not_o or_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v therefore_o fond_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o rule_n for_o that_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n can_v not_o subsist_v in_o order_n without_o it_o 3_o the_o church_n here_o direct_v unto_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o concern_v the_o time_n to_o come_v afterward_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n nothing_o that_o can_v pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v a_o utter_a end_n put_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o a_o address_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unto_o magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n to_o have_v they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o after_o the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o advice_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v mutual_o require_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n for_o 2_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v exercise_v authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o voice_n judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v their_o power_n of_o spiritual_a bind_n and_o looâ—ing_v which_o be_v comit_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o and_o so_o he_o add_v immediatley_n ver_fw-la 18._o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o 4thly_a it_o be_v a_o visible_a particular_a congregation_n alone_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o other_o acceptation_n of_o that_o name_n either_o for_o the_o catholics_n invisible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o profess_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o this_o dâ—ty_n shall_v be_v observe_v towards_o it_o as_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o single_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o for_o its_o duty_n and_o enjoyment_n where_o ever_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v lead_v unto_o another_o signification_n it_o must_v be_v interpret_v of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n 3._o the_o person_n intend_v offend_v and_o offend_v must_v belong_v unto_o the_o same_o society_n unto_o who_o the_o address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o else_o the_o one_o party_n may_v just_o decline_v the_o judicatory_a apply_v unto_o and_o so_o frustrate_a the_o process_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v in_o their_o circumstance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o sundry_a case_n can_v be_v make_v in_o point_n of_o offence_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o a_o easy_a address_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o suppose_v that_o free_a and_o immediate_a access_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v unto_o that_o whole_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n wherefore_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v the_o church_n not_o a_o church_n but_o the_o church_n namely_o whereunto_o thou_o and_o thy_o brother_n do_v belong_v 6_o one_o end_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v continue_v together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o thing_n belong_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 7_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o tell_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o whatever_o church_n he_o may_v have_v under_o his_o rule_n yet_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o 8_o the_o chancellor_n court_n that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n unto_o all_o church_n to_o have_v that_o name_n apply_v thereunto_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o a_o presbytery_n or_o association_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o power_n claim_v in_o such_o associate_v presbytery_n be_v with_o respect_n unto_o what_o be_v already_o in_o or_o before_o particular_a congregation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n as_o be_v suppose_v final_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v but_o this_o suppose_v that_o the_o address_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o therefore_o be_v first_o and_o proper_o here_o intend_v all_o thing_n be_v plain_a familiar_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o mind_n be_v any_o way_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ._n argument_n pretend_o deep_o and_o learned_a real_o obscure_a and_o perplex_a with_o logical_a notion_n and_o distinction_n apply_v unto_o thing_n thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o do_v serve_v only_o to_o involve_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o place_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n for_o christian_n then_o design_v by_o christ_n which_o afterward_o he_o will_v institute_v and_o settle_v 2_o that_o all_o true_a disciple_n be_v to_o join_v and_o unite_v themselves_o in_o some_o such_o church_n as_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o their_o love_n order_n peace_n and_o edification_n 3_o that_o among_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n offence_n will_v or_o may_v arise_v which_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o pernicious_a event_n 4_o that_o if_o these_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o take_v away_o so_o as_o that_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o account_n of_o they_o at_o last_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n or_o society_n whereunto_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v belong_v as_o member_n of_o it_o 5_o that_o this_o church_n shall_v hear_v determine_v and_o give_v judgement_n with_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n so_o bring_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o take_v away_o and_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n 6_o that_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rest_v in_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 7_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o which_o alone_o can_v cast_v one_o that_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v wherein_o their_o daily_a practice_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v express_v into_o what_o horrible_a perplexity_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v be_v wrest_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o how_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o love_v not_o the_o practice_n they_o direct_v unto_o do_v lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o way_n and_o path_n that_o have_v neither_o use_n nor_o end_n from_o the_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o intend_v so_o many_o power_n faculty_n court_n jurisdiction_n legal_a process_n with_o litigious_a vexatious_a oppressive_a course_n of_o action_n and_o trial_n who_o very_a name_n be_v uncouth_a horrid_a foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o unintelligible_a without_o cunning_a in_o a_o artificial_a barbarous_a science_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n have_v proceed_v as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v a_o sober_a rational_a man_n with_o astonishment_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o this_o divine_a institution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o blind_v with_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o also_o stranger_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v will_v hardly_o
