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christian_n call_v church_n society_n 1,435 5 9.0715 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A94294 A discourse of the right of the Church in a Christian state: by Herbert Thorndike. Thorndike, Herbert, 1598-1672. 1649 (1649) Wing T1045; Thomason E1232_1; ESTC R203741 232,634 531

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must_v needs_o remain_v distinct_a body_n when_o the_o church_n be_v ingraff_v into_o the_o state_n and_o the_o same_o christian_n member_n of_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o relation_n right_n and_o obligation_n which_o in_o the_o same_o person_n remain_v distinct_a according_a to_o the_o distinct_a society_n and_o quality_n of_o several_a person_n in_o the_o same_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o no_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a can_v challenge_v any_o temporal_a right_n by_o his_o christianity_n which_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n give_v he_o not_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n no_o man_n by_o his_o rank_n in_o any_o state_n be_v invest_v with_o any_o power_n proceed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n so_o that_o which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o part_n hold_v in_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n be_v endow_v with_o no_o temporal_a right_n therefore_o the_o state_n be_v endow_v with_o no_o ecclesiastical_a right_n though_o it_o have_v great_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n of_o which_o in_o due_a time_n for_o all_o this_o right_n suppose_v the_o church_n already_o establish_v by_o that_o power_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o so_o must_v maintain_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n which_o it_o find_v the_o homage_n which_o the_o church_n pai_v to_o god_n for_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o state_n be_v not_o to_o betray_v the_o right_n found_v on_o the_o express_a charter_n of_o god_n to_o power_n subsist_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mediate_a providence_n but_o to_o subdue_v subject_n to_o that_o obedience_n for_o conscience_n which_o the_o state_n exact_v by_o force_n for_o there_o be_v necessary_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a community_n subsist_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o one_o be_v reveal_v by_o grace_n the_o other_o stand_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o act_n which_o providence_n inable_v man_n to_o do_v agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o therefore_o as_o no_o state_n stand_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o no_o right_n settle_v by_o the_o gospel_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o state_n or_o person_n as_o a_o member_n of_o any_o state_n beside_o kingdom_n and_o state_n have_v their_o several_a bound_n many_o sovereignty_n be_v contain_v in_o christendom_n whereas_o the_o church_n be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n one_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o equal_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o part_n of_o it_o second_o that_o in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n no_o part_n thereof_o in_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n can_v be_v conclude_v by_o that_o state_n or_o kingdom_n again_o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v 1_o cor._n vii_o 24._o that_o every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o this_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n can_v challenge_v any_o temporal_a right_n by_o his_o christianity_n because_o state_n subsist_v before_o they_o be_v christian_a therefore_o it_o prove_v also_o that_o no_o state_n or_o member_n of_o it_o be_v by_o be_v such_o endow_v with_o any_o right_n ground_v on_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o church_n subsist_v three_o hundred_o year_n before_o any_o state_n profess_v christianity_n whatsoever_o right_n it_o use_v during_o that_o time_n manifest_o it_o ought_v therefore_o still_o to_o use_v and_o enjoy_v this_o be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a evidence_n to_o show_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o excommunication_n the_o act_n of_o it_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o presumption_n that_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o person_n admit_v to_o the_o invisible_a society_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o see_v no_o commonwealth_n no_o quality_n in_o any_o pretend_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n or_o to_o judge_v in_o who_o it_o be_v take_v away_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o rank_n in_o any_o state_n be_v qualify_v to_o manage_v this_o power_n or_o can_v presume_v so_o to_o do_v chap._n ii_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n contain_v in_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o make_v several_a church_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o great_a city_n therefore_o the_o people_n be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o chief_a power_n in_o any_o church_n have_v see_v thus_o far_o upon_o what_o patent_n the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o found_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a far_o to_o dispute_v in_o what_o hand_n this_o power_n be_v deposit_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o person_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o which_o point_n before_o it_o be_v void_v we_o can_v neither_o determine_v what_o form_n of_o government_n god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n nor_o how_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o christian_a state_n without_o cross_v the_o right_n which_o they_o challenge_v in_o church_n matter_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v design_v several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o government_n of_o several_a congregation_n that_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v cry_v up_o this_o design_n for_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n make_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o god_n have_v endow_v his_o church_n with_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n occasion_n to_o infer_v that_o every_o congregation_n that_o assemble_v for_o the_o 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concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n either_o under_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o primitive_a record_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o must_v demand_v of_o all_o man_n to_o renounce_v common_a sense_n and_o all_o faith_n of_o historical_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a truth_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o whereas_o by_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o christianity_n be_v convey_v and_o commend_v unto_o we_o that_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o original_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v christianity_n not_o only_o in_o those_o city_n where_o they_o preach_v most_o because_o there_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a but_o in_o the_o country_n adjoin_v which_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o civil_a nation_n every_o where_o resort_n to_o their_o city_n for_o justice_n design_v the_o 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of_o deut._n xvii_o 18._o the_o jew_n need_v not_o tell_v we_o as_o they_o do_v maimoni_fw-la by_o name_n tit._n de_fw-fr syncdrio_n that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v that_o in_o their_o dispersion_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v consistory_n for_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o city_n all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o withal_o in_o particular_a arba_n thurim_n in_o the_o same_o title_n sub_fw-la init_fw-la that_o thereby_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o erect_v consistory_n in_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o their_o dispersion_n in_o this_o condition_n what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o church_n set_v aside_o that_o essential_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o judaisme_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n but_o christianity_n have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o gentile_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o law_n cease_v as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n become_v oblige_v only_o to_o the_o perpetual_a law_n of_o god_n beside_o a_o very_a few_o positive_a precept_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o of_o baptism_n &_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o and_o by_o the_o general_a commission_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o ordinance_n whereby_o they_o shall_v regulate_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o design_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v follow_v no_o other_o pattern_n then_o that_o which_o they_o see_v in_o use_n by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o synagogue_n for_o the_o design_n in_o both_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o service_n save_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o what_o form_n shall_v they_o follow_v but_o that_o which_o the_o law_n have_v 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be_v to_o be_v see_v not_o only_o in_o those_o few_o ancient_a canon_n allege_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o primitive_a government_n of_o church_n p._n 67._o but_o in_o innumerable_a passage_n of_o church_n writer_n that_o cathedral_n church_n and_o city_n be_v convertible_a that_o be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n thus_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v inscribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presidence_n here_o express_v argue_v the_o eminence_n of_o that_o church_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n about_o it_o but_o clemens_n direct_v his_o epistle_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o country_n lie_v under_o the_o city_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n found_v in_o the_o city_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o diocese_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mother_n church_n that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appear_v because_o polycarp_n address_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n in_o this_o style_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n dwell_v near_o philippi_n than_o the_o country_n adjoin_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n this_o reason_n therefore_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o antiochian_o in_o ignatius_n his_o name_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o age_n much_o inferior_a to_o his_o for_o he_o inscribe_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v thereby_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o syria_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n for_o which_o reason_n ignatius_n himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v himself_o bishop_n of_o syria_n not_o of_o antiochia_n because_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o head_n city_n church_n the_o christian_n of_o syria_n either_o belong_v to_o his_o church_n or_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v under_o it_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o mark_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n also_o of_o cilicia_n belong_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v by_o their_o foundation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n require_v those_o part_n where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n first_o preach_v have_v continue_v long_a in_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n and_o therefore_o continue_v under_o the_o government_n that_o reside_v at_o antiochia_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o word_n of_o clemens_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n fulfil_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o city_n and_o country_n constitute_v bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v to_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o city_n and_o country_n adjoin_v to_o they_o those_o mark_n come_v from_o the_o ancient_a record_n the_o church_n have_v after_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o rest_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n if_o a_o man_n will_v allege_v they_o if_o any_o man_n object_n that_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v how_o this_o rule_n be_v ever_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n the_o extent_n of_o cathedral_n church_n be_v in_o some_o country_n so_o straight_o in_o other_o so_o large_a the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v very_o different_a in_o several_a country_n either_o because_o not_o understand_v so_o well_o as_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v or_o because_o the_o condition_n of_o some_o country_n be_v not_o appliable_a to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o of_o other_o for_o the_o east_n we_o have_v these_o word_n of_o walafridus_n strabo_n lib_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o orientis_fw-la partibus_fw-la per_fw-la singulas_fw-la urbes_fw-la &_o praefecturas_fw-la singulas_fw-la esse_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la gubernationes_fw-la whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o cathedral_n church_n stand_v very_o much_o thick_a in_o the_o eastern_a part_n then_o in_o the_o west_n for_o thereupon_o it_o become_v observable_a to_o walafridus_n in_o africa_n if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o writing_n of_o s._n augustine_n we_o shall_v find_v hundred_o of_o bishop_n resort_v to_o one_o council_n in_o ireland_n alone_o s._n patrick_n be_v say_v by_o ninius_n at_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v found_v three_o hundred_o threescore_o and_o five_o bishopric_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o england_n we_o see_v still_o how_o many_o county_n remain_v in_o one_o diocese_n of_o lincoln_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o look_v into_o almain_n and_o those_o mighty_a foundation_n of_o charles_n the_o great_a we_o
may_v find_v perhaps_o large_a than_o it_o the_o rule_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o be_v the_o same_o that_o cathedral_n church_n be_v found_v in_o city_n though_o city_n be_v diverse_o reckon_v in_o several_a country_n nay_o though_o perhaps_o some_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n come_v have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n worth_a the_o name_n of_o city_n where_o the_o rule_n must_v be_v execute_v according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o man_n that_o have_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o time_n this_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v that_o church_n be_v erect_v in_o great_a number_n when_o they_o be_v erect_v without_o endowment_n establish_v by_o temporal_a law_n so_o that_o in_o one_o of_o the_o african_a canon_n it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o a_o bishop_n have_v many_o presbyter_n under_o he_o few_o still_o where_o they_o be_v found_v by_o prince_n profess_v christianity_n upon_o temporal_a endowment_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o will_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o this_o rule_n that_o in_o egypt_n till_o the_o time_n of_o demetrius_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n church_n but_o that_o of_o alexandria_n if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o believe_v the_o late_a antiquity_n of_o that_o church_n publish_v out_o of_o eutychius_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o s._n hierome_n report_v of_o that_o church_n as_o to_o this_o day_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o jesuit_n who_o relation_n you_o may_v see_v in_o godignus_n de_fw-la rebus_fw-la abassinorum_fw-la i._o 32._o there_o be_v but_o one_o for_o all_o prester_n john_n dominion_n or_o the_o county_n of_o the_o abassine_n for_o though_o man_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o execute_v the_o rule_n so_o as_o it_o take_v place_n in_o more_o civil_a country_n yet_o that_o such_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v be_v easy_a to_o believe_v when_o we_o see_v christianity_n suffer_v as_o it_o do_v in_o those_o country_n profess_v christ_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o will_v touch_v one_o argument_n to_o the_o whole_a question_n draw_v from_o common_a sense_n presuppose_v historical_a truth_n for_o they_o that_o place_n the_o chief_a power_n in_o congregation_n or_o require_v at_o all_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o government_n of_o several_a congregation_n be_v bind_v at_o least_o to_o show_v we_o that_o congregation_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o will_v entitle_v their_o design_n to_o they_o which_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v i_o do_v believe_v the_o presbyterian_o have_v convince_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n that_o in_o s._n paul_n time_n the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v contain_v such_o number_n as_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n assemble_v at_o once_o but_o several_a church_n they_o can_v not_o make_v be_v not_o distinguish_v into_o several_a congregation_n but_o meet_v together_o from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o opportunity_n and_o order_n give_v about_o s._n cyprian_n time_n and_o not_o afore_o i_o find_v mention_n of_o congregation_n settle_v in_o the_o country_n for_o in_o his_o xxviii_o epistle_n you_o have_v mention_n of_o one_o gaius_n presbyter_n diddensis_fw-la which_o be_v the_o name_n of_o some_o place_n near_o carthage_n the_o church_n whereof_o be_v under_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o gaius_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o pope_n dionysius_n about_o this_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o divide_v the_o diocese_n into_o church_n and_o in_o epiphanius_n against_o the_o manichee_n speak_v of_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o under_o probus_n about_o this_o time_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o one_o trypho_n presbyter_n of_o diodoris_n a_o village_n as_o it_o seem_v by_o his_o relation_n there_o under_o archelaus_n than_o bishop_n of_o caschara_n in_o mesopotamia_n likewise_o in_o a_o epistle_n of_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n report_v by_o eusebius_n eccles_n hist_o vii_o 24._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o village_n and_o those_o church_n of_o the_o country_n call_v mareote_n hard_o by_o alexandria_n which_o socrates_n eccles_n hist_o i._o 27._o say_v be_v parish_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v establish_v long_o before_o that_o time_n whereof_o he_o write_v there_o after_o this_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o ancyra_n and_o neocaesarea_n and_o those_o writing_n that_o follow_v there_o be_v oftentimes_o difference_n make_v between_o city_n and_o country_n presbyter_n in_o city_n this_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v begin_v long_o afore_o as_o we_o find_v mention_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pope_n cain_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o divide_v the_o title_n and_o coemitery_n among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o ward_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o they_o mention_v by_o epiphanius_n haer._n lxviii_o &_o lxix_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v long_o before_o the_o time_n whereof_o he_o speak_v but_o when_o justin_n martyr_n say_v express_o apol._n ii_o that_o in_o his_o time_n those_o out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o those_o in_o the_o city_n assemble_v in_o one_o far_o be_v it_o from_o distinguish_v settle_a congregation_n under_o the_o apostle_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a the_o position_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o prove_v must_v needs_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o christian_n remain_v in_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n order_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a distinct_a body_n and_o society_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v church_n and_o be_v now_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o diocese_n of_o they_o constitute_v one_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v prove_v i_o shall_v not_o much_o thank_v any_o man_n to_o quit_v i_o the_o position_n upon_o which_o the_o congregation_n be_v ground_v to_o wit_n the_o chief_a power_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n though_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v themselves_o what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v morellus_n in_o the_o french_a church_n dispute_v downright_o that_o the_o state_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v democratic_a the_o people_n to_o be_v sovereign_n wherein_o by_o bezaes_n epistle_n it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v support_v by_o ramus_n for_o the_o man_n who_o beza_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o describe_v by_o other_o circumlocution_n who_o put_v the_o french_a church_n to_o the_o trouble_n of_o divers_a synod_n to_o suppress_v this_o position_n as_o there_o it_o appear_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o ramus_n perhaps_o ramus_n his_o credit_n in_o our_o university_n be_v the_o first_o mean_n to_o bring_v this_o conceit_n in_o religion_n among_o we_o for_o about_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v most_o cry_v up_o in_o they_o brown_a and_o barow_n publish_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a to_o fetch_v it_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o francford_n for_o those_o that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o that_o estate_n because_o they_o be_v a_o congregation_n that_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o power_n can_v not_o stand_v unless_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v to_o excommunication_n do_v by_o express_a consequence_n challenge_v the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o congregation_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o contest_v there_o relate_v between_o one_o of_o the_o people_n and_o one_o of_o the_o pastor_n show_n that_o they_o ground_v themselves_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o i_o say_v afore_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v still_o hold_v the_o stirrup_n to_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o saddle_n as_o now_o the_o design_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v refine_v they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o they_o make_v the_o people_n chief_a in_o the_o church_n for_o they_o give_v they_o power_n which_o they_o will_v have_v subject_a to_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o place_n in_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n which_o serve_v not_o the_o turn_n we_o have_v a_o instance_n against_o it_o in_o the_o state_n of_o rome_n after_o they_o have_v drive_v away_o the_o tarquin_n they_o place_v authority_n in_o the_o senate_n and_o power_n in_o the_o people_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o success_n of_o time_n show_v that_o which_o bodine_n dispute_v against_o polybius_n de_fw-fr repub._n ii_o 2._o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o state_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o democraty_n so_o the_o congregation_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o make_v themselves_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n who_o they_o please_v pastor_n must_v needs_o by_o
they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o their_o assistance_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n but_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n a_o thing_n perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n that_o have_v always_o be_v among_o god_n people_n for_o all_o prophet_n who_o god_n employ_v upon_o his_o message_n and_o may_v therefore_o proper_o be_v call_v his_o apostle_n as_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o profession_n heb._n iii_o 1_o have_v their_o disciple_n to_o wait_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v call_v minister_a to_o they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o joshua_n the_o minister_n of_o moses_n exod._n xxiv_o 13._o elizeus_fw-la pour_v water_n on_o the_o hand_n of_o elias_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o scholar_n that_o expect_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n 2_o reg._n ii_o 9_o iii_o 11._o thus_o the_o baptist_n say_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o loose_v or_o take_v away_o our_o saviour_n shoe_n mat._n iii_o 11._o mar._n i._n 7._o that_o be_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n for_o by_o maimoni_n in_o the_o title_n of_o learning_n the_o law_n cap._n v._o we_o learn_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o jew_n doctor_n be_v to_o do_v that_o service_n for_o their_o master_n hereupon_o say_v christ_n luc._n xxii_o 26._o i_o be_o among_o you_o as_o he_o that_o minister_v to_o wit_n not_o as_o a_o master_n but_o as_o a_o disciple_n thus_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o be_v with_o he_o receive_v his_o commission_n become_v his_o apostle_n have_v wait_v on_o his_o person_n and_o by_o familiar_a conversation_n learn_v his_o doctrine_n better_a than_o other_o whereupon_o i_o say_v in_o the_o primitive_a government_n of_o church_n p._n 3._o that_o to_o make_v a_o apostle_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v see_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o s._n paul_n after_o death_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o that_o rank_n by_o this_o privilege_n mar._n iii_o 14._o mat._n x._o 1_o 4._o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o have_v do_v choose_v themselves_o scholar_n that_o by_o wait_v on_o they_o may_v learn_v their_o doctrine_n and_o become_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v under_o they_o and_o after_o they_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v miskenne_n the_o most_o remarkable_a circumstance_n of_o scripture_n for_o we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n evangelist_n be_v such_o as_o first_o wait_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o s._n mark_v upon_o s._n peter_n timothy_n and_o s._n luke_n upon_o s._n paul_n act_n xvi_o 1._o xix_o 22._o as_o mark_n upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 5._o and_o mark_v again_o whether_o the_o same_o or_o another_o upon_o s._n paul_n 2_o tim._n iu_o 11._o and_o therefore_o i_o easy_o grant_v both_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o have_v be_v evangelist_n though_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o but_o of_o one_o 2_o tim._n iu_o 5._o because_o i_o see_v they_o both_o companion_n of_o s._n paul_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o minister_n and_o therefore_o find_v it_o very_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v employ_v titus_n into_o dalmatia_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o those_o part_n where_o himself_o have_v leave_v hope_v to_o go_v further_o and_o carry_v it_o beyond_o into_o illyricum_n whereof_o dalmatia_n be_v a_o part_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v the_o scripture_n 2_o tim._n iu_o 10._o rom._n xv._o 19_o 2_o cor._n x_o 16._o tit._n iii_o 12._o for_o thus_o also_o of_o the_o seven_o minister_n to_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n you_o see_v steven_n and_o philip_n employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o late_a call_v therefore_o express_o a_o evangelist_n act_v vi_o 9_o viii_o 5_o 12._o xxi_o 8._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n and_o those_o who_o i_o show_v to_o have_v be_v apostle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o the_o conclusion_n remain_v firm_a that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n at_o that_o time_n remain_v and_o for_o future_a time_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n when_o we_o see_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o evangelist_n derive_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o their_o appointment_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v common_a sense_n endure_v to_o apprehend_v it_o otherwise_o especial_o admit_v that_o which_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n because_o by_o they_o convince_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n who_o they_o stand_v bind_v to_o obey_v shall_v nevertheless_o by_o be_v christain_v obtain_v the_o power_n of_o regulate_v and_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o matter_n concern_v the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n which_o what_o it_o mean_v or_o that_o such_o a_o society_n shall_v be_v they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v but_o by_o they_o be_v a_o thing_n no_o common_a sense_n can_v admit_v without_o prejudice_n those_o that_o purchase_v dominion_n by_o lawful_a conquest_n in_o the_o world_n become_v thereby_o able_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o subject_n have_v because_o they_o give_v they_o their_o life_n that_o be_v themselves_z the_o church_n be_v a_o people_n subdue_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o though_o to_o freedom_n yet_o that_o freedom_n consist_v in_o the_o state_n of_o particular_a christian_n towards_o god_n not_o in_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v convey_v lawful_o from_o they_o that_o have_v it_o before_o the_o church_n indeed_o visible_a christianity_n be_v a_o condition_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o best_a estate_n when_o that_o legal_a presumption_n of_o invisible_a christianity_n be_v most_o reasonable_a but_o if_o saint_n because_o saint_n have_v power_n and_o right_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n then_o follow_v the_o position_n impose_v on_o wicleffe_n and_o husse_n in_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n hold_v and_o fail_v with_o grace_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o draw_v after_o it_o the_o like_a consequence_n in_o secular_a matter_n pernicious_a to_o all_o civil_a society_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o honest_a man_n be_v the_o interest_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n contradict_v the_o principle_n lay_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n that_o christianity_n call_v no_o man_n to_o any_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n but_o to_o the_o cross_n therefore_o no_o christian_a or_o saint_n as_o saint_n or_o christian_a have_v any_o right_a or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o can_v be_v lawful_o derive_v from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n those_o of_o the_o congregation_n use_v to_o allege_v s._n peter_n apology_n to_o the_o jewish_a christian_n for_o converse_v with_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n act_v xi_o 9_o as_o also_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n col._n iu._n 17._o speak_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o colossae_n say_v to_o archippus_n look_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o if_o s._n peter_n or_o archippus_n must_v be_v afraid_a of_o excommunication_n if_o they_o render_v not_o a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o the_o people_n by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o true_o i_o have_v say_v that_o the_o power_n they_o give_v the_o people_n be_v in_o check_n to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o we_o reason_v not_o amiss_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o christianity_n that_o s._n peter_n can_v not_o inform_v christian_a people_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o do_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o but_o he_o must_v make_v they_o his_o sovereign_n or_o that_o s._n paul_n convey_v his_o command_n to_o archippus_n by_o a_o epistle_n direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o invest_v the_o people_n in_o that_o power_n by_o which_o he_o command_v archippus_n they_o allege_v also_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n present_a at_o the_o council_n there_o and_o join_v in_o the_o letter_n by_o which_o the_o decree_n be_v signify_v and_o convey_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act_n xv._o 4_o 12_o 23._o but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o be_o very_o willing_a to_o leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o premise_n whether_o
and_o the_o sacrifice_n by_o the_o altar_n and_o so_o all_o consecration_n tend_v to_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o the_o participation_n of_o sacrifice_n offer_v to_o god_n so_o have_v show_v how_o the_o gospel_n ordain_v that_o christian_n also_o communicate_v with_o god_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v give_v to_o build_v and_o repair_v and_o beautify_v church_n to_o maintain_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o support_v they_o that_o minister_n god_n ordinance_n to_o enable_v the_o poor_a to_o attend_v upon_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n thereof_o represent_v in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o service_n which_o the_o church_n tender_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christianity_n s._n chrysostome_n true_o construe_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v mary_n magdalen_n reprove_v for_o pour_v out_o such_o a_o expense_n on_o his_o body_n to_o no_o purpose_n which_o may_v have_v do_v so_o much_o good_a among_o the_o poor_a mat._n xxvi_o 11._o to_o be_v this_o that_o christian_n may_v understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o well_o to_o maintain_v the_o mean_n of_o god_n service_n as_o the_o poor_a that_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o achan_n from_o that_o of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n for_o as_o he_o become_v accurse_v by_o touch_v that_o which_o be_v depute_v to_o maintain_v god_n service_n and_o be_v so_o before_o he_o deny_v it_o so_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v that_o these_o have_v be_v guiltless_a if_o they_o have_v confess_v for_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o for_o withdraw_a part_n of_o the_o price_n act_v v._o 3._o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o premise_n have_v show_v that_o the_o good_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n be_v thereby_o affect_v apply_v and_o depute_v to_o maintain_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o daily_a communion_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o they_o frequent_v act_v ii_o 42_o 46._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o the_o altar_n as_o all_o oblation_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n service_n be_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n represent_v and_o commemorate_a in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o christian_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o which_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v anathema_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o under_o the_o law_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o other_o use_n these_o thing_n premise_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o determine_v the_o limit_n of_o sovereign_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o establishment_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o christian_a state_n which_o see_v it_o chief_o consist_v in_o the_o right_n of_o give_v those_o law_n by_o which_o this_o establishment_n and_o conduct_n be_v execute_v and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v not_o destructive_a but_o cumulative_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o original_a right_n in_o the_o church_n of_o give_v law_n as_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o right_n of_o make_v those_o law_n whereby_o religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o christian_a state_n belonging_z both_o to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o distinguishable_a by_o the_o subject_n for_o i_o have_v premise_v that_o sovereign_a power_n may_v make_v law_n of_o church_n matter_n but_o by_o the_o several_a reason_n and_o ground_n and_o intent_n of_o both_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o enforce_v they_o with_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o those_o who_o we_o have_v show_v to_o have_v that_o power_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o enact_v of_o they_o as_o law_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o those_o privilege_n and_o penalty_n which_o state_n be_v able_a to_o enforce_v religion_n with_o belong_v to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n that_o give_v law_n to_o those_o state_n for_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v that_o any_o religion_n be_v make_v the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n by_o two_o manner_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v of_o temporal_a privilege_n and_o temporal_a penalty_n for_o how_o much_o toleration_n soever_o be_v allow_v several_a religion_n in_o any_o state_n none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v count_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n till_o it_o be_v so_o privilege_v as_o no_o other_o can_v be_v privilege_v in_o that_o state_n though_o it_o become_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o state_n still_o more_o manifest_o when_o penalty_n be_v establish_v either_o upon_o the_o not_o exercise_v of_o the_o religion_n establish_v or_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o beside_o it_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n seem_v indeed_o hitherto_o to_o maintain_v that_o no_o penalty_n can_v be_v inflict_v by_o any_o state_n upon_o any_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o point_n i_o will_v answer_v by_o and_o by_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o can_v no_o religion_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n but_o by_o temporal_a privilege_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v determine_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christianity_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o secular_a power_n and_o see_v it_o can_v be_v ingraff_v into_o any_o state_n but_o by_o make_v the_o law_n thereof_o the_o law_n of_o that_o state_n in_o this_o do_n my_o conclusion_n be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v determinable_a by_o the_o church_n the_o force_n of_o they_o as_o to_o such_o mean_n as_o the_o state_n be_v able_a to_o enact_v they_o with_o must_v come_v from_o the_o state_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v by_o he_o in_o one_o particular_a case_n but_z which_o may_v be_v generalize_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20_o 24._o every_o one_o in_o what_o state_n he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n therein_o let_v he_o continue_v which_o if_o it_o hold_v neither_o can_v any_o quality_n in_o any_o civil_a society_n give_v any_o man_n that_o right_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o on_o the_o contrary_n wherefore_o see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n a_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o every_o respective_a part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o sovereign_a power_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v distinguishable_a by_o the_o several_a reason_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o arise_v and_o the_o several_a intent_n to_o which_o they_o operate_v and_o the_o effect_n they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v second_o no_o religion_n but_o judaisme_n be_v ever_o give_v immediate_o by_o god_n to_o any_o state_n and_o that_o by_o such_o law_n as_o determine_v both_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o that_o people_n but_o all_o nation_n think_v they_o have_v receive_v religion_n from_o some_o divinity_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n the_o order_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o belong_v to_o those_o by_o who_o and_o from_o who_o several_a nation_n believe_v they_o have_v receive_v it_o much_o more_o christianity_n receive_v from_o and_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o we_o have_v show_v they_o leave_v trust_v with_o it_o but_o the_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o point_n of_o sovereignty_n use_v by_o all_o state_n according_a to_o several_a law_n wherefore_o christianity_n much_o more_o oblige_v all_o sovereign_n to_o use_v this_o power_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o the_o coactive_a power_n of_o secular_a society_n must_v needs_o take_v place_n much_o more_o in_o establish_v christianity_n by_o such_o constitution_n as_o christianity_n may_v be_v establish_v with_o three_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v by_o divine_a right_n one_o visible_a society_n
