unity_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v envy_n the_o canker_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o daughter_n of_o discontent_n and_o constant_a enemy_n of_o peace_n covetousness_n the_o root_n of_o all_o evil._n envy_n be_v the_o shadow_n of_o honour_n and_o real_a worth_n and_o sacrilegious_a covetousness_n the_o ravenous_a harpy_n that_o prey_v upon_o the_o small_a patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o usual_o be_v the_o great_a persuasive_a to_o profane_v and_o rapacious_a nature_n to_o treat_v she_o as_o the_o atheistical_a dionysius_n do_v his_o apollo_n who_o robe_v he_o of_o his_o golden_a robe_n allege_v it_o be_v too_o cold_a for_o his_o godship_n in_o winter_n and_o too_o heavy_a in_o summer_n but_o because_o these_o fall_n in_o with_o interest_n and_o ambition_n i_o will_v not_o under_o different_a name_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o to_o nauseat_v the_o judicious_a and_o tire_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n with_o reiterated_a tautology_n chap._n v._n have_v thus_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o impede_v our_o happiness_n and_o which_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o possibility_n of_o their_o embrace_v truth_n unity_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o come_v to_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o union_n the_o only_a expedient_a which_o can_v procure_v the_o common_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n now_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v we_o must_v look_v into_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n here_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n of_o life_n in_o order_n to_o that_o future_a condition_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o apprehend_v what_o that_o be_v we_o must_v consider_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o what_o they_o aim_v and_o because_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n direct_v we_o to_o it_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n almighty_n give_v we_o those_o precept_n rule_n and_o direction_n to_o promote_v our_o own_o and_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o here_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o life_n to_o render_v our_o short_a journey_n through_o the_o troublesome_a stage_n of_o time_n more_o pleasant_a and_o easy_a till_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o unchangeable_a happiness_n of_o eternity_n this_o easiness_n of_o mind_n this_o real_a happiness_n of_o life_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o follow_v the_o precept_n of_o justice_n temperance_n sobriety_n prudence_n and_o the_o other_o noble_a and_o godlike_a virtue_n which_o religion_n teach_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o though_o there_o be_v good_a circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o innocency_n of_o mind_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n nil_fw-la conscire_fw-la sibi_fw-la nullà _fw-fr pallefcere_fw-la culpâ_fw-la in_o our_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a which_o be_v the_o great_a employment_n for_o which_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happy_a posture_n of_o humane_a affair_n which_o all_o mankind_n desire_v for_o themselves_o with_o unlimited_a wish_n but_o be_v too_o narrow_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o in_o common_a unto_o other_o that_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o good_a design_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n be_v most_o apparent_a in_o that_o even_o in_o those_o obscure_a age_n of_o barbarism_n and_o ignorance_n 17._o act._n 14.16_o 17._o at_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n be_v please_v to_o wink_v yet_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n when_o in_o time_n past_a he_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n they_o be_v not_o without_o some_o religion_n which_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o some_o measure_n though_o imperfect_a both_o to_o the_o god_n for_o they_o suppose_v many_o and_o also_o to_o men._n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n therefore_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v the_o end_n for_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n must_v be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n which_o it_o hold_v to_o promote_a peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v happiness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n whereby_o we_o hope_v to_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o what_o religion_n soever_o separate_v these_o good_a work_n from_o faith_n be_v so_o far_o vain_a and_o destroy_v that_o faith_n it_o seem_v to_o profess_v for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a if_o therefore_o any_o religion_n ruin_v peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n we_o must_v judge_v it_o so_o far_o false_a and_o erroneous_a let_v it_o make_v never_o so_o many_o boast_n of_o hold_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n of_o all_o the_o religion_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n as_o conduct_v man_n if_o they_o will_v be_v manage_v by_o it_o the_o near_a way_n to_o happiness_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a and_o among_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a which_o do_v most_o powerful_o promote_v innocency_n of_o life_n purity_n of_o mind_n unity_n and_o universal_a peace_n not_o by_o external_a force_n and_o violence_n but_o by_o the_o same_o method_n which_o god_n almighty_a make_v use_n of_o to_o plant_v and_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o by_o tumult_n sedition_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o by_o meekness_n humility_n charity_n and_o a_o conversation_n unblameable_a which_o be_v the_o weapon_n by_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v teach_v to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n the_o church_n indeed_o have_v a_o power_n but_o it_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o those_o spiritual_a arm_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o and_o dismantling_n the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o even_o while_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o suppress_v they_o yet_o mighty_o do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o increase_v not_o by_o oppose_v rebel_a or_o impose_v law_n upon_o their_o sovereign_n but_o by_o submit_v and_o suffer_v demonstrate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n their_o innocence_n and_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o any_o ill_a design_n upon_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o temporal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n but_o because_o all_o and_o every_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n every_o church_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v this_o of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o every_o one_o challenge_n the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n here_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o niceness_n of_o the_o point_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a and_o because_o all_o desire_v the_o glorious_a title_n therefore_o they_o quarrel_v about_o it_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n whereas_o one_o will_v modest_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v without_o spot_n and_o wrinkle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v tare_n and_o chaff_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v of_o rome_n for_o she_o be_v but_o one_o member_n that_o glorious_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o all_o nation_n unite_v unto_o christ_n their_o head_n a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v many_o error_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o name_n thus_o we_o see_v st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o very_a epistle_n he_o complain_v of_o great_a error_n and_o disorder_n among_o they_o 11._o cap._n 11._o and_o a_o abuse_v of_o the_o very_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n and_o yet_o he_o tart_o call_v they_o foolish_a galatian_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bewitch_v into_o this_o disobedience_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o be_v
