do_v chief_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o that_o they_o do_v also_o represent_v to_o our_o eye_n and_o seal_v uppe_o to_o our_o conscience_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o that_o both_o of_o they_o do_v take_v from_o we_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v so_o as_o that_o the_o body_n be_v dip_v into_o the_o water_n the_o signification_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o evident_a and_o the_o force_n the_o great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o see_v or_o receive_v it_o thus_o do_v john_n baptist_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v our_o such_o place_n where_o there_o be_v much_o water_n john_n 3.23_o and_o this_o use_n do_v remain_v in_o some_o place_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v those_o who_o be_v after_o this_o manner_n convert_v and_o baptise_a be_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v therein_o as_o be_v most_o forcible_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o who_o they_o who_o remain_v incredulous_a may_v be_v convince_v they_o be_v also_o in_o most_o earnest_a manner_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n because_o their_o fall_v away_o will_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v exhort_v to_o lead_v a_o life_n which_o may_v be_v without_o scandal_n unto_o those_o who_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v and_o so_o without_o reproach_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o procure_n whereof_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n great_a severity_n use_v both_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o also_o by_o his_o minister_n against_o all_o such_o offence_n where_o by_o this_o work_n may_v be_v hinder_v for_o while_o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o motion_n because_o at_o the_o first_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o fall_a back_n of_o one_o or_o any_o notorious_a offence_n do_v wonderful_o hinder_v the_o whole_a work_n therefore_o although_o many_o infirmity_n in_o knowledge_n and_o also_o in_o private_a conversation_n be_v yea_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v gentle_o delte_v withal_o till_o ripe_a year_n church_n yet_o those_o open_a offence_n whereby_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v in_o respect_n either_o of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o or_o of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v those_o strange_a judgment_n which_o the_o lord_n execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o establish_v the_o legal_a government_n by_o moses_n as_o upon_o corath_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n number_n 16.32_o yea_o that_o severity_n in_o put_v to_o death_n he_o that_o gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath_n number_n 15.36_o yea_o also_o those_o fatherly_a correction_n which_o the_o lord_n most_o severe_o lay_v upon_o his_o own_o servant_n even_o on_o moses_n himself_o for_o doubt_v of_o his_o word_n yea_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o murmur_a and_o even_o for_o the_o least_o offence_n so_o be_v vzzath_v smite_v 2._o sam._n 6.7_o that_o david_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o then_o go_v about_o the_o repair_n the_o enlarge_n and_o adorn_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v fear_v the_o lord_n so_o in_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o least_o negligence_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o further_a this_o work_n have_v a_o fearful_a curse_n annex_v unto_o it_o nehem._n 10.29_o so_o be_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n smite_v with_o sudden_a death_n acts._n 5._o in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n do_v fear_v the_o lord_n so_o paul_n reject_v mark_n acts._n 15_o 38._o for_o leave_v they_o in_o that_o long_a â—ourney_n which_o they_o make_v for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o beginning_n it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v great_a increase_n unto_o his_o church_n so_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o effectual_a in_o this_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o convert_n many_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n than_o it_o be_v afterwards_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v obedience_n at_o the_o first_o will_v be_v afterward_o more_o and_o more_o harden_a as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 2._o cor._n 4.3_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v yet_o hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v yet_o the_o call_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v still_o to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o believe_v may_v be_v win_v at_o some_o other_o time_n 2._o timothy_n 2.25_o for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o there_o may_v more_o forcible_a mean_n be_v use_v now_o when_o as_o â—he_v truth_n have_v get_v some_o foot_n among_o they_o and_o be_v receive_v of_o many_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o corrupt_a worship_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v plain_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o also_o their_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a condition_n live_v in_o the_o same_o which_o at_o the_o first_o can_v not_o convenient_o have_v be_v do_v yea_o further_o they_o be_v careful_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o be_v allure_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o good_a behaviour_n and_o honest_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v see_v they_o to_o be_v so_o wonderful_o change_v from_o ignorance_n to_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a course_n to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o godly_a life_n by_o their_o courteous_a and_o love_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o and_o general_o by_o avoid_v the_o offend_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v the_o which_o mean_v be_v diligent_o use_v we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v give_v some_o good_a success_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o chap._n v._o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o law_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n see_v that_o we_o have_v declare_v in_o some_o sort_n what_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o matter_n for_o the_o build_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o build_n of_o it_o and_o by_o join_v these_o stone_n together_o in_o the_o foundation_n wall_n and_o other_o principal_a part_n to_o give_v unto_o it_o the_o denomination_n and_o form_n of_o a_o house_n for_o whenas_o a_o company_n of_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n &_o baptize_v there_o be_v the_o beginning_n or_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o church_n but_o not_o a_o church_n until_o they_o join_v together_o in_o some_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n be_v together_o in_o any_o place_n if_o they_o live_v private_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o house_n not_o have_v any_o thing_n common_a or_o to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o there_o be_v no_o common_a wealth_n because_o there_o want_v magistrate_n law_n and_o order_n to_o join_v they_o together_o again_o as_o where_o there_o be_v many_o stone_n dig_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n whereunto_o we_o resemble_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o also_o hew_v and_o wrought_v so_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o natural_a rudeness_n and_o now_o have_v the_o form_n of_o stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o building_n which_o we_o may_v not_o unfit_o call_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o which_o do_v believe_v if_o they_o lie_v asunder_o here_o and_o there_o there_o be_v no_o house_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v &_o fasten_v together_o â—n_a the_o just_a compass_n and_o form_n of_o a_o house_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n man_n convert_v and_o baptize_v be_v indeed_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n church_n yet_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n until_o they_o join_v together_o in_o some_o public_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o which_o make_v these_o stone_n cleave_v together_o ephes._n 2.11_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o building_n be_v couple_v together_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v some_o space_n of_o time_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o learn_v the_o order_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o church_n before_o
heretic_n heretic_n have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o gospel_n difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o simple_a professor_n of_o error_n and_o the_o obstinate_a maintainer_n of_o they_o what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o reliligion_n before_o and_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n the_o devil_n have_v knowledge_n but_o neither_o faith_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n mahometisme_n a_o mystical_a ariaanisme_n no_o salvation_n the_o catholic_a church_n can_v err_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v often_o be_v in_o most_o grievous_a error_n the_o catholic_a church_n do_v continual_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o in_o knowledge_n the_o catholic_a church_n have_v no_o head_n oâ—_n outward_a government_n the_o catholic_a church_n invisible_a disperse_v christian_n with_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o gospel_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n eremeticall_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n unawfull_a how_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v private_o receive_v god_n accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o those_o who_o can_v be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n disperse_v christian_n ought_v to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n by_o what_o mean_v god_n call_v those_o who_o be_v with_o out_o the_o visible_a church_n three_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n a_o diverse_a government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n a_o particular_a church_n often_o contain_v in_o one_o family_n why_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v one_o particular_a church_n better_o for_o a_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o christian_n then_o of_o a_o few_o no_o kind_n of_o man_n exclude_v from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o most_o barbarous_a may_v become_v christian_n the_o plant_n of_o church_n belong_v to_o they_o who_o have_v either_o extraordinary_a calling_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a gife_n great_a care_n to_o be_v have_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v more_o effectual_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o it_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o receive_v the_o gospel_n how_o infidel_n ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o infidel_n baptism_n be_v the_o badge_n or_o liveray_fw-fr of_o christian_n baptism_n &_o circumcision_n sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o death_n great_a severity_n in_o punish_v open_a offence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n the_o establish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n among_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v partly_o divine_a and_o partly_o humaâ—â—_n none_o but_o god_n can_v appoint_v the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n always_o change_v to_o a_o better_a estate_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n thâ—_n church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v more_o of_o inward_a grace_n &_o less_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o ceremony_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n never_o alter_v but_o by_o man_n send_v immediate_o from_o god_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o divine_a and_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v make_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n how_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o convenient_a law_n may_v lawful_o be_v obey_v in_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o knowledge_n or_o ignornance_n of_o the_o time_n sharp_a law_n to_o be_v make_v for_o one_o people_n then_o for_o another_o for_o what_o cause_v the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n ought_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o difficulty_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n make_v a_o unestablished_a state_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o increase_v daily_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v most_o flourish_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n god_n make_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a for_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o who_o build_v it_o the_o church_n uttâ—râ—y_o â—uer_o throw_v to_o man_n judgement_n two_o kiâ—des_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d what_o magistrate_n may_v be_v resist_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o original_n of_o absolute_a authoâ—itie_n unjust_a conquest_n and_o usurpation_n may_v become_v a_o lawful_a dominion_n fliâ—ht_a iâ—_n time_n of_o persecution_n always_o lawful_a and_o often_o good_a for_o the_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v as_o well_o to_o christian_n ruler_n as_o to_o â—he_n people_n what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunicate_v the_o câ—uill_a ruler_n excommunication_n be_v no_o curse_n neither_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n public_a want_n be_v to_o be_v private_o supply_v how_o we_o may_v lawful_o remain_v in_o a_o imperfect_a church_n no_o corruption_n make_v they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v no_o church_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o their_o defection_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o thâ—ir_a defect_n on_o be_v the_o church_n of_o gâ—d_n idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n join_v gâ—thâ—r_n the_o error_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n no_o public_a church_n sauâ—_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o private_a church_n private_a man_n may_v plant_v private_a church_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o build_v the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n stretch_v christian_n in_o private_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v the_o company_n of_o infidel_n private_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o sweeâ—e_a christians_n what_o a_o public_a church_n be_v why_o there_o be_v no_o public_a ch._n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o public_a church_n can_v not_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o private_a how_o public_a church_n be_v call_v to_o the_o faith_n public_a church_n stand_v no_o long_o than_o they_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o ministry_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n magistrate_n have_v charge_n of_o the_o soul_n their_o subject_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o call_n in_o build_v the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o man_n be_v the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o public_a church_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n civil_a state_n well_o order_v be_v more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o ch._n then_o disorder_v state_n in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o false_a worship_n be_v to_o bâ—_n abrogate_a by_o little_a &_o little_a obstinate_a infidel_n may_v be_v compel_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o not_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o state_n of_o a_o private_a church_n be_v popular_a but_o the_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n why_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n the_o use_n of_o counsel_n why_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o counsel_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o what_o cause_v other_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a consultation_n no_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v be_v make_v make_v in_o a_o public_a ch._n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n confirm_v faith_n how_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v change_v the_o dwell_a place_n
zealous_a of_o the_o law_n yea_o paul_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v go_v about_o to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o also_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n 21.26_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v think_v that_o he_o warn_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o now_o in_o so_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v and_o so_o many_o admonition_n they_o do_v still_o remain_v blind_a and_o obstinate_a yea_o and_o do_v turn_v back_o again_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o law_n that_o then_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v christ_n he_o will_v easy_o have_v wink_v at_o this_o great_a error_n of_o join_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n together_o likewise_o as_o concern_v that_o detestable_a heresy_n of_o arianismâ—_n we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o author_n spreader_n beginner_n furtherer_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v man_n destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o heresy_n be_v especial_o in_o these_o age_n a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o eternalll_v reprobation_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o those_o they_o who_o be_v corrupt_v with_o it_o â—fter_a that_o it_o have_v overspr_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a although_o it_o be_v in_o that_o time_n also_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o common_a infection_n of_o the_o air_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n body_n by_o popular_a disease_n and_o death_n whenas_o both_o strong_a and_o weak_a man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n so_o neither_o in_o the_o common_a reign_v of_o any_o heresy_n can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v the_o state_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o soul_n by_o that_o token_n forsomuch_o as_o god_n do_v savesome_a even_o by_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v charitable_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o grievous_a error_n not_o of_o wilful_a blindness_n but_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o ignorant_a heretic_n be_v religious_a and_o zealous_a seruer_n of_o god_n be_v in_o far_o bettâ—r_a state_n as_o touch_v their_o salvation_n than_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o their_o profane_a life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o but_o that_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o declare_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o do_v and_o that_o as_o we_o trust_v and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o name_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o do_v in_o outward_a profession_n hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o both_o before_o and_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o have_v some_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o time_n for_o before_o christ_n be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o put_v my_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n for_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v for_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n this_o foundation_n do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v when_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o every_o one_o of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n howsoever_o they_o do_v together_o hold_v grosser_n heresy_n christ._n than_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o believe_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o he_o only_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v more_o brief_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o another_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n to_o the_o which_o doctrine_n all_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o be_v contrary_a be_v pernicious_a heresy_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n 2._o peter_n 2.1_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o people_n as_o there_o be_v falsâ—_n teacher_n amongâ—_n you_o which_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o wit_n these_o deny_v the_o lord_n jesuâ—_n who_o buy_v they_o these_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n that_o be_v may_v certain_o be_v account_v for_o damn_a as_o for_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o they_o be_v more_o weighty_a and_o do_v near_o approach_v to_o the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a yet_o of_o themselves_o not_o be_v join_v with_o obstinate_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n not_o so_o desperate_a sect._n 5._o of_o those_o who_o dissemble_v their_o profession_n but_o before_o we_o leave_v this_o point_n this_o question_n may_v i_o move_v whether_o as_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o heart_n so_o the_o inward_a faith_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o out_o ward_v profession_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o necessare_o be_v also_o some_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o some_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n by_o prayer_n or_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o as_o for_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n true_a faith_n be_v weak_a may_v be_v destitute_a thereof_o so_o we_o read_v john_n 12.40_o that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n believe_v in_o christ_n but_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v profess_v he_o before_o man_n these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o visible_a but_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n unless_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n before_o other_o beside_o themselves_o so_o that_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n although_o it_o be_v secret_a and_o private_a make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o open_a profession_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n that_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n which_o confess_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o godâ—_n be_v true_o christian_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o confession_n be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o come_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o so_o they_o may_v procure_v danger_n to_o christ_n faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o by_o faith_n rely_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o happiness_n neither_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o love_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o all_o christian_n do_v so_o then_o as_o many_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a body_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n they_o not_o be_v as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v sect._n 6._o who_o be_v without_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o definition_n the_o other_o word_n which_o follow_v have_v their_o use_n for_o in_o that_o we_o require_v the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n we_o exclude_v all_o heathenish_a and_o pagan_a people_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1.23_o they_o pass_v by_o the_o creator_n worship_v creature_n as_o go_n and_o last_o we_o add_v these_o word_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o
