clergy_n upon_o admonition_n desist_v from_o these_o abuse_n like_v as_o when_o a_o creditor_n upon_o summons_n be_v pay_v by_o his_o debtor_n aught_o to_o supercede_v his_o action_n against_o he_o but_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o clergy_n either_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o from_o time_n to_o time_n protract_v to_o desist_v from_o such_o abuse_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n leave_v to_o be_v choose_v either_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o capricious_a humour_n or_o else_o certain_a person_n in_o the_o state_n be_v damnify_v by_o these_o abuse_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o control_v their_o extravagancy_n those_o that_o maintain_v the_o first_o position_n must_v prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o unlimited_a power_n by_o god_n almighty_a to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n even_o the_o most_o absurd_a matter_n at_o leisure_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v contrâ—â—ued_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n or_o they_o must_v demonstrate_v that_o christian_n have_v absolute_o submit_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v for_o truth_n with_o all_o imaginable_a submission_n and_o patience_n but_o because_o it_o will_v savour_v of_o too_o much_o impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o first_o it_o lie_v then_o at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o supreme_a head_n do_v never_o err_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n ceremony_n or_o church-government_n all_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a christian_a nation_n we_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o when_o any_o abuse_n be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_n these_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sovereign_a right_n and_o prerogative_n have_v a_o power_n to_o abolish_v and_o reform_v all_o such_o matter_n as_o interfere_v with_o the_o public_a good_a and_o civil_a authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o may_v be_v very_o convenient_a to_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v at_o it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o innovation_n which_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o if_o especial_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n be_v invade_v by_o these_o abuse_n this_o reformation_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n division_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a weight_n such_o a_o division_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o that_o rectify_v such_o error_n but_o to_o those_o that_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a path_n either_o out_o â—_o self-interest_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a out_o of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o such_o as_o be_v plain_o convict_v of_o a_o error_n use_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o begin_v a_o reformation_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o legal_a account_n can_v under_o no_o colour_n whatsoever_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n for_o those_o be_v rebel_n who_o by_o forcible_a way_n endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o allegiance_n due_a to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whereas_o all_o such_o as_o free_v themselves_o from_o abuse_n unjust_o impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o any_o divine_a authority_n rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v style_v defender_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o conscience_n especial_o if_o these_o abuse_n and_o error_n be_v dangerous_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o no_o teacher_n no_o bishop_n no_o convention_n whatsoever_o be_v ever_o invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o domineer_a over_o christian_n at_o pleasure_n so_o that_o no_o remedy_n shall_v be_v leave_v against_o their_o usurpation_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o impudence_n in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n party_n when_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n with_o exclusion_n to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o they_o either_o must_v pretend_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a or_o else_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n who_o union_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v one_o god_n one_o redeemer_n one_o baptism_n one_o faith_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o whence_o only_o be_v exclude_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n that_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o who_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o ecclesiastic_n and_o ceremony_n who_o impose_v their_o authority_n upon_o christendom_n and_o since_o those_o that_o for_o weighty_a reason_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v and_o do_v believe_v a_o true_a baptism_n a_o true_a god_n and_o father_n a_o faith_n agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o never_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o upon_o better_a consideration_n have_v free_v himself_o from_o its_o abuse_n and_o error_n but_o the_o popish_a religion_n consider_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o if_o we_o unravel_v the_o bottom_n of_o its_o modern_a constitution_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o adapt_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o to_o a_o temporal_a state_n where_o under_o a_o religious_a pretext_n the_o chief_a aim_n be_v to_o extend_v its_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n those_o that_o have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o communion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v count_v rebel_n than_o our_o modern_a philosopher_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o fool_n and_o madman_n because_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o aristotle_n for_o all_o believer_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o head_n jesus_n christ_n of_o a_o equal_a degree_n and_o aim_n all_o at_o the_o same_o end_n and_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o promise_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 20._o mat._n 18._o 20._o in_o his_o name_n there_o will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o no_o church_n can_v claim_v any_o prerogative_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n of_o its_o adherent_n what_o the_o romanist_n