to_o love_v their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o who_o communion_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n nay_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v their_o love_n to_o god_n with_o their_o love_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n even_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n sufficient_a to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o beside_o that_o this_o do_v again_o resolve_v the_o debate_n into_o disputable_a preposition_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o extreme_o barren_a cause_n indeed_o that_o can_v be_v destitute_a of_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a argument_n for_o its_o support_n §_o xxxiv_o but_o wherein_o can_v this_o great_a uncharitableness_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o great_a mischief_n do_v to_o themselves_o by_o their_o separation_n they_o do_v not_o much_o value_n the_o loss_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o lose_v they_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o separation_n from_o man_n be_v for_o god_n sake_n will_v also_o incline_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v yet_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v supply_v by_o he_o for_o who_o cause_n they_o have_v make_v the_o separation_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o want_n of_o the_o external_a element_n can_v be_v no_o great_a loss_n indeed_o nor_o be_v they_o by_o their_o principle_n oblige_v even_o in_o that_o case_n to_o lose_v the_o element_n themselves_o for_o they_o can_v easy_o join_v in_o a_o confederacy_n among_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o this_o very_a necessity_n be_v either_o think_v a_o sufficient_a call_v
they_o have_v give_v they_o so_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a a_o precedent_n of_o opposition_n to_o their_o own_o superior_n §_o xxi_o but_o admit_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v indeed_o so_o evident_a as_o that_o no_o industrious_a and_o ingenuous_a person_n can_v differ_v concern_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v further_o have_v concern_v our_o brethren_n to_o have_v inquire_v 2._o whether_o the_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v general_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o if_o they_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o probable_a evidence_n it_o can_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o unanimity_n must_v on_o these_o principle_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n can_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o unanimity_n by_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o general_o matter_n of_o practice_n such_o as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o divide_v dispute_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o strong_a argument_n than_o probability_n especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v prudential_o fit_v to_o present_a circumstance_n either_o therefore_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o may_v especial_o prove_v often_o reasonable_a in_o such_o case_n where_o many_o time_n the_o extrinsic_a probability_n deduce_v from_o such_o authority_n may_v be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v intrinsic_a from_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o they_o must_v as_o indeed_o they_o seem_v inclinable_a to_o do_v deny_v the_o use_n of_o authority_n general_o in_o such_o prudential_n interposition_n if_o the_o former_a that_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a for_o peace_n yet_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v how_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a with_o their_o own_o practice_n if_o the_o latter_a they_o must_v deny_v all_o authority_n in_o those_o case_n wherein_o authority_n be_v principal_o needful_a for_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a use_n of_o a_o succession_n of_o authorize_v person_n not_o only_o to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o perpetual_a stand_a law_n of_o a_o society_n to_o particular_a case_n though_o even_o that_o must_v require_v a_o decision_n of_o many_o doubtful_a case_n undecided_a by_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n capable_a of_o as_o little_a evidence_n as_o those_o we_o be_v discourse_v of_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o our_o brethren_n can_v themselves_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a authority_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o intelligible_a at_o least_o not_o practicable_a without_o a_o reciprocal_a duty_n of_o submission_n in_o their_o subject_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o those_o vary_a case_n which_o because_o they_o be_v themselves_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o change_v in_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n be_v not_o therefore_o so_o fit_v for_o the_o determination_n of_o law_n perpetual_o obligatory_a for_o though_o the_o circumstance_n themselves_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o their_o determination_n be_v many_o time_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o render_v those_o general_a law_n practicable_a so_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o so_o indifferent_a as_o our_o adversary_n conceive_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o general_a immutable_a law_n they_o must_v have_v be_v prescribe_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o be_v either_o expedient_a or_o good_a which_o i_o believe_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o will_v judge_n unreasonable_a and_o if_o when_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o make_v provision_n concern_v they_o methinks_v all_o wise_a man_n shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o considerable_a defect_n in_o the_o polity_n of_o that_o society_n which_o be_v concern_v for_o they_o but_o if_o any_o provision_n be_v it_o must_v either_o be_v by_o a_o particular_a conviction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unanimity_n of_o their_o observation_n that_o make_v they_o edify_v and_o useful_a and_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o obscure_a evidence_n and_o so_o variable_a a_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o avoid_v §_o xxii_o according_a to_o the_o topic_n insist_v on_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n against_o these_o imposition_n i_o can_v conceive_v any_o evidence_n so_o great_a as_o that_o if_o themselves_o will_v be_v please_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o reflect_v on_o it_o they_o can_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v all_o inquisitive_a unconcerned_a governor_n infallible_o to_o their_o opinion_n as_o for_o clear_a scripture_n against_o they_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o as_o pretend_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o contrariety_n to_o it_o be_v its_o silence_n concern_v they_o but_o how_o far_o from_o infallibly-convincing_a evidence_n be_v those_o argument_n which_o they_o produce_v to_o prove_v this_o silence_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o disapprobation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a none_o will_v deny_v they_o nor_o that_o they_o adaequate_o contain_v all_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n but_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v for_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n see_v they_o depend_v on_o his_o unsearchable_a counsel_n and_o his_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o particular_a and_o very_o express_v revelation_n and_o here_o where_o the_o true_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v where_o be_v that_o evidence_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o all_o candid_a industrious_a person_n to_o make_v they_o infallible_o of_o one_o mind_n if_o any_o probability_n may_v be_v allow_v so_o inevident_a in_o themselves_o as_o even_o such_o after_o all_o their_o industry_n and_o candour_n may_v be_v presume_v still_o likely_a to_o differ_v concern_v they_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ever_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o discipline_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o prejudg_v against_o all_o