so_o that_o the_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_n imply_v not_o that_o of_o a_o state_n but_o only_o a_o certain_a qualification_n of_o a_o democratical_a government_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n unless_o they_o be_v convene_v in_o one_o place_n in_o the_o translation_n the_o lxx_o interpreter_n this_o word_n be_v take_v for_o a_o convention_n ot_fw-mi meeting_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n meet_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o unlawful_a ends._n so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o the_o â—8_o ps_n 26_o 5_o luk._n 2d_o 3._o 4_o c_o â—8_o 24._o act_n 19_o 32_o 3â—_n num._n 20._o 8_o 10_o jos_n 16._o 1_o 2._o 2_o chron._n 15._o 9_o c._n 34_o â—8_o call_v and_o summon_v a_o assembly_n about_o matter_n concern_v the_o commonwealth_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v general_o take_v either_o for_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n wherever_o disperse_v or_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o certain_a country_n city_n private_a house_n or_o family_n in_o either_o sense_n if_o we_o due_o weigh_v the_o attribute_n and_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o moral_a case_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o church_n what_o action_n be_v celebrate_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n a_o civil_a state_n the_o true_a â—ncomium_fw-la most_o frequent_o give_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v brother_n holy_a and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n their_o chief_a action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v unto_o and_o praise_n god_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o fast_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v speak_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o 23._o act_n 1._o 4._o 23._o they_o do_v constitute_v elder_n in_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v in_o asia_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v â—se_n of_o which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o have_v make_v they_o by_o suffrage_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o decree_v use_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o ancient_a democracy_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o no_o absolute_a power_n of_o constitute_v elder_n over_o they_o but_o such_o as_o 〈◊〉_d approve_v of_o by_o the_o congregation_n and_o it_o iâ—_n remarkable_a that_o these_o nevertheless_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v overseer_n over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a 5_o act._n 20_o â—8_o 2_o chron._n 10._o 5_o ghost_n so_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o be_v set_v in_o the_o land_n by_o jehosaphat_n style_v judge_n for_o the_o lord_n because_o whoever_o be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o any_o office_n or_o function_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o same_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n may_v just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v constitute_v in_o that_o same_o office_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o though_o it_o belong_v most_o proper_o to_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v teacher_n this_o nevertheless_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o private_a college_n or_o society_n subject_n to_o another_o jurisdiction_n may_v lawful_o enjoy_v the_o same_o power_n a_o diffension_n be_v arosen_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antiocha_n they_o determine_v 2_o act._n 15._o 2_o that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v concern_v this_o question_n then_o in_o dispute_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o these_o deputy_n be_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n conduct_v out_o of_o the_o town_n in_o their_o way_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o this_o question_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o determine_v they_o send_v word_n thus_o to_o their_o brethren_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o send_v deputy_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o intend_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n for_o one_o congregation_n to_o consult_v another_o concern_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o determine_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o action_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a power_n but_o may_v legal_o belong_v to_o a_o private_a college_n or_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n provide_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o its_o member_n but_o transact_v and_o admit_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n choose_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v overseer_n 1._o act._n 6._o 1_o 1._o of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o society_n or_o college_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 8._o 19_o that_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v one_o to_o travel_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n which_o be_v to_o be_v â—ed_v by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o 28._o act_n 20_o 28._o god_n who_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o against_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v watchful_a not_o cease_v to_o admonish_v their_o auditor_n to_o avoid_v their_o snare_n what_o concern_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 6._o 1._o and_o follow_v verse_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sovereign_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o the_o christian_n bare_o consider_v as_o christian_n but_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o difference_n in_o civil_a affair_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v rather_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o brethren_n than_o to_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o be_v avaricious_a in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n it_o be_v plain_o express_v that_o no_o body_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v change_v his_o qualification_n or_o function_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a or_o that_o christianity_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o subjection_n to_o a_o civil_a government_n a_o servant_n therefore_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n