in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
either_o by_o the_o immediate_a agency_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v 14.23_o or_o of_o other_o by_o their_o appointment_n tit._n 1.5_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_a that_o every_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o act_n of_o government_n be_v a_o whole_a political_a church_n for_o some_o such_o congregation_n may_v be_v only_a part_n of_o a_o church_n meeting_n according_a to_o convenience_n but_o still_o the_o say_v personal_a communion_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n over_o the_o whole_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n as_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o it_o may_v be_v several_a hundred_o state_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o sole_a bishop_n the_o aforesaid_a presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o member_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n among_o themselves_o either_o simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n nor_o of_o the_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o necessary_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture-precedent_n or_o divine_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o §_o 15._o the_o due_a place_n of_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n ordinary_o the_o place_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o city_n and_o from_o the_o city_n the_o church_n ordinary_o take_v its_o denomination_n nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o city_n the_o only_a proper_a mansion_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o no_o village_n can_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n mention_n a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city-church_n viz_o that_o at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o the_o haven_n of_o corinth_n city_n be_v place_n of_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n have_v ordinary_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o first_o afford_v the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o more_o convert_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o beside_o other_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n without_o a_o particular_a divine_a command_n will_v direct_v those_o master-builder_n the_o apostle_n to_o erect_v church_n in_o city_n howbeit_o the_o city-churche_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o respective_a city_n but_o common_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_n both_o of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o but_o make_v up_o one_o competent_a congregation_n or_o in_o its_o number_n it_o do_v not_o exceed_v one_o of_o our_o parish_n though_o some_o very_a few_o church_n quick_o grow_v numerous_a yet_o most_o rational_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o exceed_v many_o nor_o equal_v some_o of_o our_o very_a populous_a parish_n here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o city_n be_v any_o town_n corporate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o that_o have_v christian_n in_o any_o competent_a number_n have_v a_o state_v church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o then_o as_o now_o that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v but_o that_o every_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a or_o place_n of_o confluence_n of_o people_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n shall_v have_v its_o church_n with_o its_o proper_a bishop_n §_o 16._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a political_a society_n as_o city_n in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a this_o similitude_n hold_v in_o the_o main_a but_o not_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v and_o its_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n and_o as_o every_o city_n be_v a_o distinct_a body-politick_a under_o the_o king_n and_o have_v from_o he_o its_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v so_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o distinct_a political_a society_n under_o christ_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o he_o by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n the_o erect_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a political_a society_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n authorize_v agent_n for_o erect_v his_o special_a kingdom_n the_o church_n and_o guide_v therein_o by_o his_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o by_o other_o at_o their_o direction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v a_o sufficient_a charter_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n wherever_o there_o be_v fit_a material_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n require_v the_o parcel_a the_o church_n universal_a into_o such_o distinct_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n that_o church-communion_n and_o pastoral_n superintendency_n may_v not_o be_v transient_a and_o uncertain_a but_o permanent_a and_o certain_a the_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n may_v have_v their_o special_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la here_o note_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o call_v distinct_a political_a society_n that_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o charter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o divers_a but_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n among_o they_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o a_o magistrate_n of_o one_o city_n be_v not_o a_o citizen_n magistrate_n or_o officer_n in_o all_o city_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n but_o a_o member_n or_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o habitual_a or_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v a_o member_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n as_o have_v be_v above_o note_v particular_a church_n though_o they_o consist_v of_o dissimilar_v part_n be_v all_o of_o they_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n partake_v of_o its_o name_n and_o nature_n whereas_o city_n be_v dissimilar_v part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n wherewith_o they_o be_v natural_o capable_a of_o communion_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o local_a bound_n of_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o holy_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o that_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v necessary_o parcel_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o such_o communion_n be_v the_o end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n from_o each_o other_o than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o moreover_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n not_o more_o populous_a nor_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o to_o allow_v personal_a communion_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o sever_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o local_a precinct_n common_o make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o bound_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o precinct_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a when_o some_o special_a reason_n do_v not_o compel_v to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o reason_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o invariable_a though_o
