Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n apostle_n bishop_n ephesus_n 3,999 5 11.0253 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52316 The project of peace, or, Unity of faith and government, the only expedient to procure peace, both foreign and domestique and to preserve these nations from the danger of popery and arbitrary tyranny by the author of the countermine. Nalson, John, 1638?-1686. 1678 (1678) Wing N113; ESTC R3879 154,518 354

There are 16 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o rebellious_a thought_n of_o establish_v religion_n by_o force_n or_o violence_n chap._n vii_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o charity_n among_o christian_n be_v build_v upon_o unity_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a bond_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o faithful_a people_n which_o be_v have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o unity_n in_o government_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o obedience_n a_o duty_n therefore_o which_o all_o man_n owe_v to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n as_o the_o necessary_a ligature_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o be_v a_o political_a society_n of_o religious_a man_n do_v therefore_o require_v a_o political_a government_n in_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a affair_n the_o not_o well_o consider_v of_o this_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o the_o catholic_a church_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v in_o itself_o and_o to_o he_o by_o the_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n which_o faith_n may_v be_v keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a though_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o external_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o all_o ceremony_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o all_o place_n as_o for_o example_n submerge_v of_o the_o person_n baptise_a may_v do_v very_o well_o in_o the_o warm_a climate_n but_o will_v be_v very_o hazardous_a in_o the_o more_o northern_a region_n of_o muscovy_n rushia_n etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v adjudge_v in_o that_o great_a controversy_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n between_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a church_n for_o when_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o they_o come_v to_o this_o amicable_a determination_n that_o each_o church_n shall_v celebrate_v it_o according_a to_o their_o own_o custom_n for_o which_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n quia_fw-la non_fw-la oportet_fw-la propter_fw-la caeremoniarum_fw-la dissonantiam_fw-la rumpere_fw-la fidei_fw-la consonantiam_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la concordiam_fw-la the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o faith_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v break_v for_o a_o disagreement_n in_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o because_o this_o difference_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n use_v in_o regard_n it_o confirm_v my_o position_n of_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o unity_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n that_o of_o a_o national_a church_n i_o will_v relate_v the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o short_a as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 26._o euseb_n lib._n 5._o c._n 24_o 25_o 26._o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o asian_a bishop_n allege_v the_o practice_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o st._n john_n the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v himself_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n polycarp_n and_o several_a other_o observe_v easter_n upon_o any_o day_n of_o the_o week_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n of_o the_o western_a church_n observe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v upon_o the_o sunday_n be_v the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n upon_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n pronounce_v they_o excommunicate_a and_o separate_v from_o their_o communion_n irenoeus_n bishop_n in_o lion_n show_v victor_n his_o error_n and_o that_o for_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v break_v which_o he_o manifest_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o several_a church_n in_o observe_v the_o time_n of_o fast_v before_o easter_n some_o only_a one_o day_n some_o two_o some_o more_o to_o forty_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o say_v that_o excellent_a father_n they_o be_v at_o unity_n one_o with_o another_o and_o as_o yet_o retain_v it_o for_o this_o variety_n of_o fast_v commend_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o thereupon_o write_v to_o victor_n he_o acquaint_v he_o that_o anicetus_n pius_n hyginus_n telesephorus_n and_o xystus_n his_o predecessor_n though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o custom_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n yet_o nevertheless_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o they_o and_o send_v the_o eucharist_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o observe_v a_o contrary_a custom_n show_v he_o also_o how_o polycarpus_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o judgement_n of_o anicetus_n but_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o his_o predecessor_n upon_o which_o for_o the_o reason_n beforementioned_a they_o friendly_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n together_o the_o symbol_n of_o their_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o peace_n and_o all_o such_o add_v he_o as_o hold_v contrary_a custom_n and_o observation_n throughout_o the_o universal_a church_n hold_v fast_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n no_o church_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o in_o point_n of_o circumstance_n so_o long_o as_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o catholic_a faith_n as_o the_o only_a necessary_a bond_n of_o union_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o unity_n of_o government_n as_o the_o bond_n of_o union_n in_o the_o several_a distinct_a and_o national_a church_n whereof_o the_o universal_a be_v compose_v and_o which_o therefore_o it_o appear_v have_v original_o a_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o over_o which_o neither_o rome_n nor_o any_o other_o have_v a_o power_n so_o that_o be_v clear_a that_o several_a national_a church_n may_v lawful_o differ_v in_o external_n rite_n of_o government_n from_o the_o catholic_a without_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o now_o in_o a_o national_a church_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o lawful_a governor_n of_o it_o and_o all_o disobedience_n there_o be_v a_o schism_n in_o regard_n the_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n the_o order_n and_o charity_n of_o it_o without_o this_o must_v be_v destroy_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n in_o any_o national_a church_n now_o every_o distinct_a nation_n as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v a_o separate_a society_n of_o man_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o different_a government_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o place_n of_o habitation_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o religion_n shall_v conduce_v all_o it_o can_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o political_a frame_n upon_o which_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o society_n depend_v for_o the_o civil_a and_o religious_a concern_v be_v so_o mutual_o interweave_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a citizen_n who_o be_v a_o ill_a christian_a or_o a_o ill_a christian_a who_o be_v bone_fw-la civis_fw-la a_o good_a publiquewealths-man_n and_o these_o do_v mutual_o support_v one_o another_o true_a religion_n improve_n this_o interest_n of_o all_o man_n by_o make_v the_o civil_a part_n of_o the_o polity_n a_o duty_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n whereas_o among_o heathen_a it_o be_v only_o a_o duty_n of_o interest_n and_o policy_n for_o even_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v true_o say_v as_o our_o saviour_n of_o himself_o 5.17_o matt._n 5.17_o that_o christian_a religion_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o to_o conform_v humane_a law_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a equity_n truth_n and_o justice_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o lord_n himself_o give_v that_o universal_a precept_n to_o render_v to_o caesar_n his_o due_a which_o also_o he_o confirm_v by_o his_o practice_n pay_v he_o tribute_n even_o with_o a_o miracle_n nor_o do_v we_o ever_o find_v the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n oppose_v any_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n unless_o they_o be_v such_o as_o direct_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n such_o as_o be_v the_o severe_a edict_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o renounce_v and_o blaspheme_n christ_n to_o adore_v the_o pagan_a god_n or_o to_o offer_v incense_n to_o the_o statue_n of_o the_o emperor_n nay_o when_o they_o be_v treat_v with_o more_o than_o inhumanity_n they_o never_o have_v recourse_n to_o violence_n or_o attempt_v to_o justle_v the_o temporal_a power_n out_o of_o the_o throne_n or_o force_v it_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o will_n but_o suffer_v patient_o even_o when_o as_o tertullian_n apologise_v for_o they_o they_o be_v
art_n and_o industry_n acquire_v they_o nay_o he_o may_v by_o sorcery_n obtain_v those_o which_o some_o people_n will_v call_v divine_a perfection_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o late_a relation_n of_o that_o abominable_a wizzard_n major_a thomas_n weir_n in_o scotland_n and_o so_o long_o as_o people_n be_v cherish_v in_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o these_o ability_n however_o natural_a or_o acquire_v be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o gift_n will_v think_v themselves_o as_o good_a and_o as_o wise_a and_o it_o may_v be_v excel_v they_o in_o those_o talent_n more_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o teacher_n which_o will_v also_o encourage_v they_o not_o only_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n but_o to_o invade_v their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o prevail_a error_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o our_o separatist_n and_o dissenter_n but_o when_o people_n shall_v come_v to_o understand_v that_o no_o man_n be_v a_o legatus_fw-la natus_fw-la of_o heaven_n bear_v a_o priest_n or_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o be_v priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v must_v be_v call_v of_o god_n for_o that_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n 10.15_o heb._n 5.4_o rom._n 10.15_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v preach_v except_o he_o be_v send_v when_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o these_o natural_a ability_n and_o gift_n but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n and_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n which_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o sacred_a function_n then_o will_v people_n learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o pastor_n of_o god_n appointment_n and_o orator_n of_o their_o own_o choose_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o command_v 13._o 1_o thess_n 5.12_o 13._o than_o will_v they_o know_v those_o that_o labour_n among_o they_o and_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o then_o will_v they_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o than_o will_v they_o repair_v for_o help_v assistance_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o physician_n who_o be_v of_o god_n institution_n and_o who_o have_v authority_n virtue_n and_o ability_n to_o heal_v their_o soul_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v to_o remit_v or_o retain_v their_o sin_n and_o no_o long_o trust_v to_o those_o mountebank_n of_o religion_n who_o by_o antic_a gesture_n and_o affect_v word_n draw_v they_o to_o their_o stage_n pretend_v universal_a remedy_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v no_o power_n no_o virtue_n no_o authority_n but_o delude_v they_o with_o hard_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n where_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o slight_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o our_o people_n when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v any_o warrant_n from_o christ_n his_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n for_o their_o obtrude_a themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a function_n and_o important_a charge_n of_o be_v spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o ordination_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v the_o door_n by_o which_o good_a man_n enter_v into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n that_o when_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n shall_v appear_v they_o may_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o this_o door_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n