do_v not_o become_v a_o freeman_n neither_o be_v a_o subject_a thereby_o absolve_v from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o his_o sovereign_n concern_v the_o union_n and_o modesty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o ep._n rom._n 13_o 1._o 2_o tim._n 5_o 8._o 14_o c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o administer_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 18_o and_o follow_v verse_n and_o in_o the_o 14_o chap._n 34_o 40_o verse_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o these_o congregation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 14._o viz._n to_o be_v 2._o with_fw-mi eph._n 4._o 2._o hymn_n doctrine_n tongue_n prophecy_n revelation_n interpretation_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o edify_v the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n 28_o verse_n the_o several_a degree_n and_o function_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o enumerate_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n all_o which_o be_v requisite_n 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o belong_v to_o the_o propagate_a and_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gift_n of_o that_o self_n same_o spirit_n who_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a endowment_n can_v therefore_o not_o claim_v any_o prerogative_n as_o be_v a_o more_o honourable_a member_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n or_o pretend_v to_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o such_o as_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o himself_o and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o 8._o 1_o cor._n
they_o but_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o trouble_n and_o variety_n of_o business_n that_o it_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v for_o one_o man_n to_o be_v able_a to_o undergo_v such_o a_o fatigue_n iâ—â—s_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o sovereign_n by_o become_v christian_n be_v not_o authorise_v to_o alter_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o order_v it_o at_o pleasure_n or_o to_o force_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o found_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o to_o preach_v up_o human_a invention_n for_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o and_o how_o minister_n ought_v to_o teach_v be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o expect_v a_o exact_a obedience_n in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o from_o king_n as_o other_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenever_o prince_n receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o teacher_n notwithstanding_o this_o remain_n in_o their_o former_a station_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o christian_a subject_n who_o have_v receive_v their_o instruction_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n only_o from_o god_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o their_o sovereign_n these_o can_v claim_v any_o right_a to_o impose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n upon_o they_o §_o 43._o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o church_n concern_v the_o duty_n and_o right_n of_o christian_a prince_n of_o defend_v the_o church_n to_o be_v suppose_v that_o sovereign_n by_o become_v christian_n have_v acquire_v no_o peculiar_a right_n or_o have_v not_o a_o more_o particular_a duty_n lay_v upon_o they_o than_o before_o there_o be_v certain_a obligation_n which_o owe_v their_o offspring_n to_o the_o union_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_n to_o every_o christian_a with_o that_o of_o the_o royal_a office_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o obligation_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o sovereign_n ought_v to_o be_v defender_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o protect_v not_o only_o against_o all_o such_o of_o their_o subject_n as_o dare_v to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o but_o also_o against_o foreigner_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v injurious_a to_o their_o subject_n upon_o that_o score_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propagate_v by_o violence_n or_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v high_o recommend_v patience_n and_o suffering_n as_o peculiar_a virtue_n belong_v to_o christian_n prince_n be_v nevertheless_o not_o debar_v from_o their_o right_n of_o protect_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n and_o patience_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v place_n here_o except_o when_o no_o other_o lawful_a mean_n can_v secure_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n so_o we_o see_v that_o st._n paul_n 2d_o act_n 2._o 2d_o save_v himself_o from_o be_v scourge_v by_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o roman_a and_o escape_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o leave_v this_o 2d_o mat._n 10._o 2d_o advice_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n they_o shall_v fly_v into_o another_o and_o it_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n belong_v to_o all_o sovereign_n to_o defend_v their_o subject_n against_o all_o violence_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v more_o effectual_a care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o injury_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n sake_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reproachful_a to_o a_o christian_a prince_n than_o that_o his_o subject_n shall_v be_v sufferer_n upon_o that_o account_n the_o next_o care_n which_o belong_v to_o christian_a prince_n be_v to_o provide_v necessary_a revenue_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o that_o no_o other_o patrimony_n belong_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o the_o alm_n and_o free_a contribution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o these_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v very_o uncertain_a the_o minister_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n run_v no_o small_a hazard_n of_o be_v expose_v to_o want_v if_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o rely_v upon_o but_o the_o bare_a contribution_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v in_o some_o place_n poor_a and_o subject_a to_o other_o tax_n be_v incapable_a of_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o not_o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n