it_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v prove_v act_v 1.23_o 24_o etc._n etc._n &_o 16.22_o and_o witness_v by_o cyprian_a in_o his_o epistle_n book_n 1_o epist_n 4._o but_o we_o say_v that_o the_o call_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n those_o that_o be_v ordain_v be_v of_o the_o church_n ii_o this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v her_o ruler_n from_o within_o herself_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n and_o say_v to_o they_o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o elder_n which_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v ordain_v not_o without_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n act_v 14.23_o and_o indeed_o since_o the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o government_n doth_o in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o must_v be_v their_o prerogative_n to_o elect_v who_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o the_o waldence_n write_v 500_o year_n ago_o that_o among_o other_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v to_o his_o church_n this_o be_v one_o they_o must_v choose_v their_o ruler_n from_o among_o themselves_o yet_o always_o provide_v they_o choose_v they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n he_o will_v fit_v they_o with_o gift_n to_o rule_v and_o so_o he_o will_v prosper_v their_o weak_a endeavour_n beside_o that_o as_o after_o the_o election_n the_o congregation_n must_v obey_v their_o ruler_n so_o afore_o their_o election_n they_o must_v give_v their_o vote_n and_o consent_n to_o that_o effect_n or_o else_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o ruler_n heb._n 13.17_o will_v not_o be_v very_o free_a and_o voluntary_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_z as_o we_o have_v say_v afore_o of_o pastor_n so_o we_o say_v of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o marriage_n where_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n be_v require_v and_o as_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o church_n so_o call_v in_o distinction_n of_o any_o civil_a body_n have_v right_a to_o choose_v her_o ruler_n from_o among_o herself_o so_o here_o by_o this_o among_o herself_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o laity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o flock_n distinguish_v from_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.8_o there_o be_v choose_v as_o priest_n and_o levite_n so_o also_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o synagogue_n have_v a_o council_n of_o secular_a man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o rule_v it_o which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o we_o read_v often_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o jewish_a church_n we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v as_o well_o govern_v as_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v and_o since_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o much_o condemn_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n yet_o he_o never_o have_v a_o word_n against_o this_o form_n of_o government_n the_o continuation_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v bring_v and_o beat_v in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n these_o also_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ruler_n as_o in_o our_o letter_n to_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n we_o have_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n this_o only_a i_o add_v as_o the_o church_n do_v choose_v their_o messenger_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 2_o cor._n 8.19_o 23._o as_o they_o choose_v their_o representative_n act_n 15.23_o so_o also_o they_o elect_v their_o ruler_n call_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o to_o who_o the_o relief_n for_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v act_v 11.30_o iii_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n the_o power_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o her_o representative_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o may_v suspend_v erroneous_a and_o scandalon_n person_n from_o the_o public_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o god_n people_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.6.14_o until_o they_o repent_v and_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o these_o church_n censure_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n some_o be_v only_o censure_v in_o private_a other_o in_o a_o more_o public_a way_n other_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n although_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o stand_v just_a at_o the_o door_n some_o be_v suffer_v to_o go_v in_o until_o sermon_n be_v do_v and_o then_o they_o go_v forth_o some_o be_v permit_v to_o stay_v till_o after_o prayer_n but_o they_o be_v to_o go_v out_o before_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v and_o other_o may_v tarry_v till_o after_o the_o blessing_n but_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v all_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v account_v circumstantial_a because_o leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n for_o now_o adays_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o altogether_o although_o we_o know_v thus_o much_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o use_v censure_n against_o offender_n but_o the_o manner_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n however_o they_o must_v not_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o give_v a_o white_a sheet_n as_o the_o episcopal_a custom_n be_v i_o can_v but_o admire_v at_o some_o who_o fear_v to_o disoblige_v man_n rather_o than_o to_o displease_v god_n do_v connive_v at_o the_o licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o other_o as_o if_o in_o imitation_n of_o these_o unruly_a person_n they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o this_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o that_o if_o they_o be_v censure_v they_o will_v altogether_o forsake_v the_o church_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a than_o god_n as_o if_o to_o prevent_v a_o evil_a not_o in_o be_v but_o only_o fear_v they_o be_v to_o suffer_v and_o comply_v with_o a_o real_a and_o actual_a evil_n they_o to_o who_o discipline_n be_v commit_v must_v be_v careful_a to_o execute_v it_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 12._o he_o that_o rule_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n as_o for_o the_o success_n they_o must_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n however_o let_v the_o event_n be_v what_o it_o will_v they_o have_v that_o comfort_n to_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n the_o case_n of_o the_o