law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n just_a as_o they_o suit_v his_o interest_n and_o his_o inclination_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o the_o king_n and_o church_n mere_a head_n of_o wood_n and_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o think_v it_o truth_n which_o be_v command_v and_o that_o they_o who_o command_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_n for_o we_o than_o we_o ourselves_o as_o be_v by_o god_n appoint_v over_o we_o for_o that_o design_n shall_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o what_o they_o command_v yet_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o can_v do_v wrong_a will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o punish_v that_o he_o will_v reward_v such_o obedience_n because_o do_v according_a to_o his_o command_n nor_o shall_v the_o other_o for_o command_v because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n provide_v when_o it_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v of_o ill_a consequence_n they_o cease_v to_o impose_v it_o any_o long_o which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n have_v be_v alter_v and_o abolish_v upon_o several_a occasion_n three_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o gallicane_n german_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n who_o live_v under_o a_o government_n which_o own_v and_o command_v the_o romish_a discipline_n and_o church_n will_v hereby_o be_v make_v schismatic_n to_o those_o several_a national_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o hereby_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o if_o those_o church_n may_v dissent_v from_o their_o national_a church_n and_o yet_o hold_v the_o true_a faith_n why_o may_v not_o we_o why_o shall_v their_o disobedience_n be_v lawful_a and_o we_o damnable_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o those_o church_n and_o the_o national_a church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v not_o consist_v in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o ceremony_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o i_o will_v neither_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o those_o church_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n yet_o i_o suppose_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o that_o church_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n never_o own_v in_o france_n even_o by_o the_o catholic_n the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n the_o real_a presence_n by_o transubstantiation_n merit_n of_o work_n and_o supererogation_n invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n adoration_n of_o image_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o impose_v these_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v herself_o schismatical_a if_o not_o heretical_a from_o the_o catholic_a apolique_a church_n of_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o to_o depart_v from_o she_o where_o she_o depart_v from_o truth_n be_v no_o more_o heresy_n or_o schism_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o jewish_a communion_n in_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n or_o of_o mahomet_n if_o those_o be_v impose_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v good_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 11.1_o 1_o cor._n 11.1_o and_o will_v the_o romish_a church_n impose_v no_o more_o upon_o christian_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o three_o famous_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n nice_n and_o st._n athanasius_n and_o what_o be_v clear_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n i_o think_v every_o good_a christian_a over_o who_o they_o may_v challenge_v a_o lawful_a jurisdiction_n aught_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o communion_n of_o government_n and_o even_o those_o over_o who_o they_o can_v right_o challenge_v none_o ought_v yet_o to_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n nay_o shall_v they_o command_v many_o ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n more_o than_o they_o do_v yet_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o church_n aught_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o charity_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o foreign_a protestant_n at_o least_o in_o charity_n i_o hope_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o matter_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o government_n ceremony_n and_o much_o more_o i_o remember_v what_o a_o famous_a french_a minister_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o some_o of_o the_o english_a nonconformist_n refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wear_v the_o surplice_n and_o other_o vestment_n i_o wish_v say_v he_o that_o the_o king_n of_o france_n will_v command_v i_o to_o perform_v my_o function_n in_o a_o fool_n coat_n so_o little_o do_v he_o think_v the_o outside_n and_o dress_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o necessary_a do_v he_o judge_v obedience_n as_o well_o as_o true_a faith_n to_o the_o peace_n unity_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o many_o of_o those_o protestant_n have_v licence_n and_o toleration_n give_v they_o to_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o by_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o for_o the_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o presume_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n if_o rome_n exact_v no_o more_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o god_n almighty_n require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o case_n be_v clear_o different_a betwixt_o our_o dissenter_n and_o the_o foreign_a protestant_n for_o our_o difference_n be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o polity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v the_o nonconformist_n prove_v we_o but_o guilty_a of_o destroy_v one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o let_v they_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o god_n name_n and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v that_o their_o separation_n will_v be_v a_o horrid_a schism_n and_o their_o nonconformity_n a_o manifest_a disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o men._n and_o shall_v the_o foreign_a church_n refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o disobey_v the_o prince_n who_o subject_n they_o be_v command_v they_o if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n than_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n will_v deserve_v the_o same_o character_n but_o suppose_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o those_o country_n shall_v absolute_o prohibit_v the_o protestant_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o old_a arm_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o not_o to_o the_o new_a method_n of_o manace_n