after_o prince_n and_o enâ—tire_a state_n have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o ill_o that_o whereas_o they_o enjoy_v such_o ample_a revenue_n they_o will_v deal_v so_o spare_o with_o the_o church_n the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v a_o general_a maxim_n among_o man_n to_o value_v a_o function_n according_a to_o its_o revenue_n what_o st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o 15_o chapter_n v._o 27._o and_o in_o the_o 1_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 9_o 11._o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christian_a prince_n because_o they_o can_v with_o less_o difficulty_n or_o any_o sensible_a injury_n to_o themselves_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n in_o their_o station_n they_o have_v the_o management_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n in_o their_o hand_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o too_o vast_a revenue_n be_v not_o always_o useful_a to_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v sometimes_o prejudicial_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n and_o that_o such_o as_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o their_o function_n or_o to_o think_v it_o their_o main_a business_n to_o gather_v riches_n and_o take_v the_o ministry_n for_o their_o by-work_n nevertheless_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o cordial_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o ministerial_a function_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v he_o to_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n and_o that_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n scarce_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n to_o a_o minister_n unless_o they_o see_v he_o live_v handsome_o and_o well_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v starve_v by_o his_o function_n be_v the_o may-game_n of_o the_o common_a people_n unto_o who_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o old_a say_v of_o the_o poet_n that_o this_o man_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o wretched_a lord_n apparet_fw-la servum_fw-la hunc_fw-la esse_fw-la domini_fw-la pauperis_fw-la miserique_fw-la prince_n ought_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o main_a part_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o settle_v certain_a and_o constant_a salary_n or_o revenue_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v at_o least_o sufficient_a for_o their_o maintenance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n be_v to_o live_v from_o the_o altar_n but_o those_o of_o the_o best_a kind_n be_v 4._o vid._n ep._n gal._n 6._o 6._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n beside_o this_o prince_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o church-building_n but_o also_o to_o erect_v and_o maintain_v school_n which_o be_v the_o seminary_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o implant_v in_o the_o school_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n when_o grow_v up_o shall_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o public_a sermon_n §_o 44._o but_o among_o other_o consideration_n as_o inspection_n concern_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o first_o of_o the_o general_a inspection_n to_o what_o right_n proper_o belong_v to_o prince_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o since_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a impair_v and_o a_o prince_n cherish_v a_o church_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n he_o legal_o claim_v a_o right_a of_o have_v a_o general_a inspection_n over_o this_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o society_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v transact_v in_o these_o college_n to_o his_o prejudice_n for_o mankind_n be_v so_o perverse_a in_o its_o nature_n that_o in_o matter_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a if_o manage_v without_o control_n they_o seldom_o let_v it_o slip_v through_o their_o hand_n without_o a_o stain_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v question_v but_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n many_o pernicious_a design_n may_v be_v hatch_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n a_o prince_n in_o who_o territory_n a_o church_n be_v plant_v if_o he_o afterward_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n have_v
decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
religion_n but_o in_o case_n divine_v out_o of_o other_o country_n be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o these_o can_v appear_v there_o without_o leave_n first_o obtain_v from_o their_o sovereign_n and_o if_o a_o council_n shall_v be_v call_v consist_v of_o select_a divine_n out_o of_o a_o great_a many_o commonwealth_n this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o forego_n agreement_n make_v betwixt_o those_o sovereign_n that_o be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a for_o subject_n of_o another_o state_n to_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n noâ—_n can_v we_o go_v to_o they_o upon_o such_o a_o errand_n unless_o by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o since_o sovereign_n can_v claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o prerogative_n but_o matter_n must_v be_v transact_v according_a to_o mutual_a contract_n §_o 47._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o primitive_a church-discipline_n theâ—r_o right_o concern_v church-discipline_n christian_n do_v introduce_v church_n discipline_n viz._n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o civil_a pagan_a law_n which_o do_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v abominable_a to_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v sufficient_o explain_v before_o this_o reason_n take_v no_o more_o place_n now_o after_o whole_a commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_n by_o a_o unspotted_a conversation_n after_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n all_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v a_o unblemished_a life_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a conversion_n of_o whole_a commonwealth_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n care_v aught_o to_o be_v take_v that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o among_o christian_n from_o whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o expedient_a to_o admit_v of_o some_o