christ_n indeed_o have_v institute_v a_o ministry_n for_o the_o complete_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v also_o promise_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o minister_n successive_o in_o they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o find_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o regular_o ordain_v minister_n that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o ordination_n be_v the_o sacred_a ministerial_a office_n at_o large_a as_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n to_o be_v exercise_v here_o or_o there_o according_a to_o particular_a call_v and_o opportunity_n §_o 21._o of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n prayer_n be_v such_o a_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o sacred_a action_n of_o ordain_v minister_n fast_v be_v a_o service_n expressive_a of_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o a_o necessary_a adjunct_n of_o extra_fw-la ordinary_a prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o special_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o a_o necessary_a preparative_n and_o concomitant_a in_o this_o solemnity_n and_o we_o have_v scripture_n example_n for_o prayer_n and_o fast_v in_o the_o mission_n of_o person_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n luke_n 6.12_o 13._o act._n 13.2_o act._n 14_o 23._o what_o imposition_n of_o hand_n import_v and_o the_o moment_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v 1._o in_o solemn_a benediction_n the_o person_n blessing_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o person_n bless_v gen._n 48.14_o 2._o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o devote_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n by_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o leu._n 1.4_o 3._o in_o ordain_v to_o a_o office_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o numb_a 27.18_o 20._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v 1._o in_o blessing_n mark_v 10.16_o 2._o in_o cure_v bodily_a disease_n mark_v 16.18_o luke_n 13.13_o act_n 19.11_o 3._o in_o convey_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8.17_o act_n 19.6_o 4._o in_o ordain_v minister_n act_n 6.6_o 1_o tim_n 4.14_o the_o meaning_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6.2_o be_v diverse_o take_v some_o take_v it_o as_o use_v for_o the_o remit_v of_o sin_n as_o they_o also_o do_v 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o say_v that_o baptism_n refer_v to_o the_o make_n of_o proselyte_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o the_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n other_o take_v it_o for_o confirmation_n other_o conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n therein_o comprehend_v from_o the_o various_a use_n of_o this_o rite_n we_o collect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o convey_v a_o benefit_n or_o of_o design_v to_o a_o office_n or_o of_o devote_v one_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o particular_o of_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o devote_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o but_o a_o temporary_a rite_n and_o to_o limit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o ordination_n only_o to_o the_o time_n of_o miraele_n there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n in_o any_o text_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v only_o for_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o we_o read_v not_o that_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v give_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n §_o 22._o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n some_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o pastor_n because_o the_o act_n of_o ordain_v be_v a_o potestative_a or_o authoritative_a mission_n which_o power_n of_o mission_n be_v first_o seat_v in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n but_o this_o reason_n must_v be_v take_v with_o a_o grain_n of_o salt_n or_o in_o a_o sound_a sense_n because_o bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v spiritual_a power_n formalier_n but_o not_o efficient_a and_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o make_v or_o give_v the_o ministerial_a power_n but_o be_v only_a instrument_n of_o designation_n or_o application_n of_o that_o power_n to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o christ_n immediate_o give_v it_o by_o the_o standing-act_n of_o his_o law_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o the_o church_n officer_n first_o appear_v by_o scripture-authority_n for_o that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o example_n of_o ordination_n by_o any_o of_o the_o laity_n but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v therein_o express_o commit_v to_o spiritual_a officer_n 2._o by_o reason_n for_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v better_o qualify_v for_o the_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n and_o for_o perform_v the_o action_n of_o solemn_a investiture_n as_o also_o for_o that_o ordination_n include_v a_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o that_o be_v to_o come_v from_o a_o superior_a as_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a and_o not_o the_o great_a of_o the_o less_o as_o it_o will_v be_v if_o the_o pastor_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o people_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o some_o argue_n for_o a_o popular_a ordination_n because_o election_n which_o be_v the_o great_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n but_o 1._o election_n be_v not_o great_a than_o ordination_n in_o the_o ministerial_a call_n for_o in_o ordination_n investiture_n in_o the_o function_n itself_o be_v give_v but_o in_o the_o people_n election_n no_o more_o be_v give_v than_o the_o state_v exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o congregation_n 2._o in_o case_n election_n be_v great_a than_o ordination_n yet_o the_o consequence_n hold_v not_o several_a party_n may_v have_v each_o their_o own_o part_n divide_v to_o they_o and_o he_o that_o may_v do_v the_o great_a may_v not_o always_o do_v the_o lesser_a unless_o the_o lesser_a be_v essential_o include_v in_o the_o great_a which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v likewise_o urge_v for_o popular_a ordination_n that_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o numb_a 8.11_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o levite_n be_v take_v by_o god_n instead_o of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o the_o lord_n claim_v as_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o first-born_a upon_o the_o levite_n be_v not_o strict_o a_o ordain_v of_o they_o to_o their_o office_n but_o a_o offering_n of_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o their_o own_o stead_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o they_o as_o he_o that_o bring_v a_o sacrifice_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o head_n of_o it_o though_o in_o timothy_n ordination_n the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v mention_v and_o where_o many_o presbyter_n be_v they_o join_v in_o this_o action_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o gainsay_v the_o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o a_o single_a bishop_n or_o presbyter_n nevertheless_o ordination_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o many_o hand_n be_v more_o unquestionable_a and_o the_o use_n thereof_o most_o laudablâ—_n and_o in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v omit_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n §_o 23._o the_o validity_n of_o presbyterian_a ordination_n if_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v the_o controversy_n about_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n that_o now_o be_v be_v another_o kind_n of_o officer_n than_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n there_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a institution_n that_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o be_v have_v the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o form_n of_o their_o ordination_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o reside_v in_o they_o if_o the_o prelate_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o a_o office_n that_o be_v true_o episcopal_a it_o matter_n not_o whether_o in_o express_a term_n they_o give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o express_o exclude_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v for_o not_o
in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o peter_n be_v a_o fix_a bishop_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n no_o more_o be_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n fix_v bishop_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o employ_v and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o make_v frequent_a remove_n §._o 10._o of_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n except_o in_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o those_o postscript_n be_v take_v for_o no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o if_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o object_v error_n about_o the_o place_n from_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v they_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v paul_n own_o word_n and_o write_v by_o he_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v moreover_o the_o travel_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n nor_o the_o settle_a overseer_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o passage_n 1_o tim._n 1.3_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n and_z tit._n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n show_v a_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a employment_n and_o whatsoever_o stress_n may_v be_v lay_v upon_o these_o text_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v bishop_n of_o those_o place_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o sound_v like_o the_o fix_v of_o they_o each_o in_o their_o proper_a diocese_n the_o name_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v express_o give_v to_o one_o of_o they_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o the_o work_n enjoin_v both_o of_o they_o and_o according_o perform_v by_o they_o be_v throughout_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o office_n now_o by_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n compare_v together_o we_o find_v the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n to_o be_v partly_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o agent_n or_o adjunct_n they_o be_v and_o partly_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o office_n be_v include_v in_o they_o their_o work_n in_o common_a with_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o plant_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n by_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n they_o have_v be_v well_o call_v apostle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o do_v this_o vice-apostolick_a service_n they_o do_v also_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o teach_v and_o rule_v but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n do_v it_o stated_o in_o those_o church_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v but_o these_o transient_o in_o several_a church_n which_o they_o be_v send_v to_o erect_v or_o establish_v or_o to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n therein_o as_o the_o apostle_n see_v need_v or_o if_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o in_o a_o office_n essential_o divers_a from_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o extraordinary_a service_n as_o be_v the_o apostle_n agent_n and_o be_v in_o that_o capacity_n may_v have_v their_o intrinsic_a spiritual_a power_n enlarge_v to_o a_o great_a extent_n and_o high_a pitch_n of_o exercise_n than_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n howbeit_o i_o rather_o judge_v that_o they_o have_v a_o office_n specifical_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n because_o in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o the_o several_a sacred_a office_n paul_n mention_n the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n as_o a_o distinct_a kind_n from_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n over_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o as_o they_o be_v the_o apostle_n assistant_n or_o as_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a officer_n but_o as_o ordinary_a superior_n it_o will_v indeed_o follow_v that_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n nevertheless_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n of_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o the_o scripture-bishop_n be_v remain_v unshaken_a §_o 11._o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n another_o allegation_n for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n be_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o to_o which_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v by_o those_o of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n as_o that_o those_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v bishop_n nor_o any_o where_o imply_v to_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o present_a vulgar_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o denomination_n of_o angel_n and_o star_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_a that_o in_o mysterious_a or_o prophetic_a write_n and_o visional_a representation_n a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o singular_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o term_n angel_n be_v explain_v under_o that_o plurality_n you_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n apoc._n 2.24_o but_o to_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o be_v a_o collective_a name_n express_v all_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n also_o some_o observe_v that_o it_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n be_v express_v wherein_o one_o be_v set_v as_o chief_a over_o such_o a_o country_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o many_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o angel_n precedent_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o many_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n act_n 20.28_o against_o this_o some_o say_v that_o the_o elder_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n then_o gather_v together_o at_o ephesus_n and_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o miletum_n but_o 1._o this_o be_v affirm_v altogether_o without_o proof_n 2._o the_o text_n say_v paul_n send_v from_o miletum_n to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o rational_a interpretation_n must_v be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o send_v 3._o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o asia_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o scripture_n though_o we_o find_v the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n call_v a_o church_n yet_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n do_v ever_o make_v a_o plurality_n of_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n give_v of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o ephesus_n when_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n hold_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o send_v for_o he_o for_o he_o be_v already_o present_a with_o he_o and_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o travel_n nor_o do_v he_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v send_v for_o 6._o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o those_o elder_n who_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v bishop_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o vulgar_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n when_o she_o appoint_v that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n some_o say_v that_o by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o may_v be_v either_o for_o a_o time_n or_o always_o the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o the_o king_n send_v a_o message_n to_o the_o parliament_n he_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o speaker_n now_o such_o a_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n make_v nothing_o for_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n §_o 12._o a_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o of_o a_o general_a minister_n concern_v the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n such_o as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o query_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v temporary_a or_o perpetual_a a_o eminent_a hierarchical_a divine_a say_v that_o evangelist_n be_v presbyter_n of_o principal_a sufficiency_n who_o the_o apostle_n send_v abroad_o and_o use_v as_o agent_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherever_o they_o see_v need_v now_o this_o description_n do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o a_o specifical_o