enter_v and_o he_o that_o enter_v not_o by_o this_o door_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n but_o climb_v up_o some_o other_o way_n of_o ambition_n be_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o high_a trust_n and_o power_n over_o his_o church_n thus_o commit_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o transmit_v to_o their_o successor_n for_o the_o management_n and_o govern_n of_o his_o flock_n be_v therefore_o give_v to_o all_o that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o several_a charge_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o that_o one_o may_v not_o bind_v what_o another_o have_v loose_v that_o one_o may_v not_o absolve_v where_o another_o have_v excommunicate_v which_o rule_n be_v strict_o observe_v in_o all_o church_n however_o they_o differ_v in_o circumstantial_o not_o admit_v the_o outcast_n of_o another_o church_n into_o their_o communion_n till_o they_o have_v purge_v themselves_o of_o the_o crime_n object_v against_o they_o if_o false_a or_o reconcile_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n if_o true_a whereby_o they_o constant_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n abroad_o &_o the_o unity_n of_o government_n at_o home_n let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n become_v impracticable_a by_o admit_v diversity_n of_o government_n in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o whether_o they_o who_o set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n among_o we_o be_v not_o thereby_o guilty_a of_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o impiety_n against_o which_o they_o make_v such_o loud_a declamation_n endeavour_v to_o lay_v that_o which_o be_v the_o spurious_a issue_n of_o their_o separation_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o present_a governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n leave_v with_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n as_o before_o be_v say_v be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n whereby_o notorious_a offender_n and_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o without_o repentance_n and_o absolution_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n here_o or_o heaven_n hereafter_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n or_o force_n in_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v but_o now_o where_o there_o be_v distinct_a collection_n of_o man_n who_o own_v no_o dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o but_o though_o in_o the_o same_o nation_n yet_o live_v under_o different_a and_o it_o may_v be_v quite_o contrary_a form_n of_o government_n one_o from_o another_o as_o before_o be_v show_v there_o will_v be_v a_o total_a cessation_n of_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o communion_n and_o while_o these_o differ_v congregation_n of_o man_n make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n perhaps_o out_o of_o mistake_a zeal_n perhaps_o out_o of_o some_o other_o design_n of_o interest_n or_o ambition_n to_o propagate_v their_o way_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o their_o proselyte_n and_o with_o it_o the_o credit_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v refuse_v none_o that_o shall_v desire_v to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o their_o communion_n and_o society_n and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o notorious_a sinner_n they_o have_v be_v if_o they_o can_v but_o act_v their_o villainy_n more_o private_o and_o put_v on_o the_o sanctimonious_a dress_n of_o reformation_n the_o great_a will_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o conversion_n appear_v and_o the_o more_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a will_v their_o preach_a seem_v which_o draw_v such_o sinner_n to_o conversion_n by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o for_o any_o crime_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o reject_v from_o communion_n shall_v find_v a_o sanctuary_n a_o protection_n nay_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o esteem_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o fly_v for_o refuge_n while_o they_o will_v certain_o make_v their_o inclination_n to_o that_o party_n the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o their_o excommunication_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o one_o and_o adherence_n to_o the_o other_o nor_o will_v that_o party_n to_o which_o they_o make_v their_o retreat_n and_o application_n only_o willing_o receive_v they_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o exclaim_v upon_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o that_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o their_o tyrannous_a proceed_n which_o they_o will_v call_v persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o conscience-sake_n then_o will_v they_o pronounce_v the_o nullity_n of_o all_o such_o censure_n against_o they_o and_o notwithstanding_o their_o stand_v excommunicate_a that_o by_o join_v with_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o obtain_v a_o interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o
call_v he_o a-away_a he_o leave_v titus_n a_o bishop_n there_o to_o set_v in_o order_n what_o be_v want_v that_o be_v upon_o their_o good_a demeanour_n to_o advance_v they_o into_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v want_v at_o st._n paul_n departure_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n want_v and_o which_o he_o appoint_v titus_n to_o do_v by_o the_o direction_n he_o give_v about_o they_o 11._o verse_n 10_o 11._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n a_o high_a office_n and_o a_o large_a jurisdiction_n for_o there_o be_v many_o unruly_a there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o bishop_n to_o rule_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v who_o subvert_v whole_a house_n teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n so_o that_o titus_n be_v to_o make_v bishop_n in_o that_o populous_a island_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v authority_n which_o as_o presbyter_n they_o have_v not_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o seducer_n and_o how_o be_v these_o unruly_a subverter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o govern_v even_o by_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o stop_v their_o mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o silence_v they_o and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o let_v they_o and_o the_o people_n know_v that_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o disobedience_n 16._o verse_n 16._o they_o be_v abominable_a and_o reprobate_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n yet_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a therefore_o abominable_a because_o disobedient_a silence_v then_o of_o subverter_n of_o house_n unruly_a vain_a talker_n deceiver_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o bishop_n persecutor_n for_o so_o do_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n of_o stop_v their_o mouth_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o this_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n and_o if_o they_o submit_v not_o to_o this_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o godliness_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o deny_v he_o and_o be_v reprobate_n because_o disobedient_a what_o must_v we_o then_o think_v of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v either_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o unruly_a and_o mutinous_a disorder_n be_v disobedience_n to_o both_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o that_o they_o may_v first_o take_v away_o from_o the_o bishop_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n and_o then_o with_o ease_n extirpate_v episcopacy_n root_n and_o branch_n office_n and_o name_n power_n and_o authority_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appoint_v bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n you_o see_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o presbyter_n be_v their_o lawful_a inferior_n that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v to_o rebuke_n to_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o unruly_a so_o that_o here_o be_v both_o the_o name_n and_o the_o thing_n the_o title_n and_o the_o office_n confirm_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o they_o we_o entreat_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n 13._o 1_o thess_n 5.12_o 13._o and_o his_o modest_a entreaty_n ●●●y_v i_o hope_v without_o offence_n pass_v for_o a_o command_n to_o know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o works-sake_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o how_o know_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o ruler_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o person_n or_o name_n but_o know_v their_o office_n know_v their_o power_n that_o so_o by_o submission_n you_o may_v maintain_v peace_n but_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v plain_a and_o positive_a 13.17_o heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n will_v carry_v more_o than_o some_o envious_a people_n will_v well_o like_v of_o in_o bishop_n and_o will_v not_o only_o entitle_v they_o to_o rule_n but_o their_o honour_n too_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o greek_a language_n for_o it_o signify_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a ruler_n or_o a_o guide_n but_o a_o captain_n and_o a_o prince_n and_o warrant_v a_o bishop_n be_v so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o a_o priest_n under_o the_o old_a but_o to_o avoid_v offence_n i_o know_v there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o reverend_a father_n of_o the_o church_n but_o will_v be_v please_v to_o derive_v their_o title_n from_o another_o fountain_n of_o honour_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o show_v that_o god_n almighty_a by_o his_o spirit_n in_o scripture_n be_v please_v to_o honour_v they_o with_o the_o high_a character_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v vilify_v and_o despise_v as_o son●n_o wanton_a and_o other_o virulent_a tongue_n and_o pen_n too_o frequent_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v he_o continue_v to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o obedience_n this_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d submit_v yourselves_o without_o resist_v be_v in_o subjection_n and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n do_v god_n expect_v a_o account_n of_o soul_n from_o these_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n then_o certain_o he_o can_v in_o justice_n leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_n and_o guide_n as_o mean_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o suppose_v a_o end_n without_o a_o way_n and_o since_o they_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n all_o those_o who_o be_v within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v before_o the_o bar_n of_o divine_a justice_n for_o the_o gild_n not_o only_o of_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o those_o of_o other_o who_o they_o teach_v to_o refuse_n to_o obey_v those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o be_v appoint_v bishop_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whereas_o st._n peter_n call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n and_o by_o rank_v himself_o among_o they_o seem_v to_o intimate_v they_o be_v all_o one_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n too_o 1.1_o 1_o pet._n 1.1_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o peter_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o humility_n in_o call_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5.1_o chap._n 5.1_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o than_o that_o a_o presbyter_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o though_o they_o be_v his_o fellow_n presbyter_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o his_o fellow_n apostle_n and_o further_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o presbyter_n of_o which_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o sym-presbyter_n be_v bishop_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n for_o write_v to_o the_o several_a church_n scatter_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n and_o bythinia_n and_o call_v the_o governor_n of_o those_o church_n fellow_n presbyter_n argue_v as_o much_o but_o the_o second_o verse_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n for_o he_o say_v they_o must_v episcopize_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n as_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n will_v never_o prove_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o bishop_n or_o one_o who_o be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n of_o saint_n peter_n let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o the_o next_o age_n think_v of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a church-history_n but_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n who_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o belove_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o lean_v on_o jesus_n bosom_n and_o one_o may_v well_o suppose_v therefore_o know_v his_o breast_n and_o what_o government_n his_o lord_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o tell_v we_o so_o and_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o if_o he_o have_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o