the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o present_a or_o absent_a pastor_n who_o be_v separately_z of_o equal_a office_n power_n they_o be_v no_o law_n except_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n but_o only_a agreement_n now_o in_o judge_v between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o the_o subordination_n inquire_v of_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o derive_v that_o power_n from_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n but_o have_v it_o immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o integral_a part_n of_o one_o whole_a the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o near_o concern_v in_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n 4._o thereupon_o that_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o such_o collective_a body_n and_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o their_o duty_n 5._o that_o the_o great_a collective_a body_n be_v in_o degree_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o the_o lesser_a include_v in_o they_o and_o in_o that_o regard_n ought_v to_o have_v sway_n with_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o agreement_n for_o though_o in_o the_o great_a there_o be_v but_o the_o same_o power_n in_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o in_o the_o lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o ample_o and_o illustrious_o exert_v 6._o that_o in_o all_o society_n every_o part_n be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a part_n come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o the_o lesser_a an_o comprehend_v the_o more_o ample_a part_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o lesser_a have_v at_o least_o a_o preeminence_n over_o they_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o this_o preeminence_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o proper_a superior_a power_n in_o bear_v sway_n 7._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o act_n of_o government_n over_o the_o particular_a pastor_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o efficacy_n of_o government_n as_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n the_o general_a good_a §_o 22._o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o society_n divers_a in_o kind_n from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o extrinsecal_o &_o upon_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o regular_a society_n the_o former_a whole_o rest_n upon_o divine_a right_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la requisite_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v decency_n and_o order_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o society_n and_o so_o far_o they_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n give_v of_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o such_o be_v the_o sulness_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o soever_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n do_v go_v to_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a as_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o before_o describe_v whole_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v also_o of_o divine_a right_n if_o such_o right_o be_v sufficient_o signify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o practice_n therein_o moreover_o the_o parcel_a of_o that_o one_o great_a society_n the_o church-catholic_a into_o particular_a political_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v it_o unalterable_a it_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o all_o particular_a state_v church_n and_o so_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v public_a assembly_n thereof_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o spiritual_a pastor_n therein_o and_o that_o these_o as_o christ_n officer_n guide_v the_o say_a assembly_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o therein_o they_o authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o mercy_n thereof_o that_o they_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o meet_a partaker_n and_o the_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o those_o that_o just_o fall_v under_o they_o that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o society_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o consent_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o do_v also_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a christian_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v member_n and_o consequent_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v embody_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o such_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v as_o for_o all_o circumstantial_a variation_n and_o accidental_a modification_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a with_o respect_n to_o mere_a decency_n order_n and_o convenience_n according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o orderly_a society_n they_o be_v of_o divine_a right_o only_o in_o genere_fw-la but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n much_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o age_n about_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v about_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o church-state_n and_o but_o accidental_a mode_n thereof_o though_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o controversy_n make_v those_o form_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church-state_n or_o as_o some_o speak_v a_o church-organical_a now_o in_o the_o say_v controvert_v form_n of_o government_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o some_o may_v be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o constitutive_a frame_n of_o the_o church_n and_o advantageous_a to_o its_o end_n other_o may_v be_v incongruous_a to_o it_o and_o destructive_a to_o its_o end_n §_o 23._o of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a church_n many_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v contentious_o bring_v in_o by_o those_o that_o will_v darken_v the_o truth_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n but_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o true_a and_o real_a be_v of_o a_o church_n stand_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v found_v this_o law_n be_v complete_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o more_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a conformity_n be_v sound_a in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o true_a and_o sound_v it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o false_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o decline_v from_o truth_n and_o soundness_n a_o church_n may_v bear_v so_o much_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o real_a be_v or_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o withal_o bear_v such_o disconformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o render_v it_o very_o enormous_a a_o church_n hold_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o doctrine_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n as_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o denial_n of_o those_o essential_o and_o a_o subvert_v of_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o though_o very_o enormous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o hold_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n
