whereof_o be_v the_o government_n of_o man_n as_o order_v to_o his_o final_a and_o eternal_a estate_n this_o government_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o of_o strict_a justice_n 2._o that_o of_o sweet_a mercy_n in_o christ_n for_o it_o please_v the_o eternal_a sovereign_n to_o bring_v man_n fall_v back_o again_o and_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o eternal_a glory_n this_o be_v his_o great_a design_n wherein_o he_o most_o glorious_o manifest_v his_o divine_a perfection_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n power_n and_o especial_o of_o free_a mercy_n this_o man_n we_o find_v in_o a_o twofold_a capacity_n the_o first_o be_v temporal_a confine_v to_o this_o mortal_a life_n the_o second_o be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o both_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o maker_n and_o eternal_a king_n who_o do_v not_o always_o exercise_v his_o power_n himself_o immediate_o either_o in_o the_o constitution_n or_o administration_n of_o these_o earthly_a state_n but_o as_o he_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n so_o he_o make_v man_n his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n these_o be_v call_v high_a power_n ordain_v of_o god_n who_o be_v trust_v with_o and_o bear_v the_o sword_n to_o protect_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o bad_a according_a to_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n this_o power_n may_v reach_v the_o person_n and_o the_o good_n of_o mortal_a man_n but_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v exempt_v and_o reserve_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n who_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o cast_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell_n and_o reward_v man_n with_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a reward_n which_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v of_o this_o government_n by_o the_o temporal_a sword_n something_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o with_o some_o reference_n to_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a that_o the_o general_n wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v the_o particular_n wherein_o they_o differ_v the_o subordination_n of_o the_o one_o unto_o the_o other_o may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n but_o be_v not_o many_o exclude_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n this_o separation_n be_v make_v betimes_o for_o we_o read_v of_o cain_n cast_v out_o of_o god_n presence_n and_o excommunicate_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n before_o the_o flood_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n after_o that_o the_o world_n be_v people_v by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n single_v out_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o this_o before_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o since_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v christian_n oppose_v to_o pagan_n and_o idolater_n which_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v one_o only_a god_n to_o mahometan_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o not_o god_n redeemer_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o jew_n who_o confess_v god_n the_o creator_n and_o jesus_n christ_n in_o general_a but_o as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o apostate_n who_o first_o profess_v the_o truth_n but_o afterward_o deny_v it_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o heaven_n though_o these_o be_v many_o and_o of_o several_a and_o different_a sort_n yet_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o two_o society_n or_o city_n the_o one_o of_o god_n the_o other_o of_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o learned_a austin_n do_v well_o observe_v in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n this_o spiritual_a society_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n as_o sole_a monarch_n from_o the_o beginning_n without_o any_o vicar_n or_o deputy_n universal_a till_o such_o time_n as_o christ_n have_v finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o expectation_n be_v set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o administrator_n general_a of_o the_o church_n christian_n for_o now_o that_o be_v the_o name_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n this_o church_n and_o especial_o as_o christian_a may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a notion_n and_o distinguish_v into_o that_o which_o now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o that_o which_o be_v militant_a aim_v at_o a_o final_a victory_n and_o expect_v a_o perpetual_a peace_n 2._o this_o militant_a church_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v either_o as_o mystical_a consist_v only_o of_o real_a saint_n and_o such_o as_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o body_n or_o visible_a of_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n already_o exhibit_v and_o set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o profession_n be_v know_v certain_o to_o god_n alone_o therefore_o in_o this_o visible_a society_n we_o find_v judas_n among_o the_o apostle_n simon_n magus_n among_o christian_n pharisees_n and_o saducee_n though_o a_o generation_n of_o viper_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n baptist_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o chaff_n upon_o the_o floor_n mingle_v with_o the_o wheat_n and_o by_o the_o fan_n in_o christ_n hand_n to_o be_v separate_v and_o burn_v with_o unquenchable_a fire_n section_n 3_o this_o visible_a church_n militant_a may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o number_n of_o all_o christian_n live_v on_o earth_n who_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n already_o come_v signify_v that_o subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o as_o brethren_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v monarchical_a under_o one_o head_n jesus_n christ_n who_o never_o appoint_v any_o one_o vicar_n universal_a or_o supreme_a independent_a judicatory_a visible_a on_o earth_n with_o plenitude_n of_o power_n over_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o conversion_n belong_v to_o this_o church_n as_o consider_v under_o this_o notion_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n therein_o be_v first_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n and_o make_v a_o member_n thereof_o before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n though_o one_o baptize_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n under_o a_o form_n of_o externel_n government_n may_v be_v solemn_o receive_v both_o as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o also_o that_o particular_a body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n he_o must_v be_v conceive_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a before_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a for_o we_o be_v first_o christian_n and_o subject_a to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n universal_a and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n not_o into_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n ephesus_n jerusalem_n or_o into_o the_o name_n of_o any_o of_o the_o governor_n or_o officer_n of_o these_o church_n particular_a visible_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o be_v first_o so_o many_o several_a community_n denominate_v usual_o from_o some_o place_n and_o after_o that_o by_o association_n and_o consent_n receive_v a_o form_n of_o government_n visible_a and_o external_a this_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a visible_a policy_n work._n and_o the_o government_n thereof_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o aim_v at_o peace_n and_o truth_n desire_v not_o to_o kindle_v but_o to_o quench_v or_o at_o least_o abate_v the_o flame_n of_o dissension_n which_o so_o long_o and_o so_o violent_o have_v rage_v among_o we_o section_n 4_o the_o government_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n at_o this_o present_a time_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o dispute_n among_o we_o that_o some_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o some_o presuppose_v it_o but_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v some_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o civil_a government_n and_o put_v all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n hand_n and_o only_o except_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o they_o grant_v to_o minister_n some_o take_v those_o from_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v this_o administration_n common_a to_o other_o with_o they_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a order_n establish_v among_o we_o therefore_o many_o be_v our_o division_n and_o fanatic_a sect_n be_v multiply_v some_o be_v subtle_a and_o politic_a agent_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v disturb_v the_o state_n these_o care_v not_o much_o what_o the_o doctrine_n be_v so_o they_o can_v separate_v those_o