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
door_n of_o separatist_n and_o schismatic_n who_o by_o frustrate_v this_o power_n render_v it_o contemptible_a and_o set_v open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n p._n 122._o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o a_o national_a church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o civil_a policy_n such_o unity_n the_o design_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o humane_a society_n no_o happiness_n without_o it_o government_n appoint_v by_o god_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o promote_v this_o design_n and_o therefore_o disobedience_n a_o damnable_a sin_n p._n 149_o chap._n x._o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o impolitickness_n of_o disunion_n in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n no_o domestic_a peace_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o it_o but_o perpetual_a quarrel_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n from_o the_o several_a interest_n of_o dissenter_n p._n 165_o chap._n xi_o the_o mischief_n of_o disunion_n in_o respect_n of_o foreign_a affair_n it_o weaken_v any_o nation_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o enemy_n rob_v they_o of_o their_o alliance_n and_o confederation_n interest_n and_o mutual_n support_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o league_n different_a church_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n incline_v people_n to_o democracy_n p._n 190_o chap._n xii_o of_o toleration_n some_o animadversion_n upon_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o advocate_n of_o conscience_n liberty_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o dissenter_n p._n 203_o chap._n xiii_o a_o further_a examination_n of_o the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o particular_a plea_n for_o the_o papist_n a_o short_a view_n of_o and_o answer_n to_o their_o boast_v to_o be_v our_o apostle_n of_o their_o antiquity_n succession_n vision_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n of_o the_o powder_n treason_n or_o five_o of_o november_n p._n 229_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understanding_n the_o modes_n of_o thing_n sensible_a much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o obtrude_a thing_n not_o certain_a as_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n as_o all_o may_v perform_v because_o all_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o common_a salvation_n the_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o be_v save_v of_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o rule_n and_o a_o guide_n p._n 248_o chap._n xv._o of_o episcopacy_n prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o government_n appoint_v over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n of_o ignatius_n the_o disciple_n of_o the_o belove_a apostle_n st._n john_n from_o the_o constant_a use_n and_o consent_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o aerius_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o heresy_n all_o heretic_n against_o government_n the_o doctrine_n of_o calvin_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o to_o determine_v difference_n p._n 276_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n no_o humane_a authority_n the_o judge_n of_o faith_n god_n only_o infallible_a that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v militant_a may_n err._n the_o difference_n between_o not_o err_v and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o err_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o absolute_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n which_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n either_o in_o plain_a word_n or_o necessary_a consequence_n all_o private_a man_n exclude_v from_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n p._n 302_o chap._n xvii_o the_o conclusion_n p._n 317_o the_o project_n of_o peace_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n they_o must_v certain_o have_v little_a good_a nature_n and_o far_o less_o christian_a charity_n who_o be_v not_o most_o sensible_o afflict_v for_o the_o miserable_a distraction_n the_o deplorable_a difference_n and_o unnatural_a division_n which_o be_v among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o glorious_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o heart_n must_v be_v more_o flinty_a than_o a_o stoick_n which_o do_v not_o bleed_v itself_o and_o supply_v the_o eye_n with_o tear_n whilst_o christian_n who_o by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o great_a but_o meek_n and_o tender_a lord_n aught_o to_o be_v harmless_a as_o dove_n and_o innocent_a as_o lamb_n be_v transform_v by_o preposterous_a zeal_n and_o pious_a pretence_n into_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n and_o with_o a_o fierce_a and_o savage_a fury_n mutual_o worry_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o nay_o even_o exceed_v the_o madness_n of_o those_o brute_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o humanity_n to_o put_v on_o this_o new_a nature_n as_o they_o term_v it_o of_o religion_n for_o saevis_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la convenit_fw-la vrsis_fw-la the_o greenland_n bear_n be_v kind_a one_o to_o another_o but_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n that_o aboriginal_a murderer_n man_n be_v not_o so_o modest_a as_o to_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o make_v true_a the_o horrid_a adage_n homo_fw-la homini_fw-la lupus_fw-la that_o one_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o devour_v another_o but_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o malice_n and_o madness_n and_o become_v homo_fw-la homini_fw-la daemon_n devil_n to_o damn_v one_o another_o not_o anthropophagi_n or_o cannibal_n but_o psychophagi_n feed_v upon_o humane_a soul_n turn_v that_o innocent_a wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o our_o lord_n command_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o into_o the_o restless_a malice_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n to_o destroy_v other_o soul_n body_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o infuse_v the_o mortal_a poison_n of_o adder_n which_o be_v under_o their_o lip_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o credulous_a man_n through_o their_o ear_n and_o eye_n with_o the_o pretext_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o glorious_a company_n of_o saint_n and_o martyr_n now_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n go_v thither_o through_o a_o red_a sea_n of_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o which_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o cruel_a hand_n of_o heathenish_a persecutor_n who_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n and_o with_o joy_n it_o be_v that_o they_o set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o their_o dear_a blood_n empty_v their_o vein_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n but_o now_o christian_n who_o all_o profess_v one_o common_a name_n and_o faith_n think_v they_o do_v not_o set_v to_o their_o seal_n to_o that_o truth_n unless_o they_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o one_o another_o and_o that_o most_o common_o for_o difference_n in_o opinion_n for_o word_n name_n fancy_n and_o conjecture_n at_o least_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o bottom_n which_o they_o conceal_v than_o there_o be_v in_o what_o they_o pretend_v open_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n oh_o barbarous_a christianity_n oh_o heathenish_a impiety_n in_o the_o importunate_a crowd_n of_o such_o mournful_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o former_a experience_n of_o our_o late_a shipwreck_n and_o fear_v of_o future_a event_n which_o the_o noisy_a tempest_n that_o seem_v to_o threaten_v our_o crazy_a and_o bruise_a vessel_n suggest_v to_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o ready_a to_o sink_v into_o dispair_n both_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o past_a and_o the_o terrible_a consequence_n of_o that_o inevitable_a ruin_n which_o truth_n itself_o have_v pronounce_v against_o a_o house_n and_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v within_o and_o therefore_o against_o themselves_o and_o distract_v by_o intestine_a discord_n the_o prophetic_a caution_n of_o the_o apostle_n come_v present_o into_o my_o mind_n 5.15_o gal._n 5.15_o but_o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o i_o see_v i_o think_v with_o horror_n the_o too_o plain_a truth_n of_o it_o in_o those_o once_o golden_a candlestick_n asia_n vid._n mr._n smith_n travel_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n who_o by_o their_o discord_n be_v lay_v in_o ash_n and_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o owl_n and_o dragon_n or_o far_o worse_a inhabitant_n the_o sordid_a worshipper_n of_o that_o great_a imposter_n mahomet_n i_o can_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o such_o a_o amase_a precipice_n without_o extreme_a horror_n nor_o see_v the_o cause_n so_o evident_a without_o a_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o tragical_a issue_n which_o make_v i_o break_v out_o into_o the_o passionate_a wish_n of_o the_o afflict_a jeremy_n oh_o that_o my_o head_n be_v water_n 2._o jer._n 9.1_o 2._o and_o my_o
afraid_a he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o labour_n in_o vain_a for_o that_o they_o be_v relapse_v to_o jadaism_n and_o to_o the_o observe_v of_o day_n and_o year_n according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n this_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a quarrel_n among_o christian_n this_o breed_v those_o mortal_a division_n betwixt_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a church_n which_o have_v almost_o entire_o ruin_v one_o of_o they_o and_o not_o advantage_v the_o other_o as_o to_o truth_n for_o while_o both_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o that_o exclusive_a arrogance_n they_o be_v both_o so_o far_o false_a and_o this_o unlawful_a claim_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a company_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v in_o all_o church_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o all_o truth_n must_v be_v false_a for_o whoever_o be_v infallible_a must_v be_v without_o sin_n which_o none_o can_v be_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n for_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o the_o maxim_n be_v undoubted_o true_a quod_fw-la predicatur_fw-la de_fw-la singulis_fw-la universalium_fw-la predicatur_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la universalibus_fw-la singularium_fw-la if_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n they_o be_v fallible_a &_o if_o every_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n then_o be_v all_o man_n here_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v with_o justice_n and_o modesty_n allow_v degree_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o every_o church_n possess_v some_o so_o long_o as_o they_o retain_v the_o foundation_n of_o one_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v who_o to_o know_v be_v life_n eternal_a if_o they_o will_v strive_v more_o for_o peace_n and_o purity_n than_o for_o this_o supremacy_n and_o impossibility_n of_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v more_o truth_n because_o more_o charity_n peace_n &_o unity_n there_o be_v seven_o church_n in_o asia_n though_o now_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o those_o scarce_o legible_a in_o their_o ruin_n to_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n command_v st._n john_n to_o write_v chapter_n rev._n 1_o 2_o 3_o chapter_n what_o thou_o see_v write_v in_o a_o book_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n unto_o ephesus_n and_o unto_o smyrna_n and_o unto_o pergamos_n and_o unto_o thyatira_n and_o unto_o sardis_n and_o unto_o philadelphia_n and_o unto_o laodicea_n every_o church_n be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o every_o one_o have_v a_o star_n which_o be_v the_o angel_n guardian_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o christ_n hold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n these_o candlestick_n be_v all_o of_o gold_n but_o some_o more_o refine_a and_o pure_a metal_n than_o other_o the_o star_n be_v all_o bright_a and_o shine_a but_o some_o more_o dim_a and_o obscure_a than_o other_o for_o one_o star_n exceed_v another_o star_n in_o glory_n 42._o 1_o cor._n 15.41_o 42._o even_o in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o heaven_n and_o doubtless_o if_o that_o place_n be_v true_a shall_v hereafter_o for_o so_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a from_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n these_o deduction_n seem_v evident_o to_o follow_v first_o that_o several_a nation_n be_v several_a distinct_a coordinate_a not_o subordinate_a church_n for_o so_o the_o son_n of_o god_n call_v these_o seven_o which_o yet_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o