breach_n of_o communion_n and_o i_o know_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o eminent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o have_v whole_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n of_o divinity_n without_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n in_o regard_n they_o defend_v they_o only_o as_o their_o private_a persuasion_n and_o be_v both_o too_o modest_a prudent_a and_o charitable_o honest_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n by_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v their_o particular_a judgement_n in_o thing_n not_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o other_o men._n the_o main_a and_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v by_o the_o write_n 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of_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v tyrannical_o and_o imperious_o upon_o man_n of_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n especial_o when_o another_o and_o better_a way_n of_o government_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v for_o though_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a yet_o where_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v any_o positive_a command_n or_o direction_n as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n there_o this_o or_o that_o government_n be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o rest_n how_o weak_a a_o plea_n and_o refuge_n this_o be_v to_o call_v for_o and_o expect_v plain_a and_o express_v word_n command_n or_o direction_n from_o scripture_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v or_o believe_v every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v who_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o we_o 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so_o and_o no_o long_o nor_o any_o other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v free_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o fear_n of_o wound_v their_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v as_o many_o several_a government_n and_o distinct_a church_n as_o there_o be_v man_n of_o several_a mind_n and_o persuasion_n about_o which_o be_v the_o best_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n will_v esteem_v best_a of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n every_o crow_n will_v think_v his_o own_o bird_n fair_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a at_o last_o must_v amount_v to_o anarchy_n instead_o of_o unity_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v in_o all_o his_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n and_o at_o least_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o most_o particularity_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o government_n which_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v establish_v than_o there_o be_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o contend_v and_o all_o party_n will_v plead_v the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o much_o or_o more_o for_o their_o way_n of_o government_n than_o for_o any_o other_o let_v we_o therefore_o try_v who_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o bid_v fair_a for_o such_o a_o determination_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n conscience_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n how_o any_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n such_o as_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n must_v be_v according_a as_o they_o have_v state_v it_o become_v necessary_a and_o obligatory_a to_o all_o man_n conscience_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o best_a because_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o contradict_v any_o know_a rule_n or_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o command_n direction_n doctrine_n and_o practise_v be_v found_v upon_o and_o derive_v if_o not_o from_o plain_a word_n as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o from_o most_o evident_a sense_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v concern_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o obligatory_a to_o conscience_n as_o scripture_n itself_o second_o this_o way_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v appear_v to_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o become_v oblige_v and_o that_o in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n first_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n approbation_n example_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o shall_v without_o partiality_n peruse_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o where_o there_o be_v many_o not_o imperfect_a trace_n and_o footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o government_n so_o far_o establish_v as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heathen_a government_n who_o then_o have_v all_o the_o civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n will_v permit_v but_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o in_o the_o universal_a consent_n practice_n approbation_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o though_o not_o divine_o inspire_v yet_o be_v man_n of_o such_o eminent_a integrity_n and_o piety_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o write_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a truth_n which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v immediate_o receive_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o
apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o by_o martyrdom_n do_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o age_n before_o rome_n and_o her_o bishop_n ever_o think_v of_o usurp_a the_o title_n of_o universal_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o any_o combination_n with_o they_o in_o erect_v or_o impose_v this_o way_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o christian_n world_n second_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o judgement_n that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n viz._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n and_o unity_n charity_n with_o the_o first_o best_a and_o past_a age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o all_o live_v and_o die_v under_o obedience_n to_o this_o way_n of_o government_n of_o all_o which_o glorious_a martyr_n saint_n and_o confessor_n it_o be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a opinion_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o live_v and_o die_v in_o defend_v maintain_v and_o practise_v a_o way_n of_o government_n altogether_o unagreeable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o all_o dissenter_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n whilst_o they_o tell_v they_o this_o government_n be_v unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a it_o follow_v likewise_o peace_n and_o unity_n both_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v now_o triumphant_a and_o with_o the_o universal_a church_n militant_a over_o all_o the_o world_n who_o except_o some_o few_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o