in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
province_n of_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o ground_n and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v can_v be_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o some_o as_o delegate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o proportionable_o delegated_a from_o all_o in_o the_o several_a quarter_n as_o may_v signify_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o hereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o assembly_n much_o more_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o continuation_n or_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o in_o such_o frequency_n as_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o case_n such_o a_o assembly_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n in_o case_n it_o be_v existent_a can_v possible_o execute_v the_o authority_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o overseeing_a all_o in_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o in_o make_v authoritative_a determination_n for_o all_o either_o immediate_o by_o itself_o or_o mediate_o by_o subordinate_a council_n judicatory_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v superintended_a regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o it_o in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o the_o say_a headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n more_o than_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o bishop_n universal_a headship_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n give_v therein_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o only_o of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n thâ—â—_n presbyter_n or_o of_o all_o such_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o if_o of_o some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o what_o number_n there_o must_v be_v either_o definite_a or_o indefinite_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o association_n and_o convention_n of_o they_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n from_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o from_o the_o pope_n §_o 11._o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n examine_v the_o romanist_n assert_v a_o infallibility_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o seat_v within_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o perpetual_a privilege_n thereof_o some_o of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n hereupon_o this_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n be_v a_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v about_o those_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o most_o indubitable_a truth_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o remain_v be_v infallible_a so_o far_o it_o involve_v a_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o such_o shall_v err_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o christian_n the_o query_n therefore_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o the_o integral_n aâ—d_v accidental_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o church_n remain_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_o or_o in_o its_o nature_n infallible_a so_o far_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infallible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o from_o the_o free_a grant_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o such_o grant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n obedient_a to_o their_o authority_n we_o know_v what_o the_o church_n universal_o hold_v in_o any_o one_o age_n touch_v all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n much_o more_o concern_v accidental_n i_o conceive_v extreme_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la if_o not_o universal_o yet_o very_o general_o err_v in_o the_o same_o error_n about_o some_o integral_n of_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o thing_n now_o general_o account_v erroneous_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o give_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n have_v err_v some_o in_o one_o point_n some_o in_o another_o and_o that_o no_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v find_v in_o which_o have_v appear_v no_o error_n in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o the_o part_n may_v various_o err_v in_o several_a point_n why_o may_v not_o they_o also_o harmonious_o err_v all_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o point_n if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v any_o such_o council_n infallible_a as_o be_v ever_o yet_o congregat_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v congregat_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o can_v stand_v final_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o any_o the_o large_a council_n that_o can_v possible_o convene_v we_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nor_o what_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n be_v sound_a part_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o criterion_n can_v be_v bring_v beside_o they_o man_n bare_a testimony_n of_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v orthodox_n in_o its_o determination_n about_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n erroneous_a in_o its_o determination_n for_o image-worship_n but_o by_o find_v that_o the_o former_a be_v consonant_a and_o the_o latter_a dissonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o aforesaid_a determination_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o council_n call_v general_n those_o that_o consist_v of_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n must_v carry_v it_o against_o those_o that_o consist_v of_o lesser_a number_n let_v some_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o it_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o from_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n the_o major_a part_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o that_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o nice_a may_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v arrian_n moreover_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n why_o not_o also_o in_o the_o ten_o last_n that_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o essential_o yea_o and_o in_o the_o integral_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o repute_v bishop_n or_o pastor_n within_o christendom_n nor_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o be_v convene_v in_o council_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o their_o conciliar_a determination_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n §_o 12._o of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o on_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n this_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n be_v promise_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o lest_o we_o expect_v or_o insist_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n have_v insure_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v can_v be_v less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v always_o upon_o earth_n a_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o faithful_a christian_n make_v visible_a by_o their_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n successive_o