and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o excommunication_n sect._n 2._o how_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n serve_v god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o service_n they_o perform_v to_o god_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o title_n belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o do_v serve_v god_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o they_o serve_v god_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n because_o this_o service_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o one_o alone_a but_o the_o ministry_n the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n require_v acompany_v join_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o actual_a service_n of_o god_n which_o only_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n as_o well_o to_o those_o who_o be_v disperse_v as_o to_o those_o who_o live_v together_o in_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_n without_o exception_n of_o any_o call_v they_o those_o who_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o namely_o 1._o cor._n 1.1_o thus_o do_v daniel_n serve_v god_n in_o babel_n dan._n 6.10_o thrice_o a_o day_n he_o make_v his_o petition_n to_o god_n and_o praise_v he_o here_o order_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v entreat_v of_o prayer_n the_o most_o general_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a badge_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o declare_v the_o whole_a nature_n manner_n kind_n fruit_n and_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n but_o we_o will_v rather_o pass_v it_o over_o with_o silence_n for_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v both_o large_a and_o require_v a_o several_a treatise_n and_o also_o be_v sufficient_o handle_v by_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n here_o also_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v whether_o that_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sacrmente_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o touch_v this_o point_n it_o seem_v that_o while_o any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o sever_v from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o that_o he_o can_v use_v they_o neither_o any_o other_o part_n but_o only_a prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o number_n of_o they_o although_o but_o two_o that_o then_o they_o may_v lawful_o use_v both_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o further_a declaration_n whereof_o we_o may_v put_v this_o case_n a_o christian_n man_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v take_v captive_n live_v amongst_o infidel_n where_o to_o their_o knowledge_n there_o be_v not_o any_o christian_n beside_o themselves_o there_o they_o beget_v child_n who_o they_o will_v have_v by_o baptism_n consecrate_v and_o initiate_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o needful_a for_o the_o parent_n both_o of_o they_o receive_v or_o either_o of_o they_o to_o administer_v baptism_n to_o their_o child_n this_o appear_v exod_n 4.25_o where_o moses_n and_o zippora_n his_o wife_n circumcise_v their_o son_n by_o the_o commandment_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n circumcise_v their_o male_a child_n in_o their_o own_o house_n likewise_o for_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a case_n to_o receive_v it_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o this_o one_o example_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v but_o by_o a_o public_a person_n and_o in_o a_o public_a place_n we_o answer_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n there_o a_o private_a man_n house_n be_v in_o steed_n of_o it_o and_o he_o himself_o in_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n sect._n 3_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v thus_o much_o of_o that_o service_n wherewith_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n serve_v god_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v imperfect_a yet_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n where_o the_o rest_n can_v be_v have_v and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n so_o we_o read_v ezech._n 11.16_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v to_o his_o people_n disperse_v abroad_o in_o the_o captivity_n a_o little_a sanctuary_n that_o be_v howsoever_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o holy_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o place_n only_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n church_n yet_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v that_o imperfect_a and_o maim_a service_n which_o they_o shall_v perform_v unto_o he_o in_o their_o captivity_n by_o prayer_n and_o circumcision_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o passover_n it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v use_v in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o although_o this_o imperfect_a service_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n yet_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o so_o rest_v in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n church_n that_o so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o full_a mean_n of_o work_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o glorify_v god_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n yet_o in_o mind_n and_o affection_n they_o be_v join_v with_o it_o in_o witness_v whereof_o as_o also_o to_o increase_v this_o desire_n they_o do_v be_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n amongst_o the_o infidel_n pray_v towards_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n 1._o king_n 8.48_o dan._n 6.11_o psal._n 84._o last_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o those_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o never_o be_v in_o the_o society_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v call_v and_o become_v member_n of_o it_o whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o be_v get_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n yet_o that_o god_n do_v by_o extraordinary_a mean_n save_o some_o who_o never_o be_v join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v be_v know_v to_o he_o only_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o which_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o those_o place_n where_o it_o be_v plant_v that_o although_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v clean_o overthrow_v yet_o there_o will_v some_o root_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n church_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o where_o a_o garden_n replenish_v with_o great_a store_n of_o herb_n have_v be_v there_o will_v be_v long_a after_o that_o it_o be_v deface_v some_o sprout_v up_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n ma._n 13.31_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o speedy_a &_o great_a growth_n of_o it_o upward_o so_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o it_o in_o that_o they_o both_o take_v so_o deep_a root_n that_o where_o they_o be_v once_o sow_v there_o they_o remain_v for_o many_o age_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o diverse_a do_v in_o some_o sort_n know_v god_n among_o the_o infidel_n as_o melihezadec_n job_n with_o his_o friend_n lot_n baalâ—m_n of_o all_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n yea_o in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o mahomet_n there_o remain_v something_o of_o christian_n religion_n hereof_o they_o hold_v many_o point_n although_o cover_v over_o with_o profane_a fable_n moreover_o some_o live_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n and_o private_a teach_n of_o some_o who_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o even_o
by_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n some_o have_v be_v convert_v so_o be_v rahab_n live_v in_o jericho_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o that_o she_o believe_v or_o by_o read_v book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o use_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o knowledge_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o natural_a man_n have_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_v god_n may_v use_v extraordinary_o yea_o he_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o mean_n but_o in_o his_o ordinary_a work_a none_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a mean_n be_v available_a for_o faith_n be_v get_v ordinare_o only_a by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o attain_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n always_o except_v the_o power_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o mean_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o original_n of_o particular_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o state_n god_n do_v accept_v where_o it_o can_v be_v amend_v but_o so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o come_v &_o live_v together_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a maintain_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n he_o have_v appoint_v civil_a society_n so_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o maintain_v of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o life_n in_o we_o he_o have_v appoint_v holy_a assembly_n which_o be_v particular_a church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o a_o christian_n may_v 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the_o last_o word_n only_a the_o rest_n be_v of_o themselves_o plain_a enough_o need_v this_o explication_n that_o by_o humane_a law_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v civil_a law_n but_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o which_o humane_a law_n be_v always_o in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n particular_a church_n have_v their_o difference_n and_o distincte_n limit_n appoint_v to_o they_o church_n for_o therefore_o we_o have_v insert_v this_o partickle_a all_o in_o the_o definition_n because_o many_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v agree_v in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o not_o in_o all_o so_o that_o the_o same_o government_n make_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o have_v many_o distinct_a place_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o any_o town_n do_v stretch_v to_o the_o suburb_n and_o village_n about_o there_o be_v but_o one_o corporation_n or_o civil_a body_n and_o to_o use_v our_o accustom_a similitude_n as_o that_o be_v one_o family_n which_o have_v the_o same_o governor_n over_o it_o the_o same_o order_n in_o it_o although_o they_o be_v in_o diverse_a room_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o behalf_n a_o distincte_n government_n make_v a_o distinct_a church_n the_o government_n be_v then_o distincte_n when_o either_o the_o humane_a church_n law_n be_v diverse_a or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n authority_n to_o make_v diverse_a law_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o be_v afterwards_o to_o declare_v so_o that_o where_o we_o see_v many_o distinct_a and_o diverse_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_v to_o depend_v upon_o one_o company_n have_v in_o their_o hand_n the_o say_a authority_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o fetch_v all_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n of_o cause_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v not_o many_o but_o one_o only_a particular_a church_n which_o notwithstanding_o if_o they_o do_v no_o way_n depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v to_o be_v account_v so_o many_o distinct_a church_n so_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n although_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a town_n and_o city_n the_o which_o have_v their_o proper_a levite_n and_o governor_n yet_o because_o for_o government_n they_o do_v all_o depend_v upon_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o other_o priest_n which_o do_v offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n church_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n so_o that_o those_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v join_v together_o not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o the_o
whole_a catholic_a church_n be_v or_o in_o the_o same_o divine_a government_n as_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v but_o also_o in_o the_o same_o humane_a government_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o same_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o same_o governor_n sect._n 3_o of_o how_o many_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v consist_v as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v the_o least_o may_v be_v give_v but_o not_o the_o great_a the_o least_o be_v the_o least_o number_n of_o one_o private_a family_n within_o the_o compass_n whereof_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v often_o be_v contain_v family_n so_o in_o the_o begin_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o adam_n for_o they_o do_v joint_o together_o and_o in_o common_a offer_n sacrìfice_n and_o serve_v god_n this_o church_n consist_v of_o four_o person_n at_o what_o time_n there_o be_v a_o public_a service_n of_o god_n namely_o adam_n eva_n cain_n and_o abel_n 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shall_v be_v make_v one_o church_n because_o it_o be_v needful_a in_o diverse_a respect_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o place_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n one_o high_a priest_n one_o temple_n and_o place_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n secondlie_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v more_o convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n church_n than_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o then_o the_o public_a service_n wherein_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o meet_v be_v but_o seldom_o to_o be_v perform_v to_o wit_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o three_o solemn_a feast_n and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o give_v themselves_o so_o much_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o public_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n command_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o that_o service_n do_v require_v only_o presence_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o about_o the_o temple_n but_o our_o service_n require_v particular_a and_o diligent_a attention_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o too_o few_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o any_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n do_v make_v a_o competent_a congregation_n but_o rather_o to_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v consist_v even_o of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v convenient_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n and_o there_o without_o confusion_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o more_o there_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n whereby_o the_o public_a function_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o all_o other_o want_n whatsoever_o few_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o abundant_o supply_v there_o will_v also_o be_v find_v more_o pregnant_a example_n of_o special_a virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n will_v have_v many_o diverse_a strange_a and_o singular_a effect_n in_o man_n which_o can_v be_v have_v in_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o what_o people_n the_o church_n may_v be_v plant_v the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o bring_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v &_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n even_o as_o in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n be_v to_o dig_v stone_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n for_o that_o purpose_n second_o in_o give_v unto_o they_o be_v thus_o call_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n as_o the_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n this_o be_v to_o hew_v and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o our_o purpose_n in_o the_o first_o part_n we_o have_v these_o point_n to_o consider_v first_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v second_o by_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o christianity_n and_o last_o after_o what_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o people_n or_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n no_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o exclude_v but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o they_o math._n 28.19_o go_v you_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n god_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n &_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n either_o so_o dull_a and_o blockish_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v or_o so_o savage_a fierce_a and_o barbarous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v subdue_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n foretell_v esay_n 11._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a that_o man_n who_o of_o themselves_o be_v even_o as_o tiger_n lion_n leopard_n and_o as_o most_o savage_a beast_n shall_v be_v make_v tame_a and_o gentle_a yea_o this_o prophecy_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n christian_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o general_o all_o kind_n of_o people_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o yet_o some_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o other_o and_o do_v more_o easy_o yea_o more_fw-it usual_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o stone_n whereof_o some_o
god_n and_o for_o a_o hearty_a and_o spiritual_a serve_v of_o god_n do_v institute_v a_o dead_a worship_n not_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n three_o where_o there_o be_v many_o law_n there_o be_v also_o necessare_o many_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o so_o the_o necessary_a break_n of_o some_o make_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v less_o obey_v and_o esteem_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o who_o the_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o before_o we_o do_v defer_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a kind_n of_o a_o church_n so_o this_o question_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o place_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o a_o unstablished_a state_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o form_n likewise_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o second_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o kind_n of_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a whenas_o they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n among_o a_o believe_a people_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n set_v up_o the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o and_o pure_o establish_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n infirmity_n not_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a manner_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n it_o receave_v many_o alteration_n whereof_o come_v the_o diverse_a state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o all_o which_o this_o be_v general_o to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v many_o aberâ—ations_n from_o the_o form_n of_o government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v lawful_o be_v tolerate_v where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v be_v amend_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v always_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o let_v whereby_o this_o work_n be_v hinder_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n natural_a &_o violent_a the_o first_o kind_n we_o call_v natural_a because_o they_o arise_v of_o no_o outward_a cause_n but_o even_o of_o the_o very_a hardness_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o as_o these_o for_o example_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n although_o convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n yet_o can_v at_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n state_n yea_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v get_v at_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n endue_v with_o sufficient_a gift_n for_o this_o great_a work_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v shall_v be_v soon_o bring_v to_o perfection_n for_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v thorough_o know_v till_o they_o have_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v neither_o the_o humane_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n make_v fit_a to_o the_o people_n and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o circumstance_n till_o use_v do_v show_v they_o to_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o or_o else_o inconuenint_a in_o some_o respect_n what_o be_v want_v in_o they_o &_o what_o be_v superfluous_a by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thâ—_n church_n be_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n although_o both_o found_v anâ—_n build_v yet_o not_o strong_o fasten_v together_o nor_o in_o any_o firm_a constant_a &_o settle_a estate_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o imperfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o some_o part_n of_o the_o government_n be_v want_v but_o a_o state_n unestablish_v even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o although_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o as_o yeâ—_n so_o firm_a and_o compact_a neither_o his_o whole_a body_n have_v attain_v to_o that_o strength_n and_o firm_a constitution_n whereunto_o it_o grow_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o maim_v or_o imperfect_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o grow_v from_o one_o age_n state_n and_o strength_n to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o man_n body_n do_v in_o this_o estate_n all_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o do_v continue_v either_o a_o long_o or_o a_o short_a time_n as_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o build_n of_o they_o be_v many_o or_o few_o great_a or_o little_a thus_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o of_o they_o do_v continue_v so_o a_o long_a time_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o build_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o any_o good_a estate_n for_o then_o all_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strange_a unto_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v late_o ordain_v and_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v before_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o full_o build_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o do_v still_o require_v their_o continual_a care_n as_o pâ—ule_n say_v of_o himself_o 2._o corin._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o or_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o other_o do_v set_v all_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o estate_n but_o fall_v into_o many_o abuse_n and_o disorder_n in_o life_n doctrine_n and_o government_n the_o which_o may_v be_v see_v as_o in_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unestablished_a state_n be_v even_o over_o grow_v with_o disorder_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o church_n being_n not_o full_o settle_v for_o as_o a_o â—ouse_n may_v be_v easy_o shake_v a_o sunder_o before_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o and_z as_o child_n in_o their_o young_a age_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v easy_o hurt_v so_o the_o government_n of_o church_n be_v most_o common_o confound_v and_o â—roden_v under_o foot_n before_o it_o be_v confime_v by_o use_n and_o practice_v in_o the_o which_o respect_n they_o to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o such_o church_n be_v commit_v aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a as_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infancy_n or_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remit_v somewhat_o of_o the_o strict_a form_n of_o government_n and_o especial_o of_o discipline_n whenas_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n shall_v so_o require_v thus_o as_o be_v before_o note_v deal_v paul_n with_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o he_o give_v milk_n as_o to_o infant_n not_o strong_a meat_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thess._n 2.7.8_o though_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v tender_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v she_o own_o child_n sect._n 2._o of_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o other_o law_n appertain_v unto_o it_o be_v full_o establish_v and_o practise_v than_o the_o church_n have_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n both_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o outward_a government_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o howsoever_o no_o christian_n man_n life_n several_o consider_v can_v possible_o be_v without_o diverse_a corruption_n and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o world_n a_o pure_a estate_n be_v that_o wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o ordinance_n only_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v free_a from_o all_o spot_v of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o all_o tradition_n or_o devise_n of_o man_n swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o this_o exact_a purity_n be_v very_o few_o beside_o the_o first_o church_n build_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o israelite_n and_o by_o the_o aposteles_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o immediate_o after_o their_o day_n creep_v in_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o be_v hardly_o