alteration_n after_o sovereign_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a because_o this_o ancient_a church_n discipline_n which_o be_v introduce_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o supply_v the_o deficiency_n of_o the_o pagan_a law_n and_o to_o amend_v their_o vicious_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v thus_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o certain_a people_n be_v not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o this_o carry_v this_o inconveniency_n along_o with_o it_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o degenerate_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o pretend_a sovereignty_n and_o prove_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o as_o sovereign_n have_v a_o right_a to_o provide_v against_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o probable_a cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o may_v this_o defect_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vice_n may_v be_v suppress_v by_o civil_a punishment_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a why_o vice_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o easy_o correct_v by_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o by_o church-censure_n or_o why_o the_o first_o shall_v not_o prove_v as_o effectual_a as_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o suppress_n of_o public_a scandal_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n have_v a_o much_o great_a influence_n over_o christian_n towards_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n than_o civil_a punishment_n because_o the_o first_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n whereas_o civil_a punishment_n do_v not_o touch_v we_o but_o superficial_o unto_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o church-discipline_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o some_o man_n though_o they_o undergo_v all_o the_o church-penances_a retain_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o sometime_o grow_v more_o stubborn_a and_o bold_a but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v as_o a_o expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n almighty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o a_o expiation_n for_o any_o trespass_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a law_n we_o must_v therein_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v church-penance_n as_o a_o proper_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o remit_v because_o we_o have_v undergo_v church-penance_n but_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n provide_v we_o by_o the_o faith_n apply_v his_o suffering_n unto_o we_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o convenient_a that_o some_o sort_n of_o vice_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o church-discipline_n the_o best_a expedient_a will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o first_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o civil_a judge_n who_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o case_n aught_o to_o send_v the_o delinquent_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n there_o to_o undergo_v the_o church-censure_n for_o christian_n sovereign_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o determine_v what_o sort_n of_o misdemeanour_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o which_o of_o they_o come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o consequent_o to_o decree_v what_o sort_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o delinquent_n according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o trespass_n which_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o minister_n according_o concern_v excommunication_n the_o same_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o priest_n so_o as_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o they_o aâ—_n pleasure_n but_o this_o power_n ought_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n in_o a_o state_n for_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n excommunication_n alter_v the_o civil_a condition_n of_o a_o subject_a and_o â—enders_v he_o infamous_a and_o detestable_a among_o his_o fellow-christians_a and_o as_o it_o affect_v the_o civil_a state_n of_o subject_n sovereign_n unless_o they_o will_v let_v other_o encroach_v upon_o their_o prerogative_n aught_o to_o determine_v concern_v its_o legality_n §_o 48._o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o statute_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o statute_n in_o any_o wise_a diminish_v the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n these_o if_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o examine_v what_o canon_n or_o ecclesiastical_a statute_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v find_v superfluous_a or_o interfere_v with_o the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o abolish_v the_o same_o and_o if_o there_o appear_v any_o deficiency_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v towards_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n which_o however_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o advice_n at_o least_o of_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o give_v to_o those_o statute_n the_o force_n of_o civil_a law_n this_o power_n nevertheless_o of_o make_v ecclesiastical_a statute_n must_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o same_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o the_o church-government_n and_o to_o maintain_v its_o order_n and_o decency_n christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v over-heaped_a with_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o canon_n for_o those_o that_o stretch_v â—4_n colos_n 2._o 16._o 21_o 22._o 1_o tim._n 4._o â—4_n the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o attribute_v to_o they_o a_o right_n of_o establish_v certain_a article_n of_o faith_n by_o civil_a law_n or_o to_o annex_v to_o they_o a_o force_n equal_a to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o to_o force_v upon_o their_o subject_n a_o certain_a religion_n under_o severe_a penalty_n or_o oblige_v they_o either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o deny_v certain_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v controvert_v among_o christian_n these_o i_o say_v act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o
clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