people_n of_o one_o language_n though_o of_o distinct_a and_o separate_a polity_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o difference_n nation_n and_o not_o language_n second_o that_o distinct_a and_o several_a coordinate_a church_n may_v all_o be_v true_a church_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o common_a bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o charity_n who_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a purity_n two_o only_a be_v here_o commend_v for_o their_o purity_n viz._n smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n the_o other_o be_v condemn_v ephesus_n for_o have_v forsake_v her_o first_o love_n her_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n pergamos_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o for_o suffer_v the_o odious_a sect_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezebel_n a_o woman_n to_o teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n by_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n sardis_n for_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a loadicea_n for_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a a_o church_n of_o latitudinarian_o all_o these_o be_v threaten_v and_o reprove_v but_o not_o reject_v from_o the_o name_n and_o be_v of_o church_n three_o that_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n be_v compose_v of_o several_a distinct_a national_a church_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n he_o distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v and_o by_o their_o degree_n of_o purity_n as_o so_o many_o several_a church_n without_o give_v they_o any_o precedency_n on_o pre-eminence_n one_o over_o another_o he_o do_v not_o direct_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o rome_n or_o alexandria_n or_o jerusalem_n or_o antioch_n though_o all_o then_o famous_a church_n for_o redress_v of_o their_o error_n he_o do_v not_o send_v they_o to_o st._n peter_n or_o his_o successor_n the_o catholic_a apostolic_a roman_a church_n as_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o sancta_fw-la sedes_fw-la apostolica_fw-la petri_n cathedra_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la principalis_fw-la nothing_o of_o the_o romanorum_fw-la fides_n ad_fw-la quos_fw-la perfidia_fw-la habere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la accessum_fw-la which_o place_n of_o st._n cyprian_n the_o romanist_n boast_v so_o much_o of_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appropriate_v the_o word_n catholic_n only_o to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v as_o good_a sense_n as_o that_o any_o one_o man_n be_v humane_a nature_n but_o for_o the_o redress_n of_o their_o error_n amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o false_a doctrine_n he_o give_v they_o all_o this_o short_a direction_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o that_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o distinct_o so_o that_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o any_o tradition_n say_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n no_o certain_o nothing_o be_v ever_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a canon_n which_o all_o age_n have_v consent_v to_o without_o the_o least_o addition_n or_o diminution_n as_o the_o late_a bishop_n of_o durham_n dr._n cousin_n have_v make_v appear_v more_o distinct_o till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o absolutissima_fw-la syndus_n tridentina_n as_o they_o call_v the_o trent_n session_n for_o some_o passage_n which_o seem_v favourable_a to_o purgatory_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a be_v please_v to_o adopt_v these_o into_o the_o holy_a canon_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o till_o than_o they_o be_v esteem_v only_o humane_a write_n and_o apocryphal_a however_o hereby_o they_o have_v give_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o the_o power_n they_o pretend_v over_o our_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n they_o may_v impose_v aesop_n fable_n and_o the_o koran_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n neither_o do_v the_o ancient_a church_n when_o heresy_n spring_v up_o resort_n to_o rome_n for_o infallible_a determination_n but_o to_o ecumenical_a and_o general_a counsel_n not_o esteem_v their_o determination_n valid_a neither_o unless_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v always_o account_v the_o norma_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o at_o which_o counsel_n the_o pope_n do_v assist_v not_o as_o the_o head_n but_o as_o a_o principal_a member_n and_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v give_v he_o be_v as_o patriarch_n of_o the_o imperial_a city_n and_o the_o western_a church_n and_o not_o as_o monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o even_o some_o late_a counsel_n as_o that_o of_o basil_n have_v undertake_v to_o reform_v error_n and_o abuse_n and_o to_o depose_v the_o pope_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o they_o last_o it_o may_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v compose_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
grow_v so_o numerous_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n have_v desert_v the_o empire_n they_o will_v have_v leave_v desolation_n behind_o they_o this_o be_v therefore_o grant_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o polity_n or_o nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v appear_v from_o reason_n scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n even_o in_o such_o constitution_n as_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o state_n which_o be_v do_v with_o great_a happiness_n to_o both_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o many_o other_o christian_a emperor_n i_o will_v therefore_o proceed_v upon_o this_o position_n to_o show_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happy_a condition_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n of_o government_n ecclesiastical_a in_o a_o national_a church_n this_o necessity_n be_v ground_v both_o in_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o lawful_a policy_n and_o religious_a wisdom_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o religious_a necessity_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v the_o essence_n the_o nature_n the_o design_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o other_o religion_n both_o pagan_a jewish_n and_o mahometan_a for_o the_o intention_n of_o that_o must_v be_v our_o great_a design_n if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o in_o word_n profess_v we_o own_v he_o but_o in_o action_n deny_v he_o and_o his_o royal_a priesthood_n over_o we_o now_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o love_n or_o charity_n this_o be_v the_o new_a commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o old_a and_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o christianity_n differ_v from_o and_o excel_v all_o other_o religion_n the_o heathen_n know_v no_o more_o of_o this_o than_o their_o interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o of_o different_a nation_n manner_n or_o religion_n be_v esteem_v barbarian_n and_o enemy_n and_o according_o treat_v and_o have_v not_o god_n almighty_a permit_v the_o regiment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v absolute_a and_o tyrannical_a this_o want_n of_o charity_n one_o to_o another_o will_v certain_o have_v throw_v they_o into_o perpetual_a civil_a war_n and_o confusion_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v then_o no_o rein_n upon_o ambitious_a spirit_n but_o fear_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o will_v of_o their_o prince_n which_o be_v the_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o they_o rule_v their_o subject_n and_o even_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n say_v thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n 5.43_o matt._n 5.43_o and_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o exact_v life_n for_o life_n eye_n for_o eye_n tooth_n for_o tooth_n but_o when_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o bless_a come_v into_o the_o world_n both_o to_o redeem_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o to_o exalt_v man_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o degeneracy_n below_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o teach_v another_o doctrine_n very_o harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o such_o as_o will_v in_o reality_n make_v they_o resemble_v god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n he_o teach_v they_o to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o by_o which_o method_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o glorious_a sun_n rise_v upon_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a 45._o matt._n 5.44_o 45._o and_o who_o fruitful_a shower_n fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a this_o love_n he_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o be_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n &_o from_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o commandment_n 40._o matt._n 22.37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o new_a commandment_n 35._o joh._n 13.34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o and_o what_o he_o teach_v he_o also_o confirm_v by_o his_o example_n in_o that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n now_o the_o command_n be_v universal_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n they_o who_o hate_v another_o because_o they_o differ_v or_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v indifferent_a have_v therefore_o leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o entrust_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o conducive_a to_o this_o great_a design_n of_o charity_n can_v be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n 4.40_o 1_o joh._n 4.40_o for_o if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o lyar._n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o particular_o the_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n lay_v such_o weight_n upon_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o frequent_o command_v it_o that_o his_o three_o epistle_n be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o command_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v into_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v of_o that_o apostle_n that_o in_o his_o extreme_a old_a age_n reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n when_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v carry_v in_o his_o chair_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n where_o he_o will_v several_a time_n repeat_v this_o sentence_n my_o little_a child_n love_v one_o another_o and_o be_v demand_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o short_a but_o excellent_a sermon_n he_o make_v answer_v to_o this_o effect_n because_o it_o do_v comprise_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o fault_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n doubt_v not_o to_o give_v it_o the_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o two_o other_o principal_a grace_n 13.13_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o now_o say_v he_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n for_o when_o hope_n shall_v be_v complete_v by_o possession_n and_o faith_n change_v into_o fruition_n then_o shall_v charity_n be_v most_o triumphant_a as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o please_a employment_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v this_o love_n unseign_v both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v so_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n that_o without_o both_o these_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a impostor_n for_o no_o person_n can_v true_o fear_v god_n who_o do_v not_o smcere_o love_v he_o and_o no_o man_n love_v god_n sincere_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o brother_n also_o 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o foundation_n which_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v deny_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v this_o charity_n without_o unity_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o government_n in_o a_o national_a church_n and_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a i_o shall_v need_v no_o strong_a argument_n than_o what_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n paul_n subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v those_o of_o his_o last_o repeat_v from_o which_o say_v he_o some_o have_v swerve_v have_v turn_v aside_o to_o vain_a jangle_n here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o church_n misery_n this_o vain_a jangle_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o dissension_n and_o division_n those_o mischievous_a quarrel_n which_o have_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o word_n but_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o outrage_n of_o blow_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v want_v of_o charity_n and_o that_o
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