necodemus_fw-la a_o master_n in_o israel_n iho._n 3.10_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v so_o much_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o messiah_n think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o for_o temporal_a commodity_n and_o last_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o die_v john_n 12.34_o that_o these_o and_o other_o such_o error_n be_v popular_a and_o common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v both_o gather_v out_o of_o their_o say_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o also_o by_o their_o continual_a silence_n in_o these_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v mention_n upon_o any_o occasion_n and_o last_o by_o the_o open_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o hold_v even_o to_o this_o day_n those_o opinion_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o be_v common_o hold_v of_o that_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o error_n we_o think_v as_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n profess_v general_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v then_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o this_o confession_n will_v not_o serve_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o a_o church_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o very_a person_n as_o for_o the_o heretical_a church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o church_n of_o arian_n papist_n or_o any_o other_o maintain_v grievous_a error_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o a_o private_a church_n sect._n 1_o what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v hitherto_o we_o have_v entreat_v in_o general_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n to_o wit_n private_a &_o public_a a_o private_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n serve_v god_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n or_o there_o where_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n general_o &_o public_o consider_v abide_v in_o infidelity_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n we_o have_v many_o example_n first_o from_o the_o beginning_n until_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o all_o which_o time_n the_o church_n be_v private_a second_o after_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v cease_v from_o bâ—ing_v a_o church_n for_o from_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n until_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n constantine_n they_o be_v a_o public_a church_n till_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christians_n be_v private_a for_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o city_n or_o country_n within_o all_o that_o time_n be_v about_o .300_o year_n do_v public_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o a_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n in_o this_o and_o that_o city_n as_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v private_a three_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o church_n at_o this_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v among_o the_o turk_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o infidel_n church_n out_o of_o the_o which_o example_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o private_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n &_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n the_o infidelity_n of_o magistrate_n who_o be_v themselves_o infidel_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v their_o subject_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o be_v perhaps_o content_a to_o tolerate_v the_o same_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o that_o for_o some_o civil_a respect_n as_o namely_o to_o make_v their_o city_n and_o country_n more_o resort_v unto_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o tribute_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n or_o for_o some_o other_o such_o consideration_n last_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o these_o private_a church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n be_v hardly_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o receive_v only_o of_o a_o few_o as_o it_o be_v write_v rom._n 10.16_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n that_o be_v very_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o infidel_n do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o the_o force_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o other_o outward_a respect_n make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o many_o place_n yet_o this_o general_a profession_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o hardly_o and_o seldom_o be_v true_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o here_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v object_v that_o no_o church_n can_v be_v call_v private_a see_v that_o we_o have_v here_o before_o define_v a_o church_n in_o general_a by_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o every_o church_n be_v public_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o a_o private_a house_n or_o family_n or_o in_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o church_n contain_v within_o a_o private_a place_n and_o consist_v of_o a_o small_a company_n may_v true_o and_o fit_o be_v call_v private_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o be_v open_o establish_v among_o all_o and_o in_o every_o place_n yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v count_v public_a and_o not_o private_a so_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n be_v call_v private_a from_o the_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v in_o private_a place_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v a_o public_a city_n or_o country_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o the_o special_n in_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o private_a church_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o it_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v by_o who_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v found_v as_o for_o the_o secondary_a worker_n to_o wit_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o general_a treatise_n of_o plant_v a_o church_n so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o â—he_v first_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o that_o they_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o procure_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o builder_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o call_n power_n and_o authority_n do_v stretch_v so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n private_a man_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o be_v usual_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a builder_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o whereunto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n to_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o man_n to_o seek_v their_o salvation_n do_v necessarelie_o bind_v we_o that_o if_o god_n give_v we_o occasion_n the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o behalf_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o understande_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v whenas_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o christian_n magistrate_n and_o likewise_o of_o other_o governor_n and_o teacher_n as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o câ—â—rch_n aâ—_n all_o or_o else_o so_o decay_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n amongst_o some_o few_o in_o the_o which_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o also_o witâ—_n some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n how_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v to_o labour_n both_o in_o bring_v tâ—ose_n who_o be_v infidel_n to_o the_o
of_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o voluntary_a conjunction_n of_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o government_n of_o counsel_n now_o follow_v the_o necessary_a conjunction_n of_o they_o so_o call_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o common_a authority_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a this_o necessary_a conjunction_n have_v place_n then_o whenas_o diverse_a particular_a church_n be_v tie_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o civil_a authority_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v rule_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o all_o public_a church_n the_o which_o usual_o consist_v of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o church_n for_o if_o any_o one_o populous_a city_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o gospel_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a particular_a church_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n can_v but_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o particular_a church_n all_o which_o although_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a ruler_n or_o teacher_n and_o order_n as_o free_a church_n have_v yet_o they_o have_v also_o a_o common_a government_n and_o law_n proceed_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v for_o in_o public_a church_n the_o civil_a power_n have_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o govern_v by_o the_o which_o be_v one_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a assembly_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n as_o also_o in_o government_n yea_o it_o be_v requisite_a &_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n do_v differ_v from_o the_o rest_n in_o government_n the_o whole_a church_n can_v not_o be_v order_v without_o great_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n but_o yet_o this_o common_a government_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o grovernment_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o counsel_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v do_v from_o free_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n yet_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o who_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o call_v or_o pass_v over_o who_o he_o think_v meet_a or_o unmeete_a so_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o either_o whole_o to_o neglect_v or_o light_o to_o regard_v to_o call_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o best_a gift_n yet_o so_o that_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v free_a church_n and_o especial_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o reason_n declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n when_o they_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o be_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o roll_a of_o the_o whole_a action_n unless_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v his_o authority_n to_o some_o other_o and_o by_o pray_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o consultation_n &_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o begin_v it_o then_o he_o be_v to_o propound_v in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o want_n fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o ch._n which_o he_o himself_o have_v observe_v &_o will_v have_v supply_v and_o take_v away_o to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o he_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v he_o be_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o every_o one_o present_a to_o speak_v their_o mind_n free_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v propound_v as_o also_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o think_v good_a for_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o &_o do_v appear_v to_o all_o or_o to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o right_o &_o meet_v to_o be_v decree_v he_o be_v to_o establish_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o which_o the_o whole_a ch._n ought_v to_o obey_v that_o which_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o another_o time_n of_o meeting_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v somuch_o the_o soon_o as_o the_o matter_n controverse_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o more_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o themselves_o and_o other_o will_v make_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o can_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n neither_o yet_o defer_v without_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a ruler_n may_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o council_n decree_n and_o enact_v that_o which_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o use_v this_o authority_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o many_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v the_o enact_v of_o ecclesiastical_a laweâ—_n without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o council_n yea_o the_o suspicion_n of_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o ch._n of_o god_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v in_o regard_v whereof_o many_o christian_n emperor_n &_o ruler_n do_v resign_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o govern_v the_o ch_n to_o these_o counsel_n ruler_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n not_o only_o of_o advise_v law_n but_o also_o of_o enact_v or_o the_o give_n unto_o they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o mâ—y_n easy_o turn_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o whole_o to_o bâ—_n follow_v yet_o it_o show_v how_o great_a regard_n civil_a ruler_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o judgement_n &_o advice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n subject_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o the_o council_n think_v good_a to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v great_o regard_v yet_o if_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o can_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a ch._n in_o that_o name_n as_o touch_v the_o number_n whereof_o any_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v there_o can_v any_o be_v define_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o who_o the_o depose_n &_o authorise_v of_o this_o whole_a action_n do_v belong_v yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ch._n &_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o if_o some_o be_v have_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o will_v make_v the_o law_n enact_v to_o be_v much_o more_o willing_o receive_v &_o obey_v whenas_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n consent_n unto_o they_o and_o especial_o this_o be_v requisite_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o use_v of_o these_o counsel_n both_o in_o free_a and_o public_a church_n whereof_o we_o will_v brief_o speak_v the_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n of_o doctrine_n this_o be_v needful_a and_o good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o repress_v of_o heresy_n which_o do_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o forcible_a for_o either_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n to_o take_v the_o say_a heresy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o do_v maintain_v they_o or_o else_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v be_v public_o establish_v will_v be_v able_a to_o remove_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n second_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v upon_o by_o many_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o full_o ground_v in_o some_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v forward_o those_o who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o for_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v from_o the_o church_n a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v we_o may_v be_v great_o help_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o last_o this_o form_n of_o
although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
evil_n be_v in_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o idolatry_n in_o that_o they_o do_v forsake_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v forsake_v they_o and_o take_v from_o they_o their_o judge_n in_o who_o day_n they_o live_v in_o religious_a order_n and_o peaceable_a estate_n and_o so_o the_o people_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v judg._n 9.13.14.15_o forsake_v the_o vine_n the_o figtree_n and_o the_o olive_n tree_n even_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessing_n and_o say_v to_o the_o brier_n come_v and_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o we_o will_v trust_v in_o thy_o shadow_n for_o to_o have_v a_o king_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o power_n do_v usual_o go_v together_o rom._n 15.12_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v trust_v in_o he_o three_o the_o people_n in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n do_v despise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o judge_n as_o base_a and_o contemptible_a for_o that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spiritte_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o outward_a show_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n which_o the_o stately_a monarchy_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v carry_v with_o they_o the_o last_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o this_o action_n we_o call_v by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o disobedience_n for_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n they_o have_v a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a desire_n to_o be_v transform_v into_o all_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o profane_a nation_n amongst_o who_o they_o dwell_v as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o their_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o â—id_v affect_v a_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a kind_n of_o government_n thus_o we_o see_v why_o god_n be_v offend_v with_o this_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n as_o for_o the_o government_n itself_o he_o do_v never_o mislike_v it_o for_o although_o he_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o this_o cook_v mean_n yet_o he_o do_v always_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o may_v plain_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o for_o that_o he_o promise_v abraham_n gen._n 17.6_o that_o of_o his_o seed_n shall_v come_v king_n and_o nation_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v chief_o of_o this_o faithful_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n although_o beside_o they_o other_o come_v of_o abraham_n second_o moses_n do_v foretell_v this_o deut._n 17._o it_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o people_n be_v quiet_o possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n they_o will_v have_v a_o king_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o but_o this_o do_v most_o evident_o apppeare_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o jacob_n who_o say_v genesis_n 49._o that_o the_o rod_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n nor_o a_o lawegiver_n cease_v to_o be_v of_o his_o offspring_n till_o silo_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n now_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o judge_n for_o of_o they_o all_o only_a othoniell_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n yea_o god_n do_v always_o purpose_n that_o christ_n shall_v succeed_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o the_o evente_a have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n shall_v come_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o lion_n whelp_n that_o be_v the_o stately_a kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o continual_a descent_n thereof_o yea_o the_o great_a lion_n &_o the_o little_a lion_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a &_o eternaâ—l_a king_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o temporal_a and_o earthly_a king_n of_o israel_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o messias_n be_v defer_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n &_o be_v make_v to_o david_n who_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o first_o king_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v math._n 16._o david_n the_o king_n that_o be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o forefather_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o touch_v and_o last_o this_o government_n may_v seem_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o it_o do_v most_o livele_o represent_v the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n for_o although_o all_o magistrate_n do_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o chief_o do_v it_o who_o authority_n be_v absolute_a and_o their_o glory_n great_a come_v near_o to_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n although_o it_o be_v infer_v of_o the_o former_a point_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v account_v lawful_a for_o we_o yet_o it_o may_v brief_o be_v consider_v by_o these_o reason_n for_o that_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o samuel_n a_o faithful_a prophet_n and_o so_o account_v of_o all_o israel_n yea_o for_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n by_o solomon_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n by_o asa_n jehosophat_n and_o other_o religious_a king_n by_o good_a ezechias_n and_o by_o zealous_a josias_n who_o will_v never_o have_v bear_v this_o office_n if_o the_o kind_n of_o government_n have_v be_v in_o any_o respect_n unlawful_a the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o take_v against_o this_o kind_n of_o monarchy_n be_v as_o touch_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o power_n &_o majesty_n of_o it_o in_o this_o manner_n that_o howsoever_o the_o profane_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v suffer_v tyrant_n to_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v yea_o and_o do_v foolish_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n desire_v such_o a_o lofty_a government_n yet_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n both_o intolerable_a &_o altogether_o unlawful_a that_o one_o shall_v so_o have_v all_o the_o power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v at_o his_o pleasure_n overthrow_v all_o or_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v employ_v to_o maintain_v he_o in_o his_o jollity_n upon_o sumptuous_a building_n costly_a attire_n dainty_a fare_n great_a reward_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o will_v serve_v for_o many_o necessary_a use_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o answer_v hereof_o we_o be_v far_o from_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v any_o people_n which_o live_v under_o a_o moderate_a government_n by_o this_o wicked_a example_n of_o this_o people_n to_o affect_v or_o desire_v this_o estate_n yea_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a kind_n of_o government_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o safe_a constancy_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a kind_n of_o government_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v practise_v amongst_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n for_o howsoever_o some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o magistracy_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a safe_a or_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o and_o all_o other_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v account_v lawful_a for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o from_o god_n and_o all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v have_v be_v institute_v by_o god_n rom._n 13.2_o and_o especial_o of_o this_o government_n now_o in_o question_n we_o may_v see_v daniel_n 5.18.19_o that_o god_n do_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o it_o king_n for_o there_o it_o be_v say_v o_o king_n god_n give_v nabuchadnezzer_n thy_o father_n a_o kingdom_n then_o follow_v a_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o kingdom_n even_o majesty_n honour_n and_o glory_n he_o slay_v wâ—ome_v he_o will_v and_o smite_v who_o he_o will_v he_o advance_v and_o debase_v who_o he_o please_v now_o that_o we_o see_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n we_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o it_o be_v subject_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o which_o point_n it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o as_o all_o other_o power_n authority_n principality_n and_o dominion_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v whether_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n so_o also_o this_o kingdom_n be_v whole_o &_o absolute_o subject_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o power_n and_o bind_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o 17._o of_o deutronomie_n that_o the_o king_n whensoever_o he_o be_v make_v shall_v take_v a_o excript_n of_o the_o