provisional_n constitution_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n fit_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o future_a age_n but_o even_o so_o as_o that_o any_o platform_n of_o government_n even_o of_o that_o age_n be_v design_v to_o be_v explain_v to_o we_o much_o less_o recommend_v or_o impose_v as_o a_o unalterable_a unimprovable_a precedent_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n none_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n ever_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v so_o much_o as_o design_v by_o they_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v necessary_o conclude_v from_o the_o design_n of_o any_o particular_a book_n in_o it_o nay_o rather_o by_o all_o the_o way_n by_o which_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o even_o those_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v occasional_o allude_v to_o be_v never_o design_v for_o the_o information_n of_o posterity_n for_o no_o more_o be_v mention_v concern_v they_o than_o what_o fall_v in_o very_o apposite_o with_o their_o other_o design_n and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v mention_v be_v not_o explain_v but_o presume_v as_o notorious_a to_o those_o to_o who_o their_o write_n be_v address_v as_o other_o antiquity_n and_o custom_n peculiar_a to_o that_o age_n in_o which_o posterity_n be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v further_o concern_v and_o where_o be_v then_o this_o evidence_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o infallible_o convictive_a of_o all_o candid_a and_o industrious_a person_n §_o xxiii_o but_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n be_v to_o consider_v 3._o in_o what_o case_n there_o be_v indeed_o any_o need_n of_o this_o particular_a conviction_n indeed_o where_o the_o mistake_n may_v involve_v they_o in_o a_o sin_n that_o may_v be_v impute_v as_o such_o to_o their_o particular_a person_n i_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o be_v too_o wary_a in_o inquire_v after_o particular_a conviction_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o itself_o natural_o indifferent_a where_o it_o be_v only_o the_o unanimity_n of_o its_o observance_n that_o make_v it_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o unanimity_n be_v best_a procure_v by_o stand_v to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o governor_n such_o submission_n must_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a person_n be_v esteem_v the_o most_o prudent_a expedient_a for_o secure_v a_o good_a practice_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o private_a person_n be_v concern_v for_o and_o indeed_o this_o preserve_a order_n and_o
both_o part_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o negative_a that_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n §_o i._o ji.iii.iu.u.vi_fw-la 2._o as_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n that_o for_o prove_v this_o obligation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o without_o such_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o it_o we_o can_v so_o well_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o supposition_n of_o our_o less_o security_n without_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v we_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o term_n not_o direct_o sinful_a however_o inexpedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_v this_o external_a communion_n §_o vii_o viii.ix.x_fw-la a_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o adversary_n §_o xi.xii._n §_o two_o first_o therefore_o for_o prove_v our_o obligation_n to_o enter_v into_o external_n communion_n with_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o for_o which_o we_o be_v at_o present_a more_o particular_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o this_o want_n of_o so_o good_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o a_o church-communion_n as_o may_v be_v have_v in_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v a_o subject_a to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a imposition_n how_o grievous_a soever_o otherwise_o of_o they_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o communion_n rather_o than_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n by_o they_o for_o want_n of_o such_o submission_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v distinct_o 1._o negative_o that_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v otherwise_o be_v exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o suppose_v that_o their_o exclusion_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n can_v not_o indeed_o be_v prove_v yet_o what_o possible_a security_n can_v we_o have_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v certain_a many_o thing_n be_v actual_o true_a who_o truth_n may_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o who_o be_v so_o short_a sight_v in_o our_o information_n and_o so_o easy_o seduce_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o uttermost_a that_o in_o any_o prudence_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v only_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o salvation_n of_o such_o may_v be_v possible_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o unavoidableness_n of_o this_o case_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o indulgence_n in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v real_o unavoidable_a and_o the_o divine_a arbitrary_a freedom_n if_o not_o in_o inflict_v punishment_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o forbear_v they_o and_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o favour_n notwithstanding_o his_o covenant_n it_o may_v be_v also_o probable_a but_o what_o then_o can_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n assure_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v their_o case_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o these_o pardonable_a cercumstance_n and_o entitle_v to_o these_o extrordinary_a unpromise_v favour_n no_o prudent_a considerative_a person_n can_v think_v that_o they_o be_v as_o easy_o excusable_a who_o can_v find_v conviction_n when_o offer_v to_o they_o as_o they_o who_o never_o have_v it_o offer_v and_o be_v not_o this_o exact_o their_o case_n if_o they_o shall_v prove_v mistake_v and_o they_o shall_v real_o as_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o by_o their_o separation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n can_v they_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o pretend_v that_o they_o want_v any_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v capable_a or_o of_o which_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v able_a to_o inform_v they_o nor_o must_v they_o think_v that_o the_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v mistake_v be_v precarious_a or_o unseasonable_a here_o where_o we_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o excusableness_n of_o such_o a_o mistake_n so_o suppose_v for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o confess_v excusableness_n of_o the_o case_n of_o some_o person_n not_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o infer_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o brethren_n unless_o their_o case_n be_v prove_v equal_o pardonable_a with_o that_o of_o those_o who_o salvation_n be_v acknowledge_v possible_a so_o that_o in_o both_o case_n a_o mistake_n be_v plain_o suppose_v and_o its_o excusableness_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n dispute_v of_o §_o iii_o beside_o none_o can_v think_v they_o who_o venture_n on_o a_o course_n certain_o mischievous_a where_o nothing_o but_o the_o great_a apparent_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o a_o impartial_a examination_n can_v make_v amends_o for_o their_o personal_a guilt_n as_o excusable_a as_o they_o who_o practice_n need_v no_o excuse_n whatever_o their_o opinion_n may_v none_o can_v think_v they_o who_o separate_v only_o for_o indifferent_a practice_n and_o probable_a opinion_n as_o excusable_a as_o they_o who_o do_v not_o separate_v but_o be_v drive_v out_o because_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v gross_a falsehood_n and_o to_o approve_v undefensible_a immorality_n none_o can_v think_v they_o who_o usurp_v a_o power_n never_o give_v they_o and_o who_o refuse_v passive_a as_o well_o as_o active_a