the_o apostle_n and_o their_o coadjutor_n be_v lead_v to_o this_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a convenience_n of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o where_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n come_v or_o a_o great_a benefit_n be_v lose_v by_o such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n than_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o can_v countervail_v there_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o it_o may_v be_v that_o be_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n at_o rome_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n as_o one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n within_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o the_o facto_fw-la i_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n then_o and_o there_o may_v have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n among_o they_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a §_o 18._o of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o nature_n whereof_o shall_v be_v open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o all_o have_v the_o government_n within_o themselves_o every_o state_v church_n have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o in_o christ_n name_n if_o a_o distinction_n of_o church_n into_o such_o as_o have_v pastoral_a government_n within_o they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v it_o not_o be_v assert_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o assertor_n from_o divine_a testimony_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o organical_a church_n have_v in_o it_o its_o authoritative_a teacher_n or_o guide_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o its_o ruler_n also_o for_o rule_v be_v but_o by_o teach_v and_o guide_v the_o small_a church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o its_o narrow_a sphere_n that_o the_o great_a church_n or_o any_o association_n of_o church_n have_v in_o their_o large_a sphere_n that_o be_v it_o have_v the_o same_o power_n intensive_o though_o not_o extensive_o indeed_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o large_a church_n and_o association_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o amplitude_n may_v be_v just_o esteem_v in_o degree_n more_o solemn_a august_n and_o venerable_n §_o 19_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n consider_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o in_o the_o frame_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a sublimity_n and_o amplitude_n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o such_o collective_a body_n conjunct_a with_o it_o or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o and_o who_o officer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n such_o as_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o as_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_z as_o diocesan_n church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o if_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la there_o be_v such_o church_n now_o as_o touch_v subordination_n in_o this_o kind_n what_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o humane_a right_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n either_o stated_o or_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la be_v not_o here_o examine_v but_o what_o be_v by_o divine_a right_n infer_v a_o obligation_n upon_o one_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o specific_a frame_n with_o itself_o sometime_o a_o church_n have_v be_v call_v a_o mother-church_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o church_n either_o because_o they_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o as_o swarm_n from_o a_o hive_n or_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n from_o it_o or_o because_o they_o have_v be_v erect_v by_o some_o send_v forth_o from_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o these_o latter_a church_n do_v owe_v a_o reverential_a regard_n and_o observance_n to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v call_v the_o mother-church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o such_o regard_n or_o observance_n every_o small_a or_o obscure_a church_n owe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o ample_a illustrious_a or_o renown_a but_o that_o the_o say_a mother_n church_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v a_o govern_v power_n over_o those_o church_n that_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o or_o that_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a church_n can_v claim_v the_o like_a over_o the_o small_a and_o obscure_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o proof_n but_o i_o judge_v the_o contrary_a because_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a diversity_n or_o disparity_n of_o condition_n they_o all_o rest_n upon_o the_o same_o basiâ—_n christ_n charter_n by_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o alike_o immediate_o give_v to_o all_o so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o all_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n and_o be_v equal_a now_o one_o equal_a have_v not_o govern_v power_n over_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a §_o 20._o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o different_a kind_n consider_v as_o touch_v the_o subordination_n of_o church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o as_o of_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n to_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a church_n be_v it_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o mere_o the_o incorporate_a society_n of_o a_o cathedral_n nor_o any_o one_o parcular_a church_n beside_o the_o parochial_a church_n nor_o be_v it_o material_o divers_a from_o they_o joint_o take_v nor_o the_o provincial_a church_n from_o the_o diocesan_n church_n nor_o the_o national_a church_n from_o the_o provincial_a church_n joint_o take_v but_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n they_o differ_v formal_o as_o be_v each_o of_o they_o one_o body_n politic_a constitute_v by_o the_o political_a compage_n of_o the_o church_n include_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o let_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v here_o reminded_a that_o each_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o political_a church_n or_o such_o as_o have_v its_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o thereupon_o the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o such_o a_o diocesan_n church_n as_o be_v the_o low_a that_o have_v government_n within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o that_o swallow_v hundred_o of_o political_a church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o still_o i_o desire_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o to_o give_v some_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a right_n indeed_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n mention_n he_o as_o ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n of_o what_o authority_n that_o postscript_n be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o where_o there_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v to_o be_v church_n in_o every_o city_n of_o crete_n and_o there_o be_v reckon_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o that_o no_o very_o large_a island_n and_o those_o church_n be_v political_a society_n within_o themselves_o have_n their_o proper_a elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o whole_a island_n make_v but_o one_o large_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o the_o say_v particular_a church_n in_o every_o city_n under_o titus_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v a_o provincial_a church_n under_o one_o archbishop_n now_o if_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o the_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
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
be_v a_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n indeed_o in_o that_o case_n the_o christian_n take_v personal_o be_v member_n not_o sever_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spiritual_a society_n which_o they_o make_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o real_o sever_v from_o it_o when_o a_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o they_o remain_v distinct_a society_n notwithstanding_o the_o intimate_a conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o formal_a state_n from_o each_o other_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o commonwealth_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o church_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v the_o former_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o humane_a law_n and_o compact_n and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n diverse_o endue_v with_o temporal_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o civil_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o divine_a law_n not_o only_o natural_a but_o positive_a and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n spiritual_o distinguish_v and_o endue_v with_o spiritual_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o spiritual_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o hereupon_o none_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o none_o become_v cives_fw-la or_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n indeed_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n ultimate_o intend_v those_o high_a and_o excellent_a end_n which_o the_o church_n do_v next_o and_o immediate_o viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o procure_v the_o same_o in_o its_o own_o way_n as_o the_o church_n do_v in_o its_o way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n must_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o civil_a administration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n and_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o magistrate_n and_o christianity_n do_v influence_n its_o professor_n consider_v as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o respect_n such_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v attain_v a_o more_o excellent_a state_n and_o exist_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a mode_n than_o other_o commonwealth_n nevertheless_o