essay_n upon_o several_a subject_n not_o unworthy_a consideration_n in_o these_o time_n communicate_v by_o letter_n to_o private_a friend_n and_o at_o their_o request_n to_o the_o public_a si_fw-la quid_fw-la novisti_fw-la rectius_fw-la istis_fw-la candidus_n imperti_fw-la london_n print_v by_o richard_n cotes_n for_o edward_n husband_n at_o the_o golden_a dragon_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1651._o essay_n i_o the_o dispute_n concerning_o jurisdiction_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o various_a that_o they_o have_v much_o shake_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n whilst_o many_o make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o contest_v for_o power_n have_v almost_o altogether_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n the_o strife_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a seem_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v end_v and_o though_o we_o all_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v servant_n of_o that_o master_n who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o those_o who_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n bear_v his_o cognizance_n think_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o hereafter_o unless_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o exercise_v some_o jurisdiction_n for_o he_o here_o below_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v the_o government_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n be_v as_o they_o suppose_v to_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n yet_o since_o they_o seem_v to_o claim_v no_o power_n herein_o but_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o derive_v from_o christ_n who_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o true_a ground_n we_o can_v take_v to_o clear_v these_o dispute_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n attribute_v sole_o to_o himself_o over_o his_o church_n and_o that_o wherein_o he_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o other_o and_o how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n be_v concern_v therein_o the_o action_n then_o which_o christ_n exercise_v sole_o and_o immediate_o over_o his_o church_n refer_v either_o to_o the_o beginning_n or_o end_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n to_o the_o beginning_n belong_v his_o legislative_a power_n not_o only_o in_o the_o more_o plain_a promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o free_n of_o it_o from_o corrupt_a interpretation_n but_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o evangelical_a ministry_n and_o sacrament_n by_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n to_o the_o end_n relate_v that_o definitive_a jurisdiction_n whereby_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o wicked_a and_o absolve_v the_o godly_a and_o so_o deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n these_o christ_n execute_v only_o by_o himself_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o other_o have_v relation_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v either_o to_o the_o outward_a or_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o the_o inward_a man_n when_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v his_o word_n he_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n hence_o it_o be_v because_o the_o work_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o herein_o be_v subservient_n to_o the_o action_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o rather_o his_o work_n in_o and_o by_o they_o the_o effect_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o chief_a agent_n be_v sometime_o apply_v to_o the_o instrument_n and_o so_o they_o be_v say_v to_o save_v man_n to_o remit_v sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o action_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o outward_a man_n consist_v in_o the_o defend_v and_o protect_v of_o his_o church_n from_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o ordain_v of_o whatever_o may_v make_v for_o the_o better_a propagation_n and_o establishment_n hereof_o and_o here_o begin_v the_o dispute_n concerning_o the_o discipline_n christ_n have_v leave_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o omit_v the_o several_a contest_v hereabout_o so_o full_a of_o passion_n and_o interest_n that_o if_o god_n love_n to_o his_o church_n have_v not_o be_v great_a to_o preserve_v it_o than_o the_o devil_n malice_n be_v or_o can_v be_v by_o these_o division_n to_o destroy_v it_o it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o tear_v in_o piece_n which_o yet_o remain_v but_o in_o a_o shatter_a condition_n it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a i_o conceive_v after_o all_o these_o stir_n calm_o to_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o particular_a discipline_n or_o form_n of_o government_n as_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n be_v to_o observe_v i_o presume_v the_o rather_o to_o propose_v this_o because_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v hereof_o in_o general_a term_n only_o as_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o we_o find_v some_o office_n as_o that_o of_o widow_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o i_o know_v none_o that_o plead_v for_o now_o and_o other_o custom_n as_o say_v amen_o in_o