christianity_n therefore_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o gentile_n among_o who_o the_o great_a one_o domineer_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o in_o so_o do_v be_v call_v gracious_a lord_n mat._n xx._n 25._o mar._n x._o 42_o 43._o luc._n xxii_o 25_o 26._o be_v speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o christian_n not_o as_o apostle_n in_o commendation_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n a_o quality_n concern_v all_o christian_n can_v prove_v the_o clergy_n forbid_v secular_a employment_n but_o they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n enforce_v all_o civil_a power_n to_o be_v unlawful_a among_o christian_n as_o also_o in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n all_o superiority_n of_o power_n as_o unlawful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v here_o challenge_v on_o behalf_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o destroy_v they_o manifest_o presuppose_v that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o superiority_n of_o power_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o great_a and_o less_o compatible_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o concern_v not_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o power_n but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o so_o forbid_v no_o sort_n of_o christian_n any_o power_n whereof_o any_o christian_a be_v capable_a the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v more_o pertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 4._o for_o it_o be_v a_o comparison_n that_o he_o borrow_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n wherein_o soldier_n as_o they_o be_v exempt_v from_o be_v tutor_n to_o man_n person_n or_o curator_n to_o their_o estate_n so_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v proctor_n of_o other_o man_n cause_n to_o undertake_v husbandry_n or_o merchandise_n therefore_o when_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n no_o man_n that_o go_v to_o the_o army_n entangle_v himself_o in_o business_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v please_v he_o that_o impre_v he_o he_o raise_v indeed_o a_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o timothy_n upon_o a_o general_a ground_n of_o reason_n appear_v in_o the_o roman_a law_n that_o those_o of_o timothy_n quality_n oblige_v not_o themselves_o to_o business_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o can_v he_o be_v understand_v hereby_o to_o make_v that_o a_o law_n to_o the_o militia_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o militia_n of_o the_o empire_n or_o can_v a_o exhortation_n draw_v from_o a_o comparison_n be_v think_v to_o create_v a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o of_o timothy_n quality_n in_o general_a or_o in_o particular_a further_o than_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o comparison_n will_v infer_v in_o every_o particular_a case_n it_o be_v true_a that_o soldier_n be_v forbid_v business_n of_o profit_n be_v exempt_v employment_n of_o public_a service_n as_o be_v that_o of_o tutor_n and_o curator_n because_o thereby_o they_o become_v oblige_v to_o the_o law_n or_o to_o their_o own_o profit_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o attendance_n upon_o their_o colour_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o great_a distance_n between_o civil_a and_o military_a employment_n in_o that_o state_n the_o law_n have_v render_v soldier_n uncapable_a of_o such_o quality_n and_o so_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n the_o canon_n render_v the_o clergy_n uncapable_a of_o the_o like_a during_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n not_o yet_o christian_n for_o so_o we_o find_v that_o in_o s._n cyprian_n time_n clergy_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o be_v tutor_n or_o curator_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o their_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n in_o that_o estate_n will_v have_v excuse_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o because_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n it_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o any_o public_a good_a of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o state_n that_o profess_v christianity_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o attendance_n of_o clergy_n man_n upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n can_v be_v to_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o same_o person_n only_o in_o a_o distinct_a reason_n and_o quality_n whereof_o the_o commonwealth_n consist_v to_o i_o it_o seem_v far_o otherwise_o that_o in_o all_o public_a assembly_n of_o state_n whether_o for_o make_v law_n or_o for_o jurisdiction_n or_o for_o counsel_n or_o for_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n to_o banish_v those_o from_o they_o who_o quality_n and_o profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o the_o most_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o banish_v the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o conclusion_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o assembly_n for_o though_o it_o be_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o clergy_n come_v short_a of_o the_o holiness_n and_o exact_a conversation_n in_o christianity_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v always_o see_v likewise_o that_o the_o people_n fail_v more_o and_o before_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v first_o corrupt_v by_o and_o with_o the_o people_n then_o corrupter_n of_o the_o people_n and_o as_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v attend_v upon_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suppose_v the_o order_n here_o challenge_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o inconvenience_n cease_v for_o suppose_v all_o cathedral_n church_n to_o be_v corporation_n trust_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o all_o congregation_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o church_n matter_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a service_n at_o the_o same_o whatsoever_o clergy_n man_n shall_v by_o public_a employment_n destitute_a his_o congregation_n shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n original_o entrust_v with_o it_o which_o church_n be_v all_o nursery_n and_o seminary_n of_o clergy_n design_v for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o respective_a body_n may_v easy_o by_o the_o mean_n thereof_o see_v all_o office_n discharge_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o all_o congregation_n which_o they_o contain_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o desire_v to_o say_v here_o in_o general_a to_o this_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o penalty_n which_o christianity_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o enforce_v with_o by_o a_o state_n that_o profess_v it_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n which_o upon_o those_o general_a reason_n may_v be_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a as_o also_o for_o the_o point_n of_o expedience_n whereby_o that_o which_o in_o general_n may_v be_v do_v aught_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v when_o the_o case_n be_v put_v i_o leave_v to_o they_o that_o be_v qualify_v and_o oblige_v to_o proceed_v in_o determine_v the_o same_o to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o great_a difficulty_n propose_v it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o person_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v by_o continual_a succession_n be_v a_o law_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v stand_v oblige_v by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o bishop_n respective_a to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v but_o withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o other_o law_n give_v the_o church_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n whether_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o work_n whether_o immediate_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o particular_a christian_n or_o only_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o if_o not_o a_o great_a power_n than_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v retain_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o with_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o conscience_n and_o with_o this_o limitation_n the_o distinction_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v usual_o answer_v with_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v between_o succession_n of_o person_n and_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o their_o ordinance_n but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o church_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o to_o be_v regard_v with_o it_o again_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v bind_v to_o protect_v the_o ecclesiastical_a in_o determine_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o give_v force_n
apostle_n shall_v it_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o secular_a power_n to_o dissolve_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o consequence_n hereof_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n among_o we_o be_v further_a to_o be_v deduce_v because_o many_o man_n may_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o obligation_n to_o the_o church_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n who_o perhaps_o perceive_v not_o the_o former_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o they_o here_o assert_v as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v then_o out_o of_o the_o premise_n to_o frame_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o christianity_n in_o england_n at_o the_o present_a and_o from_o that_o judgement_n to_o conclude_v what_o they_o that_o will_v preserve_v the_o conscience_n of_o good_a christian_n be_v to_o do_v or_o to_o avoid_v in_o maintain_v the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n put_v the_o case_n that_o 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by_o consequence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v all_o the_o production_n thereof_o but_o i_o have_v show_v that_o their_o interest_n be_v in_o dependence_n upon_o their_o respective_a bishop_n without_o who_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o church_n that_o be_v not_o party_n in_o this_o cause_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o as_o therefore_o presbyter_n divide_v among_o themselves_o the_o eminent_a power_n of_o their_o bishop_n presume_v to_o manage_v it_o without_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o the_o eminence_n of_o their_o power_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o that_o not_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o same_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o presbyter_n to_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n either_o of_o bishop_n or_o of_o simple_a presbyter_n have_v they_o be_v so_o possess_v of_o it_o when_o as_o they_o join_v with_o themselves_o some_o of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o lay_v elder_n or_o what_o ever_o they_o will_v have_v they_o call_v and_o of_o these_o constitute_v consistory_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n over_o the_o same_o though_o in_o dependence_n upon_o great_a assembly_n out_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o not_o to_o manage_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o people_n that_o nothing_o pass_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n give_v the_o church_n by_o god_n which_o be_v their_o inheritance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o clergy_n but_o in_o a_o number_n double_a to_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o consistory_n and_o in_o a_o right_n equal_a to_o they_o man_n for_o man_n so_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o clergy_n and_o people_n be_v vest_v in_o these_o lay_v elder_n that_o one_o quality_n consent_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a when_o as_o the_o determination_n who_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n return_v at_o last_o to_o a_o number_n of_o secular_a person_n make_v they_o thereby_o judge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o enable_v they_o thereby_o to_o give_v and_o take_v away_o the_o ecclesiastical_a be_v of_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o case_n to_o which_o that_o power_n extend_v and_o invest_v a_o civil_a court_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o same_o all_o these_o point_n be_v member_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o presbytery_n i_o say_v then_o that_o by_o that_o ordinance_n a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v erect_v upon_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n give_v the_o church_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o a_o secular_a power_n interest_v only_o in_o point_n of_o 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that_o thereupon_o the_o order_n of_o all_o matter_n concern_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v upon_o conviction_n of_o every_o man_n judgement_n therefore_o every_o congregation_n of_o christian_n assemble_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a on_o any_o other_o part_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o power_n be_v vest_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o say_a congregation_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o therefore_o every_o congregation_n constitute_v itself_o a_o church_n constitute_v by_o consequence_n and_o destitute_n pastor_n elder_n and_o member_n so_o that_o by_o this_o design_n a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v erect_v upon_o so_o many_o persuasion_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n give_v the_o church_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o act_n of_o schism_n be_v more_o visible_a though_o for_o the_o claim_n and_o title_n by_o which_o this_o ecclesiastical_a 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the_o church_n original_o always_o every_o where_o have_v profess_v and_o use_v from_o they_o let_v they_o seek_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o christian_a ordinance_n as_o man_n cast_v upon_o desert_n coast_n and_o utter_o destitute_a of_o ecclesiastical_a society_n for_o the_o present_a for_o so_o our_o distraction_n have_v make_v we_o can_v participate_v in_o but_o also_o in_o such_o act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o pass_v not_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o the_o conscience_n neither_o let_v they_o ever_o think_v themselves_o necessitate_v to_o communicate_v with_o schism_n while_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o law_n and_o the_o person_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o public_a person_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v and_o let_v they_o know_v further_o that_o in_o adhere_v to_o the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n never_o so_o much_o destroy_v by_o force_n no_o secular_a power_n whether_o 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wheresoever_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o only_o a_o number_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christian_n who_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o they_o find_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v any_o condition_n of_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v make_v all_o christian_n a_o society_n call_v the_o church_n as_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o it_o this_o they_o think_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o antichrist_n and_o though_o this_o opinion_n be_v so_o groundless_a that_o very_o few_o reader_n will_v expect_v any_o opposition_n to_o be_v make_v yet_o because_o my_o intent_n be_v by_o this_o discourse_n to_o improve_v the_o reason_n heretofore_o advance_v and_o to_o try_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o in_o destroy_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o division_n frame_v among_o we_o and_o because_o if_o that_o which_o i_o propound_v be_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v with_o a_o little_a husband_n be_v effectual_a to_o convince_v all_o manner_n of_o error_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a here_o to_o give_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o reason_n which_o this_o first_o chapter_n produce_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o excommunication_n the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n be_v effectual_a to_o prove_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n which_o this_o power_n constitute_v and_o therefore_o the_o effect_n thereof_o evidence_v and_o true_o though_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o production_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o that_o of_o erastus_n in_o as_o much_o as_o this_o manifest_o tend_v to_o challenge_v to_o all_o christian_n freedom_n of_o do_v what_o they_o please_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o christianity_n without_o any_o account_n to_o the_o state_n under_o which_o they_o live_v that_o of_o erastus_n challenge_v to_o the_o state_n all_o power_n to_o govern_v all_o christian_n in_o their_o christianity_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o both_o stand_v they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v as_o the_o river_n that_o rise_v out_o of_o apenninus_n which_o empty_z themselves_z some_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o tuscany_n other_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o venice_n for_o i_o suppose_v every_o man_n common_a reason_n will_v furnish_v he_o so_o much_o of_o the_o metaphysic_n as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o be_v be_v by_o that_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o the_o state_n when_o it_o profess_v christianity_n but_o that_o both_o make_v one_o community_n corporation_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n then_o be_v there_o no_o society_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o state_n be_v christian_n see_v it_o be_v agree_v upon_o on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v one_o of_o the_o state_n and_o this_o opinion_n enforce_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o true_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v either_o that_o before_o constantine_n the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n stand_v only_o by_o humane_a right_n that_o be_v by_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o stand_v only_o before_o christianity_n be_v receive_v by_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n but_o afterward_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n hitherto_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v dissolve_v into_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o state_n but_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o in_o all_o case_n he_o that_o take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o open_v and_o that_o of_o excommunication_n in_o shut_v up_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o appear_v to_o take_v away_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n either_o because_o it_o never_o be_v or_o because_o it_o cease_v when_o the_o state_n become_v christian_n this_o consideration_n improve_v very_o much_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o chapter_n against_o erastus_n make_v his_o opinion_n liable_a to_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o acknowledge_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o suppose_v the_o same_o and_o deserve_v here_o to_o be_v represent_v because_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o discourse_n do_v not_o give_v leave_n to_o press_v it_o to_o this_o effect_n for_o the_o intent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o limit_v the_o concurrence_n of_o secular_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o place_n upon_o what_o ground_n god_n have_v institute_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n by_o revelation_n from_o above_o have_v before_o constitute_v civil_a society_n of_o the_o same_o person_n whereof_o the_o church_n consist_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n especial_o see_v that_o christianity_n address_v itself_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o intend_v to_o constitute_v one_o church_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n which_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o religion_n have_v always_o be_v a_o very_a general_a title_n of_o many_o war_n and_o commotion_n against_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o state_n must_v needs_o be_v jealous_a of_o that_o religion_n which_o ask_v no_o leave_n of_o the_o state_n to_o believe_v what_o it_o believe_v but_o profess_v a_o obligation_n of_o believe_a though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v requisite_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o christianity_n some_o condition_n that_o may_v clear_v it_o from_o this_o jealousy_n especial_o because_o one_o society_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o the_o person_n which_o constitute_v many_o state_n must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o power_n of_o the_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o that_o of_o the_o state_n and_o so_o possible_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o state_n be_v conclude_v in_o conscience_n by_o stranger_n to_o that_o state_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n that_o god_n shall_v institute_v one_o society_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o all_o person_n of_o several_a state_n that_o profess_v christianity_n and_o the_o removing_z of_o this_o difficulty_n consist_v in_o the_o
right_a understanding_n of_o christ_n cross_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n by_o our_o christianity_n we_o can_v thereby_o be_v call_v to_o any_o advantage_n estate_n or_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n which_o we_o have_v not_o by_o our_o quality_n in_o the_o state_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o temporal_a dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o found_v in_o christianity_n because_o the_o great_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o give_v christ_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n tend_v to_o life_n everlasting_a now_o if_o christianity_n import_v no_o right_n no_o interest_n no_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n but_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n which_o it_o find_v when_o the_o world_n embrace_v christianity_n because_o it_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o sovereign_a power_n which_o maintain_v all_o man_n in_o possession_n of_o their_o right_n for_o conscience_n sake_n then_o be_v the_o difficulty_n remove_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o state_n that_o the_o person_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n subsist_v by_o the_o grant_n and_o patent_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o any_o state_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o question_n will_v be_v ask_v in_o the_o next_o place_n how_o a_o society_n of_o man_n can_v subsist_v in_o this_o world_n without_o any_o privilege_n or_o right_v of_o this_o world_n and_o see_v it_o must_v be_v the_o grant_n of_o some_o privilege_n from_o god_n which_o the_o world_n give_v not_o that_o must_v make_v the_o church_n a_o society_n community_n corporation_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n what_o this_o privilege_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v for_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o society_n there_o go_v more_o than_o to_o believe_v the_o faith_n with_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o invisible_a can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n which_o must_v be_v visible_a more_o than_o to_o profess_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o do_v they_o we_o see_v that_o dispute_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o society_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o suppose_v not_o that_o christianity_n oblige_v they_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ordinance_n wherein_o it_o consist_v but_o this_o be_v suppose_v together_o with_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o christianity_n as_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o there_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o make_v the_o church_n such_o a_o society_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o privilege_n of_o hold_v assembly_n for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o of_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v advance_v for_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o right_a of_o the_o church_n stand_v see_v it_o be_v but_o collect_v by_o consequence_n and_o not_o express_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o precept_n or_o privilege_n for_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o source_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o right_a thereof_o issue_v be_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o salvation_n but_o of_o theological_a discourse_n by_o consequence_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n without_o which_o they_o may_v be_v as_o good_a christian_n which_o without_o it_o can_v acquit_v themselves_o of_o those_o difficulty_n which_o he_o that_o know_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n by_o consequence_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v deduce_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o resolve_v here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o privilege_n because_o grant_v by_o god_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n not_o as_o to_o use_v any_o force_n of_o this_o world_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o in_o it_o for_o than_o shall_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n depend_v upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o to_o god_n to_o secure_a christian_n in_o conscience_n to_o god_n in_o case_n they_o disobey_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o be_v subject_n when_o they_o forbid_v they_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n command_v but_o no_o privilege_n of_o this_o world_n which_o count_v it_o no_o advantage_n to_o suffer_v for_o that_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v spare_v with_o ease_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o patent_n or_o charter-privilege_n from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v constitute_v a_o visible_a society_n and_o community_n of_o all_o christian_n though_o to_o a_o invisible_a purpose_n it_o will_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o remember_v here_o a_o passage_n of_o pliny_n epistle_n x._o 97._o by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o roman_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostate_n christian_n plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o frequent_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n since_o that_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o trajane_n he_o have_v by_o his_o edict_n interdict_v corporation_n which_o he_o call_v hetaerias_n and_o the_o law_n collegia_fw-la or_o college_n digest_v xlvii_o 23._o for_o see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n tertullian_n de_fw-fr jejunio_fw-la cap._n xiii_o argue_v upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n when_o he_o write_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n 1_o &_o 3_o ff_n de_fw-fr collegiis_fw-la &_o corporibus_fw-la that_o the_o emperor_n by_o their_o instruction_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o province_n and_o the_o senate_n by_o their_o decree_n do_v make_v such_o society_n unlawful_a as_o often_o as_o they_o find_v cause_n it_o seem_v that_o so_o often_o as_o they_o please_v they_o comprise_v the_o christian_n within_o those_o law_n and_o that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v comprise_v in_o those_o law_n their_o assembly_n be_v thereby_o interdict_v as_o they_o be_v by_o pliny_n edict_n josephus_n true_o antiq._n fourteen_o 17._o record_v a_o decree_n of_o julius_n caesar_n by_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o when_o he_o interdict_v other_o society_n of_o that_o nature_n he_o except_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o since_o it_o appear_v that_o for_o divers_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_n go_v for_o jew_n without_o distinction_n at_o rome_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v not_o inquire_v into_o by_o any_o law_n of_o this_o kind_n because_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o like_a but_o that_o when_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o they_o hold_v themselves_o tie_v to_o assemble_v notwithstanding_o these_o law_n appear_v by_o pliny_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apostate_n this_o privilege_n of_o hold_v assembly_n grant_v christianity_n by_o divine_a right_n on_o purpose_n to_o constitute_v the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v in_o that_o notable_a discourse_n of_o s._n paul_n eph._n iu._n 4-16_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v as_o i_o have_v show_v p._n 218._o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v two_o sort_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o church_n which_o may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o term_n of_o corporal_a and_o spiritual_a corporal_n in_o support_v the_o assembly_n thereof_o by_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o spiritual_a in_o edify_v the_o church_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n at_o those_o assembly_n so_o that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o edification_n the_o frequentation_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o mean_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n because_o he_o argue_v upon_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v to_o maintain_v the_o visible_a assembly_n thereof_o in_o unity_n so_o that_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v at_o those_o assembly_n to_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n for_o see_v the_o unity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n import_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o
that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o power_n give_v the_o church_n by_o god_n of_o order_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o divine_a precept_n and_o yet_o become_v determinable_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v where_o it_o be_v for_o if_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n give_v it_o by_o god_n immediate_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v itself_o a_o society_n for_o the_o better_a maintenance_n and_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v execute_v that_o power_n by_o enable_v every_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o maintain_v itself_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o the_o same_o power_n in_o order_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o be_v all_o christian_n bind_v by_o a_o divine_a precept_n of_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o secular_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n the_o one_o power_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n concern_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o constitute_v indeed_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n execute_v by_o man_n but_o enforce_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n not_o except_v by_o the_o same_o whereof_o this_o be_v one_o and_o if_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n can_v be_v of_o any_o moment_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o the_o clergy_n be_v party_n indeed_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o must_v challenge_v their_o right_n at_o their_o utmost_a hazard_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o more_o pregnant_a instance_n for_o the_o right_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n than_o the_o trouble_n of_o athanasius_n of_o alexandria_n and_o alexander_n of_o constantinople_n for_o refuse_v to_o admit_v arrius_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o act_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o void_a the_o good_a emperor_n be_v seduce_v to_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o by_o this_o particular_a but_o by_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n in_o discern_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o church_n not_o only_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o those_o bishop_n which_o have_v receive_v it_o fresh_a from_o the_o source_n but_o by_o sensible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a right_n which_o they_o find_v the_o church_n in_o possession_n of_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o never_o seek_v to_o bring_v to_o effect_v that_o which_o they_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n whether_o true_o or_o false_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o people_n by_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o their_o own_o sovereign_a power_n but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o those_o that_o be_v then_o hold_v able_a to_o conclude_v the_o church_n employ_v their_o secular_a power_n in_o consequence_n to_o the_o same_o to_o enforce_v such_o act_n though_o not_o always_o valid_a to_o oblige_v the_o church_n by_o temporal_a penalty_n on_o they_o that_o refuse_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n see_v then_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n community_n corporation_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n subsist_v by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n without_o dependence_n upon_o those_o christian_a state_n wherein_o it_o be_v harbour_v as_o to_o the_o right_n by_o which_o it_o subsi_v and_o the_o matter_n wherein_o it_o communicate_v but_o depend_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o force_n which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a to_o maintain_v the_o whole_a people_n of_o all_o christian_a state_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n and_o by_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a it_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o right_n correspondent_a to_o those_o wherein_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o state_n consist_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o right_n into_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v resolve_v when_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o it_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o which_o become_v requisite_a to_o make_v they_o available_a and_o the_o church_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v use_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n as_o the_o sword_n be_v either_o to_o subdue_v stranger_n or_o to_o cut_v off_o malefactor_n let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o any_o private_a person_n be_v enable_v to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o constitute_v new_a church_n of_o person_n new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n without_o competent_a commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o be_v that_o which_o not_o only_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n but_o any_o christian_a may_v do_v and_o be_v to_o do_v when_o he_o find_v himself_o able_a to_o act_v towards_o it_o without_o disadvantage_n to_o christianity_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o that_o frumentius_n and_o aedesius_n do_v in_o india_n and_o the_o captive_a maid_n in_o iberia_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o phoenicia_n and_o cyprus_n and_o at_o antiochia_n act_v xi_o 19_o 20._o but_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o become_v a_o church_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v where_o it_o be_v before_o at_o alexandria_n and_o constantinople_n as_o well_o as_o those_o at_o jerusalem_n act_v xi_o 22._o because_o in_o the_o church_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v deposit_v and_o trust_v with_o the_o church_n for_o the_o propagation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_z though_o all_o christian_n must_v needs_o understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o habitual_a trust_n or_o a_o commission_n dormant_a to_o persuade_v all_o that_o they_o can_v to_o the_o christianity_n which_o they_o have_v themselves_o yet_o the_o express_a commission_n of_o the_o church_n import_v further_a the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o the_o society_n thereof_o already_o use_v towards_o they_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o least_o it_o may_v import_v so_o much_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o grant_v to_o such_o purpose_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v use_v within_o the_o church_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o malefactor_n upon_o two_o sort_n of_o cause_n for_o if_o any_o man_n forfeit_v his_o christianity_n either_o by_o deny_v the_o faith_n upon_o profession_n whereof_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o christianity_n or_o by_o live_v contrary_a to_o the_o same_o the_o same_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o pronounce_v he_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o christianity_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v a_o church_n the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n the_o same_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o subdue_v all_o man_n to_o be_v christian_n upon_o condition_n to_o live_v member_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o will_v not_o live_v within_o compass_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o church_n jurisdiction_n follow_v which_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o judge_v as_o in_o execute_v the_o sentence_n not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o jurisdiction_n such_o as_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o all_o other_o people_n understand_v which_o proceed_v by_o constraint_n of_o outward_a force_n in_o the_o church_n but_o because_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v of_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o continue_v christian_n upon_o supposition_n of_o this_o will_n to_o continue_v a_o christian_a he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v constrain_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n that_o can_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o do_v so_o as_o it_o require_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n subsist_v the_o right_a of_o ordination_n answerable_a to_o that_o part_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o state_n which_o consist_v in_o creation_n of_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n for_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n beside_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o roman_a law_n to_o call_v the_o sovereign_a a_o magistrate_n magistrate_n be_v general_o minister_n of_o the_o sovereign_n which_o create_v a_o particular_a power_n over_o the_o