be_v desperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o not_o all_o nor_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o infidel_n but_o a_o very_a few_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o of_o who_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o point_n we_o have_v in_o the_o definition_n which_o say_v that_o all_o who_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o as_o a_o king_n may_v divide_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o live_v within_o his_o dominion_n know_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o into_o forrenner_n who_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n do_v he_o no_o service_n make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o and_o in_o brief_a have_v no_o kind_n of_o deal_n with_o he_o so_o all_o man_n live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o god_n subject_n and_o servant_n live_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v ephes._n 2.12.19_o citizen_n with_o the_o faint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v aliante_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n without_o the_o promise_n covenant_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yea_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o forsomuch_o as_o god_n be_v serve_v many_o way_n in_o deed_n or_o in_o show_v only_o sincere_o or_o hypocritical_o pure_o or_o corrupt_o full_o or_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n in_o knowledge_n or_o in_o ignorance_n and_o after_o many_o other_o difference_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o search_v out_o what_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n do_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v church_n that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n although_o join_v with_o impotency_n of_o perform_v any_o actual_a service_n yea_o with_o hypocrisy_n corruption_n imperfection_n error_n and_o heresy_n will_v serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o first_o difference_n some_o serve_v god_n actual_o by_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v he_o by_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o obey_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o by_o trust_v fear_v and_o love_v god_n in_o heart_n namely_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o can_v serve_v god_n by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o wit_n infant_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o age_n can_v hear_v or_o understande_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v god_n or_o serve_v he_o in_o any_o actual_a manner_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o bear_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n or_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n church_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o well_o as_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v 1._o corin._n 7.14_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o christian_n be_v holy_a mean_v even_o the_o young_a infant_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o faithful_a parent_n not_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n do_v add_v any_o inward_a and_o real_a holiness_n unto_o they_o but_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o holy_a profession_n or_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o also_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o suppose_a holiness_n if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o law_n all_o the_o young_a child_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o holy_a people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n offer_v their_o young_a one_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n that_o they_o give_v his_o child_n to_o moloch_n ezec._n 16.21_o thus_o much_o of_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o mere_a profession_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o actual_a serve_v of_o god_n the_o which_o where_o it_o be_v in_o sincerity_n of_o hart_n and_o life_n perform_v it_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o christâ—s_n mystical_a body_n much_o more_o theâ—_n of_o his_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o actual_a service_n be_v imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v first_o in_o hypocrite_n who_o want_v the_o inward_a service_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o also_o heretic_n do_v some_o part_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o dissolute_a man_n the_o service_n of_o outward_a life_n and_o ignorant_a idiote_n the_o service_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o as_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o church_n want_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n wicked_a man_n heretic_n and_o idiote_n be_v not_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n but_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o they_o and_o first_o of_o hypocrite_n by_o the_o which_o name_n we_o call_v those_o man_n in_o who_o the_o outward_a service_n be_v perfect_a in_o that_o they_o both_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o also_o express_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o spiritte_v and_o truth_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_v spiritte_v spring_v thereof_o this_o manner_n of_o serve_v god_n be_v not_o please_v but_o rather_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o he_o esay_n 1.14_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o available_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o church_n but_o rather_o make_v man_n damnation_n the_o more_o just_a yet_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o name_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v true_a minister_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o judas_n be_v a_o true_a apostle_n whereof_o it_o do_v necessarelie_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n they_o who_o have_v freedom_n and_o interest_n in_o such_o body_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o favour_n be_v count_v true_a subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o outward_a obedience_n to_o law_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v know_v to_o bear_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o unnatural_a and_o disloyal_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n or_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o hypocrite_n destitute_a of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v hypocrite_n be_v make_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v that_o they_o have_v no_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v consider_v both_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n two_o diverse_a way_n for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n be_v a_o head_n to_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o unto_o who_o he_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n effectual_a grace_n spiritual_a motion_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o this_o respect_n hypocrite_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n secondlie_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o head_n not_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o also_o to_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n ministerial_a gift_n and_o ecclesiastical_a function_n even_o as_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a first_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n of_o tongue_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophesy_v ephesian_n 4.8_o where_o he_o like_v a_o victorious_a king_n triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o give_v
gift_n to_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n secondlie_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o grace_n tend_v to_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n love_n and_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o true_a believer_n the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o truth_n mark_v 4.16_o hypocrite_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o faithful_a these_o grace_n be_v sincere_a evident_a effectual_a constant_a and_o perpetual_a but_o in_o hypocrite_n they_o be_v obscure_a in_o small_a measure_n unprofitable_a and_o temporary_a yea_o mix_v with_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o both_o faithful_a and_o hypocritical_a man_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n there_o be_v also_o one_o body_n but_o the_o one_o to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o saviour_n the_o other_o to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o lord_n the_o one_o to_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n the_o other_o to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o one_o by_o a_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o after_o a_o light_a manner_n the_o one_o for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o sect._n 4._o that_o heretic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o both_o hold_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o also_o lead_v a_o life_n in_o outward_a appearance_n correspondent_a thereunto_o do_v full_o profess_v the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o profession_n be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o who_o either_o lead_v a_o life_n or_o maintain_v some_o heresy_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n for_o both_o kind_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n ready_a to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o word_n although_o they_o do_v indirect_o by_o wickedness_n of_o life_n or_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n deny_v their_o own_o profession_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v who_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n nor_o yet_o have_v faith_n who_o be_v not_o sanctify_v from_o a_o wicked_a life_n yet_o man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v by_o excommunication_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n church_n yet_o they_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n from_o the_o which_o no_o censure_n can_v separate_v save_o only_a death_n likewise_o as_o touch_v ignorant_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a estate_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n because_o of_o their_o profession_n but_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v of_o heretic_n who_o do_v maintain_v some_o grievous_a heresy_n and_o that_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o who_o think_v erroneous_o of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o nature_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacramenteâ—_n or_o of_o â—ny_n other_o such_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n whether_o these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o such_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n although_o their_o heresy_n be_v both_o many_o and_o grievous_a yea_o such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o urge_v will_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o argument_n overthrow_n faith_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v to_o wit_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n who_o deny_v by_o divinity_n of_o christ_n this_o do_v almost_o direct_o overthrow_v christianity_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a mediator_n &_o then_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o vain_a this_o will_v follow_v plain_o of_o that_o heresy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v their_o blindness_n that_o maintain_v it_o that_o they_o do_v together_o maintain_v and_o profess_v zealous_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o and_o do_v believe_v obey_v and_o honour_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n church_n the_o which_o dotâ—_n appear_v by_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o ariuâ—_n the_o chief_a maintaineâ—_n of_o that_o heresy_n do_v exhibit_v to_o constantine_n wherein_o although_o he_o do_v dissemble_v his_o heresy_n yet_o it_o show_v what_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n hold_v in_o the_o test_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 4._o pag._n 13.42_o yea_o this_o heresy_n be_v common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n very_o â—ewe_a of_o they_o do_v think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o what_o be_v think_v of_o christ_n even_o of_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n we_o may_v gather_v by_o the_o word_n of_o cleophas_n lâ—ke_n 24._o have_v thou_o not_o hear_v of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o church_n both_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o after_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o not_o to_o overpasse_v in_o â—â—lence_n popery_n the_o most_o common_a heresy_n of_o our_o time_n wherewith_o the_o church_n both_o be_v now_o most_o annoy_v and_o have_v in_o time_n past_o be_v lamentable_o oppress_v and_o almost_o clean_o ourthrowen_v it_o do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o grievous_a error_n that_o most_o man_n do_v think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o heresy_n but_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o maintainer_n &_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o be_v alienates_v from_o â—he_n commonwealth_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o of_o those_o great_a heresy_n of_o idolatry_n transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n mean_v justification_n by_o work_n freewill_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n yea_o of_o many_o other_o great_a error_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v no_o whole_a part_n but_o all_o full_a of_o loath_a some_o and_o dangerous_a â—oreâ—_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o they_o seemâ—_n to_o many_o to_o have_v in_o they_o no_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n but_o to_o be_v dead_a &_o rot_a stock_n yea_o to_o have_v no_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o if_o due_a consideration_n be_v have_v how_o far_o â—he_v nature_n and_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n do_v stretch_v itself_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o may_v true_o account_v theâ—_n christian_n and_o so_o consequent_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o they_o do_v still_o profess_v hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o chief_a fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n religion_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o hiâ—_n dâ—ath_v and_o passion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n contain_v in_o that_o sum_n of_o religion_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n so_o that_o although_o by_o 〈…〉_o they_o do_v wound_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n kill_v themselves_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o keep_v there_o remain_v 〈◊〉_d they_o some_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o man_n who_o although_o he_o both_o lack_v many_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o also_o have_v the_o rest_n corrupt_v with_o pestilent_a disease_n yâ—t_o draw_v breath_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o live_a man_n the_o reason_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o think_v that_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o for_o that_o faith_n and_o especial_o a_o general_a and_o historical_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n be_v account_v a_o christian_n may_v be_v lodge_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n together_o with_o such_o error_n as_o
other_o so_o to_o do_v six_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v never_o pure_a here_o on_o earth_n no_o more_o than_o the_o goldly_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v hypocrite_n mix_v with_o true_a believer_n yea_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v far_o great_a then_o of_o the_o other_o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v sect._n 8._o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o member_n the_o which_o be_v either_o scatter_v abroad_o of_o the_o which_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n most_o simple_a or_o else_o be_v join_v together_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n do_v make_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o which_o with_o the_o disperse_a member_n make_v the_o catholic_a church_n the_o which_o we_o divide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n into_o disperse_a member_n church_n and_o particular_a church_n even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o one_o of_o those_o who_o do_v wander_v hither_o and_o thither_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o society_n company_n or_o corporation_n the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o dwell_v together_o in_o some_o town_n or_o city_n under_o law_n government_n and_o in_o due_a order_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o disperse_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n sect._n 1_o for_o what_o cause_n man_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n although_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ordinare_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v together_o by_o the_o institution_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o diverse_a occasion_n of_o all_o which_o in_o general_a this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o they_o be_v either_o necessary_a constrain_a man_n against_o their_o will_n or_o else_o unlawful_a and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o touch_v that_o voluntary_a or_o rather_o wilful_a separation_n of_o the_o eremites_n in_o time_n past_a who_o forsake_v the_o company_n of_o man_n do_v choose_v to_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n unawfull_a it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v imitate_v for_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v as_o civil_a society_n for_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o our_o temporal_a life_n so_o also_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v help_v each_o by_o other_o in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v private_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n of_o one_o to_o another_o yea_o the_o example_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o our_o brethren_n and_o final_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o edification_n whereof_o these_o eremites_n make_v themselves_o destitute_a and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v as_o they_o do_v sin_n against_o their_o own_o body_n in_o that_o leave_v those_o place_n where_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n needful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pesent_a life_n may_v convenient_o be_v have_v do_v by_o suffer_a hunger_n thirst_n cold_a and_o nakedness_n make_v themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o the_o perform_v of_o any_o christian_n duty_n so_o they_o do_v much_o more_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o pine_v away_o through_o want_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o which_o they_o do_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o delusion_n of_o sathan_n yea_o they_o do_v inflict_v upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o not_o unworthe_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o the_o scripture_n 1._o cor._n 3._o call_v give_v up_o to_o sathan_n in_o that_o they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o object_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n 9.2_o who_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v a_o cottage_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v speak_v diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speech_n yea_o sometime_o also_o in_o humane_a impatience_n which_o he_o do_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n as_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v this_o desire_n second_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o no_o such_o mind_n but_o in_o a_o vain_a presumption_n pretend_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n to_o work_v their_o salvation_n without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o confess_v indeed_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o popery_n do_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o commodious_o and_o lawful_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o vast_a desert_n then_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a church_n be_v in_o that_o case_n but_o most_o of_o these_o eremites_n be_v more_o foolish_o superstitious_a than_o they_o be_v who_o they_o leave_v and_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o have_v that_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o of_o god_n to_o see_v and_o abhor_v those_o palpable_a corruption_n as_o for_o those_o who_o although_o they_o live_v in_o desert_n place_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o company_n of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n their_o do_v be_v more_o probable_a because_o they_o seem_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o live_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o their_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o a_o church_n serve_v god_n aright_o in_o any_o measure_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v constrain_v by_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n whenas_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v without_o evident_a danger_n meet_v together_o so_o we_o read_v act._n 8.1_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o save_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o whenas_o any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v captive_n and_o by_o violence_n carry_v into_o those_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n and_o there_o detain_v as_o if_o a_o christian_n be_v constrain_v to_o abide_v among_o the_o turk_n jew_n or_o any_o other_o infidel_n yea_o many_o have_v in_o all_o time_n serve_v god_n who_o never_o be_v of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n have_v continual_o live_v amongst_o infidel_n these_o although_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n to_o those_o place_n where_o they_o understand_v the_o church_n to_o be_v and_o to_o make_v their_o abode_n there_o yet_o often_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o native_a country_n upon_o diverse_a occasion_n as_o namely_o for_o that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n can_v easy_o overcome_v the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o counsel_v they_o that_o in_o no_o case_n they_o forsake_v their_o country_n kindred_n friend_n house_n and_o land_n and_o cast_v themselves_o into_o infinite_a danger_n trouble_n and_o misery_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v accompany_v they_o who_o live_v in_o strange_a place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o know_v not_o either_o what_o or_o where_o the_o church_n be_v and_o so_o can_v endeavour_v to_o come_v to_o it_o and_o last_o even_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v necessary_a cause_n constrain_a they_o to_o live_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o same_o as_o contagious_a disease_n as_o the_o leprosy_n be_v amongst_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o which_o we_o read_v that_o king_n ozias_n be_v separate_v a_o long_a time_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o man_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o do_v so_o continue_v be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n