prayer_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n teach_v or_o prophesy_v with_o the_o head_n uncover_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o french_a church_n with_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v instance_v in_o which_o seem_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o yet_o the_o practice_n thereof_o continue_v not_o long_o in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o reform_a church_n differ_v herein_o much_o among_o themselves_o though_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n hold_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v four_o order_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n yet_o they_o seem_v as_o the_o french_a church_n to_o confound_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n among_o who_o and_o the_o church_n of_o holland_n there_o be_v that_o difference_n in_o discipline_n that_o those_o french_a church_n that_o be_v there_o have_v their_o consistory_n and_o synod_n apart_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v there_o may_v be_v a_o unity_n in_o doctrine_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o uniformity_n in_o discipline_n though_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n be_v without_o rent_n or_o seam_n yet_o that_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v of_o divers_a colour_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v a_o freedom_n and_o latitude_n to_o his_o church_n herein_o which_o we_o must_v do_v or_o condemn_v all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o since_o they_o have_v in_o all_o age_n differ_v herein_o more_o or_o less_o what_o need_v all_o this_o ado_n why_o do_v not_o we_o rather_o strive_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n then_o endeavour_v a_o impossible_a uniformity_n of_o what_o we_o can_v never_o reasonable_o expect_v it_o will_v more_o concern_v we_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o a_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n then_o to_o be_v entangle_v any_o long_a in_o these_o question_n wherein_o though_o most_o make_v such_o peremptory_a division_n according_a to_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v espouse_v whoever_o seek_v impartial_o to_o be_v resolve_v will_v find_v little_a satisfaction_n but_o possible_o conclude_v that_o as_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o most_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v prescribe_v no_o such_o certain_a constitution_n as_o many_o pretend_v but_o have_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n and_o charity_n and_o this_o appear_v to_o i_o most_o consonant_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o reason_n for_o as_o when_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a church_n he_o particular_o prescribe_v the_o rite_n and_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o fit_v no_o doubt_n to_o the_o genius_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o people_n so_o now_o that_o he_o have_v diffuse_v his_o church_n over_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o his_o worship_n the_o shadow_n be_v take_v away_o consist_v only_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n the_o prescribe_n of_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n seem_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o interest_v therein_o after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o matter_n only_o of_o their_o own_o cognizance_n will_v put_v into_o our_o creed_n sure_o i_o be_o most_o christian_a state_n have_v understand_v it_o so_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o the_o time_n past_a or_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o government_n at_o present_a who_o have_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o contain_v in_o the_o state_n and_o therefore_o have_v order_v all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o function_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a sanction_n wherever_o then_o we_o find_v the_o word_n of_o god_n faithful_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v we_o need_v not_o
magistrate_n to_o suffer_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n to_o pass_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n sacerdotum_fw-la ea_fw-la sunt_fw-la ingenia_fw-la ut_fw-la ni_fw-la pareant_fw-la territent_fw-la and_o multitudo_fw-la vana_fw-la religione_fw-la capta_fw-la melius_fw-la vatibus_fw-la quam_fw-la ducibus_fw-la paret_fw-la by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v god_n minister_n too_o for_o our_o good_a as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a matter_n and_o that_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o see_v all_o thing_n due_o observe_v and_o perform_v that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n so_o it_o be_v his_o right_n to_o determine_v and_o ordain_v whatever_o may_v make_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n in_o relation_n either_o to_o office_n or_o person_n civil_a or_o sacred_a as_o they_o be_v usual_o style_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o whole_a policy_n or_o government_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n where_o the_o ignorance_n of_o many_o in_o this_o point_n have_v take_v sanctuary_n will_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o magistrate_n have_v stamp_v their_o authority_n upon_o they_o