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
heaven_n as_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o this_o subject_n in_o other_o discourse_n 2._o the_o name_n pretence_n and_o presume_a power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n have_v be_v make_v and_o use_v as_o the_o great_a engine_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o satisfy_v the_o avarice_n sensuality_n ambition_n and_o cruelty_n of_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o thing_n be_v find_v out_o by_o man_n or_o satan_n himself_o so_o fit_v suit_v and_o frame_v to_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o multitude_n of_o man_n as_o this_o of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v so_o order_v be_v of_o that_o make_v constitution_n and_o use_n that_o corrupt_a man_n need_v desire_v no_o more_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o wealth_n honour_n grandeur_n pleasure_n all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o lust_n spiritual_a or_o carnal_a but_o a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v a_o interest_n therein_o be_v general_o use_v unto_o any_o other_o end_n all_o the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n all_o the_o flagitious_a life_n in_o luxury_n sensuality_n uncleanness_n incest_n etc._n etc._n of_o pope_n cardinal_n prelate_n and_o their_o companion_n with_o their_o hatred_n unto_o and_o oppression_n of_o good_a man_n arise_v from_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o be_v repute_v the_o church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o church_n here_o and_o there_o as_o it_o be_v esteem_v be_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o keep_v christian_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o purity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o temptation_n to_o multitude_n of_o man_n to_o prefer_v the_o church_n before_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n unto_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o conspiracy_n nor_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o think_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o men._n 3._o by_o the_o church_n so_o esteem_v and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o interest_n by_o its_o authority_n and_o power_n innumerable_a multitude_n of_o christian_n have_v be_v slay_v or_o murder_v and_o the_o earth_n soak_a with_o their_o blood_n two_o emperor_n of_o germany_n alone_o fight_v above_o eighty_o battle_n for_o and_o against_o the_o pretend_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v lay_v whole_a country_n desolate_a with_o fire_n and_o sword_n turn_v city_n into_o ash_n and_o village_n into_o a_o wilderness_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v the_o church_n which_o kill_v murder_a and_o burn_v innumerable_a holy_a person_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o practice_n unto_o her_o command_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o church_n conspicuous_o visible_a in_o all_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v it_o esteem_v lawful_a once_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o other_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n be_v for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o cruelty_n bloodshed_n murder_n the_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a among_o they_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o the_o secular_a worldly_a interest_n of_o multitude_n lie_v in_o this_o presumptive_a church_n and_o the_o state_n of_o it_o they_o prefer_v and_o exalt_v it_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o make_v the_o great_a idol_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o its_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v above_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n towards_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o neither_o can_v nor_o need_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o inform_v we_o and_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v this_o usurpation_n of_o divine_a honour_n in_o put_v itself_o and_o its_o authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v full_a well_o whence_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o right_o title_n or_o pretence_n unto_o it_o have_v exalt_v one_o among_o they_o and_o with_o he_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a capacity_n above_o all_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n nation_n and_o people_n trample_v on_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n be_v this_o church-state_n from_o heaven_n be_v it_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v it_o the_o heart_n and_o centre_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v it_o that_o which_o all_o man_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n who_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n can_v entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n without_o detestation_n and_o abhorrency_n 5._o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o atheism_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o man_n find_v themselves_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n they_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o this_o church_n suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o abhor_v through_o innumerable_a prejudices_fw-la to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o ministerial_a church-state_n or_o no_o understand_v at_o length_n the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o political_a combination_n for_o the_o wealth_n power_n and_o dignity_n of_o some_o person_n they_o cast_v away_o all_o regard_n of_o religion_n and_o become_v profess_a atheist_n 6._o unto_o this_o very_a day_n the_o woeful_a division_n distraction_n and_o end_n less_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n with_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o do_v all_o spring_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o for_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o they_o as_o be_v usual_o allow_v can_v but_o