allege_v for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o viz._n out_o of_o these_o word_n i_o believe_v one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a church_n for_o except_o they_o can_v cajole_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o these_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o roman_n catholic_n there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o inference_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o to_o their_o advantage_n beside_o that_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n contradict_v this_o interpretation_n if_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a church_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o faith_n but_o concern_v one_o point_n many_o error_n and_o abuse_n may_v be_v commit_v neither_o have_v the_o popish_a party_n any_o reason_n to_o brag_v of_o a_o particular_a holiness_n especial_o concern_v these_o matter_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o protestant_n the_o word_n catholic_n relate_v here_o to_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o a_o sovereign_a state_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v universal_a over_o christendom_n so_o that_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o
be_v first_o examine_v but_o where_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o say_v 1â—_n 〈…〉_o 3._o 1â—_n st._n john_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o neither_o be_v that_o confession_n whether_o tacit_n or_o express_v which_o ought_v to_o precede_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n like_v to_o those_o confession_n which_o in_o judicial_a court_n be_v require_v to_o be_v make_v by_o offender_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o deserve_a punishment_n but_o it_o have_v 21._o jos_n 7_o 1â—_n â—_o 20_o 21._o a_o resemblance_n to_o those_o confession_n that_o be_v make_v to_o physician_n by_o such_o of_o their_o patient_n as_o labour_v under_o a_o secret_a distemper_n hope_v thereby_o for_o relief_n in_o their_o disease_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o 32_o psalm_n v._o 3_o 4_o 5._o of_o david_n neither_o can_v true_a repentance_n be_v suppose_v without_o such_o a_o confession_n for_o how_o can_v we_o ask_v forgiveness_n either_o of_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v unless_o we_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v 28._o prov._n 28._o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n during_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n here_o upon_o earth_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o judicial_a court_n but_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o announce_v repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o of_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v proceed_v to_o judgement_n in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n there_o the_o supreme_a judge_n will_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n thère_fw-fr seat_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o assessor_n 12._o rev._n 20._o 12._o the_o book_n be_v to_o be_v open_v and_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o that_o without_o appeal_n it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o though_o we_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o a_o offence_n from_o our_o neighbour_n this_o do_v not_o always_o and_o necessary_o imply_v a_o pardon_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o notwithstanding_o a_o pardon_v obtain_v from_o man_n god_n have_v not_o absolve_v we_o from_o that_o offence_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o the_o offender_n be_v without_o true_a faith_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o our_o offence_n be_v forgive_v by_o god_n when_o forgiveness_n have_v be_v deny_v we_o by_o man_n as_o in_o case_n our_o neighbour_n refuse_v to_o pardon_v a_o offence_n though_o we_o beg_v forgiveness_n and_o proffer_n satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v or_o a_o priest_n be_v overcome_v by_o private_a passion_n shall_v deny_v we_o absolution_n when_o therefore_o the_o priest_n say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o christ_n do_v then_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o even_o our_o thought_n but_o man_n can_v only_o give_v their_o judgement_n according_a to_o such_o circumstance_n or_o outward_a sign_n as_o effect_v our_o sense_n which_o often_o prove_v deceitful_a and_o far_o different_a from_o what_o we_o keep_v conceal_v within_o we_o and_o though_o in_o civil_a court_n of_o judicature_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o judgement_n be_v give_v in_o a_o case_n according_a to_o what_o be_v prove_v by_o evidence_n notwithstanding_o the_o same_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o god_n almighty_a who_o search_v into_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v deceive_v by_o hypocrisy_n and_o though_o the_o priest_n shall_v tell_v thou_o a_o hundred_o time_n over_o and_o over_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o the_o and_o thou_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n it_o can_v avail_v thou_o nothing_o last_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o when_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o do_v not_o thereby_o surrender_v all_o his_o power_n of_o forgive_a sin_n or_o of_o receive_v penitent_a sinner_n into_o his_o favour_n or_o do_v debar_v himself_o from_o make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n unless_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o priest_n so_o as_o to_o reserve_v only_o to_o himself_o the_o supreme_a prerogative_n of_o remit_v of_o sin_n in_o case_n of_o a_o unjust_a refusal_n of_o the_o priest_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o pray_v every_o day_n forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v be_v evident_a proof_n that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o create_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n through_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o the_o apostle_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o believer_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o forgive_v sin_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o they_o be_v say_v to_o save_v other_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a 16._o 〈…〉_o 4._o 16._o when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unbelieving_a they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v bind_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n 18._o joh_n 3._o 18._o therefore_o when_o they_o