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a state_n by_o herbert_n thorndike_n london_n print_v by_o m._n f._n for_o octavian_n pullen_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o rose_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1649._o to_o the_o reader_n at_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o trouble_n i_o publish_v a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o primitive_a government_n of_o church_n and_o after_o it_o a_o large_a of_o the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n think_v it_o easy_a to_o infer_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v what_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v since_o that_o time_n congregation_n have_v be_v erect_v and_o presbytery_n ordain_v though_o with_o some_o tincture_n of_o erastus_n his_o doctrine_n which_o dissolve_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n into_o the_o secular_a in_o state_n that_o be_v christian_n here_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o try_v how_o the_o reason_n heretofore_o advance_v may_v be_v improve_v not_o only_o to_o establish_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n grant_v by_o our_o lord_n or_o to_o declare_v what_o person_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n it_o be_v trust_v with_o on_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v afore_o but_o in_o what_o right_o and_o interest_n the_o secular_a power_n concurre_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o establish_v or_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o any_o christian_a state_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o i_o refer_v so_o often_o to_o those_o two_o discourse_n intend_v at_o the_o first_o but_o to_o supply_v and_o improve_v what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o find_v by_o the_o process_n that_o i_o can_v not_o compass_v the_o brevity_n which_o i_o first_o aim_v at_o i_o have_v add_v a_o review_n whereby_o as_o some_o part_n be_v enlarge_v so_o the_o whole_a perhaps_o remain_v not_o so_o suitable_a because_o other_o point_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o require_v the_o like_a enlargement_n be_v leave_v as_o they_o be_v because_o a_o end_n must_v be_v make_v my_o reason_n be_v general_a to_o all_o state_n and_o all_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o generality_n will_v make_v they_o obscure_v to_o such_o as_o consider_v they_o not_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n deserve_v but_o it_o be_v well_o if_o a_o subject_n contain_v so_o great_a difference_n of_o particular_n can_v be_v comprise_v in_o any_o general_a truth_n many_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v better_o say_v can_v all_o have_v be_v copy_v again_o but_o a_o single_a heart_n will_v make_v the_o best_a of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v tender_v with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o remonstrate_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v or_o recover_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o this_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v add_v herewith_o to_o the_o other_o two_o discourse_n a_o review_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v say_v here_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o enlarge_v but_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o press_n and_o my_o absence_n enforce_v i_o to_o defer_v it_o till_o opportunity_n serve_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n the_o church_n have_v no_o temporal_a power_n but_o stand_v by_o god_n privilege_n of_o hold_v assembly_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n interest_n in_o church_n matter_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n what_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n pag._n i_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n contain_v in_o several_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o make_v several_a church_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o great_a city_n therefore_o the_o people_n be_v not_o endow_v with_o the_o chief_a power_n in_o any_o church_n 44_o chap._n iii_o that_o the_o chief_a power_n of_o every_o church_n rest_v in_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n attend_v by_o the_o deacon_n that_o only_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v convertible_a with_o the_o office_n of_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o lay_n elder_n the_o right_n of_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o church_n matter_n 85_o chap._n iu_o secular_a person_n as_o such_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o may_v have_v sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n the_o right_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o right_n of_o tithe_n oblation_n and_o all_o consecration_n how_o original_a how_o accessary_a to_o the_o church_n the_o interest_n of_o secular_a power_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 163_o chap._n v._o how_o the_o church_n may_v be_v reform_v without_o violate_v divine_a right_n what_o privilege_n and_o penalty_n a_o christian_a state_n may_v enforce_v christianity_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mark_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o reformation_n and_o what_o not_o all_o war_n make_v upon_o the_o title_n of_o christianity_n be_v unjust_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o therefore_o religion_n can_v be_v reform_v by_o force_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n among_o we_o and_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o to_o recover_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 247_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a state_n chap._n i._n the_o church_n have_v no_o temporal_a power_n but_o stand_v by_o god_n privilege_n of_o hold_v assembly_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n interest_n in_o church_n matter_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n what_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o understanding_n that_o there_o be_v two_o state_n of_o god_n church_n for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o exercise_n of_o christianity_n be_v allow_v and_o privilege_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v protect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o my_o purpose_n be_v here_o to_o debate_v what_o power_n the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o this_o late_a state_n and_o what_o right_o accrue_v to_o secular_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n when_o they_o profess_v christianity_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o which_o one_o dispute_n will_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o chief_a matter_n now_o in_o compromise_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n to_o understand_v this_o aright_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o endow_v with_o any_o manner_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o civil_a society_n of_o it_o which_o constrain_v man_n to_o obedience_n by_o force_n for_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o ordinary_a understanding_n after_o the_o miserable_a dispute_n which_o this_o civil_a war_n have_v advance_v to_o perceive_v that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o point_n of_o that_o right_n wherein_o sovereign_a power_n consist_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o public_a act_n either_o of_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o derive_v from_o it_o that_o can_v be_v effectual_a as_o the_o use_n of_o civil_a society_n require_v do_v not_o all_o man_n sense_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v force_v ready_a to_o reduce_v the_o refractory_a to_o obedience_n now_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o be_v to_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o the_o sword_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o be_v suspect_v in_o his_o life_n time_n by_o his_o enemy_n and_o last_o accuse_v to_o pilate_n as_o one_o that_o seek_v to_o usurp_v it_o his_o renounce_n it_o so_o public_o because_o it_o clear_v he_o therefore_o convince_v the_o injustice_n of_o the_o sentence_n against_o he_o and_o true_o what_o entertainment_n shall_v we_o imagine_v his_o gospel_n will_v have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n have_v it_o pretend_v to_o establish_v itself_o by_o force_n for_o this_o profession_n must_v needs_o have_v produce_v that_o effect_n which_o mahumetism_n do_v afterward_o to_o wit_n the_o subversion_n of_o all_o state_n which_o it_o may_v prove_v able_a to_o justle_v with_o and_o to_o prevail_v but_o christianity_n be_v first_o initiate_v by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v nothing_o but_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o bear_v his_o cross_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o which_o see_v not_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o must_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o
to_o baptise_v such_o as_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o judge_v whether_o each_o man_n do_v so_o or_o not_o which_o they_o that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o consequence_n trust_v to_o judge_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o trust_n be_v see_v in_o the_o many_o order_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o several_a year_n to_o examine_v their_o profession_n whether_o sincere_a or_o not_o and_o such_o as_o gain_v their_o live_n by_o such_o trade_n as_o christianity_n allow_v not_o reject_v until_o they_o renounce_v they_o not_o that_o my_o intent_n be_v to_o say_v that_o these_o canon_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o always_o to_o judge_v who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o who_o not_o be_v another_o manner_n of_o power_n then_o to_o baptize_v be_v the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o settle_v such_o canon_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o scripture_n that_o those_o rule_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o when_o s._n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n iii_o 21._o that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o be_v not_o the_o lay_n down_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o show_v that_o the_o interrogatory_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n use_v to_o propound_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o contract_n between_o the_o church_n and_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n heb._n vi_o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n manifest_o show_v the_o succeed_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o sue_v for_o baptism_n shall_v be_v catechize_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v such_o course_n of_o the_o world_n as_o stand_v not_o with_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n not_o for_o that_o frantic_a reason_n which_o the_o distemper_n of_o this_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o because_o there_o be_v two_o baptism_n one_o of_o john_n by_o water_n another_z of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o it_o be_v several_o teach_v several_a person_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o several_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o call_v also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o we_o understand_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n paedag._n iii_o 11._o and_o by_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n vii_o 40._o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v catechize_v and_o be_v catechize_v they_o be_v then_o dismiss_v by_o he_o that_o catechize_v they_o with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v with_o prayer_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v in_o due_a time_n become_v good_a christian_n all_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o judge_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o baptism_n or_o not_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v only_o that_o of_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la constant_n iv_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o constantine_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o confess_v his_o sin_n he_o be_v admit_v to_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n three_o thousand_o in_o a_o day_n act_v ii_o 41._o which_o can_v not_o be_v thus_o catechize_v and_o try_v my_o answer_n be_v that_o two_o case_n be_v always_o except_v from_o the_o rule_n the_o first_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o second_o when_o by_o the_o eagerness_n of_o those_o that_o desire_a baptism_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n appear_v extraordinary_a in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o day_n but_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o day_n which_o be_v true_a though_o they_o only_o profess_v themselves_o disciple_n for_o the_o present_a pass_v nevertheless_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n as_o the_o case_n require_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o god_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o then_o be_v the_o same_o power_n enable_v to_o refuse_v he_o that_o shall_v appear_v unfit_a then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o exclude_v he_o that_o prove_v himself_o unfit_a after_o he_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o next_o argument_n which_o i_o will_v ground_n upon_o the_o discipline_n of_o penance_n as_o it_o be_v ancient_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v open_v by_o the_o observation_n advance_v in_o the_o 127_o p._n of_o this_o little_a discourse_n that_o those_o who_o contrary_a to_o this_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n fall_v into_o sin_n destructive_a to_o christianity_n be_v fain_o to_o sue_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n which_o suppose_v that_o till_o they_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n of_o their_o sincerity_n in_o christianity_n they_o remain_v stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o church_n writer_n that_o for_o divers_a age_n the_o great_a sinner_n as_o apostate_n murderer_n &_o adulterer_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o penance_n for_o though_o tertullian_n be_v a_o montanist_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o upon_o zephyrinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o admit_v adulterer_n to_o penance_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o case_n that_o it_o have_v former_o be_v refuse_v in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o make_v he_o a_o montanist_n and_o s._n cyprian_n epist_n ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la testify_v that_o divers_a african_a bishop_n afore_o he_o have_v refuse_v it_o maintain_v communion_n nevertheless_o with_o those_o that_o grant_v it_o irenaeus_n also_o i_o 9_o say_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o defile_v by_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n that_o after_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o her_o sin_n by_o some_o christian_n she_o spend_v all_o her_o day_n in_o bewal_n it_o therefore_o without_o recover_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o eliberitane_n council_n shall_v easy_o see_v many_o kind_n of_o sin_n censure_v some_o of_o they_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n till_o the_o point_n other_o not_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o this_o estate_n these_o only_a who_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v proper_o excommunicate_a neither_o can_v those_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n be_v absolute_o count_v so_o because_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o communion_n though_o in_o case_n they_o recover_v they_o stand_v bind_v to_o complete_a their_o penance_n and_o from_o hence_o afterward_o also_o those_o that_o have_v once_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n the_o second_o time_n council_n tolet._n x._o can._n xi_o eliber_n can._n iii_o &_o vii_o ambros_n de_fw-fr poenit._n ii_o 10_o 11._o innoc._n i._o ep._n i._o august_n epist_n l._n &_o liv._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o this_o rigour_n be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n not_o understand_v aright_o free_a justification_n by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n abate_v more_o and_o more_o age_n by_o age_n till_o that_o now_o it_o be_v come_v to_o nothing_o so_o if_o we_o go_v upward_o and_o compare_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o original_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o rigour_n of_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o they_o because_o it_o abate_v by_o degree_n from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o at_o length_n it_o be_v almost_o quite_o lose_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o retain_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o christianity_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o undue_a interpretation_n make_v justification_n by_o faith_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o in_o fine_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o penance_n presuppose_v excommunication_n be_v only_o some_o abatement_n of_o it_o there_o
consequence_n reduce_v the_o authority_n they_o pretend_v to_o what_o measure_n the_o people_n shall_v please_v who_o by_o their_o proceed_n they_o enable_v to_o make_v and_o unmake_v member_n and_o pastor_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o i_o dispute_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o design_n before_o they_o declare_v what_o they_o be_v agree_v upon_o in_o it_o beside_o they_o conceive_v they_o have_v this_o right_n in_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v saint_n as_o anabaptist_n conceive_v that_o by_o the_o same_o title_n they_o have_v right_o to_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o as_o christian_n conceive_v they_o have_v those_o right_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n they_o seem_v to_o presume_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o such_o a_o congregation_n upon_o covenant_n to_o live_v in_o such_o society_n for_o which_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o level_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o scripture_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v part_v from_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o recover_v the_o freedom_n of_o saint_n before_o they_o be_v agree_v wherein_o this_o freedom_n consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o true_o that_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o prove_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o peremptory_a prescription_n against_o their_o pretence_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n order_v the_o body_n of_o several_a church_n to_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n contain_v in_o several_a city_n and_o in_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o which_o no_o common_a sense_n can_v possible_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v assemble_v all_o together_o at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v those_o church_n be_v not_o deposit_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n whereof_o those_o church_n do_v or_o shall_v consist_v for_o where_o the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n there_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n must_v have_v mean_n to_o assemble_v to_o take_v order_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o for_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o those_o assembly_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o those_o church_n shall_v meet_v common_a sense_n must_v pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o take_v order_n in_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o church_n be_v not_o deposit_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n another_o exception_n there_o be_v to_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n which_o they_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n far_o more_o peremptory_a than_o he_o for_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o they_o ground_n the_o right_n &_o interess_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n be_v do_v under_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v not_o only_o in_o their_o time_n but_o also_o in_o concurrence_n with_o their_o right_a and_o power_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v or_o if_o we_o prove_v the_o chief_a power_n to_o have_v be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n it_o can_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o produce_v be_v prove_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o people_n because_o their_o evidence_n can_v prove_v any_o great_a power_n or_o right_o to_o be_v now_o in_o the_o people_n than_o belong_v to_o they_o when_o the_o scripture_n they_o allege_v be_v say_v or_o do_v under_o the_o apostle_n now_o i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o entreat_v any_o man_n to_o grant_v i_o that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n which_o their_o commission_n will_v easy_o evince_v the_o name_n of_o a_o apostle_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v by_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o that_o people_n for_o in_o their_o law_n it_o ordinary_o signify_v a_o man_n proxy_n or_o commissary_n depute_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o large_a so_o that_o when_o we_o read_v of_o epaphroditus_n apostle_n of_o the_o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 25_o 30._o or_o of_o luke_n and_o titus_n apostle_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n viii_o 19_o 20_o 23._o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v by_o this_o name_n any_o thing_n like_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o late_a be_v plain_o call_v apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o depute_v by_o they_o to_o carry_v their_o contribution_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o epaphroditus_n of_o the_o philippian_n as_o employ_v by_o they_o to_o wait_v upon_o and_o furnish_v s._n paul_n with_o his_o necessary_a charge_n at_o rome_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n apostle_n then_o must_v not_o be_v value_v by_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n nor_o by_o the_o person_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n that_o send_v they_o for_o he_o may_v have_v send_v other_o manner_n of_o man_n upon_o inferior_a errand_n and_o all_o be_v apostle_n but_o by_o the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v trust_v with_o express_v in_o their_o commission_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o who_o be_v soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v and_o go_v preach_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n for_o if_o god_n ordain_v his_o church_n to_o be_v one_o visible_a society_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o trust_v only_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o root_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o have_v be_v say_v either_o the_o church_n must_v challenge_v it_o against_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o but_o by_o they_o or_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o it_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o they_o whereupon_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bishopric_n before_o the_o church_n be_v whereof_o they_o be_v bishop_n to_o wit_n in_o judas_n act_v i._o 9_o a_o meaning_n easy_a to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spiritual_a israel_n as_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n come_v of_o xii_o patriarch_n have_v always_o xii_o prince_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o lxx_o presbyter_n member_n of_o the_o great_a consistory_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o great_a matter_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n under_o one_o king_n or_o judge_n or_o under_o god_n when_o they_o have_v neither_o king_n nor_o judge_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n appoint_v xii_o patriarch_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o spiritual_a people_n lxx_o governor_n of_o another_o rank_n both_o under_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n in_o who_o shall_v rest_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o govern_v that_o people_n whereof_o himself_o in_o heaven_n remain_v always_o king_n a_o perfect_a evidence_n hereof_o be_v the_o derive_v of_o other_o power_n from_o they_o as_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o evangelist_n and_o we_o read_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o apostle_n which_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lxx_o we_o must_v needs_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o be_v apostle_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v person_n send_v by_o the_o xii_o apostle_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o work_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a can_v not_o be_v execute_v by_o they_o in_o person_n alone_o and_o indeed_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v false_a apostle_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 13._o and_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o apoc._n ii_o 2._o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v they_o be_v but_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o other_o apostle_n perhaps_o by_o s._n peter_n to_o corinth_n who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o that_o church_n as_o we_o learn_v by_o dionysius_n of_o corinth_n in_o eusebius_n eccles_n histor_n ii_o 25._o agree_v with_o the_o begin_n of_o s._n paul_n first_o epistle_n but_o intend_v indeed_o under_o their_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o pull_v down_o that_o which_o be_v build_v by_o their_o fellow_n apostle_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n perhaps_o s._n paul_n call_v andronicus_n and_o junias_n eminent_a among_o the_o apostle_n rom._n xvi_o 7._o because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v employ_v by_o himself_o or_o by_o s._n peter_n about_o the_o gospel_n at_o rome_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v take_v measure_n what_o evangelist_n be_v for_o see_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v the_o apostle_n scholar_n depute_v by_o they_o and_o limit_v to_o such_o employment_n as_o
out_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o drive_v a_o worse_a trade_n of_o preach_v then_o ever_o priest_n do_v of_o private_a mass_n the_o one_o tend_v only_o to_o feed_v themselves_o the_o other_o to_o turn_v the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o harbour_n of_o the_o church_n into_o public_a confusion_n to_o feed_v themselves_o the_o profane_v of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o if_o the_o take_n away_o of_o private_a mass_n must_v be_v by_o turn_v the_o eucharist_n out_o of_o door_n save_v twice_o or_o thrice_o a_o year_n for_o fashion_n sake_n it_o be_v but_o lycurgus_n his_o reformation_n to_o stock_n up_o the_o vine_n for_o fear_v man_n be_v drink_v with_o the_o wine_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v clear_a in_o this_o business_n the_o order_n whereof_o as_o it_o earnest_o sigh_n and_o groan_n towards_o the_o restore_n of_o public_a penance_n the_o only_a mean_a establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o maintain_v the_o church_n in_o estate_n to_o communicate_v continual_o so_o it_o recommend_v the_o continual_a celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n at_o all_o the_o more_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o lord_n day_n and_o festival_n as_o for_o the_o sermon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v and_o be_v it_o now_o abate_v when_o such_o sermon_n can_v be_v have_v as_o be_v fit_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o undertake_v that_o there_o will_v be_v room_n enough_o leave_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o reformer_n of_o this_o age_n have_v they_o consider_v so_o well_o as_o it_o behove_v they_o what_o they_o undertake_v shall_v easy_o have_v find_v that_o the_o continual_a celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n at_o all_o the_o more_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o penance_n to_o maintain_v the_o people_n in_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o communicate_v in_o it_o be_v such_o a_o point_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n that_o without_o restore_v it_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o mere_a noise_n and_o pretence_n if_o not_o mischief_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v reserve_v to_o presbyter_n alone_o in_o consequence_n to_o the_o premise_n be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o lay_v elder_n for_o see_v all_o agree_v that_o presbyter_n have_v their_o share_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n though_o the_o chief_a interess_n in_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o see_v the_o work_n of_o this_o power_n be_v to_o admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o s._n john_n show_v when_o he_o describe_v excommunication_n by_o not_o pray_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o see_v it_o appear_v by_o s._n james_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o who_o the_o church_n pray_v for_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o presbyter_n what_o can_v we_o conceive_v more_o reasonable_a and_o consequent_a to_o the_o premise_n then_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v convertible_a with_o the_o office_n of_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o agreeable_a then_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v with_o be_v offer_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o discern_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v who_o exclude_v from_o the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o josephus_n the_o jew_n in_o epiphanius_n against_o the_o ebionite_n where_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o tiberias_n at_o his_o part_n he_o give_v he_o money_n say_v offer_v for_o i_o for_o it_o be_v write_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v express_v thereby_o the_o sense_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o make_v account_v thereby_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v pass_v and_o continual_o do_v pass_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n whereupon_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a censure_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n that_o he_o which_o do_v so_o or_o so_o his_o oblation_n be_v not_o receive_v that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o for_o who_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v which_o the_o eucharist_n be_v offer_v with_o therefore_o ignatius_n thus_o prosecute_v the_o word_n last_o quote_v he_o that_o be_v without_o the_o sanctuary_n say_v he_o come_v short_a of_o the_o bread_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o forcible_a with_o god_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v that_o which_o contain_v that_o unity_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a that_o those_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o this_o efficacy_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o they_o who_o this_o unity_n and_o the_o power_n which_o preserve_v it_o be_v trust_v with_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n though_o all_o christian_n be_v priest_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v 1_o pet._n ii_o 5._o apoc._n i._n 6._o by_o a_o far_o better_a title_n than_o moses_n promise_v the_o israelite_n ex._n xix_o 6._o the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v by_o good_a right_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v call_v sacerdotes_fw-la or_o sacrificer_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v sacrificer_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n because_o that_o which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o all_o be_v by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n pass_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n reserve_v to_o be_v execute_v and_o minister_v by_o they_o who_o that_o power_n which_o preserve_v that_o unity_n which_o enforce_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v trust_v with_o he_o that_o refuse_v this_o reason_n as_o build_v upon_o consequence_n that_o convince_v not_o must_v by_o consequence_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v peculiar_a to_o presbyter_n mere_o by_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n derive_v from_o the_o order_n settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o whether_o those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n will_v admit_v i_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o advise_v for_o as_o for_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o both_o sacrament_n be_v convertible_a with_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v upon_o which_o they_o style_v their_o pastor_n or_o preach_v elder_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o void_a of_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v wide_a from_o the_o original_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n and_o preach_v communicable_a to_o deacon_n and_o possible_o to_o lay_v man_n only_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n proper_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o put_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o here_o be_v advance_v to_o compromise_n yet_o out_o of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v two_o effectual_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o nullity_n of_o lay_n elder_n the_o first_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v in_o use_n in_o their_o time_n for_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distinguish_v that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v in_o one_o rank_n in_o the_o uppermost_a room_n with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o midst_n that_o be_v in_o the_o head_n of_o they_o his_o seat_n advance_v above_o they_o as_o s._n hierome_n witness_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n from_o s._n mark_n from_o which_o manner_n of_o sit_v they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_a father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o tertullian_n praesidentes_fw-la how_o can_v common_a sense_n desire_v better_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o quality_n