and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n and_o even_o compel_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o iron_n must_v first_o be_v make_v hot_a in_o the_o fire_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v any_o new_a foâ—me_n so_o must_v the_o hard_a heart_n be_v mollify_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_v a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o man_n must_v first_o be_v make_v to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o they_o before_o they_o can_v learn_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o physician_n come_v not_o to_o whole_a man_n neither_o do_v the_o surgeon_n lay_v his_o plaster_n but_o upon_o wound_a and_o bruise_a member_n thus_o do_v john_n go_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n luk._n 1.17_o and_o thus_o christ_n prepare_v the_o young_a man_n math._n 19.21_o and_o peter_n the_o jew_n act_n 2.37_o who_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o hear_v their_o sin_n they_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o paul_n the_o man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.31_o and_o last_o thus_o do_v god_n himself_o by_o a_o fearful_a earthquake_n prepare_v the_o jailer_n act_n 16.30_o and_o according_a to_o these_o exmple_n all_o other_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o by_o mention_v and_o urge_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o heinous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o man_n which_o they_o can_v least_o excuse_v and_o whereof_o they_o be_v most_o ashamed_a yea_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o because_o it_o will_v more_o easy_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n be_v ingraft_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n great_o diminish_v obscure_v and_o pervert_v yet_o there_o remain_v a_o confuse_a and_o dark_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n and_o also_o of_o the_o reward_n belong_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o death_n due_a to_o sin_n rom._n 1.32_o the_o gentile_n know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yea_o of_o this_o knowledge_n come_v a_o conscience_n in_o infidel_n sometime_o excuse_v they_o although_o false_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accuse_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o conscience_n of_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v enlighten_v and_o stir_v uppe_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o therefore_o hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o whereby_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v do_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n religion_n be_v brief_o and_o summarelie_o to_o be_v propund_v even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v to_o preach_v christ._n infidel_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o sermon_n be_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v of_o most_o force_n as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v continual_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o speak_v likewise_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n although_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o evident_a argument_n draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n philosopher_n prophetess_n and_o oracle_n whereby_o the_o probability_n truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v declare_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_a the_o which_o who_o so_o desire_v to_o know_v may_v see_v they_o in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n both_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a unto_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v drive_v from_o that_o may_v be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v sect._n 4._o how_o man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v order_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v win_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v be_v upon_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o other_o and_o so_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o those_o of_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o express_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o true_a repentance_n and_o a_o christian_n life_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a to_o profess_v the_o same_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o we_o read_v act_n 8.16_o that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptize_v and_o so_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whenas_o none_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v so_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v act_n 8._o upon_o this_o confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o dig_v metal_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o the_o first_o â—ake_v for_o gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_n and_o afterward_o purge_v the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o corrupt_a dross_n and_o from_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o as_o fisher_n take_v for_o fish_n whatsoever_o come_v to_o the_o net_n but_o afterward_o separate_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a math._n 13.47.48_o so_o at_o the_o first_o the_o ministry_n receave_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o separate_v the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o wicked_a from_o the_o godly_a although_o not_o perfect_o but_o before_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n the_o summarie_a doctrine_n of_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o great_a fruit_n to_o wit_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o john_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o do_v testify_v john_n 2.33_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n a_o badge_n and_o common_a liveray_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o profess_v his_o name_n christian_n and_o to_o be_v know_v from_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o by_o baptism_n they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o further_o that_o it_o belong_v chief_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o by_o drown_v we_o in_o water_n it_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a before_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 6.4_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o circumcision_n the_o which_o do_v under_o the_o law_n both_o distinguishe_v the_o jew_n as_o god_n people_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o profane_v death_n and_o also_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o receiver_n eternal_a death_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a sacrament_n of_o the_o passover_n do_v eternal_a life_n for_o the_o one_o sacrament_n be_v of_o a_o bloody_a signification_n wound_v the_o body_n and_o so_o threaten_a death_n but_o the_o other_o grave_a the_o comfortable_a nourishment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o do_v baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n differ_v last_o that_o both_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n although_o they_o
rite_n than_o she_o list_v herself_o so_o that_o these_o ecclesiastical_a law_n make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o any_o office_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o david_n do_v add_v unto_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o office_n of_o singer_n 1._o chro._n 6.31_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o do_v this_o by_o himself_o and_o other_o as_o by_o prophet_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a authority_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o see_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v we_o answer_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o square_a of_o all_o christian_n and_o spiritual_a action_n not_o only_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_n man_v life_n but_o see_v that_o they_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o word_n do_v show_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o by_o give_v general_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o as_o these_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o law_n unlawful_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n nothing_o inconvenient_a offensive_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n god_n nothing_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a yea_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o make_v as_o they_o may_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o these_o rule_n do_v belong_v as_o well_o to_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o private_a man_n as_o to_o the_o public_a consultation_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v any_o certain_a direction_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o second_o help_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v afford_v we_o for_o the_o make_n of_o these_o law_n to_o wit_n particular_a example_n of_o the_o like_a case_n which_o give_v a_o great_a light_n in_o these_o action_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o case_n and_o those_o which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v wise_o observe_v but_o neither_o this_o second_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a forsomuch_o as_o particular_a case_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o diverse_a that_o there_o can_v always_o be_v find_v like_o example_n yea_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o example_n be_v find_v do_v easy_o breed_v great_a controversy_n doubt_n and_o erroure_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_n which_o be_v that_o those_o humane_a law_n be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ceremony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n so_o as_o they_o may_v most_o fit_o express_v and_o resemble_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n but_o neither_o this_o three_o way_n do_v always_o serve_v for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v the_o true_a nature_n oâ—_n the_o action_n where_o unto_o the_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v make_v conformable_a especial_o since_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v pervert_v alter_v and_o almost_o whole_o corrupt_v as_o also_o because_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o easy_a to_o judge_v a_o right_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o those_o other_o point_n which_o we_o be_v now_o â—o_o consider_v yet_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v diligent_o use_v will_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o devise_v of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v arbitrarie_a to_o the_o church_n not_o â—s_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v what_o they_o lift_v in_o the_o least_o action_n of_o their_o private_a life_n much_o less_o in_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o which_o all_o action_n and_o law_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o try_v for_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a &_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v general_o consider_v yet_o whenas_o they_o come_v to_o be_v practise_v &_o weigh_v with_o special_a circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n do_v appear_v unto_o we_o than_o they_o be_v no_o more_o indifferent_a as_o before_o but_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o the_o foresay_a instance_n at_o what_o time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v public_o preach_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whereof_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v yet_o if_o they_o appoint_v those_o time_n at_o which_o the_o people_n can_v convenient_o come_v together_o than_o they_o do_v even_o in_o this_o indifferent_a thing_n offend_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o private_a and_o much_o more_o public_a we_o do_v that_o which_o may_v make_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o yet_o these_o law_n which_o be_v so_o make_v that_o they_o be_v only_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n not_o simple_o unlawful_a although_o they_o can_v lawful_o be_v make_v yet_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v obey_v for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o bring_v grief_n or_o inconvenience_n to_o his_o brother_n obey_v yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v and_o bear_v that_o inconvenience_n whenas_o it_o can_v convenient_o be_v avoid_v sect._n 4._o according_a to_o what_o rule_v ecclesiastical_a humane_a laweâ—_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o chief_a rule_n of_o these_o law_n in_o advise_v whereof_o there_o must_v consideration_n be_v have_v of_o all_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o that_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v they_o may_v agree_v withal_o and_o fight_v with_o none_o and_o especial_o of_o these_o first_o of_o the_o age_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v second_o of_o the_o nature_n disposition_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o people_n three_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n for_o which_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v four_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o civil_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o last_o of_o the_o law_n of_o other_o church_n we_o say_v that_o in_o make_v church_n law_n beside_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n diverse_a other_o rule_n be_v necessare_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o knowledge_n wherein_o man_n do_v common_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v rare_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eli._n 1._o samuel_n 3.1_o hereof_o due_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o neither_o less_o nor_o more_o be_v exact_v of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o law_n than_o the_o time_n present_a can_v afford_v for_o private_a ignoraunce_n may_v be_v sudden_o take_v away_o but_o public_a blindness_n can_v be_v full_o amend_v but_o in_o progress_n of_o time_n for_o some_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n shine_v clear_o even_o as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v overcast_v with_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o blindness_n time_n and_o shine_v more_o dark_o even_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o day_n this_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n now_o these_o many_o age_n wherein_o blindness_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n bring_v in_o by_o antichrist_n have_v overshadow_a the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n but_o now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n have_v these_o many_o year_n and_o do_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o appear_v unto_o we_o insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o do_v compare_v this_o present_a time_n with_o those_o day_n wherein_o it_o please_v god_n not_o many_o year_n past_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o great_a difference_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o so_o great_a â—s_n that_o the_o
knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v at_o the_o beginning_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o now_o do_v appear_v so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o must_v also_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o ecclesiaâ—tcall_a law_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o of_o they_o also_o who_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n advise_v and_o appoint_v thâ—se_a law_n who_o although_o they_o do_v excel_v all_o other_o in_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o ignoraunce_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v from_o the_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v whole_o free_v as_o may_v be_v declare_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v see_v much_o more_o in_o process_n of_o time_n than_o they_o do_v at_o the_o first_o insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v many_o imperfection_n in_o those_o law_n wherein_o before_o there_o seem_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o liberty_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentiles_n be_v in_o time_n reveal_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o at_o the_o first_o they_o never_o dream_v acts._n 11.18_o second_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o advise_v of_o law_n for_o the_o church_n be_v commmit_v do_v see_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o those_o matter_n whereof_o they_o do_v consult_v yet_o there_o must_v be_v regard_n have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n for_o who_o these_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o their_o estate_n he_o give_v they_o milk_n and_o not_o strong_a meat_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o write_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o their_o salvation_n be_v now_o much_o near_a than_o when_o they_o do_v first_o believe_v rom._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v have_v go_v on_o and_o pass_v away_o by_o little_a &_o little_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o day_n have_v approach_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v see_v that_o the_o gentiles_n which_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o let_v go_v their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v continual_o accustom_v and_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n no_o doubt_n tolerate_v many_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n which_o afterward_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o diverse_a nature_n of_o the_o people_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o some_o need_n more_o sharp_a and_o straight_o law_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n than_o other_o do_v the_o which_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n do_v commend_v to_o titus_n another_o tit._n 1.13_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o gratian'ss_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n and_o slow_a belly_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reprove_v they_o sharp_o and_o special_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v the_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o people_n be_v general_o and_o after_o a_o sort_n natural_o give_v that_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o many_o law_n and_o sharp_a censure_n and_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o they_o who_o do_v offend_v and_o by_o cut_v off_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o those_o sinneâ—_n yea_o the_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o man_n common_o receive_v be_v often_o time_n to_o be_v mark_v in_o appoint_v the_o outward_a order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v decent_a and_o orderly_a in_o one_o country_n which_o will_v be_v strange_a and_o unseemly_a in_o another_o three_o for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n which_o we_o do_v go_v about_o to_o put_v in_o good_a order_n by_o these_o law_n we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o it_o the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v diverse_a and_o subject_a to_o many_o alteration_n so_o ought_v the_o law_n to_o be_v change_v so_o as_o they_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o present_a state_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v either_o in_o plant_v or_o else_o in_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n either_o in_o great_a motion_n or_o else_o full_o establish_v and_o settle_v pure_a or_o corrupt_a perfect_a or_o imperfect_a so_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o frame_v according_o of_o all_o which_o estate_n we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o entreat_v four_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v by_o hinder_v the_o church_n from_o perform_v any_o civil_a duty_n which_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o respect_n which_o herein_o be_v to_o be_v have_v this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v regard_v that_o we_o do_v labour_n to_o conform_v our_o law_n to_o the_o law_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o substance_n of_o government_n so_o also_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o ceremony_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n although_o not_o all_o for_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o in_o the_o great_a part_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o full_a agreement_n of_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a importance_n without_o any_o jar_a be_v as_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o most_o decent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o faith_n it_o do_v also_o bring_v great_a estimation_n authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o several_a church_n for_o that_o hardly_o any_o christian_n will_v be_v find_v so_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a as_o to_o contemn_v or_o reject_v those_o order_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o practise_v by_o many_o church_n this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n do_v often_o use_v to_o establish_v and_o keep_v in_o force_n the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.36_o and_o 1._o thâ—ss_n 2.14_o sect._n 5_o of_o the_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n the_o number_n of_o these_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v define_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o order_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v take_v away_o there_o will_v a_o manifest_a inconvenience_n follow_v neither_o ought_v the_o number_n to_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o the_o multitude_n of_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o christian_n liberty_n in_o that_o it_o do_v both_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v very_o commodious_a for_o they_o to_o do_v and_o also_o impose_v duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v otherwise_o needless_a be_v a_o burden_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n avoid_v this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n for_o this_o purpose_n especial_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n to_o take_v from_o his_o church_n that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a law_n wherewith_o she_o be_v grievous_o clog_v before_o and_o to_o endue_v she_o be_v now_o more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n her_o husband_n with_o this_o notable_a privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n man_n can_v without_o great_a injury_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n take_v away_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o impious_a and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n impose_v such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n as_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n both_o of_o judicial_a &_o also_o of_o heathenish_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15.28_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o we_o not_o to_o lay_v any_o burden_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o church_n more_o than_o be_v needful_a second_o the_o multitude_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n which_o in_o no_o case_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o
remove_v yet_o the_o church_n have_v this_o purity_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o religious_a king_n of_o israel_n who_o do_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o relic_n monument_n and_o shadow_n of_o corruption_n and_o likewise_o in_o diverse_a place_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o in_o these_o last_o day_n wherein_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v his_o church_n out_o of_o that_o sink_n of_o antichristianisme_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o right_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o service_n yea_o church_n as_o they_o have_v a_o small_a beginning_n from_o the_o which_o they_o rise_v and_o a_o state_n unestablish_v wherein_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n so_o also_o they_o may_v at_o lengh_n attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a state_n whereunto_o they_o do_v daily_o grow_v and_o whereat_o they_o ought_v continual_o to_o aim_v it_o be_v then_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o all_o those_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n be_v full_o establish_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n do_v permit_v for_o although_o we_o both_o prophecy_n govern_v teach_v exhortobey_v and_o practice_v only_o in_o part_n in_o this_o life_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o the_o want_n that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o man_n do_v not_o make_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o the_o church_n want_v none_o negligent_o execute_v but_o that_o he_o that_o exhort_v labour_v in_o exhortation_n the_o teacher_n in_o doctrine_n he_o that_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n and_o he_o that_o rule_v in_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n in_o chearfulnesse_n and_o whenas_o the_o people_n do_v by_o these_o mean_n lead_v a_o godly_a and_o a_o christian_n life_n agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n then_o be_v there_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o a_o church_n the_o which_o although_o as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o note_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v attain_v especial_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o professor_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o do_v our_o endeavour_n commit_v the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v hard_a or_o impossible_a yea_o who_o do_v so_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n far_o above_o their_o own_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n which_o will_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o man_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n be_v yet_o more_o gracious_a to_o his_o church_n and_o grant_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o a_o 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interpretation_n teach_v exhort_v or_o any_o other_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o they_o have_v for_o this_o also_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o time_n in_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o go_v forward_o till_o man_n have_v attain_v these_o gift_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n immediate_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o now_o these_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o grant_v they_o to_o his_o church_n in_o such_o abundance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o flourish_a estate_n of_o a_o church_n a_o special_a note_n whereof_o in_o this_o behalf_n be_v when_o there_o be_v many_o endue_v with_o those_o excellent_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o wise_a and_o learned_a teacher_n this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o long_a and_o continual_a peace_n so_o it_o be_v act._n 9.31_o the_o church_n have_v peace_n throughout_o galatia_n jury_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o even_o as_o for_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n the_o lord_n do_v give_v a_o long_a time_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n so_o do_v he_o also_o when_o it_o please_v he_o to_o have_v a_o flourish_a church_n in_o any_o place_n yea_o for_o a_o flourish_a estate_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o these_o day_n require_v abundance_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o singular_a gift_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o industry_n for_o god_n do_v sanctify_v these_o for_o the_o edify_a and_o beautify_v of_o his_o church_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n &_o alexandria_n change_v their_o subtle_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n into_o most_o excellent_a divine_n but_o especial_o they_o of_o corinth_n do_v flourish_v notable_o in_o a_o wonderful_a abundance_n of_o all_o grace_n above_o all_o other_o church_n whereof_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n tongue_n interpretation_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 1.6_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n saitâ—_n 1._o cor._n 4.8_o that_o they_o be_v enrich_v and_o do_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o he_o neither_o be_v these_o grace_n bestow_v only_o upon_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o flourish_a estate_n they_o be_v even_o as_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n so_o that_o