announce_v to_o the_o believe_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n through_o christ_n do_v open_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o they_o shut_v they_o against_o such_o as_o be_v unbelieving_a refuse_v to_o accept_v this_o doctrine_n so_o that_o when_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o one_o particular_a person_n he_o say_v thus_o much_o to_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v according_a to_o thy_o confession_n i_o announce_v and_o confirm_v unto_o thou_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v now_o assure_v that_o the_o same_o be_v forgive_v by_o christ_n in_o heaven_n but_o if_o thou_o not_o believe_v thy_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o faith_n even_o before_o the_o absolution_n be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o man_n whether_o to_o apply_v the_o gracious_a doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o believe_a person_n or_o not_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v thereby_o justify_v before_o god_n notwithstanding_o he_o be_v prevent_v from_o receive_v absolution_n from_o the_o priest_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n these_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o temporal_a state_n or_o to_o gain_v other_o temporal_a advantage_n for_o christ_n order_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o give_v for_o nothing_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o nothing_o but_o not_o to_o traffic_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n make_v man_n subject_a to_o themselves_o but_o to_o christ_n nay_o st._n paul_n can_v not_o understand_v without_o indignation_n that_o some_o among_o the_o corinthian_n will_v any_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12_o 1â—_n whether_o st._n peter_n have_v any_o be_v call_v from_o he_o some_o from_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n §_o 26._o but_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o their_o power_n or_o function_n may_v be_v the_o same_o be_v grant_v prerogative_n grant_v he_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o equal_a degree_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o none_o of_o they_o cogld_v claim_v a_o particular_a prerogative_n or_o at_o least_o not_o any_o right_n of_o command_v the_o rest_n for_o if_o we_o peruse_v those_o several_a 16._o mat._n 28._o 18_o 19_o 20._o c._n 23._o 8._o s._n joh._n 20._o 21_o 22_o 23._o c._n 13._o 14_o 15_o 16._o passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o the_o apostolical_a function_n be_v establish_v and_o confer_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o inequality_n to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o and_o that_o passage_n st._n luke_n 22._o 26_o 27._o epistle_n to_o the_o galat._n 2._o 9_o 14._o by_o st._n matth._n 16._o 18._o which_o the_o romanist_n make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o contain_v nothing_o that_o can_v give_v any_o legal_a pretence_n superiority_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o roman_a bishop_n over_o all_o the_o
decemviri_fw-la and_o because_o christian_n do_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o human_a authority_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v 4â—_n joh._n 6._o 1â—_n 1_o thes_n 4â—_n say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n s._n paul_n utter_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o dominion_n over_o they_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n for_o the_o rest_n as_o christian_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v without_o great_a difficulty_n try_v their_o teacher_n doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o the_o catechism_n and_o other_o compendious_a instruction_n relate_v to_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o their_o young_a year_n both_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v more_o useful_a to_o those_o of_o a_o indifferent_a capacity_n than_o all_o the_o other_o subtlety_n and_o controversy_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o requisite_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o â—â—_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o â—â—m_fw-la 1._o â—_o 2_o â—â—m_fw-la 2._o â—â—_o salvation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o much_o difficulty_n because_o the_o confession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n stone_n and_z as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o this_o article_n be_v chief_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 20._o 3._o oppose_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o apostle_n s_o john_n prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n to_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n hereby_o know_v you_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 4_o â—_o â—_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n though_o from_o hence_o no_o inference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v as_o if_o christian_a may_v neglect_v or_o ought_v not_o also_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v concern_v all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o pleaseâ—_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 34._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o of_o a_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v further_o he_o inquire_v into_o whether_o perhaps_o those_o church_n unite_v do_v it_o make_v up_o a_o body_n like_o to_o that_o of_o a_o grâ—â—t_a state_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o believer_n wheresoever_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n if_o a_o duâ—_n regard_v he_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n intention_n of_o a_o design_n to_o erect_v a_o state_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o â—â—_o mark_n 16._o â—â—_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n nor_o any_o certain_a place_n of_o residence_n appoint_v for_o these_o governor_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n shall_v receive_v their_o order_n neither_o be_v the_o least_o care_n take_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondency_n with_o their_o capital_a city_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o prodigious_a distance_n of_o those_o country_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mortal_a enmity_n betwixt_o some_o of_o these_o state_n these_o be_v unsurmountable_a obstacle_n for_o the_o settle_n and_o maintain_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o what_o mean_v all_o the_o christian_n can_v be_v unite_v under_o one_o