calvin_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o way_n of_o government_n last_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v this_o way_n of_o government_n to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o promote_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o piety_n peace_n justice_n and_o unity_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o follow_v herein_o the_o doctrine_n command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a beside_o we_o have_v other_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a as_o be_v that_o which_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o approbation_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n and_o for_o this_o belief_n these_o among_o many_o other_o be_v very_o probable_a and_o persuasive_a reason_n first_o the_o great_a blessing_n which_o god_n have_v impart_v to_o the_o world_n under_o this_o way_n of_o government_n by_o episcopacy_n for_o it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n which_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n receive_v it_o with_o and_o from_o this_o government_n second_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o church_n which_o wear_v a_o ancient_a name_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o primitive_a conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v have_v degenerate_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o retain_v this_o way_n of_o government_n witness_v the_o roman_a greek_a armenian_a and_o even_o the_o barbarous_a russian_a and_o aethiopian_a church_n who_o though_o in_o other_o matter_n they_o differ_v as_o wide_o in_o opinion_n as_o in_o climate_n which_o according_a to_o the_o adage_n be_v toto_fw-la coelo_fw-la yet_o in_o this_o they_o do_v all_o most_o harmonious_o agree_v retain_v both_o the_o name_n dignity_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o one_o thing_n except_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n which_o contain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n which_o heaven_n have_v appear_v so_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v unaltered_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o this_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n last_o this_o very_a argument_n which_o with_o so_o much_o pomp_n and_o triumphant_a solemnity_n be_v perpetual_o by_o all_o dissenter_n urge_v as_o invincible_a and_o unanswerable_a if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v will_v depose_v plain_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a rule_n or_o command_v in_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v aâ—_n strong_a and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o powerful_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o they_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v to_o justify_v it_o with_o the_o high_a probability_n may_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v because_o with_o a_o nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la it_o be_v by_o a_o unquestioned_a consent_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v none_o find_v then_o nor_o in_o many_o age_n after_o so_o impious_a or_o audacious_a to_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v it_o and_o have_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o hatred_n make_v they_o curious_o inquisitive_a into_o whatsoever_o may_v appear_v a_o defect_n in_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o with_o their_o quick-sighted_a malice_n have_v discover_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o which_o will_v have_v import_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v desire_v that_o be_v the_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a foundation_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o point_n and_o so_o excellent_a and_o irreprehensible_a do_v the_o government_n appear_v that_o in_o all_o the_o opposition_n religion_n meet_v withal_o though_o not_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v escape_v their_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n against_o this_o way_n of_o government_n and_o well_o it_o be_v there_o be_v then_o such_o unity_n for_o can_v those_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v meet_v with_o half_a those_o division_n which_o now_o christian_n have_v make_v among_o themselves_o they_o will_v certain_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o preserve_v it_o have_v improve_v they_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o road_n lead_v so_o direct_o as_o that_o which_o undermine_v the_o government_n in_o short_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o zealous_o it_o be_v well_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v furious_o bend_v and_o opposite_a against_o root_n and_o branch_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v consider_v serious_o at_o what_o they_o strike_v and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o real_o affront_v he_o who_o as_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v by_o st._n peter_n style_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n 2.25_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n ix_o the_o pretence_n of_o dissenter_n that_o their_o way_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o episcopacy_n examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n abovementioned_a concern_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n let_v we_o now_o see_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v make_v so_o fair_a so_o true_a so_o just_a a_o plea_n for_o itself_o as_o episcopacy_n have_v do_v whether_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n or_o any_o other_o of_o what_o name_n or_o distinction_n soever_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o fly_v from_o her_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a government_n by_o bishop_n first_o there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o these_o that_o can_v show_v express_a word_n or_o command_v of_o scripture_n for_o that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o whilst_o they_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o way_n and_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o world_n as_o matter_n of_o conscience_n since_o as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v nothing_o can_v be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o natural_a and_o true_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n or_o admit_v their_o proposition_n that_o all_o government_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o best_a to_o be_v prefer_v how_o do_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o best_a i_o hope_v they_o be_v better_o reconcile_v to_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o custom_n than_o to_o think_v their_o own_o assertion_n or_o testimony_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o yet_o