the_o people_n of_o the_o live_a god_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o community_n of_o such_o as_o worship_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n according_a to_o certain_a rule_n of_o truth_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o these_o direct_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n not_o only_o as_o creator_n but_o as_o redeemer_n by_o christ_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o society_n there_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o society_n of_o all_o place_n and_o all_o time_n may_v be_v call_v christian_n because_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o profess_a faith_n in_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o come_v or_o already_o come_v yet_o because_o these_o believer_n and_o worshipper_n of_o god_n the_o redeemer_n begin_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n after_o christ_n exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o intend_v principal_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o community_n christian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n therefore_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o church_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o after_o till_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o unto_o the_o community_n christian_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o strict_a sense_n section_n 2_o these_o thing_n premise_v a_o community_n ecclesiastical_a be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o immediate_a capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o form_n of_o spiritual_a external_a government_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n shall_v be_v 1._o the_o explication_n of_o the_o definition_n 2._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o become_v member_n of_o this_o society_n 3._o the_o determination_n of_o the_o several_a and_o distinct_a degree_n of_o these_o member_n the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o definition_n be_v the_o matter_n and_o that_o as_o christian_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o family_n as_o former_o be_v express_v in_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o civil_a community_n for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n corinth_n ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n may_v in_o their_o several_a division_n and_o precinct_n contain_v some_o whole_a family_n and_o perhaps_o vicinity_n christian_n or_o because_o their_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o same_o city_n or_o place_n they_o may_v be_v call_v vicinity_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v vicinity_n yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o shall_v follow_v such_o a_o division_n in_o religion_n even_o in_o the_o same_o family_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o luke_n 12.52_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n profess_v and_o exercise_v in_o one_o family_n and_o the_o person_n of_o several_a society_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o we_o since_o our_o unhappy_a division_n for_o the_o husband_n sometime_o be_v of_o one_o church_n the_o wise_a of_o a_o second_o the_o child_n of_o a_o three_o or_o four_o yet_o sometime_o a_o whole_a family_n may_v come_v in_o together_o as_o the_o nobleman_n or_o ruler_n of_o capernaum_n believe_v and_o his_o whole_a house_n john_n 4.53_o lydia_n and_o her_o whole_a household_n be_v baptize_v at_o one_o time_n the_o jailor_n and_o his_o whole_a house_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v the_o same_o night_n act_v 16.33_o 34._o as_o in_o family_n so_o much_o more_o in_o vicinity_n not_o only_o several_a but_o also_o contrary_a religion_n have_v be_v practise_v so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o definition_n be_v person_n as_o christian_n and_o here_o i_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v whether_o a_o parish_n may_v be_v a_o congregation_n christian_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o parish_n in_o the_o same_o vicinity_n may_v be_v a_o community_n spiritual_a mr._n hooker_n give_v occasion_n of_o this_o enquiry_n a_o parish_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o a_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a notion_n under_o a_o civil_a as_o first_o make_v by_o a_o power_n civil_a and_o also_o a_o civil_a society_n as_o a_o part_n of_o a_o allotment_n for_o civil_a end_n and_o under_o civil_a officer_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a action_n it_o be_v a_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a spiritual_n appoint_v for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o consist_v as_o a_o vicinity_n of_o such_o person_n as_o within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o profess_v the_o same_o religion_n and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o usual_o frequent_v the_o same_o religious_a assembly_n in_o this_o respect_n if_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n or_o mahometan_n or_o heretic_n or_o pagan_n die_v within_o the_o same_o precinct_n they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o society_n yet_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o that_o place_n and_o these_o tithe_n as_o determine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v pay_v in_o that_o place_n and_o to_o be_v recover_v by_o civil_a law_n may_v be_v call_v a_o lay-fee_n but_o as_o they_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n for_o to_o maintain_v the_o gospel_n and_o divine_a worship_n they_o come_v under_o another_o notion_n further_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o such_o a_o parish_n may_v as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o occasion_n require_v do_v christ_n service_n in_o other_o place_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n bind_v to_o that_o place_n and_o not_o only_o to_o edify_v the_o convert_v but_o to_o convert_v the_o unconvert_v in_o that_o place_n section_n 3_o because_o any_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v of_o this_o society_n therefore_o these_o person_n must_v be_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n already_o exhibit_v and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o be_v adult_n they_o must_v not_o believe_v but_o profess_v in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o this_o profession_n must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o rational_a christian_a may_v judge_v to_o be_v serious_a as_o be_v unable_a clear_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_n the_o inward_a faith_n shall_v be_v sincere_a and_o the_o outward_a profession_n shall_v agree_v with_o it_o yet_o it_o prove_v often_o otherwise_o therefore_o we_o find_v a_o judas_n in_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n a_o simon_n magus_n a_o demas_n among_o christian_n for_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n on_o christ_n floor_n which_o none_o can_v separate_v but_o he_o that_o have_v his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o such_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n admit_v and_o retain_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n till_o they_o be_v open_o discover_v