state_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n c._n 12._o 12_o 13._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o 10._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n ver_fw-la 16_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n which_o show_v that_o all_o the_o sheep_n be_v bring_v into_o one_o flock_n by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n who_o be_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 4._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n endeavour_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o christ_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v 13_o joh._n 13_o chief_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n charity_n and_o unity_n as_o the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brother_n which_o particular_o 10._o vid._n 1_o cor._n 13._o colos_n 3._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 10._o belong_v to_o the_o christian_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o general_a union_n betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a tie_v we_o may_v easy_o observe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v in_o no_o way_n adapt_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o temporal_a government_n but_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o establishment_n and_o union_n of_o a_o mystical_a body_n for_o as_o none_o of_o they_o require_v of_o imply_v any_o dependency_n from_o a_o temporal_a power_n so_o they_o may_v belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n though_o live_v in_o far_o distant_a country_n and_o several_a jurisdiction_n §_o 35._o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v for_o what_o end_n state_n 〈…〉_o for_o christians_o 〈…〉_o unite_a under_o one_o state_n or_o purpose_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o general_n shall_v be_v reduce_v under_o one_o state_n for_o each_o congregation_n or_o church_n may_v with_o more_o â—ase_n and_o conveniency_n constitute_v teacher_n in_o their_o church_n sit_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v a_o more_o watchful_a eye_n over_o those_o who_o be_v know_v and_o near_o at_o hand_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o single_a person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o be_v beside_o this_o ovewhelm_v with_o multitude_n of_o business_n be_v force_v to_o see_v with_o other_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o hear_v with_o other_o people_n ear_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n what_o be_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o compose_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v arise_v betwixt_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o a_o general_n court_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o case_n can_v be_v no_o where_o determine_v with_o more_o conveniency_n than_o in_o the_o same_o government_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o there_o can_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n there_o be_v one_o objection_n which_o have_v something_o of_o colour_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v under_o one_o head_n whether_o under_o one_o person_n or_o a_o certain_a assembly_n matter_n not_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v better_o preserve_v
consequent_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o make_v up_o a_o particular_a sovereignty_n wherefore_o if_o both_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o person_n he_o become_v thereby_o at_o once_o master_n over_o our_o life_n and_o conscience_n but_o if_o this_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v lodge_v in_o another_o person_n he_o must_v either_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o execute_v his_o decree_n by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n or_o else_o to_o have_v only_o a_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n leave_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n if_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o double_a head_a sovereignty_n must_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o distraction_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a those_o that_o exercise_v the_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o state_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o executioner_n only_o to_o this_o holy_a judge_n all_o these_o thing_n due_o consider_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o occasion_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o state_n so_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o beyond_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o christ_n intend_v to_o introduce_v by_o his_o doctrine_n such_o pernicious_a disease_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o no_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n like_o christ_n himself_o have_v foretell_v it_o in_o the_o parable_n by_o matthew_n c._n 13._o 24._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n c._n 11._o 19_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o controversy_n do_v arise_v he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o colour_n at_o least_o of_o its_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v call_v to_o his_o aid_n all_o the_o sophistication_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n without_o the_o scripture_n this_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o disclose_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o foundation_n whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v a_o attempt_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n receive_v already_o as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v scarce_o worth_a take_a notice_n of_o unless_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v at_o least_o some_o specious_a reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n especial_o if_o his_o endeavour_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a love_n to_o truth_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o slight_v without_o be_v hear_v and_o his_o reason_n examine_v so_o that_o then_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o matter_n must_v depend_v from_o a_o right_a interpretation_n of_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o interpretation_n i_o see_v not_o any_o necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o sovereign_a power_n or_o any_o infallible_a authority_n but_o only_o to_o such_o mâ—ans_n as_o â—â—_o most_o proper_a for_o the_o search_n into_o and_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o other_o author_n viz._n