a_o sigurative_a and_o material_a fire_n seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v his_o persuasion_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o while_o i_o embrace_v with_o a_o equal_a indifference_n either_o part_n of_o a_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v but_o opinion_n when_o from_o the_o great_a probability_n i_o pass_v to_o a_o determination_n of_o my_o mind_n than_o it_o be_v my_o particular_a persuasion_n the_o difference_n between_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v that_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n be_v always_o certain_o know_v and_o therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o abstain_v from_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_o and_o certain_o know_v but_o admit_v of_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v chap._n vii_o how_o far_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n and_o what_o influence_n these_o have_v upon_o humane_a affair_n have_v now_o show_v what_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n be_v and_o how_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o show_v how_o far_o these_o two_o last_o do_v oblige_v any_o person_n in_o the_o management_n of_o humane_a action_n relate_v to_o divinity_n first_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o private_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n only_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o undetermined_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v so_o far_o as_o in_o act_v or_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o contradict_v a_o know_a rule_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n now_o the_o great_a and_o general_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o action_n be_v god_n glory_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o universe_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o any_o person_n in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o belief_n or_o in_o any_o of_o his_o action_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o these_o end_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o they_o certain_o cross_v the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o almighty_a creator_n to_o who_o will_n we_o owe_v all_o ready_a obedience_n and_o then_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n they_o become_v absolute_o unlawful_a thus_o suppose_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n for_o very_o good_a and_o religious_a consideration_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o keep_v one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n a_o voluntary_a day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n and_o i_o choose_v monday_n as_o a_o indifferent_a day_n i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o own_o private_a persuasion_n to_o keep_v that_o day_n so_o but_o neither_o my_o persuasion_n nor_o example_n can_v have_v any_o influence_n to_o oblige_v other_o to_o do_v so_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o i_o but_o if_o either_o a_o command_n from_o my_o lawful_a superior_n forbid_v i_o abstinence_n on_o that_o day_n or_o enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o festival_n or_o if_o i_o find_v that_o by_o fast_v i_o impair_v my_o health_n or_o strength_n i_o be_o then_o oblige_v to_o observe_v it_o no_o long_o as_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v because_o than_o my_o private_a persuasion_n will_v cross_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o be_v injurious_a both_o to_o myself_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o many_o other_o who_o may_v have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o my_o life_n and_o well-being_n whereby_o i_o shall_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v i_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o prudent_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o promote_v my_o own_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o all_o they_o with_o who_o i_o have_v a_o concern_v so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a by_o just_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n second_o every_o man_n private_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n oblige_v he_o so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o belief_n and_o action_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n now_o the_o better_a and_o more_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o determination_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o action_n be_v first_o that_o which_o have_v the_o consent_n judgement_n approbation_n example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n as_o near_o to_o the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o action_n but_o because_o this_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v know_v or_o find_v out_o especial_o by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o have_v neither_o opportunity_n nor_o ability_n to_o discover_v what_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o forepast_a age_n have_v be_v by_o search_v the_o history_n and_o ancient_a record_n of_o former_a time_n therefore_o second_o that_o be_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n which_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n peace_n unity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v contribute_v most_o to_o god_n glory_n by_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o for_o these_o be_v universal_a rule_n and_o know_v command_n and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v be_v give_v we_o for_o the_o guidance_n and_o management_n of_o our_o action_n in_o general_n now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o may_v easy_o discover_v whether_o any_o of_o his_o action_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o this_o great_a end_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o how_o different_a the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v from_o that_o of_o opinion_n or_o private_a persuasion_n conscience_n oblige_v all_o man_n always_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n universal_o and_o absolute_o they_o be_v know_v evident_a and_o certain_a duty_n which_o be_v thereby_o command_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n oblige_v only_o some_o private_a person_n in_o some_o case_n and_o at_o some_o time_n and_o never_o further_o than_o they_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n to_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o conscience_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o that_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o doubt_n and_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v other_o than_o they_o appear_v or_o be_v think_v to_o be_v chap._n viii_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o dissenter_n bring_v into_o examination_n by_o the_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o conscience_n opinion_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o mathematical_a truth_n rectum_fw-la est_fw-la mensura_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la a_o right_a line_n show_v both_o its_o own_o straightness_n and_o the_o crookedness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v