different_a order_n from_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o confine_v their_o ministry_n to_o the_o apostle_n time_n grotius_n say_v they_o be_v presbyter_n tie_v to_o no_o place_n and_o that_o many_o such_o evangelist_n be_v ordain_v long_o after_o and_o thereupon_o conclude_v that_o not_o to_o ordain_v without_o a_o title_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n indeed_o if_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o general_a minister_n or_o a_o presbyter_n tie_v to_o no_o place_n it_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o to_o be_v of_o stand_a conveniency_n if_o not_o of_o necessity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o his_o not_o be_v limit_v to_o one_o church_n be_v but_o the_o extend_v of_o the_o common_a office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n and_o not_o the_o make_n of_o a_o new_a office_n for_o this_o more_o extensive_a power_n of_o a_o general_a minister_n be_v only_o the_o have_v of_o that_o in_o ordinary_a exercise_n which_o every_o minister_n have_v in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n be_v set_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o into_o which_o his_o ministerial_a act_n of_o teach_v and_o baptise_v have_v influence_n yea_o which_o he_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o steward_n to_o a_o householder_n in_o his_o family_n and_o as_o a_o delegate_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o unconvert_v as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o convert_v now_o the_o more_o or_o less_o extensive_a exercise_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o variable_a according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n but_o that_o a_o general_a minister_n be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o fix_a bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v not_o of_o stand_v or_o perpetual_a necessity_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o necessary_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o superintendency_n over_o they_o nevertheless_o if_o a_o superintendency_n be_v grant_v to_o he_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o common_a good_a or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o his_o delegate_v in_o his_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o can_v condemn_v it_o but_o rather_o judge_v that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o not_o only_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n but_o of_o prudential_a determination_n §_o 13._o a_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o a_o precedent_n bishop_n as_o touch_v the_o angel_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v a_o mystical_a expression_n in_o a_o mystical_a book_n it_o may_v be_v rational_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o one_o person_n or_o of_o a_o number_n of_o colleague_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o note_v but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o one_o person_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o one_o that_o be_v the_o sole_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o note_v it_o may_v with_o as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a probability_n be_v understand_v of_o a_o prefident_a bishop_n who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n but_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a in_o degree_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o like_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o assembly_n a_o chairman_n in_o a_o committee_n and_o mayor_n in_o a_o court_n of_o alderman_n and_o for_o such_o a_o presidency_n there_o need_v no_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o a_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n of_o a_o different_a species_n from_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o a_o priority_n in_o the_o same_o office_n for_o order_n sake_n for_o it_o be_v orderly_a and_o convenient_a that_o where_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o for_o concord_n sake_n they_o consent_v that_o one_o that_o be_v able_a among_o they_o shall_v stated_o have_v a_o guide_a power_n among_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o church-affair_n §_o 14._o of_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n these_o have_v be_v common_o call_v lay-elders_a but_o some_o have_v dislike_v that_o name_n allege_v that_o they_o be_v sacred_a officer_n but_o they_o own_o the_o name_n of_o rule_v elder_n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o asserter_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o this_o office_n make_v it_o not_o a_o office_n of_o total_a dedication_n to_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n but_o allow_v such_o as_o bear_v it_o to_o have_v secular_a employment_n not_o only_o occasional_o but_o as_o their_o state_v particular_a call_n also_o that_o they_o make_v it_o not_o a_o office_n of_o final_a dedication_n to_o sacred_a employment_n as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v but_o grant_v that_o such_o as_o bear_v it_o may_v cease_v from_o it_o and_o again_o become_v no_o elder_n also_o they_o make_v not_o these_o elder_n to_o have_v office_n power_n in_o all_o church_n as_o minister_n have_v actu_fw-la primo_fw-la but_o only_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o classical_a and_o synodical_a assembly_n nor_o do_v they_o ascribe_v unto_o these_o elder_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o belong_v to_o minister_n nor_o do_v they_o solemn_o ordain_v these_o elder_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o minister_n be_v ordain_v now_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n such_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n as_o this_o roll_a elder_n who_o be_v not_o total_o nor_o final_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a employment_n but_o stated_o leave_v to_o secular_a calling_n and_o have_v no_o office_n power_n no_o not_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n at_o large_a but_o only_o in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o that_o church_n help_v to_o make_v up_o nor_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n nor_o be_v ordain_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n i_o say_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o officer_n and_o authorize_v he_o in_o his_o name_n as_o his_o steward_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o family_n the_o church_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v his_o divine_a right_n nor_o can_v i_o see_v in_o reason_n how_o one_o destitute_a of_o the_o above_o nanamed_a capacity_n can_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o spiritual_a discipline_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o christ_n name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o signification_n of_o presbyter_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o age_n the_o second_o to_o magistracy_n in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a sanhedrim_n the_o three_o to_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o only_a place_n that_o have_v a_o show_n of_o mention_v the_o roll_a elder_a in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o have_v nothing_o cogent_o to_o evince_v two_o different_a kind_n of_o officer_n but_o that_o of_o those_o in_o the_o same_o office_n some_o may_v be_v employ_v more_o especial_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o work_n thereof_o and_o other_o in_o another_o part_n and_o that_o the_o be_v more_o abundant_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n have_v the_o preeminence_n the_o emphasis_n lie_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v that_o some_o do_v more_o especial_o or_o abundant_o labour_v therein_o but_o not_o imply_v that_o other_o do_v not_o meddle_v therewith_o and_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v maintenance_n which_o be_v not_o use_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o officer_n we_o be_v now_o inquire_v of_o for_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v secular_a employment_n to_o live_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o divers_a gift_n rom._n 12.6_o do_v not_o infer_v the_o institution_n of_o divers_a office_n for_o as_o he_o that_o give_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n may_v be_v the_o same_o man_n so_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o rule_v may_v be_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n likewise_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o those_o two_o expression_n help_n and_o government_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o institution_n of_o two_o function_n no_o more_o than_o miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_v there_o also_o mention_v do_v infer_v the_o same_o §_o 15._o that_o a_o single_a presbyter_n
be_v refer_v to_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n other_o precept_n give_v they_o be_v above_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o erect_v and_o govern_v church_n in_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o govern_v such_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n be_v bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o a_o ordinary_a bishop_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n or_o general_a minister_n who_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o vice-apostolick_a office_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v barnabas_n silas_n apollo_n titus_n timothy_n and_o epaphroditus_n and_o other_o ambrose_n on_o eph._n 4._o say_v they_o be_v style_v evangelist_n who_o do_v evangelizare_fw-la sine_fw-la cathedra_fw-la it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o some_o place_n and_o then_o they_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o residence_n §_o 10._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n it_o be_v much_o insist_v on_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o that_o of_o presbyter_n whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a name_n make_v use_v of_o in_o a_o mystical_a book_n and_o that_o the_o say_v name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n gregory_n the_o great_a l._n 34._o mor._n on_o joâ—_n c._n 4._o say_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o name_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o not_o individual_o augustine_n homily_n on_o the_o apoc_n on_o these_o word_n i_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n say_v that_o john_n call_v the_o church_n the_o angel_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o pagano-christian_a empire_n be_v call_v the_o beast_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n the_o whore_n so_o angel_n may_v signify_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n to_o hold_v proportion_n to_o the_o seven_o star_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indication_n that_o not_o a_o single_a person_n but_o a_o company_n be_v represent_v under_o this_o name_n rev._n 2.10_o 16_o 24_o 25._o 3._o beza_n say_v that_o this_o angel_n be_v only_o praeses_fw-la indeed_o he_o to_o who_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o say_v he_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n this_o priority_n or_o presidency_n be_v in_o history_n observe_v to_o have_v begin_v first_o at_o alexandria_n the_o people_n whereof_o above_o other_o man_n be_v give_v to_o schism_n and_o sedition_n as_o socrates_n say_v of_o they_o l_o 7._o c._n 13._o if_o this_o presidency_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n howbeit_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o priority_n or_o presidency_n of_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o that_o church_n and_o jerome_n have_v mention_v john_n as_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o afterward_o one_o be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n now_o whereas_o i_o call_v the_o imparity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o with_o he_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n still_o remain_v unprove_v for_o aught_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o title_n of_o angel_n or_o from_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n namely_o that_o these_o angel_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v bishop_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n set_v over_o divers_a settle_a church_n or_o fix_v congregation_n with_o their_o pastor_n or_o that_o they_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o bishop_n but_o whether_o such_o as_o the_o present_a diocesan_n bishop_n have_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o age._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o a_o general_a officer_n of_o many_o church_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o assume_v a_o power_n of_o roll_a bishop_n who_o have_v their_o proper_a state_v church_n cypr._n in_o conc._n carth._n say_v none_o of_o we_o call_v himself_o or_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o by_o tyrannical_a terror_n drive_v his_o colleague_n to_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trall_n say_v what_o be_v the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o sacred_a assembly_n of_o the_o councillor_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cornelius_n wish_v he_o to_o read_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n at_o rome_n that_o do_v preside_v with_o he_o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o episcopacy_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o your_o counsel_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o my_o people_n 4._o conc._n carthag_n 23._o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o cleric_o council_n caâ—thag_fw-mi c._n 22._o let_v not_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v clericks_n without_o a_o council_n of_o his_o cleric_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n it_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o renounce_v the_o ancient_a government_n receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o objection_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o name_n thereof_o which_o have_v continue_v the_o same_o till_o now_o but_o not_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n there_o be_v nonconformist_n who_o think_v they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n than_o the_o assertor_n of_o the_o present_a hierarchy_n be_v and_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a may_v they_o be_v permit_v something_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v here_o in_o a_o short_a scheme_n tender_v to_o consideration_n and_o proof_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v make_v of_o each_o particular_a here_o assert_v touch_v the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n a_o political_a church_n constitute_v as_o well_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o for_o divine_a worship_n be_v one_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n in_o these_o time_n the_o low_a political_a church_n be_v a_o diocese_n usual_o consist_v of_o many_o hundred_o parish_n have_v according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n no_o bishop_n but_o the_o diocesan_n yet_o these_o parish_n be_v state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n be_v real_o so_o many_o particular_a church_n 2._o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o present_a age_n bishop_n that_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v bishop_n of_o many_o hundred_o church_n which_o kind_n of_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n as_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n from_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o single_a company_n 3._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n over_o his_o own_o church_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n even_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n according_a to_o the_o hierarchical_a principle_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n namely_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
bishop_n to_o delegate_v his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n if_o that_o clergyman_n be_v not_o as_o christ_n commission_v officer_n authorize_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n 18._o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v for_o any_o non_fw-fr observance_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n though_o in_o case_n of_o doubtful_a right_n and_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n but_o no_o proof_n of_o such_o practice_n can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o first_o age_n and_o let_v the_o bishop_n themselves_o judge_v howsoever_o contempt_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o many_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o sentence_v either_o upon_o doubtful_a or_o trivial_a matter_n do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o be_v adjudge_v to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o sentence_n due_o administer_v do_v import_v 19_o the_o parish_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o denounce_v in_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n decree_v by_o the_o court_n though_o he_o have_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v unjust_a but_o no_o such_o practice_n be_v know_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 20._o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n receive_v that_o office_n which_o essential_o include_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o teach_v their_o flock_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v without_o a_o licence_n from_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n or_o cure_n though_o they_o perform_v other_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o 21._o the_o present_a bishop_n require_v of_o their_o clergy_n a_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n but_o let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o that_o the_o presbyter_n ever_o take_v it_o 22_o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v whether_o the_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v a_o capable_a subject_n thereof_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o infidel_n but_o he_o must_v baptize_v the_o child_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v present_v by_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o common_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o infant_n nor_o care_n of_o its_o education_n and_o who_o not_o seldom_o be_v but_o boy_n and_o girl_n 23._o confirmation_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o examine_v all_o person_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o within_o his_o diocese_n consequent_o it_o can_v be_v due_o administer_v to_o multitude_n of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v present_v thereunto_o and_o they_o that_o be_v confirm_v be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o do_v personal_o perform_v the_o same_o 24._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adult_a member_n of_o parish-church_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v not_o what_o christianity_n be_v but_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v careful_a that_o all_o their_o member_n may_v be_v competent_o know_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o discipline_n towards_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o the_o long_a time_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n 25._o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n that_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o they_o can_v but_o accuse_v the_o open_o wicked_a in_o the_o chancellor_n court_n and_o but_o for_o one_o time_n deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o kind_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n but_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o prosecute_v they_o in_o the_o court_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o there_o where_o not_o one_o notorious_a sinner_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o soul_n in_o every_o diocese_n the_o consequent_a hereof_o be_v the_o general_a intrusion_n of_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o 26._o all_o parishioner_n that_o be_v of_o age_n be_v compel_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n how_o unfit_a or_o unwilling_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o penalty_n subsequent_a to_o excommunication_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o refuse_v to_o receive_v be_v absolve_v from_o that_o sentence_n if_o be_v drive_v thereunto_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o lie_v in_o gaol_n and_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o 27._o many_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o pious_a man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o for_o not_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o book_n of_o ordination_n let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n or_o church_n think_v all_o the_o point_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v assent_v and_o consent_v to_o or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o so_o severe_o require_v the_o like_a conformity_n to_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o reason_n 28._o the_o present_a bishop_n debar_v all_o christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o through_o unfeigned_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o debar_v from_o baptism_n the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o permit_v the_o sign_v of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o so_o nor_o do_v the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n warrant_v the_o same_o 29._o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o present_a church-discipline_n be_v direct_v against_o minister_n and_o people_n who_o observe_v not_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n form_n right_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o canon_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v it_o against_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o enormous_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o soberness_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n prescribe_v of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 30._o the_o oath_n impose_v upon_o the_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v their_o presentment_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o article_n frame_v by_o the_o bishop_n have_v have_v this_o consequence_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o common_o they_o will_v rather_o overlook_v their_o oath_n than_o become_v accuser_n of_o their_o honest_a neighbour_n not_o only_o those_o who_o withdraw_v from_o but_o those_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n church_n 31._o the_o require_v of_o the_o reordination_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o eminent_a bishop_n and_o other_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n it_o nullify_v the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o most_o if_o not_o of_o all_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o it_o advance_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o they_o for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o their_o conversion_n be_v receive_v without_o reordination_n whereas_o those_o that_o come_v from_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n must_v be_v reordain_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v when_o in_o scripture_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o come_v in_o afterward_o by_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o church_n and_o bishop_n be_v now_o deliver_v from_o their_o ancient_a low_a and_o distress_a state_n under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a power_n and_o enjoy_v the_o patronage_n and_o bounty_n of_o christian_a ruler_n shall_v not_o be_v consign_v to_o their_o ancient_a meanness_n narrowness_n and_o weakness_n but_o be_v enlarge_v in_o opulency_n amplitude_n and_o potency_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v in_o reasonable_a proportion_n partake_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o question_n still_o remain_v 1._o whether_o