by_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o whole_a sâ—ame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o by_o due_o compare_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o observe_v their_o annology_n and_o connexion_n whosoever_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v not_o propossess_v with_o prejudice_n private_a interest_n or_o passion_n it_o will_v oâ—_n no_o such_o difficult_a task_n for_o he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o so_o plain_o that_o such_o as_o oppose_v he_o will_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o understanding_n people_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n so_o do_v our_o saviour_n at_o several_a time_n convince_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saduceans_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o further_a reply_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o each_o christian_a church_n there_o may_v be_v find_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o teacher_n capable_a of_o disprove_v such_o as_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v among_o they_o innovation_n and_o false_a doctrine_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o alone_a shall_v prove_v insufficient_a they_o may_v call_v to_o their_o aid_n those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a most_o famous_a church_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v a_o judge_n general_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o numerous_a as_o to_o have_v spread_v their_o doctrine_n all_o over_o the_o state_n this_o judge_n will_v prove_v useless_a in_o his_o office_n for_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o violent_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n oppose_v force_n to_o force_v but_o if_o he_o take_v the_o other_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o earor_n by_o argument_n take_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o by_o other_o teacher_n sit_o qualify_v for_o their_o office_n than_o by_o such_o a_o judge_n general_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v so_o over_o timorous_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o error_n shall_v in_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o truth_n as_o to_o domineer_v always_o and_o every_o where_n over_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o most_o clear-sighted_a teacher_n in_o the_o church_n these_o cloud_n may_v be_v soon_o disperse_v and_o truth_n again_o appear_v in_o its_o splendour_n i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n whether_o not_o a_o great_a many_o heresy_n by_o the_o only_a help_n of_o prevail_a truth_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n or_o any_o human_a force_n have_v by_o degree_n dwindle_v away_o and_o at_o last_o quite_o disappear_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v by_o a_o temporal_a interest_n and_o certain_a reason_n of_o state_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v suppress_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o controversy_n wherein_o the_o protestant_n differ_v with_o the_o papish_n all_o which_o if_o due_o consider_v be_v so_o deep_o entangle_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o popish_a monarchy_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o recede_v a_o inch_n from_o the_o point_n of_o the_o controvert_v article_n without_o diminution_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o endanger_v their_o great_a revenue_n so_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o union_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o vain_a unless_o the_o latter_a can_v resolve_v to_o submit_v themselves_o under_o the_o same_o popish_a yoke_n which_o they_o have_v shake_v off_o so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v that_o gross_a way_n of_o argue_v make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o papish_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o question_n concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n will_v fall_v a-course_n make_v themselves_o both_o party_n and_o judge_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o case_n according_a to_o their_o own_o testimony_n they_o always_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sophism_n that_o they_o attribute_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o the_o true_a church_n exclude_v all_o orhe_a christian_n from_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o back_o this_o pretence_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o manner_n of_o demonstrative_a argument_n found_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o lien_n thereof_o to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n unknown_a to_o the_o apostle_n of_o convert_v people_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n against_o those_o that_o dare_v to_o maintain_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o which_o
find_v their_o auditor_n incline_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o also_o in_o all_o other_o place_n whither_o this_o doctrine_n be_v transplant_v the_o believer_n may_v enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o plant_v a_o church_n upon_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o commission_n or_o permission_n for_o so_o do_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o pursuant_n to_o our_o saviour_n expression_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v incline_v to_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n if_o we_o trace_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o these_o society_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n of_o certain_a men._n we_o may_v easy_o find_v to_o contain_v all_o of_o they_o something_o resemble_v a_o democracy_n where_o such_o matter_n as_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o society_n be_v to_o be_v dispatch_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o where_o no_o particular_a person_n can_v claim_v any_o further_a power_n over_o the_o rest_n than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n the_o power_n of_o constitute_a teacher_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v original_o lodge_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o though_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n teacher_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o great_a many_o place_n nevertheless_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v something_o of_o a_o democracy_n and_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n argue_v sufficient_o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v