the_o church_n be_v another_o and_o high_a thing_n than_o that_o high_a mode_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o christian_a and_o have_v a_o essential_o different_a polity_n be_v a_o society_n of_o another_o foundation_n and_o specifical_o different_a constitution_n it_o be_v questionable_a to_o say_v the_o least_o whether_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o civil_a such_o as_o be_v the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a within_o his_o dominion_n but_o of_o power_n formal_o spiritual_a and_o if_o both_o spiritual_a and_o civil_a power_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o that_o person_n though_o natural_o but_o one_o will_v be_v political_o two_o and_o the_o people_n subordinate_a to_o he_o in_o those_o two_o capacity_n though_o they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v two_o society_n distinguish_v in_o their_o essential_a form_n when_o the_o commonwealth_n fail_v the_o church_n may_v still_o subsist_v and_o when_o the_o church_n fail_v the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o subsist_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v a_o theocracy_n suffer_v a_o intercision_n during_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n yet_o their_o church_n then_o remain_v though_o it_o be_v great_o wound_v it_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v no_o commonwealth_n of_o themselves_o but_o a_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n their_o ecclesiastical_a society_n and_o polity_n stand_v entire_a till_o it_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v strict_o for_o that_o which_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o see_v only_o but_o of_o other_o sensitive_a perception_n or_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n admit_v not_o this_o distinction_n because_o they_o be_v constitute_v in_o their_o formal_a be_v by_o thing_n that_o do_v appear_v outward_o but_o this_o of_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v in_o its_o formal_a be_v primary_o by_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o do_v not_o appear_v outward_o and_o but_o secondary_o by_o thing_n that_o appear_v as_o expression_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reside_v in_o they_o all_o and_o through_o faith_n unfeigned_a towards_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o holy_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a glory_n now_o the_o say_a qualification_n relation_n and_o privilege_n be_v in_o themselves_o hide_v from_o man_n knowledge_n and_o judgement_n do_v primary_o constitute_v the_o church_n which_o be_v thereupon_o in_o its_o primary_n consideration_n a_o society_n mystical_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeneration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o by_o the_o symbol_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o this_o external_a constitution_n which_o be_v necessary_a though_o it_o be_v not_o primary_n it_o be_v name_v visible_a so_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a be_v not_o two_o society_n but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o divers_a formal_a consideration_n and_o constitution_n the_o one_o primary_n the_o other_o secondary_a and_o the_o former_a be_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a but_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o former_a these_o two_o distinct_a consideration_n or_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o the_o same_o society_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o each_o other_o but_o the_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o in_o its_o invisible_a form_n for_o many_o profess_v christianity_n or_o dedication_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o real_o that_o be_v hearty_o and_o entire_o so_o dedicate_v this_o society_n as_o understand_v in_o the_o complete_a notion_n thereof_o can_v be_v extend_v any_o further_a than_o its_o primary_n that_o be_v its_o invisible_a form_n do_v reach_v whatsoever_o lie_v without_o that_o compass_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n without_o the_o substance_n the_o image_n without_o the_o life_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o it_o mere_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o it_o not_o adequate_o univocal_o and_o simple_o but_o inadequate_o analogical_o &_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la they_o that_o upon_o their_o credible_a profession_n be_v of_o this_o society_n but_o analogical_o as_o to_o the_o external_a form_n only_o have_v just_a right_n and_o title_n to_o its_o external_a privilege_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o disposedness_n before_o they_o that_o can_v discern_v and_o direct_o judge_v only_o of_o thing_n that_o appear_v outward_o so_o that_o if_o man_n debar_v they_o of_o those_o privilege_n they_o do_v they_o wrong_n for_o though_o god_n allow_v they_o not_o and_o thâ—y_v have_v no_o right_n in_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v always_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o not_o bate_v appearance_n yet_o he_o have_v command_v man_n to_o admit_v they_o and_o consequent_o give_v they_o right_o before_o man_n credible_a profession_n in_o whatsoever_o degree_n high_a or_o low_o can_v ground_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n
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
because_o it_o can_v be_v see_v without_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n no_o more_o may_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n judge_v invisible_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o this_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o other_o external_a sense_n but_o also_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n or_o certain_a perception_n or_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n and_o judgement_n §_o 9_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o as_o secular_a kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v autonomical_a that_o be_v have_v within_o itself_o that_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o spiritual_a polity_n but_o it_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o law_n giver_n indeed_o as_o it_o include_v christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o he_o autonomical_a but_o here_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n visible_a upon_o earth_n and_o abstract_v from_o its_o head_n nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v in_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o spâ—câ—â—_n but_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n the_o spiritual_a authority_n seat_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n so_o as_o to_o descend_v from_o it_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n and_o communication_n to_o particular_a church_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o seat_v in_o the_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o similar_v part_n of_o one_o political_a body_n the_o church_n catholic_n the_o church_n catholic_n be_v as_o one_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a kingdom_n have_v one_o supreme_a lord_n one_o body_n of_o lawâ—_n one_o form_n of_o government_n one_o way_n of_o enrollment_n into_o it_o and_o subject_n who_o have_v freedom_n throughout_o the_o whole_a extent_n thereof_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o always_o and_o actual_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n but_o have_v no_o terrene_a universal_a administrator_n or_o vicegerent_n personal_a or_o collective_a but_o several_a administrator_n in_o the_o several_a province_n or_o part_n thereof_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o authority_n respect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n radical_o or_o fundamental_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v ordinary_o in_o their_o own_o state_v limit_n and_o occasional_o any_o where_n else_o according_a to_o a_o due_a call_n and_o order_n wherefore_o though_o it_o be_v one_o political_a society_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v one_o terrestrial_a vicarious_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a have_v legislation_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o indeed_o no_o terrestrial_a head_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o government_n and_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n and_o lord_n be_v powerful_o present_a throughout_o the_o whole_a by_o his_o spirit_n cause_v that_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n be_v not_o want_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o be_v universal_a officer_n have_v apostolic_a authority_n not_o only_o radical_o or_o habitual_o but_o actual_o also_o over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o immediate_o commission_v by_o christ_n under_o he_o to_o erect_v his_o church_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o religion_n even_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o this_o office_n be_v but_o temporary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o this_o society_n §_o 10._o the_o headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n examine_v by_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o dominion_n and_o desporick_n power_n over_o it_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n nor_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o it_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n by_o which_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v final_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o king_n but_o christ_n i_o exclude_v headship_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o not_o fit_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o general_a council_n be_v supreme_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o dispensatory_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o have_v a_o supreme_a ministry_n or_o geconomy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o the_o same_o not_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v christ_n alone_a but_o as_o from_o the_o first_o receptacle_n thereof_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authoritative_a regulation_n and_o determination_n and_o final_o accountable_a to_o it_o for_o their_o administration_n who_o can_v