affection_n and_o endeavour_n do_v help_v it_o forward_o as_o they_o who_o do_v build_v out_o of_o order_n or_o not_o in_o due_a time_n aâ—d_v season_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kâ—â—d_n of_o hinderer_n who_o aâ—e_v tru_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o these_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n â—â—nder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v not_o only_o a_o strange_a thing_n although_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o the_o world_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_n and_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o overthrow_n and_o deface_v that_o wherein_o his_o chief_a felicity_n do_v consist_v but_o also_o a_o most_o fearful_a case_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v 1._o cor._n 3.17_o who_o so_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v holy_a he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v and_o philip_n 1.28_o to_o be_v a_o adversary_n to_o the_o church_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o perdition_n howsoever_o the_o lord_n may_v change_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n which_o his_o church_n have_v and_o make_v he_o become_v a_o favourer_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n sect._n 5._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v against_o profess_a hinderer_n they_o who_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n to_o wit_v profess_v or_o hypocritical_a of_o both_o these_o kind_n the_o apostle_n forewarneth_a the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n act._n 20.29_o say_n i_o know_v that_o after_o my_o departure_n fierce_a wolf_n shall_v come_v in_o upon_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n the_o other_o kind_n follow_v and_o of_o yourselves_o there_o shall_v arise_v man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o so_o do_v christ_n his_o disciple_n math._n 24.9.10_o open_a persecutor_n shall_v kill_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n yea_o many_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v offend_v and_o one_o shall_v betray_v a_o other_o and_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o these_o hinderer_n as_o they_o be_v diverse_a so_o they_o be_v diverse_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o yet_o this_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o whenas_o they_o be_v obstinate_o and_o desperate_o malicious_a in_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o imprecation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n neh._n 6.14_o and_o 2._o timo._n 4.14_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v profess_v himself_o to_o be_v both_o a_o servant_n to_o christ_n and_o a_o hinderer_n and_o defacer_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v obscure_v by_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o more_o than_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o they_o who_o hate_v christian_n religion_n do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o that_o most_o common_o by_o open_a violence_n these_o may_v lawful_o be_v resist_v by_o violence_n as_o they_o do_v oppugn_v the_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o do_v build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o hold_v their_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o neh._n 4.17_o therefore_o these_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o hereof_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o force_n of_o open_a enemy_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v resist_v by_o force_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o war_n so_o just_a as_o be_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o any_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a to_o look_v even_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o fight_v for_o we_o for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n whereof_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v serve_v thus_o joah_n incourage_v his_o brother_n 2._o sam._n 10.12_o quit_v thou_o like_o a_o man_n and_o let_v we_o be_v valiant_a for_o our_o people_n and_o for_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n sect._n 6._o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v whenas_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a furtherer_n of_o it_o be_v place_v by_o god_n in_o authority_n for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o their_o mean_n the_o people_n may_v live_v a_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1._o timo._n 2.2_o but_o the_o people_n by_o their_o sin_n do_v often_o pull_v upon_o themselves_o as_o diverse_a other_o judgment_n so_o also_o profane_a and_o godless_a ruler_n so_o much_o abhor_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o embrace_v it_o themselves_o but_o also_o hinder_v their_o subject_n from_o use_v it_o the_o which_o be_v a_o lamentable_a case_n &_o even_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n whenas_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v stretch_v out_o against_o the_o church_n the_o member_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o which_o be_v appoint_v chief_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o have_v many_o example_n hereof_o in_o all_o age_n of_o king_n prince_n emperor_n &_o all_o kind_n of_o ruler_n who_o have_v oppose_v their_o whole_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a hundred_o year_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o do_v miserable_o labour_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecute_v emperor_n &_o the_o like_a may_v be_v see_v in_o every_o age_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o know_v how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v in_o build_v the_o church_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o whether_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o before_o to_o build_v the_o church_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v build_v by_o force_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v diverse_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o rule_n and_o of_o subjection_n for_o some_o magistrate_n do_v so_o rule_v 〈◊〉_d aâ—_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o other_o yea_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o law_n as_o other_o man_n be_v so_o as_o if_o they_o do_v transgress_v either_o in_o their_o private_a life_n or_o in_o public_a administration_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o account_v and_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o the_o people_n or_o by_o the_o chief_a and_o noble_a of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n these_o may_v lawful_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a power_n of_o â—he_n people_n but_o not_o by_o any_o private_a man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o suffer_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n to_o go_v forward_o but_o this_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n for_o here_o subject_n do_v not_o resist_v a_o high_a power_n but_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ruler_n one_o part_n of_o it_o resist_v the_o other_o in_o the_o which_o combat_n the_o low_a power_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o high_a and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v put_v in_o office_n to_o rule_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v accounpt_v as_o deputy_n or_o substitute_n to_o the_o people_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o when_o the_o common_a good_a do_v so_o require_v yea_o if_o any_o people_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o any_o authority_n with_o condition_n of_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v if_o the_o say_a condition_n be_v break_v church_n but_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n wherein_o the_o ruler_n for_o usual_o he_o be_v but_o one_o have_v great_a authority_n and_o a_o more_o sure_a stand_n in_o his_o place_n in_o that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v or_o appoint_v by_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v neither_o do_v take_v his_o authority_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o their_o gift_n but_o have_v it_o from_o god_n from_o his_o predecessor_n and_o from_o himself_o these_o ruler_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n great_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o do_v obtain_v kingdom_n by_o hereditary_a succession_n from_o their_o ancestor_n authoâ—itie_n have_v either_o by_o force_n conquer_v the_o dominion_n of_o
those_o place_n or_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n obtain_v that_o great_a authority_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n yea_o often_o a_o temperate_a and_o mean_a power_n be_v grant_v do_v increase_v to_o this_o immoderate_a and_o absolute_a authority_n whereof_o we_o speak_v the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o conquer_v by_o violence_n and_o unjust_a deal_n dominion_n yet_o if_o afterwards_o it_o be_v by_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n admit_v acknowledge_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o lawful_a authority_n now_o in_o many_o of_o those_o kingdom_n the_o ruler_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o covenant_n or_o condition_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v rule_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o for_o the_o more_o quiet_a obtain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o their_o kingdom_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o inherent_a in_o their_o own_o person_n insomuch_o that_o all_o other_o within_o their_o dominion_n joint_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o private_a man_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o many_o other_o in_o the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o resist_v the_o civil_a authority_n by_o open_a force_n no_o not_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o set_v up_o or_o maintain_v the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a king_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o good_a lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o to_o resist_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v evil_a and_o great_o displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o set_n forward_o of_o this_o work_n when_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o these_o magistrate_n as_o first_o to_o solicit_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n at_o their_o hand_n yea_o even_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n as_o do_v hester_n est._n 4.14.16_o &_o nehemias_n neh._n â—_o 4_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o further_o if_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o redeem_v the_o freedom_n of_o religion_n with_o our_o good_n by_o pay_v to_o our_o ruler_n great_a tribute_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v also_o by_o show_v our_o faithful_a obedience_n loyal_a submission_n and_o dutiful_a service_n even_o to_o the_o unbelieve_a ruler_n as_o do_v daniel_n nehemias_n and_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n and_o such_o like_a the_o lord_n work_v together_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v to_o turn_v at_o his_o pleasure_n it_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o will_v become_v lover_n and_o furtherer_n yea_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o the_o least_o not_o hater_n and_o hinderer_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v continue_v obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o usual_o come_v to_o pass_v become_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o people_n may_v use_v either_o that_o secret_a authority_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o else_o the_o liberty_n and_o benefit_n of_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o so_o notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a ruler_n build_v the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n we_o may_v not_o build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o hold_v our_o weapon_n with_o the_o other_o against_o that_o great_a absolute_a and_o majestical_a authority_n for_o here_o god_n give_v no_o other_o weapon_n where_o withal_o to_o fight_v save_o only_a patience_n to_o suffer_v their_o ungodly_a deal_n and_o if_o they_o become_v malicious_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n wing_n to_o fly_v for_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n move_v either_o by_o our_o own_o magistrate_n or_o by_o any_o other_o power_n we_o may_v fly_v for_o our_o safety_n we_o be_v teach_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o move_v every_o one_o to_o preserve_v his_o life_n by_o all_o good_a mean_n but_o nature_n be_v a_o evil_a counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o behalf_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v give_v we_o this_o liberty_n yea_o this_o counsel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o shall_v fly_v to_o another_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.1_o yea_o this_o be_v good_a not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o the_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o preserve_v the_o church_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v destroy_v in_o us._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n ought_v not_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o undergo_n extreme_a danger_n church_n yea_o the_o lord_n use_v thiâ—_n mean_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 8.4_o yet_o sometime_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o this_o liberty_n of_o fly_v but_o give_v the_o persecutor_n power_n over_o we_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v try_v our_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n yea_o sometime_o it_o be_v also_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o liberty_n though_o we_o may_v as_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o confirm_v the_o weak_a or_o to_o avoid_v the_o slander_n of_o the_o enemy_n object_v to_o we_o fearfulness_n hypocrisy_n want_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n sect._n 7._o of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n hinder_v by_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o christian_n thus_o much_o of_o profess_a hinderer_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o those_o who_o although_o they_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o build_v it_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v hinder_v the_o same_o yea_o often_o more_o than_o the_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o to_o let_v other_o pass_v the_o great_a hurt_n be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o the_o building_n and_o further_a of_o this_o work_n do_v belong_v as_o namely_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o as_o when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n so_o when_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hinderer_n of_o it_o how_o great_a be_v that_o hurt_n for_o the_o first_o the_o civil_a ruler_n for_o so_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o one_o because_o that_o kind_a of_o government_n be_v most_o usual_a may_v great_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n although_o he_o do_v in_o part_n further_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o if_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o do_v retain_v some_o part_n of_o some_o false_a worship_n or_o the_o relic_n and_o memorial_n of_o it_o whereby_o many_o be_v offend_v and_o hinder_v second_o if_o he_o hinder_v the_o establish_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n command_v in_o the_o word_n or_o else_o the_o function_n of_o any_o office_n and_o final_o if_o he_o do_v by_o any_o mean_n hinder_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n in_o that_o place_n here_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n to_o use_v the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o we_o may_v be_v more_o bold_a in_o move_v he_o to_o regard_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o do_v as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o good_a and_o salvation_n as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o other_o we_o may_v also_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v be_v move_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o be_v godly_a wise_a and_o learned_a in_o his_o realm_n yea_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o who_o mean_n the_o church_n be_v build_v may_v deal_v more_o plain_o with_o he_o and_o exhort_v yea_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o duty_n to_o
memory_n and_o other_o common_a gift_n then_o follow_v a_o corrupt_a worship_n consist_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o vain_a babble_n in_o suffer_v hunger_n or_o in_o other_o bodily_a exercise_n further_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n error_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o general_o receive_v or_o if_o in_o steed_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n sin_n do_v abound_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o which_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o rehearse_v come_v a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o touch_v a_o question_n which_o have_v be_v in_o part_n handle_v alone_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o to_o wit_n how_o far_o a_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_a before_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v a_o church_n true_o and_o indeed_o for_o answer_v whereof_o it_o seem_v that_o wheresoever_o a_o company_n of_o man_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o by_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o christ_n profess_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o corruption_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v by_o consequent_a of_o argument_n to_o fight_v with_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o so_o heinous_a as_o that_o in_o respect_n thereof_o church_n the_o people_n stain_v with_o this_o corruption_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o man_n and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o will_v take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n which_o together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v maintain_v and_o use_v idolatry_n not_o worship_v a_o false_a god_n for_o than_o they_o be_v without_o all_o question_n to_o be_v count_v infidel_n but_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a and_o devise_a manner_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o they_o do_v profane_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o a_o most_o horrible_a &_o grievous_a mâ—nner_n thus_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v some_o christians_n do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v in_o some_o sort_n &_o yet_o can_v not_o of_o a_o sudden_a shake_v off_o that_o idolatry_n wherein_o they_o have_v live_v so_o many_o year_n for_o so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n that_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v a_o fornicatour_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o worshipper_n of_o image_n this_o kind_n of_o wâ—rship_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o church_n although_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v god_n unless_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v do_v we_o will_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o the_o ten_o trib_n who_o be_v idolater_n &_o yet_o by_o circumcision_n &_o some_o otherways_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o jehova_n as_o we_o may_v note_v out_o of_o many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o first_o out_o of_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o we_o read_v ro._n 10.25.26_o where_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n gâ—d_n do_v all_o signify_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o 1._o king_n 16.2_o they_o be_v twice_o so_o call_v where_o god_n say_v that_o he_o make_v bahasa_n the_o captain_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n second_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o say_v to_o be_v among_o they_o 1._o king_n 20.28_o because_o the_o syrian_n speak_v of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o they_o be_v overcome_v say_v that_o jehova_n be_v god_n of_o the_o hill_n only_o and_o 1._o king_n 18.35_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n three_o for_o that_o they_o always_o have_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o by_o they_o do_v ask_v and_o receive_v counsel_n of_o god_n in_o their_o weighty_a affair_n thus_o 1._o king_n 22.5.6.7.11_o achab_n ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n 2._o king_n 2.16_o ahazia_n be_v reprove_v by_o god_n for_o that_o he_o send_v to_o ask_v counsel_n at_o baalsebub_n as_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o isâ—ael_n who_o word_n he_o may_v have_v seek_v after_o likewise_o 1._o king_n 5.8_o eliseus_n say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a thing_n that_o israel_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n without_o a_o prophet_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v be_v gather_v also_o 1._o king_n 18.21_o where_o elias_n say_v that_o the_o people_n do_v halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n that_o be_v do_v serve_v they_o both_o together_o and_o last_o by_o that_o which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o that_o place_n whereupon_o god_n do_v as_o yet_o look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o upon_o his_o church_n so_o that_o although_o they_o do_v want_n almost_o the_o whole_a public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v 2._o chro._n 15.3_o to_o be_v without_o god_n without_o priest_n and_o the_o law_n yet_o because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v general_o by_o circumcision_n profess_v of_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o oâ—_n the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n serve_v god_n and_o christ_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o profess_v his_o name_n otherways_o although_o they_o have_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n uncorrupted_a and_o so_o the_o ten_o tribe_n gâ—thâ—r_n some_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o papist_n and_o as_o we_o may_v think_v king_n solomon_n with_o many_o other_o join_a idolatry_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n together_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o samaritan_n that_o they_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_v idol_n 2._o king_n 17.41_o yet_o these_o samaritan_n be_v not_o a_o church_n for_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o mind_n slavish_o fear_v god_n but_o all_o their_o outward_a worship_n be_v do_v unto_o idol_n sect._n 11._o of_o a_o church_n corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o a_o people_n may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o church_n although_o together_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o many_o grievous_a error_n by_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o particular_a point_n no_o not_o the_o weighty_a point_n or_o those_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o foundation_n itself_o but_o the_o general_a and_o main_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o châ—ist_n this_o i_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o since_o his_o come_n it_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v define_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 3.11_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n in_o the_o which_o although_o god_n do_v reveal_v his_o will_n more_o clear_o to_o some_o of_o his_o prophet_n &_o people_n christ._n yet_o the_o church_n general_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o christ_n the_o trinity_n two_o distinct_a nature_n the_o union_n of_o they_o of_o his_o office_n death_n and_o resurrection_n now_o although_o simple_a ignorance_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a a_o sin_n as_o wilful_a heresy_n neither_o a_o heresy_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o one_o since_o his_o come_n yet_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v all_o one_o for_o a_o man_n do_v err_v in_o that_o point_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v hold_v the_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o say_a truth_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n not_o know_v the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n before_o name_v do_v always_o in_o all_o age_n and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n so_o many_o as_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o person_n to_o wit_n god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o deny_v his_o office_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a king_n only_o and_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o we_o see_v in_o