in_o these_o word_n nous_fw-fr syndiques_n petit_fw-fr et_fw-fr grand_fw-fr conseil_fw-fr de_fw-fr geneve_n etc._n etc._n apres_fw-fr avoir_fw-fr en_fw-fr de_fw-fr pasteurs_fw-fr et_fw-fr minister_n de_fw-fr cette_fw-fr eglise_fw-fr advis_fw-la conform_v a_o la_fw-fr parole_fw-fr de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr etc._n etc._n avons_fw-fr ordonne_fw-fr et_fw-fr establi_fw-fr de_fw-fr suivre_fw-fr eu_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr ville_fw-fr et_fw-fr territoire_fw-fr la_fw-fr police_n ecclesiastic_a qui_fw-fr s'_fw-fr ensuit_fw-la the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o their_o policy_n be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n all_o the_o minister_n have_v to_o do_v in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v their_o advice_n only_o so_o likewise_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o minister_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o that_o they_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n the_o last_o appeal_n be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o final_a judgement_n and_o determination_n thereof_o their_o neighbour_n the_o suisser_n be_v something_o more_o strict_a in_o the_o manage_n of_o their_o authority_n even_o to_o the_o impose_n upon_o their_o minister_n that_o respect_v to_o their_o magistracy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o pulpit_n of_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o without_o acquaint_v they_o therewith_o first_o in_o private_a as_o understand_v well_o enough_o the_o strange_a effect_n that_o such_o discourse_n may_v produce_v no_o less_o to_o the_o vilify_n of_o the_o magistracy_n than_o the_o ministry_n too_o at_o last_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n then_o be_v of_o this_o extent_n we_o that_o be_v christian_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o pray_v as_o the_o heathen_n do_v for_o their_o emperor_n ut_fw-la deus_fw-la ipsi_fw-la intelligentem_fw-la divini_fw-la humanÃque_fw-la juris_fw-la mentem_fw-la debt_fw-la and_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v he_o with_o all_o grace_n fit_v so_o great_a a_o function_n who_o perform_v of_o the_o great_a duty_n god_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o herein_o will_v more_o true_o advance_v then_o lessen_v the_o minister_n office_n which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o he_o that_o have_v heaven_n for_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o footstool_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o church_n his_o house_n where_o for_o the_o better_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v place_v some_o as_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o rest_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o more_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o spiritual_a function_n as_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n those_o we_o find_v frequent_o mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o ordinary_a dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o call_v bishop_n sometime_o elder_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o these_o seem_v to_o import_v one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o charge_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v st._n luke_n in_o the_o 20_o of_o the_o act_n 17._o where_o st._n paul_n send_v from_o miletus_n to_o call_v thither_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o in_o the_o 28._o ver._n he_o charge_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n nor_o yet_o st._n paul_n tit._n 1.5_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o immediate_o infer_v that_o a_o bishop_n the_o same_o that_o before_o he_o have_v call_v a_o elder_n must_v be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n the_o distinction_n which_o be_v make_v in_o after_o time_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v mention_v here_o in_o the_o minister_n charge_v we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o this_o derive_v only_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o commission_n 2._o the_o application_n of_o this_o office_n to_o a_o certain_a person_n and_o this_o we_o usual_o call_v ordination_n which_o after_o due_a exmination_n both_o of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v by_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o 3._o the_o designation_n or_o election_n of_o a_o person_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o this_o we_o find_v diverse_o manage_v in_o several_a age_n according_a to_o the_o exigent_n of_o time_n and_o occasion_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v herein_o sometime_o the_o church_n itself_o claim_v the_o right_a of_o elect_v their_o own_o pastor_n at_o other_o time_n the_o pastor_n sole_o dispose_v of_o election_n and_o many_o time_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o to_o avoid_v popular_a confusion_n and_o faction_n the_o magistrate_n have_v be_v constrain_v to_o assume_v this_o part_n only_o to_o himself_o as_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o pastoral_a cure_n and_o to_o give_v all_o freedom_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o discharge_n thereof_o nor_o must_v that_o large_a commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v to_o the_o dispenser_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n