because_o it_o can_v be_v see_v without_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n no_o more_o may_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n judge_v invisible_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o this_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o other_o external_a sense_n but_o also_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n or_o certain_a perception_n or_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n and_o judgement_n §_o 9_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o as_o secular_a kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v autonomical_a that_o be_v have_v within_o itself_o that_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o spiritual_a polity_n but_o it_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o law_n giver_n indeed_o as_o it_o include_v christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o he_o autonomical_a but_o here_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n visible_a upon_o earth_n and_o abstract_v from_o its_o head_n nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v in_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o spâ—câ—â—_n but_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n the_o spiritual_a authority_n seat_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n so_o as_o to_o descend_v from_o it_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n and_o communication_n to_o particular_a church_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o seat_v in_o the_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o similar_v part_n of_o one_o political_a body_n the_o church_n catholic_n the_o church_n catholic_n be_v as_o one_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a kingdom_n have_v one_o supreme_a lord_n one_o body_n of_o lawâ—_n one_o form_n of_o government_n one_o way_n of_o enrollment_n into_o it_o and_o subject_n who_o have_v freedom_n throughout_o the_o whole_a extent_n thereof_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o always_o and_o actual_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n but_o have_v no_o terrene_a universal_a administrator_n or_o vicegerent_n personal_a or_o collective_a but_o several_a administrator_n in_o the_o several_a province_n or_o part_n thereof_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o authority_n respect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n radical_o or_o fundamental_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v ordinary_o in_o their_o own_o state_v limit_n and_o occasional_o any_o where_n else_o according_a to_o a_o due_a call_n and_o order_n wherefore_o though_o it_o be_v one_o political_a society_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v one_o terrestrial_a vicarious_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a have_v legislation_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o indeed_o no_o terrestrial_a head_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o government_n and_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n and_o lord_n be_v powerful_o present_a throughout_o the_o whole_a by_o his_o spirit_n cause_v that_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n be_v not_o want_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o be_v universal_a officer_n have_v apostolic_a authority_n not_o only_o radical_o or_o habitual_o but_o actual_o also_o over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o immediate_o commission_v by_o christ_n under_o he_o to_o erect_v his_o church_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o religion_n even_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o this_o office_n be_v but_o temporary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o this_o society_n §_o 10._o the_o headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n examine_v by_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o dominion_n and_o desporick_n power_n over_o it_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n nor_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o it_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n by_o which_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v final_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o king_n but_o christ_n i_o exclude_v headship_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o not_o fit_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o general_a council_n be_v supreme_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o dispensatory_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o have_v a_o supreme_a ministry_n or_o geconomy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o the_o same_o not_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v christ_n alone_a but_o as_o from_o the_o first_o receptacle_n thereof_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authoritative_a regulation_n and_o determination_n and_o final_o accountable_a to_o it_o for_o their_o administration_n who_o can_v affirm_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v be_v ever_o in_o be_v the_o council_n that_o have_v bear_v that_o name_n be_v convention_n of_o bishop_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_o some_o very_o few_o that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o those_o live_n near_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v true_o ecumenical_a or_o just_a representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o right_n of_o vote_v therein_o but_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o rightful_a member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o what_o if_o no_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n meet_v upon_o a_o summons_n to_o a_o general_n council_n than_o do_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n may_v such_o a_o convention_n be_v call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o all_o may_v come_v that_o will_v when_o so_o small_a a_o number_n come_v as_o be_v comparative_o nothing_o to_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o can_v the_o convention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n suppose_v as_o many_o as_o meet_v in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v just_o call_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o carry_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o when_o it_o bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o their_o freedom_n of_o access_n but_o their_o actual_a convening_n at_o least_o in_o a_o proportionable_a number_n that_o can_v just_o give_v the_o denomination_n and_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n will_v not_o come_v to_o a_o general_n council_n call_v by_o the_o mandate_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n especial_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n as_o ethiopia_n and_o india_n &_o c_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o come_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v summon_v in_o another_o especial_o a_o remote_a empire_n or_o dominionâ—_n moreover_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o come_v which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n or_o the_o length_n of_o the_o journey_n or_o insuperable_a difficulty_n or_o utter_a incapacity_n though_o the_o most_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n yet_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o assembly_n beside_o the_o ancient_a general_n council_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n may_v convene_v in_o a_o considerable_a number_n yet_o the_o number_n from_o the_o western_a part_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o as_o none_o comparative_o to_o a_o just_a proportion_n let_v it_o be_v hereupon_o consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v a_o just_a representative_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v include_v in_o that_o empire_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o observe_v what_o number_n of_o bishop_n be_v ordinary_o congregat_v in_o the_o many_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o within_o