the_o remain_v of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr_n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n print_a from_o his_o own_o manuscript_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1684._o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n here_o thou_o have_v the_o remain_n of_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n corbet_n late_a of_o chichester_n those_o that_o know_v he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a meek_a moderate_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocrisy_n therefore_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o public_a use_n may_v be_v well_o accept_v of_o by_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o follow_v after_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o purity_n whether_o the_o design_n of_o these_o remain_v of_o his_o be_v not_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o promote_v purity_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n be_v leave_v to_o thou_o to_o judge_v after_o thou_o have_v impartial_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o if_o in_o any_o measure_n they_o conduce_v to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n it_o be_v hope_v thou_o will_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o thyself_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o thou_o have_v they_o just_a as_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o himself_o have_v live_v to_o publish_v they_o thou_o may_v possible_o have_v have_v they_o better_a polish_a but_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o there_o be_v print_v of_o this_o author_n and_o sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n together_o with_o a_o tract_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o schism_n self-employment_n in_o secret_n contain_v evidence_n upon_o self-examination_n thought_n upon_o painful_a affliction_n memorial_n for_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 1._o of_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o relate_v to_o each_o other_o whether_o the_o church_n or_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o in_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o handle_v of_o both_o we_o may_v know_v which_o of_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o require_v the_o precedency_n of_o handle_v that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o be_v whereof_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o other_o now_o some_o have_v thus_o resolve_v it_o as_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o hen_n or_o the_o egg_n be_v first_o be_v resolve_v by_o the_o creation_n that_o god_n make_v the_o hen_n first_o so_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n be_v first_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o institute_v or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v first_o in_o existence_n in_o set_v up_o the_o christian_a church_n christ_n set_v up_o the_o ministry_n first_o to_o convert_v man_n or_o make_v they_o christian_n moreover_o the_o ministry_n as_o take_v for_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consider_v not_o entitatiuè_a but_o organicè_fw-la as_o some_o phrase_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v not_o as_o a_o mere_a company_n of_o believer_n gather_v to_o christ_n but_o as_o a_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o constitutive_a part_n shall_v be_v distinct_o treat_v of_o before_o the_o whole_a that_o be_v constitute_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o in_o design_n or_o intention_n before_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o ministry_n have_v a_o respect_n of_o subserviency_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o state_n thereof_o likewise_o the_o ministry_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lesser_a in_o the_o great_a as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o thing_n reside_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o its_o residence_n as_o stewardship_n in_o a_o family_n this_o indeed_o hold_v principal_o and_o perpetual_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12.28_o moreover_o the_o minister_n power_n and_o virtue_n be_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o church_n which_o indeed_o have_v the_o propriety_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n as_o be_v all_o under_o god_n and_o christ_n final_o for_o its_o behoof_n upon_o these_o consideration_n i_o shall_v discourse_v first_o of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o church_n its_o name_n and_o nature_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la be_v note_v to_o signify_v 1._o a_o assembly_n call_v together_o by_o a_o superior_a 2._o any_o multitude_n gather_v into_o one_o place_n 3._o according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o certain_a multitude_n that_o retain_v the_o name_n as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v a_o part_n as_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o a_o assembly_n at_o large_a be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la but_o appellatiuè_fw-la but_o they_o that_o be_v now_o so_o call_v by_o special_a appropriation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o society_n stand_v in_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o devote_a people_n and_o that_o both_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o when_o they_o be_v apart_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a society_n of_o god_n people_n or_o the_o particular_a society_n that_o be_v the_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a the_o word_n church_n be_v the_o english_a of_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o its_o appropriate_v signification_n and_o it_o be_v take_v divers_a way_n but_o all_o agree_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a notion_n 1._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n elect_n comprise_v the_o uncalled_a and_o the_o militant_a and_o the_o triumphant_a eph._n 5.25_o 26._o 2._o for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a col._n 1.18_o heb._n 12.23_o 3._o for_o all_o professor_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o visible_a christian_n act_n 5.11_o act_n 8.3_o act_n 12.1_o 4._o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o a_o political_a society_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 5._o for_o the_o particular_a church_n part_n of_o the_o catholic_n as_o comprise_v the_o church_n officer_n and_o the_o people_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 6._o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o distinct_a from_o their_o spiritual_a ruler_n act_n 15.4_o 22._o 7._o for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o govern_v mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 8._o for_o a_o church-assemble_o come_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o 34._o 9_o for_o the_o faithful_a in_o some_o one_o family_n rom._n 16.5_o philem_n 2._o if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o church_n meet_v in_o those_o house_n these_o several_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v in_o the_o say_v common_a notion_n of_o a_o number_n of_o people_n associate_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o god_n yet_o the_o say_a notion_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o complete_a in_o some_o of_o they_o than_o in_o other_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v the_o vulgar_a use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o house_n set_v a_o part_n for_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v in_o for_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o word_n may_v be_v lawful_o so_o use_v it_o be_v a_o trope_n in_o ordinary_a use_n to_o put_v the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n contain_v upon_o the_o place_n contain_v as_o also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n contain_v upon_o the_o person_n contain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o i_o be_v not_o evident_a as_o for_o the_o text_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o it_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o say_v to_o be_v despise_v may_v be_v understand_v rather_o of_o god_n people_n assemble_v §_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o note_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o real_a distinction_n than_o actual_a separation_n and_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v separate_v wheresoever_o there_o
be_v a_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n indeed_o in_o that_o case_n the_o christian_n take_v personal_o be_v member_n not_o sever_v from_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spiritual_a society_n which_o they_o make_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o real_o sever_v from_o it_o when_o a_o commonwealth_n become_v christian_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o they_o remain_v distinct_a society_n notwithstanding_o the_o intimate_a conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o formal_a state_n from_o each_o other_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o commonwealth_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o church_n rest_v and_o its_o constitutive_a part_n formal_o take_v the_o former_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o humane_a law_n and_o compact_n and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n diverse_o endue_v with_o temporal_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o civil_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v immediate_o found_v in_o divine_a law_n not_o only_o natural_a but_o positive_a and_o essential_o make_v up_o of_o several_a order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n spiritual_o distinguish_v and_o endue_v with_o spiritual_a qualification_n power_n and_o liberty_n join_v by_o spiritual_a band_n and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o hereupon_o none_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o none_o become_v cives_fw-la or_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n mere_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o right_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n indeed_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n ultimate_o intend_v those_o high_a and_o excellent_a end_n which_o the_o church_n do_v next_o and_o immediate_o viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o procure_v the_o same_o in_o its_o own_o way_n as_o the_o church_n do_v in_o its_o way_n and_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n must_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o civil_a administration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n and_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o magistrate_n and_o christianity_n do_v influence_n its_o professor_n consider_v as_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o respect_n such_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v attain_v a_o more_o excellent_a state_n and_o exist_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a mode_n than_o other_o commonwealth_n nevertheless_o the_o church_n be_v another_o and_o high_a thing_n than_o that_o high_a mode_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o christian_a and_o have_v a_o essential_o different_a polity_n be_v a_o society_n of_o another_o foundation_n and_o specifical_o different_a constitution_n it_o be_v questionable_a to_o say_v the_o least_o whether_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v objective_o ecclesiastical_a but_o formal_o civil_a such_o as_o be_v the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n ecclesiastical_a within_o his_o dominion_n but_o of_o power_n formal_o spiritual_a and_o if_o both_o spiritual_a and_o civil_a power_n may_v lawful_o reside_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o that_o person_n though_o natural_o but_o one_o will_v be_v political_o two_o and_o the_o people_n subordinate_a to_o he_o in_o those_o two_o capacity_n though_o they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v two_o society_n distinguish_v in_o their_o essential_a form_n when_o the_o commonwealth_n fail_v the_o church_n may_v still_o subsist_v and_o when_o the_o church_n fail_v the_o commonwealth_n may_v still_o subsist_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v a_o theocracy_n suffer_v a_o intercision_n during_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n yet_o their_o church_n then_o remain_v though_o it_o be_v great_o wound_v it_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o afterward_o when_o they_o be_v no_o commonwealth_n of_o themselves_o but_o a_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n their_o ecclesiastical_a society_n and_o polity_n stand_v entire_a till_o it_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a must_v not_o here_o be_v take_v strict_o for_o that_o which_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o see_v only_o but_o of_o other_o sensitive_a perception_n or_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n admit_v not_o this_o distinction_n because_o they_o be_v constitute_v in_o their_o formal_a be_v by_o thing_n that_o do_v appear_v outward_o but_o this_o of_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v in_o its_o formal_a be_v primary_o by_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o do_v not_o appear_v outward_o and_o but_o secondary_o by_o thing_n that_o appear_v as_o expression_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reside_v in_o they_o all_o and_o through_o faith_n unfeigned_a towards_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o holy_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a glory_n now_o the_o say_a qualification_n relation_n and_o privilege_n be_v in_o themselves_o hide_v from_o man_n knowledge_n and_o judgement_n do_v primary_o constitute_v the_o church_n which_o be_v thereupon_o in_o its_o primary_n consideration_n a_o society_n mystical_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeneration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o by_o the_o symbol_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o this_o external_a constitution_n which_o be_v necessary_a though_o it_o be_v not_o primary_n it_o be_v name_v visible_a so_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a be_v not_o two_o society_n but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o divers_a formal_a consideration_n and_o constitution_n the_o one_o primary_n the_o other_o secondary_a and_o the_o former_a be_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a but_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o former_a these_o two_o distinct_a consideration_n or_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o the_o same_o society_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o each_o other_o but_o the_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o in_o its_o invisible_a form_n for_o many_o profess_v christianity_n or_o dedication_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o real_o that_o be_v hearty_o and_o entire_o so_o dedicate_v this_o society_n as_o understand_v in_o the_o complete_a notion_n thereof_o can_v be_v extend_v any_o further_a than_o its_o primary_n that_o be_v its_o invisible_a form_n do_v reach_v whatsoever_o lie_v without_o that_o compass_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n without_o the_o substance_n the_o image_n without_o the_o life_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o be_v join_v to_o it_o mere_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v of_o it_o not_o adequate_o univocal_o and_o simple_o but_o inadequate_o analogical_o &_o secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la they_o that_o upon_o their_o credible_a profession_n be_v of_o this_o society_n but_o analogical_o as_o to_o the_o external_a form_n only_o have_v just_a right_n and_o title_n to_o its_o external_a privilege_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o disposedness_n before_o they_o that_o can_v discern_v and_o direct_o judge_v only_o of_o thing_n that_o appear_v outward_o so_o that_o if_o man_n debar_v they_o of_o those_o privilege_n they_o do_v they_o wrong_n for_o though_o god_n allow_v they_o not_o and_o thâ—y_v have_v no_o right_n in_o his_o judgement_n which_o be_v always_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o not_o bate_v appearance_n yet_o he_o have_v command_v man_n to_o admit_v they_o and_o consequent_o give_v they_o right_o before_o man_n credible_a profession_n in_o whatsoever_o degree_n high_a or_o low_o can_v ground_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n