make_v they_o in_o the_o least_o manner_n to_o exceed_v their_o bound_n the_o church_n can_v well_o enjoy_v she_o unless_o caesar_n have_v he_o all_o the_o power_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v for_o edification_n not_o destruction_n directive_n only_o and_o persuasive_a no_o way_n coactive_a if_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v enforce_v what_o army_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a god_n and_o a_o self-denying_a religion_n if_o this_o be_v not_o set_v upon_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o demonstration_n of_o all_o other_o power_n will_v be_v to_o little_a effect_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o loose_v so_o much_o insist_v on_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o declare_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v open_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o shut_v to_o the_o obdurate_a they_o can_v bless_v those_o upon_o who_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o curse_n nor_o curse_v those_o he_o be_v please_v to_o bless_v they_o be_v ambassador_n only_o for_o christ_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o deliver_v but_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o command_v nor_o must_v excommunication_n and_o the_o deliver_n up_o of_o man_n unto_o satan_n which_o have_v make_v such_o a_o terrible_a noise_n of_o late_a make_v we_o to_o apprehend_v that_o minister_n be_v arm_v with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n or_o that_o they_o can_v command_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v all_o those_o they_o take_v for_o samaritan_n we_o care_v not_o many_o time_n what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v when_o we_o be_v a_o little_a angry_a and_o that_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v concern_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o deliver_v man_n up_o to_o satan_n for_o so_o ordinary_a a_o business_n as_o many_o will_v make_v it_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o this_o case_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v something_o of_o the_o miracle_n in_o it_o and_o so_o be_v understand_v by_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o many_o learned_a modern_n too_o and_o be_v so_o ought_v neither_o to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n or_o example_n as_o for_o excommunication_n by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n than_o this_o occasion_n will_v permit_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o debar_n of_o man_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n have_v nothing_o of_o force_n or_o coaction_n in_o it_o those_o that_o will_n
god_n unless_o we_o be_v just_a unto_o all_o and_o since_o justice_n be_v that_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o render_v unto_o every_o one_o what_o belong_v to_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v all_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v whether_o private_a or_o public_a all_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o superior_n equal_v or_o inferior_n and_o if_o we_o acquit_v ourselves_o herein_o as_o good_a and_o just_a man_n we_o shall_v thereby_o more_o true_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o add_v a_o great_a lustre_n to_o religion_n then_o by_o all_o the_o device_n that_o either_o ignorant_a or_o politic_a hypocritical_a man_n have_v invent_v hitherto_o which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o perform_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o sir_n your_o essay_n iv._o sir_n many_o sad_a complaint_n there_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o disease_n both_o of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o though_o both_o have_v lie_v a_o long_a time_n almost_o bedrid_a yet_o it_o have_v be_v their_o fate_n hitherto_o to_o meet_v often_o with_o empiric_n than_o physician_n with_o such_o who_o understand_v better_a to_o gain_v advantage_n by_o their_o distemper_n than_o honour_n by_o a_o seasonable_a and_o skilful_a cure_n this_o seem_v to_o invite_v every_o one_o to_o contribute_v as_o well_o the_o best_a of_o their_o thought_n as_o prayer_n to_o find_v out_o some_o mean_n if_o possible_a for_o a_o recovery_n and_o though_o our_o disease_n be_v like_o a_o hectic_a fever_n easy_a at_o first_o to_o be_v cure_v though_o hard_o to_o be_v find_v out_o but_o afterwards_o more_o easy_o discern_v then_o remedy_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o balsam_n for_o every_o wound_n which_o though_o we_o can_v always_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o recover_v we_o must_v endeavour_v at_o least_o to_o attain_v unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o perish_v as_o well_o by_o our_o own_o folly_n as_o weakness_n to_o omit_v the_o several_a oppression_n in_o civil_a and_o sacred_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v occasion_v our_o trouble_n at_o first_o together_o with_o the_o causeless_a complaint_n of_o the_o present_a burden_n which_o no_o one_o can_v rational_o expect_v to_o be_v remove_v till_o our_o own_o distemper_n and_o the_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o this_o state_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o be_v better_o quiet_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o present_v