affirm_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v be_v ever_o in_o be_v the_o council_n that_o have_v bear_v that_o name_n be_v convention_n of_o bishop_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_o some_o very_o few_o that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o those_o live_n near_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v true_o ecumenical_a or_o just_a representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o right_n of_o vote_v therein_o but_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o rightful_a member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o what_o if_o no_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n meet_v upon_o a_o summons_n to_o a_o general_n council_n than_o do_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n may_v such_o a_o convention_n be_v call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o all_o may_v come_v that_o will_v when_o so_o small_a a_o number_n come_v as_o be_v comparative_o nothing_o to_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o can_v the_o convention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n suppose_v as_o many_o as_o meet_v in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v just_o call_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o carry_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o when_o it_o bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o their_o freedom_n of_o access_n but_o their_o actual_a convening_n at_o least_o in_o a_o proportionable_a number_n that_o can_v just_o give_v the_o denomination_n and_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n will_v not_o come_v to_o a_o general_n council_n call_v by_o the_o mandate_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n especial_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n as_o ethiopia_n and_o india_n &_o c_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o come_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v summon_v in_o another_o especial_o a_o remote_a empire_n or_o dominionâ—_n moreover_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o come_v which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n or_o the_o length_n of_o the_o journey_n or_o insuperable_a difficulty_n or_o utter_a incapacity_n though_o the_o most_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n yet_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o assembly_n beside_o the_o ancient_a general_n council_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n may_v convene_v in_o a_o considerable_a number_n yet_o the_o number_n from_o the_o western_a part_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o as_o none_o comparative_o to_o a_o just_a proportion_n let_v it_o be_v hereupon_o consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v a_o just_a representative_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v include_v in_o that_o empire_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o observe_v what_o number_n of_o bishop_n be_v ordinary_o congregat_v in_o the_o many_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o within_o
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
either_o by_o the_o immediate_a agency_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v 14.23_o or_o of_o other_o by_o their_o appointment_n tit._n 1.5_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_a that_o every_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o act_n of_o government_n be_v a_o whole_a political_a church_n for_o some_o such_o congregation_n may_v be_v only_a part_n of_o a_o church_n meeting_n according_a to_o convenience_n but_o still_o the_o say_v personal_a communion_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n over_o the_o whole_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n as_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o it_o may_v be_v several_a hundred_o state_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o sole_a bishop_n the_o aforesaid_a presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o member_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n among_o themselves_o either_o simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n nor_o of_o the_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o necessary_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture-precedent_n or_o divine_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o §_o 15._o the_o due_a place_n of_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n ordinary_o the_o place_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o city_n and_o from_o the_o city_n the_o church_n ordinary_o take_v its_o denomination_n nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o city_n the_o only_a proper_a mansion_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o no_o village_n can_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n mention_n a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city-church_n viz_o that_o at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o the_o haven_n of_o corinth_n city_n be_v place_n of_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n have_v ordinary_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o first_o afford_v the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o more_o convert_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o beside_o other_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n without_o a_o particular_a divine_a command_n will_v direct_v those_o master-builder_n the_o apostle_n to_o erect_v church_n in_o city_n howbeit_o the_o city-churche_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o respective_a city_n but_o common_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_n both_o of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o but_o make_v up_o one_o competent_a congregation_n or_o in_o its_o number_n it_o do_v not_o exceed_v one_o of_o our_o parish_n though_o some_o very_a few_o church_n quick_o grow_v numerous_a yet_o most_o rational_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o exceed_v many_o nor_o equal_v some_o of_o our_o very_a populous_a parish_n here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o city_n be_v any_o town_n corporate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o that_o have_v christian_n in_o any_o competent_a number_n have_v a_o state_v church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o then_o as_o now_o that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v but_o that_o every_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a or_o place_n of_o confluence_n of_o people_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n shall_v have_v its_o church_n with_o its_o proper_a bishop_n §_o 16._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a political_a society_n as_o city_n in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a this_o similitude_n hold_v in_o the_o main_a but_o not_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v and_o its_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n and_o as_o every_o city_n be_v a_o distinct_a body-politick_a under_o the_o king_n and_o have_v from_o he_o its_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v so_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o distinct_a political_a society_n under_o christ_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o he_o by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n the_o erect_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a political_a society_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n authorize_v agent_n for_o erect_v his_o special_a kingdom_n the_o church_n and_o guide_v therein_o by_o his_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o by_o other_o at_o their_o direction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v a_o sufficient_a charter_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n wherever_o there_o be_v fit_a material_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n require_v the_o parcel_a the_o church_n universal_a into_o such_o distinct_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n that_o church-communion_n and_o pastoral_n superintendency_n may_v not_o be_v transient_a and_o uncertain_a but_o permanent_a and_o certain_a the_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n may_v have_v their_o special_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la here_o note_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o call_v distinct_a political_a society_n that_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o charter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o divers_a but_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n among_o they_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o a_o magistrate_n of_o one_o city_n be_v not_o a_o citizen_n magistrate_n or_o officer_n in_o all_o city_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n but_o a_o member_n or_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o habitual_a or_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v a_o member_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n as_o have_v be_v above_o note_v particular_a church_n though_o they_o consist_v of_o dissimilar_v part_n be_v all_o of_o they_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n partake_v of_o its_o name_n and_o nature_n whereas_o city_n be_v dissimilar_v part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n wherewith_o they_o be_v natural_o capable_a of_o communion_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o local_a bound_n of_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o holy_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o that_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v necessary_o parcel_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o such_o communion_n be_v the_o end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n from_o each_o other_o than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o moreover_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n not_o more_o populous_a nor_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o to_o allow_v personal_a communion_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o sever_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o local_a precinct_n common_o make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o bound_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o precinct_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a when_o some_o special_a reason_n do_v not_o compel_v to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o reason_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o invariable_a though_o