because_o it_o can_v be_v see_v without_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n no_o more_o may_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n judge_v invisible_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o this_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o other_o external_a sense_n but_o also_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n or_o certain_a perception_n or_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n and_o judgement_n §_o 9_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o as_o secular_a kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v autonomical_a that_o be_v have_v within_o itself_o that_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o spiritual_a polity_n but_o it_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o law_n giver_n indeed_o as_o it_o include_v christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o he_o autonomical_a but_o here_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n visible_a upon_o earth_n and_o abstract_v from_o its_o head_n nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v in_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o spâ—câ—â—_n but_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n the_o spiritual_a authority_n seat_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n so_o as_o to_o descend_v from_o it_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n and_o communication_n to_o particular_a church_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o seat_v in_o the_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o similar_v part_n of_o one_o political_a body_n the_o church_n catholic_n the_o church_n catholic_n be_v as_o one_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a kingdom_n have_v one_o supreme_a lord_n one_o body_n of_o lawâ—_n one_o form_n of_o government_n one_o way_n of_o enrollment_n into_o it_o and_o subject_n who_o have_v freedom_n throughout_o the_o whole_a extent_n thereof_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o always_o and_o actual_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n but_o have_v no_o terrene_a universal_a administrator_n or_o vicegerent_n personal_a or_o collective_a but_o several_a administrator_n in_o the_o several_a province_n or_o part_n thereof_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o authority_n respect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n radical_o or_o fundamental_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v ordinary_o in_o their_o own_o state_v limit_n and_o occasional_o any_o where_n else_o according_a to_o a_o due_a call_n and_o order_n wherefore_o though_o it_o be_v one_o political_a society_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v one_o terrestrial_a vicarious_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a have_v legislation_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o indeed_o no_o terrestrial_a head_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o government_n and_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n and_o lord_n be_v powerful_o present_a throughout_o the_o whole_a by_o his_o spirit_n cause_v that_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n be_v not_o want_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o be_v universal_a officer_n have_v apostolic_a authority_n not_o only_o radical_o or_o habitual_o but_o actual_o also_o over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o immediate_o commission_v by_o christ_n under_o he_o to_o erect_v his_o church_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o religion_n even_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o this_o office_n be_v but_o temporary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o this_o society_n §_o 10._o the_o headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n examine_v by_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o dominion_n and_o desporick_n power_n over_o it_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n nor_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o it_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n by_o which_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v final_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o king_n but_o christ_n i_o exclude_v headship_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o not_o fit_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o general_a council_n be_v supreme_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o dispensatory_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o have_v a_o supreme_a ministry_n or_o geconomy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o the_o same_o not_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v christ_n alone_a but_o as_o from_o the_o first_o receptacle_n thereof_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authoritative_a regulation_n and_o determination_n and_o final_o accountable_a to_o it_o for_o their_o administration_n who_o can_v affirm_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v be_v ever_o in_o be_v the_o council_n that_o have_v bear_v that_o name_n be_v convention_n of_o bishop_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_o some_o very_o few_o that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o those_o live_n near_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v true_o ecumenical_a or_o just_a representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o right_n of_o vote_v therein_o but_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o rightful_a member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o what_o if_o no_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n meet_v upon_o a_o summons_n to_o a_o general_n council_n than_o do_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n may_v such_o a_o convention_n be_v call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o all_o may_v come_v that_o will_v when_o so_o small_a a_o number_n come_v as_o be_v comparative_o nothing_o to_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o can_v the_o convention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n suppose_v as_o many_o as_o meet_v in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v just_o call_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o carry_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o when_o it_o bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o their_o freedom_n of_o access_n but_o their_o actual_a convening_n at_o least_o in_o a_o proportionable_a number_n that_o can_v just_o give_v the_o denomination_n and_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n will_v not_o come_v to_o a_o general_n council_n call_v by_o the_o mandate_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n especial_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n as_o ethiopia_n and_o india_n &_o c_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o come_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v summon_v in_o another_o especial_o a_o remote_a empire_n or_o dominionâ—_n moreover_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o come_v which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n or_o the_o length_n of_o the_o journey_n or_o insuperable_a difficulty_n or_o utter_a incapacity_n though_o the_o most_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n yet_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o assembly_n beside_o the_o ancient_a general_n council_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n may_v convene_v in_o a_o considerable_a number_n yet_o the_o number_n from_o the_o western_a part_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o as_o none_o comparative_o to_o a_o just_a proportion_n let_v it_o be_v hereupon_o consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v a_o just_a representative_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v include_v in_o that_o empire_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o observe_v what_o number_n of_o bishop_n be_v ordinary_o congregat_v in_o the_o many_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o within_o
province_n of_o narrow_a circuit_n of_o ground_n and_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v can_v be_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o consist_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n but_o of_o some_o as_o delegate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o yet_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o proportionable_o delegated_a from_o all_o in_o the_o several_a quarter_n as_o may_v signify_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o hereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o assembly_n much_o more_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o continuation_n or_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o they_o in_o such_o frequency_n as_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o case_n such_o a_o assembly_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n in_o case_n it_o be_v existent_a can_v possible_o execute_v the_o authority_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o overseeing_a all_o in_o receive_v appeal_n from_o all_o in_o make_v authoritative_a determination_n for_o all_o either_o immediate_o by_o itself_o or_o mediate_o by_o subordinate_a council_n judicatory_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v superintended_a regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o it_o in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o the_o say_a headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n more_o than_o of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o bishop_n universal_a headship_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o charter_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o rule_n give_v therein_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o only_o of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n thâ—â—_n presbyter_n or_o of_o all_o such_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o if_o of_o some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o what_o number_n there_o must_v be_v either_o definite_a or_o indefinite_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o association_n and_o convention_n of_o they_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o spiritual_a authority_n from_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o from_o the_o pope_n §_o 11._o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n examine_v the_o romanist_n assert_v a_o infallibility_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o seat_v within_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o perpetual_a privilege_n thereof_o some_o of_o they_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n hereupon_o this_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n be_v a_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v about_o those_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o christian_n religion_n be_v a_o most_o indubitable_a truth_n for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o remain_v be_v infallible_a so_o far_o it_o involve_v a_o a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o such_o shall_v err_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o christian_n the_o query_n therefore_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o the_o integral_n aâ—d_v accidental_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o church_n remain_v such_o be_v not_o necessary_o or_o in_o its_o nature_n infallible_a so_o far_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infallible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o from_o the_o free_a grant_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o such_o grant_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o day_n obedient_a to_o their_o authority_n we_o know_v what_o the_o church_n universal_o hold_v in_o any_o one_o age_n touch_v all_o the_o integral_a part_n of_o religion_n much_o more_o concern_v accidental_n i_o conceive_v extreme_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la if_o not_o universal_o yet_o very_o general_o err_v in_o the_o same_o error_n about_o some_o integral_n of_o religion_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o thing_n now_o general_o account_v erroneous_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o give_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o infant_n moreover_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o its_o several_a part_n have_v err_v some_o in_o one_o point_n some_o in_o another_o and_o that_o no_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v find_v in_o which_o have_v appear_v no_o error_n in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o and_o if_o all_o the_o part_n may_v various_o err_v in_o several_a point_n why_o may_v not_o they_o also_o harmonious_o err_v all_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o point_n if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v any_o such_o council_n infallible_a as_o be_v ever_o yet_o congregat_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v congregat_v hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o can_v stand_v final_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o any_o the_o large_a council_n that_o can_v possible_o convene_v we_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v nor_o what_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n be_v sound_a part_n thereof_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o what_o criterion_n can_v be_v bring_v beside_o they_o man_n bare_a testimony_n of_o themselves_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v orthodox_n in_o its_o determination_n about_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o second_o nicene_n council_n erroneous_a in_o its_o determination_n for_o image-worship_n but_o by_o find_v that_o the_o former_a be_v consonant_a and_o the_o latter_a dissonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o aforesaid_a determination_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o council_n call_v general_n those_o that_o consist_v of_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n must_v carry_v it_o against_o those_o that_o consist_v of_o lesser_a number_n let_v some_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o it_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o from_o either_o to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n the_o major_a part_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o that_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o nice_a may_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v arrian_n moreover_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n why_o not_o also_o in_o the_o ten_o last_n that_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o successive_a continuation_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o essential_o yea_o and_o in_o the_o integral_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o repute_v bishop_n or_o pastor_n within_o christendom_n nor_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o be_v convene_v in_o council_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o their_o conciliar_a determination_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n §_o 12._o of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o say_v that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o on_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n this_o perpetuity_n and_o indefectibility_n be_v promise_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o lest_o we_o expect_v or_o insist_v upon_o more_o than_o the_o promise_n have_v insure_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v can_v be_v less_o than_o that_o there_o be_v always_o upon_o earth_n a_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n or_o faithful_a christian_n make_v visible_a by_o their_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n successive_o
either_o by_o the_o immediate_a agency_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v 14.23_o or_o of_o other_o by_o their_o appointment_n tit._n 1.5_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_a that_o every_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o act_n of_o government_n be_v a_o whole_a political_a church_n for_o some_o such_o congregation_n may_v be_v only_a part_n of_o a_o church_n meeting_n according_a to_o convenience_n but_o still_o the_o say_v personal_a communion_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n over_o the_o whole_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n as_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o it_o may_v be_v several_a hundred_o state_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o sole_a bishop_n the_o aforesaid_a presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o member_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n among_o themselves_o either_o simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n nor_o of_o the_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o necessary_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture-precedent_n or_o divine_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o §_o 15._o the_o due_a place_n of_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n ordinary_o the_o place_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o city_n and_o from_o the_o city_n the_o church_n ordinary_o take_v its_o denomination_n nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o city_n the_o only_a proper_a mansion_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o no_o village_n can_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n mention_n a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city-church_n viz_o that_o at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o the_o haven_n of_o corinth_n city_n be_v place_n of_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n have_v ordinary_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o first_o afford_v the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o more_o convert_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o beside_o other_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n without_o a_o particular_a divine_a command_n will_v direct_v those_o master-builder_n the_o apostle_n to_o erect_v church_n in_o city_n howbeit_o the_o city-churche_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o respective_a city_n but_o common_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_n both_o of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o but_o make_v up_o one_o competent_a congregation_n or_o in_o its_o number_n it_o do_v not_o exceed_v one_o of_o our_o parish_n though_o some_o very_a few_o church_n quick_o grow_v numerous_a yet_o most_o rational_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o exceed_v many_o nor_o equal_v some_o of_o our_o very_a populous_a parish_n here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o city_n be_v any_o town_n corporate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o that_o have_v christian_n in_o any_o competent_a number_n have_v a_o state_v church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o then_o as_o now_o that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v but_o that_o every_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a or_o place_n of_o confluence_n of_o people_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n shall_v have_v its_o church_n with_o its_o proper_a bishop_n §_o 16._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a political_a society_n as_o city_n in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a this_o similitude_n hold_v in_o the_o main_a but_o not_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v and_o its_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n and_o as_o every_o city_n be_v a_o distinct_a body-politick_a under_o the_o king_n and_o have_v from_o he_o its_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v so_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o distinct_a political_a society_n under_o christ_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o he_o by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n the_o erect_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a political_a society_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n authorize_v agent_n for_o erect_v his_o special_a kingdom_n the_o church_n and_o guide_v therein_o by_o his_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o by_o other_o at_o their_o direction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v a_o sufficient_a charter_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n wherever_o there_o be_v fit_a material_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n require_v the_o parcel_a the_o church_n universal_a into_o such_o distinct_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n that_o church-communion_n and_o pastoral_n superintendency_n may_v not_o be_v transient_a and_o uncertain_a but_o permanent_a and_o certain_a the_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n may_v have_v their_o special_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la here_o note_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o call_v distinct_a political_a society_n that_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o charter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o divers_a but_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n among_o they_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o a_o magistrate_n of_o one_o city_n be_v not_o a_o citizen_n magistrate_n or_o officer_n in_o all_o city_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n but_o a_o member_n or_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o habitual_a or_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v a_o member_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n as_o have_v be_v above_o note_v particular_a church_n though_o they_o consist_v of_o dissimilar_v part_n be_v all_o of_o they_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n partake_v of_o its_o name_n and_o nature_n whereas_o city_n be_v dissimilar_v part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n wherewith_o they_o be_v natural_o capable_a of_o communion_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o local_a bound_n of_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o holy_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o that_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v necessary_o parcel_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o such_o communion_n be_v the_o end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n from_o each_o other_o than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o moreover_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n not_o more_o populous_a nor_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o to_o allow_v personal_a communion_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o sever_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o local_a precinct_n common_o make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o bound_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o precinct_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a when_o some_o special_a reason_n do_v not_o compel_v to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o reason_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o invariable_a though_o