to_o believe_v that_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o and_o when_o we_o read_v of_o persecution_n against_o the_o ordinary_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v presume_v that_o as_o the_o persecution_n of_o counsel_n will_v have_v make_v great_a desolation_n in_o the_o church_n so_o must_v they_o needs_o be_v more_o subject_a to_o be_v persecute_v and_o by_o eusebius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n clemens_n ignatius_n polycarpus_n s._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o they_o follow_v still_o extant_a in_o their_o epistle_n we_o understand_v that_o their_o personal_a assembly_n be_v supply_v by_o their_o formatae_fw-la or_o letter_n of_o mark_n whereby_o the_o act_n of_o some_o church_n the_o most_o eminent_a be_v approve_v by_o the_o rest_n after_o they_o be_v send_v to_o they_o purchase_v the_o same_o force_n with_o the_o act_n of_o counsel_n wherefore_o the_o hold_v of_o counsel_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o dispatch_v matter_n determinable_a though_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v always_o necessary_a that_o see_v no_o church_n can_v be_v conclude_v without_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o church_n concur_v to_o the_o act_n that_o must_v oblige_v their_o church_n not_o so_o their_o presbyter_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o presbyter_n can_v concur_v though_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n some_o may_v as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n where_o a_o council_n be_v hold_v as_o at_o jerusalem_n act_n xv._o 6._o which_o we_o find_v therefore_o practise_v in_o divers_a counsel_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o bishop_n by_o deputation_n in_o their_o absence_n or_o perhaps_o as_o to_o propound_v matter_n of_o extraordinary_a consequence_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a people_n to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o act_n of_o a_o council_n as_o all_o can_v always_o be_v present_a suppose_v the_o dependence_n of_o church_n so_o nothing_o hinder_v any_o part_n thereof_o to_o intercede_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o christianity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n thereof_o or_o of_o divine_a right_n therefore_o in_o the_o order_n of_o hold_v counsel_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v put_v before_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o counsel_n the_o people_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v present_a as_o they_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n act_n xv._o 12_o 13_o 22._o i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o nice_a point_n of_o the_o original_a right_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tithe_n first-fruit_n and_o oblation_n for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o same_o measure_n which_o the_o law_n provide_v be_v due_a under_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o quality_n of_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a be_v cease_v as_o much_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v maintain_v express_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o attendance_n this_o difficulty_n must_v be_v resolve_v by_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n express_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o figure_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v but_o no_o man_n doubt_v that_o there_o be_v always_o assembly_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o over_o the_o country_n for_o the_o opportunity_n whereof_o in_o time_n synagogue_n be_v build_v where_o the_o law_n be_v teach_v and_o public_a prayer_n offer_v to_o god_n this_o office_n of_o teach_v the_o law_n can_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi._n so_o far_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o school_n of_o disciple_n furnish_v it_o not_o their_o consistory_n which_o have_v the_o authority_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v lawful_a what_o unlawful_a be_v consequent_o charge_v with_o this_o office_n now_o they_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o the_o best_a of_o their_o city_n to_o who_o be_v add_v as_o assistant_n some_o of_o that_o tribe_n unless_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o priest_n city_n in_o particular_a for_o credible_o the_o consistory_n of_o they_o consist_v only_o of_o priest_n for_o that_o tribe_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o land_n to_o gather_v their_o revenue_n be_v by_o that_o mean_n ready_a to_o attend_v on_o this_o office_n of_o assist_v in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v the_o law_n so_o say_v josephus_n antiq._n iu._n 8._o that_o the_o consistory_n of_o particular_a city_n consist_v of_o seven_o chief_z of_o every_o city_n assist_v each_z with_o two_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n which_o with_o a_o precedent_n and_o his_o deputy_n or_o second_n such_o as_o we_o know_v the_o high_a consistory_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o xxiii_o which_o the_o talmud_n doctor_n say_v they_o consist_v of_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o they_o that_o think_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o our_o lord_n command_v to_o obey_v have_v usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n for_o what_o hinder_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o be_v scribe_n and_o pharisee_n themselves_o though_o other_o israelite_n be_v scribe_n and_o pharisee_n beside_o priest_n and_o levite_n neither_o pharisee_n nor_o priest_n and_o levite_n have_v this_o authority_n as_o pharisee_n or_o as_o priest_n and_o levite_n but_o as_o member_n or_o assistant_n of_o the_o consistory_n the_o reason_n because_o god_n law_n whereby_o his_o worship_n be_v determine_v be_v also_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o that_o people_n because_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v promise_v they_o upon_o condition_n of_o live_v according_a to_o it_o therefore_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n must_v belong_v to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o law_n be_v to_o judge_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n god_n stir_v up_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o from_o humane_a corruption_n so_o only_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o only_o that_o tribe_n which_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o rest_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o place_n as_o well_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n incorporate_v by_o god_n into_o one_o society_n and_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o what_o endowment_n god_n appoint_v this_o corporation_n for_o the_o exchequer_n of_o it_o be_v best_a judge_v by_o what_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v but_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o contribution_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n that_o many_o offer_v their_o whole_a estate_n to_o maintain_v the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o oblige_v all_o christian_n ever_o after_o to_o destroy_v civil_a society_n by_o communion_n of_o good_n as_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o estate_n at_o that_o time_n the_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n then_o in_o the_o shell_n require_v continual_a attendance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o withdraw_v the_o great_a part_n of_o disciple_n which_o be_v poor_a from_o the_o mean_n of_o live_v require_v great_a oblation_n of_o the_o rich_a the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n continue_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o common_a stock_n of_o the_o church_n common_a entertainment_n be_v provide_v for_o rich_a and_o poor_a at_o which_o entertainment_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v break_v of_o bread_n act_v ii_o 42_o 46._o xx._n 7._o and_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 20._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o mean_v thereby_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o this_o common_a entertainment_n at_o which_o that_o sacrament_n be_v celebrate_v which_o therefore_o be_v true_o call_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n complain_v that_o because_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a sup_v not_o together_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v which_o s._n
inconvenience_n to_o imagine_v that_o commander_n of_o war_n shall_v meddle_v with_o order_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v not_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v there_o by_o the_o militia_n the_o company_n of_o priest_n that_o wait_v on_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o captain_n of_o who_o with_o david_n divide_v the_o singer_n as_o they_o do_v the_o priest_n 1_o chron._n xxiv_o 3_o 6_o 7._o though_o elsewhere_o 1_o chron._n xxiii_o 6._o david_n alone_o be_v mention_v to_o do_v it_o as_o by_o who_o power_n a_o business_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o a_o tribe_n in_o israel_n be_v put_v in_o effect_n and_o force_n so_o hezekias_n and_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o synagogue_n advise_v about_o hold_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n 2_o chron._n xxx_o 2._o that_o be_v he_o advise_v with_o the_o consistory_n who_o be_v there_o as_o in_o jer._n xxvi_o 10_o 11._o call_v the_o prince_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n constitution_n in_o maimoni_n in_o the_o title_n of_o come_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n ca._n iu._n teach_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o david_n and_o his_o prince_n give_v the_o gibeonite_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o levite_n whereupon_o they_o be_v call_v nethinim_n that_o be_v give_v esd_v viii_o 20._o where_o by_o david_n and_o the_o prince_n we_o must_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n david_n and_o the_o great_a consistory_n of_o his_o time_n so_o also_o maimoni_n in_o the_o title_n erubin_n subinit_fw-la or_o rather_o the_o talmud_n doctor_n who_o credit_n he_o follow_v tell_v we_o that_o solomon_n and_o his_o consistory_n bring_v that_o constitution_n into_o practice_n concern_v what_o room_n meat_n may_v be_v remove_v into_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n herewith_o agree_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a emperor_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o some_o of_o their_o law_n in_o the_o code_o by_o which_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v estimate_v see_v it_o 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christianity_n shall_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o god_n have_v require_v to_o be_v serve_v with_o but_o even_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o sovereign_n but_o to_o use_v that_o power_n which_o their_o quality_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n give_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o subsistence_n thereof_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o secular_a power_n a_o thing_n manifest_o suppose_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o all_o those_o action_n wherein_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v their_o emperor_n seduce_v by_o heretic_n and_o to_o suffer_v their_o church_n to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n particular_o in_o that_o memorable_a refusal_n of_o athanasius_n of_o alexandria_n and_o alexander_n of_o constantinople_n to_o admit_v the_o heretic_n arius_n to_o communion_n at_o the_o instant_a command_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a which_o most_o christian_n action_n whosoever_o justify_v not_o beside_o the_o appearance_n of_o favour_n to_o such_o a_o heresy_n he_o will_v lay_v the_o church_n open_a to_o the_o same_o ruin_n whensoever_o the_o sovereign_a power_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o like_a and_o such_o a_o difference_n fall_v out_o so_o that_o to_o particular_a person_n it_o can_v be_v clear_a who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a for_o christian_n in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n against_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n though_o to_o no_o further_a effect_n then_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o 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in_o his_o gospel_n have_v leave_v concern_v marriage_n for_o if_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christian_n as_o christian_n then_o whatsoever_o become_v questionable_a upon_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o law_n concern_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o church_n must_v needs_o fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o conclude_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v without_o question_n as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n that_o no_o marriage_n be_v make_v which_o the_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o benediction_n whereof_o upon_o marriage_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o church_n presuppose_v as_o that_o upon_o the_o marriage_n of_o booz_n and_o ruth_n ruth_n iu._n 11._o presuppose_v the_o act_n to_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o elder_n or_o consistory_n of_o bethlehem_n as_o you_o have_v it_o afore_o these_o difficulty_n thus_o void_v it_o remain_v that_o the_o secular_a power_n stand_v bind_v in_o conscience_n 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qualify_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o this_o moderation_n that_o secular_a power_n be_v satisfy_v not_o only_o that_o the_o person_n promote_v be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n whereof_o they_o have_v charge_n by_o their_o proper_a quality_n but_o also_o that_o as_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o assistant_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o contrary_a of_o that_o which_o they_o as_o christian_n profess_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a from_o the_o premise_n to_o determine_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n in_o settle_v maintain_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o see_v the_o reason_n premise_v which_o now_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o those_o that_o will_v not_o understand_v wherein_o christianity_n consist_v have_v prevail_v so_o far_o with_o all_o christian_a people_n that_o all_o tithe_n and_o many_o other_o oblation_n and_o endowment_n be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o part_n consecrate_v to_o god_n as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o christian_n good_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o service_n it_o remain_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o secular_a sword_n to_o maintain_v the_o church_n in_o that_o right_n for_o that_o public_a power_n that_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o such_o good_n shall_v rob_v both_o god_n and_o the_o people_n god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n of_o consecration_n pass_v upon_o such_o good_n the_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o original_a right_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n which_o first_o move_v christian_n to_o consecrate_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o right_n that_o which_o first_o be_v consecrate_v be_v take_v away_o by_o force_n christian_a people_n remain_v no_o less_o oblige_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o their_o poverty_n that_o which_o shall_v be_v proportionable_a to_o that_o which_o all_o christian_a people_n 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the_o church_n upon_o themselves_o nor_o use_v it_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o family_n which_o discipline_n if_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v employ_v to_o retrieve_v it_o will_v not_o be_v thereby_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n but_o cumulative_a as_o likewise_o if_o it_o be_v employ_v to_o the_o most_o advantageous_a distribution_n of_o that_o mass_n of_o church_n good_n which_o lie_v affect_v and_o depute_v to_o any_o cathedral_n church_n through_o the_o whole_a diocese_n thereof_o in_o case_n the_o distribution_n make_v by_o humane_a right_n appear_v prejudicial_a to_o those_o charitable_a purpose_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n through_o that_o church_n or_o diocese_n be_v maintain_v and_o advance_v provide_v always_o that_o a_o great_a sacrilege_n be_v not_o commit_v by_o rob_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o right_n and_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispose_v of_o the_o endowment_n of_o their_o church_n these_o thing_n promise_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o undertake_v that_o there_o never_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o land_n mortify_v and_o put_v out_o of_o commerce_n and_o apply_v and_o affect_v to_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o that_o estate_n more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o public_a strength_n security_n and_o plenty_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o charitable_a maintenance_n of_o those_o that_o attend_v it_o in_o case_n the_o secular_a power_n have_v be_v improve_v to_o dispose_v of_o it_o for_o the_o best_a than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o any_o particular_a hand_n especial_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o sacrilege_n chap._n v._n how_o the_o church_n may_v be_v reform_v without_o violate_v divine_a right_n what_o privilege_n and_o penalty_n a_o christian_a state_n may_v enforce_v christianity_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o
law_n of_o his_o country_n pretend_v to_o be_v for_o his_o good_a and_o to_o relish_v it_o aright_o when_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o otherwise_o and_o so_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o all_o affliction_n be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o drive_v man_n to_o their_o good_a against_o their_o will_n and_o that_o those_o who_o fained_o submit_v to_o christianity_n may_v as_o aristotle_n say_v be_v sunburn_a by_o walk_v in_o the_o sun_n though_o they_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o sun_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o be_v by_o try_v the_o effect_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o reformation_n of_o man_n life_n among_o who_o they_o live_v by_o be_v under_o such_o law_n may_v be_v win_v to_o embrace_v it_o for_o itself_o which_o at_o first_o they_o embrace_v for_o the_o worldly_a privilege_n of_o it_o to_o which_o purpose_n there_o can_v be_v no_o mean_a so_o effectual_a as_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o public_a discipline_n of_o penance_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o become_v most_o evident_a what_o inward_a esteem_n man_n set_v upon_o christianity_n by_o the_o esteem_n they_o set_v upon_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v abhor_v not_o for_o the_o temporal_a penalty_n which_o by_o civil_a law_n attend_v upon_o it_o but_o for_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o intercept_v and_o true_o this_o last_o inconvenience_n of_o hypocritical_a profession_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v avoid_v wheresoever_o christianity_n or_o any_o opinion_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o it_o be_v make_v the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n for_o evidence_n whereof_o i_o must_v repeat_v first_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v afore_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o reason_n for_o which_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n to_o wit_n privilege_n and_o penalty_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o must_v suppose_v here_o that_o as_o exemption_n from_o any_o penalty_n be_v a_o privilege_n so_o exemption_n from_o a_o privilege_n be_v a_o penalty_n wherefore_o see_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n but_o by_o such_o privilege_n as_o another_o religion_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o toleration_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n in_o comparison_n of_o punishment_n so_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v privilege_v these_o thing_n suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n why_o christianity_n must_v of_o necessity_n decay_n and_o why_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o decay_a since_o the_o world_n come_v into_o the_o church_n for_o when_o man_n come_v not_o to_o christianity_n till_o they_o have_v digest_v the_o hardship_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o resolve_v to_o prefer_v the_o next_o world_n afore_o this_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o endure_v what_o they_o have_v foresee_v and_o resolve_v against_o but_o see_v temporal_a privilege_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_a punishment_n may_v belong_v to_o true_a christianity_n no_o marvel_n if_o man_n follow_v the_o reason_n of_o privilege_n not_o of_o christianity_n when_o they_o go_v both_o together_o though_o by_o consequence_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o change_v as_o the_o privilege_n change_v now_o as_o to_o the_o privilege_n which_o christianity_n be_v endow_v with_o by_o the_o act_n of_o god_n or_o make_v capable_a of_o by_o the_o same_o from_o sovereign_a power_n when_o they_o make_v christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o those_o state_n which_o they_o govern_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v from_o the_o premise_n that_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o exempt_a by_o divine_a right_n from_o any_o law_n of_o those_o state_n under_o which_o they_o live_v for_o see_v the_o clergy_n be_v a_o quality_n which_o presuppose_v christianity_n and_o subsi_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o and_o that_o no_o quality_n subsist_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o christianity_n endow_v any_o man_n with_o any_o temporal_a right_n wherewith_o he_o be_v not_o invest_v by_o the_o quality_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o his_o own_o country_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n by_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n can_v be_v privilege_v against_o secular_a power_n or_o against_o those_o law_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o example_n of_o abiathar_n high_a priest_n remove_v from_o his_o office_n by_o solomon_n for_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n 1_o king_n ii_o 26._o to_o wit_n because_o as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v he_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o if_o that_o office_n to_o which_o his_o person_n be_v design_v by_o god_n express_a law_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v lawful_a high_a priest_n may_v be_v take_v away_o for_o a_o crime_n commit_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o king_n subsist_v by_o a_o act_n subsequent_a to_o the_o law_n establish_v by_o god_n because_o the_o law_n which_o allow_v a_o king_n enjoin_a obedience_n by_o all_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o indeed_o see_v the_o clergy_n be_v but_o a_o degree_n qualify_a man_n in_o christianity_n above_o the_o people_n those_o temporal_a privilege_n which_o by_o divine_a right_n be_v pretend_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n must_v needs_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n by_o the_o same_o right_n much_o more_o the_o clergy_n presuppose_v the_o church_n as_o the_o church_n the_o state_n must_v needs_o leave_v all_o man_n that_o be_v qualify_v by_o it_o oblige_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n as_o it_o find_v they_o to_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n which_o can_v be_v when_o both_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n consist_v of_o the_o same_o person_n but_o though_o the_o clergy_n be_v not_o exempt_a from_o any_o secular_a jurisdiction_n by_o divine_a right_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o capable_a of_o exemption_n by_o divine_a right_n that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o privilege_n grant_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o determine_v within_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v the_o difference_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v end_v within_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v a_o scandal_n to_o christianity_n it_o be_v but_o correspondent_a &_o consequent_a thereunto_o that_o for_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n which_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o clergy_n may_v occasion_v or_o to_o make_v they_o less_o public_a they_o be_v end_v within_o themselves_o see_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o understanding_n that_o the_o reverence_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v of_o great_a interest_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v the_o discipline_n which_o the_o clergy_n be_v liable_a to_o by_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o strict_a then_o that_o which_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n whatsoever_o can_v require_v and_o determine_v that_o clergy_n man_n can_v incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o criminal_a law_n but_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v violate_v the_o strict_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v under_o afore_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o christianity_n to_o privilege_v they_o against_o such_o law_n that_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v clear_v of_o the_o scandal_n then_o by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n correspondent_a to_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o they_o incur_v but_o if_o thus_o it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o christianity_n be_v endow_v with_o any_o secular_a privilege_n of_o that_o civil_a society_n wherein_o he_o live_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o no_o man_n be_v by_o his_o christianity_n uncapable_a of_o any_o right_n common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o the_o state_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o some_o law_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v produce_v whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v incompetible_a with_o the_o quality_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v pretend_v with_o much_o noise_n to_o render_v the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n uncapable_a of_o employment_n in_o secular_a affair_n in_o point_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o regard_n that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n civil_a society_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o tend_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o
same_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o man_n that_o assure_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v assure_v it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o original_a language_n the_o comparison_n of_o like_a passage_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o ancient_a writer_n describe_v affair_n of_o the_o same_o time_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o help_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o they_o be_v but_o the_o mean_n to_o improve_v common_a sense_n to_o convince_v or_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v to_o procure_v resolution_n there_o remain_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n testify_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o receive_v the_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o convince_a common_a sense_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o as_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o law_n be_v evidence_v by_o the_o original_a practice_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o this_o whole_a question_n what_o law_n god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o resolution_n by_o which_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n in_o which_o that_o which_o original_o and_o universal_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o to_o be_v retain_v for_o the_o future_a as_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v be_v receive_v from_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n for_o which_o we_o receive_v christianity_n though_o not_o so_o copious_a as_o of_o less_o importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n to_o object_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v a_o work_n even_o under_o the_o apostle_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v 2_o thess_n ii_o 7._o to_o cause_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n always_o to_o stand_v suspect_v as_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o antichrist_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o antichrist_n be_v then_o a_o come_n unless_o a_o man_n will_v undertake_v to_o specify_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o be_v of_o antichrist_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o he_o dispute_v against_o for_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o presume_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o wherein_o antichristianism_n consist_v because_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v a_o work_n under_o the_o apostle_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o socinian_o argue_v with_o as_o good_a right_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v that_o wherein_o antichristianism_n consist_v be_v receive_v likewise_o in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n under_o who_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v a_o work_n or_o rather_o why_o be_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o admit_v to_o argue_v from_o such_o obscure_a scripture_n thing_n of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n unless_o they_o will_v undertake_v further_a to_o prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o antichrist_n be_v antichrist_n for_o that_o which_o they_o cry_v down_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v for_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n among_o we_o about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o my_o reason_n carry_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o it_o because_o it_o challenge_v no_o authority_n but_o that_o of_o historical_a truth_n to_o any_o record_n of_o the_o church_n appeal_n for_o the_o rest_n to_o common_a sense_n to_o judge_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v so_o evidence_v to_o have_v be_v first_o in_o practice_n agree_v with_o that_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o evident_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v spend_v chief_o in_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v in_o this_o business_n confess_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o stand_v upon_o the_o original_n general_a and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v the_o matter_n in_o difference_n by_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o christianity_n stand_v recommend_v to_o we_o proportionable_o to_o the_o importance_n of_o they_o which_o as_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o all_o capable_a to_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o maintain_v the_o possession_n of_o right_n derive_v to_o this_o instant_n so_o that_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v undertake_v to_o erect_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n without_o and_o against_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o incur_v the_o crime_n of_o schism_n i_o will_v not_o leave_v this_o point_n without_o say_v something_o of_o their_o case_n that_o have_v reform_v the_o church_n without_o authority_n of_o bishop_n that_o have_v abolish_v the_o order_n and_o vest_v their_o power_n in_o which_o i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o to_o their_o respective_a church_n which_o the_o dependence_n on_o the_o whole_a upon_o presbytery_n or_o whatsoever_o beside_o which_o to_o decline_v here_o may_v make_v man_n conceive_v that_o i_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a opinion_n of_o they_o then_o indeed_o i_o have_v for_o a_o rule_n and_o model_n or_o standard_n to_o measure_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o such_o a_o case_n suppose_v we_o that_o which_o be_v possible_a in_o nature_n the_o term_n be_v consistent_a together_o though_o not_o at_o all_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n a_o christian_a people_n great_a or_o less_o destitute_a of_o pastor_n endow_v with_o the_o chief_a authority_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o church_n i_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o admit_v the_o same_o course_n as_o those_o that_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o be_v christian_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v pastor_n from_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o erect_v church_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v no_o less_o authority_n then_o that_o of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n that_o only_o or_o the_o equivalent_a of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o apostle_n or_o commissary_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o chief_a pastor_n to_o any_o church_n but_o suppose_v further_o that_o this_o authority_n can_v be_v have_v shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v tie_v to_o live_v without_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n when_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o as_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o so_o the_o first_o divine_a precept_n that_o those_o christian_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n for_o where_o several_a thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o other_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o chief_a precept_n be_v that_o which_o command_v the_o end_n and_o that_o which_o command_v the_o mean_n subordinate_a to_o the_o other_o now_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o power_n and_o all_o office_n endow_v with_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o enjoin_v the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o good_a order_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n and_o good_a order_n be_v enjoin_v as_o the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n command_v as_o the_o be_v of_o that_o society_n whereby_o christian_n be_v edify_v both_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o exercise_n of_o christianity_n by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o ordinance_n wherein_o he_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o consist_v see_v then_o this_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n subsi_v and_o all_o pastor_n and_o officer_n ordain_v as_o mean_n to_o procure_v it_o as_o it_o be_v sacrilege_n to_o seek_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n when_o both_o be_v possible_a so_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v sacrilege_n not_o to_o seek_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n when_o both_o be_v not_o now_o it_o be_v manifest_o possible_a that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v procure_v effectual_o by_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o their_o power_n or_o their_o office_n from_o person_n endow_v with_o