you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n as_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o passage_n here_o allege_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a book_n of_o ordinanion_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o church_n till_o the_o late_a alteration_n make_v anno_fw-la 1662._o if_o those_o alteration_n signify_v another_o meaning_n about_o the_o several_a holy_a order_n than_o what_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o old_a book_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o time_n differ_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o all_o time_n precede_v the_o say_a alteration_n but_o if_o they_o signify_v no_o other_o meaning_n than_o what_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o old_a book_n my_o citation_n be_v of_o force_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o church_n as_o well_o of_o the_o present_a as_o of_o the_o former_a time_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o let_v this_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o the_o form_n of_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n import_v not_o the_o confer_v of_o a_o high_a power_n or_o a_o authorise_a to_o any_o special_a work_n more_o than_o to_o what_o the_o presbyter_n be_v authorize_v the_o old_a form_n be_v take_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o remember_v that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o feaâ—_n but_o of_o power_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o soberness_n what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n that_o may_v not_o be_v use_v to_o a_o presbyter_n at_o his_o ordination_n or_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o expressive_a of_o more_o power_n than_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o presbyter_n the_o new_a form_n since_o the_o late_a alteration_n be_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o commit_v to_o thou_o by_o imposition_n of_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_o and_o remember_v that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o this_o imposition_n of_o our_o hand_n f_z r_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o soberness_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o form_n that_o be_v expressive_a of_o any_o office_n power_n that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v not_o unless_o these_o word_n for_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n now_o both_o the_o name_n and_o work_v and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n belong_v to_o the_o scripture-presbyte_a who_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o presbyter_n to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v be_v but_o a_o humane_a creature_n or_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n §_o 7._o of_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n a_o diocesan_n bishop_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a state_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a degree_n have_v under_o he_o parish-minister_n that_o be_v presbyter_n or_o priest_n but_o not_o account_v bishop_n and_o by_o divine_a right_n claim_v to_o himself_o alone_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n over_o all_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o minister_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o may_v contain_v a_o hundred_o two_o hundred_o five_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o parish_n for_o a_o episcopacy_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o discern_v no_o scripture-warrant_a nor_o divine_a right_n every_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n and_o particular_a church_n with_o their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v so_o evident_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o some_o eminent_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o no_o form_n of_o church-government_n beside_o the_o mere_a pastoral_a office_n and_o church-assembly_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o various_a condition_n and_o occasion_n of_o several_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o parochial_a congregation_n be_v not_o church_n but_o only_a part_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n i_o desire_v proof_n from_o scripture_n that_o such_o congregation_n as_o our_o parish_n have_v their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o reason_n of_o demand_v this_o proof_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o church_n though_o the_o accident_n thereto_o belong_v may_v be_v regulate_v by_o humane_a prudence_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christian_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o a_o parochial_a minister_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n presbyter_n or_o elder_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n moreover_o if_o a_o diocese_n contain_v many_o hundred_o or_o perhaps_o a_o thousand_o parish_n as_o it_o do_v in_o england_n do_v constitute_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v account_v church_n but_o only_o so_o many_o part_n of_o that_o one_o diocesan_n church_n why_o may_v not_o ten_o thousand_o yea_o ten_o time_n ten_o thousand_o parish_n be_v likewise_o account_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o bring_v under_o one_o man_n as_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o nor_o do_v i_o discern_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n towards_o so_o many_o parish_n which_o be_v to_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n to_o preach_v to_o they_o all_o to_o baptize_v and_o confirm_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o confirm_v to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o to_o bless_v the_o congregation_n public_o and_o private_o to_o admonish_v all_o as_o their_o need_n require_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o impenitent_a to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o that_o upon_o knowledge_n of_o their_o particular_a estate_n for_o all_o these_o be_v pastoral_a or_o episcopal_a act_n and_o let_v it_o here_o be_v note_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n infimi_fw-la gradus_fw-la or_o under_o who_o there_o be_v no_o subordinate_a bishop_n if_o such_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n say_v it_o suffice_v that_o he_o perform_v all_o this_o to_o the_o flock_n by_o other_o namely_o by_o the_o parish_n minister_v as_o his_o curate_n and_o by_o other_o officer_n his_o substitute_n it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o pastoral_a authority_n be_v a_o personal_a trust_n 2._o he_o be_v to_o show_v his_o commission_n from_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o pastor_n to_o do_v his_o work_n by_o other_o for_o i_o be_o now_o inquire_v what_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o not_o of_o humane_a right_n 3._o none_o but_o a_o bishop_n can_v do_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o consequent_o the_o presbyter_n by_o who_o the_o diocesan_n do_v his_o work_n either_o be_v bishop_n or_o their_o act_n be_v a_o usurpation_n and_o a_o nullity_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o divine_a right_o only_o that_o be_v here_o consider_v as_o for_o the_o humane_a right_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n to_o wit_n his_o dignity_n and_o his_o jurisdiction_n under_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o to_o which_o he_o be_v entitle_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o intermeddle_v not_o therewith_o §_o 8._o of_o a_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o a_o bishop_n infimi_fw-la gradus_fw-la rule_v over_o many_o church_n as_o their_o sole_a hishop_n or_o pastor_n have_v be_v consider_v and_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n such_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n as_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o bishop_n or_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v real_o of_o this_o kind_n though_o he_o will_v not_o own_v it_o for_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o presbyter_n who_o be_v real_o bishop_n if_o they_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o presbyter_n that_o the_o scripture_n mention_n but_o if_o the_o presbyter_n which_o in_o the_o hierarchical_a state_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n they_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v
it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o peter_n be_v a_o fix_a bishop_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n no_o more_o be_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n fix_v bishop_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o employ_v and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o make_v frequent_a remove_n §._o 10._o of_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n except_o in_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o those_o postscript_n be_v take_v for_o no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o if_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o object_v error_n about_o the_o place_n from_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v they_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v paul_n own_o word_n and_o write_v by_o he_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v moreover_o the_o travel_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n nor_o the_o settle_a overseer_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o passage_n 1_o tim._n 1.3_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n and_z tit._n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n show_v a_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a employment_n and_o whatsoever_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o these_o text_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v bishop_n of_o those_o place_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o sound_v like_o the_o fix_v of_o they_o each_o in_o their_o proper_a diocese_n the_o name_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v express_o give_v to_o one_o of_o they_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o