produce_v war_n and_o tumult_n among_o nation_n with_o the_o oppression_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o calamity_n in_o one_o place_n man_n be_v kill_v for_o not_o own_v of_o one_o church_n and_o in_o another_o for_o approve_v of_o it_o among_o ourselves_o prison_n be_v fill_v and_o man_n good_n spoil_v division_n multiply_v and_o the_o whole_a nation_n endanger_v in_o a_o severe_a attempt_n to_o cause_v all_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o in_o brief_a these_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o villainy_n which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v replenish_v withal_o and_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n if_o man_n question_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n for_o my_o part_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o any_o profess_a christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o he_o have_v by_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n disentangle_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o do_v believe_v from_o all_o respect_n and_o trust_v unto_o such_o church_n discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o their_o practice_n whereby_o they_o open_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o he_o have_v lead_v they_o off_o from_o a_o church-state_n thereby_o but_o by_o the_o same_o word_n reveal_v that_o to_o they_o which_o be_v pure_a simple_a humble_a holy_a and_o so_o far_o from_o give_v occasion_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n mention_v as_o that_o the_o admittance_n of_o it_o will_v put_v a_o immediate_a end_n unto_o they_o all_o such_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o true_a and_o gospel_n church-state_n to_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a description_n of_o it_o he_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o these_o humane_a and_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o hellish_a church_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n policy_n and_o secular_a contrivance_n come_v thereon_o to_o obtain_v a_o view_n of_o
of_o a_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o order_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a ordinance_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v wherefore_o that_o church-state_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o these_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o whatever_o kind_n of_o church_n or_o churches_n be_v not_o so_o primary_o and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o of_o his_o appointment_n but_o it_o be_v in_o congregational_a church_n alone_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v and_o observe_v for_o unto_o all_o of_o they_o there_o be_v require_v assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o wherever_o they_o be_v that_o church_n be_v congregational_a no_o such_o church_n as_o those_o mention_v before_o papal_n patriarchical_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o in_o any_o way_n national_a be_v capable_a of_o the_o discharge_v of_o these_o duty_n or_o attain_v of_o these_o ends._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o can_v together_o in_o one_o place_n profess_v and_o express_v their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o can_v have_v personal_a communinion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n of_o worship_n nor_o exercise_v discipline_n in_o one_o body_n and_o society_n they_o can_v yet_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n otherwise_o partly_o in_o single_a congregation_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o and_o partly_o in_o such_o way_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o state_n and_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a court_n with_o jurisdiction_n over_o all_o person_n or_o congregation_n belong_v unto_o they_o it_o will_v not_o help_v their_o cause_n for_o 1_o those_o particular_a congregation_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v church_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o we_o obtain_v what_o we_o aim_v at_o nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o if_o they_o be_v not_o but_o invention_n and_o appointment_n of_o their_o own_o then_o that_o which_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v by_o they_o provide_v for_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v which_o be_v to_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o wisdom_n and_o care_n above_o he_o and_o to_o place_n themselves_o in_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n than_o he_o to_o grant_v that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o end_v for_o which_o any_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v or_o attain_v but_o in_o and_o by_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v that_o those_o particular_a congregation_n be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v church_n and_o be_v not_o church_n 2_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n or_o society_n as_o have_v spiritual_a power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n annex_v unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v of_o it_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n the_o particular_a congregation_n mention_v have_v this_o power_n with_o privilege_n and_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o or_o they_o have_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o least_o no_o complete_a church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o earth_n wherein_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v for_o which_o the_o be_v of_o church_n be_v ordain_v as_o namely_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v from_o whence_o or_o who_o they_o have_v it_o if_o from_o christ_n then_o be_v they_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o who_o can_v divest_v they_o of_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o man_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v pretend_v 3_o as_o unto_o that_o way_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n suit_v unto_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a we_o shall_v consider_v it_o afterward_o 4_o what_o be_v do_v in_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o any_o great_a church_n as_o a_o diocesan_n or_o the_o like_a for_o whatever_o act_v any_o thing_n act_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v but_o this_o of_o joint_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o such_o a_o church_n according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v for_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o some_o man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o particular_a congregation_n be_v original_o of_o a_o divine_a institution_n and_o