make_v party_n and_o endeavour_v by_o force_n of_o arm_n to_o obtain_v that_o from_o authority_n by_o violence_n and_o compulsion_n which_o they_o can_v by_o persuasion_n a_o practice_n shameful_a to_o the_o protestant_a cause_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v if_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o dissenter_n more_o likely_a to_o persuade_v all_o prince_n to_o extirpate_v they_o out_o of_o their_o dominion_n for_o seditious_a schismatic_n and_o dangerous_a rebel_n than_o to_o tolerate_v they_o as_o innocent_a and_o religious_a christian_n this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n who_o conquer_a more_a by_o the_o cross_n than_o the_o persecutor_n by_o all_o their_o cruelty_n who_o overcome_v by_o suffer_v and_o not_o by_o rebel_a a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o army_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n who_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o as_o their_o temporal_a sovereign_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v but_o after_o he_o have_v jest_v out_o his_o impious_a soul_n with_o a_o vicistî_fw-la galilaee_n and_o that_o jovinianus_n be_v choose_v emperor_n which_o he_o refuse_v as_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o think_v the_o whole_a army_n pagan_n they_o all_o cry_v out_o et_fw-la nos_fw-la sumus_fw-la christiani_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o also_o christian_n here_o be_v man_n in_o arm_n a_o powerful_a number_n of_o veterane_n and_o victorious_a legion_n
have_v instruct_v his_o scholar_n to_o put_v down_o and_o not_o exalt_v this_o antichrist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2.18_o 1_o jo._n 2.18_o this_o ignatius_n who_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o eleven_o year_n of_o trajan_n crown_v with_o martyrdom_n at_o rome_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n as_o eusebius_n give_v we_o a_o account_n 35._o euseb_n eccl._n he_o l._n 3._o c._n 19_o &_o 35._o he_o speak_v as_o plain_a of_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o pen_n can_v write_v or_o heart_n can_v wish_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o magnes_fw-la ig._n ep._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n they_o say_v he_o who_o act_n without_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o such_o christ_n will_v say_v why_o do_v you_o call_v i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o work_n which_o i_o command_v you_o such_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o dissembler_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o command_v they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n trall_n ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la trall_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o this_o bishop_n as_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o you_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o live_v think_v of_o bishop_n as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o undeniable_a and_o undubitable_a that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v two_o different_a thing_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o as_o to_o power_n and_o as_o to_o name_n i_o may_v bring_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o less_o antiquity_n but_o if_o these_o will_v not_o convince_v if_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o primitive_a a_o man_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o ignatius_n be_v of_o no_o value_n i_o can_v have_v little_a hope_n of_o convince_a gainsayer_n by_o multitude_n who_o have_v abandon_v reason_n thus_o stand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n for_o above_o 300_o year_n no_o man_n make_v the_o least_o question_n or_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o god_n appointment_n one_o bishop_n still_o succeed_v another_o as_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n my_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o world_n 25._o epiphan_n l._n 3._o tom._n 1._o haeres_fw-la 25._o till_o aerius_n be_v educate_v with_o eustathius_n and_o be_v his_o equal_a in_o learning_n and_o age_n take_v it_o as_o a_o great_a disparagement_n that_o eustathius_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o to_o a_o bishopric_n for_o which_o they_o be_v competitor_n upon_o this_o discontent_n he_o not_o only_o fall_v foul_a upon_o eustathius_n object_v as_o our_o aerian_o do_v against_o he_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n but_o his_o resentment_n for_o the_o mortal_a displeasure_n break_v out_o against_o the_o whole_a function_n contemn_v the_o prescribe_a fast_n of_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o we_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o priest_n be_v all_o one_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o equal_a power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o say_v epiphanius_n be_v a_o assertion_n stultitiae_fw-la plena_fw-la full_a of_o folly_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o discontent_a priest_n opinion_n be_v neither_o much_o regard_v nor_o long_o live_v the_o current_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n which_o know_v no_o other_o government_n run_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o it_o nor_o do_v the_o heresy_n ever_o float_v again_o till_o this_o last_o age_n of_o which_o st._n clement_n who_o be_v contemporary_a to_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o fellow_n labourer_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o as_o he_o call_v he_o seem_v to_o prophesy_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o i_o think_v be_v never_o suspect_v to_o be_v spurious_a where_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o will_v come_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cor._n clem._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n a_o contention_n about_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n it_o be_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n order_v and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o government_n as_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o holy_a fast_n and_o festival_n the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n the_o posture_n gesture_n and_o habit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o all_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n follow_v herein_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o the_o general_a precept_n therein_o contain_v as_o rule_n of_o government_n which_o be_v principal_o these_o first_o that_o nothing_o impose_v shall_v be_v repugnant_a or_o contrary_a to_o any_o article_n or_o branch_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o to_o any_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n second_o that_o all_o their_o command_n may_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o decency_n order_n reverence_n and_o edification_n three_o that_o all_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n and_o that_o diversity_n of_o custom_n and_o opinion_n may_v not_o breed_v schism_n and_o contention_n and_o i_o show_v before_o how_o when_o in_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o several_a church_n yet_o still_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o maintain_v inviolable_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o government_n in_o all_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o polity_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o other_o king_n become_v christian_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o crown_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v constantine_n the_o great_a