profession_n of_o the_o faith_n church_n and_o also_o to_o bâ—_n a_o mean_n to_o continue_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o so_o it_o be_v record_v act._n 8.4_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v dispeâ—sed_v they_o do_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o man_n labour_v as_o he_o have_v occasion_n offer_v so_o we_o read_v that_o prisciâ—la_n and_o aquila_n have_v a_o church_n in_o their_o own_o house_n which_o we_o may_v well_o think_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o they_o for_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o and_o to_o have_v convert_v many_o rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o so_o colossian_n 4.15_o the_o apostle_n salute_v nympha_fw-la and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o these_o man_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o these_o church_n within_o their_o own_o house_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o he_o build_v the_o church_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n do_v stretch_v by_o this_o rule_n as_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o master_n of_o family_n stretch_v and_o ruler_n of_o city_n and_o country_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v to_o do_v yea_o they_o may_v lawful_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o any_o other_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v yet_o whenas_o they_o have_v win_v any_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o family_n or_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o to_o serve_v god_n together_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o further_a building_n of_o it_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v to_o teach_v and_o order_v the_o say_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v think_v meet_a for_o that_o purpose_n then_o be_v they_o no_o more_o private_a man_n but_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n this_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o the_o build_n of_o any_o such_o private_a church_n he_o or_o they_o if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o purpose_n to_o those_o who_o do_v already_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n near_o to_o that_o place_n that_o their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o do_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o call_v and_o also_o confirm_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o private_a man_n to_o be_v the_o first_o builder_n &_o founder_n of_o a_o private_a church_n consist_v not_o only_a of_o their_o own_o family_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o heart_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o move_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o in_o convert_n other_o there_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v forasmuch_o as_o civil_a ruler_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o do_v give_v a_o toleration_n for_o a_o private_a church_n within_o their_o dominion_n yet_o they_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v turn_v to_o any_o new_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v take_v in_o hand_n this_o work_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o liberty_n as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v with_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o rather_o than_o by_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o call_n to_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o build_v chief_o by_o gather_v together_o those_o who_o do_v already_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o by_o private_a teach_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o for_o other_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o the_o like_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o unblameable_a life_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v the_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n as_o the_o church_n have_v act._n 2.47_o then_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o love_o and_o mild_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o of_o those_o point_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o rome_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n remain_v in_o a_o hire_a house_n private_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o &_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o boldness_n without_o any_o hindrance_n the_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v in_o that_o place_n if_o he_o have_v go_v about_o open_o &_o public_o to_o change_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n &_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o româ—_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v plant_v as_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o private_a church_n so_o likewise_o continue_v it_o this_o always_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v all_o those_o exhortation_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v obey_v magistrate_n &_o ruler_n whether_o high_a or_o loâ—_n râ—m_fw-la 13.1_o peter_n 2.17_o &_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o those_o place_n where_o heathen_a magistrate_n rule_v yea_o christian_n living_n in_o this_o estate_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o their_o brethren_n profess_v the_o faith_n rather_o than_o of_o infidel_n which_o be_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o also_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o abhor_v or_o fly_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n whenas_o by_o just_a occasion_n it_o be_v offer_v for_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthians_n 1.7.12_o that_o the_o believe_a husband_n shall_v not_o put_v away_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v content_a to_o remain_v with_o he_o so_o also_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v often_o invite_v by_o infidel_n to_o their_o banquet_n infidel_n 1._o cor._n 10.27_o and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v great_a patience_n towards_o they_o then_o towards_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n so_o paul_n write_v 1._o cor._n 5.12_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o leave_v their_o fault_n and_o sin_n unreproved_a yet_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o they_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o their_o conversion_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o our_o temporal_a commodity_n can_v be_v without_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereunto_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o also_o to_o our_o own_o hindrance_n in_o regard_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n far_o in_o these_o private_a church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o most_o usual_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o in_o they_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o all_o be_v such_o as_o do_v willing_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n act._n 2.41_o so_o many_o as_o willing_o receive_v the_o word_n christians_n be_v baptize_v yea_o this_o also_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o soundenâ—sse_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o that_o live_n amongst_o infidel_n they_o can_v but_o incur_v the_o hatred_n of_o many_o yea_o oftentimes_o even_o of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n themselves_o by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o sustain_v many_o iniuâ—ies_n and_o hurt_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o temporal_a life_n and_o manifold_a molestation_n scoff_n yea_o reproach_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o these_o private_a church_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o pure_a perfect_a orderly_a and_o free_a then_o public_a church_n be_v for_o
with_o the_o multitude_n there_o come_v in_o confusion_n and_o corruption_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v often_o too_o much_o abridge_v the_o use_n of_o christian_n liberty_n take_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o may_v lawful_o do_v full_a power_n in_o make_v those_o ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o belong_v general_o to_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o but_o in_o these_o church_n the_o whole_a authority_n of_o establish_v law_n order_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o last_o it_o be_v usual_o object_v against_o these_o private_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o tumult_n and_o civil_a dissension_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v breâ—d_v the_o ruin_n of_o those_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o aâ—e_v tolerate_v &_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o wise_a ruler_n who_o tender_v the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n not_o to_o suffer_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v confess_v that_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inflame_v with_o bitter_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o â—â—uersitie_n of_o religion_n do_v stir_v up_o great_a debate_n in_o kingdom_n city_n and_o family_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o church_n desire_v to_o be_v separate_v in_o place_n from_o the_o idolatour_n least_o thâ—y_o shall_v exasperate_v their_o mind_n against_o they_o gen._n 46.34_o exod._n 8.26_o yea_o christ_n do_v profess_v that_o this_o will_v follow_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v at_o deadly_a variance_n with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o mother_n with_o the_o daughter_n and_o that_o a_o man_n near_a friend_n shall_v for_o this_o cause_n become_v his_o cruel_a enemy_n yea_o the_o bloody_a and_o tragical_a tumult_n which_o have_v of_o late_a time_n rise_v and_o continue_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o diverse_a place_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n here_o of_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o banish_v the_o church_n out_o of_o our_o dominion_n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o war_n trouble_n and_o dissension_n than_o idolatry_n with_o quietness_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v with_o christ_n that_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v even_o as_o a_o firebrand_n in_o the_o world_n what_o shall_v be_v our_o desire_n but_o that_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o although_o for_o a_o time_n it_o breed_v trouble_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v find_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o true_a quietness_n chap._n viiii_o of_o a_o public_a church_n sect._n 1_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o public_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o private_a church_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o a_o church_n namely_o when_o any_o whole_a city_n country_n or_o nation_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v a_o church_n consist_v not_o of_o any_o small_a or_o mean_a number_n but_o of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n even_o of_o whole_a nation_n as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n that_o diveâ—s_v great_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o lurk_v in_o any_o family_n or_o private_a corner_n or_o be_v in_o some_o few_o place_n but_o be_v open_o public_o and_o general_o set_v up_o in_o all_o place_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n this_o we_o call_v a_o public_a church_n such_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n most_o of_o all_o the_o city_n commonwealthe_n be_v country_n and_o kingdom_n in_o euâ—ope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o which_o one_o be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o by_o have_v a_o proper_a government_n of_o the_o own_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o humane_a law_n both_o civil_a and_o also_o ecclesiastical_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o think_v that_o these_o country_n be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v church_n in_o they_o and_o that_o not_o all_o the_o people_n general_o but_o only_o some_o few_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o record_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o for_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o convert_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o usual_a deal_n so_o to_o bless_v any_o nation_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n shall_v believe_v and_o become_v faithful_a man_n three_o because_o of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o many_o foul_a corruption_n which_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o church_n the_o which_o seldom_o or_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n last_o because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v thereunto_o by_o the_o law_n &_o edict_n of_o prince_n and_o other_o ruler_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v these_o whole_a city_n or_o nation_n from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o we_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o weâ—e_v no_o such_o public_a and_o general_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v to_o be_v this_o that_o then_o be_v the_o â—ime_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n it_o have_v be_v but_o late_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v in_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o many_o country_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v then_o whenas_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v general_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11.26_o to_o the_o second_o doubt_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o any_o country_n may_v have_v a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v and_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o that_o their_o profession_n hereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o their_o salvation_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v mere_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o such_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v great_a than_o either_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v it_o be_v or_o then_o be_v in_o private_a church_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v less_o and_o that_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o and_o keep_v in_o that_o holy_a order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n private_a and_o further_o that_o these_o public_a church_n so_o seldom_o attain_v to_o any_o pure_a or_o perfect_a estate_n because_o in_o they_o the_o church_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v so_o join_v &_o link_v together_o the_o whole_a affair_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o civil_a estate_n that_o the_o manifold_a alteration_n whereunto_o all_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealths_n be_v subject_a do_v make_v many_o change_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o take_v from_o they_o either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a confusion_n and_o more_o corruption_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n then_o in_o small_a congregation_n for_o so_o we_o see_v even_o in_o the_o first_o congregation_n of_o christians_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v govern_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n do_v increase_v than_o there_o be_v murmur_v among_o they_o and_o so_o even_o this_o private_a church_n do_v tend_v to_o some_o confusion_n act._n 6.1_o yea_o this_o thing_n have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v be_v continual_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o persecution_n do_v flourish_v not_o in_o the_o number_n so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a order_v godliness_n love_n and_o virtue_n do_v
more_o flourish_n the_o lord_n be_v more_o fervent_o and_o hearty_o serve_v and_o call_v upon_o all_o fault_n and_o corruption_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n be_v severe_o censure_v yea_o rather_o sharp_o punish_v but_o whenas_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o his_o church_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o king_n than_o do_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n mighty_o increase_v and_o the_o church_n do_v in_o that_o respect_n flourish_v but_o together_o with_o the_o number_n looseness_n in_o life_n &_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n schism_n heresy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n do_v come_v in_o &_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o so_o that_o these_o multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o inconvenience_n to_o be_v reject_v but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v at_o this_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v philip_n 1.18_o for_o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v although_o for_o vain_a glory_n &_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o that_o according_a as_o he_o promise_v by_o his_o prophet_n esa_n 54.2_o the_o church_n have_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n so_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v come_v into_o her_o bosom_n yea_o even_o this_o that_o the_o name_n of_o câ—rist_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v as_o among_o infidel_n but_o honour_v worship_v and_o call_v upon_o although_o it_o be_v in_o great_a confusion_n yet_o it_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n faith_n and_o therefore_o all_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o rejoice_v herein_o although_o they_o do_v whole_o mistake_v all_o corruption_n and_o the_o confusion_n which_o be_v usual_o in_o these_o public_a church_n last_o concern_v their_o call_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v so_o strange_a a_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v bear_v christians_n and_o do_v even_o as_o it_o be_v suck_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o mother_n breast_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o be_v holy_a 1._o cor._n 7._o or_o yet_o they_o who_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_n religion_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o papist_n and_o such_o other_o heretic_n do_v as_o we_o have_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a heretofore_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n from_o a_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o from_o grievous_a heresy_n to_o a_o more_o sincere_a worship_n and_o profession_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primative_a church_n whenas_o man_n be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v by_o baptism_n ingraff_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o have_v afterward_o be_v continual_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n declare_v unto_o all_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o do_v like_a love_n and_o embrace_v that_o profession_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v serve_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o have_v no_o effectual_a call_n to_o the_o unfeigned_a and_o true_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v evident_o declare_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o whole_a estate_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n and_o also_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n which_o can_v be_v move_v for_o in_o it_o all_o that_o receive_a circumcision_n be_v count_v member_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o apostle_n witness_v that_o at_o the_o time_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v again_o become_v the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o whether_o town_n city_n commonwealth_n province_n or_o kingdom_n the_o people_n do_v general_o profess_v the_o faith_n or_o thus_o wheresoever_o the_o law_n ecclesiastical_a do_v stretch_v themselves_o as_o wide_a and_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o civil_a or_o common_a law_n make_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n there_o be_v a_o true_a public_a church_n set_v up_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n by_o set_v up_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o place_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n be_v join_v together_o the_o which_o in_o a_o private_a state_n of_o a_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o deal_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o for_o there_o the_o ch._n either_o lurk_v in_o secret_a if_o she_o have_v not_o he_o favour_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n or_o at_o the_o least_o dwell_v as_o in_o a_o private_a house_n if_o she_o have_v a_o toleration_n but_o now_o whenas_o any_o people_n general_o together_o with_o their_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o faith_n the_o church_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o esther_n who_o be_v take_v from_o her_o private_a state_n wherein_o she_o live_v &_o be_v bring_v forth_o into_o open_a and_o public_a place_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o king_n so_o be_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n &_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o we_o have_v these_o point_n consider_v first_o what_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o conjunction_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o three_o whether_o state_n be_v the_o superior_a four_o how_o they_o meddle_v with_o each_o other_o &_o last_o the_o commodity_n &_o discommodity_n which_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o commonwealth_n reap_v by_o this_o mean_n or_o the_o change_n &_o alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o either_o of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o conjunction_n be_v the_o civil_a power_n which_o be_v the_o veâ—y_a fountain_n &_o head_n from_o the_o which_o both_o these_o estate_n do_v flow_v and_o by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o place_n for_o howsoever_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n may_v be_v convert_v only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o faith_n but_o only_o where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n join_v to_o the_o word_n do_v make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v public_o receive_v in_o that_o it_o make_v all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o civil_a power_n cease_v to_o maintain_v religion_n magistrate_n these_o public_a church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n so_o we_o read_v jud._n 2.7.19_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n serve_v god_n as_o long_o as_o josua_n the_o elder_n or_o their_o judge_n live_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o die_v they_o fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n likewise_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n for_o diverse_a hundred_o year_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o bond_n of_o christian_n ruler_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n than_o be_v public_a church_n set_v up_o in_o many_o place_n sect._n 3_o that_o a_o public_a church_n with_o the_o civil_a estate_n make_v one_o body_n under_o one_o head_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o conjunction_n this_o be_v to_o wit_n whether_o that_o the_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v one_o body_n or_o state_n rule_v by_o one_o &_o the_o same_o head_n or_o else_o be_v still_o two_o diverse_a body_n absolute_a and_o perfect_a each_o in_o itself_o without_o the_o other_o and_o order_v by_o the_o own_o proper_a head_n in_o all_o matter_n belong_v unto_o it_o for_o answer_v hereof_o it_o have_v be_v think_v that_o in_o this_o conjunction_n there_o be_v two_o body_n not_o only_o diverse_a but_o even_o clean_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o every_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v order_v by_o two_o diverse_a supreme_a head_n and_o that_o all_o the_o function_n of_o these_o body_n be_v of_o so_o contrary_a nature_n that_o they_o can_v lawful_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n this_o opinion_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n have_v rise_v of_o a_o reverend_a religious_a yea_o as_o it_o prove_v at_o length_n a_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n with_o too_o base_a and_o vile_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o which_o have_v seem_v so_o profane_a and_o unholy_a as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o without_o defile_v and_o profane_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o