find_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o find_v what_o a_o inconsistency_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o some_o other_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v imbibe_v shall_v they_o still_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n see_v thereon_o the_o whole_a ordinary_a power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n must_v reside_v in_o they_o they_o will_v now_o have_v they_o to_o be_v only_a convenience_n for_o some_o end_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o some_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v like_o christ_n institution_n but_o his_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v which_o be_v a_o image_n 2._o the_o very_a notation_n of_o the_o word_n do_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n other_o thing_n may_v in_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o both_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v in_o great_a variety_n but_o whilst_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o ordinary_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o its_o ruler_n and_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v still_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o can_v be_v neither_o diocesan_n provincial_a nor_o national_a so_o that_o although_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o actual_a assembly_n yet_o be_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o its_o constitution_n in_o exercise_n hence_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o verb_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o congregate_v to_o assemble_v to_o call_v and_o meet_v together_o and_o nothing_o else_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o most_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o congregate_v in_o a_o church_n assembly_n and_o sometime_o by_o other_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o they_o do_v the_o noun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seldom_o by_o any_o other_o word_n but_o where_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o signification_n wherefore_o this_o word_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o congregation_n which_o assemble_v for_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o act_n its_o duty_n and_o power_n so_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o apply_v unto_o that_o who_o essence_n be_v not_o denote_v thereby_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n invisible_a which_o be_v only_o a_o mystical_a society_n or_o congregation_n but_o wherever_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v a_o outward_a visible_a society_n it_o do_v connote_v their_o assembly_n together_o in_o one_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v for_o a_o actual_a assembly_n act._n 19.32_o 39_o 40._o which_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o it_o in_o all_o greek_a writer_n 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 4._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o it_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o wherefore_o no_o society_n that_o do_v not_o congregate_v the_o whole_a body_n whereof_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o to_o act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n be_v a_o church_n or_o may_v be_v so_o call_v whatever_o other_o sort_n of_o body_n or_o corporation_n it_o may_v be_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n use_v when_o the_o first_o intimation_n be_v be_v give_v of_o a_o evangelical_n church_n state_n with_o order_n and_o discipline_n matth._n 18.17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o contest_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o
it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
can_v have_v that_o respect_n and_o devotion_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o will_v have_v unto_o hereditary_a ruler_n long_a succession_n in_o ruler_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o veneration_n in_o the_o people_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v a_o succession_n one_o unto_o another_o by_o a_o natural_a descent_n through_o divine_a appointment_n as_o the_o priest_n have_v under_o the_o law_n or_o as_o unto_o those_o who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o worth_n ability_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o do_v choose_v themselves_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o maintain_v a_o reputation_n and_o interest_n by_o secular_a grandeur_n pomp_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o church_n matter_n by_o external_a force_n with_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n do_v all_o proceed_v from_o this_o order_n of_o thing_n or_o rather_o disorder_n in_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n therein_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ruler_n in_o it_o and_o over_o they_o neither_o by_o a_o natural_a right_n of_o their_o own_o as_o in_o paternal_a government_n nor_o by_o hereditary_a succession_n nor_o by_o election_n nor_o by_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n wherein_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v include_v but_o be_v under_o a_o yoke_n of_o a_o imposition_n of_o ruler_n on_o they_o above_o any_o society_n on_o the_o earth_n whatever_o beside_o there_o be_v that_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o its_o guide_n that_o no_o law_n order_n or_o constitution_n can_v create_v without_o their_o mutual_a voluntary_a consent_n and_o therefore_o this_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n preserve_v sacred_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o hereof_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n sundry_a person_n as_o patron_n and_o ordinary_n have_v a_o concur_v interest_n into_o the_o impose_v of_o a_o minister_n or_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v so_o upon_o any_o such_o church_n without_o the_o knowledge_n consent_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n either_o desire_v or_o accept_v if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o constitution_n of_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o ministry_n because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v in_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o real_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o avow_a subjection_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v no_o way_n obnoxious_a unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o schism_n that_o consist_v in_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v disciple_n free_a be_v that_o who_o gild_n no_o man_n need_v to_o fear_v 5._o what_o remain_v of_o those_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o conformity_n under_o