which_o seem_v more_o worthy_a of_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pious_a and_o discreet_a then_o to_o find_v out_o some_o effectual_a mean_n how_o to_o unite_v the_o several_a faction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n at_o home_n and_o then_o how_o to_o secure_v our_o religion_n from_o those_o that_o will_v destroy_v it_o from_o abroad_o every_o natural_a body_n desire_v as_o much_o its_o unity_n as_o entity_n she_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n that_o will_v not_o have_v it_o divide_v we_o depart_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o we_o separate_v each_o from_o other_o those_o member_n that_o have_v not_o a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o have_v no_o union_n at_o all_o with_o the_o head_n since_o therefore_o all_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o irreligious_a it_o will_v concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a which_o we_o may_v as_o well_o lose_v for_o want_v of_o charity_n as_o faith_n to_o endeavour_v the_o make_n up_o of_o these_o breach_n which_o may_v possible_o be_v effect_v if_o set_v aside_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n and_o circumstance_n we_o will_v intend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o fundamental_a and_o essential_o require_v of_o every_o christian_a which_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o be_v they_o clear_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o temporal_a livelihood_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n if_o we_o delight_v only_o in_o curiosity_n they_o will_v cost_v we_o dear_o it_o be_v well_o say_v of_o one_o that_o he_o like_v the_o world_n as_o god_n make_v it_o but_o not_o as_o man_n have_v make_v it_o if_o we_o behold_v religion_n in_o that_o native_a simplicity_n and_o beauty_n wherewith_o god_n have_v attire_v she_o we_o can_v but_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o she_o but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o dress_n which_o the_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v put_v upon_o she_o all_o her_o comeliness_n be_v go_v we_o shall_v then_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o know_v her_o face_n through_o the_o paint_n and_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o which_o she_o seem_v to_o be_v how_o many_o do_v still_o take_v the_o glister_n show_v of_o human_a invention_n for_o true_a piety_n and_o cry_v up_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o may_v pass_v for_o such_o with_o themselves_o only_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o other_o who_o have_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o faith_n as_o to_o take_v all_o for_o gospel_n that_o they_o fancy_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a policy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n first_o to_o invent_v what_o may_v make_v for_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o afterwards_o to_o set_v their_o doctor_n a_o work_n how_o to_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o their_o creed_n it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o have_v keep_v a_o great_a distance_n from_o rome_n in_o this_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v more_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o then_o god_n in_o many_o late_a undertaking_n for_o reformation_n we_o pray_v daily_o that_o god_n kingdom_n may_v come_v but_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o dominion_n and_o empire_n he_o ought_v to_o exercise_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o erect_v other_o throne_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v his_o sceptre_n rather_o external_o politic_a then_o inward_o powerful_a if_o we_o will_v then_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v and_o the_o government_n to_o be_v right_o settle_v on_o his_o shoulder_n let_v we_o at_o last_o ingenuous_o confess_v what_o we_o can_v conscientious_o conceal_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v only_a righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o subdue_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o conform_n of_o our_o life_n to_o that_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o external_a rite_n and_o discipline_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o be_v rather_o the_o garment_n then_o either_o body_n or_o soul_n any_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o upon_o diligent_a enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v shape_v according_a to_o the_o infancy_n and_o growth_n of_o several_a church_n and_o still_o conform_v less_o or_o more_o to_o the_o civil_a constitution_n and_o this_o be_v once_o acknowledge_v as_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v by_o all_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o that_o have_v not_o pawn_v their_o wit_n and_o conscience_n to_o maintain_v some_o by-interest_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o envious_a wall_n of_o partition_n be_v break_v down_o all_o that_o take_v christ_n for_o their_o head_n may_v unite_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o pursue_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n let_v the_o machiavilian_o of_o this_o world_n study_n how_o to_o divide_v and_o reign_v christian_n ought_v to_o practise_v how_o they_o may_v unite_v and_o