he_o be_v not_o answerable_a in_o particular_a for_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o without_o astonishment_n how_o both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o our_o age_n some_o prince_n who_o be_v natural_o not_o incline_v to_o cruelty_n have_v in_o other_o respect_v give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o clemency_n yet_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o raise_v the_o most_o horrid_a persecution_n against_o their_o subject_n bare_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o fate_n shall_v attend_v the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o mighty_a king_n upon_o earth_n shall_v commit_v 3._o rev._n 18._o 3._o whoredom_n with_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a that_o gallant_n will_v often_o commit_v the_o most_o barbarous_a act_n mere_o to_o please_v their_o harlot_n all_o true_a christian_n therefore_o ought_v courageous_o to_o oppose_v the_o threat_n and_o attempt_v of_o this_o beast_n commit_v the_o rest_n to_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o for_o such_o prince_n and_o state_n as_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o popish_a slavery_n if_o they_o serious_o reflect_v how_o their_o fellow-protestants_a be_v persecute_v and_o in_o what_o barbarous_a manner_n they_o be_v treat_v will_n questionless_a without_o my_o advice_n take_v such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_a for_o to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n the_o follow_a animadversion_n make_v by_o the_o author_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o political_a epitome_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o sovereign_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n write_a by_o adrian_z houtuyn_n have_v a_o very_a near_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a treatise_n it_o be_v thought_n sit_v to_o insert_v they_o here_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n which_o if_o right_o determine_v tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n viz._n unto_o who_o and_o under_o what_o limitation_n the_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v in_o the_o state_n if_o the_o old_a proverb_n that_o those_o who_o choose_v the_o middle_a way_n be_v common_o the_o most_o successful_a have_v not_o lose_v its_o force_n it_o may_v without_o question_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v in_o this_o case_n where_o both_o extreme_n be_v equal_o dangerous_a since_o thereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o subject_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n either_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o their_o sovereign_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v both_o in_o the_o last_o and_o our_o age_n man_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o have_v with_o very_o solid_a argument_n oppose_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o since_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o danger_n of_o scylla_n we_o may_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o charybdis_n for_o as_o scarce_o any_o body_n that_o be_v in_o his_o right_a sense_n can_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n owe_v its_o original_a either_o to_o god_n or_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n so_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n mutual_o advantageous_a both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n to_o understand_v how_o far_o this_o power_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o state_n that_o the_o first_o may_v not_o transgress_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o subject_n prove_v their_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n adrian_n houtuyn_n a_o civilian_n in_o holland_n have_v in_o a_o treatise_n call_v a_o political_a epitome_n insert_v several_a assertion_n tend_v to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o two_o extreme_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o late_a that_o this_o book_n have_v be_v recommend_v by_o some_o doctor_n in_o the_o law_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o young_a student_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o make_v some_o animadversion_n upon_o his_o lxiii_o and_o follow_v section_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o guide_n to_o the_o young_a sort_n lest_o they_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o sovereign_n may_v be_v mislead_v into_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o extreme_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o the_o prince_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n and_o thus_o irrecoverable_o play_v the_o prodigal_n with_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o property_n this_o author_n speak_v concern_v the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n sect._n lxiii_o run_v on_o thus_o he_o have_v a_o uncontrolled_a power_n over_o all_o external_n ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o allege_v for_o a_o reason_n because_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o sovereign_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o subject_n submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o fortune_n to_o their_o disposal_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n that_o certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n have_v so_o strict_a a_o union_n with_o the_o internal_a part_n that_o if_o the_o first_o be_v not_o dispose_v in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o this_o inseparable_a tie_n the_o latter_a must_v of_o necessity_n undergo_v such_o alteration_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n and_o since_o mr._n houtuyn_n do_v not_o leave_v the_o internal_a part_n to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n how_o can_v the_o exterior_a worship_n be_v submit_v to_o their_o mere_a pleasure_n consider_v this_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o they_o beside_o this_o general_a submission_n he_o speak_v of_o admit_v of_o limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v which_o be_v the_o mutual_a defence_n against_o violence_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n belong_v to_o every_o private_a person_n derive_v from_o the_o state_n of_o natural_a freedom_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o sovereign_n at_o least_o no_o further_o than_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v that_o end_n religion_n have_v