the_o work_n enjoin_v both_o of_o they_o and_o according_o perform_v by_o they_o be_v throughout_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o office_n now_o by_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n compare_v together_o we_o find_v the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n to_o be_v partly_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o agent_n or_o adjunct_n they_o be_v and_o partly_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o office_n be_v include_v in_o they_o their_o work_n in_o common_a with_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o plant_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n by_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n they_o have_v be_v well_o call_v apostle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o do_v this_o vice-apostolick_a service_n they_o do_v also_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o teach_v and_o rule_v but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n do_v it_o stated_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v but_o these_o transient_o in_o several_a church_n which_o they_o be_v send_v to_o erect_v or_o establish_v or_o to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n therein_o as_o the_o apostle_n see_v need_v or_o if_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o in_o a_o office_n essential_o divers_a from_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o extraordinary_a service_n as_o be_v the_o apostle_n agent_n and_o be_v in_o that_o capacity_n may_v have_v their_o intrinsic_a spiritual_a power_n enlarge_v to_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o high_a pitch_n of_o exercise_n than_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n howbeit_o i_o rather_o judge_v that_o they_o have_v a_o office_n specifical_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n because_o in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o the_o several_a sacred_a office_n paul_n mention_n the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n as_o a_o distinct_a kind_n from_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n over_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o as_o they_o be_v the_o apostle_n assistant_n or_o as_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a officer_n but_o as_o ordinary_a superior_n it_o will_v indeed_o follow_v that_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n nevertheless_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n of_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o the_o scripture-bishop_n be_v remain_v unshaken_a §_o 11._o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n another_o allegation_n for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n be_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o to_o which_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v by_o those_o of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n as_o that_o those_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v bishop_n nor_o any_o where_o imply_v to_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o present_a vulgar_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o denomination_n of_o angel_n and_o star_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_a that_o in_o mysterious_a or_o prophetic_a write_n and_o visional_a representation_n a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o singular_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o term_n angel_n be_v explain_v under_o that_o plurality_n you_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n apoc._n 2.24_o but_o to_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o be_v a_o collective_a name_n express_v all_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n also_o some_o observe_v that_o it_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n be_v express_v wherein_o one_o be_v set_v as_o chief_a over_o such_o a_o country_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o many_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o angel_n precedent_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o many_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n act_n 20.28_o against_o this_o some_o say_v that_o the_o elder_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n then_o gather_v together_o at_o ephesus_n and_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o miletum_n but_o 1._o this_o be_v affirm_v altogether_o without_o proof_n 2._o the_o text_n say_v paul_n send_v from_o miletum_n to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o rational_a interpretation_n must_v be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o send_v 3._o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o asia_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o scripture_n though_o we_o find_v the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n call_v a_o church_n yet_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n do_v ever_o make_v a_o plurality_n of_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n give_v of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o ephesus_n when_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n hold_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o send_v for_o he_o for_o he_o be_v already_o present_a with_o he_o and_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o travel_n nor_o do_v he_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v send_v for_o 6._o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o those_o elder_n who_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v bishop_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o vulgar_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n when_o she_o appoint_v that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n some_o say_v that_o by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o may_v be_v either_o for_o a_o time_n or_o always_o the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o the_o king_n send_v a_o message_n to_o the_o parliament_n he_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o speaker_n now_o such_o a_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n make_v nothing_o for_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n §_o 12._o a_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o of_o a_o general_a minister_n concern_v the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n such_o as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o query_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v temporary_a or_o perpetual_a a_o eminent_a hierarchical_a divine_a say_v that_o evangelist_n be_v presbyter_n of_o principal_a sufficiency_n who_o the_o apostle_n send_v abroad_o and_o use_v as_o agent_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherever_o they_o see_v need_v now_o this_o description_n do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o a_o specifical_o
be_v refer_v to_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n other_o precept_n give_v they_o be_v above_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o erect_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o govern_v such_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n be_v bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n or_o general_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o vice-apostolick_a office_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v barnabas_n silas_n apollo_n titus_n timothy_n and_o epaphroditus_n and_o other_o ambrose_n on_o eph._n 4._o say_v they_o be_v style_v evangelist_n who_o do_v evangelizare_fw-la sine_fw-la cathedra_fw-la it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o then_o they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o residence_n §_o 10._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n it_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o that_o of_o presbyter_n whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a name_n make_v use_v of_o in_o a_o mystical_a book_n and_o that_o the_o say_v name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n gregory_n the_o great_a l._n 34._o mor._n on_o joâ—_n c._n 4._o say_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o name_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o not_o individual_o augustine_n homily_n on_o the_o apoc_n on_o these_o word_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n say_v that_o john_n call_v the_o church_n the_o angel_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o pagano-christian_a empire_n be_v call_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n the_o whore_n so_o angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indication_n that_o not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o company_n be_v represent_v under_o this_o name_n rev._n 2.10_o 16_o 24_o 25._o 3._o beza_n say_v that_o this_o angel_n be_v only_o praeses_fw-la indeed_o he_o to_o who_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o say_v he_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n this_o priority_n or_o presidency_n be_v in_o history_n observe_v to_o have_v begin_v first_o at_o alexandria_n the_o people_n whereof_o above_o other_o man_n be_v give_v to_o schism_n and_o sedition_n as_o socrates_n say_v of_o they_o l_o 7._o c._n 13._o if_o this_o presidency_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n howbeit_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o priority_n or_o presidency_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n and_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n as_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o afterward_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n now_o whereas_o i_o call_v the_o imparity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o with_o he_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n still_o remain_v unprove_v for_o aught_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n namely_o that_o these_o angel_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n set_v over_o divers_a settle_a church_n or_o fix_v congregation_n with_o their_o pastor_n or_o that_o they_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o bishop_n but_o whether_o such_o as_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o age._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o a_o general_a officer_n of_o many_o church_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o roll_a bishop_n