that_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o they_o such_o we_o must_v admit_v and_o retain_v and_o may_v do_v it_o section_n 4_o 1._o as_o they_o must_v be_v christian_n they_o must_v be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o single_a person_n by_o themselves_o this_o imply_v there_o must_v be_v a_o multitude_n 2._o a_o union_n of_o this_o multitude_n 3._o a_o communion_n yet_o as_o the_o multitude_n must_v be_v christian_n so_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n must_v be_v even_o in_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n 1._o they_o they_o must_v be_v a_o multitude_n yet_o not_o a_o little_a number_n or_o a_o few_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o a_o college_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o one_o and_o exercise_v in_o three_o and_o a_o small_a number_n may_v make_v a_o family-society_n yet_o here_o in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o there_o must_v be_v a_o multitude_n so_o 2._o they_o must_v be_v unite_v in_o a_o sacred_a bond_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o in_o a_o natural_a so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a political_a body_n there_o must_v be_v not_o only_o many_o member_n but_o they_o must_v be_v all_o unite_a in_o one_o to_o make_v up_o the_o body_n this_o union_n as_o the_o civil_a be_v not_o mere_o from_o vicinity_n of_o place_n but_o from_o voluntary_a and_o free_a consent_n direct_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o that_o must_v be_v unite_v not_o mere_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n this_o consent_n may_v be_v tacit_n or_o express_v and_o must_v make_v they_o one_o not_o only_a when_o they_o make_v and_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n but_o when_o they_o be_v part_v asunder_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o bound_n a_o fraternity_n spiritual_a continue_v among_o they_o and_o the_o more_o solemn_a serious_a regular_a deliberate_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o
effectual_a comfortable_a and_o last_v it_o will_v prove_v this_o union_n be_v not_o make_v either_o by_o baptism_n or_o profession_n but_o it_o presuppose_v both_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v make_v by_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a consent_n yet_o all_o vicinity_n of_o christian_n who_o by_o divine_a providence_n have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o associate_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a precept_n bind_v to_o unite_v and_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o union_n and_o this_o union_n be_v so_o firm_a not_o because_o of_o man_n consent_n but_o god_n precept_n and_o institution_n to_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v conformable_a from_o this_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n become_v moral_o one_o person_n spiritual_a and_o as_o such_o may_v act_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o this_o body_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n and_o the_o good_a of_o this_o particular_a society_n more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o though_o he_o must_v endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o all_o so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v he_o upon_o this_o union_n therefore_o follow_v a_o communion_n for_o as_o they_o all_o partake_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o privilege_n and_o right_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o so_o they_o must_v communicate_v their_o gift_n care_n labour_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o and_o particular_a good_a of_o every_o one_o as_o by_o this_o union_n they_o become_v one_o person_n so_o they_o receive_v a_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o act_v as_o one_o person_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o themselves_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o give_v they_o power_n to_o separate_v either_o from_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o from_o other_o community_n in_o any_o thing_n god_n have_v make_v common_a either_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o other_o particular_a community_n section_n 5_o by_o this_o time_n you_o understand_v that_o a_o community_n christian_n be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o must_v be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n fit_v for_o and_o immediate_o capable_a of_o a_o external_a form_n of_o government_n spiritual_n and_o the_o same_o independent_a for_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o supreme_a and_o independent_a power_n otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o commonwealth_n therefore_o in_o politic_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o a_o community_n as_o it_o be_v actual_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o form_n of_o government_n or_o fit_v immediate_o to_o be_v such_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v haeterogeneous_a or_o at_o least_o exorbitant_a take_v notice_n therefore_o that_o this_o community_n be_v not_o a_o civil_a society_n nor_o the_o society_n of_o all_o christian_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n on_o the_o earth_n which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o visible_a as_o subject_a to_o christ_n nor_o of_o a_o family_n or_o congregational_a or_o any_o petty_a christian_a society_n but_o of_o such_o a_o society_n christian_n as_o be_v immediate_o capable_a of_o a_o independent_a discipline_n 2._o though_o some_o act_n of_o discipline_n may_v by_o a_o paternal_a spiritual_a power_n be_v perform_v and_o so_o likewise_o in_o a_o congregation_n some_o degree_n of_o power_n ecclesiastical_a may_v reside_v and_o be_v exercise_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o such_o a_o society_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o 3._o in_o this_o community_n and_o independent_a power_n of_o discipline_n be_v virtual_o contain_v 4._o this_o can_v be_v except_o it_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o be_v fit_a both_o to_o model_n a_o commonwealth_n and_o manage_v a_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n 5._o this_o community_n before_o a_o form_n of_o government_n be_v introduce_v be_v but_o like_o a_o homogeneal_a or_o similar_v body_n and_o then_o become_v organical_a when_o it_o be_v the_o actual_a subject_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o formal_a visible_a polity_n and_o beside_o the_o consent_n require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o community_n there_o must_v be_v another_o consent_n to_o make_v it_o a_o polity_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v distinct_a and_o real_o different_a from_o the_o former_a for_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a matter_n of_o a_o spiritual_a visible_a state_n but_o a_o community_n and_o a_o sufficient_a community_n as_o such_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o political_a form._n 6._o that_o company_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v with_o man_n of_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o yet_o presume_v to_o set_v up_o a_o independent_a judicature_n must_v needs_o offend_v for_o where_o god_n give_v not_o sufficient_a ability_n he_o give_v not_o authority_n that_o every_o petty_a congregation_n which_o enjoy_v word_n sacrament_n ministry_n have_v a_o entire_a intensive_a independent_a judicative_a power_n in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o may_v refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o other_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o which_o can_v hardly_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n section_n 6_o thus_o i_o have_v explain_v the_o definition_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o show_v the_o original_a of_o this_o community_n and_o how_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o whether_o any_o be_v incorporate_v by_o election_n or_o birth_n yet_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o this_o society_n be_v from_o god._n for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o first_o original_a