these_o temporal_a power_n than_o take_v the_o church_n into_o their_o protection_n make_v temporal_a law_n for_o the_o better_a management_n of_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n without_o and_o heretic_n within_o and_o have_v the_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n undertake_v as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n who_o dare_v transgress_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n with_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o break_v the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o peaceable_a and_o religious_a from_o the_o bounty_n of_o these_o prince_n and_o that_o of_o other_o of_o plentiful_a fortune_n and_o and_o by_o their_o example_n the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o temporalty_n and_o a_o honourable_a constant_a and_o encourage_v maintenance_n be_v provide_v and_o settle_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n well_o know_v that_o proportionate_a reward_n be_v the_o spur_n to_o learning_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o pursue_v and_o obtain_v she_o tell_v we_o 8.18.3.4_o prov._n 8.18.3.4_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v with_o i_o yea_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n 14._o 1_o cor_fw-la 9.11_o 14._o they_o which_o sow_v spiritual_a thing_n shall_v also_o reap_v carnal_a for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n both_o because_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n from_o god_n and_o because_o the_o temporal_a power_n do_v now_o concur_v to_o strengthen_v the_o duty_n by_o the_o obligation_n of_o humane_a law_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n or_o any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n authorize_v
attain_v salvation_n as_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n your_o mother_n who_o lose_v all_o charity_n the_o substance_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o watery_a shadow_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o smooth_a but_o treacherous_a face_n of_o the_o specious_a word_n of_o reformation_n and_o great_a degree_n of_o purity_n not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o these_o be_v all_o the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o outward_a form_n of_o godliness_n common_a to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a but_o that_o charity_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o brotherly_a unity_n be_v the_o power_n and_o the_o life_n the_o soul_n and_o very_a essence_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n with_o these_o religion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o without_o the_o other_o it_o can_v never_o be_v true_a 5.21_o esay_n 5.21_o wo_n unto_o they_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o these_o people_n must_v be_v so_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n and_o frenzy_n who_o expose_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n to_o ruin_v and_o destruction_n in_o complaisance_n to_o their_o private_a ill-grounded_a opinion_n in_o mere_a matter_n of_o indifferency_n who_o neglect_v a_o certain_a duty_n for_o a_o doubtful_a supposition_n and_o have_v less_o esteem_n for_o charity_n than_o a_o scruple_n or_o a_o fancy_n who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a practice_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o so_o whole_o new_a and_o therefore_o uncertain_a set_v themselves_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n much_o above_o all_o the_o learned_a pious_a and_o glorious_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n saint_n and_o martyr_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n nay_o even_o above_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o not_o only_o leave_v that_o government_n in_o his_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o but_o by_o the_o miraculous_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o that_o government_n have_v manifest_v that_o he_o do_v approve_v it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v uphold_v it_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n let_v dissenter_n therefore_o show_v we_o perspicuous_o when_o there_o be_v any_o other_o government_n in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o of_o bishop_n let_v they_o show_v we_o when_o ever_o the_o church_n be_v without_o a_o public_a liturgy_n since_o that_o compose_v by_o st._n james_n when_o ever_o christian_n be_v without_o priest_n to_o attend_v the_o altar_n 13.10_o heb._n 13.10_o of_o which_o they_o who_o serve_v the_o jewish_a tabernacle_n have_v no_o right_a to_o eat_v or_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o people_n choose_v and_o not_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n to_o their_o sacred_a function_n let_v they_o show_v we_o where_o ever_o any_o person_n be_v permit_v to_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o a_o long_a extempore_o prayer_n more_o to_o the_o display_v his_o own_o ability_n than_o to_o edify_v they_o more_o to_o disparage_v other_o who_o can_v who_o dare_v not_o if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o bold_a with_o the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n than_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o charity_n with_o such_o person_n who_o considerative_a modesty_n stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n as_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o eccles_n 5.1_o 2._o that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o our_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v few_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a presumption_n to_o think_v we_o can_v please_v he_o by_o break_v his_o command_n by_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a with_o our_o heart_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o they_o who_o do_v so_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n 3.8_o rom._n 3.8_o and_o do_v evil_a which_o a_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o at_o any_o rate_n be_v guilty_a of_o not_o though_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o good_a effect_n from_o evil_a action_n who_o damnation_n he_o there_o say_v be_v just_a let_v they_o show_v we_o these_o thing_n either_o positive_o command_v of_o god_n or_o prohibit_v universal_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n or_o condemn_v or_o otherways_o let_v they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o generation_n of_o their_o forefather_n in_o christ_n wise_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o with_o their_o blood_n seal_v and_o deliver_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n down_o to_o we_o and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v these_o practice_n antichristian_a superstitious_a and_o unlawful_a if_o they_o will_v tear_v off_o the_o ornament_n of_o their_o mother_n nay_o and_o murder_v she_o too_o because_o she_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o betray_v herself_o and_o her_o trust_n to_o their_o novel_a wisdom_n if_o they_o will_v more_o barbarouf_o than_o the_o roman_a soldier_n rend_v the_o seamless_a coat_n of_o christ_n to_o patch_v up_o another_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n we_o must_v pity_v they_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o the_o language_n of_o our_o bless_a jesus_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v 23.34_o luk._n 23.34_o and_o yet_o even_o that_o charity_n do_v not_o deprive_v we_o of_o use_v all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o their_o injurious_a encroachment_n nor_o be_v it_o mean_v that_o our_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o