oblique_a have_v therefore_o show_v this_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o i_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o endeavour_v to_o warp_v or_o bend_v so_o as_o to_o sit_v any_o private_a or_o sinister_a design_n of_o my_o own_o or_o of_o any_o party_n let_v we_o now_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o work_n and_o it_o will_v quick_o discover_v who_o be_v the_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 1_o cor._n 3.12_o 13_o 15._o who_o have_v right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v build_v upon_o that_o good_a foundation_n gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n in_o beauty_n far_o superior_a to_o the_o polish_a corner_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v build_v straw_n hay_o and_o stubble_n such_o combustible_a stuff_n as_o have_v set_v the_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o church_n into_o flame_n of_o contention_n and_o which_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o builder_n must_v be_v burn_v up_o though_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n provide_v they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o not_o of_o malicious_a wickedness_n yet_o their_o work_n must_v perish_v we_o will_v therefore_o consider_v the_o most_o material_a and_o chief_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o by_o a_o impartial_a apply_v of_o this_o golden_a rule_n of_o conscience_n see_v who_o come_v near_a the_o truth_n and_o right_n i_o do_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o knotty_a question_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o different_a opinion_n about_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o these_o may_v be_v diverse_o believe_v and_o maintain_v without_o
themselves_o who_o will_v think_v it_o the_o great_a injustice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v churchman_n to_o lose_v a_o good_a temporal_a estate_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o a_o barony_n either_o by_o descent_n or_o royal_a bounty_n beside_o let_v all_o man_n judge_v if_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o for_o birth_n but_o learning_n part_n and_o ability_n and_o what_o a_o discouragement_n it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n who_o by_o their_o generous_a birth_n advantageous_a education_n noble_a alliance_n and_o many_o other_o excellent_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n be_v fit_v by_o the_o great_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v both_o upon_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n to_o do_v both_o the_o church_n and_o sit_v the_o most_o considerable_a honour_n and_o service_n i_o be_o afraid_a few_o of_o they_o will_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o painful_a study_n of_o divinity_n if_o by_o their_o devote_v themselves_o to_o a_o immediate_a attendance_n upon_o god_n altar_n they_o must_v cast_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o estate_n from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a a_o little_a from_o the_o superlative_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o do_v so_o plentiful_o frequent_o and_o free_o bestow_v these_o honour_n and_o estate_n as_o blessing_n upon_o all_o other_o condition_n of_o man_n shall_v prohibit_v and_o deny_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o excellent_a title_n of_o his_o ambassador_n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o do_v allow_v they_o honourable_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o character_n especial_o since_o they_o have_v his_o royal_a word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o 2.30_o 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v prince_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o by_o god_n think_v inconsistent_a under_o the_o law_n in_o that_o government_n which_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o establish_v and_o therefore_o one_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signisy_n both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o pretence_n any_o man_n shall_v divorce_v those_o two_o which_o he_o have_v once_o make_v one_o neither_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o lordship_n do_v bishop_n lord_n it_o over_o christ_n flock_n as_o by_o the_o scoff_a wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o serious_a than_o to_o be_v witty_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v since_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o temporal_a barony_n give_v they_o not_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o church_n affair_n more_o than_o they_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o noble_a peerage_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o a_o baron_n be_v as_o whole_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o a_o lord_n of_o a_o manor_n or_o any_o other_o lord_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n 3.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o in_o a_o word_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o without_o a_o estate_n if_o he_o must_v have_v a_o estate_n he_o must_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n of_o what_o he_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o royal_a authority_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o add_v to_o that_o common_a right_n a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinguish_a title_n of_o honour_n that_o may_v offend_v some_o man_n ambition_n or_o envy_n but_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o be_v either_o diadvantageous_a to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n can_v real_o pretend_v to_o those_o advantage_n which_o may_v make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n except_o the_o episcopal_a by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o no_o man_n can_v resist_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o conscience_n since_o it_o have_v all_o the_o qualisication_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v obligatory_a to_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o all_o the_o other_o pretender_n want_v viz._n it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v the_o better_a more_o sure_a and_o warrantable_a part_n of_o our_o judgement_n it_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o government_n by_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n here_o by_o procure_v peace_n unity_n and_o concord_n and_o hereafter_o by_o teach_v command_a and_o practise_v true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o dissent_v from_o this_o government_n can_v never_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o indispensible_a as_o before_o have_v be_v make_v most_o evident_o appear_v i_o wish_v that_o all_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o reflect_v with_o themselves_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o violent_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o pretend_v it_o for_o their_o separation_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n