they_o and_o nothing_o more_o shameful_a and_o ignominious_a by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n then_o for_o any_o people_n to_o be_v blockish_a in_o divine_a matter_n and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o right_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o church_n gain_v by_o this_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n first_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o become_v safe_a from_o outward_a danger_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o malicious_a persecutor_n by_o who_o private_a church_n be_v continual_o trouble_v and_o often_o quite_o overthrow_v be_v neither_o willing_a to_o resist_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n their_o own_o magistrate_n labour_v to_o deface_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n neither_o for_o the_o most_o part_n able_a to_o withstand_v foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v fit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n which_o want_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o forest_n do_v enter_v in_o and_o root_v it_o up_o but_o a_o public_a church_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n against_o all_o danger_n not_o only_o outward_a but_o also_o inward_a arise_v of_o the_o stubborn_a wilfulness_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o civil_a state_n which_o be_v well_o order_v be_v far_o more_o fit_a harbour_n for_o the_o church_n state_n than_o confuse_a commonwealth_n be_v for_o whenas_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o civil_a government_n which_o forbid_v only_o heinous_a offence_n be_v more_o gentle_a and_o remiss_a how_o shall_v they_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o be_v far_o more_o streite_z and_o severe_a so_o that_o a_o people_n subdue_v to_o civil_a obedience_n be_v as_o horse_n break_v and_o wild_a beast_n tame_v and_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o formâ—_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lawless_a and_o barbarous_a man_n good_a christian_n and_o as_o tame_a as_o lamb_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o civil_a power_n as_o we_o see_v in_o private_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o outward_a order_n of_o these_o public_a church_n this_o mean_n be_v of_o great_a force_n last_o the_o increase_n of_o number_n which_o come_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v count_v no_o small_a commodity_n be_v simple_o consider_v howsoever_o usual_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o confusion_n and_o imperfect_a state_n and_o sundry_a such_o discommodity_n sect._n 6._o of_o the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o special_n which_o be_v in_o plant_v of_o a_o public_a church_n and_o first_o to_o the_o beginner_n or_o first_o mover_n in_o this_o work_n for_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o very_a original_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o church_n the_o which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o they_o also_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o continue_v those_o church_n unto_o faithful_a man_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n neither_o the_o care_n of_o those_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a church_n be_v commit_v can_v so_o prevail_v but_o that_o even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n religion_n afterward_o be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n not_o only_o deface_v but_o even_o so_o root_v out_o as_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n there_o remane_v not_o any_o shadow_n of_o a_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n be_v dead_a their_o office_n and_o call_v which_o be_v to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o place_n do_v cease_v after_o who_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n ordinary_a minister_n to_o accomplish_v that_o work_n which_o they_o have_v begin_v namely_o to_o build_v out_o those_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o call_v to_o build_v church_n in_o all_o country_n but_o in_o some_o one_o place_n where_o unto_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o if_o ordinary_a minister_n which_o be_v now_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v have_v this_o calling_n to_o preach_v in_o diverse_a country_n and_o to_o diverse_a nation_n than_o they_o shall_v have_v gift_n needful_a for_o this_o work_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n without_o the_o which_o none_o can_v preach_v to_o a_o strange_a people_n but_o these_o gift_n be_v cease_v as_o also_o these_o calling_n neither_o have_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n by_o his_o calling_n any_o charge_n of_o any_o other_o people_n and_o country_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o as_o for_o extraordinary_a man_n although_o god_n may_v raise_v up_o such_o when_o he_o will_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n as_o for_o the_o bishope_fw-mi of_o rome_n who_o challenge_v unto_o himself_o the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v christ_n vicar_n general_a we_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o ch._n be_v but_o usurp_v and_o his_o allegation_n frivolous_a he_o have_v destroy_v the_o church_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a doer_n in_o the_o build_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n who_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v to_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o plant_n or_o repair_v of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o a_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n even_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n of_o those_o place_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o chapter_n so_o then_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o public_a church_n in_o any_o country_n be_v this_o that_o we_o suppose_v the_o civil_a ruler_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n make_v humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o in_o this_o behalf_n or_o by_o some_o neighbour_n church_n stir_v he_o up_o by_o their_o example_n to_o erect_v the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o commend_v this_o work_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o happy_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o sect._n 7._o of_o the_o special_a manner_n of_o plant_v a_o public_a church_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v how_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v willing_a to_o plant_v the_o ch·_n shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o right_a frame_n of_o it_o whereof_o at_o the_o first_o we_o must_v suppose_v both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v ignorant_a the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n be_v this_o although_o at_o the_o first_o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o all_o country_n to_o plant_v church_n neither_o do_v since_o that_o time_n send_v any_o other_o as_o apostle_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v continual_o preserve_v the_o fame_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o he_o give_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o have_v the_o knowleege_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n to_o those_o that_o will_v embrace_v it_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n inexcusable_a the_o first_o building_n of_o church_n in_o so_o many_o place_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a even_o as_o a_o city_n set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v of_o all_o man_n so_o that_o even_o as_o the_o gentile_n which_o dwell_v far_o off_o from_o hierusalem_fw-la hear_v of_o the_o fame_n of_o it_o be_v move_v many_o of_o they_o to_o repair_v thither_o to_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o all_o they_o now_o even_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o god_n shall_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v some_o glimmer_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o church_n be_v there_o to_o get_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o their_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o procure_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n to_o come_v and_o instruct_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n how_o
each_o other_o and_o their_o general_a affair_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v well_o order_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o other_o as_o that_o we_o rather_o take_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a stroke_n in_o this_o action_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o further_a declaration_n hereof_o the_o make_n of_o law_n have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o counsel_v or_o advise_v of_o they_o the_o second_o be_v the_o establish_n or_o enact_v of_o they_o both_o which_o as_o it_o seem_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n the_o first_o in_o part_n the_o second_o whole_o the_o enact_v of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o make_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v advise_v for_o the_o order_n of_o a_o public_a church_n have_v both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o force_n of_o law_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o first_o this_o must_v of_o necessititie_n be_v grant_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o any_o believe_a people_n only_o the_o magistrate_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n thereunto_o the_o which_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v without_o make_v and_o establish_v law_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n in_o that_o the_o civil_a ruler_n be_v the_o first_o and_o sole_a founder_n of_o these_o public_a church_n he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o enact_v those_o law_n whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v both_o begin_v continue_a and_o preserve_v thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1._o cor._n 4.17_o where_o paul_n witness_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v make_v the_o same_o constitution_n in_o all_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o chief_a ruler_n although_o they_o have_v not_o apostolical_a calling_n office_n and_o gift_n yet_o for_o that_o in_o plant_v public_a church_n they_o do_v supply_v their_o place_n we_o be_v to_o grant_v unto_o they_o authority_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o as_o this_o poâ—er_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o a_o church_n so_o whenas_o the_o church_n be_v build_v his_o authority_n be_v not_o diminish_v or_o abate_v or_o give_v to_o any_o other_o but_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o make_v a_o lawgiver_n there_o must_v these_o thing_n concur_v first_o a_o public_a call_n whereby_o he_o have_v care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n to_o procure_v their_o good_a as_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n so_o especial_o by_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n by_o the_o which_o they_o may_v be_v order_v second_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o also_o power_n to_o compel_v those_o who_o be_v rebellious_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o say_a law_n the_o which_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v want_v in_o all_o other_o save_v in_o the_o chief_a ruler_n hereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o give_v of_o law_n can_v belong_v to_o any_o save_v to_o he_o only_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v to_o who_o this_o make_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v give_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n namely_o to_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o these_o affair_n so_o it_o may_v seem_v most_o meet_a that_o the_o make_n of_o law_n be_v permit_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o this_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o inquire_v who_o aâ—e_v most_o meet_a to_o advise_v ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o consultation_n of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n be_v usual_o most_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o who_o have_v this_o call_n office_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v these_o law_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ministerâ—_n who_o calling_n and_o office_n be_v to_o be_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o of_o discipline_n but_o not_o to_o be_v lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v rule_v over_o it_o as_o lord_n which_o be_v forbid_v 1._o pet._n 5.3_o yea_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v and_o authorise_v law_n no_o not_o in_o a_o private_a church_n which_o be_v free_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o they_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o action_n yet_o the_o law_n take_v their_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n this_o authority_n go_v from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n government_n by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v plant_v build_v and_o prefer_v the_o word_n lawful_o preach_v in_o great_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n the_o which_o otherwise_o be_v tumult_n yea_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o the_o church_n authorize_v &_o put_v in_o force_n so_o that_o in_o a_o private_a church_n the_o state_n iâ—_n popular_a but_o in_o a_o public_a church_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o namely_o monarchical_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o one_o if_o any_o do_v here_o object_v that_o definition_n of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o ruler_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n make_v 1._o sam._n 8.20_o say_n we_o will_v have_v a_o king_n who_o shall_v judge_v we_o and_o fight_v our_o battle_n for_o we_o and_o thereof_o gather_v that_o he_o be_v otherwise_o busy_v can_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o people_n have_v no_o care_n but_o of_o worldly_a matter_n and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o continual_o employ_v in_o civil_a or_o warlike_a affair_n but_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o man_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o josua_n who_o have_v a_o more_o weighty_a and_o troublesome_a charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o namely_o to_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o land_n of_o chanaan_n and_o to_o give_v they_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o than_o any_o ruler_n have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o his_o realm_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n jos._n 1.8_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v on_o it_o day_n and_o night_n if_o it_o be_v further_o ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n never_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o prince_n shall_v haâ—e_v in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o public_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v no_o further_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o then_o to_o tolerate_v they_o within_o their_o dominion_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o live_v in_o civil_a peace_n and_o order_n as_o touch_v the_o advise_v of_o law_n although_o the_o civil_a ruler_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o enact_v they_o write_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o spare_v and_o moderate_a in_o use_v it_o the_o which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v necessarelie_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o all_o ruler_n who_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o requisite_a in_o order_v the_o churrch_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v after_o a_o most_o gentle_a and_o mild_a manner_n even_o as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n do_v teach_v we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n king_n &_o queen_n shall_v be_v nourse-fathers_n and_o nourse-mothers_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v rule_v and_o order_v it_o not_o tyrannical_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o in_o a_o love_a and_o tender_a sort_n even_o as_o we_o see_v nurse_n deal_v with_o young_a child_n the_o which_o affection_n a_o christian_n ruler_n
doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o do_v make_v know_v not_o only_o to_o other_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o do_v profess_v &_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o every_o part_n thereof_o &_o do_v detest_v &_o abhor_v all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n whatsoever_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n all_o gross_a &_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o day_n this_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v with_o great_a care_n &_o diligence_n make_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a ch._n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v or_o refute_v any_o point_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o life_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o touch_v matter_n of_o less_o moment_n in_o the_o which_o man_n may_v err_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n or_o hurt_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o think_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o there_o will_v be_v continual_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o these_o point_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o this_o public_a council_n to_o consider_v &_o to_o determine_v even_o of_o other_o doubt_n &_o controversy_n which_o do_v trouble_v the_o church_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v contention_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1.10_o all_o may_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o one_o judgement_n yet_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o these_o light_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n to_o think_v or_o to_o profess_v but_o every_o man_n leave_v to_o think_v as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o behalf_n either_o keep_v his_o opinion_n dissent_v frâ—m_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o or_o else_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o that_o moderate_a wise_a and_o christian_n manner_n as_o that_o no_o man_n be_v just_o offend_v by_o he_o or_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n disquiet_v but_o rather_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n edify_v sect._n 4._o of_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o a_o national_a church_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o public_a or_o national_a council_n gather_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o conformity_n both_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n and_o also_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o unfit_a to_o be_v repeat_v that_o there_o be_v regard_n have_v unto_o the_o liberty_n of_o inferior_a synod_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v all_o man_n think_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o all_o point_n so_o also_o it_o be_v unmeet_a yea_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_a council_n shall_v so_o define_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v incident_a into_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n as_o that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n and_o disposition_n of_o inferior_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o general_a council_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o action_n although_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n be_v neither_o determine_v nor_o yet_o mention_v in_o they_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o provincial_a counsel_n for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o do_v daily_o many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n arise_v yea_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n do_v offer_v themselves_o amongst_o the_o church_n which_o neither_o for_o the_o greatness_n can_v sufficient_o be_v determine_v and_o order_v by_o a_o few_o minister_n neither_o yet_o convenient_o be_v defer_v to_o a_o general_a meeting_n which_o can_v be_v have_v without_o great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n therefore_o provincial_a synod_n have_v a_o necessary_a use_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o general_a counsel_n save_v only_o that_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a ch._n but_o only_o to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v order_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n and_o do_v deal_v in_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o care_n and_o order_v not_o only_o of_o a_o whole_a national_a ch._n general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o several_a province_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o civil_a ruler_n so_o that_o although_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n to_o enter_v into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o ordinary_a governor_n or_o teacher_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v and_o procure_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a order_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n do_v their_o duty_n diligent_o and_o sincere_o that_o the_o people_n live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n but_o in_o great_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v not_o often_o see_v that_o the_o chief_a ruler_n can_v keep_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o discharge_v in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o duty_n of_o overseeing_a the_o several_a province_n of_o the_o ch._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o always_o lawful_a so_o often_o needful_a that_o he_o delegate_v and_o commit_v this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o some_o other_o even_o to_o whosoever_o he_o think_v meet_a for_o this_o purpose_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o exclude_v those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o this_o call_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v unmeete_a whenas_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_v fit_a than_o other_o have_v be_v many_o year_n exercise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o please_v the_o civil_a ruler_n to_o call_v any_o who_o do_v perform_v some_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n to_o this_o office_n of_o overseeing_a many_o church_n he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o any_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o they_o may_v leave_v it_o when_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n to_o perform_v any_o other_o more_o weighty_a and_o public_a duty_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v in_o some_o civil_a office_n and_o much_o more_o to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o any_o man_n have_v this_o office_n shall_v withal_o have_v any_o function_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o do_v necessare_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o beside_o other_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v be_v to_o he_o a_o occasion_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o offensive_a in_o he_o who_o office_n and_o call_v it_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v well_o order_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o common_a government_n of_o diverse_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v free_a or_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o civil_a power_n from_o this_o common_a government_n whole_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n be_v often_o call_v one_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o humane_a law_n although_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v diverse_a church_n because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n but_o only_o some_o public_a common_a and_o general_a law_n pertain_v to_o all_o chap._n xi_o thus_o much_o of_o a_o partìcular_a church_n both_o several_o and_o also_o joint_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o and_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n into_o one_o body_n or_o sum_n which_o