french_a church_n be_v notable_a in_o this_o where_o the_o offender_n have_v liberty_n to_o forsake_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o be_v welcome_a among_o papist_n the_o king_n be_v that_o way_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o consideration_n they_o strict_o administer_v discipline_n and_o such_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o he_o overrule_v man_n heart_n for_o instead_o of_o a_o postatise_v they_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o although_o upon_o this_o they_o will_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o can_v bring_v so_o much_o as_o a_o instance_n although_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o affair_n yet_o they_o may_v say_v they_o go_v from_o among_o we_o because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o we_o rot_a member_n if_o obstinate_a mustbe_a cut_v off_o lest_o they_o corrupt_v other_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v of_o hymeneus_n and_o philetes_n 2_o tim._n 2.17_o that_o this_o right_n be_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n be_v clear_a out_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n saying_n matth._n 15._o v._n 17_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o tell_v it_o the_o church_n wherein_o be_v employ_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o procure_v some_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o offence_n receive_v which_o power_n if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o submit_v unto_o he_o must_v be_v unto_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n this_o right_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n make_v use_v of_o according_a to_o s_n paul_n exhortation_n 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o a_o single_a person_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n and_o s._n paul_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o right_n deliver_v up_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o philetes_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o yet_o from_o hence_o one_o must_v not_o infer_v that_o this_o right_n be_v administer_v by_o a_o
single_a person_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o paul_n alone_o do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o he_o have_v the_o advice_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o these_o two_o be_v of_o perhaps_o of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n whence_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v for_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n 1_o cor._n 3._o when_o you_o be_v assemble_v and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n j._n ch_n 2._o neither_o must_v every_o one_o draw_v this_o consequence_n whatsoever_o paul_n do_v i_o may_v do_v for_o his_o call_v be_v immediate_a from_o christ_n and_o extraordinary_a in_o itself_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o representative_a of_o it_o and_o in_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o that_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o party_n or_o of_o some_o other_o consiedration_n it_o be_v not_o or_o can_v be_v decide_v in_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o pastor_n and_o his_o elder_n it_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la from_o it_o to_o a_o synod_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act_v 15._o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o any_o particular_a one_o as_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o that_o will_v do_v it_o alone_o without_o the_o church_n or_o her_o representative_n in_o the_o choose_n of_o which_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o care_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o idiot_n or_o ignorant_a man_n but_o man_n of_o piety_n understanding_n and_o of_o credit_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v to_o meet_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o always_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o supreme_a but_o ministerial_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v only_o to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n so_o as_o to_o discipline_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o must_v follow_v the_o word_n for_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o establish_v to_o make_v any_o law_n different_a from_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o four_o place_n consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o advise_v and_o vote_v in_o synod_n counsel_n and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n by_o their_o elder_n deputy_n and_o representative_n not_o only_o arch_a bishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o papist_n will_v have_v and_o not_o only_a pastor_n and_o those_o that_o be_v profess_v divine_n as_o the_o prelatical_a party_n desire_v but_o also_o other_o godly_a and_o know_a person_n choose_v and_o send_v by_o the_o church_n afore_o call_v elder_n deputy_n and_o representative_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o decision_n of_o controversy_n this_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o my_o own_o neither_o must_v it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a thing_n since_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o will_v bring_v 1._o scripture_n 2._o antiquity_n 3._o reason_n as_o to_o the_o 1._o in_o the_o counsel_n synod_n or_o assembly_n hold_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o also_o the_o elder_n and_o deputy_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v not_o profess_a divine_n be_v admit_v so_o in_o the_o council_n of_o hyerusalem_n of_o which_o we_o read_v act_v the_o 15_o out_o of_o which_o place_n these_o 2_o thing_n do_v appear_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n deputy_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o assembly_n v._o 22._o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v interpret_v the_o next_o verse_n the_o brethren_n represent_v the_o church_n 2._o it_o do_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v admit_v not_o to_o be_v simple_o and_o mere_a spectator_n but_o also_o to_o be_v judge_n and_o to_o decide_v with_o their_o vote_n affair_n propound_v in_o the_o assembly_n for_o they_o be_v name_v among_o those_o who_o the_o letter_n come_v from_o who_o have_v not_o be_v name_v in_o the_o letter_n except_o they_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o decree_n wherefore_o in_o these_o time_n except_o the_o prelatical_a party_n do_v think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o great_a than_o the_o apostle_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o this_o right_n as_o they_o do_v through_o usurpation_n but_o