who_o have_v their_o proper_a state_v church_n cypr._n in_o conc._n carth._n say_v none_o of_o we_o call_v himself_o or_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o tyrannical_a terror_n drive_v his_o colleague_n to_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v 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 do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trall_n say_v what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o sacred_a assembly_n of_o the_o councillor_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n at_o rome_n that_o do_v preside_v with_o he_o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o episcopacy_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o your_o counsel_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n 4._o conc._n carthag_n 23._o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o cleric_o council_n caâ—thag_fw-mi c._n 22._o let_v not_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v clericks_n without_o a_o council_n of_o his_o cleric_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n it_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o renounce_v the_o ancient_a government_n receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o name_n thereof_o which_o have_v continue_v the_o same_o till_o now_o but_o not_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v nonconformist_n who_o think_v they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n than_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o present_a hierarchy_n be_v and_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a may_v they_o be_v permit_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v here_o in_o a_o short_a scheme_n tender_v to_o consideration_n and_o proof_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v of_o each_o particular_a here_o assert_v touch_v the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n a_o political_a church_n constitute_v as_o well_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o divine_a worship_n be_v one_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n in_o these_o time_n the_o low_a political_a church_n be_v a_o diocese_n usual_o consist_v of_o many_o hundred_o parish_n have_v according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n no_o bishop_n but_o the_o diocesan_n yet_o these_o parish_n be_v state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v real_o so_o many_o particular_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o present_a age_n bishop_n that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v bishop_n of_o many_o hundred_o church_n which_o kind_n of_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n as_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n from_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o single_a company_n 3._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n over_o his_o own_o church_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n even_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n namely_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
will_v not_o be_v some_o say_v that_o in_o the_o old_a law_n the_o least_o ceremony_n prescribe_v of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o assertion_n i_o do_v not_o now_o so_o far_o examine_v as_o to_o declare_v my_o assent_n or_o dissent_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o as_o prescribe_v of_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o further_a reason_n for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o god_n can_v prescribe_v a_o mere_a adjunct_n of_o worship_n but_o it_o must_v thereby_o lose_v its_o formal_a state_n or_o become_v formal_o another_o thing_n viz._n a_o matter_n of_o worship_n but_o think_v it_o may_v remain_v in_o its_o own_o state_n a_o mere_a adjunct_n still_o nevertheless_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o divine_o prescribe_a adjunct_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o every_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o such_o may_v be_v so_o call_v but_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o worship_n not_o in_o so_o large_a but_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n §_o 17._o of_o sacred_a sign_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o divine_a worship_n a_o sign_n be_v something_o more_o know_v show_v another_o thing_n less_o know_v or_o that_o which_o be_v more_o open_a discover_v something_o more_o latent_fw-la or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o do_v further_o clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v alike_o evident_a there_o be_v sign_n natural_a and_o customary_a and_o institute_v and_o arbitrary_a and_o state_v and_o occasional_a as_o thing_n signify_v so_o sign_n be_v either_o sacred_a or_o common_a and_o as_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o there_o may_v be_v sign_n of_o worship_n and_o sign_n immediate_o expressive_a of_o worship_n be_v worship_n for_o all_o external_a worship_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o internal_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o feign_v and_o ceremony_n that_o signify_v or_o express_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v ceremonial_a worship_n but_o all_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v not_o worship_n because_o they_o do_v not_o all_o signify_v or_o express_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o significant_a ceremony_n that_o be_v part_n of_o worship_n i_o reckon_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v confess_o a_o sign_n of_o our_o dedication_n to_o christ_n §_o 18._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o distinction_n of_o holiness_n holiness_n in_o creature_n signify_v either_o a_o quality_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n which_o be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n or_o the_o relation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v his_o in_o a_o special_a sense_n or_o separate_v to_o his_o use_n be_v call_v holy_a as_o first_o person_n either_o more_o general_o devote_v to_o he_o and_o that_o hearty_o as_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n or_o profess_o as_o all_o visible_a christian_n or_o else_o by_o special_a office_n as_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a and_o now_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o thing_n some_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a command_n other_o by_o general_a direction_n to_o man_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o remote_o other_o more_z near_o set_v apart_o unto_o he_o thing_n more_o near_o or_o strict_o devote_v to_o god_n be_v temple_n utensil_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v holy_a be_v just_o relate_v to_o god_n by_o lawful_a separation_n minister_n be_v more_o holy_a than_o these_o because_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o god_n thing_n remote_o or_o more_o at_o large_a devote_a to_o god_n be_v the_o meat_n drink_v house_n land_n labour_n office_n etc._n etc._n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a who_o with_o himself_o devote_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o god_n indeed_o as_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v of_o god_n to_o a_o believer_n so_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o a_o believer_n unto_o god_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o thing_n be_v ordinary_o understand_v of_o thing_n not_o remote_o and_o at_o large_a and_o ultimate_o but_o more_o near_o and_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n devote_v to_o god_n some_o say_v such_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n to_o holy_a use_n that_o the_o thing_n may_v no_o more_o be_v alienate_v be_v proper_a holiness_n but_o other_o think_v this_o too_o narrow_a a_o description_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o temporary_a separation_n as_o well_o as_o perpetual_a to_o holy_a use_n as_o here_o strict_o take_v for_o those_o only_a that_o more_o near_o respect_n god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o not_o for_o all_o use_n ultimate_o respect_v god_n honour_n in_o which_o large_a sense_n by_o the_o holy_a all_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v use_v to_o holy_a use_n some_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o sacred_a that_o accompany_v religious_a worship_n in_o a_o way_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o thing_n as_o time_n place_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n thing_n use_v in_o religious_a service_n may_v be_v civil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o they_o do_v not_o then_o alter_v their_o matter_n or_o form_n but_o only_o their_o subject_n to_o which_o they_o be_v adjunct_n to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o thing_n consider_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v physical_o be_v neither_o civil_a nor_o sacred_a but_o be_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o according_a to_o their_o relation_n and_o application_n therefore_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o species_n physical_o consider_v may_v be_v sometime_o civil_a and_o sometime_o sacred_a according_a to_o their_o different_a use_n and_o relation_n as_o the_o same_o physical_a act_n that_o be_v but_o civil_a reverence_n in_o a_o civil_a affair_n may_v be_v religious_a reverence_n in_o a_o religious_a service_n they_o accompany_v religion_n in_o a_o way_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o action_n physical_o but_o not_o moral_o or_o relative_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n out_o of_o god_n service_n as_o in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v the_o same_o use_n of_o man_n eye_n in_o read_v one_o book_n as_o in_o read_v another_o the_o answer_n be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n physical_o but_o not_o relative_o and_o moral_o for_o explain_v the_o former_a paragraph_n be_v it_o note_v that_o religion_n presuppose_v civility_n and_o consequent_o holy_a thing_n and_o action_n require_v civil_a thing_n and_o action_n as_o inferior_a attendant_n thereon_o religious_a worship_n or_o divine_a service_n must_v needs_o be_v accompany_v with_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a civil_a import_n which_o do_v not_o thereupon_o alter_v their_o state_n from_o civil_a to_o sacred_a as_o the_o civil_a