not_o any_o relation_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o subject_n do_v submit_v their_o religion_n to_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o sovereign_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o subject_n may_v exercise_v certain_a act_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a right_n derive_v from_o the_o free_a state_n of_o nature_n and_o independent_a from_o their_o sovereign_n it_o may_v rational_o be_v conclude_v that_o when_o subject_n do_v submit_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o sovereign_n it_o be_v do_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o both_o the_o prince_n and_o subject_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o any_o further_a than_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o it_o what_o be_v allege_v concern_v the_o the_o maintain_v a_o good_a order_n and_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o civil_a society_n be_v institute_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o relation_n to_o it_o but_o only_o thus_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o maintain_v the_o public_a tranquillity_n as_o to_o n._n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o because_o priest_n have_v a_o dependence_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o certain_a respect_n belong_v to_o its_o jurisdiction_n this_o do_v not_o involve_v religion_n consider_v as_o such_o under_o the_o same_o subjection_n the_o follow_a word_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o christian_a prince_n command_v over_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o college_n and_o represent_v one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o church_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o civil_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a found_v upon_o the_o public_a authority_n and_o power_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o other_o college_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o dominion_n whoever_o will_v consider_v the_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n must_v needs_o find_v as_o many_o error_n as_o there_o be_v word_n here_o for_o because_o a_o prince_n have_v the_o sovereign_a jurisdiction_n in_o a_o commonweath_n consist_v of_o christian_a subject_n no_o inference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o may_v be_v call_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o
a_o right_n of_o constitute_v minister_n for_o say_v he_o their_o right_n be_v the_o same_o but_o a_o prince_n who_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o he_o have_v christian_a subject_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o allow_v they_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n have_v nevertheless_o not_o the_o least_o power_n over_o their_o church_n as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o less_o false_a what_o he_o say_v that_o since_o prince_n be_v become_v christian_n the_o vocation_n of_o minister_n do_v no_o more_o depend_v from_o the_o church_n just_o as_o a_o man_n by_o submit_v himself_o under_o another_o jurisdiction_n be_v no_o more_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n for_o a_o prince_n by_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o not_o make_v himself_o master_n of_o that_o church_n but_o rather_o submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o encroach_v all_o its_o right_n to_o himself_o but_o only_o can_v claim_v his_o share_n as_o such_o unless_o a_o certain_a church_n shall_v voluntary_o surrender_v its_o right_n as_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o power_n to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o christian_a sovereign_a as_o represent_v a_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o to_o act_n and_o decree_n by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n which_o imply_v a_o right_a at_o least_o by_o consent_n for_o there_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o the_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o disorderly_a multitude_n viz._n a_o college_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o coercive_v sovereign_a power_n this_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n for_o suppose_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n a_o certain_a society_n or_o company_n of_o merchant_n regulate_v by_o certain_a stature_n of_o their_o own_o under_o the_o direction_n of_o some_o of_o its_o own_o member_n into_o this_o college_n a_o prince_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n pay_v his_o certain_a share_n by_o be_v thus_o make_v a_o member_n of_o this_o company_n he_o have_v not_o obtain_v a_o absolute_a disposal_n over_o this_o society_n but_o rather_o have_v accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o college_n neither_o can_v he_o claim_v any_o other_o prerogative_n there_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o his_o share_n in_o that_o company_n or_o from_o a_o free_a gift_n and_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o member_n and_o as_o a_o member_n of_o this_o college_n he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o as_o a_o prince_n but_o as_o a_o merchant_n there_o be_v nevertheless_o one_o remarkable_a difference_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o sovereign_a to_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o of_o such_o a_o society_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o church_n he_o plain_o betray_v his_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n comprehend_v in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o prince_n from_o whence_o the_o prince_n represent_v the_o people_n like_o one_o public_a person_n through_o who_o the_o whole_a people_n declare_v their_o sentiment_n for_o though_o this_o be_v appliable_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o state_n may_v enact_v what_o law_n they_o think_v most_o convenient_a but_o to_o attribute_v the_o same_o power_n to_o sovereign_n over_o the_o church_n be_v a_o madness_n and_o savour_v of_o blasphemy_n and_o suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v be_v mislead_v into_o error_n or_o heresy_n must_v therefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v account_v erroneous_a or_o heretical_a except_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o also_o that_o prince_n be_v infallible_a wherefore_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v independent_a from_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_o