obedience_n and_o who_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o perpetuate_v they_o to_o the_o perpetual_a disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n as_o excusable_a as_o they_o who_o confine_v themselves_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n discharge_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o superior_n as_o far_o as_o their_o conscience_n will_v permit_v they_o by_o a_o passive_a where_o they_o can_v with_o a_o active_a obedience_n and_o who_o neither_o propagate_v nor_o perpetuate_v their_o error_n nor_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o particular_n to_o repeat_v no_o more_o the_o disadvantage_n lie_v plain_o on_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n side_n §_o iv_o and_o can_v these_o general_a hope_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n give_v any_o comfort_n to_o they_o who_o case_n be_v so_o extreme_o different_a can_v they_o still_o assure_v themselves_o so_o well_o of_o their_o title_n to_o they_o as_o to_o venture_v all_o that_o be_v precious_a and_o valuable_a their_o very_a soul_n and_o their_o eternity_n upon_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o heavy_a aggravation_n schismatic_n may_v still_o be_v rational_o confident_a of_o the_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o must_v then_o indeed_o confess_v that_o schism_n will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o theological_a scarecrow_n as_o a_o advocate_n for_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o style_v it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v so_o general_o true_a that_o their_o salvation_n be_v possible_a hales_n mr._n hales_n as_o that_o the_o case_n must_v be_v rare_a where_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o fail_v of_o it_o which_o must_v perfect_o overthrow_v the_o terror_n and_o abhorrency_n which_o god_n as_o a_o prudent_a governor_n must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v oblige_v man_n to_o against_o a_o sin_n of_o so_o extreme_o malignant_a influence_n on_o the_o public_a as_o this_o be_v §_o v_o but_o suppose_v they_o be_v able_a from_o this_o acknowledge_a possibility_n of_o some_o man_n salvation_n out_o of_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o make_v out_o their_o title_n to_o a_o pardon_n for_o their_o mischievous_a practice_n better_o than_o i_o doubt_v they_o can_v yet_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v very_o wary_a of_o commit_v that_o which_o must_v need_v a_o pardon_n in_o hope_n of_o obtain_v one_o who_o will_v not_o rather_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o most_o probable_a presumtion_n lay_v and_o where_o few_o miscarry_v who_o will_v not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o yield_v to_o any_o imposition_n how_o heavy_a so_o ever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a than_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hazard_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o sin_n so_o criminal_a and_o mischievous_a as_o real_a schism_n be_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o case_n wherein_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o person_n out_o of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n must_v be_v rare_a and_o difficult_a that_o the_o condition_n itself_o may_v be_v render_v formidable_a and_o the_o very_o hazard_v such_o a_o guilt_n rather_o than_o yield_v to_o a_o imposition_n that_o be_v not_o sinful_a be_v certain_o none_o of_o the_o most_o excuse_v circumstance_n
this_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o any_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o from_o the_o prevail_a inclination_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o §_o vi_o but_o beside_o in_o our_o present_a case_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o the_o want_n of_o all_o mean_v necessary_a for_o a_o escape_n be_v by_o all_o prudent_a person_n count_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o imminent_a danger_n of_o the_o person_n want_v they_o so_o that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o positive_a argument_n on_o a_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v for_o in_o several_a case_n the_o effect_n do_v follow_v as_o certain_o and_o inevitable_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o present_a natural_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v immediate_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o cause_n themselves_o in_o which_o case_n the_o present_a cause_n not_o hinder_v do_v certain_o determine_v the_o effect_n and_o all_o the_o use_n of_o the_o negative_a proof_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o actual_o be_v hinder_v it_o be_v think_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o a_o man_n fall_v down_o â—_o precipice_n shall_v assure_o come_v to_o the_o bottom_n if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o else_o shall_v interpose_v to_o hinder_v he_o or_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v also_o that_o even_o those_o cause_n which_o we_o can_v apprehend_v as_o only_o capable_a of_o interpose_v shall_v not_o actual_o interpose_v even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o think_v ourselves_o moral_o certain_a of_o the_o event_n §_o vii_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n exact_o here_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n not_o only_o for_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o for_o incur_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o if_o unrelieve_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o it_o that_o be_v original_a sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o above_o all_o other_o be_v very_o pathetical_a in_o aggravate_v the_o inevitableness_n of_o man_n lâ—ss_n without_o christ._n thus_o far_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a with_o they_o that_o all_o must_v actual_o perish_v for_o who_o rescue_n god_n do_v not_o especial_o interpose_v for_o christ_n sake_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o stone_n must_v fall_v downward_o if_o it_o be_v not_o hinder_v and_o support_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o see_v also_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o interposition_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n even_o by_o our_o brethren_n own_a principle_n but_o that_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n that_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o this_o interposition_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n and_o prudence_n make_v we_o proportionable_o fearful_a of_o the_o event_n that_o be_v must_v at_o least_o perfect_o ruin_v all_o hope_n of_o escape_v and_o consequent_o all_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n if_o therefore_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o put_v we_o in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v interpose_v there_o can_v upon_o these_o principle_n be_v no_o hope_n nor_o comfort_n at_o all_o at_o least_o not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n purpose_n to_o make_v it_o safe_a for_o any_o wise_a man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o condition_n when_o he_o may_v change_v it_o by_o unsinful_a condescension_n for_o indeed_o for_o that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o requisite_a that_o this_o continuance_n out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v be_v right_a and_o safe_a than_o have_v it_o on_o these_o term_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o probability_n make_v for_o it_o have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o pregnant_a than_o those_o which_o make_v against_o it_o §_o viii_o 2._o therefore_o no_o argument_n can_v comfort_v but_o such_o as_o may_v external_o appear_v and_o so_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o person_n concern_v this_o be_v so_o plain_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o coincident_a with_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v as_o that_o it_o can_v need_v many_o word_n to_o clear_v it_o further_o for_o no_o person_n can_v be_v comfort_v by_o the_o real_a goodness_n or_o safety_n of_o his_o condition_n unless_o he_o judge_v it_o so_o and_o none_o can_v judge_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o but_o by_o reason_n appear_v to_o himself_o §_o ix_o 