the_o apostle_n and_o their_o coadjutor_n be_v lead_v to_o this_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a convenience_n of_o it_o but_o if_o any_o where_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n come_v or_o a_o great_a benefit_n be_v lose_v by_o such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n than_o the_o convenience_n of_o it_o can_v countervail_v there_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o it_o may_v be_v that_o be_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n at_o rome_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n as_o one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n within_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o so_o the_o facto_fw-la i_o think_v few_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n then_o and_o there_o may_v have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o partition_n of_o church_n among_o they_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a §_o 18._o of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o particular_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o nature_n whereof_o shall_v be_v open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v of_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o all_o have_v the_o government_n within_o themselves_o every_o state_v church_n have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o in_o christ_n name_n if_o a_o distinction_n of_o church_n into_o such_o as_o have_v pastoral_a government_n within_o they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v it_o not_o be_v assert_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o assertor_n from_o divine_a testimony_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o every_o organical_a church_n have_v in_o it_o its_o authoritative_a teacher_n or_o guide_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o its_o ruler_n also_o for_o rule_v be_v but_o by_o teach_v and_o guide_v the_o small_a church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o its_o narrow_a sphere_n that_o the_o great_a church_n or_o any_o association_n of_o church_n have_v in_o their_o large_a sphere_n that_o be_v it_o have_v the_o same_o power_n intensive_o though_o not_o extensive_o indeed_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o large_a church_n and_o association_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o amplitude_n may_v be_v just_o esteem_v in_o degree_n more_o solemn_a august_n and_o venerable_n §_o 19_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n consider_v touch_v this_o point_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n there_o be_v three_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o in_o the_o frame_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a sublimity_n and_o amplitude_n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o such_o collective_a body_n conjunct_a with_o it_o or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o or_o more_o particular_a church_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o constitution_n and_o frame_n be_v the_o same_o in_o specie_fw-la with_o they_o and_o who_o officer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n such_o as_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o as_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_z as_o diocesan_n church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o if_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la there_o be_v such_o church_n now_o as_o touch_v subordination_n in_o this_o kind_n what_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v by_o humane_a right_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n either_o stated_o or_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la be_v not_o here_o examine_v but_o what_o be_v by_o divine_a right_n infer_v a_o obligation_n upon_o one_o church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o of_o the_o same_o specific_a frame_n with_o itself_o sometime_o a_o church_n have_v be_v call_v a_o mother-church_n in_o relation_n to_o other_o church_n either_o because_o they_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o as_o swarm_n from_o a_o hive_n or_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n from_o it_o or_o because_o they_o have_v be_v erect_v by_o some_o send_v forth_o from_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o these_o latter_a church_n do_v owe_v a_o reverential_a regard_n and_o observance_n to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v call_v the_o mother-church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o such_o regard_n or_o observance_n every_o small_a or_o obscure_a church_n owe_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o ample_a illustrious_a or_o renown_a but_o that_o the_o say_a mother_n church_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v a_o govern_v power_n over_o those_o church_n that_o have_v issue_v from_o it_o or_o that_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a church_n can_v claim_v the_o like_a over_o the_o small_a and_o obscure_a i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o proof_n but_o i_o judge_v the_o contrary_a because_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a diversity_n or_o disparity_n of_o condition_n they_o all_o rest_n upon_o the_o same_o basiâ—_n christ_n charter_n by_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o alike_o immediate_o give_v to_o all_o so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o all_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n and_o be_v equal_a now_o one_o equal_a have_v not_o govern_v power_n over_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a §_o 20._o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o different_a kind_n consider_v as_o touch_v the_o subordination_n of_o church_n to_o some_o other_o church_n specifical_o different_a from_o they_o as_o of_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a church_n to_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a church_n be_v it_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o mere_o the_o incorporate_a society_n of_o a_o cathedral_n nor_o any_o one_o parcular_a church_n beside_o the_o parochial_a church_n nor_o be_v it_o material_o divers_a from_o they_o joint_o take_v nor_o the_o provincial_a church_n from_o the_o diocesan_n church_n nor_o the_o national_a church_n from_o the_o provincial_a church_n joint_o take_v but_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n they_o differ_v formal_o as_o be_v each_o of_o they_o one_o body_n politic_a constitute_v by_o the_o political_a compage_n of_o the_o church_n include_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o let_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v here_o reminded_a that_o each_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o elder_n invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o political_a church_n or_o such_o as_o have_v its_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o thereupon_o the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o such_o a_o diocesan_n church_n as_o be_v the_o low_a that_o have_v government_n within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o that_o swallow_v hundred_o of_o political_a church_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o still_o i_o desire_v the_o asserter_n of_o it_o to_o give_v some_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a right_n indeed_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n mention_n he_o as_o ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n of_o what_o authority_n that_o postscript_n be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o where_o there_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v to_o be_v church_n in_o every_o city_n of_o crete_n and_o there_o be_v reckon_v a_o hundred_o city_n in_o that_o no_o very_o large_a island_n and_o those_o church_n be_v political_a society_n within_o themselves_o have_n their_o proper_a elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o whole_a island_n make_v but_o one_o large_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o the_o say_v particular_a church_n in_o every_o city_n under_o titus_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v now_o call_v a_o provincial_a church_n under_o one_o archbishop_n now_o if_o the_o diocesan_n church_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o
jowe_v political_a church_n but_o as_o constitute_v by_o the_o political_a union_n of_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a church_n hold_v also_o to_o be_v political_a under_o a_o officer_n of_o another_o order_n and_o the_o proper_a superior_a of_o those_o officer_n under_o which_o the_o parochial_a church_n immediate_o be_v then_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o church_n of_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o episcopal_a but_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n for_o the_o church_n whereof_o it_o be_v compact_v be_v proper_o episcopal_a be_v such_o as_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o such_o a_o archiepiscopal_a church_n i_o leave_v to_o further_a inquiry_n as_o for_o a_o national_a church_n i_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v in_o a_o more_o general_a notion_n it_o be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n distinguish_v and_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o body_n by_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n or_o in_o other_o term_n a_o nation_n of_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o there_o be_v more_o express_a and_o special_a notion_n thereof_o respect_v the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o be_v discrepant_a from_o each_o other_o and_o about_o the_o be_v thereof_o in_o these_o special_a notion_n man_n judgement_n vary_v some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o this_o sense_n only_o viz._n a_o nation_n of_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v at_o least_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_n dectrine_n divine_a worship_n and_o church-government_n some_o own_o a_o national_a church_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n namely_o the_o say_a church_n not_o only_o agree_v in_o the_o point_v aforesaid_a but_o political_o unite_v by_o the_o same_o common_a band_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o one_o head_n personal_a or_o collective_a and_o this_o strict_a sense_n have_v a_o subdivision_n for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n unite_v in_o a_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a or_o of_o the_o church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o a_o polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o a_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a i_o own_o the_o rightful_a be_v and_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n under_o one_o civil_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o assent_v to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n viz._n all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n political_o unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o partition_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o of_o a_o civil_a state_n be_v but_o extrinsical_a or_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o also_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o band_n of_o civil_a church-polity_n under_o a_o civil_a head_n be_v but_o a_o extrinsical_a and_o not_o a_o intrinsical_v union_n but_o i_o question_v the_o divine_a warrant_n of_o a_o national_a church_n embody_v in_o the_o band_n of_o one_o national_a polity_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n or_o supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o a_o primate_n or_o patriarch_n or_o collective_a as_o a_o consistory_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o it_o for_o i_o find_v no_o canon_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o divine_a right_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o church_n and_o of_o what_o intrinsical_o belong_v thereuntò_fw-la and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o such_o spiritual_a head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o york_n they_o at_o the_o most_o can_v be_v head_n but_o of_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o be_v not_o subordinate_a but_o coordinate_a to_o each_o other_o in_o point_n of_o archiepiscopal_a government_n however_o the_o case_n be_v between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o precedency_n yet_o if_o the_o civil_a supreme_a power_n shall_v constitute_v a_o person_n or_o person_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v head_n of_o a_o national_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n political_o embody_a i_o here_o offer_v nothing_o against_o it_o or_o for_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o national_a constitution_n be_v but_o humane_a it_o be_v but_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o civil_a supreme_a it_o be_v but_o a_o civil_a church-polity_n §_o 21._o the_o subordination_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o a_o association_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n consider_v i_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n take_v distributive_o to_o a_o association_n oâ—_n collective_a body_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o again_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o that_o collective_a body_n to_o a_o large_a association_n of_o more_o collective_a body_n or_o to_o a_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o so_o forward_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o large_a that_o can_v be_v reach_v unto_o the_o association_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o so_o many_o distinct_a member_n of_o one_o great_a body_n or_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o well_o be_v both_o in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o as_o fellow_n member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n who_o honour_n and_o interest_n they_o must_v promote_v each_o church_n not_o only_o within_o themselves_o but_o throughout_o all_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o agency_n and_o they_o natural_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o several_o and_o joint_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v great_a and_o lesser_a association_n act_v in_o their_o several_a sphere_n high_a or_o low_o the_o one_o include_v in_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o natural_a convenience_n for_o the_o more_o ample_a capacity_n and_o more_o orderly_o contribute_v of_o the_o mutual_a help_n aforesad_a such_o as_o have_v be_v call_v classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n use_v in_o one_o form_n of_o church-government_n yea_o and_o beyond_o this_o the_o association_n of_o the_o church_n of_o many_o nation_n as_o far_o towards_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o convening_n be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o of_o a_o ecumenical_a association_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o moral_a impossibility_n thereof_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n most_o convenienient_a that_o in_o the_o lesser_a association_n all_o the_o roll_a officer_n personal_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o large_a they_o meet_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o representative_n choose_v by_o all_o and_o send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o which_o meeting_n be_v call_v assembly_n or_o synod_n and_o the_o convenience_n of_o meeting_n by_o delegate_n be_v that_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v whole_o destitute_a of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v less_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n note_v that_o what_o be_v most_o natural_o convenient_a have_v in_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o necessary_a or_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n unless_o when_o something_o gainsay_v or_o hinder_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v convenient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o subordination_n in_o the_o say_a association_n and_o their_o respective_a assembly_n be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v order_n but_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n or_o manner_n of_o subordination_n man_n go_v several_a way_n some_o place_n it_o in_o a_o proper_a authority_n or_o govern_v power_n that_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n have_v over_o the_o several_a church_n include_v in_o they_o other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o several_a church_n and_o some_o of_o these_o make_v this_o further_a explanation_n that_o the_o canon_n make_v by_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o people_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o law_n and_o oblige_v by_o