than_o their_o charity_n and_o who_o zeal_n be_v much_o too_o heavy_a for_o their_o judgement_n either_o not_o consider_v or_o not_o care_v what_o must_v be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o these_o spark_n of_o dissension_n set_v their_o lung_n to_o work_v as_o well_o as_o their_o wit_n to_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n pretend_v to_o the_o unwary_a that_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v indeed_o of_o their_o own_o kindle_v be_v the_o only_a gospel_n light_n and_o that_o which_o by_o its_o future_a effect_n have_v prove_v itself_o a_o portentous_a comet_n be_v the_o day_n star_n from_o on_o high_a which_o be_v send_v to_o visit_v they_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o eternal_a light_n under_o the_o glorious_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n have_v it_o burn_v like_o the_o kind_n and_o wondrous_a lambent_a flame_n in_o moses_n his_o bush_n without_o consume_v it_o we_o may_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o ravenous_a to_o permit_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o the_o world_n have_v find_v by_o dear_a experience_n that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o extraction_n of_o that_o fire_n st._n james_n describe_v unto_o we_o 3.6.8_o jam._n 3.6.8_o behold_v say_v he_o how_o great_a a_o matter_n a_o little_a fire_n kindle_v and_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o fire_n a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n it_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n be_v a_o untamable_a little_a animal_n a_o unruly_a evil_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n especial_o when_o therewith_o we_o bless_v god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o curse_v man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n however_o to_o justify_v their_o division_n and_o dislike_n they_o do_v endeavour_n with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o pull_v down_o babylon_n as_o they_o call_v not_o only_a rome_n but_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v the_o odious_a name_n of_o whatever_o displease_v they_o because_o it_o be_v not_o model_v according_a to_o that_o platform_n which_o they_o therefore_o fancy_v because_o it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o devise_v discourse_n full_a of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n instead_o of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n fly_v like_o lightning_n from_o their_o pen_n as_o well_o as_o invective_n and_o bitter_a reproach_n from_o their_o mouth_n and_o to_o make_v some_o show_n that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n a_o new_a frame_n of_o church_n government_n whole_o unpresident_v and_o never_o before_o practise_v be_v mint_v at_o geneva_n this_o glister_a medal_n as_o the_o course_v medal_n will_v do_v when_o they_o come_v first_o off_o the_o mint_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o dazzle_a lustre_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o coïn_v it_o as_o the_o silver_n shrine_v of_o diana_n do_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o demetrius_n and_o present_o i_o will_v not_o say_v positive_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o gain_v as_o many_o and_o as_o tumultuous_a worshipper_n who_o like_o the_o wild_a ephesian_n cry_v up_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thunderbolt_n new_o drop_v from_o the_o cloud_n with_o as_o much_o ernestness_n and_o as_o little_a reason_n where_o some_o crï_v one_o thing_n 19.32_o act_n 19.32_o and_o some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v as_o it_o always_o happen_v where_o any_o thing_n be_v manage_v by_o tumult_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o great_a part_n know_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v come_v together_o but_o some_o there_o be_v who_o do_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o be_v make_v believe_v they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o best_a yet_o be_v not_o even_o this_o glorious_a and_o thorough_a reformation_n though_o new_o run_v and_o cast_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a from_o all_o the_o dross_n of_o superstition_n and_o corruption_n but_o that_o some_o of_o quick_a sight_n and_o sound_a judgement_n among_o themselves_o espy_v some_o babylonish_n rust_n upon_o it_o and_o straight_o they_o begin_v after_o the_o example_n of_o presbytery_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o separate_v likewise_o the_o pure_a from_o the_o vile_a thus_o be_v the_o unfortunate_a ichabod_n of_o presbytery_n bear_v among_o we_o with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o dismal_a overthrow_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n 4._o 1_o sam._n 4._o the_o glory_n depart_v from_o our_o israel_n the_o ark_n be_v lose_v and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a slaughter_n among_o the_o people_n then_o arise_v whole_a swarm_n of_o sect_n or_o rather_o infect_v in_o religion_n with_o guild_a wing_n but_o scorpion_n tail_n paint_a body_n but_o still_o poisonous_a sting_n and_o as_o if_o beelzebub_n the_o god_n of_o fly_n and_o ekron_n have_v be_v let_v loose_a among_o we_o nothing_o be_v hear_v but_o the_o confuse_a buzz_v of_o these_o differ_a opinion_n who_o all_o pretend_a to_o gather_v honey_n for_o the_o hive_n but_o be_v in_o truth_n sacrilegious_a robber_n agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o their_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o common_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o utter_a extirpation_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o unite_a conspiracy_n in_o order_n afterward_o every_o one_o to_o establish_v themselves_o not_o only_o upon_o she_o but_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o differ_a confederate_n these_o have_v be_v and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v say_v they_o be_v not_o at_o present_a the_o sad_a natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o government_n in_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o crumble_v a_o glorious_a church_n into_o the_o epicurean_a atom_n of_o faction_n and_o confusion_n till_o at_o last_o there_o remain_v little_a of_o it_o beside_o the_o name_n and_o most_o certain_o they_o who_o have_v once_o shake_v hand_n with_o this_o unity_n must_v of_o necessity_n in_o a_o short_a time_n take_v their_o leave_n of_o charity_n for_o these_o be_v the_o twin_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o when_o these_o be_v go_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o flame_a zeal_n of_o martyr_n be_v but_o sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n they_o may_v make_v a_o little_a jingle_a noise_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o loud_a they_o be_v the_o more_o empty_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o substance_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o christianity_n so_o that_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v that_o charity_n be_v so_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n as_o good_a work_n be_v of_o faith_n without_o which_o the_o one_o be_v as_o dead_a and_o vain_a as_o the_o other_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v of_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n to_o preserve_v that_o charity_n alive_a since_o without_o this_o unity_n of_o government_n to_o determine_v and_o give_v a_o period_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o several_a opinion_n which_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n all_o religion_n present_o degenerate_v into_o vain_a and_o endless_a dispute_n these_o produce_v division_n faction_n and_o party_n those_o run_v immediate_o into_o separation_n of_o communion_n that_o lead_v man_n headlong_o to_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n and_o hatred_n always_o end_v in_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o st._n james_n have_v well_o inform_v we_o 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o for_o say_v he_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v peaceable_a as_o well_o as_o pure_a full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n and_o all_o other_o wisdom_n which_o banish_v charity_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o establish_v piety_n be_v sensual_a carnal_a devilish_a excellent_a recommendation_n of_o reformation_n carry_v on_o without_o nay_o against_o this_o charity_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o a_o national_a church_n chap._n viii_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o national_a church_n to_o preserve_v it_o in_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o render_v it_o true_o christian_a and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o we_o all_o profess_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n how_o necessary_a this_o unity_n in_o point_n of_o government_n be_v to_o maintain_v christian_a discipline_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o without_o it_o that_o great_a power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n become_v impracticable_a and_o of_o no_o use_n or_o authority_n for_o suppress_v vice_n or_o encourage_v true_a piety_n
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 th●_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 ●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
the_o church_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n almighty_a after_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o by_o serious_a and_o solemn_a repentance_n be_v think_v ●orthy_a to_o be_v readmit_v into_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o from_o hence_o arise_v the_o necessity_n of_o confession_n for_o christ_n have_v leave_v a_o power_n with_o his_o church_n to_o forgive_v the_o penitent_a it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v at_o random_n but_o the_o people_n look_v upon_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o physician_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o as_o internuncij_fw-la or_o celestial_a ambassador_n as_o st._n paul_n term_v they_o when_o they_o expect_v spiritual_a remedy_n for_o the_o disease_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o think_v it_o necessary_a especial_o in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o death_n true_o to_o state_n the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o these_o spiritual_a physician_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o according_o apply_v suitable_a remedy_n and_o from_o hence_o spring_v these_o excellent_a effect_n first_o man_n avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o flatter_a themselves_o into_o a_o dangerous_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o that_o security_n and_o false_a peace_n which_o have_v betray_v million_o into_o eternal_a misery_n for_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o man_n to_o love_v themselves_o so_o nothing_o do_v more_o powerful_o incline_v they_o to_o judge_n favourable_o and_o with_o a_o dangerous_a partiality_n concern_v their_o eternal_a condition_n it_o be_v with_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o with_o those_o of_o the_o body_n where_o no_o person_n not_o even_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o art_n of_o hermes_n when_o sick_a themselves_o be_v more_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o their_o own_o state_n than_o those_o who_o labour_n under_o it_o who_o many_o time_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o delirious_a fancy_n of_o life_n and_o health_n even_o when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o approach_a death_n second_o hereby_o many_o heinous_a sin_n which_o man_n commit_v in_o secret_a be_v nip_v in_o the_o blossom_n and_o believe_v that_o without_o confession_n there_o be_v no_o absolution_n to_o be_v expect_v the_o very_a fear_n of_o discovery_n or_o of_o damnation_n without_o it_o give_v strange_a check_n to_o such_o temper_n who_o have_v not_o abandon_v all_o modesty_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v receive_v a_o more_o powerful_a control_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n than_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o omniscient_a divinity_n since_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v more_o affect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o sensible_a object_n than_o of_o faith_n and_o reason_n and_o every_o man_n own_o experience_n will_v convince_v he_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n upon_o discovery_n have_v at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o preserve_v he_o from_o some_o sin_n than_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o little_a child_n which_o may_v make_v a_o discovery_n to_o the_o world_n have_v prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o some_o wicked_a design_n which_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o all_o place_n will_v have_v have_v no_o great_a influence_n upon_o three_o hereby_o people_n come_v to_o have_v a_o true_a love_n and_o veneration_n for_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n a_o love_n of_o reverence_n and_o a_o love_n of_o tenderness_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o spiritual_a father_n and_o honour_v they_o as_o such_o then_o man_n do_v not_o set_v a_o estimate_n upon_o they_o only_o proportionate_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o