the_o remain_v of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr_n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n print_a from_o his_o own_o manuscript_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1684._o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n here_o thou_o have_v the_o remain_n of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n corbet_n late_a of_o chichester_n those_o that_o know_v he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a meek_a moderate_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocrisy_n therefore_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o public_a use_n may_v be_v well_o accept_v of_o by_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o follow_v after_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o purity_n whether_o the_o design_n of_o these_o remain_v of_o his_o be_v not_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o promote_v purity_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n be_v leave_v to_o thou_o to_o judge_v after_o thou_o have_v impartial_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o if_o in_o any_o measure_n they_o conduce_v to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n it_o be_v hope_v thou_o will_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o thyself_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o thou_o have_v they_o just_a as_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o himself_o have_v live_v to_o publish_v they_o thou_o may_v possible_o have_v have_v they_o better_a polish_a but_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o there_o be_v print_v of_o this_o author_n and_o sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n together_o with_o a_o tract_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o schism_n self-employment_n in_o secret_n contain_v evidence_n upon_o self-examination_n thought_n upon_o painful_a affliction_n memorial_n for_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o relate_v to_o each_o other_o whether_o the_o church_n or_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o in_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o handle_v of_o both_o we_o may_v know_v which_o of_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o require_v the_o precedency_n of_o handle_v that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o be_v whereof_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o other_o now_o some_o have_v thus_o resolve_v it_o as_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o hen_n or_o the_o egg_n be_v first_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o creation_n that_o god_n make_v the_o hen_n first_o so_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n be_v first_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o institute_v or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v first_o in_o existence_n in_o set_v up_o the_o christian_a church_n christ_n set_v up_o the_o ministry_n first_o to_o convert_v man_n or_o make_v they_o christian_n moreover_o the_o ministry_n as_o take_v for_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v not_o entitatiuè_a but_o organicè_fw-la as_o some_o phrase_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v not_o as_o a_o mere_a company_n of_o believer_n gather_v to_o christ_n but_o as_o a_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o constitutive_a part_n shall_v be_v distinct_o treat_v of_o before_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v constitute_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o in_o design_n or_o intention_n before_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o ministry_n have_v a_o respect_n of_o subserviency_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o state_n thereof_o likewise_o the_o ministry_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lesser_a in_o the_o great_a as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o thing_n reside_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o its_o residence_n as_o stewardship_n in_o a_o family_n this_o indeed_o hold_v principal_o and_o perpetual_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12.28_o moreover_o the_o minister_n power_n and_o virtue_n be_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o church_n which_o indeed_o have_v the_o propriety_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n as_o be_v all_o under_o god_n and_o christ_n final_o for_o its_o behoof_n upon_o these_o consideration_n i_o shall_v discourse_v first_o of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o church_n its_o name_n and_o nature_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v note_v to_o signify_v 1._o a_o assembly_n call_v together_o by_o a_o superior_a 2._o any_o multitude_n gather_v into_o one_o place_n 3._o according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o certain_a multitude_n that_o retain_v the_o name_n as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v a_o part_n as_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o a_o assembly_n at_o large_a be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la but_o appellatiuè_fw-la but_o they_o that_o be_v now_o so_o call_v by_o special_a appropriation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o society_n stand_v in_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o devote_a people_n and_o that_o both_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o when_o they_o be_v apart_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a society_n of_o god_n people_n or_o the_o particular_a society_n that_o be_v the_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a the_o word_n church_n be_v the_o english_a of_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o its_o appropriate_v signification_n and_o it_o be_v