rather_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o that_o share_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o to_o deny_v be_v to_o commit_v a_o heinous_a sacrilege_n and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o tyranny_n as_o can_v be_v usurp_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n yield_v to_o the_o church_n her_o right_n so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o ecumenical_a council_n this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a call_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a against_o arius_n who_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o representative_a of_o the_o church_n have_v their_o vote_n in_o it_o so_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o constantinople_n call_v by_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n the_o first_o against_o macedonius_n who_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o also_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o church_n vote_v in_o the_o article_n therein_o debate_v as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o synod_n for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n to_o my_o judgement_n no_o better_a reason_n than_o this_o can_v be_v give_v these_o synod_n and_o assembly_n do_v represent_v the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o provincial_a synod_n it_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n if_o national_a of_o a_o nation_n so_o if_o universal_a it_o represent_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n now_o if_o this_o church_n either_o provincial_n national_a etc._n etc._n represent_v by_o these_o synod_n do_v consist_v not_o only_o of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n doctor_n teacher_n and_o minister_n but_o also_o of_o lay_n or_o secular_a person_n among_o who_o sometime_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v man_n no_o way_n inferior_a in_o part_n and_o piety_n to_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n so_o it_o be_v of_o good_a consequence_n to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o lie_v man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o these_o church-assembly_n for_o since_o they_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o transaction_n of_o such_o meeting_n they_o must_v send_v their_o deputy_n to_o be_v present_a to_o the_o conclusion_n take_v there_o or_o else_o all_o these_o assembly_n shall_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o council_n of_o trent_n call_v not_o to_o debate_v of_o but_o to_o confirm_v error_n where_o one_o of_o the_o party_n shall_v be_v exclude_v and_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o party_n and_o judg._n these_o assembly_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o violence_n and_o corruption_n as_o that_o one_o shall_v be_v admit_v as_o guilty_a and_o accuse_v person_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o adversary_n in_o such_o a_o meeting_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o case_n a_o synod_n be_v call_v in_o this_o nation_n consist_v of_o episcopal_a man_n for_o the_o most_o if_o the_o business_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o plurallity_n of_o vote_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o right_n and_o competent_a assembly_n except_o thing_n be_v resolve_v by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o by_o a_o equal_a number_n of_o the_o different_a party_n but_o to_o be_v brief_a this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 8_o place_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o power_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n own_v no_o authority_n but_o he_o and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v free_a from_o any_o other_o dominion_n christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o potentate_n of_o his_o church_n which_o to_o signify_v he_o be_v call_v sometime_o the_o king_n other_o time_n the_o lord_n master_n husband_n head_n and_z shepherd_z of_o his_o church_n if_o any_o other_o secular_a or_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n do_v aspire_v to_o this_o power_n he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v so_o dear_o purchase_v his_o church_n to_o submit_v she_o afterward_o to_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n he_o have_v redeem_a we_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o therefore_o not_o addict_v to_o other_o one_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o the_o church_n except_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o except_o he_o
that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v impertinent_a if_o from_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o government_n itself_o for_o hereby_o i_o do_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v governor_n and_o these_o to_o be_v choose_v according_a to_o god_n heart_n and_o will_n the_o prelatical_a party_n will_v or_o must_v hitherto_o agree_v with_o we_o and_o then_o our_o work_n be_v more_o than_o half_o do_v for_o they_o will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o when_o we_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o show_v out_o of_o scripture_n their_o hierarchical_a way_n let_v they_o prove_v archbishop_n dean_n arch-deacon_n prebend_n canon_n chapter_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o will_v prove_v pastor_n teacher_n ruler_n and_o deacon_n but_o perhaps_o they_o will_v have_v refuge_n to_o their_o humane_a right_n and_o say_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a of_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a thing_n and_o case_n as_o to_o the_o censure_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o sin_n and_o offence_n whether_o such_o a_o man_n do_v deserve_v to_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o a_o fact_n and_o whether_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v about_o which_o yet_o we_o have_v certain_a several_a rule_n as_o that_o of_o charity_n decency_n and_o edification_n which_o we_o must_v not_o transgress_v but_o i_o do_v account_v it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n and_o not_o indifferent_a who_o it_o be_v that_o must_v administer_v church-discipline_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o accidental_a thing_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v execute_v or_o not_o execute_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v it_o indifferent_a as_o that_o any_o one_o may_v indifferent_o administer_v it_o but_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o necessary_a as_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v administer_v it_o must_v be_v call_v thereunto_o and_o every_o one_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o must_v execute_v it_o but_o now_o we_o