it_o themselves_o afore_o especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o same_o law_n which_o those_o that_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v and_o acknowledge_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o consequence_n of_o all_o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o the_o resolution_n of_o gulielmus_fw-la antissiodorensis_n among_o the_o school_n doctor_n be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n may_v be_v propagate_v by_o presbyter_n suppose_v that_o they_o never_o receive_v power_n to_o do_v such_o a_o act_n from_o they_o that_o have_v it_o my_o reason_n make_v i_o bold_a to_o resolve_v further_o that_o in_o the_o case_n which_o be_v put_v christian_a people_n may_v appoint_v themselves_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n provide_v it_o be_v with_o such_o limit_n of_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v under_o such_o law_n as_o be_v appoint_v before_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n whensoever_o there_o be_v opportunity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o same_o provide_v that_o they_o and_o their_o church_n submit_v to_o such_o further_a law_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o further_o regulate_v of_o itself_o according_a as_o the_o part_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o will_v be_v effectual_a in_o stead_n of_o solemn_a ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o person_n endow_v with_o that_o power_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o same_o whereby_o i_o make_v not_o personal_a succession_n to_o be_v no_o precept_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o no_o schism_n be_v necessary_o a_o sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v a_o fable_n but_o command_v in_o order_n to_o another_o of_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o bind_v when_o both_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o the_o chief_a be_v beside_o this_o main_a reason_n include_v in_o my_o resolution_n draw_v from_o the_o rank_n of_o precept_n give_v by_o god_n as_o these_o be_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v by_o this_o consequence_n that_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v how_o many_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v either_o total_o abolish_v or_o very_o much_o change_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o time_n render_v they_o useless_a to_o the_o succeed_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o marvel_v to_o see_v their_o authority_n maintain_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o law_n wherewith_o they_o have_v regulate_v the_o church_n without_o perpetual_a succession_n where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v though_o otherwise_o not_o to_o be_v abolish_v without_o sacrilege_n how_o far_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o i_o speak_v of_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v it_o seem_v they_o can_v not_o have_v this_o authority_n propagate_v by_o they_o that_o then_o have_v it_o not_o consent_v to_o those_o apostolical_a law_n which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o we_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v restore_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v also_o that_o authority_n be_v not_o altogether_o want_v to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o reformation_n be_v still_o of_o some_o order_n in_o the_o church_n for_o presbyter_n though_o they_o succeed_v not_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chief_a authority_n establish_v by_o they_o in_o all_o church_n yet_o their_o office_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v presbyter_n not_o by_o way_n of_o execution_n of_o their_o command_n only_o as_o deacon_n but_o by_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n where_o they_o can_v not_o discharge_v it_o themselves_o though_o with_o dependence_n on_o they_o in_o all_o matter_n not_o determine_v afore_o here_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o necessity_n to_o bar_v the_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o they_o erect_v not_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n over_o themselves_o with_o such_o limit_n of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o beginning_n determine_v see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o superiority_n of_o they_o be_v general_o think_v to_o come_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o papacy_n not_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v excuse_v by_o necessity_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o in_o necessity_n but_o by_o their_o own_o false_a persuasion_n create_v it_o to_o themselves_o which_o notwithstanding_o see_v they_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n either_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n see_v as_o to_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o intend_v and_o desire_v and_o seek_v to_o restore_v that_o which_o to_o their_o best_a understanding_n come_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o can_v easy_o be_v condemn_v to_o have_v forfeit_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n by_o this_o or_o other_o mistake_v of_o like_a consequence_n of_o they_o that_o consider_v the_o abuse_n from_o whence_o they_o depart_v for_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_o a_o humane_a though_o no_o civil_a society_n which_o we_o be_v command_v by_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o entertain_v and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o society_n of_o man_n wherein_o a_o particular_a member_n can_v prevail_v to_o settle_v such_o law_n and_o such_o order_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o so_o must_v he_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n that_o stay_v till_o he_o find_v a_o church_n that_o maintain_v all_o that_o be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o though_o that_o which_o they_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n order_n can_v be_v justify_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o reasonable_a presumption_n that_o god_n excuse_v it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v all_o to_o believe_v to_o salvation_n or_o which_o he_o have_v command_v particular_a man_n to_o do_v because_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v command_v particular_a person_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v of_o they_o that_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v it_o but_o if_o any_o secular_a power_n upon_o earth_n shall_v presume_v to_o erect_v this_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o take_v it_o away_o from_o they_o that_o lawful_o have_v it_o that_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o those_o that_o have_v the_o power_n before_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o some_o humane_a law_n which_o act_n the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a and_o give_v it_o to_o those_o that_o have_v it_o not_o by_o any_o such_o act_n and_o that_o upon_o another_o ground_n than_o that_o which_o have_v be_v specify_v of_o bring_v back_o into_o force_n and_o use_v such_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o have_v by_o neglect_n of_o time_n be_v abolish_v and_o bring_v out_o of_o use_n this_o power_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v shall_v not_o fail_v in_o so_o do_v to_o incur_v the_o crime_n of_o schism_n and_o all_o that_o concur_v or_o consent_v to_o the_o bring_n of_o such_o a_o act_n into_o effect_n shall_v necessary_o incur_v the_o same_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o a_o further_a intent_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o person_n thus_o invest_v with_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o introduce_v law_n contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o case_n in_o which_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_n may_v erect_v a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n over_o themselves_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o case_n imaginable_a in_o which_o any_o people_n or_o any_o power_n but_o the_o sovereign_n can_v establish_v or_o maintain_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o conceive_v never_o so_o necessary_a to_o christianity_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o seculararm_n the_o reason_n be_v peremptory_a because_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n his_o cross_n be_v essential_a to_o christianity_n or_o rather_o the_o whole_a substance_n and_o marrow_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o defend_v themselves_o by_o force_n upon_o no_o other_o title_n but_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o
and_o so_o elizeus_fw-la curse_v the_o child_n to_o death_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v the_o affront_n offer_v his_o person_n in_o all_o which_o particular_n you_o have_v manifest_a character_n of_o the_o law_n inflict_v death_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n whereas_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o give_v life_n the_o inflict_a of_o bodily_a punishment_n serve_v to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n by_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v know_v and_o suppose_v under_o the_o law_n because_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n can_v not_o make_v any_o question_n that_o god_n be_v among_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n when_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n upon_o the_o title_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o law_n i_o say_v not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o case_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o foreign_a power_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o judas_n of_o galilee_n complain_v of_o by_o josephus_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o case_n to_o fall_v out_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a as_o for_o the_o conceit_n of_o judas_n of_o galilee_n it_o be_v manifest_o take_v away_o by_o god_n command_n to_o the_o jew_n under_o nabuchodorosor_n jer._n xxix_o 7._o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o city_n to_o which_o i_o have_v send_v you_o captive_n for_o in_o the_o peace_n thereof_o you_o shall_v have_v peace_n and_o it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a that_o our_o lord_n be_v false_o accuse_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o pilate_n by_o the_o jew_n it_o please_v god_n to_o suffer_v it_o so_o far_o to_o prevail_v afterward_o that_o the_o arm_n which_o they_o take_v afterward_o against_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o they_o endure_v by_o the_o zelotes_n and_o final_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o city_n temple_n and_o nation_n must_v needs_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o they_o false_o accuse_v our_o lord_n of_o to_o gain_v the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v say_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n possible_a wherein_o it_o can_v be_v just_a to_o take_v arm_n for_o preservation_n or_o reformation_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o title_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o bear_v arm_n establish_v by_o some_o other_o title_n of_o humane_a right_n for_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o power_n and_o right_o establish_v upon_o a_o title_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n justifi_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v say_v that_o christianity_n void_v or_o extinguish_v the_o same_o see_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o preserve_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o it_o be_v embrace_v but_o nevertheless_o it_o moderate_v the_o use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v with_o christianity_n be_v employ_v in_o very_a many_o case_n in_o which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n justify_v the_o use_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o offer_v wrong_a when_o they_o demand_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n by_o some_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o itself_o to_o erect_v a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o take_v it_o from_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o and_o require_v that_o so_o it_o be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o the_o world_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o claim_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v erect_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o presbytery_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n as_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o pretence_n the_o people_n be_v draw_v in_o to_o seek_v the_o innovation_n endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n so_o that_o to_o require_v now_o that_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v unchangeable_a by_o man_n otherwise_o that_o it_o be_v change_v be_v to_o require_v that_o the_o conclusion_n may_v stand_v without_o any_o premise_n to_o prove_v it_o notwithstanding_o to_o pass_v by_o this_o advantage_n suppose_v we_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v but_o introduce_v by_o ecclesiastical_a right_n ground_v upon_o the_o power_n give_v the_o church_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n by_o determine_v that_o which_o god_n law_n determine_v not_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a it_o will_v remain_v nevertheless_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o secular_a power_n upon_o earth_n to_o erect_v this_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o take_v it_o from_o they_o which_o have_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o they_o which_o have_v it_o not_o for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o the_o government_n thereof_o not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n in_o those_o hand_n which_o have_v it_o by_o man_n there_o the_o apostle_n precept_n of_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thess_n v._o 14._o heb._n xiii_o 17._o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o those_o governor_n that_o be_v establish_v not_o against_o god_n law_n and_o this_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o that_o divine_a right_n by_o which_o christianity_n subsi_v can_v be_v void_v by_o any_o secular_a power_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsi_v not_o in_o point_n of_o right_n but_o only_o be_v maintain_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n thereof_o and_o the_o order_n by_o which_o that_o unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o government_n in_o which_o that_o order_n consist_v be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o state_n can_v be_v take_v away_o by_o any_o obligation_n or_o interest_n thereupon_o arise_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o christian_n that_o be_v under_o christian_a power_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o pastor_n which_o they_o have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o which_o reason_n neither_o do_v constantine_n constantius_n or_o valens_n ever_o endeavour_v to_o intrude_v those_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v seduce_v to_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o quiet_a of_o some_o church_n be_v indeed_o dangerous_a to_o christianity_n by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o a_o pretend_a legal_a act_n of_o the_o church_n after_o constantine_n take_v christianity_n into_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o empire_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n as_o afore_o so_o be_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o world_n end_n oblige_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o pastor_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n against_o the_o command_n of_o any_o secular_a power_n to_o obey_v other_o and_o to_o demand_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n be_v dissolve_v by_o secular_a to_o which_o the_o person_n endow_v therewith_o be_v subject_n be_v to_o demand_v that_o there_o remain_v no_o christian_n in_o england_n that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v for_o their_o christianity_n by_o obey_v god_n law_n before_o man_n especial_o when_o they_o can_v obey_v both_o act_v by_o god_n and_o suffer_v by_o man_n but_o though_o i_o insist_v upon_o this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o balk_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o it_o have_v be_v assert_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o that_o which_o no_o man_n may_v lawful_o destroy_v though_o not_o as_o that_o which_o be_v destroy_v void_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o not_o command_v particular_a christian_n as_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o support_v of_o it_o for_o if_o no_o secular_a power_n be_v able_a to_o give_v that_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n suppose_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n stand_v neither_o by_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o subsi_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o
utter_a ruin_n many_o people_n be_v many_o water_n apoc._n xvii_o 15._o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wine_n that_o come_v from_o the_o vine_n in_o the_o gospel_n john_n xv._o 1._o this_o wine_n then_o mix_v with_o much_o water_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n receive_v by_o much_o people_n retain_v not_o the_o true_a relish_n in_o the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n xviii_o 44_o 45._o a_o people_n who_o i_o have_v not_o know_v shall_v serve_v i_o at_o the_o report_n of_o i_o they_o will_v obey_v i_o stranger_n will_v lie_v to_o i_o at_o the_o report_n of_o david_n victory_n stranger_n submit_v unto_o he_o some_o of_o who_o nevertheless_o be_v false_a heart_a subject_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v christianity_n and_o live_v not_o according_a to_o it_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v learned_a machiavel_n principle_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o party_n which_o they_o mean_v to_o destroy_v as_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v with_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n upon_o sight_n of_o god_n miracle_n set_v they_o on_o murmur_v against_o god_n in_o their_o strait_n exod._n xii_o 38._o num._n xi_o 4._o the_o cold_a of_o winter_n concenter_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o stomach_n and_o fortify_v digestion_n so_o the_o appearance_n of_o persecution_n fortify_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o digest_v it_o but_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o air_n entice_v forth_o natural_a heat_n and_o dispose_v to_o putrefaction_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n dissolve_v the_o best_a resolution_n for_o christianity_n for_o as_o the_o stomach_n can_v order_v and_o govern_v that_o abundance_n of_o crude_a and_o undigested_a humour_n which_o the_o weakness_n of_o natural_a heat_n breed_v so_o neither_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v those_o in_o compass_n that_o come_v not_o to_o christianity_n with_o so_o strong_a a_o resolution_n as_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o the_o cause_n then_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o come_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o christianity_n whether_o for_o fashion_n sake_n or_o for_o hope_n of_o advantage_n which_o eusebius_n have_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o constantine_n time_n as_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n in_o church_n matter_n it_o be_v ordain_v for_o a_o counterpoison_v to_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v that_o force_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o carnal_a christian_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v bodily_a punishment_n upon_o offender_n as_o s._n peter_n upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n s._n paul_n upon_o elymas_n which_o in_o excommunication_n he_o call_v deliver_v to_o satan_n because_o by_o some_o plague_n on_o the_o body_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o come_v within_o his_o power_n by_o be_v excommunicate_a this_o power_n it_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o rod_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 21._o and_o of_o it_o his_o meaning_n be_v when_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n x._o 6._o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o punish_v all_o disobedience_n when_o their_o obedience_n shall_v be_v complete_a to_o i_o therefore_o it_o seem_v more_o than_o probable_a which_o have_v be_v conceive_v of_o late_a that_o god_n provide_v this_o extraordinary_a gift_n express_o for_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o protection_n of_o secular_a power_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o against_o the_o time_n that_o this_o gift_n cease_v he_o provide_v the_o protection_n of_o secular_a power_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o christianity_n these_o thing_n thus_o debate_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o consider_v how_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n it_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n found_v upon_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a privilege_n as_o to_o the_o world_n of_o assemble_v for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o sway_v the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o comonwealth_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereunto_o not_o what_o discretion_n but_o what_o justice_n there_o be_v in_o those_o vain_a discourse_n which_o require_v of_o the_o clergy_n of_o such_o time_n that_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n and_o contemptible_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o live_v which_o our_o lord_n and_o disciple_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o from_o the_o beginning_n not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o continue_v such_o as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o must_v return_v to_o be_v such_o as_o then_o they_o be_v that_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v maintain_v in_o effect_n without_o a_o power_n answerable_a to_o the_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o nor_o that_o power_n maintain_v without_o a_o support_n proportionable_a and_o that_o christianity_n be_v not_o necessary_o see_v in_o have_v or_o not_o have_v this_o or_o that_o estate_n in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o use_v the_o power_n with_o that_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o uprightness_n the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o temperance_n continence_n and_o freedom_n of_o heart_n which_o christianity_n require_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o church_n be_v poison_v with_o those_o riches_n which_o the_o christianity_n of_o the_o empire_n cast_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o by_o have_v those_o riches_n but_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n which_o come_v into_o the_o church_n corrupt_v with_o the_o love_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o by_o consequence_n corrupt_v the_o clergy_n who_o they_o come_v so_o near_o in_o fine_a that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o christian_a state_n consist_v not_o in_o strip_v the_o church_n either_o of_o power_n or_o possession_n but_o in_o provide_v better_a law_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o same_o you_o may_v have_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o premise_n i_o have_v declare_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o command_n from_o god_n to_o all_o christian_n of_o communicate_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n produce_v a_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o world_n a_o privilege_n of_o do_v it_o though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n forbid_v it_o to_o be_v do_v &_o upon_o a_o law_n for_o the_o condition_n under_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v in_o it_o of_o this_o precept_n or_o of_o the_o obligation_n and_o privilege_n depend_v upon_o it_o i_o have_v hitherto_o make_v evidence_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o make_v the_o proof_n of_o my_o purpose_n complete_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n give_v by_o god_n for_o the_o condition_n under_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n for_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o law_n must_v needs_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o christian_n not_o suppose_v for_o the_o present_a the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o society_n but_o only_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n nor_o dispute_v what_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o what_o person_n in_o the_o church_n be_v trust_v with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o trust_n follow_v immediate_o that_o common_a power_n which_o constitute_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n which_o power_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o obligation_n or_o the_o privilege_n of_o hold_v assembly_n for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o be_v immediate_o see_v be_v the_o void_a of_o any_o man_n right_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a service_n at_o the_o common_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n i_o say_v it_o be_v immediate_o see_v in_o this_o act_n when_o it_o be_v complete_a otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v that_o as_o it_o be_v exercise_v so_o also_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v see_v more_o immediate_o in_o all_o those_o act_n which_o tend_v to_o excommunication_n as_o degree_n or_o step_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o the_o church_n as_o the_o church_n can_v do_v be_v the_o take_v away_o of_o a_o christian_n life_n as_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o great_a work_n of_o state_n justice_n be_v the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o natural_a or_o civil_a be_v of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o see_v then_o the_o utmost_a power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v in_o excommunication_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v evidence_v and_o see_v by_o excommunication_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o all_o reason_n which_o show_v the_o church_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n do_v show_v it_o to_o be_v constitute_v a_o society_n community_n corporation_n
or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o do_v it_o now_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v first_o enable_v to_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptise_v they_o who_o they_o shall_v win_v to_o be_v disciple_n according_a to_o the_o commission_n of_o our_o lord_n mat._n xxviii_o 19_o those_o only_o be_v disciple_n which_o undertake_v christianity_n and_o therefore_o be_v afterward_o call_v christian_n be_v first_o call_v disciple_n even_o after_o their_o baptism_n now_o christianity_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o our_o lord_n christ_n reveal_v but_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v it_o follow_v that_o this_o law_n of_o christianity_n consist_v of_o all_o precept_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v declare_v to_o his_o church_n and_o not_o in_o these_o alone_a in_o regard_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v command_v christianity_n not_o only_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o also_o to_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n therefore_o i_o say_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o entitle_v to_o baptism_n this_o profession_n see_v it_o can_v be_v make_v but_o to_o christian_n that_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o thereby_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o profession_n make_v how_o agreeable_a to_o christianity_n of_o the_o person_n make_v the_o profession_n how_o sincere_o how_o cordial_o he_o do_v it_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v trust_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n every_o one_o according_a to_o the_o interest_n which_o he_o just_o pretend_v in_o that_o judgement_n therefore_o be_v this_o power_n call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n because_o it_o open_v the_o door_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o find_v the_o profession_n both_o agreeable_a to_o christianity_n and_o to_o the_o heart_n &_o life_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o and_o shut_v the_o same_o when_o it_o find_v thing_n otherwise_o therefore_o be_v it_o call_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o that_o make_v true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o benefit_n of_o which_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v good_a to_o he_o that_o make_v such_o profession_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o act_n as_o to_o god_n so_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n that_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v good_a as_o to_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v be_v good_a as_o to_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v good_a also_o as_o to_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v moral_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christianity_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n of_o life_n and_o such_o society_n of_o this_o world_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n or_o those_o who_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o by_o baptism_n i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o think_v that_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n or_o the_o church_n and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o that_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o profess_v or_o do_v something_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o that_o stand_v excommunicate_a upon_o unjust_a cause_n so_o that_o their_o christianity_n oblige_v they_o to_o communicate_v with_o no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n for_o see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v excommunicate_a to_o all_o the_o church_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o whole_a make_v good_a each_o act_n of_o the_o part_n which_o it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v excommunicate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n can_v with_o his_o christianity_n communicate_v with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n his_o title_n to_o heaven_n remain_v entire_a but_o this_o case_n cease_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o as_o god_n require_v every_o christian_n to_o make_v so_o he_o enable_v the_o church_n to_o admit_v and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o baptism_n evidence_v by_o divers_a scripture_n and_o divers_a particular_n in_o the_o primitive_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o and_o true_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o point_v at_o some_o particular_n for_o he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o produce_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n to_o depose_v for_o this_o reason_n and_o this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n may_v easy_o fill_v great_a volume_n with_o nothing_o else_o nevertheless_o i_o will_v here_o add_v one_o particular_a more_o because_o it_o seem_v this_o reason_n of_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v evident_o see_v in_o it_o and_o it_o will_v not_o require_v many_o allegation_n see_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o clinic_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o clergy_n allege_v by_o cornelius_n of_o rome_n to_o fabius_n of_o antiochia_n in_o eusebius_n eccles_n hist_o vi_o 43._o against_o novatianus_n the_o father_n of_o the_o novatian_o to_o show_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o opposition_n to_o he_o be_v make_v presbyter_n contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n what_o be_v then_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o what_o be_v they_o that_o be_v call_v clinic_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o believe_v christianity_n but_o dare_v not_o profess_v it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o to_o profess_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o come_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o case_n of_o persecution_n beside_o believe_v and_o not_o profess_v that_o be_v not_o pretend_v to_o baptism_n they_o avoid_v the_o strictness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n what_o shall_v the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o demand_v their_o baptism_n undertake_v the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n sure_o as_o they_o can_v not_o utter_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o church_n that_o have_v never_o offend_v or_o fail_v in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v undertake_v to_o it_o so_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n to_o such_o person_n as_o have_v their_o christianity_n more_o in_o suspicion_n then_o otherwise_o wherefore_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v they_o baptism_n but_o in_o case_n they_o recover_v again_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o they_o which_o have_v attain_v their_o baptism_n only_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o must_v have_v give_v better_a trial_n of_o themselves_o otherwise_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v shall_v therefore_o stand_v so_o far_o suspect_v afterward_o as_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o clergy_n which_o require_v a_o great_a proficience_n in_o christianity_n then_o that_o which_o qualify_v a_o man_n only_o for_o baptism_n these_o than_o be_v they_o which_o be_v call_v clinici_fw-la because_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o bed_n as_o require_v their_o baptism_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o their_o sickness_n which_o may_v be_v that_o of_o their_o death_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a in_o admit_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o that_o thereby_o demand_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n in_o the_o next_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o discipline_n of_o penance_n it_o may_v be_v
church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o which_o i_o say_v here_o p._n that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o most_o happy_a and_o most_o pure_a when_o this_o legal_a presumption_n be_v most_o reasonable_a it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a which_o i_o say_v p._n 30._o that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o the_o priest_n and_o doctor_n exercise_v under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v of_o declare_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_a that_o be_v unlawful_a or_o lawful_a by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n mean_v mat._n xviii_o 18._o when_o he_o say_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n but_o also_o that_o the_o reason_n hold_v not_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o ground_v a_o general_a commission_n correspondent_a to_o the_o power_n in_o force_n under_o the_o law_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v say_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o power_n under_o the_o synagogue_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o positive_a precept_n not_o command_v because_o it_o be_v good_a but_o good_a because_o it_o be_v command_v which_o where_o it_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o consistory_n establish_v deut._n xvii_o 8_o 12._o the_o determination_n whereof_o be_v declare_v by_o authority_n derive_v from_o thence_o make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a before_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o general_a precept_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n subsist_v for_o which_o reason_n the_o consistory_n be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o private_a person_n as_o you_o see_v here_o p._n 158._o so_o often_o as_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o transgression_n by_o the_o consistory_n decide_v amiss_o and_o this_o reason_n hold_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n of_o matter_n of_o positive_a right_n concern_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n not_o determine_v by_o any_o divine_a precept_n for_o if_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o further_o than_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o divine_a right_n then_o be_v that_o bind_v or_o unlawful_a which_o be_v so_o determine_v unless_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v determine_v declare_v that_o the_o determination_n be_v not_o to_o take_v place_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o legislative_a power_n which_o i_o challenge_v for_o the_o church_n chap._n iu._n from_o p._n 170._o and_o concern_v only_o those_o positive_a precept_n which_o tend_v to_o maintain_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n in_o unity_n but_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o be_v command_v as_o good_a the_o obligation_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o eternal_a will_n of_o god_n this_o power_n have_v no_o place_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o term_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v as_o borrow_v from_o the_o language_n of_o the_o talmud_n doctor_n but_o whereas_o in_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v thing_n or_o case_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v for_o of_o every_o case_n questionable_a in_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o infallible_a authority_n give_v to_o assure_v all_o christian_n that_o follow_v it_o they_o shall_v always_o please_v god_n in_o all_o action_n but_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o person_n towards_o god_n upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o profession_n so_o there_o be_v authority_n found_v in_o the_o church_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v that_o be_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o admit_v to_o or_o exclude_v from_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a this_o interpretation_n be_v inconsequent_a to_o the_o word_n that_o go_v afore_o let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n if_o we_o take_v they_o in_o erastus_n his_o sense_n that_o thereby_o our_o lord_n give_v leave_v to_o sue_v such_o before_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o consistory_n for_o this_o plain_o concern_v matter_n of_o interest_n not_o matter_n of_o office_n see_v it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a so_o to_o understand_v our_o lord_n as_o to_o command_v they_o to_o be_v sue_v in_o the_o gentile_n court_n that_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o jew_n consistory_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o this_o opinion_n to_o be_v declare_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a before_o god_n then_o do_v it_o not_o concern_v matter_n of_o interest_n but_o matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o office_n beside_o this_o interpretation_n be_v impertinent_a to_o that_o which_o follow_v again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o two_o of_o you_o agree_v upon_o earth_n about_o any_o thing_n to_o ask_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o by_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o interpretation_n which_o here_o be_v advance_v of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o person_n of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o or_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n agree_v with_o that_o which_o go_v afore_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o no_o less_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v tend_v to_o declare_v the_o mean_n of_o lose_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v as_o for_o the_o conceit_n of_o erastus_n that_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v concern_v only_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v under_o the_o roman_n and_o not_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o find_v no_o cause_n to_o spend_v word_n in_o destroy_v it_o only_o be_v it_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o difference_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v carry_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v plead_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v afore_o in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o erastus_n as_o you_o see_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o reason_n touch_v p._n 43._o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n before_o constantine_n be_v the_o best_a evidence_n to_o show_v the_o proper_a power_n and_o right_n of_o it_o it_o be_v here_o opportune_a to_o resume_v the_o distinction_n make_v afore_o and_o upon_o it_o to_o frame_v a_o general_a argument_n against_o both_o which_o shall_v be_v this_o either_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n by_o right_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o point_n of_o fact_n before_o constantine_n or_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n in_o point_n of_o right_n but_o be_v only_o a_o usurpation_n and_o imposture_n of_o the_o primitive_a clergy_n of_o the_o church_n this_o late_a assertion_n be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v refute_v by_o the_o premise_n prove_v first_o a_o privilege_n or_o a_o precept_n of_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o community_n of_o christian_n second_o a_o condition_n under_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v and_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o estate_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n before_o constantine_n constitute_v by_o divine_a right_n then_o can_v not_o the_o same_o have_v be_v dissolve_v but_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o constitute_v it_o from_o the_o beginning_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v dissolve_v but_o by_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v constitute_v that_o be_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n ordain_v it_o to_o subsist_v only_o till_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o other_o state_n and_o kingdom_n receive_v christianity_n then_o to_o be_v dissolve_v into_o the_o power_n of_o those_o state_n be_v become_v christian_a which_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n will_v undertake_v to_o show_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o subsist_v till_o constantine_n not_o by_o divine_a right_n but_o according_a to_o divine_a right_n