3._o therefore_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o external_n solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v at_o least_o the_o only_a argument_n appear_v to_o we_o whereby_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o have_v already_o appear_v it_o be_v only_o by_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o a_o covenant_n as_o obligatory_a in_o a_o legal_a way_n do_v necessary_o imply_v such_o a_o legal_a notoreity_n as_o that_o both_o party_n may_v be_v mutual_o assure_v of_o the_o other_o obligation_n for_o as_o in_o covenant_n neither_o of_o the_o party_n single_o will_v engage_v but_o on_o consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v presume_v in_o equity_n that_o either_o of_o they_o will_v engage_v without_o assurance_n of_o performance_n on_o the_o other_o party_n or_o give_v any_o further_a assurance_n of_o their_o own_o performance_n than_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o party_n with_o who_o they_o contract_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o both_o party_n be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o legal_a obligation_n be_v only_o for_o this_o mutual_a security_n of_o performance_n of_o what_o both_o party_n be_v antecedent_o willing_a to_o contract_v for_o and_o the_o far_a use_n of_o make_v this_o contract_n legal_a be_v that_o by_o some_o common_a mean_n of_o communication_n each_o of_o they_o may_v be_v as_o well_o secure_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o party_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v as_o that_o party_n be_v secure_v of_o his_o own_o performance_n and_o if_o a_o contract_n be_v make_v more_o secure_a on_o the_o one_o side_n than_o on_o the_o other_o how_o legal_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o regard_n of_o man_n who_o can_v only_o proceed_v on_o generally-fallible_a presumption_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a nor_o consequent_o obligatory_a in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o now_o understand_v legal_a obligation_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o the_o presumable_a design_n of_o the_o contracter_n which_o be_v all_o that_o any_o can_v in_o equity_n be_v oblige_v to_o unless_o we_o make_v the_o law_n a_o snare_n to_o oblige_v man_n beyond_o their_o own_o intention_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o voluntary_a contract_n such_o as_o covenant_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v §_o x_o and_o by_o these_o same_o principle_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n as_o covenant_v with_o we_o must_v give_v we_o the_o same_o security_n of_o performance_n on_o his_o part_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o we_o of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o legal_a solemnity_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n be_v manage_v and_o till_o he_o do_v so_o and_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o the_o covenant_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v complete_v because_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o tacit_a condition_n on_o which_o it_o be_v make_v and_o on_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v ratify_v and_o therefore_o till_o this_o be_v do_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v a_o final_a and_o complete_a ratification_n on_o both_o side_n nor_o consequent_o to_o be_v obligatory_a legal_o §_o xi_o and_o as_o this_o legal_a notoreity_n of_o each_o other_o obligation_n mutual_o be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o the_o equity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o obligation_n so_o indeed_o the_o ordinary_a solemnity_n of_o enter_v into_o these_o compact_n be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o this_o legal_a notoreity_n so_o that_o indeed_o that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v legal_o notorious_a which_o be_v not_o transact_v with_o these_o solemnity_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v legal_o notorious_a can_v on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v infer_v a_o legal_a obligation_n especial_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v please_v herein_o to_o condescend_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o their_o own_o custom_n and_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o have_v erect_v a_o visible_a body_n politic_a and_o place_v visible_a vicegerent_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o appoint_v visible_a seal_n and_o withal_o have_v remove_v himself_o from_o our_o ordinary_a access_n and_o consultation_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a
the_o word_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n discover_v to_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o my_o design_n to_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o requisite_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o may_v include_v the_o sacrament_n themselves_o and_o in_o this_o general_a indefinite_a way_n of_o speak_v that_o be_v very_o proper_o ascribe_v to_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o any_o one_o particular_a contain_v under_o it_o as_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v though_o it_o be_v only_o his_o tongue_n which_o proper_o perform_v that_o office_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n several_a of_o those_o passage_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v produce_v by_o our_o adversary_n for_o prove_v this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v not_o of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o way_n of_o administer_a they_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o dispute_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n preach_v by_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o preach_v by_o the_o law_n or_o by_o any_o other_o dispensation_n which_o may_v then_o pretend_v to_o rival_n it_o in_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o manner_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n this_o plain_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v mean_v by_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o ask_v his_o galatian_n whether_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n 2_o gal._n iii._o 2_o or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n not_o be_v oppose_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n may_v plain_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel-dispensation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o legal_a §_o xi_o nor_o 3._o be_o i_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o other_o cause_n than_o the_o sacrament_n so_o long_o as_o those_o cause_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o apply_v they_o immediate_o to_o particular_a person_n what_o if_o 28_o if_o st._n mat._n xxvi_o 28_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n what_o if_o we_o be_v 3_o be_v 1_o pet._n i_o 3_o beget_v to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o his_o resurrection_n what_o if_o the_o 31.33_o the_o act._n two_o 31.33_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v ascribe_v to_o it_o what_o if_o we_o be_v say_v to_o 11._o to_o rom._n vi_fw-la 5.8_o 10_o 11._o die_v to_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n to_o be_v 20_o be_v gal._n two_o 20_o crucify_v together_o with_o he_o to_o 1_o to_o col._n two_o 12_o iii._o 1_o rise_v with_o he_o and_o to_o be_v 10_o be_v rom._n viij_o 17_o 2_o thes._n i_o 10_o glorify_v with_o he_o my_o interest_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o pretend_v that_o sacrament_n can_v do_v these_o thing_n for_o we_o as_o principal_a cause_n neither_o by_o any_o power_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o by_o any_o which_o they_o may_v derive_v from_o his_o institution_n it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n himself_o which_o will_v consequent_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o all_o his_o other_o grace_n what_o mean_v soever_o he_o have_v use_v to_o purchase_v they_o for_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o these_o we_o be_v immediate_o initiate_v and_o continue_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o title_n to_o his_o promise_n on_o what_o account_n soever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v they_o or_o his_o