must_v proceed_v and_o show_v how_o they_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n must_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n here_o by_o church_n i_o understand_v a_o body_n or_o assembly_n distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o civil_a or_o political_a body_n although_o sometime_o one_o may_v be_v choose_v a_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v a_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o he_o be_v elect_v not_o because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a but_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a body_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n yet_o in_o a_o different_a respect_n and_o here_o from_o the_o whole_a and_o universal_a church_n we_o must_v come_v to_o particular_a congregation_n who_o must_v have_v in_o themselves_o all_o the_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o government_n in_o his_o church_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v it_o not_o to_o be_v institute_v and_o necessary_a in_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o have_v institute_v it_o in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o word_n church_n be_v collective_a do_v include_v all_o the_o part_n and_o if_o you_o will_v parish_n or_o congregation_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o i_o say_v that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v to_o every_o church_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o this_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n he_o that_o say_v the_o whole_a do_v also_o say_v the_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a hence_o therefore_o i_o do_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n conclude_v that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o administer_v church-government_n in_o particular_a place_n aught_o to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a place_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o will_v also_o confirm_v my_o former_a universal_a indefinite_a proposition_n how_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n my_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o church_n have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o it_o have_v no_o need_n to_o borrow_v from_o other_o any_o thing_n conduce_v to_o it_o herein_o do_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o church_n appear_v for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o body_n so_o it_o have_v within_o itself_o from_o christ_n alone_o her_o dependency_n for_o be_v and_o well-being_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o church_n if_o it_o have_v not_o within_o herself_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o than_o she_o do_v receive_v no_o perfection_n from_o without_o this_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o be_v and_o well-being_n of_o the_o same_o that_o be_v doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o her_o discipline_n within_o herself_o it_o will_v be_v very_o defective_a and_o unperfect_a by_o perfection_n i_o mean_v all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o christ_n jesus_n after_o all_o that_o which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o his_o church_n will_v have_v leave_v something_o yet_o which_o it_o need_v to_o borrow_v from_o other_o what_o his_o end_n be_v when_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n the_o apostle_n tell_v eph._n 5.26_o 27._o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 2.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n with_o who_o christ_n have_v a_o conjugal_a communion_n and_o from_o he_o she_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o church_n within_o herself_o i_o will_v wrap_v it_o all_o in_o david_n word_n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o city_n of_o god_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v that_o government_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n the_o church_n have_v it_o within_o herself_o and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n must_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o it_o the_o second_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n i_o call_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o after_o have_v yield_v to_o the_o church_n this_o right_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v mat._n 16._o where_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o peter_n confession_n and_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o the_o church_n privilege_n to_o choose_v her_o governor_n out_o of_o herself_o but_o because_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n have_v several_a branch_n and_o particular_n i_o will_v name_v some_o of_o they_o it_o do_v consist_v i._o in_o choose_v their_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v teacher_n must_v not_o be_v force_v upon_o a_o church_n as_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o dissent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v be_v maintain_v in_o it_o no_o patron_n or_o other_o may_v lawful_o present_v a_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n or_o maintain_v he_o in_o it_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n this_o right_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o three_o reason_n 1._o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o ministry_n have_v give_v this_o right_n to_o the_o church_n alone_o as_o we_o have_v show_v afore_o 2._o because_o minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o a_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a manner_n they_o may_v be_v procure_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o than_o the_o church_n can_v not_o voluntary_o submit_v herself_o to_o her_o pastor_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n where_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n be_v require_v and_o true_o this_o right_n have_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o some_o instance_n in_o our_o letter_n to_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n but_o here_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o people_n of_o a_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v a_o minister_n to_o themselves_o we_o mean_v not_o to_o ordain_v he_o for_o ordination_n be_v not_o make_v by_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o