in_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o impartial_a application_n of_o what_o have_v before_o be_v say_v of_o this_o particular_a after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v difficult_o be_v persuade_v to_o relinquish_v the_o plea_n of_o a_o divine_a right_n in_o episcopacy_n for_o which_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o upon_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n brief_o to_o touch_v hereafter_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o how_o from_o be_v indifferent_a they_o may_v become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o oblige_v to_o conscience_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v that_o though_o private_a and_o false_a opinion_n or_o prejudice_v and_o mistake_v persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v malicious_a design_n and_o interest_n combine_v with_o discontent_a envy_n may_v be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a against_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o excellent_a and_o ancient_a way_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o clear_o for_o it_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o have_v occasion_v no_o small_a stir_n tumult_n and_o division_n among_o we_o and_o here_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n do_v thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n that_o be_v some_o time_n some_o place_n some_o word_n gesture_n posture_n and_o habit_n for_o the_o performance_n both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n which_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v unto_o almighty_a god_n herein_o likewise_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o these_o thing_n or_o however_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o controversy_n among_o we_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o proper_o the_o subject_n of_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o be_v there_o no_o determination_n on_o either_o side_n provide_v the_o duty_n of_o worship_n be_v perform_v it_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n simple_o unlawful_a because_o no_o where_n in_o scripture_n prohibit_v either_o in_o direct_a word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n so_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v just_o offend_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o since_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n let_v any_o dissenter_n therefore_o show_v either_o a_o positive_a command_n or_o a_o plain_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n or_o
why_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n shall_v not_o perform_v all_o the_o several_a office_n in_o the_o book_n of_o divine_a service_n mention_v why_o such_o gesture_n habit_n or_o sign_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o than_o something_o be_v say_v to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a then_o every_o man_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v they_o will_v remain_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n simple_o indifferent_a and_o so_o far_o lawful_a and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n they_o act_n false_o and_o unjust_o who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v weak_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_n that_o these_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o that_o they_o ought_v neither_o to_o use_v they_o nor_o to_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o do_v use_v they_o which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o that_o the_o treacherous_a dealer_n deal_v thus_o treacherous_o with_o we_o be_v plain_a for_o that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o vulgar_a always_o make_v this_o their_o plea_n for_o their_o forsake_v our_o communion_n that_o their_o conscience_n will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o unlawful_a ceremony_n as_o in_o derision_n they_o call_v all_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v from_o their_o teacher_n who_o either_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v teacher_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o be_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o these_o modes_n or_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v only_a matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o not_o of_o conscience_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o lawful_o determine_v and_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o more_o than_o this_o have_v teach_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v submit_v to_o such_o determination_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v by_o show_v how_o indifferent_a circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n become_v obligatory_a to_o conscience_n and_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v now_o all_o indifferent_a circumstance_n in_o religious_a worship_n become_v necessary_a if_o in_o general_a they_o answer_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o to_o demand_v which_o of_o all_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o great_a design_n and_o wherein_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o make_v appear_v but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o who_o may_v retain_v their_o prejudices_fw-la for_o want_v of_o a_o better_a information_n i_o will_v show_v more_o full_o and_o distinct_o how_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v necessary_a with_o some_o short_a reflection_n upon_o such_o of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v most_o object_v against_o first_o therefore_o a_o indifferent_a circumstance_n in_o religious_a worship_n become_v necessary_a if_o in_o general_a it_o conduce_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n because_o whatsoever_o do_v so_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v goodness_n by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n thus_o therefore_o set_v and_o appoint_v time_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n become_v necessary_a such_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a fast_n and_o festival_n in_o which_o people_n assemble_v together_o to_o call_v upon_o and_o praise_n god_n and_o to_o give_v he_o that_o devout_a worship_n and_o humble_a adoration_n which_o in_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v where_o sin_n be_v reprove_v the_o ignorant_a be_v instruct_v the_o weak_a be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n those_o pledge_n of_o god_n love_n and_o seal_n of_o our_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n be_v celebrate_v and_o all_o people_n be_v exhort_v direct_v persuade_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o man_n and_o that_o such_o set_v time_n be_v necessary_a will_v appear_v because_o be_v man_n leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n when_o and_o where_o to_o perform_v these_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n such_o be_v the_o treachery_n and_o backwardness_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o