habit_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n the_o civil_a order_n of_o their_o sit_v according_a to_o their_o several_a rank_n and_o other_o civil_a decency_n observe_v in_o holy_a assembly_n that_o still_o remain_v but_o mere_a civility_n for_o they_o be_v not_o apply_v nor_o relate_v to_o religion_n as_o adjunct_n to_o a_o subject_a nor_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o holy_a use_n or_o end_n otherwise_o then_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v refer_v ultimate_o to_o a_o holy_a end_n only_o they_o be_v requisite_a to_o accompany_v religion_n in_o their_o low_a state_n of_o civility_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o in_o civil_a affair_n be_v mere_o civil_a yet_o in_o religious_a exercise_n be_v religious_a their_o relative_n state_n be_v alter_v for_o that_o they_o be_v direct_o apply_v to_o a_o religious_a or_o holy_a use_n and_o end_n as_o bow_v of_o the_o body_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o the_o eye_n stand_v up_o be_v physical_o the_o same_o be_v sacred_a action_n be_v apply_v to_o divine_a worship_n and_o civil_a when_o apply_v to_o civil_a repect_n every_o thing_n shall_v be_v reverence_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o its_o holiness_n the_o second_o part_n of_o idolatry_n §_o 1._o of_o superstition_n in_o general_n as_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o religion_n so_o there_o be_v a_o excess_n and_o this_o be_v call_v superstition_n this_o excess_n be_v not_o in_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o religion_n for_o we_o can_v too_o much_o observe_v reverence_n and_o love_n god_n but_o either_o in_o the_o undueness_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o act_n thereof_o internal_a or_o external_n excess_n in_o the_o undueness_n of_o the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v idolatry_n excess_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n thereof_o lie_v in_o the_o inward_a anxiety_n scrupulosity_n or_o other_o exorbitant_a fancy_n about_o it_o the_o excess_n in_o the_o external_n act_n be_v either_o in_o the_o kind_a or_o the_o measure_n thereof_o in_o the_o kind_a as_o be_v forbid_v either_o in_o particular_a or_o in_o general_a in_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o for_o the_o kind_a be_v lawful_a as_o when_o it_o be_v to_o the_o
who_o have_v receive_v it_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o it_o yet_o not_o under_o the_o constraint_n of_o a_o vow_n but_o free_o for_o those_o holy_a and_o good_a eâ—ds_n which_o be_v best_a obtain_v by_o it_o except_o some_o special_a reason_n as_o aforesaid_a do_v oblige_v they_o to_o marry_o but_o let_v they_o know_v that_o in_o use_v their_o gift_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v the_o distinction_n between_o counsel_n and_o precept_n in_o this_o and_o other_o matter_n be_v but_o vain_a for_o it_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o all_o to_o do_v their_o utmost_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o and_o other_o good_a §_o 16._o as_o self-devised_n religiousness_n by_o degree_n increase_v among_o christian_n according_o many_o rigorous_a prohibition_n and_o limitation_n about_o marry_v both_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a be_v devise_v many_o of_o the_o ancient_n both_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o heretic_n be_v averse_a to_o or_o at_o least_o not_o much_o please_v with_o second_o successive_a marriage_n either_o in_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o penance_n for_o the_o same_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o some_o council_n the_o scripture_n say_v marriage_n be_v honourable_a in_o all_o without_o exception_n thereby_o show_v that_o no_o condition_n of_o life_n put_v a_o bar_n to_o it_o against_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o if_o no_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v a_o bar_n thereunto_o why_o shall_v former_a marriage_n be_v so_o the_o scripture_n express_o assert_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o second_o marriage_n rom._n 7.3_o if_o a_o woman_n while_o her_o husband_n live_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o adulteress_n but_o if_o her_o husband_n be_v dead_a she_o be_v free_a from_o that_o law_n so_o that_o she_o be_v no_o adulteress_n though_o she_o be_v marry_v to_o another_o man_n st._n paul_n say_v of_o widow_n 2_o cor._n 7.9_o if_o they_o can_v contain_v let_v they_o marry_v verse_n 39_o a_o wife_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n as_o long_o as_o her_o husband_n live_v but_o if_o her_o husband_n he_o dead_a she_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o be_v marry_v to_o who_o she_o will_v only_o in_o the_o lord_n those_o young_a widow_n who_o marriage_n be_v condemn_v 1_o tim._n 5.11_o 12._o be_v such_o as_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v condemnation_n not_o simple_o because_o they_o marry_v but_o because_o they_o cast_v off_o their_o first_o faith_n that_o be_v they_o do_v violate_v their_o engagement_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n to_o please_v the_o flesh_n upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n forbid_v the_o admit_v of_o young_a woman_n into_o that_o special_a ministry_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o such_o temptation_n and_o vers_fw-la 14._o he_o express_o will_v that_o the_o young_a woman_n shall_v marry_v which_o must_v necessary_o include_v young_a widow_n also_o because_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o immediate_o after_o the_o condemn_v of_o young_a widow_n in_o case_n of_o prevarication_n against_o their_o aforesaid_a engagement_n his_o meaning_n be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o marry_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o age_n and_o condition_n yet_o not_o to_o bind_v any_o absolute_o so_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n think_v the_o apostle_n grant_v second_o marriage_n only_a ex_fw-la venia_fw-la by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n or_o dispensation_n so_o that_o he_o who_o use_v it_o sin_v not_o as_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n but_o he_o do_v not_o fulfil_v that_o high_a perfection_n of_o life_n that_o the_o gospel_n call_v unto_o but_o herein_o such_o indulge_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n very_o fanciful_a and_o overrigorous_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o somewhat_o stoical_a but_o the_o evangelical_n law_n or_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v not_o so_o declare_v the_o prohibit_v of_o second_o marriage_n tend_v to_o the_o diminution_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o weaken_n of_o commonwealth_n with_o other_o inconvenience_n §_o 17._o successive_a marriage_n more_o often_o reiterated_a have_v a_o great_a ill_a name_n among_o the_o ancient_n but_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o licence_n widow_n to_o marry_v do_v it_o indefinite_o without_o limitation_n to_o a_o widow_n of_o the_o first_o husband_n only_o and_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o restraint_n against_o three_o four_o or_o more_o marriage_n and_o according_a to_o reason_n if_o a_o widow_n of_o the_o first_o husband_n may_v lawful_o marry_v why_o not_o also_o a_o widow_n of_o the_o second_o husband_n see_v there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o justifiable_a cause_n of_o marriage_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o excess_n in_o the_o reiterate_n of_o successive_a marriage_n but_o then_o the_o dishonesty_n or_o sinfulness_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o marriage_n in_o itself_o consider_v but_o in_o the_o excess_n as_o undecent_a and_o uncomely_a the_o allowable_a frequency_n of_o such_o reiteration_n be_v not_o punctual_o define_v in_o general_a and_o a_o like_a to_o all_o but_o be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o different_a case_n of_o person_n in_o the_o case_n propound_v by_o the_o sadducee_n to_o our_o saviour_n of_o seven_o brethren_n successive_o marry_v to_o one_o woman_n matt._n 22.25_o he_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o illegitimacy_n or_o unsoundness_n of_o the_o say_a marriage_n the_o case_n of_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n job_n 4._o be_v to_o be_v consider_v our_o saviour_n do_v tax_v she_o for_o live_v at_o that_o time_n with_o one_o as_o a_o husband_n who_o indeed_o be_v not_o her_o husband_n but_o he_o do_v not_o express_o reprove_v her_o former_a plurality_n of_o successive_a husband_n nor_o do_v i_o observe_v that_o he_o put_v any_o note_n of_o sinfulness_n upon_o it_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v sinfulness_n in_o the_o undecent_a excess_n thereof_o the_o papist_n say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n allow_v second_o and_o three_o marriage_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o number_n successive_o yet_o the_o benediction_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o such_o marriage_n because_o the_o consecration_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v reiterated_a but_o this_o denial_n of_o the_o benediction_n and_o the_o ill_a reflection_n it_o have_v upon_o second_o marriage_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o error_n that_o marriage_n be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o consecrate_v to_o be_v a_o symol_n of_o the_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n §_o 18._o see_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n in_o single_a life_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o not_o of_o certain_a order_n and_o calling_n of_o man_n a_o vow_n or_o other_o obligation_n to_o single_a life_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o some_o special_a calling_n but_o particular_a person_n shall_v be_v leave_v free_a therein_o to_o marry_v or_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n as_o they_o find_v themselves_o qualify_v and_o call_v to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o that_o marriage_n be_v lawful_a and_o honest_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n against_o all_o prejudices_fw-la arise_v from_o custom_n introduce_v or_o canon_n make_v in_o after-age_n that_o one_o evidence_n that_o among_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n it_o be_v mention_v that_o he_o be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a against_o all_o contradiction_n as_o peter_n have_v a_o wife_n so_o paul_n show_v that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o take_v a_o wife_n even_o in_o his_o apostleship_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 5._o have_v we_o not_o power_n to_o lead_v about_o a_o sister_n a_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o apostle_n by_o a_o sister_n he_o mean_v a_o believe_a christian_a by_o lead_v about_o a_o sister_n a_o wife_n he_o mean_v live_v in_o matrimony_n that_o disease_n of_o our_o fall_a nature_n for_o which_o marriage_n be_v appoint_v a_o remedy_n be_v common_a to_o all_o sort_n and_o therefore_o the_o remedy_n shall_v be_v as_o common_a and_o as_o be_v before_o note_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n be_v a_o privilege_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o not_o of_o certain_a order_n and_o calling_n marriage_n be_v in_o itself_o no_o more_o impure_a to_o the_o clergy_n than_o to_o the_o laity_n tit._n 1.15_o unto_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a there_o be_v no_o estate_n or_o call_v pollute_v by_o marriage_n or_o make_v less_o holy_a or_o less_o worthy_a by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n law_n bind_v every_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o chaste_o