do_v protect_v and_o preserve_v it_o provide_v it_o with_o all_o necessary_a grace_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4._o this_o be_v a_o song_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o say_v i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o cant._n 6.3_o so_o that_o to_o find_v she_o other_o lord_n be_v to_o make_v she_o a_o adultress_n i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n say_v paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o i_o will_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n for_o i_o have_v spouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n 2_o cor._n 11._o let_v therefore_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n themselves_o pretend_v any_o power_n and_o superiority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v purchase_v his_o church_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o other_o power_n but_o from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_o to_o this_o no_o man_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a office_n ought_v to_o pretend_v any_o right_a and_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n 1._o no_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o as_o we_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n so_o we_o must_v render_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v describe_v psal_n 45._o his_o government_n speak_v of_o isaiah_n 9.6_o 7._o it_o be_v see_v in_o a_o dream_n by_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n which_o break_v the_o image_n of_o all_o other_o dominion_n dan._n 2.34_o christ_n do_v profess_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o he_o make_v a_o clear_a difference_n between_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o of_o his_o church_n when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o matth._n 20.25_o in_o such_o a_o case_n therefore_o let_v every_o one_o abide_v in_o that_o whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o gracious_a promise_n make_v of_o god_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christian_a emperor_n it_o be_v now_o continue_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v never_o a_o promise_n to_o any_o prince_n except_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n isaiah_n 9.6_o to_o receive_v any_o power_n or_o dominion_n over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n that_o he_o will_v confound_v these_o two_o jurisdiction_n and_o assume_v not_o only_a s._n peter_n key_n but_o also_o s._n paul_n sword_n as_o they_o call_v it_o so_o that_o which_o the_o one_o can_v open_v the_o other_o shall_v cut_v it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o will_v undertake_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a government_n since_o he_o boast_v to_o have_v power_n in_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a thing_n but_o thus_o much_o here_o be_v not_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n so_o let_v he_o govern_v his_o subject_n as_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n let_v he_o use_v tyranny_n as_o he_o do_v over_o his_o church_n but_o every_o christian_a reform_a prince_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o administer_v the_o government_n of_o state_n and_o church_n together_o but_o beside_o the_o not_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n special_o which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o do_v the_o first_o he_o may_v not_o ordain_v minister_n because_o he_o have_v not_o commission_n to_o that_o effect_n it_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o have_v already_o be_v ordain_v themselves_o and_o this_o will_v be_v to_o destroy_v ministry_n by_o way_n of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v choose_v by_o other_o bishop_n and_o the_o people_n that_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o civil_a monarch_n or_o any_o one_o pretend_v monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o will_v at_o large_a be_v find_v write_v by_o cyprian_a who_o live_v 250._o in_o his_o epist_n 55._o and_o 68_o but_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v abstain_v from_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o though_o his_o office_n be_v about_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n although_o some_o magistrate_n may_v be_v a_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o not_o as_o he_o be_v a_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o under_o that_o notion_n it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o right_n of_o king_n to_o call_v counsel_n to_o see_v the_o church_n reform_v for_o he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o both_o table_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o must_v make_v use_n of_o church_n officer_n he_o also_o must_v protect_v the_o church_n from_o the_o power_n of_o her_o enemy_n for_o to_o that_o effect_n he_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n rom._n 13._o so_o it_o become_v prince_n to_o protect_v minister_n from_o the_o power_n usurp_v by_o their_o fellow-servant_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o duke_n of_o lancaster_n who_o to_o his_o great_a commendation_n secure_v wickliff_n from_o the_o malice_n and_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o be_v bishop_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o fox_n in_o his_o book_n of_o martyr_n fol._n 413._o but_o we_o have_v brief_o yet_o clear_o speak_v to_o this_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o latin_a epistle_n as_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n from_o a_o learned_a friend_n only_o i_o do_v add_v this_o if_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v not_o pretend_v any_o power_n over_o the_o church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n dishonour_n and_o discredit_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v their_o high_a prasie_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n rule_v as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o ambrose_n use_v this_o right_n with_o theodosius_n and_o the_o word_n of_o chrysostome_n show_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o administer_a discpline_n in_o relation_n to_o any_o one_o be_v very_o notable_a if_o any_o wicked_a man_n say_v he_o come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o not_o the_o body_n or_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o desist_v tell_v it_o i_o and_o i_o will_v rather_o shed_v my_o blood_n than_o to_o admit_v such_o a_o one_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o any_o civil_a magistrate_n so_o christ_n have_v not_o purchase_v this_o freedom_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o any_o officer_n and_o minister_n in_o it_o but_o this_o liberty_n will_v be_v encroach_v upon_o if_o any_o monarchy_n or_o hierarchy_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n which_o do_v follow_v one_o another_o for_o when_o there_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o sovereign_n there_o will_v be_v lord_n and_o person_n of_o a_o quality_n superior_a to_o the_o common_a people_n now_o i_o say_v any_o tittle_n signify_v monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v tyrannical_a such_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o supreme_a head_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o a_o title_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v know_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o his_o church_n one_o text_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o it_o be_v eph._n 1.22_o so_o that_o to_o talk_v of_o any_o other_o head_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o ministerial_a or_o subordinate_a it_o be_v to_o form_v a_o monstrous_a body_n with_o two_o head_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n v._o 23._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o body_n any_o one_o that_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o title_n of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n must_v have_v these_o three_o qualification_n 1._o excellency_n above_o the_o member_n in_o power_n and_o dignity_n 2._o perfection_n in_o himself_o great_a than_o any_o of_o the_o member_n have_v 3._o infusion_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o body_n have_v need_n of_o but_o these_o three_o quality_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n a_o
have_v already_o say_v how_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o episcopal_a supremacy_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o that_o cause_n and_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o that_o tree_n they_o and_o we_o do_v condemn_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o in_o different_a person_n and_o perhaps_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n those_o of_o carthage_n will_v not_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o rome_n what_o reason_n be_v it_o for_o the_o pastor_n of_o warwick_n worcester_z etc._n etc._n to_o make_v their_o appeal_n before_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n observe_v that_o rome_n and_o carthage_n be_v then_o under_o the_o same_o emperor_n bernard_n reprove_v eugenius_n for_o affect_v the_o title_n of_o lord_n why_o shall_v not_o also_o those_o that_o be_v call_v here_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n wickliff_n who_o live_v in_o the_o year_n 1379_o oppose_v this_o usurp_a preeminency_n and_o superiority_n for_o which_o do_v and_o other_o thing_n he_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o heretic_n his_o bone_n take_v from_o his_o grave_n and_o burn_v against_o he_o one_o woodfort_n exhibit_v a_o charge_n the_o 18_o article_n whereof_o be_v this_o there_o be_v say_v wickliff_n twelve_o disciple_n of_o antichrist_n pope_n cardinal_n archbishop_n bishop_n by_o way_n of_o prelacy_n arch-deacon_n official_o dean_n canon_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o of_o other_o john_n hus_n jerom_n of_o prague_n obtain_v martyrdom_n and_o have_v their_o blood_n shed_v because_o they_o assert_v it_o in_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n in_o the_o year_n 1414_o certain_a article_n be_v exhibit_v against_o they_o special_o john_n hus_n the_o four_o article_n run_v thus_o he_o err_v touch_v the_o church_n in_o that_o he_o say_v all_o priest_n be_v of_o like_a power_n and_o therefore_o he_o assirm_v that_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n be_v invent_v only_o for_o covetousness_n hence_o do_v appear_v how_o god_n do_v former_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o oppose_v this_o usurpation_n which_o be_v not_o know_v among_o the_o waldenses_n who_o profess_v the_o true_a doctrine_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o now_o as_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o a_o latin_a epistle_n to_o a_o learned_a man_n howsoever_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o have_v bishop_n altogether_o so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v lord_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o will_v have_v they_o as_o precedent_n over_o one_o or_o two_o county_n and_o to_o direct_v his_o presbyter_n but_o this_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a unwarrantable_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o such_o person_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n and_o during_o their_o life_n precedent_n over_o all_o minister_n of_o so_o many_o shire_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o superiority_n which_o in_o any_o kind_n be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o disclaim_v against_o the_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v this_o kind_n of_o bishop_n out_o of_o scripture_n which_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v a_o refuge_n to_o humane_a right_n say_v it_o be_v a_o benefit_n and_o gratuity_n from_o prince_n but_o alas_o prince_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o government_n settle_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o church_n receive_v no_o rule_n in_o necessary_a thing_n as_o this_o be_v but_o from_o god_n word_n it_o be_v a_o christian_a say_v of_o the_o lord_n cobham_n strong_o persecute_v who_o as_o it_o be_v quote_v by_o fox_n book_n of_o martyr_n fol._n 515._o say_v to_o his_o judge_n the_o precept_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v if_o any_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v more_o or_o else_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v use_v he_o contemn_v christ_n exalt_v himself_o above_o god_n and_o so_o become_v a_o open_a antichrist_n in_o such_o a_o case_n therefore_o we_o say_v that_o in_o the_o church_n no_o voice_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o to_o any_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v or_o force_v we_o to_o it_o we_o must_v with_o peter_n answer_v to_o the_o pharisee_n judge_v yourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v just_a to_o obey_v man_n more_o than_o god_n when_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o they_o be_v require_v not_o to_o forsake_v christ_n or_o to_o preach_v against_o he_o but_o only_o not_o to_o preach_v in_o his_o name_n herein_o therefore_o lie_v the_o first_o grievance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v her_o pastor_n do_v usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o flock_n and_o a_o superiority_n over_o their_o fellow-minister_n but_o a_o second_o grievance_n depend_v from_o the_o former_a be_v from_o spiritual_a court_n so_o call_v and_o the_o exceed_a corruption_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o same_o whereby_o minister_n be_v make_v cipher_n as_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o respective_a congregation_n and_o the_o church_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o right_n it_o have_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n be_v it_o