province_n of_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o ground_n and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v can_v be_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o some_o as_o delegate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o proportionable_o delegated_a from_o all_o in_o the_o several_a quarter_n as_o may_v signify_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o hereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o assembly_n much_o more_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o continuation_n or_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o in_o such_o frequency_n as_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o case_n such_o a_o assembly_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n in_o case_n it_o be_v existent_a can_v possible_o execute_v the_o authority_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o overseeing_a all_o in_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o in_o make_v authoritative_a determination_n for_o all_o either_o immediate_o by_o itself_o or_o mediate_o by_o subordinate_a council_n judicatory_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v superintended_a regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o it_o in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o the_o say_a headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n more_o than_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o bishop_n universal_a headship_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n give_v therein_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o only_o of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n thâ—â—_n presbyter_n or_o of_o all_o such_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o if_o of_o some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o what_o number_n there_o must_v be_v either_o definite_a or_o indefinite_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o association_n and_o convention_n of_o they_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n from_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o from_o the_o pope_n §_o 11._o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n examine_v the_o romanist_n assert_v a_o infallibility_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o seat_v within_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o perpetual_a privilege_n thereof_o some_o of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n hereupon_o this_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n be_v a_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v about_o those_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o most_o indubitable_a truth_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o remain_v be_v infallible_a so_o far_o it_o involve_v a_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o such_o shall_v err_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o christian_n the_o query_n therefore_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o the_o integral_n aâ—d_v accidental_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o church_n remain_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_o or_o in_o its_o nature_n infallible_a so_o far_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infallible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o from_o the_o free_a grant_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o such_o grant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n obedient_a to_o their_o authority_n we_o know_v what_o the_o church_n universal_o hold_v in_o any_o one_o age_n touch_v all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n much_o more_o concern_v accidental_n i_o conceive_v extreme_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la if_o not_o universal_o yet_o very_o general_o err_v in_o the_o same_o error_n about_o some_o integral_n of_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o thing_n now_o general_o account_v erroneous_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o give_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n have_v err_v some_o in_o one_o point_n some_o in_o another_o and_o that_o no_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v find_v in_o which_o have_v appear_v no_o error_n in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o the_o part_n may_v various_o err_v in_o several_a point_n why_o may_v not_o they_o also_o harmonious_o err_v all_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o point_n if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v any_o such_o council_n infallible_a as_o be_v ever_o yet_o congregat_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v congregat_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o can_v stand_v final_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o any_o the_o large_a council_n that_o can_v possible_o convene_v we_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nor_o what_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n be_v sound_a part_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o criterion_n can_v be_v bring_v beside_o they_o man_n bare_a testimony_n of_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v orthodox_n in_o its_o determination_n about_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n erroneous_a in_o its_o determination_n for_o image-worship_n but_o by_o find_v that_o the_o former_a be_v consonant_a and_o the_o latter_a dissonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o aforesaid_a determination_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o council_n call_v general_n those_o that_o consist_v of_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n must_v carry_v it_o against_o those_o that_o consist_v of_o lesser_a number_n let_v some_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o it_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o from_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n the_o major_a part_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o that_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o nice_a may_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v arrian_n moreover_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n why_o not_o also_o in_o the_o ten_o last_n that_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o essential_o yea_o and_o in_o the_o integral_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o repute_v bishop_n or_o pastor_n within_o christendom_n nor_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o be_v convene_v in_o council_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o their_o conciliar_a determination_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n §_o 12._o of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o on_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n this_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n be_v promise_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o lest_o we_o expect_v or_o insist_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n have_v insure_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v can_v be_v less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v always_o upon_o earth_n a_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o faithful_a christian_n make_v visible_a by_o their_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n successive_o
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