a_o necessity_n they_o will_v general_o neglect_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o find_v out_o perpetual_a excuse_n and_o evasion_n to_o delay_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o purpose_n also_o public_a place_n of_o assembly_n decent_a and_o convenient_a for_o those_o use_n become_v necessary_a and_o by_o such_o dedication_n and_o solemn_a set_n apart_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o become_v his_o house_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v common_a or_o indifferent_a by_o obtain_v a_o relative_n holiness_n 44.19_o exod._n 3.5_o ezek._n 42.13_o 14._o and_o 44.19_o such_o as_o do_v the_o ground_n about_o the_o burn_a bush_n the_o temple_n and_o its_o vessel_n the_o vestment_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o priest_n all_o which_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o therefore_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n do_v prophetical_o tell_v we_o ult_n psal_n 93._o ult_n holiness_n become_v thy_o house_n for_o ever_o which_o must_v either_o be_v false_a or_o else_o be_v understand_v of_o christian_a temple_n second_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o circumstance_n in_o divine_a worship_n become_v necessary_a if_o they_o promote_v peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n according_a to_o those_o great_a and_o necessary_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n live_v in_o peace_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a 13.13_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o heb._n 12.14_o 2_o cor._n 13.2_o coloss_n 3.14_o ephes_n 4.3_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n final_o brethren_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n above_o all_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o persectness_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n now_o remain_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n now_o that_o one_o set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o public_a worship_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n do_v extreme_o promote_v all_o these_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a for_o where_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n one_o like_v this_o way_n of_o performance_n another_o like_v and_o prefer_v another_o way_n from_o hence_o immediate_o arise_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n from_o thence_o man_n come_v to_o disputation_n and_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o whilst_o each_o party_n be_v equal_o obstinate_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n many_o heat_n of_o passion_n happen_v which_o vent_v themselves_o in_o bitter_a word_n from_o thence_o man_n come_v to_o variance_n division_n and_o separation_n from_o thence_o to_o hatred_n and_o then_o the_o door_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a to_o violence_n force_n confusion_n war_n and_o all_o the_o innumerable_a mischief_n which_o be_v its_o dreadful_a consequent_n and_o constant_a companion_n that_o these_o be_v sad_a and_o experiment_a truth_n i_o appeal_v to_o all_o sober_a and_o considerative_a man_n but_o lest_o their_o judgement_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfactory_a let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o apostle_n who_o be_v guide_v in_o what_o he_o write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_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 and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o unity_n and_o charity_n but_o by_o some_o determination_n of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o
thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v last_o that_o authority_n be_v lawful_a which_o by_o choice_n and_o common_a consent_n for_o their_o mutual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n agree_v to_o and_o by_o lawful_a way_n stipulate_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o one_o or_o more_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o obey_v for_o this_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n which_o teach_v all_o people_n that_o faith_n in_o solemn_a deliberate_a and_o lawful_a contract_n such_o as_o this_o be_v be_v most_o sacred_o to_o be_v keep_v inviolated_a otherwise_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o society_n government_n law_n or_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o holy_a write_n confirm_v the_o same_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o solemn_a compact_n and_o contract_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v though_o to_o our_o loss_n and_o detriment_n or_o else_o we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o ascend_v the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a hill_n 15.4_o psal_n 15.4_o except_o we_o be_v such_o as_o though_o we_o swear_v that_o be_v make_v a_o solemn_a lawful_a contract_n though_o to_o our_o own_o prejudice_n in_o the_o event_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o change_v not_o but_o stand_v firm_a to_o our_o promise_n and_o obligation_n now_o all_o these_o several_a way_n of_o any_o authority_n become_v lawful_a so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o just_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o make_v law_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o among_o many_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o public_a advantage_n of_o those_o under_o their_o dominion_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a affair_n be_v most_o eminent_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o these_o nation_n first_o there_o be_v divine_a appointment_n and_o ordination_n whether_o we_o respect_v monarchy_n or_o episcopacy_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v king_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n when_o st._n paul_n wirt_z his_o epistle_n i_o think_v notwithstanding_o what_o many_o have_v say_v against_o it_o the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_a 13.1_o rom._n 13.1_o for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n that_o be_v lawful_a power_n such_o as_o the_o than_o roman_a emperor_n who_o by_o succession_n become_v lawful_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o mean_v to_o countenance_v unlawful_a and_o usurp_a power_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v the_o power_n that_o be_v that_o be_v the_o present_a roman_a emperor_n and_o their_o subordinate_a magistrate_n and_o minister_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v damnation_n now_o that_o there_o be_v king_n when_o he_o write_v be_v plain_a from_o that_o place_n where_o he_o command_v that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n 2.1_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n if_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v a_o rule_n for_o those_o age_n they_o be_v likewise_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o and_o for_o all_o people_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o then_o the_o argument_n will_v hold_v good_a if_o king_n in_o st._n