take_v divers_a way_n but_o all_o agree_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a notion_n 1._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n elect_n comprise_v the_o uncalled_a and_o the_o militant_a and_o the_o triumphant_a eph._n 5.25_o 26._o 2._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a col._n 1.18_o heb._n 12.23_o 3._o for_o all_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o visible_a christian_n act_n 5.11_o act_n 8.3_o act_n 12.1_o 4._o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o a_o political_a society_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 5._o for_o the_o particular_a church_n part_n of_o the_o catholic_n as_o comprise_v the_o church_n officer_n and_o the_o people_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 6._o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o distinct_a from_o their_o spiritual_a ruler_n act_n 15.4_o 22._o 7._o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o govern_v mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 8._o for_o a_o church-assemble_o come_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o 34._o 9_o for_o the_o faithful_a in_o some_o one_o family_n rom._n 16.5_o philem_n 2._o if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o church_n meet_v in_o those_o house_n these_o several_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v in_o the_o say_v common_a notion_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n associate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o god_n yet_o the_o say_a notion_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o complete_a in_o some_o of_o they_o than_o in_o other_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v the_o vulgar_a use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o house_n set_v a_o part_n for_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o word_n may_v be_v lawful_o so_o use_v it_o be_v a_o trope_n in_o ordinary_a use_n to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n contain_v upon_o the_o place_n contain_v as_o also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n contain_v upon_o the_o person_n contain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o i_o be_v not_o evident_a as_o for_o the_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o say_v to_o be_v despise_v may_v be_v understand_v rather_o of_o god_n people_n assemble_v §_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o note_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o real_a distinction_n than_o actual_a separation_n and_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v separate_v wheresoever_o there_o
his_o diocese_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a pastor_n of_o their_o several_a church_n and_o real_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o true_a import_n of_o that_o name_n and_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n therein_o mention_v be_v bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o mere_o humane_a institution_n but_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v why_o be_v they_o deny_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o their_o respective_a charge_n and_o why_o be_v they_o bereave_v of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n therein_o 5._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n have_v no_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o of_o which_o they_o can_v take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v common_o more_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o a_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v personal_o watch_v over_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v to_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n pronounce_v the_o blessing_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n to_o the_o people_n under_o his_o charge_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o present_a age_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v perform_v these_o ministries_n to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n 6._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopacy_n personal_o and_o not_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exercise_v it_o not_o personal_o but_o either_o by_o his_o delegate_n who_o have_v no_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o he_o alone_o or_o by_o substitute_n who_o he_o account_v no_o bishop_n 7._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o first_o presbyter_n and_o style_v the_o brother_n and_o colleague_n of_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n both_o over_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n 8._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v minister_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n though_o some_o presbyter_n who_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a join_v with_o he_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o act_n without_o their_o consent_n or_o counsel_n 9_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ancient_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o it_o be_v constant_o perform_v by_o he_o in_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n but_o now_o preach_v be_v not_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o many_o bishop_n preach_v but_o rare_o and_o extraordinary_o 10._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n at_o least_o not_o without_o their_o consent_n over_o who_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v with_o the_o people_n for_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n entrance_n into_o his_o office_n be_v by_o a_o far_o different_a way_n 11._o ancient_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n but_o in_o the_o late_a time_n many_o yea_o most_o city_n have_v not_o their_o proper_a bishop_n i_o mean_v bishop_n in_o the_o hierarchical_a sense_n though_o they_o be_v as_o large_a and_o populous_a as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o ancient_o as_o now_o that_o a_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v so_o call_v but_o any_o town-corporate_a or_o burrough_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o city_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n 12._o because_o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o make_v up_o but_o one_o competent_a congregation_n there_o be_v common_o but_o one_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o that_o city-church_n take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o be_v but_o one_o state_v society_n all_o the_o member_n whereof_o may_v have_v