of_o christ_n minister_n have_v the_o same_o force_n towards_o his_o subject_n that_o the_o power_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o the_o communion_n and_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o i_o yet_o discern_v not_o for_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o err_a judge_n in_o a_o civil_a judicatory_a be_v valid_a till_o it_o be_v reverse_v yet_o the_o err_a key_n have_v no_o effect_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o a_o pastor_n to_o reject_v a_o godly_a person_n that_o have_v not_o give_v just_a scandal_n or_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o he_o as_o towards_o one_o unfit_a for_o christian_a communion_n but_o they_o be_v still_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n indeed_o the_o injure_a person_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n in_o some_o part_n thereof_o as_o come_v to_o the_o church-assemble_o in_o case_n a_o schism_n or_o disturbance_n will_v follow_v but_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o validity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n but_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o order_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o spiritual_a pastor_n or_o elder_n have_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o if_o any_o pretend_v that_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v not_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o a_o part_n only_o or_o that_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o one_o whereof_o belong_v only_o to_o one_o superior_a kinâ—_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o the_o other_o be_v common_a to_o all_o spiritual_a â—astors_n let_v he_o prove_v such_o distinction_n and_o distribution_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o delegation_n of_o spiritual_a power_n the_o delegation_n of_o power_n be_v a_o derivation_n thereof_o from_o its_o ordinary_a subject_n to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a subject_n thereof_o and_o who_o have_v right_a to_o exercise_v it_o mere_o as_o authorize_v by_o the_o ordinary_a subject_n thereof_o as_o when_o a_o bishop_n delegate_n his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o he_o who_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o exercise_v the_o same_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o delegation_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o that_o of_o the_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o trust_n may_v not_o be_v delegated_a by_o the_o receiver_n to_o another_o person_n without_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o the_o giver_n no_o subordinate_a officer_n can_v make_v a_o legal_a deputy_n unless_o he_o be_v authorize_v thereunto_o by_o law_n or_o in_o his_o commission_n or_o charter_n from_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o christ_n have_v not_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o transfer_v of_o this_o trust_n nor_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o make_v such_o delegation_n that_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n bâ—ing_v god_n trustee_n do_v transfer_v the_o work_n of_o their_o trust_n to_o delegate_n and_o subordinate_a officer_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o christ_n minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o first_o christ_n minister_n be_v only_o authorize_v ambassador_n heralds_z and_o not_o spiritual_a sovereign_n under_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v civil_a sovereign_n under_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a sovereignty_n to_o make_v delegate_n and_o subordinate_a officer_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n make_v it_o necessary_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n and_o no_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n 3._o the_o specification_n of_o magistracy_n or_o civil_a power_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n but_o the_o spiritual_a power_n be_v specify_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o appropriate_v to_o officer_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n 4._o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o flock_n have_v take_v another_o course_n than_o to_o authorise_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o do_v their_o work_n by_o delegate_n namely_o to_o command_v the_o ordain_v of_o more_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o need_n require_v the_o delegation_n of_o episcopal_a power_n be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o stewarship_n in_o christ_n house_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o christ_n name_n by_o special_a authority_n from_o he_o and_o can_v any_o that_o be_v not_o christ_n officer_n so_o authorize_v exert_v such_o power_n beside_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n proper_a work_n viz._n the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v be_v delegated_a to_o one_o that_o be_v no_o bishop_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v so_o delegated_a as_o the_o ordain_v of_o minister_n and_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v ad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ordinare_fw-la by_o as_o good_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o as_o incommunicable_o belong_v to_o the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o christ_n institution_n to_o exercise_v christ_n discipline_n as_o to_o ordain_v minister_n indeed_o a_o vicar_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sacred_a office_n or_o order_n may_v so_o exert_v the_o say_a power_n in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o as_o that_o his_o act_n be_v valid_a but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v question_v whether_o any_o bishop_n may_v make_v one_o or_o more_o vicarious_a bishop_n to_o execute_v his_o charge_n for_o every_o bishop_n have_v receive_v a_o trust_n from_o christ_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o his_o own_o person_n col._n 1.7_o and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o christ_n have_v grant_v a_o faculty_n to_o any_o bishop_n to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n by_o a_o vicar_n of_o his_o own_o order_n but_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o a_o bishop_n may_v have_v a_o assistant_n or_o assistant_n of_o his_o own_o order_n either_o occasional_o in_o case_n of_o present_a disability_n or_o justifiable_a avocation_n or_o stated_o when_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v under_o his_o personal_a oversight_n require_v more_o work_n than_o one_o man_n can_v do_v and_o then_o the_o say_a assistant_n be_v not_o his_o vicar_n but_o colleague_n perform_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o part_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o their_o lord_n christ_n §_o 6._o the_o identity_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o assertor_n of_o prelacy_n that_o the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v use_v promiscuous_o now_o they_o that_o assert_v two_o distinct_a office_n under_o promiscuous_a name_n have_v need_n bring_v clear_a proof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o those_o office_n howbeit_o i_o do_v not_o mere_o insist_v on_o the_o name_n as_o indifferent_o use_v but_o wheresoever_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o presbyterate_a be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n by_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o and_o such_o a_o presbyter_n as_o be_v a_o sacred_a officer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o not_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o show_v not_o only_o a_o identity_n of_o name_n but_o of_o office_n to_o give_v order_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o none_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a but_o one_o so_o qualify_v because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o qualify_v be_v not_o rational_a if_o the_o bishop_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a office_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o superior_a to_o he_o act._n 20_o 28_o the_o elder_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a episcopal_a power_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctrine_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o the_o elder_n be_v exhort_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o and_o under_o the_o force_n of_o these_o two_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n claim_v their_o whole_a power_n of_o government_n 1_o tim._n 3._o the_o apostle_n immediate_o pass_v from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o deacon_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n as_o a_o presbyter_n below_o a_o bishop_n and_o above_o a_o deacon_n and_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n do_v afford_v we_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o any_o qualification_n or_o ordination_n or_o any_o sacred_a
work_n and_o duty_n belong_v to_o a_o presbyter_n who_o be_v no_o bishop_n not_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n do_v set_v forth_o any_o presbyter_n as_o less_o than_o a_o bishop_n phil._n 1_o 1._o paul_n make_v mention_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o inscription_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o no_o mention_n of_o presbyter_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n and_o it_o seem_v by_o that_o text_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o place_v in_o one_o city_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o philippi_n be_v but_o a_o little_a city_n under_o the_o metropolis_n of_o thessalonica_n thus_o bishop_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o place_n aforecited_a be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o office_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n grant_v as_o much_o but_o be_v not_o agree_v what_o office_n be_v there_o set_v forth_o by_o those_o name_n one_o part_n of_o they_o think_v that_o those_o text_n speak_v of_o or_o at_o least_o comprehend_v such_o presbyter_n as_o be_v now_o so_o call_v the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o think_v they_o speak_v of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n now_o they_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o say_v text_n speak_v of_o or_o include_v such_o presbyter_n as_o be_v now_o so_o call_v must_v needs_o hold_v that_o such_o presbyter_n be_v pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o those_o name_n and_o so_o a_o identity_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v confess_v and_o it_o rest_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n over_o such_o presbyter_n and_o they_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o say_v text_n speak_v of_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n must_v needs_o grant_v the_o qualification_n ordination_n and_o work_v of_o presbyter_n inferior_a to_o bishop_n be_v not_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o inferior_a and_o subject_a presbyter_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o define_v or_o express_v in_o scripture_n let_v a_o satisfactory_a proof_n be_v bring_v from_o some_o other_o authority_n of_o its_o divine_a institution_n and_o what_o its_o nature_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o at_o first_o the_o function_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o but_o afterward_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o and_o that_o the_o division_n be_v make_v by_o divine_a warrant_n the_o asserter_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o his_o commission_v officer_n be_v to_o have_v episcopal_a power_n and_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o a_o presbyter_n the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n answer_v this_o by_o distinguish_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o foro_fw-la interiore_fw-la or_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n within_o and_o foro_fw-la exteriore_fw-la in_o the_o exterior_a court_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o the_o former_a belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n both_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o bishop_n only_o to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o such_o distinction_n and_o where_o the_o law_n distinguish_v not_o we_o may_v not_o distinguish_v 2._o the_o distinction_n be_v vain_a for_o all_o power_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n by_o apply_v to_o it_o the_o command_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o it_o respect_v the_o conscience_n as_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o church_n communion_n as_o well_o as_o other_o matter_n 3._o if_o presbyter_n may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n bound_v the_o impenitent_a and_o loose_v the_o penitent_a as_o to_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o primary_n bind_v and_o lose_v then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o with_o advantage_n they_o may_v bind_v and_o loose_v as_o to_o church-communion_n which_o be_v the_o lesser_a secondary_a and_o subsequent_a bind_n and_o lose_v that_o officer_n be_v a_o bishop_n that_o have_v power_n of_o authoritative_a declare_v in_o christ_n name_n that_o this_o or_o that_o wicked_a person_n in_o particular_a be_v unworthy_a of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o a_o power_n of_o charge_v the_o congregation_n in_o christ_n name_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o he_o as_o be_v no_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o also_o a_o power_n of_o authoritative_n declare_v and_o judge_v in_o christ_n name_n that_o the_o same_o person_n repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n and_o give_v evidence_n thereof_o be_v meet_v for_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o a_o power_n of_o require_v the_o congregation_n in_o christ_n name_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o christian_a fellowship_n for_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o ecclesiastical_a absolution_n and_o a_o presbyter_n have_v apparent_o the_o say_a power_n as_o he_o can_v undoubted_o declare_v and_o charge_n and_o judge_v as_o aforesaid_a touch_v person_n in_o general_a so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n touch_v this_o or_o that_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o particular_n be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a he_o have_v undoubted_o a_o power_n of_o apply_v the_o word_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o well_o personal_o as_o general_o that_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o say_a power_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n wherein_o a_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n though_o the_o chancellor_n do_v decree_v it_o and_o the_o excommunication_n be_v not_o complete_a till_o a_o presbyter_n have_v denounce_v it_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o office_n be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n but_o if_o they_o have_v successor_n in_o part_n of_o their_o office_n viz._n in_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o presbyter_n if_o any_o be_v their_o successor_n peter_n exhort_v the_o presbyter_n style_v himself_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o pastoral_a authority_n of_o presbyter_n be_v further_o clear_v in_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n touch_v that_o order_n the_o form_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o this_o church_n late_o be_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o remitte_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o retaine_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n now_o the_o former_a part_n hereof_o be_v entire_o the_o word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 20.21_o 22._o towards_o the_o apostle_n express_v their_o pastoral_a authority_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n be_v no_o derogation_n or_o diminution_n from_o the_o power_n grant_v in_o the_o former_a part_n if_o presbyter_n be_v not_o partaker_n with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n how_o can_v they_o have_v right_o to_o that_o form_n of_o ordination_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v in_o solemn_a form_n of_o word_n require_v the_o presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o exercise_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v therein_o this_o church_n do_v appoint_v also_o that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n there_o be_v read_v for_o the_o epistle_n that_o portion_n of_o act_n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n these_o portion_n of_o scripture_n this_o church_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o presbyter_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n
against_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o a_o bishop_n infimi_fw-la gradus_fw-la over_o many_o church_n make_v not_o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o overseer_n of_o other_o bishop_n such_o as_o titus_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o bishop_n of_o crete_n which_o contain_v a_o hundred_o city_n and_o where_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n if_o either_o scripture_n or_o prudence_n guide_v by_o scripture_n be_v for_o such_o a_o office_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o now_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a notion_n either_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a order_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o a_o office_n specifical_o different_a from_o the_o subordinate_a bishop_n or_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o the_o same_o order_n i_o suppose_v our_o archbishop_n of_o province_n do_v not_o own_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o diocese_n be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o which_o the_o archbishop_n of_o a_o province_n do_v not_o own_o namely_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o different_a order_n from_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n who_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v bishop_n hereupon_o the_o present_a inquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a notion_n and_o in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o apostle_n have_v over_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n much_o allege_v by_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n 3._o the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asian_a apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o §_o 9_o the_o bishop_n plen_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o their_o governing-power_n examine_v though_o the_o apostle_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o officer_n call_v themselves_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n but_o never_o bishop_n yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n that_o bishop_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o thereupon_o have_v a_o governing-power_n over_o presbyter_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n governing-power_n and_o the_o say_a bishop_n right_a of_o succession_n thereunto_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o touch_v this_o claim_v succession_n in_o the_o govern_n power_n the_o defender_n of_o prelacy_n say_v that_o presbyter_n qua_fw-la presbyter_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o office_n of_o govern_v but_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o warrant_v this_o divide_n of_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o if_o the_o division_n can_v be_v prove_v in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o succession_n it_o must_v be_v into_o the_o whole_a and_o not_o into_o a_o part_n and_o so_o the_o presbyter_n must_v succeed_v as_o well_o in_o rule_v as_o in_o teach_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o a_o authoritative_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la a_o ruler_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o their_o special_a office_n of_o apostleship_n for_o not_o only_o the_o unction_n or_o qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n but_o also_o the_o entire_a apostolic_a office_n as_o in_o its_o formal_a state_n or_o specific_a difference_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n it_o be_v a_o office_n by_o immediate_a vocation_n from_o christ_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n by_o election_n or_o ordination_n for_o the_o authentic_a promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o all_o church_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o it_o eminent_o contain_v all_o the_o power_n of_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n the_o continuation_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n be_v quoad_fw-la formale_n a_o ordinary_a office_n than_o that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o christ_n himself_o be_v so_o but_o their_o teach_n and_o govern_v be_v by_o immediate_a call_n and_o authentic_a and_o uncontrollable_a and_o therefore_o extraordinary_a and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o bishop_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n moreover_o in_o proper_a speak_n the_o ordinary_a bishop_n or_o elder_n can_v be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v not_o succedaneous_a to_o they_o but_o contemporary_a with_o they_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n and_o do_v by_o divine_a right_n receive_v and_o exercise_v their_o governing-power_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v proper_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o first_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o can_v rightful_o claim_v no_o more_o power_n than_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o let_v the_o apostle_n govern_v power_n be_v inquire_v into_o