defenceless_a as_o voluntary_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o their_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o that_o glorious_a law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o love_v and_o pray_v for_o our_o enemy_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o offer_v our_o throat_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o sword_n nor_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o be_v so_o kind_a to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v cruel_a to_o ourselves_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a charity_n among_o we_o be_v only_o the_o cloudy_a apparition_n of_o my_o own_o fear_n and_o imagination_n airy_a combat_n and_o meteor_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o alas_o we_o may_v but_o too_o sorrowful_o invert_v the_o say_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n 44.7_o psal_n 44.7_o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o nay_o miserable_a people_n that_o we_o be_v we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n these_o afflict_a truth_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n step_v out_o of_o the_o error_n and_o darkness_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o devil_n the_o great_a incendiary_n of_o the_o world_n envious_a of_o our_o happiness_n begin_v to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o dissension_n among_o we_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v the_o name_n of_o those_o author_n of_o our_o misery_n but_o i_o desire_v all_o dissenter_n of_o what_o name_n soever_o to_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o difference_n which_o for_o this_o 80_o year_n they_o have_v with_o such_o hereditary_a violence_n and_o animosity_n maintain_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o be_v it_o that_o have_v banish_v all_o charity_n from_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n what_o be_v it_o that_o have_v make_v all_o those_o heat_n strife_n and_o division_n those_o bitter_a rail_n that_o hatred_n emulation_n and_o at_o last_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n between_o people_n of_o different_a opinion_n what_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o have_v sacrifice_v faith_n to_o opinion_n from_o what_o fountain_n flow_v all_o those_o fearful_a stream_n of_o blood_n which_o so_o late_o stain_v our_o yet_o blush_a field_n scaffold_n nay_o our_o very_a temple_n and_o altar_n from_o what_o coast_n blow_v those_o whirlwind_n of_o rebellion_n and_o sedition_n not_o privy_a but_o public_a conspiracy_n which_o throw_v down_o all_o crown_n and_o mitre_n church_n and_o palace_n every_o thing_n sacred_a and_o civil_a which_o occasion_v the_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o million_o of_o soul_n body_n and_o estate_n this_o cloud_n which_o be_v at_o first_o no_o big_a than_o a_o man_n hand_n which_o afterward_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heaven_n with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n like_o the_o dismal_a plague_n of_o egypt_n fire_v mingle_v with_o hail_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dislike_n which_o some_o person_n have_v that_o their_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v the_o standard_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o contrary_a to_o their_o good_a like_n some_o ceremony_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n of_o excellent_a use_n and_o necessity_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v total_o abolish_v these_o man_n who_o temper_n be_v warm_a
and_o religion_n loud_a and_o clamorous_a be_v the_o complaint_n and_o declamation_n against_o the_o viciousness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o not_o without_o too_o evident_a truth_n and_o reason_n impiety_n which_o be_v former_o use_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o twilight_n dare_v now_o walk_v bare_a face_v and_o stare_v upon_o the_o sun_n st._n paul_n say_v of_o the_o modest_a debauchee_n of_o his_o age_n they_o that_o be_v drunken_a be_v drunken_a in_o the_o night_n but_o now_o licentious_a man_n be_v become_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o scorn_v to_o throw_v the_o mantle_n of_o darkness_n over_o their_o vicious_a intemperance_n that_o they_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n to_o riot_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o to_o affront_n god_n and_o man_n and_o even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o by_o their_o prodigious_a and_o public_a sin_n and_o folly_n they_o who_o do_v ill_o former_o hate_v the_o light_n but_o now_o man_n study_v to_o affront_v it_o and_o oblige_v that_o pure_a and_o innocent_a blessing_n to_o become_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n but_o a_o assistant_n to_o their_o brutish_a and_o shameless_a disorder_n and_o will_v loose_v their_o great_a pleasure_n shall_v they_o not_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o deed_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o day_n all_o this_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v as_o innocent_a as_o the_o light_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bold_o act_v yet_o must_v they_o conspire_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o these_o horrid_a crime_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v dissenter_n who_o blush_v not_o to_o lay_v this_o false_a accusation_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o government_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v render_v it_o criminal_a and_o odious_a and_o themselves_o and_o party_n clear_a and_o innocent_a when_o as_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o gild_n of_o these_o miscarriage_n will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v at_o their_o own_o door_n and_o let_v they_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n never_o so_o demure_o and_o say_v they_o have_v do_v no_o evil_n 30.20_o prov._n 30.20_o with_o solomon_n common_a woman_n let_v they_o wash_v their_o hand_n with_o pilate_n and_o say_v they_o be_v guiltless_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v a_o bold_a charge_n and_o i_o know_v they_o will_v start_v at_o it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o they_o to_o cry_n out_o be_v it_o i_o who_o we_o but_o what_o if_o it_o prove_v true_a and_o be_v make_v good_a against_o they_o i_o will_v endeavour_v it_o and_o yet_o with_o all_o the_o christian_a compassion_n that_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o for_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o hatred_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n by_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o way_n which_o with_o the_o specious_a show_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n deceive_v they_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o terrible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o by_o their_o example_n into_o all_o sensuality_n and_o impiety_n that_o christ_n leave_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o his_o own_o plain_a and_o clear_a word_n for_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n to_o he_o and_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o they_o again_o 20.23_o joh._n 20.23_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o there_o be_v their_o mission_n and_o commission_n for_o their_o function_n and_o government_n and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o 18.18_o matth._n 18.18_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v their_o unction_n and_o ordination_n their_o ability_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n