transfer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o church_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v where_o this_o election_n be_v manage_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n but_o in_o case_n the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v be_v preposterous_a to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o election_n be_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o the_o prince_n mr._n houtuyn_n have_v grant_v before_o that_o the_o pastoral_a function_n not_o be_v annex_v to_o any_o certain_a person_n consider_v as_o such_o have_v no_o dependency_n from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o owe_v its_o institution_n to_o christ_n nevertheless_o in_o §_o lxvi_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n be_v a_o external_n public_a act_n such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n as_o if_o he_o say_v matrimony_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n but_o it_o depend_v from_o the_o prince_n whether_o he_o will_v allow_v his_o subject_n to_o marry_v actual_o or_o not_o for_o suppose_v a_o sovereign_n shall_v take_v a_o resolution_n to_o forbid_v the_o ancient_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n what_o will_v in_o such_o a_o case_n become_v of_o this_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a function_n it_o be_v also_o insufferable_a what_o he_o say_v immediate_o after_o a_o election_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n therefore_o revocable_a at_o pleasure_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impair_n the_o reputation_n of_o the_o minister_n what_o relate_v to_o §_o lxvii_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o nebuchadonosor_n have_v any_o legal_a authority_n to_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o refuse_v to_o adore_v the_o great_a statue_n set_v up_o by_o his_o order_n for_o a_o prince_n who_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o his_o subject_n against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v his_o legal_a authority_n but_o commit_v a_o hostile_a and_o tyrannical_a act._n so_o when_o king_n ahab_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o legal_a process_n and_o by_o subborn_v of_o false_a witness_n possess_v himself_o of_o naboth_n vineyard_n do_v no_o more_o exercise_n his_o legal_a jurisdiction_n than_o a_o guardian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o he_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o a_o pupil_n commit_v to_o his_o management_n but_o when_o the_o same_o nebuchadonosor_n publish_v his_o edict_n that_o no_o body_n dare_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o do_v without_o all_o question_n nothing_o but_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o high_a station_n he_o run_v on_o further_a viz._n that_o peter_n john_n stephen_n paul_n nay_o even_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v appear_v before_o the_o sanhedrim_n before_o foelix_n festus_n caesar_n and_o pilate_n without_o take_v the_o least_o exception_n against_o the_o legality_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n what_o can_v be_v more_o false_o invent_v do_v peter_n and_o john_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n that_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v their_o command_n of_o not_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n do_v stephen_n acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n 20._o act._n 4._o 19_o 20._o of_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o you_o uncircumcised_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o argument_n that_o paul_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o prince_n and_o other_o civil_a magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o appear_v before_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v their_o innocence_n there_o be_v no_o other_o tribunal_n to_o which_o they_o can_v appeal_v and_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n deserve_v death_n for_o any_o one_o to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n all_o the_o defence_n they_o make_v may_v be_v reduce_v under_o two_o head_n for_o they_o either_o deny_v those_o crime_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o calumnious_a or_o else_o they_o assert_v even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o depend_v from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n and_o those_o magistrate_n that_o absolve_v the_o confessor_n of_o this_o truth_n do_v in_o effect_n give_v this_o sentence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o cause_n not_o belong_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o how_o mr._n houtuyn_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o lawyer_n can_v find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o resemble_v a_o legal_a process_n in_o that_o
supreme_a governor_n do_v thereby_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o those_o their_o sovereign_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v conduce_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o such_o by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o that_o they_o will_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v their_o command_n wherefore_o sovereign_n be_v always_o invest_v with_o a_o full_a power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n â—pon_v they_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n shall_v ever_o or_o aught_o to_o submit_v themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o disposal_n of_o their_o teacher_n as_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o acquiesce_v bare_o in_o and_o to_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o shall_v be_v propose_v by_o they_o as_o conduce_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_a without_o contradiction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o believer_n do_v entire_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o faith_n to_o any_o body_n but_o to_o god_n almighty_a who_o will_n and_o command_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o auditor_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o they_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o propose_v any_o doctrine_n surpass_v human_a reason_n if_o he_o pretend_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o his_o auditor_n must_v either_o claim_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o by_o