teacher_n themselves_o in_o all_o lesser_a town_n or_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o lesser_a place_n and_o village_n it_o seem_v rather_o probable_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o great_a city_n and_o other_o place_n of_o note_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o other_o place_n and_o that_o such_o church_n as_o be_v not_o provide_v with_o teacher_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o their_o special_a authority_n use_v either_o to_o choose_v those_o very_a person_n to_o that_o function_n who_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o or_o any_o other_o who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v endow_v before_o other_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o teach_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v teach_v at_o rome_n before_o ever_o peter_n and_o paul_n come_v thither_o and_o the_o high_a treasurer_n of_o the_o 16._o chap._n 16._o queen_n candace_n who_o be_v general_o believe_v to_o have_v first_o carry_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o aethiopia_n and_o to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o part_n receive_v no_o ordination_n as_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n from_o philip_n after_o his_o baptism_n neither_o do_v 8._o act_n 8._o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v any_o certain_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o seem_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o function_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v than_o for_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v a_o very_a laudable_a and_o useful_a ceremony_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o with_o this_o restriction_n nevertheless_o that_o the_o same_o need_v not_o to_o be_v deem_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o if_o without_o it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o accompany_v that_o ceremony_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v many_o age_n past_a become_v useless_a the_o church_n like_o all_o other_o college_n 14._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o have_v power_n to_o collect_v stipend_n for_o their_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v collection_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o poor_a but_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n from_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o sovereign_n who_o levy_v tax_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o force_v their_o subject_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o command_n but_o in_o the_o church_n this_o power_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o mere_a liberality_n and_o free_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o general_a who_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n of_o pay_v a_o workman_n his_o stipend_n and_o relieve_v those_o in_o distress_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o humanity_n it_o proper_o belong_v to_o all_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 2_o 3._o c._n 2._o 12_o 13._o c._n 9_o 5_o 9_o 7._o college_n as_o well_o as_o church_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v with_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o member_n such_o statute_n as_o may_v conduce_v towards_o the_o obtain_n the_o end_n of_o their_o society_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v these_o statute_n which_o st._n paul_n recommend_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n in_o the_o 7_o chapt._n if_o any_o one_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n he_o deserve_o be_v to_o receive_v correction_n or_o to_o undergo_v such_o a_o penalty_n as_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o statute_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o the_o college_n but_o pursuant_n to_o their_o contract_n and_o though_o college_n have_v not_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o member_n unless_o what_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o true_a end_n of_o each_o society_n or_o else_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sovereign_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v often_o practise_v in_o these_o society_n and_o may_v be_v do_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o right_n of_o their_o sovereign_n that_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v betwixt_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o college_n these_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o interposition_n and_o arbitration_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o college_n or_o society_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o mutual_a good_a correspondency_n may_v be_v cultivate_v among_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v take_v the_o admonition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v to_o the_o corinthian_n concern_v this_o point_n in_o the_o 1_o epistle_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o and_o follow_a verse_n last_o because_o many_o vice_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o vogue_n among_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v not_o punishable_a by_o the_o pagan_a law_n they_o be_v more_o encourage_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o honour_n than_o by_o any_o civil_a command_n and_o the_o christian_n believe_v it_o more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o themselves_o to_o recommend_v and_o adorn_v their_o profession_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o a_o innocent_a conversation_n to_o excel_v the_o heathen_n some_o statute_n be_v at_o the_o very_a beginning_n introduce_v into_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v think_v most_o convenient_a to_o correct_v all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n direction_n if_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a 2._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n church_n censure_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n all_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v always_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n that_o subject_n shall_v lead_v a_o innocent_a life_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o statute_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o may_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n such_o be_v private_a admonition_n public_a reprimand_n and_o church_n penance_n the_o extreme_a remedy_n be_v excommunication_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o a_o member_n