clergy_n by_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o regard_n that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v on_o divers_a occasion_n in_o this_o discourse_n the_o clergy_n be_v promote_v upon_o supposition_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o proficience_n in_o christianity_n over_o and_o above_o that_o upon_o supposition_n whereof_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v only_a christian_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o those_o who_o by_o their_o conversation_n render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o that_o degree_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o clergy_n do_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o clergy_n man_n may_v be_v competent_a by_o only_o void_v his_o degree_n when_o another_o christian_a can_v be_v competent_o punish_v but_o by_o put_v he_o from_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o censure_a person_n ordain_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o give_v or_o take_v away_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o degree_n and_o quality_n above_o it_o which_o suppose_v it_o again_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o power_n of_o make_v canon_n constitution_n and_o ordinance_n oblige_v the_o respective_a body_n thereof_o correspondent_a to_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o they_o most_o appear_v though_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o be_v more_o see_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o give_v all_o law_n force_v and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o inconvenience_n to_o all_o these_o canon_n the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v to_o call_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o spiritual_a sword_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o more_o for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v this_o power_n then_o that_o which_o state_n ordinary_o allow_v the_o mean_a corporation_n which_o they_o privilege_n to_o wit_n to_o give_v law_n to_o their_o own_o body_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n original_o give_v they_o by_o those_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o institute_v they_o in_o fine_a in_o correspondence_n to_o the_o exchequer_n of_o a_o state_n be_v the_o title_n that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a their_o first-fruit_n and_o tithe_n the_o right_a whereof_o he_o have_v endow_v the_o church_n with_o leave_v the_o seizure_n to_o the_o voluntary_a tender_a of_o those_o who_o he_o call_v to_o be_v voluntary_a christian_n and_o thus_o and_o by_o this_o correspondence_n with_o a_o state_n the_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o more_o intelligible_o distinguish_v in_o my_o opinion_n then_o by_o the_o ordinary_a term_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o order_n for_o first_o these_o term_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o canonist_n and_o school_n doctor_n seem_v to_o presuppose_v a_o coactive_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o original_a title_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v and_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o pope_n presuppose_v whereby_o they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o that_o power_n by_o divine_a right_n which_o by_o the_o sufferance_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n they_o do_v exercise_v entangle_v the_o school_n of_o divine_n with_o as_o inextricable_a difficulty_n to_o make_v it_o good_a as_o christian_a state_n with_o commotion_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o mere_o for_o neglect_n of_o the_o principle_n here_o presuppose_v that_o christianity_n import_v no_o right_a of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o coactive_a power_n of_o the_o state_n remain_v where_o it_o be_v before_o it_o second_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v not_o contradistinct_a but_o subordinate_a the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v the_o production_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v here_o p._n 199_o that_o the_o power_n of_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n belong_v to_o presbyter_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o all_o benediction_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n whether_o in_o confirmation_n ordination_n penance_n marriage_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v mark_n of_o that_o power_n which_o allow_v those_o act_n which_o be_v bless_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o you_o have_v it_o here_o p._n 23._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o god_n deposit_v with_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o that_o superiority_n which_o those_o that_o minister_v the_o same_o have_v in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n own_o body_n as_o ordinary_o they_o describe_v it_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n over_o his_o mystical_a body_n which_o be_v that_o of_o jurisdiction_n as_o they_o make_v it_o or_o if_o as_o other_o will_v have_v it_o the_o power_n of_o order_n consist_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o such_o divine_a ordinance_n as_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o procure_v and_o increase_v god_n grace_n in_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v minister_v the_o same_o reason_n take_v place_n because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v but_o by_o they_o who_o the_o church_n trust_v to_o do_v it_o to_o that_o true_a intent_n which_o it_o teach_v wherefore_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o term_n of_o jurisdiction_n ought_v to_o express_v the_o common_a source_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o it_o do_v not_o because_o that_o as_o jurisdictiis_fw-la but_o a_o part_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o a_o state_n so_o the_o power_n from_o which_o the_o metaphorical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n flow_v which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v better_a express_v then_o by_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o the_o gospel_n have_v do_v produce_v other_o branch_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n correspondent_a to_o other_o part_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o a_o state_n as_o hereby_o you_o have_v see_v chap._n ii_o have_v thus_o determine_v whereupon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v found_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v it_o remain_v to_o proceed_v and_o declare_v what_o person_n it_o be_v trust_v with_o for_o see_v the_o person_n of_o who_o christian_n state_n consist_v be_v the_o same_o of_o who_o the_o church_n or_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o state_n consist_v if_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o god_n law_n tie_v the_o right_n of_o manage_v this_o power_n and_o the_o production_n and_o branch_n thereof_o to_o some_o quality_n consequent_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v necessary_o fall_v as_o a_o escheat_n to_o the_o state_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v tie_v to_o grant_v it_o power_n to_o confer_v those_o quality_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o all_o this_o will_v be_v true_o say_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v insist_v upon_o a_o point_n the_o truth_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n have_v equal_o divide_v between_o they_o and_o leave_v it_o entire_a to_o the_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n find_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v order_v a_o presbytery_n for_o the_o government_n of_o every_o congregation_n that_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o infer_v that_o all_o those_o presbytery_n ought_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o to_o their_o own_o body_n to_o which_o assume_v another_o demand_n that_o the_o chief_a power_n in_o every_o congregation_n be_v that_o of_o the_o people_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o absolute_a not_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o any_o church_n or_o synod_n representative_a of_o church_n above_o themselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o presbyterian_o find_v that_o no_o unity_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o dependence_n and_o desire_v to_o preserve_v unity_n among_o themselves_o though_o not_o with_o the_o church_n have_v design_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o excommunication_n to_o rest_v in_o representatives_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o congregation_n which_o nevertheless_o they_o call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n of_o presbytery_n or_o class_n the_o same_o be_v subject_n to_o synod_n of_o presbytery_n and_o those_o to_o nationall_n assembly_n whereas_o there_o be_v never_o any_o mention_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o presbytery_n or_o company_n college_n or_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n as_o likewise_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church_n but_o in_o a_o city_n no_o mention_n of_o more_o church_n than_o
person_n whereof_o it_o consist_v now_o the_o state_n be_v it_o which_o have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o all_o state_n must_v needs_o have_v power_n to_o assemble_v themselves_o so_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o do_v the_o same_o because_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v here_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n of_o assemble_v not_o from_o any_o state_n but_o immediate_o and_o original_o from_o god_n whether_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o for_o determine_v whatsoever_o shall_v become_v determinable_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o unity_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o same_o true_o so_o long_o as_o by_o circumcision_n man_n become_v both_o member_n of_o a_o state_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n service_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v all_o one_o society_n as_o have_v often_o be_v observe_v here_o for_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n both_o subsist_v by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o god_n call_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o inherit_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n both_o upon_o condition_n of_o keep_v his_o law_n and_o by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o people_n embrace_v the_o same_o which_o hold_v not_o in_o christianity_n address_v itself_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o therefore_o preserve_v state_n in_o the_o condition_n which_o it_o find_v and_o yet_o sound_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o privilege_n and_o charter_n of_o assemble_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o all_o that_o assemble_v in_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o society_n as_o it_o be_v visible_o distinct_a from_o all_o state_n for_o all_o the_o time_n between_o our_o lord_n and_o constantine_n so_o be_v it_o acknowledge_v by_o this_o author_n to_o have_v subsist_v even_o under_o the_o apostle_n when_o as_o he_o allege_n their_o write_n to_o prove_v those_o right_n which_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o church_n to_o belong_v to_o those_o state_n which_o be_v christian_a which_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o much_o marvel_n how_o he_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o do_v know_v that_o such_o act_n as_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o state_n under_o which_o the_o church_n then_o be_v that_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o it_o so_o often_o as_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n be_v forbid_v as_o you_o have_v see_v that_o many_o time_n they_o be_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v what_o reason_n ecclesiastical_a writer_n have_v to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o name_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o church_n appropriate_v the_o former_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o to_o the_o christian_n which_o i_o for_o my_o part_n so_o far_o as_o custom_n will_v give_v leave_n desire_v to_o observe_v though_o for_o the_o original_a signification_n i_o see_v the_o name_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v at_o the_o first_o most_o proper_o attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o god_n people_n assemble_v together_o in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o for_o example_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n for_o in_o all_o the_o divers_a signification_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v speak_v of_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n of_o assemble_v together_o to_o be_v see_v though_o upon_o several_a reason_n and_o to_o several_a purpose_n from_o the_o synagogue_n the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v meet_v and_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v call_v sometime_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n because_o though_o they_o can_v meet_v bodily_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o that_o judgement_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v both_o communicate_v bodily_a in_o this_o world_n when_o occasion_n be_v and_o actual_o meet_v altogether_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o be_v the_o company_n of_o christian_n contain_v in_o either_o bare_o one_o city_n or_o the_o head_n city_n of_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n province_n or_o nation_n because_o they_o so_o meet_v several_o that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v assemble_v with_o any_o because_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n but_o when_o one_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o sometime_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o assemble_v as_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n be_v assemble_v in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o thing_n general_o premise_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o defeat_v the_o production_n of_o this_o assumption_n in_o the_o particular_n specify_v and_o first_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o determine_v p._n 192._o i_o admit_v that_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n of_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v not_o as_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v admit_v that_o those_o interpretation_n which_o come_v from_o this_o power_n be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o which_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o same_o or_o infallible_a or_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v understand_v it_o proper_o be_v that_o only_a and_o all_o that_o which_o god_n give_v in_o commission_n to_o be_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v his_o people_n and_o therefore_o this_o author_n very_o skilful_o observe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o gospel_n which_o god_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n and_o he_o to_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n with_o a_o charge_n from_o god_n to_o embrace_v it_o for_o so_o also_o the_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o revelation_n grant_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o because_o by_o they_o god_n declare_v how_o he_o will_v conduct_v his_o people_n whereas_o after_o the_o propher_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v prophet_n that_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n not_o only_o by_o josephus_n speak_v of_o those_o time_n of_o god_n people_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o that_o which_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o simeon_n and_o anna_n zachary_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o church_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o any_o of_o they_o because_o they_o receive_v nothing_o in_o charge_n from_o god_n to_o his_o people_n wherefore_o that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v from_o those_o person_n that_o speak_v not_o only_o by_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n but_o also_o by_o commission_n from_o god_n the_o evidence_n of_o which_o commission_n contain_v all_o the_o motive_n to_o christianity_n must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o charge_n any_o other_o way_n though_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v produce_v a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o observe_v it_o of_o a_o nature_n answerable_a to_o the_o ground_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o place_n afore_o quote_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v say_v that_o god_n fail_v his_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n due_a to_o it_o upon_o those_o promise_n whereby_o it_o subsi_v if_o he_o have_v not_o provide_v it_o of_o such_o a_o power_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o infallible_a unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n have_v tie_v himself_o to_o preserve_v it_o free_a from_o the_o temptation_n and_o trial_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o declare_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v now_o that_o have_v determine_v a_o infallible_a power_n to_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o determine_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o author_n in_o consequence_n to_o his_o assumption_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o shall_v challenge_v it_o to_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_a state_n i_o can_v choose_v but_o marvel_n see_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n come_v by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n from_o god_n so_o whatsoever_o shall_v pretend_v to_o like_a authority_n must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o which_o if_o the_o church_n that_o be_v
to_o persecute_v it_o for_o if_o it_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o those_o hand_n wherein_o it_o be_v find_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v any_o where_o then_o of_o necessity_n all_o right_n all_o good_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o possession_n whereof_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n profess_v to_o maintain_v all_o subject_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n maintain_v in_o those_o hand_n that_o have_v they_o by_o just_a title_n of_o humane_a right_n and_o so_o that_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o receive_a position_n of_o divine_n that_o temporal_a dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o grace_n for_o mens_fw-la right_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o civil_a society_n be_v no_o less_o their_o own_o and_o concern_v their_o estate_n no_o less_o than_o their_o good_n and_o possession_n therefore_o though_o much_o more_o evidence_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o apostle_n command_v christian_n to_o obey_v secular_a power_n child_n their_o parent_n slave_n their_o master_n wife_n their_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o above_o the_o law_n for_o conscience_n to_o god_n oblige_v thereby_o all_o state_n to_o maintain_v christianity_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o no_o party_n profess_v to_o stick_v at_o i_o will_v hereupon_o presume_v to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v but_o though_o the_o church_n be_v not_o endow_v with_o any_o coactive_a power_n by_o divine_a right_n yet_o by_o divine_a right_n and_o by_o patent_n from_o god_n it_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n of_o hold_v assembly_n for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n before_o any_o grant_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o against_o any_o interdict_v of_o they_o if_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o for_o the_o communion_n which_o the_o gospel_n establish_v among_o christian_n be_v not_o only_o invisible_a in_o the_o heart_n believe_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o also_o outward_o visible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o communicate_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o also_o in_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n for_o see_v god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n wherewith_o he_o require_v to_o be_v serve_v in_o common_a by_o his_o church_n some_o of_o they_o common_a both_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o synagogue_n that_o be_v to_o jew_n and_o christian_n other_o deliver_v by_o the_o gospel_n only_o to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n be_v privilege_v by_o god_n because_o command_v to_o join_v in_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o those_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o ask_v a_o express_a warrant_n in_o scripture_n for_o this_o whether_o duty_n or_o privilege_n because_o it_o be_v always_o in_o force_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n though_o not_o always_o free_a from_o the_o bondage_n of_o stranger_n the_o apostle_n true_o write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o christianity_n to_o judaisme_n for_o the_o persecution_n which_o the_o jew_n their_o native_n bring_v upon_o they_o which_o he_o that_o will_v diligent_o observe_v shall_v find_v to_o be_v the_o full_a scope_n of_o that_o epistle_n infer_v as_o a_o consequence_n heb._n x._o 25._o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o show_v that_o christianity_n can_v be_v profess_v without_o so_o do_v though_o it_o bring_v persecution_n with_o it_o as_o we_o know_v the_o primitive_a christian_n frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o law_n because_o that_o which_o the_o law_n forbid_v be_v their_o assembly_n wherefore_o as_o within_o several_a commonwealth_n there_o be_v particular_a society_n college_n and_o corporation_n subsist_v by_o grant_n of_o their_o sovereign_n and_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o society_n and_o commonwealth_n among_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o same_o vessel_n upon_o the_o same_o voyage_n which_o aristotle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o there_o be_v also_o among_o they_o that_o travel_v together_o in_o the_o caravan_n of_o the_o east_n because_o they_o submit_v to_o some_o rule_n in_o regard_n of_o some_o common_a interess_n so_o must_v we_o understand_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o humane_a though_o not_o a_o civil_a society_n corporation_n or_o commonwealth_n not_o as_o these_o last_o name_v which_o consist_v of_o subject_n to_o several_a state_n warrant_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n nor_o as_o the_o former_a by_o charter_n from_o some_o sovereign_n but_o by_o that_o law_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o nation_n be_v call_v to_o serve_v he_o by_o those_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o main_a point_n of_o that_o charter_n which_o make_v the_o church_n such_o a_o society_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o right_n of_o assemble_v and_o hold_v such_o assembly_n without_o warrant_n against_o all_o law_n of_o the_o world_n that_o forbid_v it_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o be_v those_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o those_o ordinance_n for_o which_o it_o assemble_v for_o since_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n profess_v one_o church_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n thereof_o extend_v to_o this_o visible_a communion_n it_o be_v manifest_a hereby_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n communicate_v with_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o service_n when_o occasion_n require_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o side_n confess_v for_o though_o this_o communion_n be_v interrupt_v with_o so_o many_o schism_n yet_o since_o all_o party_n labour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o on_o their_o side_n they_o acknowledge_v all_o separation_n to_o be_v against_o god_n ordinance_n when_o they_o labour_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o title_n of_o right_n the_o church_n be_v ingraff_v into_o civil_a society_n and_o sovereignty_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o secular_a power_n exercise_v that_o right_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v in_o church_n matter_n for_o i_o perceive_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n oftentimes_o demand_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o nationall_n church_n now_o the_o term_n of_o nationall_n church_n it_o seem_v be_v something_o unproper_a because_o as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nation_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o several_a sovereignty_n and_o the_o church_n thereof_o by_o consequence_n subject_n to_o several_a sovereign_n so_o may_v the_o same_o sovereignty_n contain_v several_a nation_n and_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o in_o these_o case_n be_v not_o proper_o nationall_n church_n and_o yet_o be_v proper_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o term_n of_o nationall_n churches_n but_o set_v aside_o this_o exception_n i_o conceive_v those_o of_o the_o congregation_n have_v reason_n to_o make_v the_o demand_n and_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o if_o once_o well_o make_v will_v be_v of_o consequence_n to_o settle_v many_o thing_n in_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o same_o right_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v due_a to_o christian_a prince_n and_o state_n which_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n practise_v under_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o no_o way_n appear_v because_o of_o the_o general_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v to_o tie_v the_o knot_n fast_o that_o there_o be_v this_o clear_a difference_n between_o they_o in_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n that_o the_o law_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o people_n as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o god_n undertake_v to_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o to_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o free_a and_o happy_a possession_n of_o it_o they_o undertake_v on_o their_o part_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o rule_v themselves_o by_o it_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o god_n undertake_v to_o give_v life_n everlasting_a to_o those_o that_o take_v up_o christ_n cross_n to_o perform_v it_o the_o person_n therefore_o of_o who_o the_o church_n consist_v be_v of_o all_o nation_n all_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a interest_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o communicate_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o no_o sovereign_n can_v have_v more_o interest_n than_o another_o in_o create_v that_o right_a by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o subject_n of_o several_a sovereignty_n communicate_v otherwise_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o suffer_v one_o sovereign_n prescribe_v that_o as_o
necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o the_o sovereign_n over_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n perhaps_o allow_v not_o but_o though_o as_o a_o divine_a i_o admit_v this_o debate_n yet_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o divine_a both_o i_o condemn_v the_o separation_n which_o they_o have_v make_v before_o it_o be_v decide_v the_o church_n of_o england_n give_v to_o the_o king_n that_o power_n in_o church_n matter_n which_o the_o king_n of_o god_n ancient_a people_n and_o christian_a emperor_n after_o they_o always_o practise_v this_o possession_n be_v enough_o to_o have_v keep_v unity_n though_o the_o reason_n appear_v not_o why_o christian_a prince_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o right_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n have_v in_o the_o synagogue_n for_o if_o they_o observe_v it_o well_o this_o right_n be_v not_o where_o establish_v upon_o the_o king_n of_o god_n ancient_a people_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n in_o the_o law_n for_o see_v the_o law_n command_v they_o not_o to_o have_v a_o king_n but_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o have_v a_o king_n when_o they_o will_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o it_o require_v deut._n xvii_o 14._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o right_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n by_o that_o law_n which_o never_o provide_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o king_n the_o question_n be_v then_o not_o whether_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n have_v power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n but_o upon_o what_o title_n they_o have_v it_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o by_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v to_o that_o people_n when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o bondage_n and_o invest_v in_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o a_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o they_o become_v by_o submit_v to_o it_o so_o that_o though_o many_o precept_n thereof_o concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a person_n yet_o there_o be_v also_o many_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n for_o which_o particular_a person_n can_v be_v answerable_a further_o than_o the_o rate_n of_o that_o power_n by_o which_o they_o act_n in_o it_o as_o the_o destroy_n of_o malefactor_n idolater_n in_o particular_a these_o precept_n then_o be_v give_v to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o common_a power_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v to_o the_o king_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o law_n aforesaid_a it_o follow_v that_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n he_o stand_v thereby_o countable_a for_o the_o law_n to_o be_v enforce_v by_o it_o and_o then_o the_o question_n that_o remain_v will_v be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v christian_a as_o such_o and_o not_o only_o as_o particular_a person_n a_o thing_n which_o tertullian_n seem_v to_o have_v doubt_v of_o when_o he_o make_v a_o if_o of_o it_o apologet._n cap._n xxi_o si_fw-mi possent_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o caesares_fw-la christiani_n if_o emperor_n can_v be_v christian_n and_o origen_n when_o he_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o jealousy_n by_o a_o people_n which_o be_v not_o a_o people_n so_o he_o read_v it_o of_o the_o christian_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o nation_n and_o no_o whole_a nation_n profess_v christianity_n in_o x_o ad_fw-la rom._n lib._n viii_o &_o in_o psal_n xxxvi_o hom._n i._n seem_v to_o count_v this_o estate_n and_o condition_n essential_a to_o the_o church_n but_o since_o anabaptist_n be_v no_o more_o anabaptist_n in_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o christianity_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o question_n leave_v about_o this_o as_o indeed_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o for_o the_o prophecy_n which_o go_v before_o of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o christianity_n be_v not_o fulfil_v till_o the_o roman_a empire_n profess_v to_o maintain_v it_o and_o thereby_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o civil_a society_n &_o the_o power_n of_o they_o shall_v maintain_v christianity_n by_o their_o sword_n and_o the_o act_n to_o which_o it_o enable_v but_o always_o with_o that_o difference_n from_o the_o synagogue_n which_o have_v be_v express_v for_o if_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o several_a sovereignty_n the_o power_n which_o each_o of_o they_o can_v have_v in_o church_n matter_n must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v by_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o determine_v whereof_o shall_v become_v necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o premise_v the_o first_o point_n we_o be_v to_o debate_n be_v whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o secular_a punishment_n amount_v to_o a_o outlawry_n or_o banishment_n as_o erastus_n will_v have_v it_o or_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n thereof_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_o presume_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o invisible_a by_o sin_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o the_o church_n found_v by_o god_n without_o dependence_n from_o man_n there_o must_v be_v in_o it_o a_o visible_a power_n to_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v or_o not_o be_v member_n of_o it_o which_o by_o consequence_n be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v in_o civil_a society_n but_o excommunication_n in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v a_o temporal_a punishment_n such_o as_o i_o say_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o our_o lord_n mean_v not_o of_o that_o when_o he_o say_v dic_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o term_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v use_v for_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o civil_a society_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o add_v let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n they_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o ethnic_n nor_o publican_n be_v excommunicate_a out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o the_o excommunicate_a exclude_v from_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o synagogue_n and_o when_o our_o lord_n add_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n it_o be_v manifest_a say_v they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n use_v among_o the_o talmud_n doctor_n that_o bind_v and_o loose_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_a that_o be_v prohibit_v &_o permit_v and_o therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v reach_v no_o further_o then_o declare_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o unlawful_a as_o to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n the_o first_o argument_n that_o i_o make_v against_o this_o opinion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n of_o baptise_v thereby_o understand_v not_o the_o office_n of_o minister_a but_o the_o right_n of_o grant_v that_o sacrament_n which_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o distinguish_v because_o all_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o order_n thereof_o baptize_v infant_n but_o may_v see_v a_o necessary_a ground_n so_o to_o distinguish_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o baptize_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 17._o whereas_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v manifest_a where_o he_o charge_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o all_o that_o shall_v turn_v christian_n can_v not_o be_v personal_o command_v the_o apostle_n but_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o make_v disciple_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n this_o they_o may_v do_v to_o those_o that_o may_v be_v baptise_a by_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v we_o must_v note_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v disciple_n as_o the_o syriack_n true_o translate_v it_o command_v first_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v disciple_n then_o to_o baptise_v now_o disciple_n be_v those_o that_o be_v after_o call_v christian_n such_o as_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o act_v xi_o 26._o those_o of_o who_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v his_o father_n will_n be_v his_o disciple_n wherefore_o they_o be_v command_v