make_v extempore_o prayer_n a_o thing_n whole_o unknown_a to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n or_o for_o their_o gift_n of_o eloquent_a oration_n in_o the_o pulpit_n no_o more_o than_o they_o will_v do_v their_o physician_n for_o those_o talent_n which_o though_o very_o excellent_a accomplishment_n yet_o be_v not_o think_v essential_a to_o their_o profession_n nor_o conducive_a to_o the_o health_n of_o their_o patient_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourse_v or_o court_v by_o the_o power_n of_o rhetoric_n into_o recovery_n but_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o those_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o they_o be_v set_v by_o god_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o 13.17_o heb._n 13.17_o as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o they_o obey_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o submit_v themselves_o than_o be_v there_o no_o quarrel_v no_o litigious_a suit_n at_o law_n about_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o priesthood_n one_o thing_n and_o the_o main_a one_o which_o render_v the_o present_a clergy_n so_o slender_o possess_v of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o think_v with_o the_o good_a apostle_n that_o those_o who_o sow_v unto_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n aught_o to_o reap_v a_o share_n of_o their_o carnal_a thing_n and_o after_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o donative_n of_o their_o pious_a ancestor_n who_o give_v those_o revenue_n as_o free_a alm_n to_o god_n almighty_a church_n frank_n almoigne_z libera_n &_o perpetua_fw-la eleemosyna_fw-la the_o tenure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o service_n they_o think_v it_o no_o less_o than_o sacrilege_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o tithe_n and_o offering_n dedicate_v to_o the_o use_v of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o attendance_n upon_o his_o altar_n be_v incapacitate_v to_o amass_o up_o riches_n or_o even_a competency_n for_o a_o future_a subsistence_n as_o the_o secular_a people_n be_v by_o several_a art_n and_o trade_n nay_o so_o cautelous_a and_o nice_a be_v they_o in_o this_o particular_a that_o they_o think_v they_o can_v not_o die_v with_o a_o secure_a conscience_n unless_o they_o give_v something_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n for_o tithe_n forget_v to_o be_v pay_v in_o their_o life_n a_o opinion_n which_o descend_v down_o to_o the_o day_n of_o our_o grandfather_n as_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o several_a will_n of_o ancient_a date_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o will_v expose_v i_o to_o some_o obloquy_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v censure_v hereby_o to_o aim_v at_o a_o establishment_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o honour_n profit_n and_o dominion_n or_o it_o may_v be_v i_o may_v suffer_v in_o my_o reputation_n as_o go_v about_o to_o introduce_v popery_n by_o auricular_a confession_n for_o the_o first_o i_o can_v make_v no_o other_o vindication_n of_o my_o innocence_n but_o a_o unfeigned_a protestation_n with_o saint_n paul_n that_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o and_o lie_v not_o and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o other_o design_n either_o in_o particular_a or_o general_a but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n to_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v this_o will_v extreme_o conduce_v and_o not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o quiet_a of_o man_n life_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o temporal_a affair_n by_o cut_v away_o the_o root_n of_o unkindness_n about_o meum_fw-la &_o tuum_fw-la betwixt_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o parishioner_n since_o we_o daily_o see_v not_o only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o divorce_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o that_o this_o petty_a sacrilegde_v be_v injurious_a to_o their_o estate_n for_o what_o they_o do_v thus_o by_o a_o evil_a covetousness_n unlawful_o subtract_v from_o the_o establish_v maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v usual_o to_o their_o treble_a damage_n repay_v to_o the_o rapaciousness_n of_o the_o under_o officer_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o conclusion_n both_o party_n be_v loser_n but_o the_o great_a loss_n be_v that_o of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a love_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o to_o the_o accusation_n or_o suspicion_n of_o be_v a_o papist_n i_o be_o as_o far_o from_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v far_o than_o they_o who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v that_o calumny_n upon_o i_o for_o i_o neither_o believe_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o absolute_o essential_a to_o salvation_n since_o child_n who_o can_v never_o speak_v and_o mute_n may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o neither_o be_o i_o for_o those_o private_a and_o auricular_a confession_n or_o think_v those_o pennance_n which_o be_v enjoin_v as_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o can_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n i_o remember_v very_o well_o the_o scandal_n and_o
man_n who_o keep_v up_o these_o principle_n of_o disunion_n which_o have_v such_o a_o desperate_a influence_n upon_o the_o civil_a affair_n and_o endeavour_v to_o ruin_n the_o state_n by_o set_v up_o religion_n and_o who_o restless_a and_o unwearied_a industry_n leave_v no_o stone_n unmoved_a nay_o who_o will_v move_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n this_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o genius_n of_o dissenter_n in_o former_a time_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o humour_n have_v not_o leave_v they_o 21._o esay_n 57.20_o 21._o for_o they_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v but_o be_v continual_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n foam_v and_o rage_v and_o rave_v like_o that_o unstable_a and_o unruly_a element_n to_o enlarge_v its_o float_a and_o turbulent_a empire_n by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o terra_fw-la firma_n the_o peaceable_a earth_n and_o one_o may_v but_o too_o true_o add_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a 18._o rom._n 3.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o their_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n with_o their_o tongue_n they_o use_v deceit_n the_o poison_n of_o asp_n be_v under_o their_o li_n their_o mouth_n be_v full_a of_o bitterness_n their_o foot_n be_v swift_a to_o shed_v blood_n destruction_n and_o misery_n be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n have_v they_o not_o know_v for_o their_o practice_n declare_v it_o public_o what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v either_o of_o innocence_n or_o sanctity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n as_o before_o be_v observe_v which_o do_v so_o absolute_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o those_o about_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v most_o irreconcilable_a therefore_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a not_o only_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o civil_a affair_n of_o state_n for_o if_o we_o be_v divide_v and_o distract_v what_o matter_n it_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o these_o dissension_n will_v have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o public_a affair_n whether_o they_o come_v from_o religion_n or_o ambition_n either_o will_v ruin_v we_o but_o the_o former_a more_o certain_o and_o with_o great_a artifice_n because_o more_o insinuate_a and_o plausible_a in_o outward_a appearance_n for_o man_n who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o posterity_n to_o who_o they_o desire_v to_o transmit_v it_o as_o well_o as_o their_o estate_n and_o though_o it_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v hope_v that_o many_o dissenter_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n which_o lie_v under_o water_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o ill_a design_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a from_o former_a expeence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o among_o they_o now_o as_o have_v be_v former_o and_o that_o popular_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n have_v make_v use_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o credulity_n to_o abuse_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a nation_n into_o misery_n and_o slavery_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o such_o man_n will_v never_o want_v either_o shelter_n or_o opportunity_n under_o those_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o embroyl_n we_o among_o ourselves_o or_o betray_v we_o to_o a_o foreign_a power_n so_o long_o as_o this_o disunion_n continue_v and_o these_o difference_n be_v encourage_v maintain_v and_o daily_o propagate_v among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o season_n when_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o consider_v by_o all_o dissenter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v a_o real_a truth_n that_o this_o industry_n in_o stead_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n must_v promote_v our_o ruin_n they_o ought_v voluntary_o to_o unite_n and_o return_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o king_n and_o church_n for_o otherways_o their_o action_n will_v confess_v what_o their_o tongue_n deny_v and_o that_o this_o reformation_n be_v in_o reality_n the_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n which_o they_o intend_v for_o what_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v or_o think_v of_o such_o person_n as_o with_o treacherous_a joab_n 20.29_o 2_o sam._n 20.29_o call_v we_o brethren_n inquire_v of_o our_o health_n and_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n salute_v that_o with_o the_o leave_v they_o may_v stab_v we_o as_o he_o do_v the_o incautelous_a amasa_n with_o our_o own_o sword_n under_o the_o five_o rib._n can_v they_o be_v esteem_v friend_n to_o their_o country_n or_o the_o protestant_a religion_n who_o through_o their_o dissension_n discredit_v the_o one_o and_o disable_v the_o other_o from_o defend_v it_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o arbitrary_a government_n to_o make_v the_o prince_n government_n perpetual_o unsafe_a and_o uneasy_a and_o almost_o impracticable_a without_o it_o by_o force_v he_o for_o the_o guard_n of_o the_o sceptre_n to_o wear_v a_o sword_n and_o then_o exclaim_v against_o he_o for_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v necessitate_v he_o to_o do_v or_o to_o leave_v his_o crown_n and_o life_n and_o that_o of_o his_o loyal_a subject_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o rebellion_n can_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o expedient_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o roman_a religion_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o argument_n against_o we_o that_o we_o deny_v the_o catholic_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o give_v they_o this_o advantage_n against_o we_o to_o say_v and_o true_o that_o we_o have_v neither_o unity_n nor_o charity_n or_o can_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n believe_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o establish_v peace_n among_o ourselves_o be_v to_o maintain_v perpetual_a principle_n of_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n or_o that_o we_o be_v like_a to_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o powerful_a enemy_n abroad_o enemy_n by_o a_o hereditary_a animosity_n and_o enemy_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n by_o worry_v one_o another_o at_o home_n no_o no_o as_o soon_o shall_v the_o plague_n become_v a_o amulet_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o contagion_n as_o soon_o shall_v impotent_a man_n be_v cure_v by_o cut_v their_o nerve_n in_o piece_n as_o soon_o shall_v man_n see_v clear_o by_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o be_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o utter_o impossible_a come_v to_o pass_v as_o that_o this_o or_o any_o other_o nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a without_o unity_n not_o only_o in_o point_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o that_o man_n mind_n shall_v be_v easy_a while_o the_o spring_n of_o jealousy_n be_v keep_v open_a among_o we_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o charity_n be_v stop_v up_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a from_o foreign_a enemy_n when_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v who_o be_v his_o friend_n at_o home_n nor_o in_o short_a can_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o truth_n and_o peace_n shall_v flourish_v in_o our_o day_n when_o private_a opinion_n shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 6.4_o 1_o tim._n 6.4_o when_o eternal_a wrangling_n about_o word_n and_o question_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n and_o evil_a surmising_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v banish_v all_o love_n and_o charity_n from_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o men._n what_o can_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o mischief_n so_o long_o as_o obstinacy_n in_o our_o private_a judgement_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n than_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n but_o what_o the_o apostle_n long_o since_o by_o way_n of_o caution_n predict_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n 15._o gal._n 5.13_o 14_o 15._o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o abuse_v not_o your_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o for_o all_o the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v in_o one_o word_n even_o in_o this_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o but_o if_o they_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o which_o fearful_a prophecy_n so_o true_o verisied_a and_o fulfil_v upon_o that_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n avert_v from_o we_o by_o bestow_v upon_o we_o this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v that_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n which_o will_v fill_v the_o