paul_n time_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n to_o their_o crown_n they_o have_v so_o still_o or_o else_o what_o be_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o so_o now_o the_o danger_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v so_o apparent_a that_o i_o can_v imagine_v there_o will_v be_v find_v any_o that_o will_v venture_v to_o own_o it_o the_o great_a question_n will_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v bishop_n then_o for_o if_o there_o be_v they_o likewise_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o have_v no_o power_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o we_o have_v the_o name_n very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n christ_n himself_o from_o who_o the_o rest_n so_o often_o mention_v derive_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o we_o take_v notice_n be_v call_v the_o great_a bishop_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o these_o bishop_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v be_v no_o less_o evident_a and_o that_o in_o this_o very_a point_n of_o determine_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o st._n paul_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o order_v the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o after_o that_o do_v tell_v they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o disorder_n the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v 11.34_o 1_o cor._n 11.34_o and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n and_o by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o christ_n the_o first_o and_o great_a bishop_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o 23._o ver._n 23._o and_o wherever_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o give_v any_o rule_n or_o direction_n of_o government_n decency_n or_o order_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n of_o his_o office_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v but_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o persuasion_n which_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o christian_n though_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n so_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o place_n concern_v virginity_n and_o marriag_n 7.25_o 2_o cor._n 7.25_o now_o concern_v virgin_n i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o i_o give_v my_o judgement_n as_o one_o that_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o be_v faithful_a but_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v pretend_v he_o do_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a office_n which_o be_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o miraculous_a conversion_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o apostle_n have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o place_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n for_o this_o purpose_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n 1.5_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n in_o which_o place_n i_o think_v our_o english_a translation_n have_v not_o right_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v himself_o in_o crete_n employment_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v ordain_v signify_v to_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v a_o person_n over_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o employment_n and_o set_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n he_o leave_v titus_n there_o to_o place_v such_o priest_n as_o he_o before_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o several_a city_n of_o that_o island_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a description_n of_o a_o bishop_n what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v elder_n it_o signify_v in_o all_o antiquity_n the_o best_a expositor_n of_o the_o idiom_n of_o word_n priest_n who_o be_v therefore_o so_o call_v because_o always_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o long_a stander_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o rule_n hold_v good_a concern_v priest_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n that_o in_o their_o election_n they_o shall_v not_o choose_v a_o novice_n that_o be_v one_o late_o convert_v lest_o want_v the_o ballast_n of_o age_n experience_n and_o discretion_n the_o height_n of_o so_o honourable_a a_o office_n shall_v puff_n up_o such_o a_o one_o with_o pride_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o titus_n who_o be_v the_o first_o or_o chief_a bishop_n in_o crete_n as_o well_o in_o order_n of_o place_n as_o time_n 3.6_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o and_o so_o have_v many_o inferior_a bishop_n under_o he_o we_o have_v the_o postscript_n or_o rather_o superscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o epistle_n beside_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n in_o order_n of_o time_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n who_o never_o once_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o that_o monarchy_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v then_o power_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n that_o then_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n it_o follow_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v
a_o just_a and_o warrantable_a if_o not_o a_o undeniable_a plea_n to_o a_o divine_a right_n second_o there_o be_v long_a succession_n of_o both_o of_o this_o very_a race_n of_o king_n for_o above_o 600_o year_n and_o long_o may_v their_o imperial_a crown_n and_o royal_a dignity_n flourish_v and_o increase_v even_o so_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n endure_v and_o for_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n it_o be_v of_o much_o a_o ancient_a date_n and_o though_o the_o time_n be_v not_o certain_a yet_o that_o the_o britain_n do_v very_o early_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o with_o it_o episcopal_a government_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o will_v give_v any_o credit_n to_o the_o ancient_a historian_n some_o of_o which_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o britain_n be_v christian_n as_o soon_o or_o even_o before_o rome_n itself_o last_o there_o be_v choice_n and_o a_o freedom_n of_o election_n in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o which_o represent_v the_o gross_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o most_o honourable_a peerage_n have_v in_o the_o management_n of_o public_a affair_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o dear_a buy_v fundamental_o of_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n never_o dispute_v till_o the_o late_a day_n of_o confusion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n be_v violent_o tear_v up_o by_o the_o root_n with_o the_o tempest_n or_o rather_o hurricane_a of_o religious_a rebellion_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o a_o second_o vote_n that_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n be_v useless_a to_o this_o nation_n or_o a_o government_n