allow_v of_o they_o which_o as_o it_o be_v always_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o another_o place_n so_o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v in_o that_o marriage_n be_v never_o celebrate_v among_o christian_n without_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o observation_n i_o insist_v upon_o the_o more_o cheerful_o because_o it_o much_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n which_o the_o church_n make_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o bless_v the_o infant_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o if_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v that_o which_o be_v do_v with_o it_o then_o can_v this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n signify_v no_o less_o then_o that_o those_o to_o who_o our_o lord_n grant_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o kingdom_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n one_o little_a objection_n there_o lie_v against_o this_o from_o the_o incestuous_a person_n at_o corinth_n who_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n seem_v to_o readmit_v to_o communion_n his_o crime_n be_v as_o deep_a as_o adultery_n which_o we_o say_v the_o rigour_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n admit_v not_o to_o penance_n to_o which_o i_o have_v divers_a thing_n to_o answer_v that_o this_o can_v be_v object_v but_o by_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o the_o former_a epistle_n that_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pudicitiâ_fw-la dispute_v at_o large_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o case_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o both_o epistle_n that_o the_o crime_n here_o specify_v perhaps_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v exclude_v from_o penance_n but_o wave_v all_o this_o as_o i_o except_v two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v baptize_v without_o regular_a trial_n so_o suppose_v the_o rule_n to_o take_v hold_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n to_o grant_v that_o s._n paul_n may_v wave_v the_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n so_o settle_v as_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o wave_v it_o if_o this_o opinion_n seem_v new_a my_o purpose_n require_v but_o these_o two_o point_n that_o the_o penance_n practise_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n suppose_a excommunication_n which_o it_o only_o abate_v and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o that_o there_o be_v enough_o say_v i_o suppose_v even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v any_o kind_n of_o crime_n from_o penance_n beside_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o lament_v that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o evil_a may_v be_v put_v from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n v._o 2._o and_o again_o fear_v that_o when_o he_o return_v he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o lament_v many_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 21._o which_o if_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o primitive_a solemnity_n of_o excommunication_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n ii_o 16._o and_o other_o way_n we_o understand_v be_v to_o put_v the_o person_n out_o of_o the_o church_n door_n with_o mourning_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o epiphanius_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o expound_v this_o late_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n haer._n lix_n num_fw-la 5._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n then_o by_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o communion_n by_o baptism_n which_o if_o it_o imply_v a_o contract_n with_o the_o church_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v forfeit_n to_o he_o that_o evident_o do_v that_o which_o can_v stand_v with_o that_o rule_n and_o the_o church_n not_o tie_v to_o restore_v it_o but_o as_o the_o person_n can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o future_a now_o i_o will_v make_v short_a work_n with_o erastus_n his_o long_a labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n command_v by_o the_o law_n i_o yield_v it_o and_o make_v a_o consequence_n which_o will_v be_v think_v a_o strange_a one_o but_o i_o have_v it_o from_o the_o speculation_n of_o origen_n in_o levit_fw-la hom._n xi_o and_o other_o why_o the_o church_n shall_v only_o be_v enable_v to_o excommunicate_v whereas_o the_o synagogue_n be_v enable_v to_o put_v to_o death_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o s._n augustine_n quaest_n in_o deuteronom_n v._o 38._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la cap._n vi_o and_o other_o that_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o the_o synagogue_n my_o argument_n be_v then_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o synagogue_n have_v the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n this_o because_o as_o the_o law_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v due_a enable_v to_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o destroy_v it_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o make_v man_n denizen_n of_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n must_v enable_v to_o put_v they_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o that_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intent_n hereby_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o excommunication_n under_o the_o law_n for_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o ezra_n x._o 8._o ground_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n record_v ezr._n vii_o 26._o for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v root_n out_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v call_v in_o the_o other_o place_n divide_v from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o captive_n be_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o temporal_a outlawry_n to_o which_o be_v join_v confiscation_n of_o good_n for_o so_o say_v luther_n true_o that_o the_o great_a excommunication_n among_o christian_n be_v every_o where_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n to_o wit_n in_o regard_n of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n attend_v it_o in_o christian_a state_n which_o in_o christianity_n be_v accidental_a by_o act_n of_o those_o state_n in_o judaisme_n essential_a so_o long_o as_o those_o temporal_a advantage_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a condition_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o forfeit_v and_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v the_o same_o punishment_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n though_o i_o can_v say_v so_o peremptory_a for_o the_o temporal_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o several_a sovereign_n can_v easy_o limit_v to_o several_a term_n for_o the_o right_a that_o ezra_n may_v have_v to_o introduce_v this_o penalty_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o deut._n xvii_o 12._o which_o enable_v to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n that_o obey_v not_o the_o synagogue_n enable_v to_o excommunicate_v to_o banish_v to_o outlaw_n they_o much_o more_o but_o as_o we_o see_v the_o roman_n allow_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n which_o the_o persian_n grant_v they_o so_o i_o be_o not_o to_o grant_v that_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o gospel_n impli_v the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o civil_a be_v of_o any_o jew_n the_o talmud_n doctor_n say_v that_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o great_a excommunication_n be_v to_o dwell_v in_o a_o cottage_n alone_o and_o to_o have_v meat_n and_o drink_n bring_v they_o till_o they_o die_v arba_n turim_n or_o shulchan_n auroh_n in_fw-la jore_fw-la dea_fw-la hilcoth_fw-mi niddui_n voherem_n a_o speculation_n suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n in_o their_o dispersion_n which_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v how_o far_o it_o be_v in_o force_n and_o practice_n but_o suppose_v the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o church_n afore_o constantine_n enjoy_v no_o privilege_n but_o to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o as_o the_o synagogue_n must_v always_o have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v which_o have_v power_n to_o put_v to_o death_n so_o i_o say_v be_v the_o church_n enable_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o i_o have_v show_v the_o apostle_n do_v do_v by_o mat._n xviii_o 18._o i_o yield_v that_o the_o term_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v the_o declare_v of_o what_o be_v prohibit_v and_o permit_v by_o the_o law_n but_o i_o yield_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v here_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o declaration_n cease_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o six_o hundred_o and_o thirteen_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o power_n
power_n wherein_o sovereignty_n consist_v which_o subordinate_a power_n enjoy_v not_o by_o any_o title_n but_o as_o derive_v from_o the_o sovereign_n wherefore_o have_v premise_v for_o a_o principle_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o christianity_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o establish_v all_o in_o the_o same_o right_n whereof_o they_o stand_v possess_v when_o they_o come_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n i_o must_v infer_v that_o the_o public_a power_n of_o christian_a state_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nothing_o do_v by_o the_o church_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o state_n as_o any_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o see_v it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v not_o to_o question_v or_o unsettle_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o civil_a justice_n in_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o secular_a power_n shall_v do_v towards_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n in_o tranquillity_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n right_o understand_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v true_a christianity_n which_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o course_n of_o true_a civil_a justice_n it_o have_v be_v effectual_o prove_v by_o church_n writer_n against_o the_o gentile_n that_o suppose_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o they_o can_v with_o civil_a justice_n persecute_v the_o christian_n and_o all_o upon_o this_o score_n that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n but_o all_o advantageous_a but_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o truth_n indeed_o reveal_v from_o god_n yet_o religion_n in_o general_a be_v a_o moral_a virtue_n and_o part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o civil_a nation_n in_o so_o much_o as_o that_o people_n which_o shall_v profess_v to_o fear_v no_o god_n will_v thereby_o put_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o give_v all_o civil_a people_n a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o seek_v to_o subdue_v they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o to_o constrain_v they_o to_o that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v both_o true_a and_o due_a for_o how_o can_v any_o of_o they_o expect_v faith_n and_o troth_n in_o civil_a commerce_n from_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v think_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o acknowledge_v no_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o contrary_a or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v but_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n from_o who_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v that_o particularity_n which_o i_o declare_v afore_o that_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o protection_n of_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v further_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o secular_a power_n that_o be_v christian_n act_n in_o the_o protection_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o as_o secular_a power_n but_o as_o christian_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o they_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o say_v otherwise_o that_o this_o whole_a right_n of_o secular_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v not_o destructive_a but_o cumulative_a that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defeat_v or_o abolish_v any_o part_n of_o that_o power_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v settle_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o maintenance_n and_o protection_n of_o it_o for_o see_v this_o power_n in_o the_o person_n endow_v with_o it_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o that_o right_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o no_o power_n ordain_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o part_n thereof_o can_v extinguish_v this_o and_o true_o he_o that_o advise_v but_o with_o his_o own_o common_a sense_n shall_v easy_o perceive_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n may_v be_v able_a to_o preserve_v order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o state_n profess_v not_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v before_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v christian_n but_o when_o the_o state_n profess_v christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o person_n qualify_v by_o the_o state_n will_v ever_o willing_o submit_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o ratify_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n thereof_o unless_o the_o coactive_a power_n of_o the_o sovereign_n enforce_v it_o all_o state_n therefore_o have_v sovereign_a power_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o sovereignty_n that_o be_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n to_o give_v law_n as_o well_o concern_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o civil_a affair_n to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n about_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n to_o command_v in_o the_o same_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a act_n of_o sovereignty_n see_v that_o give_v of_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v but_o particular_n of_o that_o general_a the_o one_o that_o be_v give_v law_n in_o general_n the_o other_o that_o be_v jurisdiction_n in_o particular_a cause_n and_o both_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o limit_v that_o power_n of_o command_n or_o empire_n which_o otherwise_o be_v absolute_a in_o the_o disposition_n and_o will_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o civil_a people_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o roman_n have_v denominate_v sovereignty_n by_o this_o act_n of_o command_n imperium_fw-la or_o empire_n but_o all_o these_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o like_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n not_o by_o their_o material_n but_o formal_a object_n that_o be_v not_o by_o the_o thing_n person_n or_o cause_n in_o which_o but_o by_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o and_o the_o intent_n to_o which_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v needs_o leave_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n entire_a to_o all_o purpose_n as_o it_o find_v the_o same_o in_o those_o that_o have_v it_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o point_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v settle_v before_o we_o go_v any_o further_o not_o because_o of_o any_o affinity_n or_o dependence_n between_o they_o but_o because_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o which_o cause_v the_o difficulty_n in_o both_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o original_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v law_n as_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o original_a right_n in_o the_o church_n to_o tithe_n oblation_n first-fruit_n and_o general_o to_o all_o consecrate_v thing_n seem_v to_o most_o man_n more_o than_o disputable_a because_o the_o accessary_a act_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o in_o all_o christian_a state_n have_v make_v the_o law_n by_o which_o christianity_n be_v exercise_v the_o law_n of_o those_o several_a state_n have_v establish_v the_o endowment_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o it_o by_o that_o coactive_a power_n which_o they_o only_o in_o chief_n be_v endow_v with_o be_v most_o visible_a to_o common_a sense_n seem_v to_o have_v obscure_v the_o original_a right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o both_o particular_n over_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n deny_v the_o church_n all_o power_n of_o give_v law_n rule_n canon_n or_o however_o you_o please_v to_o call_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o make_v all_o congregation_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o not_o acknowledge_v so_o much_o as_o that_o rule_n which_o all_o humane_a society_n beside_o acknowledge_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o great_a part_n but_o require_v that_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v satisfy_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n do_v unless_o some_o happy_o appear_v wilful_a who_o by_o way_n of_o penalty_n they_o neglect_v for_o that_o time_n as_o for_o those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n i_o can_v deny_v that_o they_o grant_v the_o church_n this_o power_n but_o it_o seem_v upon_o condition_n that_o it_o may_v rest_v in_o themselves_o for_o to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n in_o which_o they_o receive_v
judas_n ver_fw-la 12._o call_v their_o feast_n of_o love_n and_o the_o attendance_n upon_o this_o entertainment_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o make_v the_o deacon_n which_o be_v call_v therefore_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o attendance_n at_o table_n act_n vi_o 1_o ●_o now_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o those_o primitive_a christian_n hold_v not_o themselves_o tie_v to_o pay_v tithe_n that_o offer_v all_o their_o estate_n at_o corinth_n i_o believe_v s._n chrysostome_n that_o this_o course_n be_v not_o frequent_v every_o day_n as_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o probable_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n because_o upon_o that_o the_o disciple_n assemble_v at_o troas_n act_n xx._n 7._o or_o perhaps_o upon_o other_o occasion_n also_o for_o to_o have_v do_v always_o every_o where_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v destroy_v civil_a society_n which_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o preserve_v but_o those_o that_o offer_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o their_o good_n to_o this_o purpose_n when_o secular_a law_n enable_v they_o not_o to_o endow_v the_o church_n with_o their_o tithe_n do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v that_o duty_n and_o that_o as_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o can_v any_o live_a man_n imagine_v that_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o estate_n if_o the_o apostle_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o christianity_n have_v not_o inform_v they_o that_o christianity_n require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o contribution_n which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o the_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v bring_v low_o by_o part_v with_o their_o estate_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n disperse_v in_o the_o roman_a and_o parthian_a empire_n not_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o tithe_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n nor_o resort_v to_o the_o temple_n be_v notwithstanding_o in_o recompense_n of_o the_o same_o wont_a to_o make_v a_o stock_n out_o of_o which_o they_o send_v their_o oblation_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o maintain_v the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v up_o and_o down_o in_o josephus_n beside_o philo_n and_o the_o talmud_n doctor_n if_o then_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o imitation_n hereof_o contribute_v their_o oblation_n to_o support_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v then_o the_o mother_n city_n of_o christianity_n before_o it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o by_o all_o those_o passage_n appear_v which_o mention_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n act_v xi_o 30._o xii_o 25._o rom._n xv._o 26._o 2_o cor._n viii_o ix_o per_fw-la tot_fw-la 1_o cor._n xvi_o 1._o gal._n ii_o 10._o do_v they_o not_o thereby_o open_o profess_v themselves_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n of_o maintain_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o temple_n again_o the_o apostle_n have_v show_v that_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o right_n of_o communicate_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n crucify_v as_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v not_o whole_o consume_v by_o fire_n in_o the_o passage_n handle_v afore_o of_o heb._n xiii_o 8-14_a pursue_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o next_o word_n by_o he_o then_o let_v we_o offer_v continual_o to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v where_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n he_o mean_v the_o eucharist_n as_o it_o be_v call_v usual_o in_o the_o ancient_a liturgy_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o father_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o whole_a dispute_n of_o that_o place_n that_o in_o that_o sacrament_n christian_n communicate_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n crucify_v which_o jew_n can_v have_v no_o right_a to_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o by_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v he_o mean_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a out_o of_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a live_v in_o common_a at_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o that_o course_n can_v no_o more_o stand_v with_o the_o succeed_a state_n of_o the_o church_n both_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v and_o the_o person_n that_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v maintain_v therefore_o this_o obligation_n cease_v not_o though_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v take_v away_o the_o next_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n ephes_n iv_o 11_o in_o which_o few_o or_o none_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o to_o i_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o premise_n it_o seem_v so_o express_v that_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_n to_o the_o church_n so_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o to_o let_v they_o go_v any_o long_o without_o notice_n he_o have_v make_v say_v s._n paul_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o compact_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o it_o follow_v that_o be_v sincere_a in_o love_n we_o may_v grow_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n compact_v and_o put_v together_o by_o the_o furnish_n of_o every_o limb_n according_a to_o the_o work_a proportionable_a in_o every_o part_n cause_v the_o body_n to_o wax_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n here_o you_o be_v to_o mark_v these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v in_o a_o vulgar_a sense_n to_o furnish_v any_o man_n maintenance_n as_o mat._n xxv_o 44._o 1_o tim._n ii_o 18._o heb._n vi_o 10._o luc._n viii_o 2._o 1_o pet._n iu._n 10._o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n but_o almost_o always_o with_o some_o addition_n discover_v the_o metaphor_n by_o express_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o service_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n the_o new_a covenant_n act_v vi_o 6._o 2_o cor._n v._o 18_o 19_o iii_o 8._o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v common_o take_v here_o but_o it_o seem_v a_o mistake_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n governor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o compact_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v compact_v and_o hold_v together_o to_o frequent_v public_a assembly_n by_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o those_o that_o attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o work_n of_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o say_a assembly_n it_o may_v be_v build_v up_o to_o a_o full_a measure_n of_o christianity_n this_o sense_n the_o word_n that_o follow_v require_v from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n compact_v that_o be_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v frequent_o to_o assemble_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v able_a furnish_v every_o member_n proportionable_o to_o his_o want_n come_v by_o christ_n to_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n this_o sense_n the_o parallel_a place_n of_o rom._n xii_o 4_o 7_o 8._o 1_o pet._n iu._n 4._o necessary_o argue_v where_o have_v speech_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o whole_a both_o apostle_n express_v two_o kind_n of_o they_o one_o spiritual_a of_o instruction_n in_o christianity_n the_o other_o corporal_a of_o mean_n to_o support_v the_o church_n in_o hold_v their_o assembly_n for_o as_o those_o that_o want_v can_v balk_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o attend_v upon_o divine_a service_n unless_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o much_o more_o those_o that_o minister_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n can_v attend_v upon_o the_o same_o unless_o they_o be_v secure_v of_o their_o support_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o first_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o their_o example_n they_o that_o send_v their_o oblation_n to_o the_o church_n
corruption_n of_o natural_a light_n make_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o idolater_n and_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o whole_a spawn_n of_o gnostic_n from_o simon_n magus_n to_o the_o manichee_n their_o heir_n and_o successor_n which_o as_o they_o corrupt_a christianity_n with_o heathenism_n so_o they_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o bring_v in_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n such_o horrible_a uncleanness_n as_o nature_n abhor_v which_o be_v by_o mistake_n of_o the_o gentile_n impose_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o by_o the_o defence_n which_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o do_v evidence_n sufficient_o that_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o those_o report_n so_o they_o declare_v that_o if_o they_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o refuse_v the_o persecution_n which_o they_o plead_v against_o the_o 2_o case_n be_v when_o any_o thing_n prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n be_v hold_v and_o profess_v as_o part_v of_o christianity_n for_o as_o that_o which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n must_v needs_o be_v punishable_a by_o those_o power_n which_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o that_o with_o the_o utmost_a punishment_n when_o the_o case_n deserve_v it_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o christianity_n which_o be_v punish_v in_o so_o do_v because_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n and_o public_a peace_n set_v these_o case_n aside_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v constrain_v by_o capital_a punishment_n to_o become_v a_o christian_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o heretic_n schismatic_a or_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n can_v be_v punishable_a with_o death_n mere_o for_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o profess_v the_o same_o reason_n right_o improve_v seem_v to_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a death_n of_o banishment_n from_o his_o native_a country_n and_o people_n mere_o for_o a_o opinion_n which_o he_o believe_v and_o profess_v though_o false_o to_o be_v part_n of_o christianity_n for_o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v all_o estate_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o every_o one_o in_o his_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o same_o so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v renounce_v or_o violate_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n must_v needs_o become_v liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n when_o the_o law_n establish_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o that_o of_o banishment_n or_o civil_a death_n or_o any_o less_o punishment_n when_o the_o law_n enable_v to_o establish_v it_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o tender_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o observe_v it_o and_o therefore_o require_v all_o nation_n kingdom_n state_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o enter_v into_o one_o society_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o for_o the_o common_a service_n of_o god_n upon_o conscience_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o obedience_n but_o otherwise_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o obligation_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o domestic_a society_n as_o afore_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o christian_n embrace_v christianity_n free_o because_o it_o can_v be_v true_o embrace_v otherwise_o purchase_v themselves_o thereby_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n against_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o be_v over_o they_o afore_o so_o no_o secular_a power_n that_o be_v sovereign_a by_o profess_v christianity_n themselves_o purchase_v any_o right_a and_o power_n as_o to_o god_n of_o enforce_v christianity_n upon_o their_o subject_n by_o such_o penalty_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o civil_a society_n which_o they_o govern_v enable_v they_o not_o to_o inflict_v according_a to_o the_o common_a law_n of_o all_o nation_n wherefore_o see_v common_a reason_n discover_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o common_a law_n of_o nation_n enjoin_v not_o christianity_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o civil_a society_n as_o they_o subsist_v before_o christianity_n so_o still_o subsist_v upon_o principle_n which_o for_o their_o original_a be_v afore_o it_o though_o for_o their_o perfection_n after_o it_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o civil_a society_n be_v not_o enable_v to_o make_v christianity_n the_o condition_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o those_o state_n which_o they_o govern_v but_o if_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enable_v to_o punish_v the_o renounce_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o with_o natural_a or_o civil_a death_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v by_o god_n law_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o freedom_n to_o believe_v and_o profess_v what_o they_o please_v i_o suppose_v there_o be_v very_o great_a penalty_n under_o the_o rate_n of_o those_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o civil_a society_n by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o nation_n will_v enable_v the_o sovereign_a power_n thereof_o to_o punish_v the_o neglect_n of_o christianity_n with_o when_o they_o have_v avow_v it_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n which_o they_o govern_v for_o in_o that_o case_n the_o neglect_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o against_o civil_a society_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v the_o power_n that_o conclude_v his_o own_o people_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o invaluable_a benefit_n of_o peaceable_a protection_n which_o he_o enjoy_v by_o the_o same_o second_o see_v that_o all_o religion_n except_v true_a christianity_n be_v a_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o civil_a society_n though_o perhaps_o it_o profess_v no_o such_o thing_n express_o it_o follow_v by_o consequence_n that_o all_o power_n that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n be_v enable_v to_o forbid_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a christianity_n by_o all_o penalty_n under_o those_o that_o have_v be_v except_v so_o that_o when_o true_a christianity_n be_v forbid_v under_o such_o penalty_n the_o fault_n shall_v be_v not_o in_o usurp_v but_o in_o abuse_v the_o power_n in_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a subject_n not_o in_o strain_v it_o to_o that_o which_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o and_o in_o so_o do_v that_o be_v in_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v so_o do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o christianity_n can_v be_v wrong_v though_o wrong_v be_v do_v to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v christian_n for_o see_v it_o be_v the_o common_a profession_n of_o christian_n to_o bear_v christ_n cross_n and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v christianity_n to_o the_o stern_a of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n by_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n hold_v for_o true_a christianity_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v christianity_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v secular_a power_n such_o right_a to_o restrain_v pretend_v christianity_n that_o when_o it_o be_v use_v against_o the_o true_a it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v usurp_v but_o abuse_v it_o will_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v say_v already_o that_o any_o constraint_n to_o christianity_n by_o temporal_a punishment_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o confirm_v some_o and_o engage_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v once_o profess_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o that_o other_o who_o to_o avoid_v punishment_n shall_v outward_o submit_v to_o what_o inward_o they_o approve_v not_o must_v needs_o forfeit_v all_o power_n of_o christianity_n by_o prefer_v the_o world_n before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o which_o it_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o all_o this_o grant_v prove_v not_o that_o it_o be_v unjust_a or_o that_o civil_a power_n have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v such_o law_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v probable_o to_o no_o good_a purpose_n which_o defeat_v not_o the_o right_a till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v exercise_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n which_o in_o this_o point_n can_v be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v as_o probable_o say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o by_o temporal_a penalty_n a_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o consider_v with_o less_o prejudice_n that_o which_o the_o
his_o apostle_n extend_v it_o in_o one_o visible_a society_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o dominion_n with_o equal_a interest_n in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o through_o several_a dominion_n what_o title_n but_o force_n can_v any_o state_n have_v to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o presuppose_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o unable_a to_o do_v it_o therefore_o by_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o christian_n as_o member_n thereof_o it_o must_v be_v do_v whatsoever_o be_v do_v either_o in_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o in_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o congregation_n when_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o a_o right_o found_v upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o christianity_n than_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parliament_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o any_o secular_a power_n can_v be_v in_o church_n matter_n but_o i_o intend_v not_o hereby_o to_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o rightful_a title_n upon_o which_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o as_o man_n can_v make_v themselves_o christian_n but_o the_o do_v of_o it_o must_v presuppose_v a_o church_n as_o at_o the_o first_o it_o presuppose_v the_o power_n of_o constitute_v a_o church_n estate_v by_o our_o lord_n upon_o his_o apostle_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v require_v of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v save_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v his_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o profess_v christianity_n and_o this_o profession_n to_o be_v consign_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o he_o trust_v with_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o church_n and_o by_o they_o accept_v because_o if_o not_o sincere_a and_o complete_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o the_o continuance_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n presuppose_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o christianity_n profess_v therein_o to_o contain_v nothing_o destructive_a to_o salvation_n profess_v a_o obligation_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o governor_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o and_o this_o obligation_n unavoidable_a by_o the_o premise_n unless_o christian_a people_n by_o those_o governor_n appear_v to_o be_v defeat_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o law_n give_v the_o church_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n subsist_v than_o the_o personal_a succession_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o consist_v can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v which_o in_o our_o present_a case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o premise_n be_v true_a all_o the_o particular_n for_o which_o the_o congregation_n separate_v and_o which_o the_o presbytery_n will_v reform_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o the_o clergy_n over_o the_o people_n the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n the_o dependence_n of_o congregation_n upon_o the_o city_n church_n the_o power_n of_o give_v law_n to_o the_o church_n the_o right_a of_o first-fruit_n tithe_n and_o all_o consecrate_v thing_n and_o above_o all_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o personal_a succession_n of_o governor_n in_o which_o it_o consist_v be_v all_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ceremony_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a kind_n though_o not_o to_o the_o particular_n question_v for_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n require_v all_o christian_n to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o that_o freedom_n which_o christianity_n allow_v in_o all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n not_o contrary_a to_o go_n second_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o particular_n question_v be_v not_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o indeed_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a nation_n that_o have_v receive_v christianity_n be_v so_o different_a that_o for_o example_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o man_n pray_v cover_v 1_o cor._n xi_o 3._o can_v be_v use_v among_o those_o nation_n that_o uncover_v the_o head_n in_o sign_n of_o reverence_n which_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o same_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v not_o in_o use_n now_o as_o under_o the_o apostle_n yet_o whosoever_o shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o significative_a ceremony_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v it_o to_o establish_v a_o law_n contrary_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v such_o to_o be_v use_v as_o i_o show_v afore_o beside_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o governor_n thereof_o do_v not_o maintain_v any_o infallible_a power_n of_o conduct_v the_o church_n profess_v themselves_o the_o reformation_n which_o their_o predecessor_n make_v and_o therefore_o be_v so_o far_o from_o refuse_v any_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o law_n of_o this_o church_n that_o if_o any_o humane_a constitution_n have_v be_v recommend_v to_o they_o evident_o necessary_a or_o useful_a to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n effectual_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n by_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o the_o secular_a power_n have_v over_o they_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o english_a that_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o have_v refuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o separation_n or_o reformation_n be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o at_o once_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_o in_o this_o case_n depend_v on_o the_o same_o i_o suppose_v what_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n to_o bring_v in_o plentiful_a and_o powerful_a preach_v and_o pray_v as_o the_o spirit_n shall_v indite_v for_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v pretend_v and_o have_v show_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o change_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o i_o see_v no_o man_n be_v so_o hard_o heart_v as_o not_o to_o think_v his_o own_o design_n to_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ever_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o part_n of_o my_o charge_n to_o say_v somewhat_o also_o to_o this_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v then_o a_o charge_n upon_o the_o church_n to_o provide_v that_o christian_n make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v teach_v more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o their_o christianity_n and_o exhort_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v preach_v and_o make_v disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o which_o be_v give_v the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n give_v to_o all_o who_o they_o shall_v assume_v or_o ordain_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v ordain_v to_o exercise_v their_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o dependence_n upon_o the_o same_o and_o according_a as_o the_o same_o shall_v determine_v in_o time_n or_o place_n but_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v determine_v as_o of_o divine_a right_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n when_o where_o how_o often_o how_o seldom_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o frequent_a preach_v be_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v furnish_v to_o the_o church_n he_o will_v make_v himself_o ridiculous_a that_o undertake_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o this_o office_n be_v as_o frequent_v as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v indeed_o by_o the_o scripture_n not_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n under_o the_o term_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o any_o equivalent_a as_o rom._n x._o 14-1_a tim._n iu._n 2_o 5._o 1_o cor._n ix_o 16._o but_o those_o that_o express_v the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a person_n of_o their_o time_n in_o teach_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n act_n ii_o 42_o 46._o v._o 42._o vi_o 2_o 4._o xi_o 26._o and_o the_o frequent_v of_o this_o office_n in_o those_o time_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o rom._n xii_o 6._o 7._o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o easy_a for_o they_o that_o now_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n to_o