father_n to_o confirm_v they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o by_o these_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o become_v one_o legal_a person_n with_o he_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v or_o suffer_v by_o he_o be_v as_o much_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v it_o ourselves_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o communicate_v and_o where_o we_o can_v therefore_o only_o be_v confident_a to_o receive_v they_o these_o thing_n if_o true_a will_v oblige_v all_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o sacrament_n and_o none_o of_o these_o be_v any_o way_n disprove_v in_o any_o of_o these_o passage_n of_o scripture_n §_o xiii_o nor_o 4._o be_o i_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o those_o place_n which_o ascribe_v a_o efficacy_n not_o only_o to_o the_o thing_n preach_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o even_o to_o the_o preach_v itself_o the_o design_n of_o those_o place_n be_v plain_o to_o assert_v such_o a_o efficacy_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v as_o that_o they_o who_o enjoy_v this_o may_v enjoy_v grace_n sufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n though_o they_o want_v the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v communicate_v grace_n sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o person_n who_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o trust_v to_o who_o be_v in_o our_o brethren_n circumstance_n this_o will_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o my_o present_a design_n to_o show_v our_o brethren_n obligation_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o sacrament_n now_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v how_o little_a encouragement_n they_o can_v have_v so_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o grace_n communicate_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o to_o neglect_v any_o moral_a diligence_n or_o to_o refuse_v any_o unsinful_a condescension_n requisite_a for_o obtain_v the_o external_n sacrament_n i_o shall_v entreat_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v 1._o how_o much_o of_o that_o grace_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n history_n give_v we_o a_o account_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o person_n and_o how_o much_o be_v ordinary_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v expect_v now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o grace_n which_o then_o accompany_v this_o ordinance_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o than_o what_o be_v ordinary_a now_o our_o saviour_n 46_o saviour_n st._n joh._n seven_o 46_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o the_o transport_v and_o courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 13_o be_v act._n four_o 13_o admire_v even_o by_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o who_o have_v know_v their_o education_n and_o 33._o and_o ver._n 33._o with_o great_a power_n they_o give_v witness_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o great_a grace_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v observe_v then_o to_o have_v 20_o have_v act._n nineteeen_o 20_o grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v and_o thousand_o 4_o thousand_o act._n two_o 41_o four_o 4_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a and_o frequent_o change_v and_o change_v in_o the_o donat._n the_o orig._n c._n cell_n l._n i._n 21_o 50._o l._n ii_o 78_o 85_o 110._o l._n iii_o 128_o 150._o lactant._n l._n iii_o 26_o cyprian_a ep._n ad_fw-la donat._n habitual_a inclination_n of_o their_o will_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o must_v we_o therefore_o expect_v the_o like_a thing_n now_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o so_o nay_o the_o apostle_n appeal_v to_o this_o efficacy_n of_o his_o preach_v as_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o make_v his_o auditor_n who_o have_v be_v so_o mighty_o influence_v by_o he_o the_o 2_o the_o 1_o cor._n ix_o 2_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n when_o he_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o apostolical_a office_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o false_a apostle_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o then_o the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o that_o of_o ordinary_a preacher_n §_o fourteen_o and_o indeed_o they_o have_v many_o visible_a advantage_n for_o move_v their_o auditor_n then_o which_o our_o present_a preacher_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o external_a gift_n of_o miracle_n their_o personal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o some_o of_o which_o the_o preacher_n of_o that_o age_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v general_o endue_v but_o the_o apostle_n more_o than_o other_o that_o zeal_n and_o courage_n and_o confidence_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v make_v their_o delivery_n very_o pathetical_a the_o fitness_n of_o their_o expression_n to_o their_o auditor_n case_n when_o those_o expression_n be_v none_o of_o their_o own_o but_o inspire_v on_o the_o 19_o the_o st._n mat._n x._o 19_o particular_a occasion_n
on_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v try_v though_o it_o be_v also_o very_o observable_a that_o even_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o these_o extraordinary_a mean_n be_v use_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o but_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v at_o least_o not_o certain_o therefore_o even_o then_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v immediate_o for_o the_o multitude_n but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n who_o when_o they_o be_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_v inform_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v then_o invest_v they_o with_o the_o power_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a even_o then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o gift_n of_o which_o these_o extraordinary_a discovery_n be_v only_a testimony_n but_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o investiture_n that_o immediate_o give_v they_o the_o power_n itself_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o these_o evidence_n and_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o they_o by_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n itself_o be_v even_o then_o the_o only_a assurance_n by_o which_o the_o vulgar_a be_v enable_v to_o judge_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o who_o be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n none_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n but_o they_o who_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n judge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o will_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n of_o practice_n oblige_v they_o to_o as_o near_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n from_o those_o governor_n themselves_o and_o certain_o the_o reason_n will_v be_v much_o more_o cogent_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o governor_n who_o can_v make_v out_o no_o better_a a_o title_n to_o the_o call_v itself_o then_o what_o they_o can_v receive_v from_o the_o governor_n than_o those_o who_o may_v pretend_v that_o their_o obligation_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o be_v only_o for_o their_o approbation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v to_o they_o not_o for_o derive_v the_o authority_n itself_o these_o if_o their_o pretence_n be_v true_a can_v only_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o disorderliness_n of_o their_o proceed_n but_o they_o who_o derive_v their_o power_n not_o from_o any_o supernatural_a gift_n receive_v by_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o ordination_n but_o from_o their_o ordination_n itself_o must_v expect_v that_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o only_o disorderly_a but_o invalid_a if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v any_o divine_a authority_n not_o receive_v by_o ordination_n §_o viii_o hence_o therefore_o i_o infer_v 4._o that_o god_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o right_a of_o their_o governor_n which_o have_v be_v usual_a among_o they_o in_o judge_v concern_v their_o