consideration_n be_v clear_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n from_o any_o obligation_n thereunto_o and_o so_o from_o all_o gild_n of_o schism_n whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o head_n of_o imposition_n on_o their_o conscience_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o must_v submit_v unto_o these_o be_v such_o as_o many_o whole_a book_n have_v be_v write_v about_o the_o chief_a whereof_o have_v no_o way_n be_v answer_v unless_a rail_n and_o scoffing_n with_o contempt_n and_o fierce_a reproach_n with_o false_a accusation_n may_v pass_v for_o answer_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o insist_v upon_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o this_o dispute_n 1._o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o minister_n consist_v in_o a_o public_a assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n with_o the_o rubric_n in_o it_o which_o contain_v all_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o command_n and_o prohibition_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o whole_a entire_a state_n order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n whoever_o give_v solemn_o this_o assent_n and_o consent_n unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o enter_v his_o protestation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o dislike_v and_o of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o he_o do_v so_o assent_v and_o consent_n which_o by_o law_n be_v allow_v unto_o none_o the_o say_a assent_n and_o consent_n be_v his_o public_a profession_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o order_v of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v part_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o his_o gospel_n bless_a be_v god_n most_o minister_n be_v too_o wise_a and_o honest_a to_o delude_v their_o conscience_n with_o distinction_n equivocation_n and_o reservation_n and_o do_v thereon_o rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v penury_n and_o penalty_n then_o to_o make_v the_o least_o entrenchment_n upon_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o profession_n what_o they_o do_v and_o declare_v of_o this_o nature_n they_o must_v do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o approve_v what_o they_o do_v not_o only_o as_o pardonable_a effect_n of_o necessity_n but_o as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a they_o have_v or_o can_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o a_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o they_o do_v so_o approve_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o meet_a imposition_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o great_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o a_o various_a composition_n unto_o thing_n almost_o without_o number_n wherein_o exception_n have_v be_v give_v of_o old_a and_o late_o not_o answer_v nor_o answerable_a with_o rule_n law_n order_n not_o pretend_v to_o be_v scriptural_a prescription_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o who_o have_v due_a thought_n of_o their_o approach_a account_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o the_o conformity_n that_o be_v require_v of_o other_o be_v precise_o and_o without_o power_n of_o dispensation_n in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v require_v to_o answer_v the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o it_o before_o declare_v every_o man_n by_o his_o so_o conform_v do_v thereby_o take_v it_o on_o his_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o part_v of_o his_o christian_a profession_n that_o all_o which_o he_o so_o conform_v unto_o be_v not_o only_o what_o he_o may_v do_v but_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v both_o in_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v determine_v or_o enjoin_v they_o no_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o make_v either_o distinction_n or_o protestation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v interpretable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a sincerity_n and_o openness_n in_o profession_n be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n unto_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o to_o instruct_v man_n as_o unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o only_o hope_v they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o that_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o either_o they_o approve_v not_o of_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o whole_a or_o not_o lawful_a or_o approvable_a in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o unto_o the_o debauch_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n 3._o there_o be_v in_o this_o conformity_n require_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n or_o mean_n of_o edification_n that_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o they_o be_v all_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o conformity_n no_o man_n therefore_o can_v comply_v with_o that_o rule_n but_o that_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o other_o public_a way_n of_o edification_n as_o unlawful_a be_v part_n of_o the_o visible_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v uprightness_n and_o integrity_n that_o will_v preserve_v man_n and_o nothing_o else_o he_o that_o
which_o have_v be_v various_a and_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n that_o some_o call_v on_o we_o or_o other_o to_o produce_v express_a testimony_n or_o institution_n for_o every_o circumstance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o a_o suppose_a failure_n herein_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v power_n themselves_o to_o institute_n and_o ordain_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o it_o make_v all_o state_v addition_n to_o be_v useless_a as_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v noxious_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n exceed_v the_o proportion_n capable_a of_o edification_n in_o such_o society_n what_o especial_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v method_n in_o preach_v translation_n and_o tune_n of_o psalm_n in_o sing_v continuance_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v divine_o institute_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o general_a direction_n in_o and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o may_v with_o ordinary_a christian_a prudence_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n apply_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v these_o direction_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o to_o invent_v way_n mode_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o own_o which_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o do_v no_o way_n call_v for_o require_v or_o own_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o humane_o invent_v state_v ceremony_n and_o thereon_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o determine_v their_o precise_a observation_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edification_n be_v as_o indemonstrable_a as_o their_o necessity_n unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o warranty_n either_o from_o divine_a authority_n or_o christian_a prudence_n this_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o his_o frequent_a appeal_n unto_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o church-order_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o 33.7_o chap._n 9.7_o chap._n 11.