of_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o apostle_n endue_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o above_o preach_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o our_o sin_n rose_z again_o be_v make_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o such_o as_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v it_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o live_v according_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o admit_v as_o visible_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n so_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o remote_a material_n of_o this_o community_n 2._o when_o they_o be_v once_o multiply_v so_o as_o to_o make_v several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n and_o there_o be_v find_v fit_a man_n to_o be_v pastor_n pastor_n be_v ordain_v and_o set_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o these_o become_v society_n for_o christian_a worship_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o such_o in_o a_o vicinity_n as_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v a_o supreme_a independent_a power_n they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o one_o body_n for_o to_o introduce_v a_o form_n of_o external_a government_n if_o any_o after_o they_o become_v a_o community_n or_o a_o polity_n be_v convert_v within_o their_o precinct_n and_o do_v manifest_v his_o conversion_n so_o far_o as_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o it_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o their_o community_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o enter_v into_o and_o be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o body_n and_o now_o if_o any_o pagan_n jew_n mahometan_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n than_o they_o must_v enter_v in_o this_o manner_n they_o must_v be_v admit_v this_o association_n and_o incorporation_n be_v not_o from_o the_o law_n decree_n and_o mere_a consent_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o power_n or_o commandment_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o require_v that_o such_o as_o be_v once_o make_v christian_n shall_v associate_v and_o that_o other_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v shall_v admit_v they_o these_o be_v like_a branch_n ingraft_v not_o natural_a but_o be_v make_v member_n by_o election_n and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o incorporate_v he_o be_v first_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o subject_a to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a society_n for_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v first_o a_o christian_a before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n for_o the_o matter_n be_v before_o the_o form_n if_o his_o profession_n be_v sincere_a present_o upon_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v make_v a_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o glory_n far_o great_a privilege_n than_o to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o any_o visible_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a priority_n of_o order_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v make_v a_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a community_n and_o of_o a_o visible_a spiritual_a polity_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n section_n 7_o as_o
ratify_v it_o in_o heaven_n yet_o in_o make_v of_o canon_n they_o have_v power_n so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v in_o essential_o to_o bind_v in_o positive_a law_n and_o in_o circumstantial_o in_o ordain_v of_o officer_n the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n be_v they_o in_o jurisdiction_n they_o have_v power_n to_o hear_v examine_v take_v witness_n apply_v the_o controversy_n or_o cause_n to_o the_o canon_n determine_v and_o see_v the_o sentence_n execute_v and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o sovereign_n and_o independent_a manner_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v all_o this_o power_n amount_v but_o to_o a_o little_a and_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v but_o a_o particle_n yet_o the_o church_n be_v more_o happy_a and_o the_o government_n more_o excellent_a because_o it_o depend_v so_o little_a on_o man_n so_o much_o on_o christ._n and_o this_o power_n though_o diminutive_a yet_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v effectual_a and_o tend_v much_o unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n piety_n unity_n and_o edification_n and_o if_o well_o manage_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o enlarge_v christ_n kingdom_n and_o further_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o subordinate_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a government_n which_o be_v pure_o divine_a and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a universal_a which_o be_v pure_o monarchical_a under_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o rome_n dote_v upon_o her_o universal_a head_n and_o vicar-general_a presuppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o community_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o one_o visible_a church_n under_o and_o subject_n unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a independent_a judicatory_a this_o no_o question_n be_v a_o error_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a only_a unto_o one_o supreme_a consistory_n in_o heaven_n but_o not_o on_o earth_n either_o in_o a_o monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a or_o democratical_a form_n as_o shall_v be_v hint_v hereafter_o and_o suppose_v the_o pope_n have_v be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a monarch_n because_o the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o first_o see_v in_o the_o imperial_a city_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v universal_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o do_v enclose_v all_o the_o other_o patriarchates_n and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a parcel_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o acquire_v ecclesiastical_a power_n section_n 1_o have_v manifest_v what_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o discipline_n be_v i_o must_v search_v how_o it_o be_v acquire_v for_o this_o as_o well_o as_o civil_a be_v derivative_a and_o that_o from_o heaven_n and_o in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o natural_a but_o acquire_v it_o be_v also_o continue_a by_o succession_n not_o hereditary_a but_o elective_a not_o in_o a_o line_n as_o the_o sacerdotal_a power_n confine_v to_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n it_o be_v first_o in_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o christ_n as_o man_n and_o administrator-general_a for_o so_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v i_o some_o measure_n of_o this_o he_o by_o commission_n delegate_n unto_o the_o apostle_n yet_o that_o power_n of_o they_o as_o extraordinary_a be_v not_o successive_a or_o to_o be_v derive_v to_o those_o who_o follow_v they_o as_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o expire_v with_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o ordinary_a power_n of_o discipline_n derive_v to_o they_o and_o they_o never_o except_o in_o ordinary_a case_n do_v exercise_v it_o but_o with_o the_o church_n this_o some_o say_n be_v acquire_v by_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 16.19_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n many_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v as_o represent_v the_o church_n other_o think_v it_o be_v give_v he_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n other_o as_o represent_v the_o apostle_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o bishop_n or_o else_o as_o other_o tell_v we_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o but_o whatsoever_o power_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v either_o several_o or_o joint_o consider_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o christ_n derive_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n yet_o extraordinary_a officer_n the_o church_n acquire_v it_o therefore_o