secular_a governor_n these_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o vulgar_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v the_o same_o way_n judge_v of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n by_o which_o even_o they_o have_v be_v use_v and_o often_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o secular_a governor_n and_o the_o better_a such_o mean_n be_v suit_v to_o popular_a understanding_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v prove_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n they_o must_v have_v be_v more_o easy_o applicable_a to_o this_o particular_a design_n of_o government_n than_o any_o new_a mean_n that_o can_v have_v be_v introduce_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v rather_o make_v use_n of_o present_a mean_n than_o any_o other_o if_o they_o may_v withal_o serve_v their_o end_n as_o well_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o very_a avoid_v innovation_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o mean_n above_o any_o other_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o these_o be_v the_o mean_v intend_v if_o no_o express_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o any_o other_o for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o present_a custom_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o age_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o revelation_n to_o be_v reform_v where_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v where_o they_o be_v uncertain_a especial_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v of_o consequence_n and_o therefore_o where_o something_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o no_o new_a order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o thing_n new_a there_o it_o be_v most_o natural_a to_o presume_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o alteration_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v already_o receive_v §_o ix_o certain_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o age_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mistake_n he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v prevent_v it_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o that_o age_n itself_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ill_a influence_n a_o mistake_n in_o that_o age_n must_v have_v on_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o ever_o reform_v any_o such_o mistake_n afterward_o when_o the_o mistake_n shall_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o present_a possession_n and_o the_o averseness_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n against_o change_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v such_o possession_n when_o also_o such_o a_o possession_n receive_v from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v best_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v will_v pass_v for_o a_o presumption_n against_o the_o right_n of_o innovate_a any_o thing_n and_o when_o withal_o the_o credential_n of_o person_n who_o will_v afterward_o be_v desirous_a to_o reform_v they_o shall_v decay_v as_o this_o prescription_n and_o presumption_n will_v grow_v strong_a and_o prevail_v more_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o therefore_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n silence_n concern_v any_o new_a provision_n be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o history_n they_o write_v never_o intend_v any_o this_o i_o say_v will_v let_v our_o brethren_n see_v how_o insufficient_a their_o reason_n be_v from_o this_o silence_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v any_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v for_o succession_n to_o conclude_v against_o any_o confinement_n of_o this_o power_n to_o those_o certain_a person_n through_o who_o hand_n this_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o management_n it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o great_a distress_n to_o their_o cause_n to_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v any_o direct_a or_o positive_a argument_n either_o to_o disprove_v this_o confinement_n of_o the_o power_n to_o person_n in_o authority_n for_o the_o time_n be_v for_o maintain_v succession_n or_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o their_o superior_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n by_o any_o other_o solid_a principle_n yet_o to_o this_o distress_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v reduce_v by_o this_o observation_n §_o x_o 5._o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n indeed_o that_o god_n intend_v that_o the_o spiritual_a power_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o way_n derive_v to_o posterity_n as_o the_o temporal_a power_n be_v than_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v plain_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o this_o spiritual_a power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o commit_v for_o in_o derive_v temporal_a power_n this_o method_n be_v still_o observe_v punctual_o not_o only_o that_o they_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o authority_n be_v valid_o authorize_v but_o that_o none_o else_o be_v so_o and_o this_o negative_a that_o none_o may_v pretend_v to_o power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o man_n who_o have_v at_o first_o a_o power_n to_o give_v it_o have_v by_o all_o wise_a legislator_n be_v think_v as_o necessary_a to_o oblige_v inferior_a governor_n to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o superior_n as_o this_o dependence_n have_v be_v also_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o practicableness_n of_o all_o visible_a government_n beside_o wherever_o prince_n be_v oblige_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o give_v extraordinary_a command_n and_o authority_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n without_o the_o formality_n of_o
law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n our_o adversary_n can_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o still_o they_o give_v they_o very_o sufficient_a legal_a credential_n or_o where_o these_o be_v want_v they_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o their_o private_a command_n be_v control_v by_o their_o public_a notorious_a rule_n and_o till_o these_o appear_v and_o appear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o governor_n who_o by_o those_o stand_a rule_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o §_o xi_o and_o indeed_o the_o verification_n or_o authentic_a publication_n even_o of_o these_o credential_n be_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o derive_v their_o oblige_a virtue_n and_o be_v proper_o the_o office_n of_o the_o subordinate_a governor_n but_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o assume_v of_o a_o constant_a office_n than_o in_o execute_v a_o temporary_a command_n if_o a_o whole_a office_n may_v be_v undertake_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o visible_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v how_o that_o dependence_n can_v be_v maintain_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o society_n for_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o office_n independent_o on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o who_o do_v also_o justify_v a_o independent_a exercise_n of_o that_o office_n must_v make_v as_o constant_a a_o practice_n of_o act_v independent_o on_o their_o superior_n as_o they_o do_v of_o perform_v their_o office_n and_o of_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o single_a act_n relate_v to_o the_o public_a may_v prove_v of_o so_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o practise_v independent_o on_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o any_o society_n how_o much_o more_o dangerous_a must_v it_o be_v to_o persist_v in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o such_o act_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondence_n with_o their_o superior_n for_o drive_v on_o the_o same_o end_n when_o they_o who_o be_v intent_n on_o those_o end_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o difference_n how_o can_v the_o public_a peace_n be_v preserve_v whilst_o these_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a mission_n make_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o