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 14.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o ver_fw-la 40._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v in_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v evident_a 2._o but_o such_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o evangelical-church-state_n such_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o thing_n thereon_o depend_v such_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o especial_a honour_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n design_n unto_o himself_o therein_o thing_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o guidance_n unto_o nor_o direction_n about_o and_o moreover_o so_o different_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o that_o be_v before_o ordain_v in_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v the_o way_n mean_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o men._n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 7.11_o it_o be_v perfection_n its_o consummation_n that_o perfect_a state_n which_o god_n design_v unto_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o he_o deny_v that_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o law_n or_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a institution_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o heb._n 7.19_o chap._n 9.9_o chap._n 10.1_o and_o we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel-church-state_n as_o unto_o its_o especial_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n for_o it_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perfect_a consummate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bring_v it_o unto_o though_o itself_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n its_o rule_n and_o policy_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o herein_o do_v its_o excellency_n and_o preference_n above_o the_o legal_a church-state_n consist_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a authority_n in_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n above_o those_o of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v the_o gospel-church-state_n a_o machine_n to_o be_v move_v up_o and_o down_o at_o pleasure_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v or_o shape_v according_a unto_o occasion_n or_o to_o be_v turn_v unto_o any_o interest_n like_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o mill_n unto_o the_o wind._n all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n depend_v sole_o hereon_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a institution_n hence_o it_o be_v glorious_a that_o be_v very_o excellent_a as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2._o cor._n 3._o and_o if_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v not_o the_o same_o original_a it_o must_v be_v esteem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a glory_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o a_o great_a glory_n it_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v neither_o can_v any_o man_n nor_o dare_v any_o man_n alive_a to_o give_v any_o instance_n in_o particular_a wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o defect_n in_o the_o be_v constitution_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o supply_n thereof_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o after_o we_o have_v declare_v who_o it_o be_v who_o have_v divine_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n 3._o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o threefold_a application_n or_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a notion_n as_o 1_o for_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n or_o society_n of_o elect_a believer_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n real_o relate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o mystical_a head_n 2_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o by_o baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o he_o appoint_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n which_o he_o give_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n under_o these_o distinct_a notion_n with_o our_o relation_n unto_o either_o or_o all_o of_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o thereon_o i_o have_v treat_v full_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o evangelical_n love_n and_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n and_o thither_o i_o must_v remit_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n alone_o who_o original_a we_o now_o inquire_v after_o and_o i_o say_v 4._o the_o original_a of_o this_o church-state_n be_v direct_o immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n contriver_n and_o institutor_n of_o it_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o in_o and_o by_o his_o own_o person_n or_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v absolute_o and_o complete_o finish_v this_o state_n exclusive_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o
any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o for_o as_o he_o take_v it_o on_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o work_n to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o himself_o as_o its_o foundation_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o apostle_n to_o act_v under_o he_o and_o from_o he_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o that_o work_n unto_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v do_v all_o by_o himself_o for_o 1_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v revelation_n of_o what_o do_v belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v therein_o they_o never_o do_v neither_o joint_o nor_o several_o once_o endeavour_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o from_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o add_v or_o put_v into_o this_o church-state_n as_o of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o such_o either_o less_o or_o more_o any_o one_o thing_n great_a or_o less_o whatever_a it_o be_v true_a they_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o