by_o free_a donation_n from_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o afterward_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o by_o this_o church_n be_v mean_v no_o utopian_a aerial_a or_o notional_a body_n but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n bring_v under_o a_o form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v and_o can_v exercise_v this_o power_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n ephesus_n antioch_n jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n section_n 2_o but_o though_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o to_o be_v brief_a yet_o i_o will_v observe_v some_o order_n and_o this_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v power_n ecclesiastical_a be_v acquire_v by_o lose_a immediate_a designation_n of_o christ_n apostles_n mediate_a institution_n and_o that_o just_o unjust_o see_v none_o have_v this_o spiritual_a power_n except_o give_v from_o god_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v acquire_v as_o it_o be_v derive_v it_o be_v derive_v immediate_o to_o christ_n as_o man_n the_o apostle_n as_o his_o delegate_n christ_n as_o man_n by_o his_o humiliation_n unto_o death_n the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n acquire_v a_o universal_a power_n over_o all_o person_n in_o all_o cause_n spiritual_a and_o he_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n and_o upon_o his_o ascension_n be_v solemn_o invest_v and_o confirm_v begin_v to_o exercise_v the_o same_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n under_o christ_n receive_v their_o extraordinary_a power_n which_o be_v both_o intensive_o and_o extensive_o great_a from_o christ._n and_o 1._o for_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o israel_n before_o christ_n death_n 2._o for_o all_o nation_n after_o the_o resurrection_n 3._o more_o full_o and_o solemn_o invest_v after_o christ_n ascension_n they_o begin_v to_o act_v and_o that_o both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o that_o in_o discipline_n as_o shall_v appear_v hereafter_o as_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a they_o can_v not_o as_o ordinary_a they_o may_v have_v successor_n section_n 3_o as_o the_o power_n be_v derive_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n so_o it_o be_v acquire_v by_o the_o church_n mediate_o this_o church_n do_v first_o consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o other_o believer_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o that_o we_o find_v several_a church_n consist_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n after_o that_o a_o church_n as_o take_v from_o a_o christian_a community_n be_v once_o make_v up_o of_o person_n a_o multitude_n of_o person_n associate_v and_o endue_v with_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o manage_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o that_o visible_a body_n politic_a present_o it_o acquire_v this_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n institution_n in_o these_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o before_o for_o in_o that_o very_a rule_n he_o give_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o deal_v from_o first_o to_o last_o with_o a_o offend_a brother_n he_o institute_n the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o both_o erect_v and_o also_o establish_v a_o independent_a tribunal_n after_o a_o church_n be_v once_o constitute_v and_o this_o power_n acquire_v it_o be_v exercise_v either_o by_o a_o general_a representative_a or_o by_o officer_n both_o these_o must_v be_v invest_v with_o power_n before_o they_o can_v act_v and_o these_o acquire_v their_o power_n by_o delegation_n or_o by_o be_v constitute_v officer_n by_o these_o mean_v the_o power_n may_v be_v acquire_v just_o section_n 4_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v possess_v or_o exercise_v unjust_o it_o be_v usurp_v when_o any_o arrogate_v it_o or_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o exercise_v it_o without_o just_a warrant_n from_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o 1._o when_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o manage_v it_o shall_v erect_v a_o independent_a judicatory_a they_o be_v usurper_n 2._o when_o one_o church_n challenge_v power_n over_o another_o 3._o when_o presbyter_n alone_o or_o bishop_n alone_o engross_v the_o whole_a power_n ecclesiastical_a both_o of_o make_v canon_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n and_o constitute_a officer_n 4._o magistrate_n who_o as_o such_o take_v
man_n be_v make_v 3._o 55.34_o when_o nation_n who_o know_v not_o christ_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o these_o i_o say_v be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 4._o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n after_o their_o conversion_n continue_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n without_o any_o set-form_n of_o external_a government_n or_o perfect_a rule_n of_o new-testament-worship_n except_o to_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v settle_v hence_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 11.34_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 4._o even_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o time_n which_o the_o scripture-history_n reach_v there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n which_o be_v far_o great_a in_o one_o church_n than_o in_o another_o and_o in_o the_o same_o church_n few_o at_o the_o plantation_n and_o far_o more_o numerous_a afterward_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v like_o leaven_n which_o do_v spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o and_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o do_v grow_v mighty_o 5._o after_o many_o of_o these_o become_v formal_a polity_n they_o increase_v so_o much_o that_o without_o division_n and_o subdivision_n they_o can_v not_o be_v well_o order_v so_o as_o that_o every_o part_n shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o whole_a this_o ecclesiastical_a history_n testify_v 6._o see_v 1._o that_o the_o inequality_n of_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o former_a respect_n 2._o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v incomplete_a not_o full_o form_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o their_o full_a stature_n 3._o that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v mighty_o increase_v and_o enlarge_v afterward_o 4._o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o glorious_a enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v but_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o those_o first_o church_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v no_o obligatory_a example_n to_o we_o for_o matter_n of_o extent_n except_o with_o admission_n of_o some_o great_a latitude_n from_o all_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n whereby_o this_o controversy_n must_v be_v decide_v must_v be_v the_o general_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v prove_v most_o efficacious_o conducent_a unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n to_o observe_v the_o institution_n and_o the_o example_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o that_o church_n which_o be_v order_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o most_o effectual_o tend_v unto_o these_o end_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a of_o christ._n he_o do_v not_o respect_n and_o value_v church_n as_o they_o be_v congregational_a presbyterian_a or_o episcopal_n nor_o as_o of_o more_o narrow_a and_o large_a compass_n nor_o as_o of_o less_o or_o great_a number_n but_o as_o so_o order_v as_o to_o discover_v false_a brethren_n reject_v heretic_n purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n cast_v out_o scandalous_a person_n free_a from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o nicolaitan_n and_o jezabel_n and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o unity_n and_o purity_n and_o sure_o as_o our_o christian_a profession_n be_v disgrace_v so_o be_v god_n high_o displease_v because_o we_o so_o miserable_o distract_v god_n people_n and_o urge_v upon_o they_o such_o accidental_n