resist_v their_o ordinary_a superior_n especial_o if_o their_o power_n be_v think_v great_a because_o more_o immediate_o derive_v from_o god_n than_o that_o of_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o if_o withal_o as_o many_o be_v allow_v to_o assume_v these_o office_n as_o shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o do_v so_o where_o notorious_a credential_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o for_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o pretence_n at_o least_o this_o be_v extreme_o dissonant_n to_o the_o politic_n of_o all_o government_n and_o worldly_a governor_n who_o never_o give_v office_n to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o inferior_a jurisdiction_n without_o notorious_a way_n of_o approbation_n nor_o without_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o subordinate_a officer_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v their_o office_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o challenge_v a_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n never_o receive_v from_o those_o superior_n who_o they_o find_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v their_o separation_n §_o xii_o but_o 6._o this_o course_n of_o approve_v the_o authority_n of_o extraordinary_a call_n be_v then_o more_o rigorous_o and_o punctual_o insist_v on_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a proceed_n when_o the_o access_n to_o the_o supreme_a prince_n be_v more_o difficult_a indeed_o where_o the_o prince_n be_v near_o and_o may_v be_v easy_o consult_v neither_o can_v the_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o false_a pretender_n when_o they_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o be_v discover_v before_o they_o can_v have_v time_n to_o compass_v any_o great_a design_n nor_o be_v there_o that_o fear_n that_o pretender_n will_v venture_v where_o they_o be_v in_o so_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o of_o be_v sudden_o and_o severe_o punish_v upon_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o he_o who_o pretend_v the_o prince_n name_n for_o a_o design_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v dispatch_v do_v pretend_v true_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o present_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v to_o pretend_v false_o and_o that_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v countervail_v by_o success_n in_o any_o design_n and_o more_o imminent_a than_o to_o allow_v time_n for_o a_o design_n which_o require_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v need_v not_o fear_v any_o very_a considerable_a ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v ordinary_o befall_v they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o ordinary_o as_o they_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o sudden_a and_o sometime_o secret_a prudential_a provision_n of_o their_o prince_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o prince_n themselves_o apprehend_v the_o damage_n that_o may_v follow_v on_o such_o false_a pretence_n for_o so_o short_a a_o time_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v undiscovered_a of_o that_o consequence_n as_o to_o countervail_v the_o benefit_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o provisional_a command_n though_o sometime_o transact_v with_o great_a suddenness_n and_o secrecy_n and_o therefore_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a altogether_o to_o forbear_v the_o advantage_n of_o these_o provisional_a command_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o false_a pretender_n §_o xiii_o but_o where_o the_o distance_n be_v great_a or_o the_o access_n be_v very_o difficult_a or_o any_o other_o cause_n occur_v that_o may_v delay_v the_o discovery_n or_o give_v opportunity_n for_o complete_n ill_a design_n before_o the_o discovery_n can_v be_v make_v there_o all_o wise_a governor_n have_v think_v it_o more_o prudent_a and_o safe_a to_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o have_v their_o secret_a command_n without_o credential_n fulfil_v than_o to_o hazard_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o command_n which_o may_v be_v pretend_v without_o control_n when_o bold_a man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o pretend_v to_o they_o without_o notorious_a credential_n or_o when_o any_o other_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o notoriety_n of_o those_o credential_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n according_o in_o province_n far_o distant_a from_o the_o court_n not_o only_o the_o disposal_n of_o office_n but_o even_o particular_a provisional_a command_n at_o least_o such_o command_n as_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v public_o must_v first_o pass_v the_o office_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o province_n respective_o before_o those_o province_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v they_o for_o the_o true_a act_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o they_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o verify_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n presume_v suspicious_a of_o be_v false_a and_o till_o they_o pass_v this_o course_n of_o trial_n it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o act_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v so_o and_o what_o be_v so_o do_v be_v count_v as_o mere_a a_o nullity_n in_o law_n as_o if_o the_o power_n have_v never_o be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o prince_n depart_v into_o country_n far_o distant_a from_o their_o own_o where_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v they_o do_v not_o then_o think_v fit_a to_o lay_v restraint_n on_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n by_o commission_n unknown_a to_o they_o nor_o do_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o politic_n oblige_v such_o governor_n to_o own_o any_o such_o §_o fourteen_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o case_n here_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n god_n can_v be_v consult_v in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a politic_n be_v observe_v here_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o what_o be_v propose_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n i_o mean_v nothing_o relate_v to_o prudential_a practice_n or_o authority_n at_o lest_o no_o officer_n can_v be_v presume_v in_o this_o age_n to_o have_v authority_n who_o can_v prove_v their_o title_n either_o receive_v from_o or_o verify_v by_o our_o present_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o whether_o of_o the_o two_o regard_n they_o depend_v we_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v all_o their_o proceed_n null_a for_o want_v of_o power_n till_o that_o power_n be_v verify_v as_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o believe_v they_o null_a when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o assure_v that_o they_o
itself_o or_o at_o least_o a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o it_o from_o its_o other_o illegality_n and_o invalidity_n so_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o conceive_v to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o mean_n ordinary_a as_o well_o as_o extraordinary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o convenience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o necessary_n the_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o free_o out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n as_o in_o it_o and_o suppose_v all_o these_o as_o efficacious_a to_o they_o while_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o probable_a conscience_n though_o they_o shall_v prove_v erroneous_a as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o upon_o these_o supposal_n to_o what_o prejudice_n can_v they_o conceive_v themselves_o obnoxious_a by_o their_o separation_n §_o xxxv_o be_v it_o therefore_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o communion_n from_o which_o they_o withdraw_v but_o as_o for_o any_o duty_n owe_v to_o they_o which_o they_o may_v rob_v they_o of_o by_o this_o withdraw_n of_o their_o own_o person_n from_o they_o they_o acknowledge_v none_o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v no_o charity_n oblige_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o prejudice_v other_o