his_o diocese_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a pastor_n of_o their_o several_a church_n and_o real_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o true_a import_n of_o that_o name_n and_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n therein_o mention_v be_v bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o mere_o humane_a institution_n but_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v why_o be_v they_o deny_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o their_o respective_a charge_n and_o why_o be_v they_o bereave_v of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n therein_o 5._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n have_v no_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o of_o which_o they_o can_v take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v common_o more_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o a_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v personal_o watch_v over_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v to_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n pronounce_v the_o blessing_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n to_o the_o people_n under_o his_o charge_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o present_a age_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v perform_v these_o ministries_n to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n 6._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopacy_n personal_o and_o not_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exercise_v it_o not_o personal_o but_o either_o by_o his_o delegate_n who_o have_v no_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o he_o alone_o or_o by_o substitute_n who_o he_o account_v no_o bishop_n 7._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o first_o presbyter_n and_o style_v the_o brother_n and_o colleague_n of_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n both_o over_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n 8._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v minister_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n though_o some_o presbyter_n who_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a join_v with_o he_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o act_n without_o their_o consent_n or_o counsel_n 9_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ancient_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o it_o be_v constant_o perform_v by_o he_o in_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n but_o now_o preach_v be_v not_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o many_o bishop_n preach_v but_o rare_o and_o extraordinary_o 10._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n at_o least_o not_o without_o their_o consent_n over_o who_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v with_o the_o people_n for_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n entrance_n into_o his_o office_n be_v by_o a_o far_o different_a way_n 11._o ancient_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n but_o in_o the_o late_a time_n many_o yea_o most_o city_n have_v not_o their_o proper_a bishop_n i_o mean_v bishop_n in_o the_o hierarchical_a sense_n though_o they_o be_v as_o large_a and_o populous_a as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o ancient_o as_o now_o that_o a_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v so_o call_v but_o any_o town-corporate_a or_o burrough_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o city_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n 12._o because_o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o make_v up_o but_o one_o competent_a congregation_n there_o be_v common_o but_o one_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o that_o city-church_n take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o be_v but_o one_o state_v society_n all_o the_o member_n whereof_o may_v have_v personal_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o bishop_n cure_v into_o such_o part_n as_o be_v now_o call_v parish_n come_v not_o in_o till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o when_o that_o division_n first_o take_v place_n they_o be_v but_o as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o city-church_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o till_o constantine_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o or_o five_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o consist_v of_o more_o people_n than_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d parish_n nor_o of_o half_a so_o many_o as_o some_o of_o they_o 13._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n city_n or_o town_n be_v judge_v the_o â—ittest_a place_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n because_o in_o they_o the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n believer_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o make_v â—ore_o convert_v with_o other_o advantage_n which_o the_o village_n do_v not_o afford_v yet_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v in_o a_o region_n church_n have_v their_o proper_a bishop_n be_v constitute_v in_o village_n or_o place_n that_o be_v not_o city_n one_o proof_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o be_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o ordinary_a presbyter_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n but_o in_o the_o follow_a time_n when_o the_o worldly_a grandeur_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v rise_v decâ—â—ed_o be_v make_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v â—e_v contemptible_a 14._o though_o it_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o council_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o custom_n have_v general_o prevail_v yet_o there_o in_o manifold_a proof_n that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n more_o bishop_n than_o one_o be_v allow_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o city_n yea_o in_o the_o same_o church_n indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a be_v comparative_o but_o of_o late_a age_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o time_n set_v down_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n by_o single_a person_n whereas_o several_a bishop_n preside_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o survive_a and_o most_o note_a colleague_n be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n 15._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v discipline_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o argument_n deduce_v from_o it_o seek_v to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v their_o court_n which_o be_v manage_v like_o secular_a court_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o a_o outward_a observance_n of_o their_o decree_n by_o the_o dread_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n annex_v to_o excommunication_n 16._o the_o present_a bishop_n say_v of_o their_o church-government_n that_o without_o secular_a force_n none_o will_v regard_v it_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n discipline_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o powerless_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o insufficient_a to_o obtain_v 〈…〉_o unless_o the_o temporal_a sword_n enforce_v it_o 17._o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n be_v now_o common_o exercise_v by_o a_o lay-chancellor_n and_o though_o a_o ordinary_a priest_n be_v present_a in_o the_o court_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o chancellor_n as_o judge_n decree_v it_o and_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n pass_v in_o the_o bishop_n name_n and_o authority_n when_o he_o never_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v authorise_v any_o