with_o so_o great_a importunity_n though_o they_o be_v neither_o essential_a nor_o necessary_a to_o good_a government_n section_n 10_o i_o may_v instance_n 1._o in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v national_a from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o jeroboam_n all_o which_o time_n it_o continue_v entire_a in_o one_o body_n adequate_a to_o the_o state_n and_o be_v never_o divide_v into_o independent_a congregation_n this_o example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o for_o this_o church_n be_v model_v enlarge_v and_o confine_v by_o god_n himself_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a any_o type_n or_o shadow_n of_o something_o to_o come_v which_o upon_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o vanish_v and_o this_o at_o least_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o national_a church_n under_o one_o supreme_a judicatory_a be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o 2._o i_o may_v add_v that_o it_o be_v no_o where_o prohibit_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n 5._o if_o the_o state_n be_v christian_n it_o may_v have_v much_o help_n and_o many_o advantage_n from_o the_o state_n especial_o when_o the_o division_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v the_o same_o but_o 6._o if_o a_o congregational_a church_n may_v be_v lawful_a than_o a_o national_a may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o a_o national_a may_v be_v as_o easy_o and_o as_o well_o nay_o more_o easy_o and_o better_a govern_v than_o a_o single_a congregation_n much_o more_o than_o thousand_o of_o independent_a congregation_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state._n that_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o nation_n associate_a and_o unite_n in_o one_o body_n and_o subject_v itself_o to_o one_o supreme_a judicatory_a may_v be_v better_o order_v than_o many_o independent_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n be_v evident_a for_o 1._o they_o may_v be_v far_o more_o firm_o unite_v and_o far_o more_o free_a from_o schism_n and_o separation_n 2._o order_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o government_n may_v far_o more_o easy_o be_v establish_v and_o observe_v 3._o it_o will_v be_v far_o strong_a to_o preserve_v itself_o from_o all_o opposition_n both_o within_o and_o without_o 4._o it_o will_v be_v furnish_v with_o far_o more_o excellent_a person_n endue_v with_o excellent_a quality_n for_o to_o make_v officer_n and_o representative_n 5._o it_o will_v be_v of_o far_o more_o authority_n 6._o it_o will_v be_v far_o more_o able_a to_o reform_v and_o reduce_v into_o order_n the_o great_a multitude_n and_o whole_a congregation_n and_o the_o great_a person_n 7._o it_o will_v be_v far_o more_o able_a to_o receive_v appeal_n to_o make_v canon_n give_v advice_n hear_v and_o determine_v the_o most_o difficult_a cause_n and_o to_o execute_v their_o high_a judgement_n one_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o so_o many_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o to_o clear_v this_o more_o full_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o difference_n 1._o between_o a_o single_a congregation_n independent_a and_o a_o national_a community_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n 2._o between_o a_o multitude_n of_o these_o independent_a congregation_n suppose_v all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v up_o their_o several_a polity_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n unite_v several_o for_o worship_n and_o some_o act_n of_o discipline_n yet_o all_o subject_n to_o one_o supreme_a judicatory_a ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o first_o difference_n it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o in_o the_o number_n of_o person_n 2._o in_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o these_o body_n both_o which_o if_o they_o be_v too_o great_a be_v think_v to_o be_v impediment_n of_o government_n as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o person_n 1._o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o many_o as_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o few_o 2._o they_o be_v far_o more_o for_o number_n in_o a_o national_a than_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n 3._o as_o for_o this_o great_a multitude_n of_o a_o nation_n if_o not_o too_o vast_a reason_n and_o the_o same_o confirm_v by_o experience_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o by_o distinction_n and_o a_o wise_a division_n with_o a_o co-ordination_a of_o part_n equal_a and_o a_o subordination_n of_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a and_o all_o the_o several_a part_n unto_o the_o whole_a a_o multitude_n though_o of_o million_o may_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o organical_a body_n and_o govern_v as_o one_o man._n and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n in_o mr._n hooker_n of_o new_a england_n who_o think_v that_o a_o church_n or_o community_n of_o christian_n can_v be_v a_o organical_a body_n till_o officer_n be_v make_v whereas_o the_o make_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o administration_n and_o presuppose_v the_o constitution_n whereby_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o organical_a before_o any_o act_n of_o administration_n but_o to_o return_v that_o whereby_o so_o many_o be_v make_v one_o be_v order_n which_o unite_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o in_o one_o body_n much_o more_o a_o petty_a multitude_n of_o christian_n of_o one_o nation_n this_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o
may_v so_o call_v they_o who_o extend_v the_o bound_n of_o this_o church_n too_o far_o there_o be_v other_o who_o confine_v it_o to_o a_o too_o narrow_a compass_n as_o many_o do_v conceive_v they_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v mr._n parker_n a_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n james_n in_o our_o time_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o their_o party_n which_o follow_v their_o principle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n to_o this_o day_n they_o be_v call_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n because_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o advice_n they_o dissent_v from_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n afterwards_o they_o be_v call_v congregationals_n because_o they_o confine_v the_o church_n to_o a_o congregation_n and_o independent_o because_o in_o their_o single_a congregation_n they_o erect_v a_o independent_a judicatory_a and_o challenge_v a_o independent_a power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o due_a by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n to_o every_o single_a congregation_n gather_v by_o they_o but_o let_v their_o name_n be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o name_n what_o they_o shall_v please_v le_fw-fr we_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o before_o the_o question_n can_v be_v discuss_v to_o purpose_n we_o must_v inquire_v 1._o what_o their_o congregation_n be_v 2._o how_o they_o be_v gather_v 3._o whether_o this_o narrow_a compass_n be_v ground_v upon_o scripture_n or_o no_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o mr._n parker_n give_v in_o a_o clear_a account_n for_o with_o he_o 1._o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n which_o may_v ordinary_o and_o convenient_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god._n 2._o he_o confess_v that_o the_o essence_n thereof_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o act_n of_o assemble_v for_o then_o upon_o every_o dissolution_n and_o part_n of_o the_o company_n assemble_v it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o mr._n hooker_n prevent_v this_o caution_n as_o needless_a for_o he_o make_v those_o who_o mr._n parker_n call_v christian_n and_o himself_o visible_a saint_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o confederation_n either_o explicit_a or_o implicit_a to_o be_v the_o form_n and_o this_o federation_n tie_v they_o together_o not_o only_a when_o they_o assemble_v but_o at_o other_o time_n too_o this_o be_v that_o which_o mr._n