and_o discharge_v the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o who_o be_v soever_o sin_v you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v there_o be_v the_o office_n and_o the_o power_n which_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o expedient_a by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o though_o the_o romanist_n endeavour_v to_o monopolise_v even_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o worst_a sense_n this_o great_a power_n only_o to_o saint_n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n as_o they_o pretend_v the_o roman_a bishop_n only_o be_v yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v they_o all_o a_o equal_a share_n and_o a_o power_n to_o derive_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o be_v with_o they_o extend_v unto_o all_o time_n place_n and_o person_n who_o shall_v succeed_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o st._n peter_n the_o church_n be_v build_v not_o only_o upon_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n be_v himself_o the_o chief_a and_o cornerstone_n in_o who_o and_o by_o who_o the_o whole_a glorious_a fabric_n be_v unite_v and_o complete_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n of_o offender_n and_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n leave_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o only_a jurisdiction_n which_o the_o governor_n can_v exercise_v in_o and_o over_o it_o for_o all_o corporal_n punishment_n be_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o vest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o temporal_a and_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o carry_v the_o sword_n and_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n and_o design_n as_o st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o 13._o rom._n 13._o for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v punishment_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n a_o instance_n of_o this_o terrible_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n we_o have_v inflict_v upon_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a and_o that_o with_o a_o great_a formality_n 5.5_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o this_o be_v my_o determination_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o year_n gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o another_o place_n that_o he_o have_v deliver_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o dreadful_a power_n it_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n even_o when_o they_o have_v no_o assistance_n but_o all_o opposition_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n yet_o keep_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n subjection_n good_a order_n and_o discipline_n then_o be_v christian_n miracle_n of_o charity_n piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o wonder_a pagan_n when_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o duty_n by_o no_o humane_a law_n when_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o prison_n torture_n confiscation_n or_o banishment_n unless_o for_o be_v and_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o the_o only_a fear_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v put_v out_o of_o thâ—_n fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o deny_v entrance_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o be_v debar_v from_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n and_o join_v in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v more_o forcible_a to_o make_v they_o holy_a obedient_a and_o vnanimous_a than_o all_o the_o torment_v devise_v by_o persecution_n be_v able_a â—o_o make_v they_o profane_a or_o vicious_a for_o why_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o unless_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v remit_v their_o sin_n on_o earth_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v remission_n in_o heaven_n they_o therefore_o believe_v it_o because_o christ_n the_o eternal_a truth_n have_v say_v it_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o communion_n to_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n they_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o with_o great_a probability_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o short_a sum_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o be_v they_o more_o fearful_a of_o this_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n than_o desirous_a of_o the_o absolution_n of_o
inconvenience_n which_o such_o confession_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n which_o join_v with_o the_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n in_o priest_n may_v give_v both_o great_a temptation_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repeat_v i_o know_v that_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o socrates_n report_v 19_o socra_fw-la eccles_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 19_o nectarius_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o eudemon_n banish_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o not_o so_o hot_a as_o baronius_n who_o call_v he_o cacodaemon_n 633._o bar._n tom._n ann._n 1.56_o nu._n 28._o andrad_n orth._n exp._n p._n 633._o or_o so_o violent_a as_o andradius_fw-la who_o term_n it_o impudentissimum_fw-la illud_fw-la nectarij_fw-la factum_fw-la the_o most_o impudent_a fact_n of_o nectarius_n yet_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o modest_o one_o may_v not_o say_v it_o be_v impudent_a for_o whosoever_o will_v cool_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o those_o church_n of_o the_o east_n shall_v find_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o advantageous_a post_n in_o point_n of_o discipline_n give_v entrance_n to_o those_o swarm_n of_o heresy_n and_o that_o profane_a licentiousness_n which_o in_o conclusion_n bring_v down_o vengeance_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o greek_n by_o the_o barbarous_a mahometan_n whereas_o the_o western_a church_n do_v for_o many_o age_n preserve_v themselves_o in_o great_a degree_n of_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o still_o by_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o discipline_n continue_v their_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o great_a corruption_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o they_o call_v faith_n i_o know_v that_o all_o this_o suppose_a danger_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o confession_n make_v in_o public_a in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o yet_o so_o private_a that_o none_o may_v hear_v they_o beside_o the_o minister_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o custom_n of_o usage_n will_v have_v take_v away_o that_o dangerous_a shame_n and_o modesty_n which_o make_v man_n hide_v their_o sin_n and_o cover_v their_o transgression_n i_o know_v that_o humble_a confession_n to_o god_n almighty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o find_v mercy_n but_o i_o know_v not_o yet_o how_o to_o understand_v that_o command_n of_o st._n james_n 4.16_o jam._n 4.16_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o one_o another_o and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v heal_v unless_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o have_v power_n give_v from_o above_o to_o heal_v we_o which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o congration_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o those_o who_o be_v their_o guide_n such_o public_a confession_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o procure_v disgrace_n and_o reproach_n and_o breed_v division_n and_o contempt_n among_o christian_n than_o either_o pardon_n or_o peace_n where_o any_o person_n shall_v by_o discover_v how_o he_o have_v injure_v his_o neighbour_n expose_v himself_o much_o soon_o to_o his_o revenge_n than_o to_o remission_n nor_o can_v i_o tell_v how_o the_o church_n can_v bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o first_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v know_v many_o private_a great_a and_o deadly_a sin_n without_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o criminal_n 1.5_o mat._n 3.6_o mark_v 1.5_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n receive_v the_o people_n to_o his_o baptism_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o 1.4.9_o joh._n 1.4.