be_v manifest_a that_o he_o which_o require_v the_o unity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n suppose_v a_o society_n of_o the_o church_n to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o passage_n of_o s._n paul_n alone_o wherein_o this_o privilege_n be_v suppose_v intimate_v or_o express_v but_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v mention_n in_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n institute_v or_o exercise_v at_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n faithful_a people_n provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v common_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n there_o you_o have_v the_o charter_n or_o patent_n of_o this_o grant_n and_o privilege_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n found_v upon_o it_o but_o though_o erastus_n secure_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o christian_a state_n have_v right_a to_o exercise_v their_o sovereign_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n because_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o he_o will_v convince_v they_o that_o at_o this_o time_n deny_v this_o consequence_n among_o we_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o synagogue_n that_o that_o which_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o one_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o hold_v under_o the_o other_o without_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o both_o and_o so_o far_o as_o that_o reason_n prevail_v and_o no_o further_o must_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o state_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v understand_v to_o prevail_v and_o true_o there_o be_v a_o say_n of_o s._n jeromes_n which_o may_v just_o move_v a_o tender_a spirit_n to_o doubt_n whether_o this_o interest_n of_o state_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o for_o see_v it_o be_v most_o true_a and_o visible_a to_o experience_n which_o he_o say_v ecclesiam_fw-la postquam_fw-la coepit_fw-la habere_fw-la christianos_n magistratus_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la opibus_fw-la majorem_fw-la virtutibus_fw-la autem_fw-la minorem_fw-la that_o the_o church_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n be_v become_v great_a in_o wealth_n or_o power_n but_o less_o in_o virtue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o presumption_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o go_v before_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v upon_o it_o when_o no_o other_o cause_n appear_v well_o may_v it_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o secular_a power_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v not_o from_o god_n from_o which_o so_o great_a a_o decay_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v which_o must_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o which_o agree_v that_o legend_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pope_n sylvester_n which_o say_v that_o when_o constantine_n have_v endow_v the_o church_n so_o large_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n hear_v to_o say_v hodie_fw-la venenum_fw-la effusum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la to_o day_n be_v there_o poison_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n then_o which_o here_o i_o render_v upon_o which_o the_o king_n of_o god_n ancient_a people_n have_v that_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o know_v they_o do_v exercise_v i_o hope_v will_v appear_v reasonable_a to_o they_o that_o have_v peruse_v the_o iv_o chapter_n and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o destructive_a but_o cumulative_a to_o that_o which_o by_o the_o law_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v give_v to_o the_o consistory_n and_o since_o it_o accrue_v to_o the_o king_n not_o by_o the_o law_n because_o not_o constitute_v by_o it_o but_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v and_o assent_v unto_o by_o god_n by_o which_o he_o become_v head_n of_o a_o people_n already_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o this_o case_n and_o the_o case_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o convert_v to_o christianity_n but_o this_o that_o the_o israelite_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o they_o be_v under_o king_n for_o though_o moses_n and_o the_o judge_n have_v regal_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o stand_a law_n christian_n nation_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n unless_o it_o be_v further_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o all_o nation_n the_o synagogue_n of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o people_n of_o is●ael_n which_o be_v not_o of_o consequence_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n render_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v secular_a power_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o at_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 2_o 3_o 4._o assign_v the_o end_n of_o they_o to_o be_v that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o be_v manifest_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o secular_a power_n that_o be_v not_o christian_a for_o of_o they_o the_o church_n just_o expect_v protection_n and_o quietness_n pay_v they_o prayer_n subjection_n and_o duty_n but_o he_o add_v further_o this_o reason_n because_o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o perish_v but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n if_o then_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v it_o not_o his_o will_n that_o they_o employ_v themselves_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o sovereign_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o gentile_n there_o be_v reason_n therefore_o to_o ground_n this_o interest_n upon_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v that_o their_o secular_a power_n be_v invite_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v declare_v that_o their_o king_n &_o queen_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o advance_v it_o psal_n ii_o 10_o 11_o 12._o lxxii_o 10_o 11._o es_fw-ge xlix_o 23._o lx._n 13._o this_o reason_n be_v far_o more_o effectual_a to_o i_o by_o the_o prophecy_n leave_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o drift_n whereof_o i_o be_o much_o persuade_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o foretell_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o persecute_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o intent_n of_o those_o prophecy_n be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o empire_n shall_v become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n there_o foretell_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o other_o kingdom_n into_o which_o the_o empire_n be_v to_o be_v dissolve_v it_o can_v be_v doubt_v that_o christian_a power_n attain_v the_o same_o right_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o king_n of_o god_n ancient_a people_n always_o have_v by_o the_o make_n of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o any_o state_n this_o opinion_n it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o publish_v at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o discourse_n because_o it_o be_v like_a to_o become_v a_o mark_n of_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o part_n be_v possess_v more_o or_o less_o of_o a_o far_a other_o sense_n but_o have_v consider_v since_o how_o many_o and_o horrible_a scandal_n be_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o sense_n so_o that_o i_o can_v condemn_v myself_o of_o give_v scandal_n by_o publish_v the_o best_a mean_n i_o can_v see_v to_o take_v it_o away_o and_o have_v meet_v with_o another_o reason_n necessitate_v i_o to_o declare_v it_o for_o the_o effectual_a proceed_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v put_v it_o down_o in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n where_o that_o necessity_n rise_v desire_v those_o that_o seek_v further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o reason_n to_o read_v it_o there_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o for_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v from_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n after_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n protect_v it_o and_o enrich_v the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a mistake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v accidental_a for_o the_o true_a cause_n for_o the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v another_o though_o this_o depend_v upon_o that_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o world_n into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o prop_n to_o sustain_v it_o from_o
think_v that_o i_o make_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n when_o i_o premise_v to_o that_o purpose_n a_o assumption_n so_o hard_o to_o believe_v as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o church_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o practice_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o re-admit_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o christianity_n by_o sin_n most_o destructive_a to_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o to_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v only_o requisite_a to_o show_v that_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v be_v to_o sue_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o penance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o upon_o satisfaction_n give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o resolution_n towards_o christianity_n they_o may_v be_v readmit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o suppose_v that_o before_o such_o satisfaction_n give_v they_o have_v forfeit_v the_o same_o and_o the_o argument_n be_v effectual_a upon_o these_o term_n must_v needs_o convince_v so_o much_o the_o more_o if_o it_o can_v further_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n it_o be_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o readmit_v they_o to_o communion_n or_o not_o add_v then_o to_o the_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o example_n of_o martion_n father_n of_o the_o marcionite_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o heresy_n in_o epiphanius_n who_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o deny_v penance_n by_o his_o own_o father_n a_o bishop_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o zeal_n in_o pontus_n because_o profess_v continence_n he_o have_v corrupt_v a_o virgin_n and_o afterward_o at_o rome_n because_o of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n subsi_v to_o make_v good_a the_o act_n of_o all_o part_n thereof_o within_o the_o power_n of_o those_o part_n unless_o void_v by_o superior_n fall_v hereupon_o to_o set_v up_o his_o heresy_n and_o true_o so_o rigid_a a_o position_n as_o that_o of_o the_o novatian_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v aright_o can_v very_o hardly_o have_v find_v any_o fellow_n if_o it_o have_v be_v unheard_a of_o in_o the_o church_n but_o though_o the_o montanist_n be_v reject_v at_o rome_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o receive_v adulterer_n see_v yet_o the_o question_n remain_v concern_v apostate_n so_o doubtful_a as_o to_o give_v novatianus_n a_o party_n in_o it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o manifest_a then_o that_o they_o have_v the_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o set_v off_o their_o schism_n with_o a_o thing_n still_o more_o evident_a because_o that_o from_o the_o relation_n of_o that_o which_o pass_v between_o cornelius_n of_o rome_n and_o fabius_n of_o antiochia_n in_o eusebibius_n eccles_n hist_o vi_o 43_o 44._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n remain_v for_o a_o time_n in_o suspense_n whether_o to_o acknowledge_v cornelius_n or_o novatianus_n for_o the_o right_a bishop_n whereupon_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n write_v to_o julius_n of_o rome_n from_o a_o council_n hold_v at_o antiochia_n in_o sozomenus_n eccles_n hist_o iii_o 8._o do_v reckon_v it_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o persuade_v he_o not_o to_o interpose_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o athanasius_n depose_v by_o the_o council_n hold_v there_o afore_o that_o they_o also_o have_v former_o do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o case_n of_o novatianus_n and_o by_o this_o eminent_a instance_n we_o learn_v how_o much_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o discipline_n the_o name_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v convertible_a with_o that_o of_o christian_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o address_v their_o epistle_n though_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o those_o very_a epistle_n that_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v so_o be_v those_o church_n net_n that_o hold_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n floor_n that_o have_v both_o corn_n and_o chaff_n what_o property_n of_o speech_n be_v there_o then_o to_o make_v good_a the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n sure_o if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n subsist_v not_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n but_o by_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o voluntary_a act_n capable_a to_o qualify_v they_o upon_o who_o they_o pass_v then_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o member_n of_o the_o same_o there_o must_v needs_o accrue_v unto_o they_o quality_n and_o denomination_n correspondent_a to_o the_o act_n upon_o which_o they_o arise_v now_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o essential_a act_n of_o it_o because_o it_o may_v be_v feign_v and_o fruitless_a but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o ground_v a_o reasonable_a presumption_n upon_o that_o the_o person_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v thereupon_o presume_v to_o be_v but_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o presumption_n he_o purchase_v thereupon_o a_o right_a to_o be_v take_v for_o such_o as_o those_o be_v to_o be_v so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o now_o if_o the_o discipline_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v hold_v up_o together_o with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o must_v it_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o exact_v it_o of_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o same_o obligation_n as_o it_o be_v command_v all_o christian_n for_o their_o soul_n health_n but_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a for_o any_o christian_a to_o procure_v that_o another_o christian_a do_v it_o therefore_o be_v the_o care_n of_o it_o command_v the_o church_n or_o whosoever_o be_v to_o have_v that_o care_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o procure_v the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o sure_o the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v invaluable_a both_o to_o those_o that_o pass_v through_o it_o and_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o person_n of_o eminence_n must_v be_v make_v desperate_a by_o refuse_v to_o readmit_v he_o to_o the_o church_n which_o perhaps_o be_v the_o case_n with_o s._n paul_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n at_o corinth_n who_o s._n chrysostome_n and_o theodoret_n take_v to_o be_v a_o person_n qualify_v in_o that_o church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n p._n 119._o and_o so_o capable_a to_o lead_v a_o party_n after_o he_o or_o when_o the_o multitude_n and_o equality_n of_o offender_n take_v away_o the_o benefit_n of_o example_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o pardon_v themselves_o by_o make_v a_o church_n of_o themselves_o otherwise_o which_o if_o s._n augustine_n have_v not_o say_v it_o we_o may_v have_v gather_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n after_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n under_z cornelius_z and_o s._n cyprian_a without_o doubt_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v a_o mischief_n nothing_o comparable_a to_o that_o which_o will_v follow_v by_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o so_o near_o the_o source_n of_o christianity_n much_o be_v abate_v what_o shall_v we_o think_v must_v be_v abate_v when_o so_o much_o water_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o admit_v good_a and_o bad_a to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n neither_o be_v it_o my_o meaning_n to_o determine_v precise_o how_o far_o the_o church_n may_v or_o must_v abate_v yet_o thus_o much_o i_o will_v infer_v for_o a_o consequence_n that_o as_o always_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o right_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o invisible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o life_n everlasting_a as_o between_o the_o profession_n and_o performance_n of_o christianity_n so_o see_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v still_o release_v and_o enlarge_a more_o and_o more_o to_o retain_v unity_n in_o corrupt_a christianity_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n remain_v always_o the_o same_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v always_o a_o presumption_n of_o invisible_a christianity_n because_o always_o necessary_a to_o it_o though_o not_o sufficient_a alone_o and_o therefore_o though_o not_o always_o a_o reasonable_a presumption_n because_o so_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a yet_o always_o a_o legal_a presumption_n effectual_o qualify_a more_o christian_n as_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o
their_o right_n for_o in_o this_o quality_n do_v those_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n of_o which_o justellus_n write_v act_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n p._n 96._o and_o in_o all_o other_o the_o particular_n which_o he_o allege_v and_o if_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o demand_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o lie_v elder_n let_v they_o first_o accord_v themselves_o with_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o my_o opinion_n shall_v be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o not_o to_o yield_v a_o double_a number_n of_o vote_n to_o lay_v elder_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n as_o the_o ordinance_n for_o establish_v the_o presbytery_n appoint_v which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o clergy_n true_o minister_n not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o right_n of_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n when_o as_o the_o proceed_n may_v be_v argue_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n ground_v upon_o the_o practice_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o continue_v under_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o the_o people_n be_v satisfy_v even_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o church_n matter_n for_o by_o this_o right_a and_o interest_n the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n but_z the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n law_n shall_v be_v preserve_v which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o christian_a people_n the_o second_o be_v concern_v the_o different_a interest_n of_o clergy_n and_o people_n in_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n before_o any_o state_n profess_v christianity_n suppose_v that_o which_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n ordain_v that_o they_o go_v not_o forth_o of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v judge_v in_o heathen_a court_n upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o they_o that_o carry_v they_o forth_o for_o s._n paul_n seem_v to_o appoint_v that_o the_o least_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v judge_n in_o those_o cause_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 4._o and_o therefore_o not_o bishop_n nor_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o most_o esteem_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o simple_a of_o the_o people_n which_o though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n or_o supposition_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v rather_o appoint_v such_o man_n then_o carry_v their_o cause_n to_o secular_a court_n otherwise_o it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o inconvenience_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o appoint_v the_o simple_a to_o be_v their_o judge_n yet_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n require_v that_o the_o supposition_n be_v possible_a so_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n come_v to_o effect_n it_o seem_v that_o his_o injunction_n come_v to_o this_o that_o in_o case_n the_o chief_a of_o the_o church_n the_o clergy_n be_v so_o employ_v that_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v to_o judge_v their_o controversy_n within_o themselves_o they_o shall_v make_v judge_n out_o of_o the_o people_n which_o seem_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n hitherto_o challenge_v this_o difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v by_o distinguish_v as_o the_o roman_a law_n distinguish_v between_o jurisdiction_n and_o judge_v though_o in_o far_o less_o matter_n for_o jurisdiction_n be_v sometime_o describe_v in_o the_o roman_a law_n to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v a_o judge_n because_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v that_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v endow_v with_o jurisdiction_n shall_v judge_v all_o in_o person_n but_o shall_v give_v execution_n and_o force_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o such_o judge_n as_o himself_o shall_v appoint_v so_o that_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o the_o people_n may_v be_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n within_o the_o church_n but_o leave_v the_o jurisdiction_n in_o those_o hand_n by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v judge_n which_o though_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o church_n indistinct_o by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o see_v by_o our_o lord_n appointment_n the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v by_o excommunication_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o appoint_v of_o judge_n must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o difference_n of_o interess_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o excommunication_n do_v and_o though_o saint_n paul_n suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o layman_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n as_o indeed_o the_o life_n of_o s._n peter_n in_o the_o pontifical_a book_n relate_v that_o he_o do_v ordain_v or_o appoint_v certain_a person_n to_o attend_v upon_o this_o business_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v free_a for_o more_o spiritual_a employment_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o layman_n constitute_v judge_n yet_o by_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o the_o clergy_n ii_o 47._o and_o polycarpus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n exhort_v the_o presbyter_n not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rigid_a in_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o office_n and_o beside_o many_o more_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v of_o good_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o bishop_n audience_n chap._n iu._n that_o which_o be_v say_v p._n 166._o that_o christian_a state_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o matter_n of_o christianity_n as_o any_o state_n that_o be_v not_o christian_a have_v to_o dispose_v of_o matter_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o it_o profess_v proceed_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o interest_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o state_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o dispose_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o right_n wherein_o sovereignty_n consist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v all_o civil_a society_n to_o provide_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a peace_n thereof_o may_v be_v do_v and_o true_o those_o religion_n that_o come_v not_o from_o god_n may_v very_o well_o contain_v thing_n prejudicial_a to_o civil_a society_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o counterfeit_a religion_n do_v also_o take_v delight_n in_o confound_v the_o good_a order_n of_o humane_a affair_n notwithstanding_o in_o regard_n the_o obligation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o feel_v and_o better_o understand_v then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n therefore_o those_o that_o be_v seduce_v from_o true_a religion_n be_v nevertheless_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enable_v to_o maintain_v civil_a society_n against_o any_o thing_n which_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o same_o this_o be_v then_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o christianity_n both_o particular_o and_o express_o establish_v particular_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o that_o assure_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v their_o religion_n from_o the_o true_a god_n must_v needs_o rest_v assure_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n do_v not_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v with_o any_o judgement_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n prejudicial_a to_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o reason_n because_o it_o take_v place_n also_o in_o judaisme_n i_o have_v therefore_o as_o i_o find_v occasion_n endeavour_v to_o declare_v how_o that_o contain_v nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o express_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o gospel_n address_v itself_o to_o all_o nation_n with_o this_o provision_n that_o nothing_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o any_o upon_o pretence_n thereof_o but_o that_o all_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n submit_v to_o maintain_v that_o estate_n wherein_o they_o come_v to_o be_v christian_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o change_v by_o some_o course_n of_o humane_a right_n for_o when_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 22_o command_n all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o that_o condition_n of_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n single_a life_n or_o wedlock_n bondage_n or_o freedom_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v christian_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o slave_n may_v not_o
false_a prophet_n so_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o s._n john_n prophecy_n be_v all_o one_o but_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o persecution_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o distinct_o set_v down_o by_o s._n paul_n though_o more_o be_v reveal_v to_o s._n john_n concern_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o now_o you_o know_v what_o stay_v he_o to_o be_v reveal_v at_o his_o own_o time_n say_v s._n paul_n 2_o thess_n ii_o 6_o 7._o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v at_o work_n already_o only_o till_o he_o that_o stay_v be_v set_v aside_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o wicked_a one_o be_v reveal_v he_o or_o that_o which_o stay_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o law_n for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o christian_n be_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o jew_n which_o departure_n the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o design_n of_o satan_n to_o bring_v this_o persecution_n to_o effect_v be_v but_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v a_o wicked_a design_n in_o secret_a for_o at_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o jew_n as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o edict_n of_o claudius_n that_o all_o jew_n shall_v quit_v rome_n say_v the_o scripture_n act_v xviii_o 2._o that_o the_o christian_n say_v suetonius_n and_o that_o the_o first_o persecution_n be_v stir_v by_o jew_n we_o see_v by_o s._n paul_n epistle_n which_o show_v we_o that_o those_o false_a christian_n that_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v persecute_v therefore_o the_o breach_n with_o the_o jew_n set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o calumniate_v the_o christian_n be_v just_o say_v to_o reveal_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o satan_n to_o stir_v persecution_n against_o christianity_n now_o this_o breach_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o have_v begin_v at_o or_o about_o the_o very_a time_n when_o s._n paul_n write_v this_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v now_o in_o work_v for_o it_o be_v before_o this_o that_o s._n paul_n be_v constrain_v to_o separate_v his_o disciple_n from_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xix_o 9_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v after_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o synagogue_n heb._n xiii_o 13._o so_o that_o when_o nero_n persecute_v the_o christian_n both_o the_o departure_n and_o the_o reveal_n of_o this_o secret_a counsel_n of_o satan_n begin_v till_o as_o the_o breach_n so_o it_o become_v open_a and_o profess_v as_o for_o the_o end_n which_o s._n paul_n express_v when_o he_o call_v the_o beast_n the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o say_v that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o false_a prophet_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o his_o presence_n the_o angel_n apoc._n x._o 5._o seem_v to_o make_v it_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o swear_v that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o but_o when_o he_o add_v to_o limit_v and_o to_o expound_v this_o asseveration_n that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n which_o he_o give_v his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n the_o good_a news_n of_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v we_o understand_v thereby_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o to_o that_o effect_n but_o that_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n shall_v be_v quite_o fulfil_v and_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v fulfil_v of_o ancient_a prophecy_n but_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v accomplish_v while_o the_o vial_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o empire_n for_o persecute_v the_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a again_o and_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o saint_n with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n which_o necessary_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n or_o the_o seven_o vial_n apoc._n xi_o 18._o xx._n 4._o there_o will_v remain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o if_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o understand_v it_o as_o the_o like_a prophetical_a vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n from_o who_o it_o be_v manifest_a s._n john_n have_v it_o be_v evident_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o judgement_n which_o daniel_n see_v exercise_v upon_o the_o beast_n which_o persecute_v the_o jew_n dan._n vii_o 9_o if_o we_o will_v not_o interrupt_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o text_n in_o that_o place_n and_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o own_o sense_n be_v not_o that_o which_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o general_a resurrection_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n show_v his_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v exercise_v upon_o the_o prince_n that_o shall_v afflict_v his_o people_n antiochus_n epiphanes_n by_o name_n and_o do_v they_o justice_n just_o so_o be_v the_o christian_n here_o judge_v and_o the_o kingdom_n give_v they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v there_o to_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o be_v free_v under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o become_v lord_n of_o themselves_o and_o as_o ezekiel_n see_v dry_a bone_n revive_v to_o figure_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o israelite_n ezek._n xxxiii_o 3._o so_o proper_a be_v it_o to_o understand_v the_o dead_a christian_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o be_v judge_v and_o reign_v because_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o freedom_n and_o authority_n under_o constantine_n and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n apoc._n xx._n 6._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a resurrection_n which_o he_o say_v afterward_o shall_v not_o be_v till_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n apoc._n xx._n 11._o so_o that_o when_o he_o say_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a revive_v not_o till_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v fulfil_v the_o meaning_n be_v plain_a that_o we_o must_v not_o mistake_v this_o resurrection_n for_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o say_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v end_v with_o the_o thousand_o year_n after_o this_o judgement_n and_o satan_n seal_v up_o and_o christian_n advance_v to_o the_o empire_n for_o satan_n must_v be_v loose_v again_o and_o seduce_v gog_n and_o magog_n to_o war_n against_o jerusalem_n perhaps_o after_o the_o jew_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o will_v remain_v unfulfil_v of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o this_o may_v spend_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o thousand_o be_v expire_v and_o true_o i_o will_v make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n if_o need_n be_v to_o take_v the_o thousand_o year_n for_o a_o indefinite_a time_n provide_v that_o the_o time_n which_o christian_n prince_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o less_o but_o if_o we_o count_v from_o the_o latter_a sack_n of_o rome_n by_o gensericus_fw-la to_o the_o take_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o turk_n there_o will_v not_o be_v much_o difference_n nor_o can_v the_o term_n have_v be_v put_v more_o proper_o to_o this_o prophecy_n then_o by_o that_o empire_n which_o rule_v those_o part_n to_o the_o church_n whereof_o s._n john_n send_v his_o revelation_n and_o this_o sense_n will_v be_v a_o necessary_a warning_n to_o this_o age_n that_o the_o scripture_n concur_v with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o time_n to_o show_v that_o satan_n be_v loose_a thus_o you_o see_v what_o occasion_n there_o be_v for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o chiliast_n among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n which_o have_v it_o proceed_v only_o of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o dominion_n of_o christian_a prince_n under_o constantine_n as_o that_o of_o daniel_n be_v right_o understand_v of_o the_o jew_n dominion_n after_o mattathias_n and_o be_v so_o understand_v it_o will_v without_o doubt_n add_v very_o much_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o motive_n to_o christianity_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o the_o imagination_n of_o christ_n bodily_a come_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o as_o it_o do_v if_o we_o believe_v dionysius_n alexandrinus_n in_o eusebius_n eccles_n hist_o vii_o 24._o and_o may_v add_v to_o the_o truth_n many_o thing_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n so_o may_v it_o also_o prove_v pernicious_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christendom_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o desolation_n of_o rome_n by_o alaricus_n and_o gensericus_fw-la be_v nothing_o to_o that_o which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o babylon_n apoc._n xvii_o xviii_o let_v the_o prophecy_n of_o esay_n and_o jeremy_n against_o babylon_n be_v consider_v which_o we_o know_v stand_v hundred_o of_o year_n after_o cyrus_n so_o that_o scaliger_n say_v that_o we_o must_v expect_v elias_n with_o the_o jew_n to_o reconcile_v their_o prophecy_n with_o the_o history_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o