obey_v the_o discipline_n of_o mutual_a love_n will_v more_o advance_v their_o cause_n than_o all_o the_o love_n they_o have_v hitherto_o show_v for_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v once_o conclude_v the_o next_o task_n will_v be_v calm_o to_o debate_n and_o agree_v among_o ourselves_o what_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n be_v which_o may_v be_v bring_v sure_a into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o so_o clear_o express_v that_o all_o may_v understand_v they_o certa_fw-la semper_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_fw-la paucis_fw-la and_o quicquid_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la christianorum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la quicquid_fw-la nos_fw-la meliores_fw-la beatiorésque_fw-la facit_fw-la in_fw-la aperto_fw-la ponitur_fw-la and_o these_o be_v assent_v unto_o why_o shall_v we_o too_o curious_o search_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o all_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o principle_n differ_v sometime_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o superstructure_n all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o mean_n or_o measure_n of_o understanding_n some_o man_n error_n accompany_v with_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n
doubt_v but_o christ_n have_v his_o church_n though_o we_o may_v imagine_v many_o defect_n otherwise_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n which_o whilst_o we_o amend_v whatever_o we_o know_v to_o be_v amiss_o in_o ourselves_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o they_o be_v be_v the_o next_o inquiry_n the_o thirst_n of_o power_n and_o government_n where_o it_o once_o take_v be_v unquenchable_a ambition_n be_v a_o disease_n which_o be_v rather_o heighten_v then_o cure_v by_o physic_n what_o strong_a preservative_n can_v be_v prescribe_v against_o this_o poison_n than_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o what_o high_a tower_n of_o pride_n have_v he_o that_o style_v himself_o his_o vicar_n build_v upon_o this_o humble_a foundation_n let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o pretend_v to_o advance_v the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n we_o put_v a_o reed_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o by_o plead_v for_o our_o own_o power_n ruin_v he_o since_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o we_o consist_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n and_o people_n let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o office_n who_o function_n unless_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o duty_n either_o as_o a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o christian_a must_v needs_o extend_v to_o the_o care_n and_o well_o order_v of_o all_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v lead_v as_o well_o a_o godly_a as_o a_o peaceable_a life_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o know_v the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n be_v still_o annex_v to_o the_o primogeniture_n in_o that_o most_o equal_a government_n of_o the_o patriarch_n over_o their_o family_n and_o descendent_n and_o when_o by_o god_n positive_a law_n the_o levitical_a priesthood_n be_v institute_v some_o relic_n of_o the_o ancient_a custom_n still_o remain_v the_o father_n of_o family_n be_v to_o slay_v the_o paschall_n lamb_n and_o any_o that_o be_v skilful_a therein_o may_v circumcise_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o may_v seem_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o priesthood_n be_v sometime_o bestow_v upon_o their_o king_n and_o as_o often_o upon_o private_a person_n as_o their_o priest_n and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o office_n of_o supreme_a magistracy_n and_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o same_o person_n which_o though_o we_o shall_v deny_v will_v nothing_o prejudice_v our_o assertion_n imperantis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la imperata_fw-la facere_fw-la sed_fw-la imperando_fw-la jubere_fw-la ut_fw-la fiant_fw-la magistrate_n may_v well_o enough_o take_v care_n that_o minister_n perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n be_v due_o administer_v without_o undertake_v the_o particular_a function_n themselves_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v call_v pastorum_fw-la pastor_fw-la and_o custodes_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la nor_o do_v the_o lustre_n of_o supreme_a authority_n ever_o appear_v more_o glorious_a than_o when_o it_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o due_a care_n and_o order_n of_o religious_a matter_n which_o either_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v chief_o regard_v the_o roman_a emperor_n account_v the_o office_n of_o pontifex_fw-la maximus_n too_o great_a to_o be_v impart_v to_o other_o and_o the_o best_a of_o christian_a prince_n have_v rather_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n than_o any_o intrusion_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n if_o some_o have_v be_v more_o remiss_a therein_o then_o other_o their_o neglect_n can_v prejudice_v the_o right_n of_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o those_o than_o be_v too_o uncivil_a with_o their_o superior_n that_o whilst_o they_o make_v their_o own_o function_n to_o pass_v for_o