as_o also_o what_o interest_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o hierarchical_a state_n have_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o query_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v and_o govern_v be_v bishop_n both_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n and_o consequent_o their_o example_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v such_o presbyter_n be_v not_o right_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o bishop_n as_o their_o successor_n have_v a_o appropriate_v power_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v presbyter_n of_o a_o inferior_a order_n which_o in_o scripture_n time_n be_v not_o in_o be_v further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a governing-power_n be_v only_o a_o supereminent_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v as_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a and_o to_o who_o the_o last_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o a_o ordinary_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o most_o rational_a to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o ordinary_a state_v government_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o we_o find_v not_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v away_o the_o same_o from_o they_o or_o that_o it_o be_v supercede_v by_o their_o presence_n or_o that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o their_o govern_n power_n be_v only_o the_o say_v supereminent_a apostolic_a authority_n they_o have_v no_o successor_n therein_o and_o though_o teach_n and_o rule_v be_v of_o stand_a necessity_n and_o consequent_o of_o perpetual_a duration_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a necessity_n of_o that_o teach_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v formal_o in_o that_o extraordinary_a state_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o express_v but_o if_o they_o exercise_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v continue_v by_o succession_n such_o kind_n of_o bishop_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v can_v claim_v a_o right_n of_o succession_n into_o the_o same_o but_o they_o must_v be_v officer_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n consequent_o if_o the_o hierarchical_a bishop_n claim_v the_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o governing-power_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o high_a orb_n than_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v and_o if_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o right_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n in_o the_o same_o power_n i_o shall_v not_o oppose_v it_o but_o only_o i_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o high_a bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o first_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o that_o govern_n power_n and_o of_o which_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v diocesan_n bishop_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o apostolic_a office_n be_v a_o general_a charge_n extend_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o any_o apostle_n do_v appropriate_v a_o diocese_n to_o himself_o and_o challenge_v the_o sole_a episcopal_a authority_n therein_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o several_a apostle_n for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n do_v make_v choice_n of_o several_a region_n more_o especial_o to_o exercise_v their_o function_n in_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n that_o peter_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o circumcision_n and_o paul_n to_o the_o uncircumcision_n but_o as_o
as_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o the_o priest_n so_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a to_o deacon_n that_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o presbyter_n in_o matter_n of_o sacred_a administration_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v the_o chief_a dispensation_n of_o the_o church_n money_n else_o how_o can_v he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n §_o 17._o of_o a_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n minister_n be_v steward_n overseer_n herald_n ambassadors_z which_o be_v name_n of_o special_a office_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o sacred_a function_n eph._n 4.14_o in_o declare_v the_o end_n thereof_o to_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n till_o christ_n mystical_a body_n be_v complete_a which_o be_v not_o till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o though_o some_o office_n as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o the_o first_o time_n only_o yet_o other_o as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v for_o all_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v manifest_a the_o work_n of_o the_o one_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o of_o the_o other_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a and_o that_o the_o work_n which_o be_v do_v by_o minister_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o common_a to_o all_o but_o appropriate_v to_o a_o special_a office_n or_o a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o do_v that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a necessity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v in_o some_o a_o state_n of_o special_a obligation_n thereunto_o lest_o be_v leave_v as_o every_o man_n work_n in_o the_o issue_n it_o prove_v to_o be_v no_o man_n work_n the_o ministry_n be_v not_o a_o state_n common_a to_o all_o but_o a_o special_a office_n it_o be_v usurpation_n and_o intrusion_n for_o any_o one_o to_o take_v it_o up_o without_o a_o due_a call_v thereunto_o that_o be_v a_o commission_n or_o warrant_v to_o instate_v he_o in_o it_o as_o none_o can_v be_v a_o herald_n or_o ambassador_n or_o steward_n by_o assume_v any_o of_o these_o office_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o must_v have_v commission_n or_o warrant_n from_o the_o prince_n or_o housholder_n so_o none_o can_v be_v authoritative_a preacher_n of_o christ_n gospel_n or_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o a_o mission_n be_v necessary_a rom._n 10.15_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v that_o be_v without_o mission_n none_o preach_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n herald_n according_o a_o rule_n be_v give_v for_o call_v man_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v till_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim_n 6.14_o compare_v with_o chap._n 5.17_o 21._o what_o manner_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a for_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n have_v be_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n lie_v in_o christ_n command_n to_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o in_o his_o own_o consent_n according_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o thereunto_o the_o say_a command_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n and_o the_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o that_o command_n and_o a_o man_n own_o consent_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la or_o a_o necessary_a condition_n thereof_o for_o it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v it_o be_v christ_n only_o that_o give_v the_o office_n and_o power_n intrinsic_a to_o it_o and_o he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o public_a stand_a act_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o proper_a speak_n it_o be_v no_o more_o give_v by_o man_n than_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n be_v give_v by_o the_o citizen_n that_o elect_v he_o or_o by_o the_o city-officer_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o his_o solemn_a investiture_n §_o 18._o of_o the_o immediate_a and_o mediate_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o immediate_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o it_o be_v either_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n as_o the_o call_v of_o john_n baptist_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o of_o paul_n gal._n 1.1_o or_o that_o wherein_o though_o god_n use_v some_o ministry_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o make_v a_o immediate_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o the_o call_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o of_o mathias_n to_o the_o apostleship_n they_o that_o receive_v a_o immediate_a call_n be_v able_a to_o give_v proof_n of_o it_o either_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a testimony_n of_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a call_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n but_o a_o ordinary_a and_o mediate_a call_n to_o the_o ordinary_a stand_a office_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o at_o certain_a time_n in_o a_o ordinary_a office_n such_o eminent_a qualification_n and_o success_n may_v be_v give_v to_o some_o as_o exceed_v the_o common_a measure_n yet_o their_o call_n be_v not_o extraordinary_a for_o the_o kind_n thereof_o luther_n in_o that_o high_a and_o eminent_a service_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a call_n and_o none_o of_o our_o first_o reformer_n renounce_v that_o ordinary_a call_v which_o they_o have_v under_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mediate_a call_n be_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o election_n and_o ordination_n which_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o neither_o the_o elector_n nor_o ordainer_n do_v proper_o make_v a_o minister_n nor_o give_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n nor_o do_v the_o minister_n act_n by_o authority_n derive_v from_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o nor_o in_o their_o name_n as_o their_o officer_n commission_v by_o they_o but_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n as_o his_o officer_n it_o be_v christ_n therefore_o that_o give_v the_o office_n by_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o his_o law_n immediate_o that_o be_v without_o any_o mediate_a efficient_a cause_n yet_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n as_o design_v and_o inaugurate_v the_o person_n that_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n though_o the_o corporation_n design_v the_o person_n that_o receive_v it_o and_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o husband_n power_n but_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o such_o a_o person_n be_v by_o the_o woman_n consent_n now_o in_o the_o mediate_a call_n man_n part_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o god_n part_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v neglect_v for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v this_o or_o that_o person_n into_o the_o ministry_n §_o 19_o of_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o ministerial_a call_n that_o election_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o government_n be_v not_o always_o a_o act_n of_o government_n but_o sometime_o of_o mere_a liberty_n as_o when_o a_o people_n elect_v a_o ruler_n over_o they_o mere_a election_n to_o the_o ministry_n make_v by_o man_n do_v not_o confer_v the_o office_n nor_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o person_n but_o the_o most_o that_o it_o do_v be_v to_o apply_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o the_o office_n to_o a_o certain_a company_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o proper_a minister_n much_o controversy_n have_v be_v about_o the_o right_n of_o election_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v the_o people_n elect_v of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v just_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o ordain_v by_o positive_a law_n as_o natural_o all_o man_n choose_v physician_n for_o themselves_o and_o schoolmaster_n for_o their_o child_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n and_o case_n it_o be_v otherwise_o ordain_v and_o guardian_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o physician_n and_o schoolmaster_n in_o like_a manner_n yet_o so_o as_o none_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v they_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o divine_a law_n have_v prescribe_v any_o certain_a way_n of_o election_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o unfixed_a beside_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o ordainer_n and_o ordain_v no_o proof_n of_o any_o as_o to_o the_o general_a ministry_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n appear_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o have_v a_o divine_a election_n timothy_n be_v elect_v by_o prophecy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v act._n 1._o that_o the_o
multitude_n but_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n set_v forth_o two_o whereof_o one_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o there_o signify_v a_o number_n by_o common_a suffrage_n for_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o mathias_n indeed_o the_o election_n of_o those_o seven_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v express_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v by_o the_o people_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o better_a to_o quiet_v the_o murmur_a among_o the_o people_n it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o the_o people_n elect_v of_o they_o to_o that_o office_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o special_a equity_n because_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o far_o as_o be_v there_o express_v be_v the_o distribution_n of_o maintenance_n as_o there_o be_v need_n in_o that_o extraordinary_a time_n for_o which_o end_n there_o be_v a_o trust_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v but_o in_o whatsoever_o hand_n the_o election_n of_o a_o minister_n lie_v the_o people_n consent_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o pastor_n to_o any_o people_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v guide_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o a_o pastoral_a way_n against_o their_o will_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o consent_v that_o he_o be_v pastor_n when_o he_o be_v by_o sufficient_a warrant_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n choose_v by_o man_n for_o they_o though_o their_o refusal_n may_v render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v benefit_n by_o he_o and_o he_o uncapable_a of_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o people_n consent_n give_v the_o minister_n the_o opportunity_n of_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o otherwise_o can_v be_v do_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o people_n and_o the_o free_a the_o consent_n the_o better_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o pastoral_a relation_n and_o consequent_o their_o consent_n before_o his_o admission_n be_v most_o desirable_a yet_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n before_o an_z after_z consent_n may_v suffice_v the_o people_n in_o elect_v their_o pastor_n if_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n thereof_o or_o in_o consent_v to_o the_o election_n make_v by_o other_o ought_v ordinary_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o pastor_n n._n b._n that_o we_o may_v carry_v the_o question_n from_o the_o mere_a name_n pastor_n to_o the_o matter_n all_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v 1._o what_o qualification_n make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o the_o sacred_a office_n sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la 2._o what_o make_v a_o man_n so_o capable_a a_o minister_n as_o relate_v to_o the_o uncalled_a world_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n oblige_v indefinite_o to_o do_v his_o best_a for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v christ_n mission_n 1._o by_o his_o word_n 2._o and_o his_o spirit_n give_v he_o a_o true_a willingness_n and_o consent_n 3._o and_o by_o authorize_v ordainer_n invest_v and_o send_v he_o 3._o what_o make_v a_o minister_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o consent_n shall_v be_v their_o proper_a pastor_n and_o this_o be_v 1._o his_o special_a fitness_n 2._o his_o special_a opportunity_n 3._o and_o these_o so_o judge_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o bishop_n or_o other_o pastor_n who_o be_v meet_a discerner_n and_o if_o they_o be_v peremptory_a in_o their_o imposition_n he_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n in_o all_o these_o aforesaid_a the_o people_n election_n or_o consent_n be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n 4._o what_o make_v the_o man_n and_o the_o church_n or_o any_o person_n in_o esse_fw-la relative_a formal_o relate_v as_o their_o pastor_n and_o his_o flock_n and_o that_o be_v mutual_a consent_n if_o he_o consent_v not_o no_o magistrate_n or_o bishop_n command_n make_v he_o their_o pastor_n though_o it_o may_v oblige_v he_o to_o consent_v nor_o yet_o if_o they_o consent_v not_o as_o a_o father_n may_v make_v it_o a_o child_n duty_n to_o marry_v such_o a_o one_o but_o it_o be_v no_o marriage_n without_o consent_n 5._o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o office_n and_o that_o also_o be_v mutual_a consent_n as_o to_o every_o proper_a part_n which_o be_v a_o privilege_n which_o a_o unwilling_a person_n can_v neither_o have_v right_a to_o nor_o possess_v nor_o use_v §_o 20._o of_o ordination_n and_o the_o moment_n thereof_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n ordination_n be_v a_o outward_a solemn_a set_v apart_o of_o person_n to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o touch_v the_o importance_n thereof_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o constitute_v or_o make_v of_o a_o minister_n other_o say_v it_o be_v the_o solemnize_n of_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o office_n or_o his_o inauguration_n thereinto_o or_o his_o investiture_n therein_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o solemnize_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n the_o delivery_n of_o a_o twig_n and_o turf_n to_o the_o possession_n of_o land_n these_o different_a way_n of_o expression_n be_v consider_v may_v be_v find_v to_o come_v to_o the_o same_o issue_n and_o the_o latter_a may_v sufficient_o set_v forth_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o far_o as_o man_n act_n can_v make_v he_o the_o word_n by_o which_o that_o which_o we_o call_v ordination_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n be_v 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 14_o 24._o which_o do_v not_o necessary_o evince_v a_o ordain_v by_o suffrage_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o ordain_v to_o the_o office_n whether_o by_o god_n or_o man_n as_o have_v be_v before_o note_v but_o if_o the_o text_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v read_v they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o not_o the_o people_n but_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1.5_o which_o signify_v to_o constitute_v 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 13.2_o which_o signify_v to_o separate_v or_o set_v apart_o now_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o express_v the_o force_n of_o ordination_n viz._n the_o solemn_a inauguration_n or_o investiture_n in_o the_o office_n be_v a_o separate_n of_o one_o unto_o it_o or_o a_o constitute_n of_o one_o in_o it_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o man_n act_n of_o ordainine_v can_v bear_v for_o it_o can_v be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o efficient_a cause_n make_v and_o give_v the_o office_n and_o power_n thereof_o for_o that_o as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o man_n but_o of_o christ_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a ordinary_a antecedent_n and_o that_o the_o most_o important_a as_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o complete_a designation_n make_v by_o man_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o christ_n confer_v the_o office_n and_o the_o solemn_a invest_n of_o he_o in_o it_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o ordination_n be_v ordinary_o necessary_a to_o the_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o all_o case_n as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lawful_a or_o valid_a ministry_n without_o it_o for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v there_o may_v be_v otherwise_o a_o full_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o some_o person_n shall_v do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n moreover_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n of_o uphold_v and_o perpetuate_n a_o church_n unto_o christ_n upon_o earth_n of_o maintain_v soberness_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n among_o profess_a christian_n and_o that_o some_o take_v this_o work_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o indispensable_a but_o regular_a ordination_n be_v but_o a_o point_n of_o order_n and_o for_o the_o interruption_n or_o cessation_n of_o this_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v not_o to_o be_v break_v off_o or_o cease_v and_o if_o there_o be_v in_o any_o a_o obligation_n stated_o to_o do_v this_o work_n he_o be_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o any_o allege_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o law_n have_v make_v a_o uninterrupted_a regular_a ordination_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o ministry_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o any_o pretend_v a_o uninterrupted_a regular_a ordination_n of_o all_o his_o predecessor_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o clear_a