sundry_a case_n of_o present_a emergency_n in_o and_o about_o church_n affair_n they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o to_o invent_v contrive_v institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o its_o state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n they_o never_o attempt_v it_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o and_o unto_o this_o rule_n of_o proceed_v they_o be_v precise_o oblige_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o their_o commission_n mat_n 28.19_o 20._o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o plain_o include_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o so_o evident_a from_o all_o that_o be_v divine_o record_v of_o their_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o sober_a contradiction_n in_o what_o other_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v 2_o the_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n whereon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o act_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o 4.5_o they_o every_z where_o disclaim_v any_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o they_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v only_a steward_n and_o minister_n not_o lord_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n but_o helper_n of_o its_o joy_n yea_o the_o servant_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v record_v of_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o institution_n order_v or_o dispose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o abide_a continuance_n have_v in_o it_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o if_o the_o distinction_n that_o some_o make_v concern_v the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o apostle_n or_o as_o church-governor_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o just_a exception_n yet_o will_v no_o advantage_n accrue_v thereby_o unto_o what_o be_v pretend_v from_o it_o for_o as_o what_o they_o do_v appoint_v and_o order_v in_o the_o church_n for_o its_o constant_a observation_n as_o apostle_n they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n so_o what_o in_o distinction_n from_o hence_o as_o church_n governor_n they_o do_v or_o order_v they_o do_v it_o only_o by_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o present_a occasion_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n christ_n send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o send_v of_o the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o do_v stand_v and_o feed_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n micah_n 5.4_o so_o do_v they_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o authority_n or_o majesty_n of_o his_o name_n 5._o christ_n therefore_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v do_v and_o practice_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o church-state_n or_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o plain_o affirm_v it_o but_o also_o declare_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o and_o whence_o it_o be_v so_o as_o also_o wherein_o his_o do_v of_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o three_o thing_n among_o other_o be_v eminent_o necessary_a in_o and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v to_o constitute_v this_o church_n state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v eminent_o and_o express_o ascribe_v they_o all_o unto_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n nor_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o such_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o to_o render_v they_o meet_v for_o this_o work_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v right_o and_o title_n he_o who_o institute_n this_o church-state_n must_v have_v right_o and_o title_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o for_o unto_o this_o church-state_n namely_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n no_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o have_v any_o creature_n power_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o into_o a_o condition_n whereon_o all_o his_o concernment_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a shall_v depend_v this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o his_o church_n christ_n have_v alone_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o treble_a account_n 1_o of_o donation_n from_o the_o father_n he_o appoint_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o he_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh._n joh._n 17.2_o especial_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o put_v into_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v his_o church_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2_o by_o virtue_n of_o purchase_n he_o have_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n purchase_v they_o unto_o his_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n he_o purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n act._n 20.28_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o at_o his_o disposal_n only_o and_o be_v free_a from_o any_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 7.23_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o purchase_n of_o this_o right_a and_o title_n be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o principal_a mediatory_a act_n of_o christ._n rom._n 14.9_o 10._o for_o to_o this_o end_n etc._n etc._n 3_o of_o conquest_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o be_v both_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v themselves_o enemy_n unto_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n he_o can_v not_o therefore_o have_v a_o sovereign_n right_o unto_o their_o disposal_n but_o by_o a_o double_a conquest_n namely_o first_o of_o their_o enemy_n by_o his_o power_n and_o then_o of_o themselves_o by_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o twofold_a conquest_n of_o he_o be_v full_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o all_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o they_o by_o a_o indispensible_a moral_a obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o until_o man_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o title_n over_o other_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o especial_a grant_n and_o donation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o a_o purchase_n that_o they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o or_o conquest_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v either_o right_a or_o title_n to_o institute_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o afterward_o that_o christ_n indeed_o have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n in_o general_a but_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n or_o