member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o show_v that_o to_o marry_v for_o the_o say_a end_n be_v not_o a_o yield_n to_o lust_n but_o a_o mean_n of_o that_o chastity_n which_o become_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v §_o 31._o marriage_n be_v ordain_v 1._o for_o procreation_n of_o child_n 2._o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n 3._o for_o that_o mutual_a society_n help_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o animal_n life_n of_o mankind_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o sober_a and_o regular_a use_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n in_o order_n to_o any_o necessary_a help_n and_o comfort_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o conscience_n but_o be_v sanctify_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o conscientious_a even_o then_o when_o respect_n to_o procreation_n or_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o urge_v it_o particular_o it_o be_v no_o way_n against_o chastity_n or_o christian_a purity_n to_o use_v it_o for_o that_o necessary_a health_n of_o body_n which_o be_v evident_o promote_v by_o it_o and_o especial_o if_o probable_o it_o can_v be_v well_o procure_v without_o it_o §_o 32._o it_o have_v be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n to_o be_v not_o only_o sinful_a but_o nefarious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v with_o his_o wife_n while_o she_o be_v with_o child_n but_o i_o find_v not_o this_o utter_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o manifest_a consequence_n as_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n about_o it_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o by_o divine_a perpetual_a ordinance_n towards_o mankind_n one_o male_a be_v confine_v to_o one_o female_a whereas_o other_o creature_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v 2._o conception_n be_v not_o only_o the_o end_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v render_v to_o those_o that_o be_v barren_a 3._o that_o wherein_o the_o brute_n be_v lead_v by_o natural_a propension_n in_o man_n fall_v under_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o the_o sensitive_a desire_n either_o be_v gratify_v or_o deny_v as_o reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v show_v what_o be_v most_o expedient_a within_o the_o limit_n of_o goodness_n and_o honesty_n this_o may_v certain_o be_v determine_v that_o if_o congress_n in_o this_o case_n will_v destroy_v the_o foetus_fw-la whosoever_o use_v it_o sin_v great_o and_o heinous_o and_o if_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o destroy_v it_o he_o that_o use_v it_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n §_o 33._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v time_n and_o occasion_n wherein_o abstinence_n from_o the_o marriagebed_n be_v strict_o enjoin_v the_o precept_n forbid_v to_o approach_v carnal_o to_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o know_a infirmity_n which_o be_v common_a to_o that_o sâ—x_n be_v not_o mere_o moysaicall_a but_o moral_a that_o be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a as_o appear_v leu._n 18.19_o 24._o leu._n 20_o 18_o 23._o for_o the_o breach_n thereof_o be_v note_v as_o one_o of_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o under_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n for_o whâ—ch_n practise_v god_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o by_o cast_v they_o out_o before_o his_o people_n §_o 24._o the_o more_o solemn_a time_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v require_v abstinence_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o sensitive_a pleasure_n though_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o honest_a and_o particular_o from_o conjugal_a embrace_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v not_o one_o another_o except_o tâ—_n be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o you_o may_v pray_v but_o that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o import_v a_o solemn_a set_n of_o themselves_o apart_o to_o extraordinary_a prayer_n with_o fâ—stâ—ng_v §_o 35._o not_o only_o solemn_a religious_a fast_v but_o other_o such_o high_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o require_v the_o great_a raise_v of_o the_o mind_n in_o spiritual_a cogitation_n and_o retirement_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o best_a preparedness_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n do_v also_o require_v abstinence_n from_o the_o heighten_v delight_n of_o the_o sensitive_a or_o animal_n part_n for_o which_o cause_n abstinence_n from_o conjugal_a embrace_n be_v most_o requisite_a for_o some_o due_a space_n of_o time_n before_o and_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o i_o think_v this_o abstinence_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o the_o people_n be_v to_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o that_o extraordinary_a way_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n moses_n give_v it_o they_o in_o charge_n as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o preparation_n for_o it_o that_o they_o come_v not_o at_o their_o wife_n exod._n 19.15_o §_o 36._o yet_o the_o ordinary_a daily_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o holy_a walk_v before_o god_n in_o they_o do_v not_o require_v the_o like_a abstinence_n a_o sober_a and_o regular_a use_n of_o marriage_n as_o of_o all_o other_o delight_n pertain_v to_o the_o animal_n life_n do_v not_o render_v any_o man_n unfit_a for_o the_o daily_a service_n of_o god_n with_o reference_n hereunto_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 4.4_o 5._o every_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n howbeit_o with_o this_o concession_n a_o caution_n also_o must_v here_o be_v give_v that_o the_o marry_a must_v so_o cohabit_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o hinder_v or_o pollute_v 1_o pet._n 3.7_o and_o because_o prayer_n be_v a_o daily_a duty_n they_o must_v daily_o manage_v their_o mutual_a converse_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v indispose_v to_o or_o divert_v from_o this_o or_o any_o other_o daily_a exercise_n of_o religion_n wherefore_o they_o must_v not_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o high_a gratification_n of_o sense_n at_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o shall_v every_o day_n set_v themselves_o to_o the_o solemn_a performance_n of_o those_o holy_a exercise_n some_o due_a distance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v always_o observe_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o extraordinary_a prayer_n particular_o prayer_n with_o fast_v require_v abstinence_n for_o a_o great_a interval_n christian_n must_v keep_v a_o spiritual_a decorum_n and_o careful_o shun_v whatsoever_o practice_n do_v not_o become_v holiness_n §_o 37._o it_o concern_v they_o who_o aim_n and_o care_n be_v that_o their_o life_n may_v be_v pure_a and_o holy_a to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o all_o irregularity_n and_o inordinate_a act_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o thereupon_o to_o watch_v against_o all_o base_a brutishness_n and_o unseemliness_n of_o behaviour_n and_o preposterous_a way_n and_o abusive_a dalliance_n in_o it_o as_o know_v that_o they_o be_v always_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n it_o behoove_v they_o so_o to_o use_v it_o as_o not_o to_o weaken_v their_o body_n or_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o irritate_fw-la but_o to_o allay_v sensuality_n and_o to_o have_v this_o as_o all_o other_o lawful_a gratification_n of_o sense_n in_o a_o manifest_a and_o direct_a subserviency_n to_o spiritual_a end_n and_o so_o to_o manage_v themselves_o therein_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v sanctify_v to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o marriagebed_n as_o of_o any_o other_o enjoyment_n belong_v to_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o it_o may_v be_v great_a because_o reason_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v put_v much_o beside_o its_o present_a use_n let_v all_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n retain_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 1_o thes_n 4_o 3_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n that_o you_o shall_v abstain_v from_o fornication_n that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o possess_v his_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n not_o in_o the_o lust_n of_o concupiscence_n even_o as_o the_o gentile_n which_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n have_v not_o call_v we_o unto_o uncleanness_n but_o unto_o holiness_n christian_n be_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n call_v upon_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.15_o 19_o and_o in_o this_o consideration_n they_o shall_v loath_a and_o dread_a all_o manner_n of_o obscenity_n and_o vile_a abuse_n of_o their_o own_o body_n jonah_n