for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o wealth_n power_n and_o splendour_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o chief_a clergyman_n or_o for_o any_o political_a consideration_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v immediate_o commission_v from_o christ_n shall_v be_v change_v from_o a_o single_a congregation_n or_o society_n of_o which_o the_o bishop_n take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n to_o a_o diocese_n consist_v of_o many_o yea_o common_o of_o many_o hundred_o stare_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n and_o all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n of_o the_o soul_n therein_o and_o to_o perform_v towards_o they_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n 2._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o one_o single_a church_n institute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o mother_n essential_o different_a office_n viz._n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o many_o yea_o many_o hundred_o single_a church_n each_o whereof_o have_v their_o proper_a pastor_n or_o presbyter_n who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n 3._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o divine_a institution_n who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o office_n essential_o different_a viz._n of_o a_o presbyter_n who_o be_v no_o bishop_n but_o only_o the_o bishop_n subject_n substitute_n or_o curate_n and_o whether_o the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v stated_o bereave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o 4._o whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n which_o be_v a_o trust_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v personal_o discharge_v by_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o shall_v be_v execute_v by_o delegation_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n who_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n 5._o whether_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bishop_n in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o government_n by_o the_o bishop_n alone_o and_o by_o his_o chancellor_n and_o official_o who_o authority_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o concession_n concern_v episcopacy_n i_o hold_v it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a that_o the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v stated_o defer_v to_o one_o that_o be_v able_a among_o they_o a_o guide_a power_n over_o they_o in_o ordination_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o church_n affair_n i_o hold_v it_o not_o unfit_a that_o this_o person_n shall_v for_o distinction_n sake_n have_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n give_v he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o essential_o different_a order_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o only_o of_o a_o superior_a degree_n in_o the_o same_o holy_a order_n some_o nonconformist_n think_v upon_o probable_a ground_n that_o tâ—â—â—e_n shall_v be_v a_o general_a sort_n of_o bishop_n who_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o â—â—he_n common_a government_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o the_o ordain_v and_o place_v and_o displace_v of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o from_o this_o i_o dissent_v not_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o conformity_n now_o enjoin_v i_o be_o not_o forgetsul_n of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o ruler_n i_o do_v not_o herein_o presume_v to_o judge_n their_o public_a act_n but_o i_o only_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o my_o own_o act_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o injunction_n which_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o disallow_v to_o consider_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o a_o unfeigned_a approbation_n be_v require_v be_v a_o unquestionable_a duty_n if_o i_o shall_v profess_v what_o i_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o i_o allow_v not_o my_o sin_n be_v heinous_a and_o inexcusable_a the_o reason_n of_o my_o dissent_n be_v here_o express_v as_o inoffensive_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o i_o who_o be_o to_o show_n that_o it_o be_v not_o nothing_o for_o which_o i_o have_v quit_v the_o station_n which_o i_o former_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n nor_o will_n to_o lay_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n upon_o myself_o than_o the_o law_n do_v or_o to_o set_v such_o bar_n in_o my_o own_o way_n as_o the_o law_n do_v not_o i_o therefore_o admit_v that_o more_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n which_o be_v think_v by_o many_o to_o make_v the_o enjoin_a term_n more_o easy_a i_o be_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o small_a as_o well_v as_o great_a matter_n because_o as_o well_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o to_o be_v own_v though_o i_o will_v not_o differ_v with_o the_o church_n about_o little_a thing_n yet_o i_o may_v not_o profess_v a_o allowance_n of_o any_o little_a thing_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v not_o allowable_a i_o desire_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n with_o good_a judgement_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o weak_o but_o however_o it_o be_v i_o have_v rather_o be_v think_v to_o be_v injudicious_a and_o overscrupulous_a in_o make_v objection_n than_o want_v a_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n but_o i_o do_v it_o by_o constraint_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o nonconformity_n to_o which_o by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n of_o conscience_n i_o be_o necessitate_v if_o all_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a book_n be_v right_a and_o good_a i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o i_o and_o all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o i_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o join_v in_o it_o i_o declare_v my_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o main_a a_o allowable_a form_n of_o worship_n but_o this_o do_v not_o as_o i_o suppose_v signify_v my_o allow_v of_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_v require_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n the_o true_a intent_n of_o this_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o form_n of_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v it_o seem_v to_o signify_v no_o less_o than_o assent_n to_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o and_o by_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v this_o declaration_n that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n contain_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o allowableness_n of_o every_o thing_n prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a book_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o i_o than_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o dissemble_v or_o lie_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o so_o i_o do_v if_o i_o declare_v my_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o those_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n from_o which_o i_o real_o dissent_v but_o this_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o many_o and_o very_o judicious_a person_n among_o the_o conformist_n they_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o word_n will_v not_o only_o bear_v this_o sense_n but_o will_v seem_v to_o incline_v to_o it_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a clause_n wherein_o it_o do_v impose_v it_o that_o the_o law_n do_v express_o determine_v this_o assent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n they_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v declare_v his_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o say_a book_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o these_o word_n and_o no_o other_o ay_o a._n b._n do_v here_o declare_v etc._n etc._n now_o by_o all_o rule_n of_o interpret_n law_n we_o be_v direct_v say_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v more_o general_o in_o any_o law_n according_a to_o the_o limitation_n which_o the_o law_n itself_o give_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n i_o admit_v this_o late_a and_o more_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n as_o probable_a and_o in_o this_o disquisition_n i_o proceed_v according_o take_v the_o declare_a assent_n and_o consent_v as_o limit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n nevertheless_o it_o must_v necessary_o extend_v to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o thereupon_o i_o judge_v that_o not_o only_o all_o
such_o as_o the_o popish_a whip_n or_o such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n with_o pious_a intention_n but_o superstitious_o use_v as_o perpetual_a abide_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pillar_n never_o to_o sleep_v but_o stand_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v austerity_n inconvenient_a for_o measure_n by_o excess_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o kind_a suitable_a and_o comely_a as_o immoderate_a abstinence_n and_o abasement_n all_o such_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v come_v not_o into_o the_o present_a consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o allowable_a austerity_n may_v be_v not_o only_a adjunct_n but_o also_o act_n or_o matter_n of_o worship_n humiliation_n or_o prostration_n of_o soul_n in_o self_n abasement_n before_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o internal_a worship_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o austerity_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v as_o direct_v and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o such_o humiliation_n and_o consequent_o as_o act_n of_o worship_n whatsoever_o be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o expressive_a of_o internal_a worship_n be_v external_a worship_n and_o so_o fast_v and_o other_o abstinence_n may_v be_v esteem_v not_o only_o as_o fit_a adjunct_n of_o worship_n and_o help_v therein_o but_o act_n thereof_o vow_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a allowable_a austerity_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o for_o term_v of_o life_n or_o notable_a length_n of_o time_n be_v dangerous_a and_o apt_a to_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n and_o if_o a_o special_a religious_a state_n be_v place_v in_o they_o more_o than_o what_o belong_v to_o christianity_n as_o such_o they_o be_v superstition_n and_o will-worship_n matrimonial_a purity_n §_o 1._o marriage_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o individual_a conjunction_n between_o man_n and_o woman_n institute_v of_o god_n to_o a_o individual_a conversation_n or_o course_n of_o life_n this_o bond_n can_v be_v dissolve_v by_o man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o man_n but_o god_n that_o make_v it_o though_o the_o marry_a party_n voluntary_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o public_a officer_n instrumental_o authorise_v their_o act_n according_a to_o god_n law_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v who_o god_n have_v join_v let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o but_o this_o rule_n put_v no_o bar_n to_o god_n right_a of_o dissolve_v this_o bond_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o law_n upon_o cause_n therein_o declare_v §_o 1._o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n matrimony_n be_v hold_v a_o sacrament_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o to_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o the_o indissoluble_a conjunction_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o church_n and_o of_o grace_n to_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o similitude_n to_o express_v or_o illustrate_v the_o mystical_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o every_o similitude_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v a_o holy_a mystery_n as_o that_o of_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n to_o express_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o thereby_o become_v a_o consecrate_a symbol_n thereof_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o grace_n annex_v to_o it_o as_o so_o consecrate_v nevertheless_o though_o matrimony_n be_v not_o a_o institute_v symbol_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o grace_v suitable_a to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o state_n as_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n unto_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o god_n have_v design_v in_o it_o §_o 3._o the_o cause_n for_o which_o matrimony_n be_v ordain_v be_v excellent_o set_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o word_n first_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o procreation_n of_o child_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n second_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n that_o such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n may_v marry_v and_o keep_v themselves_o undefiled_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n three_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o mutual_a society_n help_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o other_o both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o matrimony_n that_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n give_v and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o their_o body_n mutual_o unto_o the_o conjugal_a due_n call_v benevolence_n 1_o cor._n 7.3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v so_o equal_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o wedlock_n that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v both_o superior_a and_o inferior_a in_o ask_v and_o render_v the_o say_v due_a hence_o it_o be_v a_o resolve_a case_n that_o sterility_n be_v not_o a_o impediment_n of_o marriage_n because_o though_o the_o primary_n end_n which_o be_v procreation_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v yet_o the_o secondary_a end_n to_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n which_o be_v also_o of_o god_n ordain_v be_v obtain_v but_o frigidity_n or_o total_a impotency_n be_v a_o just_a impediment_n because_o in_o that_o case_n both_o the_o primary_n and_o secondary_a end_n of_o marriage_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o essential_a due_n thereof_o can_v be_v render_v §_o 4._o as_o concern_v the_o ancient_a polygamy_n or_o plurality_n of_o wife_n at_o once_o some_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o divine_a connivance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n which_o god_n wink_v at_o other_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a dispensation_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n be_v most_o consentaneous_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n immutable_a and_o indispensable_a but_o such_o as_o may_v be_v change_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v change_v yet_o than_o not_o to_o be_v change_v but_o by_o his_o authority_n from_o who_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v proceed_v but_o whether_o polygamy_n be_v allow_v or_o only_o wink_v at_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v whole_o disallow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o admit_v in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n if_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n much_o more_o do_v he_o commit_v adultery_n if_o keep_v the_o former_a wife_n he_o marry_v another_o the_o concubine_n mention_v in_o the_o old-testament_n be_v not_o as_o in_o our_o day_n unmarried_a but_o proper_o wife_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o matrimonial_a privilege_n inferior_a to_o wife_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o their_o carnal_a conjunction_n with_o any_o beside_o he_o who_o they_o be_v be_v a_o defile_n of_o the_o marriagebed_n concern_v reuben_n who_o lie_v with_o bilhah_n jacob_n concubine_n this_o be_v denounce_v thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v because_o thou_o wente_v up_o to_o thy_o father_n bed_n than_o defile_v thou_o it_o gen._n 49.4_o §_o 5._o as_o concern_v the_o honour_n of_o matrimony_n it_o be_v write_v heb._n 13.4_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a among_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a but_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_n this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o counterfeit_v sanctity_n of_o those_o liar_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v foretell_v to_o consist_v among_o other_o thing_n in_o forbid_v to_o marry_v 1_o tim._n 4.3_o and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o it_o to_o divers_a order_n of_o man_n and_o other_o unjust_a restriction_n lay_v upon_o it_o be_v one_o kind_n of_o the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v intend_v in_o that_o prediction_n the_o wise_a and_o most_o civilise_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v not_o christian_n have_v testify_v their_o great_a respect_n to_o marriage_n by_o encourage_v it_o with_o many_o privilege_n as_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o public_a good_a than_o the_o single_a life_n by_o the_o roman_a law_n in_o time_n of_o gentilism_n marriage_n be_v privilege_v and_o the_o single_a life_n disadvantage_v §_o 6._o the_o debase_v of_o matrimony_n come_v in_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n quick_o after_o the_o apostle_n age_n christian_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o devise_v rule_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n require_v not_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o precious_a foundation_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n and_o the_o devotion_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v carry_v forth_o to_o a_o self-devised_n religiousness_n yet_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n be_v preserve_v sound_a according_o many_a of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n extol_v celibate_n and_o virginity_n with_o excessive_a praise_n and_o think_v of_o marriage_n as_o of_o a_o state_n