personal_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o bishop_n cure_v into_o such_o part_n as_o be_v now_o call_v parish_n come_v not_o in_o till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o when_o that_o division_n first_o take_v place_n they_o be_v but_o as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o city-church_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o till_o constantine_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o or_o five_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o consist_v of_o more_o people_n than_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d parish_n nor_o of_o half_a so_o many_o as_o some_o of_o they_o 13._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n city_n or_o town_n be_v judge_v the_o â—ittest_a place_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n because_o in_o they_o the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n believer_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o make_v â—ore_o convert_v with_o other_o advantage_n which_o the_o village_n do_v not_o afford_v yet_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v in_o a_o region_n church_n have_v their_o proper_a bishop_n be_v constitute_v in_o village_n or_o place_n that_o be_v not_o city_n one_o proof_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o be_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o ordinary_a presbyter_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n but_o in_o the_o follow_a time_n when_o the_o worldly_a grandeur_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v rise_v decâ—â—ed_o be_v make_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v â—e_v contemptible_a 14._o though_o it_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o council_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o custom_n have_v general_o prevail_v yet_o there_o in_o manifold_a proof_n that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n more_o bishop_n than_o one_o be_v allow_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o city_n yea_o in_o the_o same_o church_n indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a be_v comparative_o but_o of_o late_a age_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o time_n set_v down_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n by_o single_a person_n whereas_o several_a bishop_n preside_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o survive_a and_o most_o note_a colleague_n be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n 15._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v discipline_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o argument_n deduce_v from_o it_o seek_v to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v their_o court_n which_o be_v manage_v like_o secular_a court_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o a_o outward_a observance_n of_o their_o decree_n by_o the_o dread_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n annex_v to_o excommunication_n 16._o the_o present_a bishop_n say_v of_o their_o church-government_n that_o without_o secular_a force_n none_o will_v regard_v it_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n discipline_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o powerless_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o insufficient_a to_o obtain_v 〈…〉_o unless_o the_o temporal_a sword_n enforce_v it_o 17._o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n be_v now_o common_o exercise_v by_o a_o lay-chancellor_n and_o though_o a_o ordinary_a priest_n be_v present_a in_o the_o court_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o chancellor_n as_o judge_n decree_v it_o and_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n pass_v in_o the_o bishop_n name_n and_o authority_n when_o he_o never_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v authorise_v any_o
of_o nature_n these_o thing_n be_v neither_o the_o essential_a nor_o integral_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v part_n thereof_o as_o be_v direct_a expression_n of_o honour_n to_o god_n they_o be_v but_o accidental_a part_n as_o the_o put_n off_o the_o hat_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o as_o to_o such_o matter_n the_o term_n of_o accidental_a worship_n may_v be_v allow_v not_o as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n in_o they_o in_o any_o degree_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v a_o genus_fw-la not_o univocal_a but_o analogical_a be_v predicate_v of_o all_o that_o come_v under_o it_o in_o some_o common_a notion_n or_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o these_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n nor_o integral_a be_v contradistinct_a to_o the_o substantial_a and_o more_o important_a part_n thereof_o and_o as_o be_v circumstantial_a expression_n of_o give_v honour_n to_o god_n they_o may_v be_v call_v circumstantial_a worship_n as_o for_o example_n put_v off_o the_o hat_n be_v a_o worship-gesture_n and_o worship_n only_o so_o much_o as_o gesture_n come_v to_o these_o accidental_a part_n ordinary_o go_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o attendance_n on_o other_o more_o important_a part_n even_o of_o external_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v here_o consider_v whether_o put_v off_o the_o hat_n or_o bow_v or_o kneel_v and_o the_o like_a may_v not_o be_v act_n of_o external_a worship_n per_fw-la se_fw-la or_o go_v alone_o and_o not_o mere_o in_o concomitance_n with_o other_o external_a act_n thereof_o as_o whether_o moses_n his_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o bush_n burn_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n per_fw-la se_fw-la and_o not_o only_o as_o a_o circumstance_n or_o attendance_n on_o other_o worship_n and_o so_o for_o the_o same_o or_o like_a act_n in_o any_o other_o symbolical_a presence_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v so_o these_o act_n be_v even_o then_o but_o of_o the_o low_a nature_n of_o accidental_a part_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n i_o conceive_v the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n be_v not_o a_o new_a precept_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o a_o direct_v he_o to_o or_o mind_v he_o of_o that_o which_o already_o in_o that_o case_n be_v require_v by_o tell_v he_o the_o occasion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o whatsoever_o nature_n or_o custom_n have_v so_o make_v decent_a or_o reverend_a that_o the_o negation_n of_o it_o be_v undecent_a or_o irreverent_a be_v doubtless_o command_v