without_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v any_o authority_n lawful_a so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o those_o who_o live_v under_o it_o for_o the_o final_a determination_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n both_o in_o religious_a and_o civil_a affair_n that_o this_o may_v appear_v plain_a to_o every_o apprehension_n we_o will_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o a_o point_n controvert_v among_o we_o prayer_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o of_o itself_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o god_n 21.13_o psal_n 65.2_o matth._n 21.13_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v because_o he_o hear_v prayer_n and_o his_o house_n be_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o nation_n but_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o word_n or_o to_o pray_v as_o a_o man_n ability_n give_v he_o leave_v or_o as_o it_o be_v call_v by_o extempore_o prayer_n according_a as_o the_o present_a occasion_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o either_o be_v do_v with_o all_o due_a circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o now_o one_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o set_v form_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a another_o think_v extempore_o prayer_n the_o best_a way_n so_o long_o as_o this_o be_v undetermined_a by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v his_o private_a opinion_n because_o conscience_n oblige_v he_o to_o follow_v that_o determination_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v the_o best_a and_o conduce_v most_o effectual_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n but_o because_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n persuasion_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o to_o prejudice_v if_o not_o ruin_v that_o unity_n peace_n charity_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v inviolate_a among_o all_o man_n especial_o christian_n therefore_o that_o authority_n which_o have_v a_o just_a power_n over_o we_o as_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n of_o long_a succession_n and_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n to_o prevent_v these_o disorder_n and_o the_o confusion_n and_o danger_n which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o division_n of_o mind_n and_o difference_n of_o practice_n interpose_v itself_o and_o consider_v that_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v to_o be_v our_o example_n prescribe_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o positive_o command_v his_o disciple_n so_o to_o pray_v 11.2_o luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n that_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a church_n do_v and_o do_v use_n and_o approve_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o hereby_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n shall_v not_o have_v liberty_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n 6.7_o mat._n 6.7_o nor_o to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v nor_o which_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o their_o much_o speak_n for_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v nonsense_n indecent_a or_o irreverend_a expression_n that_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n shall_v not_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o that_o freedom_n and_o fluency_n of_o utterance_n shall_v not_o be_v despise_v in_o regard_n for_o their_o piety_n soundness_n of_o judgement_n integrity_n of_o life_n or_o ability_n to_o govern_v they_o may_v be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n as_o other_o that_o hereby_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o join_v with_o he_o that_o minister_v know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o say_v than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n may_v say_v amen_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o every_o exit_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n they_o can_v and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v by_o uniformity_n be_v bring_v to_o unity_n that_o so_o necessary_a bond_n of_o perfection_n both_o as_o to_o religion_n and_o civil_a policy_n for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o necessary_a and_o prudent_a consideration_n this_o lawful_a authority_n judge_n it_o most_o conducive_a to_o god_n glory_n most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o most_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o those_o under_o their_o authority_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o to_o prescribe_v and_o command_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o now_o that_o which_o before_o be_v indifferent_a become_v necessary_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n that_o lawful_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o whatsoever_o it_o command_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o unlawful_a and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o the_o obligation_n which_o before_o i_o may_v have_v from_o my_o private_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n aught_o in_o modesty_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n and_o charity_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o now_o it_o be_v determine_v either_o despise_v it_o or_o refuse_v to_o use_v it_o or_o to_o join_v with_o those_o who_o do_v use_v it_o sin_n against_o conscience_n because_o against_o many_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v and_o for_o which_o st._n paul_n seem_v extreme_o solicitous_a as_o well_o know_v pride_n and_o disobedience_n to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a sin_n and_o therefore_o command_v that_o man_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n 3.1_o tit._n 3.1_o to_o obey_v magistrate_n the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o present_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o by_o be_v command_v from_o indifferent_a become_v necessary_a and_o with_o such_o a_o dreadful_a necessity_n that_o whosoever_o resist_v a_o lawful_a power_n if_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o let_v they_o serious_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o how_o light_a a_o matter_n soever_o it_o may_v be_v make_v there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o do_v thus_o wilful_o resist_v and_o disobey_v authority_n that_o can_v hope_v for_o salvation_n as_o for_o those_o who_o do_v it_o in_o ignorance_n i_o will_v not_o determine_v how_o indulgent_a god_n may_v be_v to_o they_o but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o though_o god_n may_v have_v wink_v at_o their_o former_a ignorance_n yet_o now_o he_o command_v they_o and_o all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o they_o will_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o they_o be_v ignorant_a because_o they_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n therefore_o to_o look_v for_o a_o better_a information_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o lay_v