not_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o better_a in_o reason_n to_o have_v every_o minister_n with_o his_o elder_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o parish_n and_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o to_o refer_v it_o to_o a_o claffis_n or_o synod_n than_o to_o have_v a_o bishop_n dean_n and_o archdeacon_n to_o rule_v all_o the_o parish_n of_o two_o or_o three_o county_n and_o not_o seldom_o their_o servant_n be_v bribe_v they_o be_v earnest_a solicitor_n with_o their_o master_n for_o cause_n howsoever_o unjust_a they_o be_v and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o these_o few_o person_n be_v more_o easy_o bribe_v than_o many_o these_o court_n be_v ground_v upon_o humane_a invention_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o christ_n settle_v in_o his_o church_n whence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n there_o be_v gross_a and_o many_o abuse_n commit_v therein_o which_o be_v well_o know_v i_o will_v observe_v only_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o this_o be_v fines_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v practice_v that_o in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o pattern_n in_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a that_o man_n shall_v pay_v money_n for_o their_o offence_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sacrilegious_a to_o make_v any_o traffic_v in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a impiety_n to_o turn_v church-censure_n into_o fine_n these_o practice_n be_v good_a for_o rome_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v sell_v we_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o condemn_v it_o wickliff_n live_v long_o ago_o and_o in_o the_o 17_o article_n exhibit_v against_o he_o he_o be_v charge_v to_o have_v write_v that_o christ_n minister_n have_v no_o power_n by_o any_o civil_a and_o less_o spiritual_a coaction_n to_o exact_v temporal_a thing_n by_o their_o censure_n this_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o disclaim_v much_o against_o the_o pride_n and_o so_o the_o usurp_a superiority_n of_o the_o clergy_n so_o he_o much_o inveigh_v against_o their_o covetousness_n and_o their_o spiritual_a court_n which_o word_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o church_n and_o although_o the_o abuse_n now_o adays_o commit_v be_v not_o so_o exceed_v as_o then_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o bad_a and_o as_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o of_o the_o great_a light_n we_o have_v now_o and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o the_o worse_a be_v that_o these_o fine_n be_v exact_v from_o those_o who_o do_v well_o if_o a_o minister_n do_v preach_v within_o the_o diocese_n of_o a_o bishop_n without_o his_o licence_n he_o shall_v be_v fine_v for_o it_o be_v not_o this_o to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o liberty_n of_o it_o we_o may_v hear_v what_o wickliff_n who_o god_n extraordinary_o raise_v to_o oppose_v those_o abuse_n in_o his_o day_n say_v to_o it_o in_o one_o of_o his_o article_n which_o in_o a_o convocation_n hold_v 1382._o be_v condemn_v as_o erroneous_a this_o be_v one_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o priest_n or_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o without_o any_o licence_n from_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n or_o rome_n so_o of_o any_o of_o her_o catholic_n bishop_n further_o a_o three_o grievance_n be_v the_o press_v of_o a_o canonical_a oath_n so_o call_v for_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o place_n or_o have_v his_o institution_n and_o induction_n into_o any_o live_n except_o he_o have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o his_o bishop_n and_o pretend_a superior_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o tradition_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n a_o thing_n very_o
tyrannical_a this_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o that_o blind_a and_o absolve_v obedience_n which_o jesuit_n do_v promise_v to_o their_o superior_n be_v there_o any_o shadow_n for_o this_o in_o scripture_n do_v the_o apostle_n impose_v any_o such_o oath_n upon_o their_o fellow-minister_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v to_o keep_v up_o this_o diana_n prelacy_n can_v this_o be_v confirm_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o be_v there_o any_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o this_o this_o be_v the_o flag_n of_o faction_n and_o the_o colour_n of_o self_n end_n and_o ambition_n and_o although_o the_o clause_n in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v add_v it_o will_v be_v no_o lessen_v of_o the_o burden_n for_o the_o thing_n therein_o swear_v be_v account_v lawful_a neither_o will_v they_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o without_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v his_o place_n and_o of_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o displeasure_n of_o those_o reverend_n superior_n who_o excellent_a practice_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o university_n man_n eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o learning_n who_o can_v in_o conscience_n submit_v to_o these_o oath_n ceremony_n and_o hierarchical_a government_n and_o constitute_v in_o their_o place_n man_n of_o corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n and_o principle_n who_o will_v infect_v the_o fountain_n of_o learning_n with_o error_n heresy_n superstition_n and_o prophannesse_n from_o hence_o do_v proceed_v another_o grievance_n which_o be_v that_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n be_v force_v upon_o minister_n thus_o far_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v no_o live_v unless_o they_o do_v it_o although_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o some_o article_n for_o it_o have_v clear_o be_v prove_v they_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o defective_a and_o the_o 36_o be_v absolute_o false_a where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-deacon_n dean_n etc._n etc._n have_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o a_o man_n can_v in_o conscience_n subscribe_v for_o thereby_o they_o presumptuous_o do_v belie_v scripture_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o some_o godly_a man_n do_v former_o prefer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n to_o the_o wound_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o a_o submission_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o reform_v these_o and_o many_o other_o abuse_n to_o stop_v the_o flood_n of_o atheism_n popery_n error_n superstition_n and_o profaneness_n that_o the_o sacred_a covenant_n be_v take_v it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o