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n god_n know_v all_o thing_n our_o very_a thought_n a_o far_o off_o but_o he_o usual_o work_v by_o mean_n and_o always_o where_o he_o have_v appoint_v instrument_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o and_o have_v confer_v this_o honour_n and_o this_o power_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o church_n to_o declare_v sinner_n absolve_v upon_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o plaster_n shall_v be_v both_o proper_a and_o sit_v for_o the_o sore_a now_o let_v a_o man_n discourse_n never_o so_o home_o and_o press_o to_o people_n the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o confession_n to_o god_n almighty_a in_o general_a term_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o arrow_n that_o a_o certain_a man_n draw_v at_o adventure_n which_o may_v hit_v between_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o harness_n but_o usual_o man_n fence_v off_o general_n and_o secure_v themselves_o in_o multitude_n and_o number_n that_o that_o be_v not_o address_v to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n cut_v so_o home_o and_o pierce_v to_o the_o quick_a divide_v like_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n the_o very_a joint_n and_o marrow_n as_o a_o particular_a charge_n like_o nathan_n to_o david_n thou_o be_v the_o man._n 12.7_o 2_o sam._n 12.7_o the_o random_n parable_n never_o affect_v the_o sinful_a king_n till_o he_o come_v to_o that_o close_a touch_n and_o then_o he_o come_v immediate_o to_o confession_n and_o repentance_n now_o how_o any_o mortal_a man_n shall_v come_v to_o discover_v the_o secret_a sin_n of_o other_o which_o be_v ever_o most_o dangerous_a i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o tell_v without_o their_o confession_n and_o how_o those_o secret_a sin_n shall_v be_v heal_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o be_v know_v i_o confess_v myself_o whole_o ignorant_a but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o learn_v for_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v i_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o 28.13_o prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whoso_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n who_o can_v hide_v his_o sin_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n before_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a since_o therefore_o god_n know_v they_o already_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o confess_v they_o but_o to_o man_n and_o to_o what_o man_n but_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o from_o who_o he_o expect_v a_o account_n and_o what_o account_n be_v they_o likely_a to_o give_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n or_o of_o the_o application_n that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o cure_v and_o heal_v they_o of_o those_o most_o dangerous_a wound_n which_o never_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o which_o make_v i_o more_o confident_a in_o my_o persuasion_n even_o those_o who_o cry_v out_o against_o auricular_a confession_n and_o under_o that_o name_n against_o all_o confession_n as_o popish_a yet_o will_v if_o i_o be_o not_o misinform_v admit_v none_o into_o their_o congregation_n without_o something_o like_o it_o under_o another_o name_n nor_o will_v they_o receive_v any_o to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o examination_n one_o part_n of_o which_o i_o presume_v be_v of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o sin_n as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o thus_o they_o confess_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n whilst_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o church_n government_n by_o what_o they_o make_v a_o crime_n in_o other_o and_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o engine_n to_o overthrow_v they_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o what_o censure_n i_o may_v fall_v under_o i_o speak_v it_o with_o humility_n and_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o church_n can_v be_v happy_a without_o this_o expedient_a the_o clergy_n will_v never_o recover_v that_o veneration_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o their_o sacred_a function_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o ingredient_n to_o their_o do_v good_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o station_n nor_o will_v people_n ever_o be_v bring_v to_o know_v themselves_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v spiritual_a guide_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o whole_o rely_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n till_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o absolution_n of_o humble_a penitent_n upon_o confession_n to_o their_o pastor_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n restore_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o prevail_v by_o so_o much_o more_o will_v the_o church_n grow_v in_o peace_n unity_n and_o godly_a love_n for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o all_o the_o capacity_n of_o mind_n and_o endowment_n of_o nature_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o pray_v most_o eloquent_o or_o he_o may_v by_o
do_v not_o believe_v the_o theological_a point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o when_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v than_o the_o kill_a question_n what_o say_v you_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n be_v sure_a to_o turn_v they_o over_o to_o the_o secular_a power_n for_o heretic_n and_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o writ_n de_fw-fr hereticis_fw-la comburendis_fw-la bring_v they_o to_o their_o funeral_n pile_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n be_v find_v by_o experience_n dangerous_a to_o society_n destructive_a of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o government_n may_v not_o we_o lawful_o endeavour_v to_o oblige_v those_o who_o own_o that_o faith_n to_o give_v security_n that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o power_n not_o only_o to_o excommunicate_v but_o to_o depose_v prince_n and_o dispose_v of_o their_o crown_n that_o equivocation_n even_o upon_o a_o solemn_a oath_n be_v lawful_a a_o position_n that_o ruin_v all_o religion_n and_o fidelity_n and_o the_o very_a reputation_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o yet_o a_o treatise_n i_o have_v see_v write_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n and_o approve_v by_o blackwell_n the_o archpriest_n in_o these_o word_n tractatus_fw-la iste_fw-la valdé_v doctus_fw-la &_o veré_fw-la pius_fw-la &_o catkolicus_n est_fw-la etc._n etc._n certissimé_fw-fr ss_z scripturarum_fw-la patrum_fw-la doctorum_fw-la scholasticorum_fw-la canonistarum_fw-la &_o optimarum_fw-la rationum_fw-la presidijs_fw-la plenissimé_fw-fr firmat_n aequitatem_fw-la aequivocationis_fw-la ideoque_fw-la