compulsion_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o more_o superior_a power_n but_o any_o man_n that_o offer_v matter_n not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n do_v thereby_o expose_v himself_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o authority_n except_o he_o can_v by_o other_o more_o powerful_a mean_n maintain_v his_o doctrine_n and_o gain_v credit_n with_o his_o auditor_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o to_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v man_n that_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v foolishness_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n nickname_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o a_o babbler_n by_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n neither_o be_v any_o human_a power_n capable_a of_o enforce_v 18._o act_n 17._o 18._o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o people_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n go_v and_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o human_a mean_n which_o imply_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o be_v forcible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o trifle_n and_o insufficient_a there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o such_o doctrine_n must_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o principle_n 20._o mark_v 16._o 20._o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n ancient_o authorize_v their_o 4._o act_n 14._o â—_o heb._n 2_o 4._o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n undeniable_a that_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o now_o any_o more_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o miracle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n which_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o publish_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v never_o repeat_v afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n therefore_o have_v submit_v their_o faith_n and_o reason_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o authority_n be_v unquestionable_a as_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o be_v testify_v by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o 22._o mat._n â—_o 17._o luk._n 3._o 22._o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n willing_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o moses_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n so_o be_v 19_o exod_n 20._o 19_o they_o oblige_v to_o subimt_fw-la their_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v once_o verify_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o their_o miracle_n though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o doctrine_n do_v sometime_o produce_v good_a effect_n without_o miracle_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a that_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o be_v â—well_v verse_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o their_o auditor_n examine_v their_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v consonant_a with_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v therein_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v sufficent_o 1â—â—â—_n act_n 1â—â—â—_n apparent_a that_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o a_o blind_a obedience_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o can_v verify_v their_o immediate_a divine_a commission_n by_o miracle_n so_o as_o to_o make_v his_o faith_n absolute_o dependent_a from_o their_o doctrine_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v manifest_a demonstration_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d it_o â—â—_o not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v and_o must_v â—â—_o but_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o maâ—â—ing_v it_o plain_a and_o apparent_a that_o what_o 〈…〉_o to_o his_o auditor_n be_v absolute_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o ought_v the_o auditor_n pâ—â—_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o the_o teacher_n doctrine_n into_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n use_v to_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o chief_a teacher_n or_o founder_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n aristoteles_n and_o zeno_n but_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o name_n but_o that_o she_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o score_n when_o s._n paul_n rebuke_v the_o corinthian_n because_o some_o of_o they_o say_v they_o be_v of_o paul_n some_o of_o apollo_n some_o of_o cephas_n and_o 12_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 12_o some_o of_o christ_n so_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o establish_v among_o we_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o pythagoras_n who_o use_v for_o their_o motto_n that_o old_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n to_o look_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o say_v search_v â—â—e_v scripture_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o to_o his_o auditor_n in_o general_n and_o 4â—_n joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes_n â—_o 21._o 1_o joh_n 4â—_n s._n paul_n bid_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a s._n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o s._n paul_n so_o high_o recommend_v to_o all_o that_o intend_v to_o be_v 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11._o 28_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v due_o perform_v without_o meditate_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o teacher_n and_o of_o a_o physician_n to_o be_v quite_o different_a it_o be_v only_o require_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o understand_v the_o art_n of_o physic_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o patient_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o good_a success_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v alone_o verse_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v most_o excellent_a where_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o their_o teacher_n in_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o mankind_n all_o the_o counsel_n â—7_n act._n â—0_n â—7_n of_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o care_n and_o custody_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o sibyllin_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o at_o rome_n in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o