of_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n though_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a yet_o by_o general_a law_n and_o the_o institution_n and_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o god_n law_n but_o mere_o a_o application_n of_o the_o general_a law_n in_o particular_a case_n as_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v warrant_v all_o these_o be_v such_o mutable_a thing_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v in_o particular_a the_o matter_n of_o a_o universal_a law_n because_o they_o be_v fit_a in_o one_o place_n and_o at_o one_o time_n and_o not_o another_o note_v that_o thing_n not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o thing_n idle_a and_o superfluous_a a_o superior_a may_v not_o institute_v a_o superfluous_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o simple_o evil_a though_o sometime_o the_o inferior_a may_v lawful_o obey_v therein_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o lawful_o do_v the_o thing_n to_o avoid_v inconvenience_n or_o to_o testify_v respect_n to_o the_o superior_a though_o in_o that_o particular_a he_o have_v no_o lawful_a power_n to_o command_v note_v also_o that_o of_o thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la the_o superior_a may_v not_o lawful_o determine_v for_o such_o species_n as_o though_o not_o simple_o evil_a may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o evil_n or_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o consequence_n when_o he_o may_v determine_v that_o which_o will_v not_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o consequence_n yet_o the_o inferior_a may_v obey_v or_o rather_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v when_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o nonobservance_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o observance_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n by_o a_o ceremony_n i_o understand_v a_o external_a rite_n in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o significant_a ceremony_n i_o understand_v rite_n in_o divine_a worship_n signify_v some_o material_a point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o those_o outward_a action_n that_o by_o nature_n or_o general_a custom_n signify_v the_o reverence_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o hand_n to_o heaven_n in_o token_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v uncover_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v of_o those_o that_o signify_v mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o authoritative_a institution_n or_o private_a arbitrary_a intention_n such_o significant_a thing_n though_o they_o may_v have_v some_o natural_a aptitude_n to_o signify_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o signify_v but_o as_o arbitrary_o design_v thereunto_o it_o be_v general_o receive_v that_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o take_v a_o oath_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v and_o that_o not_o only_o such_o as_o natural_o signify_v as_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n towards_o heaven_n but_o such_o also_o as_o signify_v by_o institution_n as_o lay_v the_o hand_n on_o a_o book_n or_o kiss_v the_o book_n now_o though_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n may_v be_v a_o civil_a thing_n as_o the_o end_n of_o a_o controversy_n yet_o the_o formale_a of_o it_o be_v divine_a worship_n and_o the_o aforesaid_a ceremony_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o very_a external_a part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o actual_o signify_v by_o force_n of_o institution_n word_n signify_v by_o general_a custom_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n out_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o argue_v from_o their_o lawfulness_n as_o sign_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o institute_v sign_n seem_v liable_a to_o exception_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o inisttuted_a sign_n soon_o become_v customary_a and_o as_o well_o understand_v as_o word_n the_o christian_n heretofore_o be_v among_o infidel_n may_v lawful_o have_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o cross_n somewhere_o visible_a about_o they_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o the_o meaning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v say_v we_o be_v christian_n but_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o a_o indicant_fw-la or_o speak_a sign_n towards_o man_n with_o acknowledgement_n of_o my_o own_o weakness_n i_o express_v my_o appâ—ehesions_n of_o this_o matter_n god_n have_v allow_v word_n for_o sign_n expressive_a of_o divine_a worship_n but_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v allow_v word_n only_o and_o forbid_a gesture_n and_o action_n for_o such_o a_o end_n the_o dumb_a must_v express_v their_o internal_a worship_n by_o gesture_n and_o action_n or_o they_o can_v external_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o if_o sign_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v of_o customary_a signification_n be_v lawful_a i_o see_v not_o why_o such_o as_o be_v of_o institute_v signifition_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a and_o especial_o when_o they_o become_v as_o customary_a as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v without_o institution_n and_o if_o institute_v sign_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n be_v lawful_a i_o see_v not_o why_o sign_n of_o some_o special_a part_n of_o devotion_n or_o mystery_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a i_o be_o more_o confident_a of_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v use_v only_o instead_o of_o so_o many_o word_n pronounce_v than_o of_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o word_n for_o their_o more_o solemn_a ratification_n as_o seal_n be_v to_o a_o writing_n or_o foederal_a sign_n to_o a_o verbal_a contract_n nevertheless_o the_o forementioned_a ceremony_n of_o swear_v seem_v add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n for_o more_o solemn_a ratification_n and_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n whether_o the_o word_n be_v read_v by_o he_o that_o administer_v or_o pronounce_v by_o he_o that_o take_v the_o oath_n for_o either_o way_n they_o be_v his_o word_n that_o take_v the_o oath_n likewise_o i_o have_v more_o confidence_n of_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o those_o significant_a ceremony_n that_o be_v of_o private_a arbitrary_a intention_n
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o