appear_v when_o some_o man_n do_v public_o and_o unpunished_a deny_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o bough_n we_o when_o they_o assert_v a_o sound_a nature_n without_o original_a sin_n when_o they_o destroy_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n by_o establish_v certain_a conditional_a decree_n who_o condition_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n will_n when_o the_o sabbath_n be_v high_o and_o ordinary_o profane_v in_o such_o sad_a day_n it_o be_v need_n of_o some_o restraint_n to_o which_o end_n the_o covenant_n be_v take_v not_o by_o few_o inconsiderable_a person_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a nation_n represent_v in_o parliament_n by_o a_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o a_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o this_o not_o rash_o but_o after_o a_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o as_o famous_a a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o ever_o england_n have_v or_o i_o believe_v shall_v and_o this_o warrantable_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o 2_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o implicit_o be_v a_o command_n of_o promote_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o true_a manner_n and_o withal_o this_o covenant_n be_v take_v so_o solemn_o god_n be_v call_v not_o only_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o take_v it_o but_o also_o as_o a_o avenger_n of_o the_o perjury_n in_o case_n it_o shall_v happen_v as_o he_o have_v punish_v it_o in_o those_o who_o intend_v to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o sacred_a engagement_n i_o wish_v all_o those_o that_o be_v so_o forward_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o to_o remember_v the_o five_o king_n who_o have_v swear_v to_o chedâ—â—lâ—â—mer_n gen._n 14._o so_o hoshea_n to_o salmanasser_n 2_o king_n 17._o zedechie_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n 2_o king_n 25._o and_o ezechiel_n 17._o and_o of_o saul_n and_o the_o gibeonite_n let_v they_o blush_v at_o the_o history_n of_o regulus_n a_o roman_a heathen_a who_o have_v give_v his_o word_n to_o his_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o they_o though_o he_o know_v that_o grievous_a torment_n be_v prepare_v for_o he_o yet_o he_o return_v to_o discharge_v his_o promise_n let_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o uladislaus_n and_o amurat_n and_o also_o tremble_v at_o their_o several_a punishment_n because_o they_o have_v forswear_a why_o do_v we_o so_o much_o condemn_v the_o council_n of_o constance_n because_o they_o decree_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v to_o heretic_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o to_o be_v keep_v to_o orthodox_n man_n may_v not_o to_o god_n himself_o to_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v swear_v and_o can_v be_v that_o be_v faithless_a to_o god_n be_v true_a to_o man_n shall_v be_v that_o break_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o lord_n keep_v his_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n this_o holy_a oath_n can_v be_v make_v void_a except_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o nature_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v evil_a except_o it_o be_v reduce_v under_o some_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n as_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o the_o adversary_n have_v never_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v rather_o we_o may_v show_v here_o it_o be_v good_a to_o the_o substance_n and_o to_o the_o end_n their_o objection_n of_o the_o king_n be_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o be_v superfluous_a for_o every_o public_a oath_n have_v a_o twofold_a relation_n one_o a_o civil_a and_o the_o other_o a_o spiritual_a this_o covenant_n be_v a_o complete_a law_n for_o the_o two_o house_n give_v it_o and_o his_o majesty_n pass_v it_o and_o take_v it_o as_o to_o the_o spititual_a account_n it_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o consent_n or_o dissent_v of_o person_n be_v but_o circumstantial_a for_o oath_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n god_n command_v the_o father_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n as_o if_o have_v swear_v private_o to_o a_o man_n to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n whether_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o perform_v it_o because_o i_o do_v not_o swear_v before_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v indeed_o strange_a that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v tie_v to_o certain_a custom_n of_o a_o nation_n so_o that_o the_o oath_n which_o shall_v bind_v my_o conscience_n beyond_o sea_n as_o holland_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o religious_a vow_n shall_v not_o bind_v i_o here_o we_o know_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v tie_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n but_o the_o moral_n be_v not_o so_o upon_o this_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o declaration_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o year_n 1650._o date_a dumferlen_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o express_v much_o zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o they_o that_o will_v dispense_v man_n from_o it_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n who_o undertake_v to_o dispense_v from_o oath_n that_o be_v to_o create_v a_o new_a divinity_n and_o to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o do_v it_o under_o hope_n of_o a_o mitre_n or_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o other_o such_o preferment_n yet_o let_v such_o peruse_v rom._n 1.31_o where_o they_o may_v find_v covenant_n breaker_n reckon_v among_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o they_o who_o draw_v back_o from_o it_o do_v wound_v their_o conscience_n give_v scandal_n to_o the_o church_n and_o become_v a_o scorn_n even_o to_o the_o episcopal_a party_n who_o know_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o affection_n but_o out_o of_o a_o interest_n thereby_o do_v triumph_n in_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o further_o thereby_o they_o lose_v their_o reputation_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n of_o no_o principle_n but_o i_o must_v no_o long_o insist_v upon_o a_o matter_n which_o have_v already_o be_v handle_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n from_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a it_o do_v appear_v how_o great_o mistake_v be_v those_o who_o say_v that_o presbyterian_o and_o episcopal_a man_n differ_v only_o in_o indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a thing_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o