by_o promote_a their_o own_o convenience_n when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o for_o any_o further_a prosecution_n of_o those_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o desert_v they_o be_v very_o separable_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n in_o general_n §_o xxxvi_o and_o as_o there_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n appear_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o oblige_v a_o ignorant_a laic_a to_o any_o great_a caution_n in_o inquire_v or_o resolve_v on_o the_o right_a communion_n from_o any_o considerable_a inconvenience_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o be_v mistake_v and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a obligation_n to_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n be_v only_o rational_o derivable_a from_o their_o influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n so_o though_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v more_o piacular_a yet_o upon_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v so_o little_a evidence_n in_o prove_v any_o particular_a person_n be_v guilt_n as_o that_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n there_o can_v appear_v no_o great_a obligation_n to_o cautiousness_n for_o suppose_v that_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v be_v indeed_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n uncharitable_a and_o suppose_v that_o uncharitableness_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n criminal_a yet_o how_o can_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o ignorant_a laic_a be_v guilty_a of_o that_o uncharitableness_n in_o his_o separation_n §_o xxxvii_o for_o 1._o he_o may_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o hearty_a wish_n of_o their_o conversion_n from_o who_o he_o separate_v and_o of_o all_o welfare_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o suppose_v otherwise_o for_o this_o be_v a_o charity_n which_o all_o communion_n how_o schismatical_a soever_o have_v for_o those_o from_o who_o they_o be_v divide_v to_o wish_v they_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o wish_v they_o well_o when_o they_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o faction_n how_o little_a regard_n soever_o they_o have_v to_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o utmost_a charity_n which_o most_o of_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v actual_o due_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o in_o external_a communion_n with_o themselves_o and_o as_o every_o ignorant_a laic_a may_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o this_o charitable_a affection_n if_o it_o deserve_v so_o good_a a_o name_n how_o schismatical_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v real_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a on_o their_o principle_n for_o such_o a_o person_n to_o know_v when_o his_o act_n of_o separation_n be_v uncharitable_a at_o least_o not_o without_o resolve_v all_o again_o into_o disputable_a proposition_n §_o xxxviii_o for_o 2._o his_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o his_o own_o departure_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o a_o pregnant_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v on_o his_o part_n uncharitable_a and_o therefore_o schismatical_a no_o not_o though_o he_o go_v so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o refuse_v active_a obedience_n to_o his_o ordinary_a superior_n but_o also_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o either_o to_o set_v up_o or_o abet_v other_o communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o actual_a separation_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o will_v make_v it_o uncharitable_a and_o schismatical_a and_o that_o may_v on_o our_o brethren_n principle_n be_v as_o easy_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o his_o superior_n as_o by_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v be_v the_o first_o actual_a divider_n for_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n consider_v superior_n here_o as_o plain_o act_v on_o equal_a term_n in_o these_o matter_n with_o their_o subject_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n there_o can_v so_o much_o as_o a_o presumption_n lie_v on_o their_o side_n that_o his_o separation_n may_v therefore_o be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v uncharitable_a on_o his_o side_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o §_o thirty-nine_o for_o 1._o upon_o their_o principle_n he_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o superior_n as_o fallible_a as_o himself_o consider_v that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o disputable_a evidence_n and_o depend_v on_o some_o thing_n not_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o cognizance_n they_o yet_o encourage_v such_o a_o ignorant_a laic_a to_o dissent_v from_o they_o on_o his_o own_o judgement_n §_o xl_o and_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v he_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o they_o which_o may_v indeed_o be_v more_o tolerable_a and_o rational_a if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n of_o what_o learned_a man_n can_v inform_v he_o but_o also_o to_o differ_v in_o his_o practice_n too_o even_o where_o his_o compliance_n in_o practice_n need_v not_o signify_v any_o hypocritical_a dissimulation_n of_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o honest_a deal_n but_o also_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o judge_v unfit_a and_o oppressive_a in_o compliance_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o otherwise_o lawful_a superior_n whereas_o such_o compliance_n as_o this_o be_v very_o lawful_a to_o pleasure_v another_o in_o that_o which_o he_o otherwise_o himself_o believe_v imprudent_a and_o be_v daily_o practise_v by_o themselves_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o their_o oeconomical_a or_o political_a relation_n and_o indeed_o every_o where_o where_o they_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o right_a of_o government_n as_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o name_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o distinction_n between_o obligation_n in_o practice_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o oppose_v it_o beside_o their_o refuse_v even_o passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o church_n even_o in_o this_o case_n do_v plain_o signify_v how_o little_o they_o ascribe_v to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n §_o xli_o and_o 3._o wherever_o any_o compliance_n be_v necessary_a for_o accommodate_v these_o difference_n they_o do_v as_o much_o require_v it_o from_o the_o church_n as_o themselves_o and_o do_v as_o confident_o charge_v she_o with_o schism_n as_o long_o as_o she_o do_v not_o yield_v her_o imposition_n to_o they_o as_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o it_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o those_o imposition_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n what_o presumption_n can_v be_v for_o authority_n if_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o yield_v as_o her_o subject_n and_o if_o person_n be_v in_o no_o great_a probability_n of_o avoid_v this_o uncharitableness_n by_o yield_v than_o by_o oppose_v it_o so_o that_o the_o ultimate_a recourse_n here_o must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o how_o little_a horror_n that_o can_v be_v to_o such_o a_o person_n i_o have_v already_o show_v thus_o insufficient_a our_o adversary_n notion_n be_v for_o explain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o may_v prove_v terrible_a to_o popular_a capacity_n §_o xlii_o but_o upon_o our_o principle_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o schism_n be_v give_v as_o the_o most_o incultivated_a laic_a may_v understand_v to_o be_v extreme_o mischievous_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o prudence_n whereby_o he_o manage_n his_o worldly_a affair_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n it_o deserve_v from_o god_n hand_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n incumbent_a on_o he_o from_o his_o own_o attribute_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o government_n to_o inflict_v those_o so_o deserve_a severity_n on_o person_n true_o criminal_a not_o