that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n give_v we_o a_o new_a rule_n and_o a_o royal_a law_n of_o liberty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o glory_n in_o man_n 4.1.6_o 1_o gor._n 3.21_o 22._o c._n 4.1.6_o neither_o in_o paul_n nor_o cephas_n but_o that_o we_o may_v esteem_v they_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o think_v of_o they_o above_o what_o be_v write_v which_o place_n if_o thorough_o consider_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o prefer_v any_o man_n or_o man_n above_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v appear_v further_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n for_o a_o rule_n be_v the_o constant_a certain_a infallible_a unchangeable_a measure_n according_a to_o which_o i_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o if_o i_o can_v but_o suppose_v what_o be_v offer_v i_o for_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v false_a or_o if_o i_o know_v it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n because_o it_o leave_v i_o in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o i_o be_o right_a or_o wrong_n but_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v false_a for_o admit_v that_o supposition_n they_o be_v no_o long_a scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o every_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a man_n have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v fallible_a tradition_n be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v try_v to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o come_v from_o the_o infallible_a author_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o man_n and_o their_o doctrine_n and_o by_o that_o we_o examine_v by_o that_o we_o judge_v of_o man_n faith_n and_o action_n 8.20_o isa_n 8.20_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v neither_o light_n nor_o truth_n in_o they_o the_o mistake_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o confound_a the_o difference_n between_o a_o rule_n and_o a_o guide_n and_o they_o who_o will_v advance_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o judge_n above_o the_o law_n and_o confound_v he_o with_o it_o the_o church_n be_v indeed_o the_o guide_n which_o instruct_v we_o but_o if_o her_o instruction_n be_v not_o according_a to_o her_o rule_n of_o scripture_n when_o we_o hope_v for_o bread_n she_o give_v we_o a_o stone_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o fish_n a_o scorpion_n mortal_a poison_n for_o wholesome_a nourishment_n to_o illustrate_v this_o suppose_v i_o desire_v to_o learn_v the_o mathematics_n i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o to_o a_o person_n skilful_a in_o that_o incomparable_a science_n and_o entreat_v he_o to_o direct_v i_o he_o show_v i_o euclid_n element_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o mathematical_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o read_v and_o explain_v it_o to_o i_o pray_v now_o who_o be_v the_o rule_n the_o master_n or_o the_o book_n certain_o all_o man_n who_o have_v not_o forfeit_v their_o reason_n will_v say_v the_o book_n be_v the_o rule_n the_o man_n the_o guide_n and_o if_o he_o give_v i_o any_o thing_n for_o a_o demonstration_n contrary_n to_o the_o principle_n therein_o contain_v i_o know_v by_o they_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v because_o he_o he_o have_v not_o instruct_v i_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o only_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o certain_a be_v found_v upon_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o rule_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o guide_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n to_o they_o therefore_o man_n resort_v for_o instruction_n but_o if_o they_o teach_v either_o what_o be_v their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n they_o be_v false_a guide_n and_o why_o so_o but_o because_o they_o give_v a_o false_a rule_n betray_v that_o high_a trust_n by_o god_n repose_v in_o they_o to_o be_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a bliss_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v 6.16_o gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n and_o even_o they_o who_o contend_v so_o earnest_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n aught_o to_o show_v some_o other_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o better_a rule_n and_o not_o confute_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o assertion_n and_o argument_n by_o make_v this_o the_o rule_n of_o believe_v whilst_o they_o bring_v argument_n out_o of_o it_o against_o itself_o which_o they_o will_v have_v therefore_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v scripture_n plain_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v proper_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o which_o have_v make_v the_o romish_a doctor_n sweat_n and_o toil_n so_o vehement_o to_o extort_v confession_n from_o the_o scripture_n heretic_n tert._n the_o prescript_n adv_fw-la heretic_n as_o tertullian_n say_v caedem_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ad_fw-la materiam_fw-la svam_fw-la even_o murder_v it_o almost_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o since_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o it_o to_o depose_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v put_v it_o into_o the_o inquisition_n imprison_v it_o in_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a lest_o if_o it_o shall_v get_v abroad_o and_o speak_v truth_n as_o it_o will_v do_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n it_o will_v proclaim_v their_o injustice_n and_o violence_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a among_o they_o who_o will_v hereby_o come_v to_o detect_v the_o pious_a fraud_n and_o profitable_a folly_n which_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o ancient_a church_n believe_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o take_v care_n to_o have_v they_o translate_v into_o syrian_a joh._n chrys_n hom._n 1._o in_o joh._n egyptian_a ethiopian_a persian_a and_o other_o innumerable_a language_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n testify_v and_o theodoret_n say_v 5._o theod._n de_fw-fr cur._n graec._n affect_v lib._n 5._o the_o bible_n be_v translate_v into_o all_o language_n use_v in_o the_o world_n greek_n latin_a persian_a indian_a armenian_a scythian_a sarmatian_a and_o this_o seem_v one_o if_o not_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v miraculous_o descend_v in_o cleave_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n enable_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o several_a language_n for_o the_o parthian_n mede_n elamites_n dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n judea_n cappadocia_n pontus_n asia_n phrygia_n pamphylia_n in_o lybia_n and_o cyrene_n crete_n and_o arabia_n hear_v they_o speak_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n if_o they_o may_v have_v use_v the_o compendious_a way_n of_o instruct_v they_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o have_v make_v themselves_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o like_o the_o priest_n of_o memphis_n deliver_v their_o hieroglyphical_a faith_n from_o one_o to_o another_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o all_o this_o or_o of_o their_o pain_n who_o afterward_o be_v so_o diligent_a to_o translate_v the_o scripture_n into_o all_o language_n to_o instruct_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v there_o be_v no_o cheat_n or_o juggle_v in_o religion_n by_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o severe_a critic_n chap._n xv._o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o dissenter_n among_o we_o except_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n but_o will_v willing_o accord_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o in_o some_o material_a point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o apple_n of_o strife_n be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n some_o contend_v for_o a_o parity_n and_o equality_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o other_o for_o a_o absolute_a independency_n of_o any_o the_o least_o congregation_n of_o man_n call_v themselves_o a_o church_n other_o for_o a_o democratick_n anarchy_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o several_a other_o enthusiast_n but_o all_o point_n blank_a against_o episcopacy_n though_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o what_o offence_n as_o for_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o short_a that_o it_o open_v the_o way_n to_o endless_a separation_n and_o innumerable_a error_n and_o hesy_n no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n of_o they_o beside_o themselves_o and_o sly_v so_o far_o from_o the_o popery_n of_o hierarchy_n that_o it_o run_v into_o a_o worse_a extreme_a and_o make_v every_o pastor_n supreme_a
bishop_n patriarch_n and_o pope_n of_o his_o congregation_n but_o these_o people_n have_v no_o pretension_n to_o a_o national_a government_n appear_v not_o so_o dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n as_o to_o themselves_o nor_o so_o troublesome_a as_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o sovereignty_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o spiritual_a sannedrim_n of_o lay-ecclesiasticks_a and_o whereas_o the_o other_o will_v be_v content_v with_o a_o chapel_n of_o ease_n these_o make_v the_o world_n uneasy_a because_o they_o may_v not_o have_v the_o cathedral_n and_o mother_n church_n and_o this_o people_n the_o most_o industrious_a of_o all_o mankind_n the_o most_o vigilant_a and_o indefatigable_a who_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v prosylites_n and_o a_o party_n as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a so_o be_v they_o most_o dangerous_a both_o in_o their_o position_n and_o in_o their_o action_n and_o while_o they_o clothe_v episcopacy_n with_o the_o title_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v christian_n with_o the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n to_o make_v the_o lion_n and_o tiger_n fall_v upon_o they_o so_o do_v they_o then_o animate_v the_o populace_n to_o worry_v they_o by_o tumult_n clamour_n and_o outcry_n against_o they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o destroy_a idolatry_n take_v commission_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o break_v the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o late_a instance_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o print_a narrative_n of_o mitchel_n and_o his_o field_n conventicler_n the_o whig_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o their_o former_a practice_n in_o england_n both_o against_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o public_a state_n which_o fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o this_o great_a idol_n of_o idolatry_n and_o fear_v of_o popery_n i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o office_n and_o institution_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n but_o that_o man_n of_o calm_a and_o sober_a spirit_n will_v submit_v to_o truth_n how_o contrary_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o for_o want_v of_o better_a information_n they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o accustom_v to_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n in_o the_o church_n i_o presume_v no_o judicious_a person_n will_v make_v the_o least_o scruple_n of_o in_o regard_n god_n almighty_n take_v such_o particular_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o we_o can_v think_v that_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o better_a covenant_n he_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n the_o controversy_n be_v what_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o government_n now_o that_o it_o be_v episcopal_a be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o first_o for_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o overseer_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n and_o be_v so_o style_v by_o st._n peter_n the_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n 2.25_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o