dignissimus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la typis_fw-la propagatur_fw-la ad_fw-la consolationem_fw-la afflictorum_fw-la catholicorum_n &_o omnium_fw-la piorum_fw-la instructionem_fw-la this_o treatise_n say_v he_o be_v very_o learned_a and_o true_o pious_a and_o catholic_a certain_o therein_o the_o equity_n of_o equivocation_n be_v full_o prove_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n out_o of_o scripture_n father_n doctor_n schoolman_n and_o canonist_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v print_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o afflict_a catholic_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o good_a people_n must_v now_o the_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o author_n of_o such_o doctrine_n be_v persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n have_v these_o opinion_n no_o influence_n upon_o humane_a society_n as_o to_o the_o second_o note_n a_o liberty_n of_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o private_a way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n who_o ever_o deny_v this_o liberty_n be_v there_o any_o judge_n of_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n beside_o god_n be_v any_o man_n deny_v to_o enjoy_v his_o private_a opinion_n or_o can_v he_o be_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v so_o but_o if_o people_n will_v transgress_v these_o limit_n and_o impose_v matter_n of_o private_a opinion_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o such_o opinion_n as_o ruin_v charity_n disturb_v peace_n unsettle_v government_n must_v these_o too_o be_v tolerate_v and_o such_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o rome_n and_o geneva_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o private_a but_o a_o public_a liberty_n which_o be_v deny_v they_o a_o liberty_n to_o poison_n man_n loyalty_n and_o first_o murder_n their_o allegiance_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o ease_n murder_v the_o government_n a_o liberty_n to_o banish_v charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v true_a religion_n without_o they_o so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v stick_v to_o his_o demand_n he_o can_v no_o soon_o ask_v than_o have_v such_o a_o toleration_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a authority_n to_o abridge_v any_o man_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o his_o private_a opinion_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v but_o for_o what_o be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o opinion_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o either_o by_o his_o word_n or_o action_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v private_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v a_o mahometan_a but_o no_o person_n know_v it_o beside_o himself_o who_o can_v tax_v he_o with_o it_o or_o punish_v he_o for_o it_o but_o if_o he_o will_v make_v his_o house_n a_o mosque_n and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o to_o the_o koran_n to_o make_v a_o party_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o crescent_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o crown_n will_v that_o be_v private_a or_o deserve_v toleration_n but_o to_o trace_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 1._o that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n over_o conscience_n therefore_o imposition_n and_o violence_n be_v unlawful_a a_o very_a logical_a consequence_n no_o prince_n have_v power_n to_o punish_v therefore_o not_o to_o tolerate_v neither_o god_n have_v exempt_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o his_o commission_n but_o not_o the_o body_n why_o do_v he_o then_o demand_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o grant_v as_o for_o his_o example_n which_o he_o give_v for_o toleration_n from_o turk_n and_o pagan_n they_o be_v but_o ill_a precedent_n for_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o theodosius_n and_o gratian_n if_o socrates_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v it_o be_v a_o great_a slander_n upon_o those_o two_o good_a emperor_n gratian_n indeed_o 10._o secr._n ecc._n hist_o li._n 5._o c._n 2._o &_o 10._o at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n give_v liberty_n that_o every_o sect_n and_o opinion_n shall_v free_o without_o molestation_n frequent_a their_o wont_a assembly_n except_o the_o eunomian_o photinian_o and_o manichees_n but_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o settle_v in_o the_o empire_n omnes_fw-la god_n 1._o tit._n 5._o lege_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o have_v join_v theodosius_n to_o he_o but_o they_o command_v that_o all_o heresy_n shall_v for_o ever_o keep_v silence_n the_o same_o prohibition_n arcadus_fw-la and_o honorius_n continue_v and_o augment_v cuncti_fw-la ibid._n lege_fw-la cuncti_fw-la let_v all_o heretic_n say_v they_o understand_v that_o all_o place_n must_v be_v take_v from_o they_o as_o well_o church_n as_o other_o place_n of_o meet_v as_o private_a house_n in_o which_o let_v they_o be_v debar_v from_o service_n both_o by_o night_n and_o by_o day_n ariani_n ibid._n leg_n ariani_n and_o the_o lord_n deputy_n of_o the_o province_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o law_n and_o if_o he_o permit_v their_o meeting_n either_o open_o or_o secret_o he_o be_v to_o fine_a for_o it_o 100_o l._n theodosius_n the_o young_a who_o socrates_n compare_v to_o moses_n for_o his_o meekness_n and_o excellent_a nature_n yet_o with_o valentinian_n his_o cousin_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o catalogue_n the_o heretic_n of_o that_o time_n command_n that_o no_o where_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n their_o assembly_n or_o prayer_n shall_v be_v permit_v but_o that_o all_o law_n make_v to_o prohibit_v their_o meeting_n shall_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v perpetual_a and_o this_o they_o do_v because_o they_o think_v the_o civil_a power_n be_v oblige_v to_o protect_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o as_o our_o advocate_n quote_v the_o wise_a sir_n francis_n bacon_n for_o another_o purpose_n pag._n 7._o because_o the_o sword_n of_o dissension_n ought_v not_o be_v put_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n to_o nourish_v sedition_n treason_n conspiracy_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o dash_v the_o first_o table_n against_o the_o second_o and_o to_o consider_v man_n as_o christian_n so_o as_o to_o forget_v they_o be_v man_n which_o with_o the_o gentleman_n favour_n be_v not_o much_o to_o his_o advantage_n since_o these_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o toleration_n it_o be_v the_o great_a misfortune_n of_o the_o poet_n claudian_n that_o his_o excellent_a wit_n fall_v upon_o dry_a and_o barren_a subject_n the_o same_o ill_a luck_n have_v this_o writer_n in_o fall_v upon_o this_o subject_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o his_o own_o word_n and_o by_o turn_v his_o own_o cannon_n upon_o his_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n i_o do_v not_o question_n but_o to_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o fortification_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o like_v his_o title_n of_o advocate_n for_o he_o prove_v himself_o one_o and_o act_n the_o advocate_n exact_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o so_o great_a be_v truth_n that_o it_o need_v no_o other_o advocate_n nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o even_o in_o speak_v against_o she_o he_o be_v compel_v to_o use_v for_o she_o pag._n 41._o the_o ancient_a original_a fundamental_a law_n say_v he_o by_o which_o other_o law_n