parker_n call_v union_n by_o convention_n yet_o 3._o he_o add_v that_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o numerous_a than_o may_v ordinary_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v meet_v several_o and_o have_v several_a minister_n who_o several_o officiate_v in_o several_a assembly_n and_o take_v charge_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a but_o 4._o they_o have_v but_o one_o consistory_n he_o instance_v for_o this_o last_o in_o the_o german_a church_n and_o the_o city_n of_o holland_n polit._n eccles._n lib._n 3._o sect_n 1._o 2._o whether_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o present_a congregational_a party_n or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o i_o have_v much_o desire_v to_o have_v see_v something_o wherein_o all_o that_o party_n agree_v in_o make_v public_a to_o satisfy_v such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o mind_n by_o this_o definition_n they_o exclude_v parish_n or_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o minister_n diocesan_n church_n unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n provincial_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o archbishop_n and_o metropolitan_a yet_o both_o of_o they_o mr._n parker_n and_o mr._n hooker_n may_v easy_o have_v know_v 1._o that_o neither_o the_o parochial_a nor_o diocesan_n nor_o provincial_a church_n be_v account_v the_o primary_n subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n christian_n as_o they_o affirm_v their_o congregation_n to_o be_v 2._o that_o a_o parish_n be_v not_o now_o nor_o with_o understand_a man_n ever_o be_v take_v for_o a_o congregation_n christian_n as_o a_o parish_n in_o a_o civil_a notion_n for_o therein_o may_v be_v heathen_n jew_n mahometan_n schismatic_n heretic_n apostate_n but_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n ecclesiastical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o minister_n key_n and_o those_o christian_n of_o that_o precinct_n who_o ordinary_o assemble_v to_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n 3._o if_o the_o name_n church_n may_v be_v give_v to_o a_o few_o christian_n in_o one_o family_n and_o house_n as_o it_o be_v philem_n 2._o col._n 4.15_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v give_v to_o a_o number_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o parish_n where_o by_o reason_n of_o vicinity_n and_o co-habitation_n they_o may_v ordinary_o and_o convenient_o meet_v together_o for_o divine_a service_n which_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n can_v do_v section_n 2_o the_o manner_n of_o gather_v these_o congregation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o vicinity_n or_o elsewhere_o to_o convert_v heathen_n or_o jew_n or_o mahumetan_n or_o papist_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n though_o no_o doubt_n some_o of_o they_o be_v pious_a and_o learned_a man_n if_o providence_n give_v they_o occasion_n will_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o but_o they_o gather_v christian_n protestant_a christian_n from_o among_o christian_n and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v fit_v to_o their_o own_o hand_n without_o any_o pain_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o sweat_n and_o labour_n and_o care_n and_o prayer_n of_o some_o other_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n under_o who_o hand_n they_o former_o have_v be_v to_o who_o charge_n they_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o under_o who_o ministry_n god_n have_v prosper_v they_o these_o among_o other_o they_o either_o persuade_v to_o be_v of_o their_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o offer_v themselves_o voluntary_o they_o admit_v they_o and_o this_o to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o their_o own_o faithful_a pastor_n when_o they_o accept_v of_o these_o they_o neither_o teach_v they_o any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o former_o they_o profess_v not_o nor_o press_v upon_o they_o any_o new_a duty_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o conduce_v to_o salvation_n there_o be_v no_o essential_a of_o christianity_n which_o they_o can_v superadd_a to_o what_o they_o have_v before_o only_o if_o cease_v to_o be_v episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o parochial_a they_o be_v willing_a to_o confederate_n with_o they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o manner_n and_o be_v of_o their_o party_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o if_o this_o be_v their_o manner_n of_o gather_v church_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v it_o be_v with_o some_o i_o dare_v say_v they_o have_v no_o example_n much_o less_o any_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o they_o admit_v indeed_o of_o some_o which_o be_v very_o unworthy_a and_o such_o as_o many_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o accept_v with_o hope_n that_o upon_o their_o solemn_a covenant_v they_o will_v prove_v better_o i_o do_v not_o write_v this_o out_o of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n for_o some_o of_o that_o party_n be_v my_o special_a friend_n and_o i_o dear_o love_v they_o some_o be_v pious_a prudent_a and_o learned_a and_o i_o honour_v they_o much_o yet_o i_o desire_v they_o serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v and_o also_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o forecast_n what_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n if_o they_o do_v not_o unite_v more_o firm_o among_o themselves_o and_o combine_v with_o other_o pious_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o they_o may_v make_v perhaps_o five_o hundred_o or_o increase_v to_o a_o thousand_o independent_a congregation_n and_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n imagine_v that_o these_o can_v continue_v long_o without_o some_o subordination_n and_o certain_a rule_n of_o a_o former_a union_n and_o can_v this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o christian_a civil_a state_n if_o they_o be_v search_v out_o some_o better_a way_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o fix_v upon_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o find_v as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v intimate_v they_o be_v their_o proceed_n be_v more_o tolerable_a god_n have_v fearful_o punish_v divers_a of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o have_v be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o and_o some_o of_o their_o member_n fall_v off_o and_o have_v prove_v far_o worse_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v while_o they_o continue_v under_o their_o own_o pious_a minister_n section_n 3_o but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v their_o congregational_a extent_n for_o to_o that_o narrow_a compass_n they_o confine_v that_o church_n which_o must_v be_v the_o primary_n subject_n of_o this_o power_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o