such_o solemn_a and_o and_o sacred_a thing_n afford_v they_o only_o a_o civil_a title_n what_o not_o their_o office_n too_o of_o divine_a institution_n may_v not_o those_o that_o be_v nurse_a father_n of_o the_o church_n see_v that_o the_o child_n have_v bread_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n under_o pretence_n only_o of_o be_v christ_n vicar_n have_v assume_v so_o much_o power_n in_o the_o church_n may_v not_o they_o that_o be_v true_o his_o vicegerent_n see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o as_o their_o authority_n be_v divine_a because_o they_o be_v magistrate_n so_o we_o must_v allow_v their_o act_n to_o be_v something_o more_o than_o civil_a or_o profane_a as_o they_o be_v usual_o style_v if_o we_o have_v but_o so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o take_v they_o for_o christian_n all_o river_n lose_v their_o name_n when_o they_o come_v once_o to_o be_v empty_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o whoever_o give_v up_o his_o name_n unto_o christ_n must_v be_v content_a only_o to_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o superscription_n his_o whole_a man_n and_o all_o his_o action_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v then_o true_o christian_a and_o holy_a and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n can_v say_v this_o or_o that_o he_o may_v do_v as_o a_o magistrate_n but_o not_o as_o a_o christian_n since_o the_o tie_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a swallow_v up_o all_o other_o relation_n and_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o all_o his_o action_n so_o ought_v not_o any_o ingenuous_a man_n by_o such_o poor_a shift_n and_o distinction_n for_o the_o compass_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o pretend_v authority_n either_o teach_v the_o magistrate_n to_o neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o other_o to_o contemn_v his_o power_n but_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o the_o pastor_n office_n extend_v to_o he_o as_o well_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v but_o we_o must_v not_o then_o make_v the_o church_n such_o a_o thing_n and_o afterwards_o give_v it_o that_o power_n as_o many_o do_v nor_o may_v the_o pastor_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n thereby_o more_o pretend_v to_o advance_v their_o authority_n or_o office_n above_o he_o than_o the_o physician_n by_o cure_v he_o as_o well_o as_o other_o or_o the_o chirurgeon_n by_o lance_v his_o wound_n or_o if_o need_v be_v by_o cut_v off_o some_o rot_a member_n some_o object_n further_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v if_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v thus_o far_o admit_v which_o yet_o by_o divide_v the_o power_n can_v but_o be_v far_o great_a and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v the_o several_a pretender_n hereunto_o be_v man_n not_o angel_n from_o who_o as_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v good_a so_o it_o can_v be_v altogether_o secure_v from_o evil_a because_o they_o be_v neither_o infallible_a in_o their_o judgement_n nor_o unbiased_a in_o their_o affection_n nor_o ought_v the_o fitness_n and_o ability_n which_o some_o pretend_v for_o the_o minister_n manage_v of_o church_n affair_n divest_v the_o magistrate_n of_o his_o right_n it_o be_v fit_a and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a wish_n of_o he_o ut_fw-la sapientes_fw-la regnarent_fw-la aut_fw-la regnantes_fw-la saperent_fw-la and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v none_o statesman_n but_o lawyer_n or_o king_n but_o philosopher_n only_o neither_o may_v the_o difficulty_n or_o abstruseness_n to_o judge_n of_o point_n in_o religion_n as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v dethrone_v the_o magistrate_n from_o his_o office_n or_o deter_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n every_o christian_n be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o these_o and_o aught_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o profound_a doctor_n in_o try_v his_o most_o subtle_a reason_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n as_o far_o at_o least_o as_o concern_v himself_o if_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v question_v concerning_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a appeal_v to_o caesar_n tribunal_n before_o who_o he_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v how_o can_v we_o be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o refuse_v that_o to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o a_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o certain_o if_o magistrate_n will_v but_o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o power_n of_o their_o power_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o govern_v their_o government_n they_o will_v with_o david_n make_v god_n law_n their_o study_n that_o they_o may_v thence_o learn_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o their_o teacher_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o incapacity_n or_o ignorance_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o chief_a art_n and_o if_o conscience_n move_v they_o not_o hereunto_o methinks_v policy_n shall_v if_o we_o be_v stranger_n to_o our_o own_o time_n other_o age_n will_v tell_v we_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o the_o supreme_a