st._n paul_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o the_o name_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o call_v it_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o affirm_v that_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v it_o he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n this_o be_v a_o true_a say_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o what_o be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o divine_a verity_n pronounce_v not_o only_o a_o office_n and_o that_o imply_v power_n but_o a_o desirable_a office_n and_o good_a work_n can_v without_o sacrilegious_a blasphemy_n be_v style_v antichristian_a and_o it_o be_v no_o modest_a impiety_n to_o combine_v against_o god_n and_o solemny_n covenant_n and_o vow_n the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o root_n and_o branch_n 2.22_o rom._n 2.22_o thou_o that_o aborre_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n our_o bless_a lord_n tell_v we_o every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o &_o one_o will_v judge_n by_o that_o rule_n that_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o plant_n of_o god_n own_o plant_n since_o for_o 1600_o year_n and_o upward_o all_o the_o power_n &_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v it_o up_o but_o he_o have_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o protect_v it_o 104.16_o psal_n 104.16_o so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v like_o the_o cedar_n of_o lebanus_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v and_o he_o have_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 15._o psal_n 92.13_o 14_o 15._o shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n in_o their_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o just_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o be_v their_o rock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o and_o what_o for_o all_o this_o root_n and_o branch_n o_o vain_a man_n if_o you_o have_v run_v with_o footment_n 12.5_o jer._n 12.5_o and_o they_o have_v weary_v you_o how_o can_v you_o contend_v with_o horse_n if_o you_o have_v fight_v with_o man_n and_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v how_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o fight_v with_o god_n remember_v gamaliel_n counsel_n for_o if_o this_o work_n be_v of_o god_n 5.39_o act._n 5.39_o you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o your_o self_n you_o may_v and_o will_v be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la a_o very_a unequal_a combat_n the_o giant_n who_o think_v to_o conquer_v heaven_n purchase_v hell_n heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o such_o violence_n as_o oppose_v it_o but_o hell_n and_o damnation_n certain_o will_n i_o hope_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o do_v so_o violent_o persecute_v this_o name_n and_o office_n be_v like_o st._n paul_n and_o may_v with_o he_o find_v mercy_n though_o they_o be_v blasphemer_n and_o persecutor_n provide_v like_o he_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o cease_v to_o kick_v against_o the_o thorn_n and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o acknowledge_v both_o the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n take_v heed_n say_v st._n paul_n 20.28_o act_n 20.28_o therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n the_o translate_n of_o which_o word_n have_v occasion_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n and_o mistake_v and_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a oversight_n have_v make_v so_o many_o oversee_v the_o bishop_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v or_o place_v you_o bishop_n so_o that_o however_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o to_o be_v root_v out_o nor_o be_v it_o popish_a or_o antichristian_a as_o the_o credulous_a vulgar_a be_v make_v believe_v i_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o answer_n the_o same_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 17._o call_v they_o presbyter_n and_o this_o they_o think_v above_o all_o the_o place_n in_o scripture_n conclude_v against_o episcopacy_n and_o prove_v not_o only_o the_o parity_n but_o aerian_a identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o stay_v my_o master_n let_v not_o passionate_a opinion_n outrun_v truth_n and_o reason_n st._n paul_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n be_v upon_o his_o journey_n to_o jerusalem_n he_o come_v to_o miletus_n and_o from_o thence_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o come_n he_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o sorrowful_a message_n that_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o for_o ever_o and_o take_v his_o last_o farewell_n of_o they_o and_o now_o behold_v i_o know_v that_o you_o all_o say_v he_o among_o who_o i_o have_v go_v preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v see_v my_o face_n no_o more_o whilst_o he_o be_v conversant_a among_o they_o he_o be_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o can_v not_o discharge_v that_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n of_o government_n which_o he_o call_v elsewhere_o 11.28_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o come_v upon_o he_o
daily_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o therefore_o take_v care_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o leave_v behind_o he_o who_o might_n and_o ephesus_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n of_o asia_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o vast_a concourse_n of_o people_n from_o all_o part_n to_o the_o famous_a temple_n of_o diana_n and_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o christian_n there_o he_o have_v by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n continue_v there_o so_o that_o all_o they_o who_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n he_o therefore_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n who_o reside_v in_o that_o city_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o there_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v they_o be_v to_o take_v that_o care_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v this_o of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o fear_v to_o do_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v and_o ordination_n he_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n so_o that_o they_o come_v indeed_o presbyter_n to_o he_o but_o they_o go_v away_o bishop_n from_o he_o and_z bishop_n not_o of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appointment_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n among_o divine_n that_o where_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a we_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a historical_a and_o literal_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n without_o the_o least_o wrest_v or_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o that_o by_o this_o power_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v to_o their_o former_a of_o presbytery_n they_o be_v to_o take_v the_o care_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o in_o rule_v as_o instruct_v there_o be_v these_o reason_n first_o when_o he_o send_v for_o they_o he_o call_v they_o presbyter_n and_o not_o bishop_n which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o difference_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v do_v and_o suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v foresee_v that_o this_o controversy_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v believe_v he_o will_v contribute_v to_o it_o by_o such_o a_o ambiguity_n but_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v they_o first_o and_o then_o advance_v to_o be_v bishop_n by_o his_o appointment_n second_o he_o put_v the_o government_n into_o their_o hand_n by_o resign_v his_o own_o in_o regard_n he_o be_v to_o see_v they_o no_o more_o three_o he_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o office_n which_o he_o divide_v into_o three_o particular_n first_o 28._o verse_n 28._o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n second_o to_o watch_v against_o error_n and_o heresy_n 31._o verse_n 29_o 30_o 31._o for_o i_o know_v this_o say_v he_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o therefore_o watch._n now_o what_o signify_v vigilancy_n without_o power_n and_o what_o power_n have_v the_o watchman_n but_o to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v and_o at_o last_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o obstinate_a and_o let_v they_o show_v i_o this_o power_n ever_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o beside_o a_o bishop_n and_o let_v they_o take_v the_o cause_n three_o to_o exercise_n hospitality_n to_o support_v the_o poor_a and_o to_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n how_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o another_o precept_n of_o he_o in_o which_o he_o comprise_v they_o all_o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v last_o here_o be_v no_o imperfect_a footstep_n of_o their_o solemn_a consecration_n for_o when_o he_o have_v end_v his_o message_n and_o direction_n 36._o verse_n 36._o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o to_o manifest_v that_o though_o every_o bishop_n be_v a_o presbyter_n yet_o every_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o difference_n consist_v in_o power_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o bishop_n have_v over_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v most_o plain_a from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n for_o first_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v one_o qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 5._o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n for_o if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v he_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o find_v i_o but_o one_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o ancient_a church_n history_n where_o any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o a_o presbyter_n ever_o exercise_v this_o jurisdiction_n of_o rule_v the_o presbyter_n have_v indeed_o a_o rule_n but_o with_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n 18._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o let_v the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o ancient_o in_o the_o church_n every_o priest_n be_v not_o a_o preacher_n as_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o this_o place_n but_o from_o the_o church_n history_n but_o that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o be_v exalt_v beyond_o their_o bound_n to_o think_v this_o rule_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n over_o the_o church_n he_o allay_v the_o tumour_n in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n and_o show_v the_o the_o difference_n the_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o judicature_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o timothy_n be_v there_o against_o a_o presbyter_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o private_a adomnition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v open_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n plain_o infer_v a_o superior_a jurisdiction_n a_o power_n to_o hear_v witness_n and_o according_a to_o their_o deposition_n to_o rebuke_v open_o be_v certain_o a_o effect_n of_o authority_n and_o he_o follow_v the_o blow_n close_o give_v he_o another_o direction_n about_o ordination_n 22._o verse_n 21_o 22._o that_o he_o shall_v lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n prefer_v one_o before_o another_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o distinct_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n from_o a_o priest_n to_o lay_v on_o hand_n or_o ordain_v to_o receive_v accusation_n against_o presbyter_n to_o examine_v witness_n and_o according_a to_o their_o testimony_n to_o proceed_v to_o judgement_n to_o give_v sentence_n open_o to_o rebuke_v those_o that_o sin_n even_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o if_o they_o may_v be_v accuse_v and_o convene_v and_o find_v guilty_a of_o sin_n they_o also_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v rebuke_v and_o punish_v as_o to_o that_o place_n of_o the_o 5_o chap._n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a it_o be_v apparent_o mean_v of_o those_o who_o be_v such_o by_o year_n and_o not_o by_o office_n presbyter_n or_o priest_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o reverend_a head_n age_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n the_o elder_a woman_n as_o mother_n and_o the_o young_a as_o sister_n with_o all_o purity_n this_o he_o further_o explain_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n 7._o tit._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appoint_v constitute_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n make_v they_o bishop_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o that_o saint_n paul_n leave_v presbyter_n there_o both_o in_o age_n and_o office_n no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v but_o yet_o something_o be_v want_v still_o and_o because_o he_o will_v not_o himself_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o upon_o they_o and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n