let_v we_o keep_v communion_n and_o hearty_o serve_v our_o god_n humble_o implore_v his_o divine_a majesty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n that_o at_o length_n we_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o affection_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n section_n 8_o after_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o congregational_a extent_n as_o too_o narrow_a and_o of_o a_o universal_a as_o too_o large_a i_o proceed_v to_o say_v something_o of_o a_o national_a extent_n as_o a_o man_n between_o the_o congregationalist_n will_v censure_v it_o as_o too_o great_a by_o far_o the_o universalist_n as_o too_o little_a by_o much_o yet_o i_o shall_v willing_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o moderate_a pious_a judicious_a impartial_a man_n let_v they_o condemn_v i_o or_o acquit_v i_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v just_a cause_n first_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v treatise_n that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n be_v the_o government_n of_o man_n by_o man_n under_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n of_o god_n more_o immediate_a government_n i_o have_v speak_v in_o my_o divine_a politic_n where_o i_o show_v it_o be_v monarchical_a supreme_a universal_a and_o can_v be_v bound_v to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n for_o he_o be_v immense_a and_o not_o only_o virtual_o but_o actual_o present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o all_o time_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o govern_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o the_o universal_a sovereign_n but_o this_o be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o man_n but_o of_o angel_n therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v in_o heaven_n we_o know_v that_o when_o through_o his_o blessing_n mankind_n be_v multiple_v and_o especial_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o have_v replenish_v the_o earth_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a society_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o several_a independent_a tribunal_n we_o never_o find_v they_o under_o one_o neither_o do_v we_o in_o his_o word_n or_o work_n read_v of_o a_o catholic_n king_n over_o all_o nation_n nor_o of_o a_o universal_a bishop_n over_o all_o church_n howsoever_o some_o have_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o show_v their_o patent_n subscribe_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o heaven_n but_o suppose_v they_o can_v have_v acquire_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o never_o any_o do_v yet_o no_o one_o man_n no_o one_o council_n no_o one_o consistory_n have_v be_v able_a sufficient_o to_o manage_v so_o vast_a a_o power_n and_o in_o any_o tolerable_a manner_n to_o govern_v all_o mankind_n at_o one_o time_n live_v upon_o earth_n it_o seem_v good_a indeed_o to_o our_o wise_a god_n both_o in_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n to_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o some_o state_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n yet_o that_o very_a empire_n of_o so_o large_a extent_n take_v in_o but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o this_o appear_v plain_o now_o since_o by_o navigation_n some_o of_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o globe_n and_o both_o the_o hemisphere_n thereof_o have_v be_v discover_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a extent_n it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o of_o their_o wise_a prince_n the_o best_a policy_n cogere_fw-la terminos_fw-la imperii_fw-la to_o limit_v and_o bound_v it_o because_o they_o think_v the_o body_n of_o too_o big_a a_o bulk_n to_o be_v well_o order_v either_o by_o prince_n or_o senate_n or_o people_n or_o by_o all_o together_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o national_a community_n of_o christian_n may_v not_o lawful_o be_v subject_v to_o one_o supreme_a judicatory_a ecclesiastical_a to_o understand_v the_o question_n the_o better_a it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o a_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v national_a several_a way_n or_o in_o several_a respect_n as_o 1._o when_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nation_n do_v associate_n and_o unite_v in_o one_o body_n 2._o when_o these_o christian_n be_v the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o when_o the_o whole_a nation_n or_o the_o generality_n thereof_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v profess_v the_o same_o christian_n faith._n i_o will_v here_o suppose_v the_o major_a part_n or_o generality_n to_o be_v christian_n and_o the_o association_n and_o incorporation_n to_o be_v make_v by_o a_o tacit_n or_o explicit_a consent_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n yet_o this_o generality_n may_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o that_o there_o may_v in_o the_o same_o nation_n be_v find_v turk_n or_o mahometan_n pagan_n atheist_n jew_n which_o can_v be_v of_o this_o body_n and_o that_o also_o there_o may_v be_v some_o schism_n and_o separatition_n among_o such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v none_o this_o in_o my_o sense_n be_v a_o national_a community_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o church-confident_a before_o any_o form_n of_o external_a discipline_n be_v introduce_v 2._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o subjection_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v always_o in_o all_o nation_n bind_v by_o any_o divine_a precept_n to_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o that_o lawful_o according_a unto_o the_o scripture_n 3._o i_o understand_v that_o this_o subjection_n so_o as_o that_o every_o several_a member_n be_v subject_a not_o to_o one_o man_n or_o one_o party_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o either_o proper_o take_v or_o virtual_o for_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a which_o shall_v have_v power_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o make_v canon_n and_o in_o judgement_n to_o receive_v last_o appeal_n 4._o i_o understand_v the_o question_n of_o nation_n indefinite_o take_v for_o if_o any_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a extent_n as_o that_o one_o independent_a court_n may_v be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o inconvenient_a i_o rather_o exclude_v than_o include_v such_o for_o suppose_v all_o tartary_n shall_v be_v count_v one_o nation_n or_o all_o chinae_fw-la i_o conceive_v they_o be_v too_o large_a 5._o i_o mention_v only_o a_o national_a community_n for_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o classical_a and_o provincial_a must_v needs_o come_v in_o the_o congregational_a party_n i_o know_v hold_v the_o negative_a and_o here_o upon_o the_o by_o i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n for_o to_o answer_v mr._n parker_n seven_o argument_n for_o his_o congregational_a way_n it_o be_v take_v from_o politic_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o as_o little_a state_n be_v more_o easy_o and_o better_a govern_v then_o great_a one_o so_o be_v a_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v but_o of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n than_o a_o classical_a diocesan_n or_o provincial_a or_o national_a which_o be_v far_o great_a answ._n though_o less_o community_n may_v be_v better_o govern_v than_o one_o too_o great_a yet_o a_o great_a one_o of_o moderate_a extent_n may_v be_v better_o govern_v and_o defend_v than_o one_o that_o be_v too_o little_a for_o god_n one_o peculiar_a people_n and_o nation_n which_o be_v first_o under_o judge_n then_o under_o king_n be_v subject_a to_o one_o supreme_a tribunal_n for_o a_o long_a time_n above_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o afterward_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o yet_o it_o be_v better_o govern_v under_o one_o than_o under_o two_o when_o subject_a to_o one_o individual_a tribunal_n than_o when_o to_o two_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o section_n 9_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o we_o must_v note_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a precept_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o particular_o determine_v either_o the_o extent_n of_o place_n or_o number_n of_o person_n to_o which_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n be_v confine_v we_o do_v not_o find_v their_o either_o the_o minimum_fw-la or_o maximum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la therefore_o some_o latitude_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v 2._o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o reach_v those_o time_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n to_o fulfil_v those_o prophecy_n which_o promise_v 49.23_o that_o king_n shall_v become_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n of_o the_o church_n and_o she_o shall_v suck_v the_o breast_n of_o king_n who_o shall_v come_v unto_o her_o light_n 2._o when_o one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v hasten_v it_o in_o its_o time_n 22._o where_o one_o say_v he_o allude_v to_o the_o creation_n which_o he_o finish_v in_o six_o day_n hasten_v and_o can_v not_o rest_v and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n till_o all_o be_v end_v and_o